Video & Transcript : 'Ex Parte Charrette' :
Page 375 of 500
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> fredri okay I got through the FED part fredri okay I got through the FED part then<02:05:08.480>
- <02:33:30.640><c> of</c><02:33:30.960><c> public</c> parts of public parts of public life<02:33:33.000
- There's three parts. There's a privacy part, I believe, in bathrooms.
- There's three parts. There's a privacy part, I believe, in bathrooms.
- There's three parts. There's a privacy part, I believe, in bathrooms.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/14/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><01:00:08.440><c> the</c> there's been part of part of uh the there's been part of part of uh the staff
- So, you know, that's part of it.
- </c> something good so you know that's part something good so you know that's part of<01:40:24.840><c
- Isn't that part of the issue?
- </c><03:28:36.439><c> of</c> some of that or maybe a large part of some of that or maybe a large part
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 187, which would allow parents or guardians to seek restraining orders on behalf of a minor child even when the alleged perpetrator is not a family or household member. Tracy Sirles testified that the bill was prompted by her family’s experience after being told by state police to seek a restraining order, only to learn the current law did not allow it because the offender was the child’s best friend’s father. Members agreed the change was straightforward, noted the fiscal note reflected only a small indeterminate cost to the judicial branch, and moved House Bill 187 ought to pass; the motion was approved unanimously.
The committee then discussed House Bill 66, a Right-to-Know bill that removes “citizen” language in favor of “person” in some provisions and allows certain New Hampshire-connected requesters to seek records electronically if the records already exist in that format. Members reviewed concerns about defining “member of the media,” the scope of electronic requests, and a sentence stating appeals would have no filing fee or search charge. After debate, the committee voted to amend the bill by removing that fee-waiver sentence, then recommended House Bill 66 ought to pass as amended. The vote was 6-3.
Next, the committee heard from the Environment and Agriculture chair about several solid-waste-related bills being folded into trailer bill language, including House Bill 215 and House Bill 171, with discussion of a possible three-year landfill moratorium and the need to address DEES staffing and funding concerns. DEES later clarified that the revised approach would not require new positions or create a fiscal impact because the new solid waste commission would be self-funded through filing fees. The committee voted unanimously to retain House Bill 215.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 566, which requires landfill permit applications to include a detailed leachate management plan and more information about disposal contracts. The sponsor said the bill was developed with DEES to address leachate problems and improve safety oversight. DEES testified that the bill largely reflects current practice and would have no specific fiscal impact, with existing staff able to absorb any review workload. The committee moved House Bill 566 ought to pass, and the motion was approved unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 624, a grant program for local river management advisory committees, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Emerging Issues Apr 16th, 2026
Emerging Issues and Professional Registration
Transcript Highlights:
- But there are parts of this state that don't have 911 addresses.
- So that part, I just can't understand what your point is.
- And one of the key parts was we shouldn't just keep that map, because that's what it is.
- And one of the key parts was we shouldn't just keep that map, because that's what it is.
- We looked at it as like, and part of it was the work of this council. GIS data.
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.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education (2-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- As part of that, there is an expectation for an evaluation of those programs and a report to LRC.
- our<00:02:34.599><c> K12</c><00:02:35.280><c> schools</c><00:02:36.280><c> as</c><00:02:36.480><c> part
- c><00:02:36.840><c> that</c><00:02:37.360><c> um</c><00:02:37.519><c> there</c> our K12 schools as part
- of that um there our K12 schools as part of that um there is<00:02:37.720><c> an</c><00:02:38.000><c
- </c> the new FAFSA a few years ago and part the new FAFSA a few years ago and part of<00:05:22.080><c
Summary:
The House Postsecondary Education Committee met and first considered House Bill 251, a cleanup bill related to the Kentucky numeracy counts law. Rep. Emily Callaway and staff explained that the bill shifts responsibility for evaluating education preparation programs and reporting to LRC from the Council on Postsecondary Education, in collaboration with EPSB, to EPSB as the primary party, aligning it with EPSB’s oversight role. The committee had no questions, adopted the motion, and passed HB 251 with favorable expression to the House floor.
The committee then took up House Bill 263, relating to the student teaching stipend program, along with a committee substitute that merged in language from House Bill 181. KHEAA explained that the substitute removes the outdated term “expected family contribution” from state student aid statutes because of federal FAFSA changes. Rep. Banta said HB 263 is a cleanup measure to clarify that student teaching stipends are not financial aid, allowing institutions to distribute the stipends properly and easing administration for KHEAA. Joe Carol Ellis said the program is in its first year, with about 450 student teachers served in the fall and an expected 800 in the spring.
The committee adopted the committee substitute by voice vote, then passed HB 263 with favorable expression as amended. Members also approved a title amendment changing the bill title to “An Act relating to teacher scholarships.” Chair Tipton noted the meeting was unusually brief and concluded after asking if there was any further business.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- So HB 799 is part of a package of bills that we brought over the last couple of years.
- HB 799 is part of a package of bills that we brought over the last couple of years to consolidate and
- So, I can tell you, for the House's part, we've added $362 million to this year's executive budget.
