Transcript Highlights:

• , summary from a DEQ, environmental quality standpoint, water quality and waste management issues appear
• I appear before you today to request the committee consider having Legislative Council gather what other
• Offhand, do you know if there is an option to dial in, like remotely or something like that?
• Offhand, do you know if there is an option to dial in, like, remotely or something like that?
• No, I was just going to say I will bring that question about remote in to our next meeting next week,

Summary: The committee met in Grand Forks, approved the February 26 minutes by voice vote, and recessed for a tour of Minnkota Power Cooperative before hearing presentations on large energy consumers and related infrastructure issues. The first presentation, from the North Dakota Transmission Authority, focused on the need for better local decision-making tools for counties, townships, and planning and zoning boards facing major projects such as transmission lines, pipelines, data centers, wind, solar, and large-scale agriculture. The speaker urged more objective, data-driven analysis, noted that local officials often have limited time and resources, and said the state should support training and tools through groups like the League of Cities and the Association of Counties. Members asked about proactive outreach, data center ordinances, and how to avoid subsidizing large loads or causing reliability problems. The Division of Air Quality then discussed environmental oversight of data centers, emphasizing that North Dakota’s air remains among the cleanest in the country and that the agency’s role is limited to air, water discharge, stormwater, and waste—not zoning or water use. The presentation explained that data centers generally have low direct emissions but may rely on diesel backup generators when the grid is unavailable, which creates air-quality concerns; the department said it is requiring air monitors at some projects to collect real-world data and guide future decisions. Members asked about generator emissions, misinformation, monitoring costs, and staffing succession, and the agency said permit applicants pay for the monitors while the state handles some QA work. The Department of Water Resources followed with an overview of North Dakota water law and data center water use. The director explained the state’s prior-appropriation system, the public-interest review for permits, and the large overall water supply available from groundwater and the Missouri River. He said most proposed data centers use closed-loop cooling systems and generally request relatively small amounts of water compared with other uses such as power plants, irrigation, and oilfield operations, and that even a worst-case data center scenario would use only a tiny fraction of Missouri River flow. Questions focused on downstream impacts and comparisons to fracking water use, and the director said the state’s use is too small to materially affect downstream users. Later, McLean County State’s Attorney Ladd-Erickson testified online about data center zoning and permitting. He asked the committee to have Legislative Council gather information on how other states handle data center permitting and to keep the topic on the interim agenda. He argued that local zoning should remain local, but said counties lack the technical and legal resources to manage complex reclamation or bonding requirements and that state-level enabling legislation may be more appropriate. He also recommended eliminating tax incentives for data centers. The committee chair said staff would prepare a document on other states’ zoning and permitting approaches. After a lunch recess, the committee reconvened at the EERC, where CEO Charles Gorecki gave an overview of the center’s 75 years of work and its role in oil and gas, carbon management, and other energy technologies, highlighting enhanced oil recovery and carbon dioxide utilization as major opportunities for future production and tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• The two chambers do not come together and have hearings, and we do not do them remotely.
• Members, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
• The rain fell in remote areas with limited gauge data.
• What it appears to me is ...
• And we need reliable cell coverage in remote areas to make them work.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here remotely. Representative Steven Howitt. Rita Blander. Thank you. Present. Rita Blanter.
• It's very nice to see you remotely, D.A. Ryan, and thank you for your work in restorative justice.
• Groups of individuals, two or more, often targeted an individual because they appear to be part of or
• appear to be associated with a group that is included in the statute, right?
• So individuals who may appear to be committing one crime, say robbery, right?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting was a special commission hearing on antisemitism held off-site at Kerem Shalom Synagogue in Concord, with commissioners approving prior minutes and noting a quorum, a rescheduled October 27 meeting, and the addition of a new commissioner. The co-chairs and host speakers emphasized the personal and communal significance of holding the hearing in a synagogue and the importance of confronting antisemitism while protecting free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse. The commission heard from former SJC Justice and current UMass General Counsel David Lowy, who discussed the IHRA definition of antisemitism, said its use as nonbinding guidance does not raise First Amendment concerns, and described UMass’s response to a discriminatory academic conference policy. Commissioners also asked about campus speaker vetting, protest rights, and university practices for addressing antisemitism and protecting students’ access to education. District Attorney Marian Ryan testified about restorative justice as a tool for addressing hate incidents, saying it can help victims be heard, reduce reoffending, and be used in criminal, school, and community settings. She described local programs, online reporting forms, and the need for better statutory tools, including changes to restitution and education requirements in hate-crime cases. Commissioners asked whether restorative justice affects charging decisions, and Ryan said it should not alter whether a hate crime is investigated or charged. She also identified model programs and said the commission’s work aligns with the national strategy it is charged with implementing. Three rabbis then described the rise in antisemitic incidents in schools and communities, the emotional toll on Jewish families, and the need for stronger school responses, clearer language in incident communications, and better training for educators. Rabbi Brad David recounted repeated incidents in Acton-Boxborough and praised the district’s improved partnership and response, while Rabbi Tom Shah described parental anxiety, concerns about classroom materials lacking context, and the need for balanced instruction. The rabbis also discussed synagogue security costs and measures, including volunteer security teams, police support, grants, and physical protections. Commissioners said the testimony would inform forthcoming recommendations, and DESE staff noted they are developing instructional-materials guidance and a rubric for educators. The final witness, Professor Christina Miller, outlined hate-crime prosecution issues in Massachusetts, including mixed-motive cases, the need for clearer statutes and jury instructions, better training for police and clerk magistrates, guidance on sentencing and diversity-awareness programs, and the use of community impact statements.

