Transcript Highlights:

• The current balance of Turnpike toll credits is almost 190 million right now, and 141 million of that
• balance are obligated against active projects. for operations and maintenance coupled for operations
• The<01:17:11.840><c> current</c><01:17:12.080><c> balance</c><01:17:12.400><c> of</c><01:17:12.719><c
• > of</c><01:17:12.960><c> turnpike</c><01:17:13.520><c> toll</c> The current balance of of turnpike toll
• The current balance of of turnpike toll credits<01:17:14.159><c> is</c><01:17:14.320><c> almost</c><

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I am concerned that this is a way to circumvent hiring certified teachers to balance a school budget
• And I am concerned that this is a way to circumvent hiring certified teachers to balance a school budget
• out that may students that may balance out that may not<02:31:59.600><c> balance</c><02:31:59.920><c
• </c><02:32:00.240><c> That's</c><02:32:00.640><c> just</c> not balance out.
• That's just not balance out.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of</c> Now, yeah, and I think, building off of my colleague's point, right, where the checks and balances
• Whatever checks and balances we can provide in this process so that if there's another ask, which I strongly
• about</c><01:42:31.440><c> 40</c><01:42:32.080><c> and</c><01:42:32.199><c> the</c><01:42:32.320><c> balance
• </c><01:42:32.639><c> is</c><01:42:32.800><c> split</c> gets about 40 and the balance is split gets about
• 40 and the balance is split among<01:42:33.400><c> three</c><01:42:34.239><c> um</c><01:42:34.400><c

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:52:20.000><c> of</c><00:52:20.599><c> reducing</c><00:52:21.119><c> those</c> really nice balance
• of reducing those really nice balance of reducing those time<00:52:21.599><c> frames</c><00:52:22.119
• We believe that this bill provides some kind of a balance, acknowledging that the valid permittees will
• We believe that this bill provides some kind of a balance, acknowledging that the valid permittees will
• </c> kind of a balance kind of a balance acknowledging<01:09:12.799><c> um</c><01:09:13.359><c> uh</c

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 946 on wastewater management, which would clarify that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/26 applies to treatment plants. Testimony was in support from the Department of Health, Maui County Council, Mayor Bisson, and individuals, and no one testified in opposition. SB 849 on wildlife conservation would prohibit intentional taking, harming, or killing of the Hawaiian hawk (ʻio) and increase penalties for taking native aquatic life, wildlife, and land plants; DLNR supported the bill, noting the ʻio was delisted federally in 2020 and that the measure also updates penalties and adds a rehabilitation/community service option. No questions were raised, and the bill drew support testimony only. For SB 330 on invasive species prevention, the Attorney General raised a supremacy clause concern with language requiring state enforcement of federal quarantines and recommended reverting to a prior version with a catchall for federal regulation. The Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supported the bill as a way to close a biosecurity gap, while the Department of Agriculture said it supported the intent but wanted to avoid acting without a cooperative agreement with USDA and suggested deleting the portion allowing action without such an agreement. The committee also heard SB 1393 on public land use, which would require the School Facilities Authority to consult with DOE and other agencies before land conveyances or leases and repeal a requirement that DOE transfer title upon request; both SFA and DOE supported the measure, with DOE emphasizing the need for early communication and consultation, and members asked about possible disagreements or stalemates. The committee then heard SB 321 on private roads and ways, which would deem certain privately owned roads and similar ways transferred to adjacent owners or community associations if conditions are met. The Hawaii Land Title Association said the bill as drafted would create uncertainty and proposed a court process to clarify ownership and create a recordable order; written support came from the Mortgage Bankers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Financial Services Association, and one individual. SB 66 on housing permitting would require permit decisions within 60 days for certain housing projects and deem permits approved in some circumstances; DLNR’s historic preservation office supported the intent but noted county historic preservation roles, OHA suggested amendments to clarify county duties, and DPP opposed the time limits as risky for health and safety reviews, warning about back-and-forth review cycles and possible mismatches between approved plans and field work. Realtors, NAIOP, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii YIMBY, and the Maui Chamber supported the measure, while Lahaina Strong, Hawaii Good Neighbor, and two individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170 on expeditious redevelopment of affordable rental housing, which would speed permits for rebuilding permanently affordable multifamily rental housing damaged by natural disasters and exempt certain projects from EIS requirements. HHFDC supported the bill, citing the Front Street Apartments rebuild and the long SMA permit timeline on Maui, and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the intent while suggesting technical placement of amendments. Testimony in support also came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and Joe Blanco, who described difficulties rebuilding a project originally developed under older statutory requirements and said the bill’s added language addressed those issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, any unpaid balance at the time of retirement will need to be paid in full within 90 days, which

