Transcript Highlights:

• Let me talk about the 927 process in general, and then I'd ask the president to speak on the concrete
• The 927 process in general.
• Because if we don't, the path for future generations is going to be really rough.
• So is it generally believed that somehow the Attorney General will protect the community colleges as
• Those aren't protected by the Attorney General.

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Governor's budget proposes $1 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund for the Superintendent
• Any contractor hired to write standards or frameworks generally requires at least nine months to write
• And then subsequently the next generation science standards were adopted as well.
• So in terms of the specific criteria that the study will look at, we have general points.
• The Governor's budget proposes $25 million one-time Proposition 98 General Fund.

Summary: The committee heard a series of budget proposals focused on education finance, with repeated questions about whether the state’s investments are coordinated, targeted to the highest-need students, and likely to produce measurable results. On the first item, the administration proposed $1 million for a study of California’s curriculum framework, standards, and instructional materials process, plus $250,000 for supplemental ELA/ELD guidance. CDE and Finance said the study would examine how other states organize standards, frameworks, and adoptions, while the chair and members questioned why California has gone so long without updating some standards, what the study would actually accomplish, and whether the proposal was too vague to justify the cost. The issue was held open. The committee then took up a proposed $25 million statewide literacy network within the system of support. CCEE and CDE said the network would coordinate multiple existing literacy leads, create a clearinghouse of evidence-based resources, and improve coherence across the state’s many literacy initiatives. Members pressed on how a one-time, five-year allocation could support a long-term system, how the work would reach distressed and rural districts, and whether the proposal would translate into classroom change rather than just another layer of coordination. The issue was also held open. Next, the committee reviewed a $500 million proposal to expand literacy coaches and reading specialists and to create a math coaches program. CDE described the existing literacy coach cohorts as producing positive reports from participating LEAs, while the LAO recommended modifications, especially for the math coach portion, including limiting eligibility to elementary schools, setting minimum grant amounts, directing funds to eligible school sites, and making eligibility automatic rather than application-based. Members focused on whether coaches were actually being placed at the schools with the greatest need and whether the state has a coherent long-term strategy for literacy and math investments. The committee also heard a $40 million proposal for training and implementation of K-2 reading difficulty screeners, which the LAO said was reasonable but could be reduced because $25 million had already been provided for training; CDE said the new funds were needed for full implementation, procurement, and sustainability. Finally, the committee heard a $10 million proposal for a developmentally appropriate TK multilingual learner screener, with CDE explaining why the preschool language-identification process is different from K-12 EL assessment and the chair asking staff to explore whether a single, more consistent approach could be developed. The meeting concluded with a presentation on universal school meals and kitchen infrastructure, including a $31.5 million backfill, an $84.1 million increase for projected meal growth, a COLA adjustment, and $150 million for kitchen upgrades and training to support freshly prepared meals.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee substitute automatically exempts the generator from penalties if it can demonstrate the
• The General Land Office is tasked with offering the property for sale as soon as practical after the
• The proceeds from the sale will be deposited into the General Revenue Fund.
• The General Land Office, of course, is required to negotiate and finalize the sale in accordance with
• The bill also directs the proceeds from the TSLAC property to be put into a General Revenue dedicated

Bills: SB383 , SB1012 , SB1181 , SB1705 , SB2075 , SB2221 , SB2586 , SB2864 , SB2994

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: SB 383, ERCOT, Texas Utilities Code, interconnection, wind power facility, offshore wind, coastal wind, nearshore wind, Gulf of America, Texas coast, three marine leagues, electric grid, transmission line, distribution facility, renewable energy, battery storage, energy storage, grid access, power grid, electric service