Transcript Highlights:

• needs to be notarized, but they're not present, we could get a witness possibly to acknowledge it remotely
• needs it notarized, but they're not present, but we could get a witness possibly to acknowledge it remotely
• officers to intervene and transport a person for emergency mental health evaluation when the person appears
• The machine was closed, and the bill finally passed by a vote that appears to be 34 yeas and 0 nays.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• To practice, could go into the remote state and work as an EMS caregiver based on the compact's rules
• And be available then to the remote state.
• We do have some type of legal recourse, though it appears in here, because you know there's a majority
• And while they can't vote, it appeared a lot of times I was in a special program, and we do a lot of

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Andreas Trujillo from Smart Transportation Division wishes to appear. You are recognized, sir. Mr.
• Wish to appear. Good morning, Chair and members. My name is John Labriola.
• runs into an obstacle, maybe it's a... ...fire hydrant spraying water or whatever, they can link in remotely
• Thank you to Kim Ross from Rethink Energy Action Fund, who wishes to appear.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone wishing to speak before the committee should complete an appearance form and hand it to a member
• in the courtroom literally every day of the year, including Christmas and Thanksgiving for first appearances
• There is no remote work or out-of-state funding for any of that.
• We do the analysis of who appears to be the most culpable of the most complicated.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For those people testifying remotely, all audio will be muted and video disabled until it's your turn
• For those people testifying remotely, all audio will be muted and video disabled until it's your turn
• For those people testifying remotely, all audio will be muted and video disabled until it's your turn
• It would also cover specific positions that might not be covered, but this bill appears to be aimed at
• lessors, property managers, so suggested language will be replace written or oral notice wherever it appears

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have 15 employees and six remotes in New Hampshire. Their office is up the street.
• They have 15 employees and six remotes in New Hampshire. Their office is up the street.
• They have 15 employees and six remotes in New Hampshire. Their office is up the street.
• They have 15 employees and six remotes in New Hampshire. Their office is up the street.
• They have 15 employees and six remotes in New Hampshire. Their office is up the street.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they're able to get data out of there, and they're able to remotely. what is on the screen.
• I think that if the company that produced the is able to remotely access it in some way, that company
• In order to fall under this prohibition, adversarial countries must appear... on at least one of these
• I mean, that is the ability to remotely take control. of this aircraft is not something that is able
• In order to fall under this prohibition, adversarial countries... must appear on at least one of the

Bills: HB17, HB34, HB41, HB 118, HB 119, HB 127, HB 128, HB 129, HB 130, HB132, HB133, HB17, HB41, HB118, HB119, HB127, HB128, HB129, HB130, HB132, HB133

Keywords: foreign ownership, real estate, national security, designated countries, Texas property law, lobbying, foreign adversaries, compensation prohibition, transparency, civil penalties, higher education, foreign adversary, research security, trade secrets, academic partnerships, HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so it appears from what you said that department staffing there was no division that oversaw this
• Um, so it appears from what you said that department staffing there was no division that oversaw this
• We are building a foundation for future cross-agency collaborations and remote support initiatives that
• We are building a foundation for future cross-agency collaborations and remote support initiatives that
• Collaborations and remote support initiatives that will improve the quality of life for thousands of