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard three bills. SB 939 by Senator Laird, sponsored by CalPERS, would end new enrollment in the actuarial equivalent reduction option for service credit purchases starting in 2028 and require any unpaid balance at retirement to be paid within 90 days. The author said the change would reduce unintended consequences for members, employers, and CalPERS administration. There was no opposition, and the bill was approved on a unanimous vote and sent to Appropriations. SB 1038, also by Senator Laird and sponsored by CSEA, would expand CalPERS audit notification procedures so bargaining units receive notice when an employer is audited and receive relevant member information from final audit reports. Supporters said this would help unions protect members from benefit reductions or repayment demands caused by payroll or compensation errors, citing a Kern High School District audit example. Teamsters, the California Labor Federation, and AFSCME testified in support, with no opposition. The committee passed the bill unanimously and sent it to Appropriations. SB 1227 by Senator Drozdoff/Dorazo (as referenced in the transcript) would require the Department of Industrial Relations to work with unions on apprenticeship pathways into enforcement jobs, such as Cal/OSHA and Labor Commissioner classifications, to address staffing shortages and backlogs. The author and supporters from United Steelworkers, SEIU Local 1000, CSEA, the California Labor Federation, and others argued apprenticeship would create a pipeline of trained workers and improve labor law enforcement. The committee accepted amendments, voted the bill out on a unanimous vote, and re-referred it to the Committee on Labor and Employment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That balance, leveraging data while safeguarding privacy, is exactly what we should be striving for everywhere

Committee: House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on Senate Bill 905, moving the bill “do pass.” After roll call, the motion passed by a vote of 6 ayes and 4 nays, and SB 905 was reported do pass. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 959, presented by Senator Doug Beck on behalf of Senator Roberts, who was on active duty. The bill would create the Missouri GIS Council within the Office of Administration to improve statewide geospatial data coordination, planning, training, and education. Supporters, including Greater St. Louis, Inc., the State 911 Service Board, and BioSTL/Next Missouri, said the council would improve emergency response, broadband and infrastructure planning, economic development, and government efficiency, while also including privacy protections that prohibit collection of personally identifiable information. An opponent from Armour Vine argued the bill was “big brother” and raised concerns about government access to geospatial data and privacy, suggesting the measure could be used to track citizens. Committee members questioned both sides about whether the bill collected personal data and whether similar information is already available through cell phones or mapping systems. Supporters responded that the bill concerns address and map data, not individual tracking, and emphasized its value for 911 routing and public safety. No vote was taken on SB 959, and the hearing was closed after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• monies will not be included as part of the general fund collections with respect to the carryover balances

Bills: HB3312 , HB3700 , HB2981 , HB2961 , HB3016 , HB4478 , HB4326 , HB3025 , HB3710

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: firearm safety, public schools, education policy, student safety, gun control, opt-out option, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, open meetings, school boards, transparency, public access, education governance, HB2961, TSgt Marshal Dakota Roberts Gold Star Survivor Act, Gold Star family, Gold Star recipient

Transcript Highlights:

• this does, and this is what the Senate— —believes they need to exercise their power as a checks and balance

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Tuesday, March 24th by voice vote. It then took up Senate Bill 1351, which would bar a gubernatorial appointee rejected by the Senate from being reappointed to the same seat for one year and require the governor to fill vacancies within 90 days. Members asked about how the bill would interact with other appointment-related legislation and what would happen if someone was serving without Senate confirmation, but no testimony was offered. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 1376, dealing with candidate filings for political subdivisions and moving the filing process toward county clerks and online filing beginning in 2027. The bill also requires subdivision clerks to provide accurate district maps and sets notification and certification deadlines between county and subdivision clerks. Questions focused on whether the change could make filing less accessible, how it would affect districts such as irrigation or groundwater districts, and whether the Secretary of State’s office supported the measure. The sponsor said clerks supported the bill and that the online option should improve access; the committee then voted to advance it with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee reconsidered Senate Bill 1299, which prohibits government entities from requiring digital identification to access government services, while allowing physical ID to remain valid and limiting tracking or data retention tied to digital ID use. The Attorney General would be able to enforce the law, and aggrieved persons could seek injunctive or declaratory relief. Members asked about whether the bill would affect future voluntary use of digital IDs, possible conflicts with federal requirements, and whether similar concerns could arise in other settings such as sports venues. Supporters argued the bill sets guardrails against mandatory digital ID use, and the committee voted to send it to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a confirmation process that the Senate does as part of its checks and balances.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• accountability by analysis of the impacts of this water consumption... ...are key to maintaining a balance