Summary: The committee took up a long list of pending bills before moving to several bills on the day’s posting. It reported favorably SB 438, SB 512, SB 647, SB 648, SB 715, SB 758, SB 1964, SB 2121, SB 2145, SB 2167, SB 2330, SB 2349, SB 2443, SB 2629, SB 2702, SB 1495, and SB 2268, with several of those adopted from committee substitutes. Some measures were sent to the local and uncontested calendar, while others were reported to the full Senate. Votes on the pending-business bills were generally strong, though SB 715 and SB 2330 drew recorded opposition; SB 647 and SB 648 had one member present not voting because of confusion over the deed-related bills. A major discussion centered on SB 715, which would establish a reliability standard and penalties/incentives for generation resources. Senator Sparks said the committee substitute would avoid unfairly penalizing existing dispatchable generation, allow wind and solar to qualify through storage or backup power, give the PUC flexibility to set standards and phase in the program, and exempt switchable units. Critics raised concerns that it could raise consumer costs and destabilize the market, while supporters argued it would improve reliability. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported out 6-4. The committee also heard testimony on SB 2330, dealing with payroll deduction for association dues, where the author said the bill would end state involvement in dues collection except for first responders covered by meet-and-confer agreements. Members questioned why teachers and other employees were treated differently, and the bill was reported out 6-5. Other notable bills included SB 2864 on building-integrated photovoltaics, SB 1012 on sale of surplus state property, SB 2221 on fraudulent UCC filings, SB 1705 regulating cryptocurrency kiosks with licensing, transaction limits, fee caps, and a 72-hour hold, SB 1181 on combative sports licensing, SB 2586 on HOA transparency, SB 2075 as a TDLR cleanup bill, and SB 383 restricting offshore wind interconnection based on impacts to shipping, wildlife, and coastal interests. Several of these were left pending after testimony, with SB 1705 drawing both law enforcement support and industry concerns over the fee caps and limits.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> executive vice president, general executive vice president, general counsel<00:49:45.599><c> for
• </c> reconciliation of subsidiary and general reconciliation of subsidiary and general ledgers<01:00:
• </c> significant uh focus of the general significant uh focus of the general assembly<01:22:17.040><c
• 2021, the general assembly amended the 2021, the general assembly amended the statute<02:05:14.480><c
• </c><02:07:01.040><c> that</c> be the Kentucky Attorney General that be the Kentucky Attorney General

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a full quorum and approved the prior minutes. Members offered introductions of guests and family members, then heard a presentation from University of Louisville President Thomas Jared Bradley, who was sworn in before testifying. He described his background and outlined U of L’s strategic priorities: student success, access and affordability, workforce development, community engagement, and research. Bradley highlighted enrollment growth, increases in first-generation and Pell-eligible students, strong transfer pathways with KCTCS, and support programs such as the Cardinal Commitment Grant, 15-to-Finish, Comeback Cards, tutoring, mentoring, and mental health services. Bradley also emphasized U of L’s statewide and regional impact through UofL Health, rural outreach, the Bullitt County rural cancer education and research center, nursing expansion, and the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. He noted major institutional distinctions, including R1 status, a new Carnegie Opportunity College and University designation, and community-engaged classification. He said the university is one of only 10 public universities nationwide with all three designations and reported record enrollment, improved retention, and strong research expenditures. He also thanked lawmakers for significant capital and operating support, including funding for the simulation center, health science center, asset preservation, and the MEP program. During questions, members praised the university’s public service role and asked about first-generation enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes. Bradley said the university is working to improve completion by expanding academic support, early alerts, incentives for tutoring, and faculty/advisor mentoring, especially for first-generation and high-need students. He acknowledged that post-graduation employment data is difficult to collect but said the new Carnegie classification reflects positive outcomes. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and no formal actions were taken on legislation in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:21.160><c> Assembly</c> weight through every General Assembly weight through every General
• </c> Yeah, so um what the bill does generally Yeah, so um what the bill does generally is<01:16:21.240
• </c> things that may just be generally things that may just be generally decorative<01:21:29.600><c>
• But I believe it does because it generally applies to...
• We'll... it generally applies to it generally applies to It<01:27:59.560><c> gives</c><01:27:59.880><

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, April 13, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , not state general fund appropriations.
• They generate electricity.
• However, I think fundamentally for me, this comes down to a debate on term limits in general.
• staff that have been there for years and years, and it's generally the superintendent.
• And it's generally the superintendent. staff that have been there for years and years and it's generally

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The fees that we're talking about here go into a fund and they generate about $30,000 a year.
• The fees that we're talking about here go into a fund and they generate about $30,000 a year.
• The fees that we're talking about here go into a fund and they generate about $30,000 a year.
• </c><01:11:01.040><c> speaking</c> layer of cost because generally speaking layer of cost because generally
• It's on its way to the General Register. Thank you for being here this morning.