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be sitting here all alone, but there are other members of the Legislature who are participating remotely
• co-responders if it's a situation where this is a persistent thing, where somebody is in crisis and it appears
• With us remotely is Representative Macri, who actually works with you at Downtown Emergency Service Center
• With us remotely is Representative Macri, who actually works with you at Downtown.
• With us remotely is Representative Macri, who actually works with you at Downtown Emergency Service Center

Summary: The Community Safety Committee held an interim work session on crisis response, with members and witnesses discussing how Washington can better integrate 911, 988, mobile crisis, co-response, and alternative response models for behavioral health crises in public spaces. Travis Parker opened with an overview of the Sequential Intercept Model and the crisis care continuum, emphasizing early intervention, 988 access, regional coordination, navigators and peer support, and the need for sustainable braided funding. Several Washington witnesses then described current programs and system gaps, including the growth of co-response teams, the importance of integrating 911 and 988 rather than treating them as competing systems, and the need to reduce unnecessary emergency room use and improve first responder wellness and training. City, fire, and crisis-system representatives described local challenges and reforms. Kim Hendrickson of Poulsbo said most crisis calls still come through 911 and urged better coordination among field-based teams, more behavioral health training for fire/EMS, and more alternatives to ER transport. Laura Pippen, a designated crisis responder, described a strained involuntary treatment system, fewer DCRs statewide, difficulty getting law enforcement support for transports, and limited facility capacity, especially for substance use disorder. Jennifer Stuber and South County Fire’s Keith Sharp highlighted workforce training, a crisis responder certificate program, and first responder wellness efforts. Research witnesses Evan Lauder and James Pine said the evidence is still developing but generally supports on-scene resolution, reduced ED transport and detention in some models, and the importance of clear dispatch protocols, coordination, and ongoing evaluation. Dispatch and program operators then gave examples of how systems are working in practice. Katie Myers of Washington APCO/NENA said 911 remains essential, but needs evidence-based triage protocols, liability protections, and additional funding if it is expected to take on more crisis-response responsibilities. Whatcom County described embedding a “community connector” in the 911 center to coordinate alternative response, while ValleyCom reported that its 988 diversion pilot transferred 2,165 calls with 98% resolved through 988/211 without returning to 911. National examples included Denver’s STAR program, Albuquerque’s Community Safety Department, and Atlanta’s PAD initiative, each showing different ways to route low-acuity or behavioral-health-related calls away from police and toward clinicians, peers, or civilian responders. The session ended with Washington examples continuing, including Whatcom County’s alternative response team, underscoring the committee’s interest in refining and expanding integrated crisis response systems in the next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• You've created apprentices and folks that are able to work from out of state and do things remotely.
• The committee looks like the bill will appear when it leaves the House floor based on the author's intent
• Court, but again, there appeared to be no good policy reason for a case that was filed in the business

Bills: SB1538, SB2883, HB1734, HB2340, HB2350, HB3376

Keywords: digital court reporting, court reporting, court reporter, electronic recording, audio recording, video recording, transcription, verbatim record, judicial administration, Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial System, courts, depositions, grand jury, referee, court commissioner, court technology, courtroom technology, access to justice, accuracy

Transcript Highlights:

• And Bob will be participating remotely. Thank you, Madam Chair and members.
• But the word 'housing' appears only once in the Bay Delta Plan's 127 pages, and then only as a statement
• Butler, Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, will be participating remotely
• And I'm going to go ahead and hand it over to Bob Raymer, who is participating remotely to share some