Summary: The House Revenue and Taxation Committee heard House Bill 897, a revised data center tax incentive bill presented by Representative Chris Bruce and Senator Lori Den Hartog. The sponsors said the bill narrows the existing sales tax exemption so it applies only to internal server equipment, limits the exemption to 20 years, requires Tax Commission reporting on foregone sales tax revenue, and modifies the property tax treatment for large data center investments. They also emphasized new conditions intended to protect ratepayers and water resources, including requiring utilities to recover electricity costs from the qualifying business entity and requiring efficient water-use arrangements. The sponsors described the measure as a tax incentive bill, not a regulatory bill. During questions, members asked about how the bill would protect utility customers and whether data centers that generate their own power or use closed-loop cooling systems would still qualify. The sponsors said the electricity costs would need to be covered through energy service agreements and that construction for on-site power generation or cooling systems would not qualify for the sales tax exemption because the bill limits the incentive to server equipment. Public testimony was generally supportive. Lane Thornton, a Kuna farmer, backed the bill because of concerns about power costs and water use, and Courtney Dawson of the Idaho Rural Water Association supported the water-related provisions and asked for a due pass recommendation. After closing remarks, Representative Monks moved to send House Bill 897 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee approved the motion by voice vote, and Representative Bruce was designated to carry the bill on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• long-term accountability by analysis of the impacts of this water consumption, are key to maintaining a balance

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was fraudulently diverted to another bank account after the district contacted the vendor about a balance

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Summary: The Legislative Audit Education Institution Subcommittee met to review 57 education audit reports, including 52 with no findings and five with findings. The committee adopted the previous meeting’s minutes and then heard staff summaries of the findings, which focused largely on school district spending and internal control issues. Two reports, Camden-Fairview and Forest City, involved district use of operating funds for staff end-of-year celebrations that staff said conflicted with the Arkansas Constitution and AG opinions. Camden-Fairview’s questioned costs totaled $10,668, including meals, door prizes, and facility rental, and Forest City’s totaled $33,436, including decorations, catering, entertainment, and rental fees. Members discussed whether district officials should attend to answer questions, and both reports were deferred to the June meeting with requests for district attendance. The committee also reviewed a referred finding at Nettleton School District involving a $1.9 million fraud scheme tied to emailed bank-account change requests; the district recovered $1.5 million from the bank and arranged for the vendor to reimburse the remaining $204,890 loss. Members questioned why the vendor would repay money it did not receive, and the report was also held over to the June meeting for further explanation. A separate referred case at Camden-Fairview noted unauthorized credit card charges of $2,140, with $262 remaining as a loss after bank reversals. Staff also presented non-referred findings at Cedar Ridge, including improper Title I payroll charges, salary overpayment and underpayment errors, and an unreconciled bank account variance, and at Green County Technical School District, where a $1,400 vendor check was fraudulently diverted but later recovered. Those reports were filed after no objections. During discussion, staff explained that Legislative Audit is trying to reduce recurring fraud and control problems by advising schools on verifying banking changes in person or through other direct contact, using bank controls such as positive pay, and monitoring accounts more frequently. Members encouraged schools to take audit training seriously and noted that clean reports should be recognized as a positive result. The remaining 52 reports with no findings were filed as reviewed, and the meeting adjourned with no new business.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think we've hit a balance here. But yes, we have talked to everyone you can think of.

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee approved the minutes from February 25 and February 27, then considered and introduced several RS measures. Representative Manwaring presented RS-33619, a cleanup/replacement for a fast stablecoin proposal that clarifies the State Treasurer’s authority and removes references to the State Controller; it was introduced after a brief correction to the statement of purpose. Representative Skaug presented RS-33593, which would allow the attorney general or private parties to bring lawsuits over secret social transitioning of children without parental knowledge; the motion passed, with Representatives Rubel, Birch, and Church recorded as nays. Representative Raymond’s RS-33581, dealing with county fair boards and the population threshold that can make them advisory only, was also introduced. Representative Scott presented RS-3355-5, a major overhaul of Idaho custody law from the child custody task force. The proposal would establish legislative findings on parenting rights, create a presumption of substantially equal parenting time, require evidentiary hearings before restrictions in contested cases, set limits on temporary and ex parte custody orders, require restoration plans, protect parental access to records, tighten standards for supervised visitation, and limit court-ordered professionals to advisory roles. Members asked about judicial feedback and evidentiary standards; Scott said the bill had been discussed with judges, the Supreme Court, lawyers, prosecutors, parents, and law enforcement, and that some questions would be answered later. The motion to introduce passed. The committee also introduced RS 33590, a rules-related resolution for the Department of Commerce and Division of Veterans Services, and then shifted to Representative Ehlers’ measures. RS 33598 would remove a 50-cent fee from standard license plates tied to the Idaho Heritage Trust Fund and create a new America 250 specialty plate. RS 33607 would implement a task force recommendation by moving regulatory duties from agricultural commissions to the State Department of Agriculture, including the Honey Commission. Both were introduced, and the committee adjourned after noting more RS items may be coming.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 603 approaches this delicate balance with nuance and restraint.