Bills: HF414 , HF768 , HF359

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: data practices, filing fee, government transparency, complaints, public access, free speech, human rights, censorship, protected speech, Minnesota Department of Human Rights, real property, partition, eminent domain, transfer on death deeds, property rights, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Workers' Compensation Advisory Council generally meets the second Wednesday of the month, subject
• the second work generally meets the second Wednesday<00:21:58.080><c> of</c><00:21:58.200><c> the</c
• </c> in education and Outreach in General in education and Outreach in General Industry<00:31:00.559>
• It generated safety inspection results within 43 days, which is below the national average of 56 days
• </c><00:59:44.200><c> we're</c> just as legislature in general we're just as legislature in general we're

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if it breaks generated for breakage.
• The and then goes to the general fund.
• I still think the general public's generally concerned or confused about what HHR is versus the other
• </c><02:52:31.359><c> be</c> law-abiding citizens will generally be law-abiding citizens will generally
• <03:08:25.359><c> are</c> generally not the operators are generally not the operators are generally<03

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Gaming

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:22:09.120><c> fund,</c> the VLT machines into the general fund, the VLT machines into the general
• property tax generators who are utility property tax generators who are no<03:54:24.720><c> longer</c
• </c><04:30:49.520><c> We</c> we heard this in a general sense. We we heard this in a general sense.
• The amendment general election.
• </c> date, but be tied to the general date, but be tied to the general election<04:51:44.400><c> date

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> between special education and general between special education and general education<06:14:06.680
• You need to look at the general education system, and if you have a strong general education system,
• You need to look at the general education system, and if you have a strong general education system,
• You need to look at the general education system, and if you have a strong general education system,
• You need to look at the general education system, and if you have a strong general education system,

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first noted that House Bill 398, concerning Holocaust and genocide studies, and House Bill 131 had already been handled previously and were off the schedule. It then took up House Bill 740, which would require the Department of Education to maintain permanent records for closed charter schools. After brief discussion about overlap with another charter-school bill that already addressed closure and records, Representative Freeman moved to table the bill. The committee voted 16-0 to table/ITL the bill, and it was placed on the consent calendar. The main discussion centered on House Bill 557, which would require additional information on school budget ballots, including average cost per pupil, enrollment history, and teacher-to-administrator ratios. Members raised concerns that the bill was duplicative of existing law, overly detailed, costly to towns, and potentially electioneering or cumbersome on ballots. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help voters who do not attend deliberative sessions or use online resources. The committee did not vote on the bill during the discussion; instead, members moved into caucus and later indicated they would hold the bill until Monday for further review. Later, the committee turned to House Bill 699 on special education definitions and considered Amendment 0606H. The sponsor explained the amendment was developed with the Department of Education after hearing testimony and was intended to align state definitions with federal law and incorporate recommendations from a prior audit, including changing “functionally blind pupils” to “students with visual impairments.” Some members supported the changes as responsive to the hearing and audit, while others objected that the amendment was still confusing, had not fully addressed stakeholder concerns, and should wait for a more comprehensive special education audit. The discussion also referenced House Bill 754 and another amendment, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 699 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Attorney General Attorney General um<00:27:44.360><c> in</c><00:27:44.519><c> our</c><00:27:44.919
• I am an active practitioner of religion, and general applicability means that it is a law that is generally
• I am an active practitioner of religion, and general applicability means that it is a law that is generally
• I am an active practitioner of religion, and general applicability means that it is a law that is generally
• </c> religion and uh that the general religion and uh that the general applicability<04:27:20.359><c>

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition. HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I believe the role in the General Assembly is to enact laws to protect the people who live
• His courage has inspired generations of American soldiers, and his Christian faith reminds us that true
• The last time this General Assembly acted was in 2006, when my minimum wage bill became law.
• Supporting businesses and generating tax revenue in other places.
• Supporting businesses and generating tax revenue in other places.

Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The public can participate virtually by registering through the meeting link posted on the General Assembly's
• Instructions for providing public comment posted on the General Assembly's website under this committee
• I am Brian Shirley, General Counsel for Delaware Tech, and I am here speaking on behalf of the bill and
• I’m still highly concerned because our Attorney General loves to drop gun charges no matter where the
• But that was before the current Attorney General had said, “Oh, I’m charged. Forget it.” Thank you.

Bills: HB372 , HB414

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: HB372, Justice of the Peace Court, Delaware courts, Title 10, court administration, judicial staffing, county courts, Kent County, New Castle County, Sussex County, Wilmington, 24-hour hearings, court locations, court hours, magistrate court, access to justice, court consolidation, Delaware General Assembly, destructive weapon, possessing a destructive weapon

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met and heard three bills. HB 372 would reorganize Justice of the Peace Court resources by shifting the number of judges and court locations among counties, consolidating overnight operations into a single 24-hour court in Kent County, and adjusting staffing to address workload and efficiency concerns. Chief Judge Alan Davis said the change responds to increased civil filings, automated enforcement, and staffing shortages, and that a Sussex County pilot closing a 24-hour facility had worked without major issues. Some members raised concerns about impacts on Sussex and Kent County, bail processing, and local response times, while public comment included one supporter. The committee voted to release HB 372. The committee then considered SB 324, which amends Delaware’s permit-to-purchase law to allow constable agencies, including those serving institutions like Delaware Tech, to purchase handguns for newly hired constables without duplicative background checks. Sponsor Representative Cook said the bill aligns constable procurement with existing law-enforcement exemptions while preserving gun-safety requirements. Public testimony included support from Delaware Tech and comments urging broader fixes to the permit-to-purchase law, including exemptions for retired officers with federal 218 credentials and clarification on firearms returned from manufacturers, gunsmiths, or police departments. The committee voted to release SB 324. Finally, the committee heard HB 414, which clarifies that the Superior Court’s exclusive jurisdiction over certain destructive-weapon offenses applies only to adults, while juvenile cases would still begin in Family Court. Sponsor Representative Romer said the bill preserves the Family Court’s role in handling youth cases and allows referral to Superior Court when appropriate. The Department of Justice said it still believes Superior Court is the proper venue for these serious charges, while the Office of Defense Services supported keeping youth cases in Family Court first, arguing that rehabilitation and juvenile-specific dispositions are more appropriate. After public comment, the committee voted to release HB 414, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• With me to testify today in support of the bill is Alexis Salveria, the Deputy General Manager for North
• The Deputy General Manager of North Fork King's Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
• ... ...landscape, and our residents share the desire to have these trees in our communities for generations
• What it has done for California is... ...park equity and conservation field in general.
• With me today, I have Clifford Chan, the general manager at East Bay Municipal Utility District.

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to wildlife access, groundwater enforcement, desert plant regulation, outdoor equity, and water supply planning. SB 1021 would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create accommodations for children with life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities; supporters described the bill as therapeutic and family-centered, while an opposition group argued the state should focus on non-lethal outdoor activities. SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and penalties under SGMA; the author and agency said the bill closes an enforcement gap for a special-legislation GSA, and it drew broad support from local government and agricultural groups. The committee also considered SB 1061, which would streamline relocation permits for Western Joshua trees on private property; the author and local officials said the current law creates burdens for homeowners and infrastructure, while supporters framed the bill as a balance between conservation and property rights. Members also heard SB 1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative to expand park access and outdoor equity, especially in underserved communities; it received strong support from environmental, parks, local government, and community organizations, with members praising the effort to improve access. SB 1085 would restore water supply assessment requirements for large developments even when CEQA exemptions apply, so local agencies still receive early information about water availability; the sponsor and water agencies said the bill helps prevent “paper water” problems and supports planning in drought conditions, and the building industry indicated it would remove its opposition after amendments. The committee accepted amendments on several bills, took roll once quorum was established, and advanced the measures by vote. Votes taken included SB 997, SB 1021, SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268, all of which were reported out of committee, with SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268 later recorded as passing 11-0. SB 997 was approved on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, SB 1021 was sent to Appropriations as amended, SB 1061 and SB 1085 were sent to Appropriations and Local Government respectively, and SB 1268 was sent to Natural Resources. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• rights holders don't know, unless there is an agreement, whether their work is used to train the generative
• requires developers to let rights holders know if their copyrighted material was used to train the generative
• I've spent much of my last four years, ever since the rise of generative AI, I've spent much of my last
• four years, ever since the rise of generative AI, developing research tools to protect human creatives
• Yeah, I mean, in general, this is well-known technology.