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Regulatory Authority held its first hearing to examine how California’s regulatory framework affects housing production, affordability, and timelines. Chair Pacheco and Assemblymember Haney framed the discussion around the state’s housing shortage and the need to reduce costs while maintaining environmental, safety, and community protections. The first panel featured housing experts and industry representatives who argued that state regulations, code complexity, utility constraints, and agency review processes add substantial cost and delay to development. Bill Fulton described overlapping state and local land-use authorities and the tension among housing, coastal protection, climate, and wildfire goals. CBIA’s Chris Ochoa and California Apartment Association representative Bob Raymer said building codes, energy mandates, and agency processes have materially increased per-home costs, and they urged more centralized affordability analysis and greater scrutiny of regulatory impacts. The Bay Area Council’s Louis Marante called for a statewide cost target for housing and stronger timelines and accountability for state agency reviews. The second panel brought in state agencies to explain their roles. HCD said its housing element enforcement, streamlining laws, and technical assistance have helped increase production, shorten entitlement timelines, and improve compliance by local governments. CARB said SB 375 is a planning law that does not directly regulate land use, and argued that regional housing assumptions in sustainable communities strategies are not being fully implemented on the ground. The Coastal Commission said it works with local governments to balance coastal protection, sea-level-rise risk, and housing, and noted recent guidance and pilot efforts to streamline housing approvals in the coastal zone. The Energy Commission said its building energy standards are designed to be cost-effective and save consumers money over time, though they can add some design and documentation complexity. Fish and Wildlife and DTSC both emphasized early engagement and collaboration to reduce delays while protecting natural resources and public health; DTSC said it is refining vapor intrusion guidance and using brownfield grants to support redevelopment. The State Water Resources Control Board said it uses general orders and basin planning to provide predictable permitting while balancing water quality, water rights, and housing needs, and noted billions in grants and loans for water infrastructure and site remediation that can support housing affordability. In response to questions from Assemblymember Haney, several agencies described ongoing coordination across departments, including regular meetings among HCD, CARB, the Coastal Commission, and transportation agencies, as well as broader interagency efforts to reduce redundancies and identify pinch points in project delivery. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the main outcome was informational testimony and discussion of possible future reforms to improve coordination, predictability, and affordability in state regulatory processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have somebody remote as well, and then we have Anna Hall, who I believe is here today.
• Questions like how often do people fail to appear for court hearings in Minnesota?
• We do have somebody remote as well, and then we have Anna Hall, who I believe is here today.
• I am appearing as chair of the board that operates and licenses the industry.
• We have Kelly Johnson, I believe, remote.

Bills: HF1082, HF1042, HF1295, HF1686, HF1998, HF1775, HF1163

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers, law enforcement oversight, Minnesota National Guard, U.S. armed forces, military installation, armory, air base

Transcript Highlights:

• to be derived citizenship that appear to be derived from<01:10:31.480> some<01:10:31.680>
• I attended remotely for the March meeting, and I had a very glitchy connection, and I did not realize
• <01:33:36.920> and<01:33:37.360> I meetings and I attended remotely and I meetings
• :39.360> I'm<01:33:39.640> I<01:33:39.720> attended<01:33:40.120> remotely
• ><01:33:40.920> for<01:33:41.080> the at the I'm I attended remotely for the at the I'm

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Chair Wright: SILENCE ALL YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES IF ANYONE WISHING TO COMPLETE AN APPEARANCE FORM
• APPEARANCE FORMS? YOU'VE GOT ONE TOO? GOOD ONE. THANK YOU, SIR. DAN HINRICHSEN?
• MILITARY AND VETERAN AFFAIRS GROUP AND HE IS COMING UP HERE APPEARING WITHOUT COMPENSATION.
• I HAVE SOME APPEARANCE CARD. RAYMOND MILLER WAIVED IN SUPPORT. LOOKED A LOT LIKE LOU.
• SEE NO QUESTIONS WE DO HAVE ONE APPEARANCE FORM TODAY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event of a wrongful removal of a squatter, um, the bill allows the person who is remote removed
• Apologize if I, I appeared a little bit not as sweet as I usually am, because, you know, because I'm

Transcript Highlights:

• work over the past few sessions with your predecessor, uh, Chief Justice Nathan Heck, who regularly appeared
• We appreciate you appearing in front of the Texas House and Senate, and, um, I don't know about you members
• And he's not once appeared. Which is his, um, which I, I, uh, I guess it is his right to do so.
• I kind of wanted to follow up on the question that I asked Chief Justice Blacklock about what appears
• Um, the way that we do this is by providing, um, ebooks, databases remotely, as well as the assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• Ranking Member Reed, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear
• Have you assumed any duties or taken any actions that would appear to presume the outcome of the confirmation
• Do you agree, if confirmed, to appear and testify before this committee when requested?
• You can head right over there, see the remote sensing lab and the Nevada test site.
• I think the questions have been very good, and it appears to me that we've got the right folks in place

Keywords: defense industrial base, small business, workforce development, acquisition processes, national security, cybersecurity, critical minerals

Summary: The meeting of the committee revolved around critical discussions on enhancing the defense industrial base, focusing on small business engagement and the importance of streamlined processes in defense contracting. There was a significant emphasis on the need for more investment in the defense manufacturing sector, particularly in the face of competition from countries like China. Some members expressed frustration over the treatment of small businesses, citing barriers that prevent these innovative companies from effectively participating in defense contracts. The need for a workforce capable of meeting the common challenges posed by evolving technologies and geopolitical threats was also highlighted throughout the meeting.