- So that's also part of the amendments. And then priority five is a big number. It's $691 million.
- And we did go out and we offered And we did go out and we offered, as part of our amendment package,
Committee:
Senate Revenue & Fiscal Affairs
Keywords:
capital outlay, budget, infrastructure, appropriation, general obligation bonds, bond authorization, capital improvement, financial management, state treasury, boiler safety, inspection, licensing, state fire marshal, operating certificate, regulations, local sales tax, local use tax, sales and use tax, tax audit, local collector
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And to add to that, that was the biggest part of the language: the solvency with the department, and
- or for both parts?
- or for both parts?
- And that's part of the consent.
- We're the only state that doesn't have it part of their plan.
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on May 12 with a quorum present and first took up Senate Bill 341, which would expand the Louisiana churches and nonprofit religious organizations self-insured fund from property-only coverage to broader commercial coverage, including liability, contents, wind and hail, and loss-of-use protections. The sponsor and Department of Insurance said the bill was the product of agreement among the parties and was intended to help churches and nonprofits, including smaller congregations, obtain affordable coverage. After adopting technical amendments, the committee reported SB 341 as amended without objection.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 509 on bank-owned life insurance (BOLI), which would clarify insurable interest and allow exchanges of underperforming policies. The sponsor, industry representatives, and the Department of Insurance discussed how banks use these policies for employee benefit funding, the role of 1035 exchanges, consent requirements, and concerns about federal tax issues and state insurable-interest language. Because the parties were still working toward a solution, the committee adopted a technical amendment but voluntarily deferred SB 509 until the following week.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 464 on coverage for severe obesity treatment, which would create a framework for partially implementing the bariatric surgery mandate based on available appropriations. The sponsor and the Department of Insurance said the bill would let the state cover a proportional share of expected surgeries if only part of the required funding is provided. The committee reported SB 464 favorably without objection, and then adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Local Government -continued- Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But in honor of respect, I think we have the opportunity before us to allow this part of health care
- I represent District 57 in Central Missouri, covering most of Benton County, part of Pettis and Johnson
- I only had time this morning to check that Senate Bill 1, and I think that was part of our goal to make
- I only had time this morning to check that Senate Bill 1, and I think that was part of our goal to make
- And this took the better part of two years to come up with some solutions that made sense for counties
Summary:
The Committee on Local Government first took up Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 975, which concerns community paramedic/mobile integrated health services and related jurisdictional issues. Supporters, including ambulance and EMS leaders from Caldwell County and Cox Health, said the bill would help expand community paramedicine in rural and regional areas, improve patient care, reduce unnecessary emergency room use, and lower Medicaid costs. One witness described a successful program that cut Medicaid charges dramatically, while another said the bill would help ambulance districts merge and operate more efficiently. An opponent representing the Missouri State Council of Firefighters said the group supported the underlying bill but was concerned about the Senate-added jurisdictional language affecting community paramedic services and wanted those issues resolved. The committee heard testimony but took no vote before closing testimony on the bill.
The committee then heard House Bill 3496, sponsored by Rep. Rodger Reedy, which would update county official salary schedules and assessed valuation ranges that have not been revised in decades. Reedy and the Missouri Association of Counties said the bill is intended to modernize minimum salary schedules while preserving local control through county salary commissions, with a growth factor designed to account for changing assessed valuations over time. Committee members asked about how the bill interacts with other salary legislation and whether counties could use alternative training or salary arrangements approved by their associations. Supporters said the proposal was developed through a multi-year task force process involving county officials and related associations.
The Missouri Association of Counties and Warren County officials testified in favor, saying the bill reflects a broad consensus and better matches current county finances. No one testified in opposition to House Bill 3496, and the chair closed the public hearing and adjourned the meeting after testimony concluded.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- this, or K., I'm not sure, but on— Uh, or K., I'm not sure, but on these—are these extra expenses part
- Well, I guess I'm saying is, is the DSB board part of that? Is that part and parcel?
- Because it's part of Workforce, isn't it? Yes, it's part of Workforce Connections.
- We've had discussions about, you know, they shut down the labor part up at Boonville because they didn't
- Martin Hill, I think part of this overtime that everyone seems to be harping on, with the increase in
Committee:
All ALC-PERSONNEL
Summary:
The committee first took up several personnel and compensation requests. It approved a Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism reclassification that would trade three administrative coordinator positions for one park superintendent, one maintenance supervisor, and one park manager. It also approved one-time bonus and recruitment plans for the Department of Commerce and Department of Veterans Affairs, including up to $5,000 bonuses tied to the unemployment insurance modernization project and $2,000 bonuses for certified nursing assistants at the state veterans homes. A Department of Health request to reinstate a previously frozen fiscal support manager position for the State Medical Board was also approved; members were told the position was already authorized and would not increase total positions.