Committee: Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Over 750,000 jobs power the state's creative economy, which generates over 190 billion federal, state
• Thousand jobs power the state's creative economy, which generates over 190 billion federal, state, and
• Something, and it produces people willing to fight for the next generation.
• And I think about my niece's future and the future that we leave behind for her generation.
• It is about whether children are protected before they become victims, and whether the next generation

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through motions, appointments, and third-reading bills. Senator McNerney moved SB 1011 to the inactive file. The chamber confirmed Preston Prince to the California Housing Finance Agency Board and Stephanie Landrugin to the State Mining and Geology Board, both by recorded vote. The Senate also adopted a large consent calendar and later announced budget subcommittee meetings before adjourning House of Origin work for the year. Several policy bills passed unanimously or with broad support. SB 1050 by Senator Ashby requires disclosure when advertisements use synthetic performers created by AI. SB 1393 by Senator McGuire updates fisheries management, including Dungeness crab rules and steelhead trout provisions. SB 995 by Senator Pérez creates stronger oversight for involuntary residential facilities, including immigration detention and secure youth treatment facilities. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado establishes an Office of Food Security and Affordability to improve coordination of food assistance programs. SB 1266 by Senator Stern changes how copper wire theft damages are valued, SB 1211 by Senator González clarifies authority for conviction integrity units, and SB 1302 by Senator Wahab reauthorizes the Board of Registered Nursing. The most debated measure was SB 1373 by Senator Grove, which would narrow mental health diversion eligibility and exclude certain serious offenses, especially crimes against children and other violent conduct. Supporters, including Senator Rubio and the Senate Public Safety chair, argued it preserves treatment access while restoring public safety guardrails; the bill passed 32-0. SB 1181 by Senator Hurtado, aimed at youth safety and coordination on threats such as trafficking and online exploitation, drew discussion over the removal of fusion centers from the bill; several senators supported the amended approach while others wanted more detail, and it passed 33-0. The Senate concluded by noting it had dispensed with 341 bills during the month and announced the next floor session for June 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• The unfortunate truth is that California is failing to create the next generation of homeowners.
• Economists generally view a healthy ratio as closer to five.
• I think they fall into three general categories. First, they clarify vague language.
• It's really important to note that these dollars don't go into a city's general fund.
• Then there's a set of fees that are for things that aren't generally state mandated.

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Housing met on April 7, 2026, and heard two housing-related bills in detail: SB 1116 and SB 1117. SB 1116 would update the Starter Home Revitalization Act by clarifying development standards for small infill projects, reinforcing ministerial approval and timelines, strengthening state oversight, updating subdivision rules, and addressing private restrictions such as HOA or deed limitations. Supporters, including California YIMBY, AlphaX, and several housing groups, said the bill would remove implementation barriers and help produce more starter homes; there was no opposition testimony. Members generally supported the measure, and it was advanced to the Senate Local Government Committee. SB 1117 would clarify accessory dwelling unit fee law by requiring local governments to calculate impact fees only on the portion of an ADU above 750 square feet, rather than charging fees on the entire unit once it exceeds that threshold. Supporters argued the bill would reduce cost barriers and encourage larger ADUs, while opponents from Cal Cities, counties, special districts, and fire districts said impact fees fund essential infrastructure and services and should not be further limited. Committee members largely supported the bill as narrowly tailored, though several emphasized the importance of infrastructure funding and asked for continued work with local government stakeholders. The bill was also moved to the Senate Local Government Committee. The committee also took up a consent calendar containing SB 1267 and the committee omnibus bill SB 1426, both of which were approved. After quorum issues and a brief recess, the committee later returned to lift calls and finalized votes, approving the consent calendar 10-0, SB 1117 10-0, and SB 1116 8-0. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• the fiscal note stands, But as the fiscal note stands, it would require $351,000 one-time from the General
• Department of Health and Welfare in the Division of Welfare, the addition of $351,000 one-time from the General
• Let's just not throw money from the General Fund into a system that's already working and cause more
• $257,400 from the General Fund and $1,442,300 from federal funds, for a total reduction of $1,699,700
• One minor difference I want to call out: the FTP and General Fund are exactly the same, and the total