Summary: The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee approved the minutes from its February 11, 13, and 17, 2026 meetings, and briefly recognized a page, Paisley, for her service. House Bill 660 was removed from the agenda at the sponsor’s request and was not heard. The committee then took up several bills from Representative Handy and others. House Bill 689 would expand administrative subpoena authority so the Attorney General or prosecutors can subpoena electric service providers to identify suspects in child sexual exploitation and related crimes, including AI-related child sexual conduct offenses. The Attorney General’s office testified that it is a critical investigative tool, and the bill received unanimous due-pass recommendation to the floor. House Bill 690 repeals an obsolete Attorney General program for a 24-7 sobriety and drug monitoring program that was created in 2014 but never implemented; the Attorney General’s office confirmed it had never been used, and the bill also passed unanimously with a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 698 closes a loophole so people convicted of treason in another state cannot regain voting rights in Idaho; it likewise passed unanimously with a due-pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Bill 603, which updates restrictions on camping and temporary structures on the Capitol Mall and clarifies how abandoned property is handled, with the sponsor saying it was a cleanup and security measure and the Department of Administration’s changes were made in response to court decisions. A virtual witness from Cicero Action supported the bill as a public safety and property-management measure. Some members questioned how the bill fits with prior camping laws and how it would be enforced, and one member said he would vote no because of concerns about differing treatment of tents versus vehicles, though the motion still passed by voice vote with a due-pass recommendation to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 603 approaches this delicate balance with nuance and restraint.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there's a balance between the oversight, which I appreciate and agree with, but I'm also fearful

Committee: House Common Education

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there's a balance between the oversight, which I appreciate and agree with, but I'm also fearful

Committee: House Common Education

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 4427, with the sponsor explaining that it would place guardrails on the use of adjunct teachers in school districts. The bill would, beginning in the 2026-27 school year, prohibit adjunct teachers from teaching core subjects in pre-K through 4th grade, including math, ELA, science, and social studies, with a limited exemption process through the State Board. After brief discussion, the committee voted 8-0 to report the bill out as a do pass. Next, House Bill 3021 was presented as a graduation requirements measure that had been worked on with SDE, higher education, and career tech. The sponsor said a PCS or amendment would remove a conflicting section and that the agencies were in agreement on the planned changes. After questions about agency alignment, the committee voted 10-1 to report the bill out as a do pass. The committee then heard House Bill 3711, a transparency bill requiring school districts to post the percentage of spending devoted to instruction on the front page of their websites and include it in bond applications. The sponsor said the goal was to give taxpayers clearer information about how school funds are used. After discussion about how districts define instructional versus support spending, the bill passed the committee on a 7-9-4-N-A vote as announced in the transcript. Finally, House Bill 2987 would change the default outcome for academic standards if the legislature fails to act within 30 legislative days, making them deemed disapproved rather than approved. The sponsor argued this would preserve legislative oversight and prevent substandard standards from taking effect, while opponents raised concerns about delays and outdated standards. The committee discussed how the process would work if standards were rejected or sent back with instructions, and then voted 10-1-1-0 to report the bill out as a do pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the balance was for the pipeline. I think that's the way it worked. Thank you.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2269 does strike a thoughtful balance between housing expansion and local plan authority.

Bills: HB2269

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: middle housing, zoning, unincorporated areas, affordable housing, land use, density, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• plans, whether it's filling out a resume or filling out a job application or creating a resume or balancing

Summary: Treasurer and legislative supporters held a press event to announce pre-filing of legislation that would require financial education for Washington students as a graduation requirement. Treasurer said the goal is to give young people a foundational understanding of personal finance so they are not dependent on their parents’ money knowledge and can better navigate loans, credit, interest, taxes, housing, and other financial decisions. Senator Adrian Cortes said he is leading the effort in the Senate and described the bill as important for preparing students for adult life and supporting working families and future small business owners. Testimony from an educator, a financial education nonprofit leader, and a credit union representative all backed the proposal. Vanessa Medina, a Vancouver public school teacher, said students need practical skills for student loans, car loans, leases, and job benefits. Christy Johnson said the financial system is increasingly complex and that financial literacy is a life skill and social justice issue, especially given the wealth gap and the pressures facing young people. Tracy Godat said her organization already has free materials and professional development ready for educators, and Joe Atomack said credit unions see the need every day and can help expand access through school branches and student work experience. In response to questions, Cortes said the new bill differs from a previous House-passed version mainly by reducing reporting requirements and therefore lowering fiscal impact for districts and OSPI. He said the bill would align with the State Board of Education’s Future Ready process and could take effect by 2033 or earlier, depending on integration. The treasurer said the issue has broad bipartisan support and argued that Washington is behind other states in not already requiring financial education.