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee first approved a trailer appropriation for House Bill 730, adding $351,000 one-time General Fund to the Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Welfare for SNAP eligibility system changes. One member argued the change was unnecessary because Idaho already has a low error rate and the current eligibility systems work well, but the motion passed with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 898, which moves the State Historic Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination. Members discussed whether the move was requested by the governor and whether it would create efficiencies in permitting and federal coordination. The committee approved both the reduction from the Historical Society budget and the corresponding addition to SMEC, along with language exempting SMEC from certain transfer restrictions. The State Historical Society director was said to support the move. Next, the committee approved trailer funding for Senate Bill 128, creating the Idaho High Need Students Fund. The committee added $5 million one-time dedicated funding and approved transfers of $1 million from the Idaho Career Ready Students Program Fund and $4 million from the driver training account. Analysts explained that while the funding is one-time, it could increase the state’s ongoing maintenance-of-effort obligation under federal special education rules if other funding remains unchanged. Members described the measure as a partial, temporary response to a larger special education funding gap. Finally, the committee revisited the Department of Fish and Game budget after it had failed on the House floor earlier. Members discussed multiple enhancement requests, including habitat projects, Good Neighbor Authority work, fisheries inflation, wolf depredation, communications, and replacement items. A substitute motion that included additional funding for temporary employees failed in the House vote, and the committee then approved a revised motion with a due pass recommendation. The committee also adopted language directing $200,000 of wolf depredation funds to wolf trapping. The meeting ended with discussion of pending items for the next day, including rural health transformation and state police-related budget actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• With me to present Senate Bill 1001 and answer any questions are Tom Coleman, the general manager of
• I'm the general manager of Rowland Water District.
• I'm the general manager of Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.
• We'll now take general witnesses in support, so please come up: name, affiliation, position on the bill
• We'll now take general witnesses and support, so please come up.

Committee: Senate Emergency Management

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee held its first meeting and adopted committee rules for the 2025-26 session. The committee heard SB 1001, which would require the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to issue identification cards for essential utility workers so they can more easily access evacuation zones during emergencies. The author and supporters, including Rowland Water District and the Association of California Water Agencies Joint Powers Insurance Authority, said the bill was prompted by delays during the Eaton Fire, when utility crews in marked vehicles were denied access despite having authorization. Members generally supported the bill as a practical way to improve coordination between utilities, law enforcement, and incident command during disasters. The bill was voted out on a do-pass motion to the Senate Public Safety Committee. The committee also heard SB 1153, which would require urban retail water suppliers in high-risk areas to include wildfire-specific procedures in emergency response plans and make findings clarifying the role and limits of public water systems during wildfires. The author and witnesses from water agencies argued that public water systems are not designed to function as wildfire suppression systems and that the bill would improve planning while addressing growing liability exposure after major fires. Senator Perez raised concerns about balancing liability reform with accountability and the need for future infrastructure hardening, and the Vice Chair emphasized that the bill should not create a hollow safe harbor. The author accepted committee amendments clarifying that negligence liability remains intact, and the bill was moved out as amended to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. A consent item, SB 870, was also approved. After roll calls were completed and absent members later voted, all three measures passed the committee 8-0. SB 1020 was pulled from the hearing for a future date.