The committee then reviewed a Department of Commerce reduction in force affecting the Division of Workforce Services for the Blind and Employment and Training divisions. Secretary Hugh McDonald and Workforce Connections Director Cody Waits explained that the cuts were driven by over-obligated federal funds, a prior realignment, and what they described as long-standing fiscal mismanagement in the Division of Services for the Blind. They said 56 employees remained furloughed, five employees in a separate grant group were still working, and 17 positions were on the permanent RIF list. Senators questioned the division’s accountability structure, the role of the independent board, and whether the layoffs were being handled fairly, including a request for racial composition data on the workforce and the RIF group.
Members also discussed quarterly employment and overtime reports. Staff explained that the reports cover average staffing levels over each quarter, and members focused on overtime spending, especially in DHS, the Department of Correction, and the Department of Transportation. OPM said overtime is being reviewed, direct care positions remain exempt from the hiring freeze, and agencies have been hiring more staff since the new pay plan took effect. The committee asked for additional reporting on overtime trends, and the meeting adjourned without further action.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I cover District 6 with Latah, Lewis, and parts of Nez Perce counties.
- I cover District 6 with Latah, Lewis, and parts of Nez Perce counties.
- So we can establish now as a part of that solicitation process the requirement that you have to have
- Can't be part of the vendor process?
- Can't be part of the vendor process?
Committee:
House State Affairs
Summary:
The House State Affairs Committee approved the minutes from March 13, 2026, then heard and advanced several bills with due pass recommendations. House Bill 873, an elections cleanup bill, would standardize filing and canvassing timelines, align soil and water conservation district supervisor elections with other local offices on odd-numbered years, restore the 45-day mail-ballot timeline for remote precincts, and clarify canvassing deadlines. It passed without opposition after a brief question period and no testimony.
The committee then considered House Bill 889, a major procurement reform bill. Representative Raibald described changes including new definitions, clearer bid and scoring procedures, use of subject matter experts, multiple-award contracts, prior-performance standards, confidentiality rules for technical information, vendor debarment, a one-year cooling-off period for certain officials and employees, protest bonds, and disclosure of procurement-related expenditures over $50. Members asked about the scope of the cooling-off period and whether the bill covered ITD contracts; Raibald said ITD procurement is outside the act, while health and welfare contracts are included. The bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
House Bills 890 and 900, also by Raibald, addressed state property disposal and insurance claims. HB 890 repeals a vague surplus-property disposal section and returns the process to existing code with clearer deadlines and transparency, prompted by concerns over the ITD State Street building disposal. HB 900 creates a clearer process for claims of $100,000 or more on state property, including a confidential report, legislative review, possible separate appraisals, Board of Examiners resolution if needed, and public meetings if a claim leads to a change in operations or sale of property. Members asked how insurance proceeds would be used, and Raibald said they would generally return to the affected agency or dedicated fund to repair the property unless the property had been declared surplus. Both bills passed with due pass recommendations.
Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 1321, presented by Representative Heather Scott, which builds on prior transparency legislation requiring agencies to report agreements, MOUs, and contracts to the state controller. The bill sets a process for noncompliance: written notice, a 30-day correction period with a possible 60-day extension, and then inclusion in the controller’s annual report to the legislature, which could inform budget holdbacks. The committee approved the bill with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services REVISED Mar 2nd, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- take away that shield, and that shield right now is because if they're contract employees They're not part
- They could still be part-time. Am I missing that? It's just the opposite.
- You can't hire them as a contract employee, you know, on a part-time basis or a contract employee at
- all, either full-time or part-time.
- appreciate the time and effort that you've put towards shining a light truly that mental health is a part
Bills:
SB1328 , SB1380 , SB1436 , SB1558 , SB1572 , SB1651 , SB1805 , SB1831 , SB1836 , SB2014 , SB2023 , SB2044 , SB2179 , SB933
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
Keywords:
parents' rights, healthcare consent, minors, medical records, protection, legal guardianship, Medicaid, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, eligibility verification, death records, Death Master File, vital statistics, disenrollment, recoupment, improper payments, benefits integrity, public assistance, income verification, residency verification, incarceration status
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So part of the origination fee was to cover the ...to cover the new parts of the foreclosure as well
- The other part of the bill I would mention is we used to have federal dollars called half-dollar housing
- The other part of the bill I would mention is we used to have federal dollars called housing assistance
- It's another part of our foreclosure prevention work that we've been working on.
- And with that, we want to commend It's another part of our foreclosure prevention work that we've been
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on two housing-related bills. Senate Bill 6054 would prohibit common interest communities, including HOAs and condominiums, from banning fire-hardened building materials that meet health and safety standards, while still allowing reasonable rules on design, placement, and appearance. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help homeowners reduce wildfire risk without forcing any resident to make changes, and staff explained that it would apply retroactively to conflicting governing documents. Testimony was generally supportive, including from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Washington State Community Associations Institute, and HOA United, though the American Wood Council asked for narrower definitions so wood products could still qualify under other standards.
Senate Bill 5938 would revise the $80 foreclosure prevention fee created last session. Staff said the bill expands exemptions to include reverse mortgages for borrowers age 60 and older, chattel loans and retail installment contracts for dwellings secured as personal property, and limits duplicate charges in certain state-supported homeownership programs. It also removes the option to pay the fee from borrower cash at closing, allows financing through loan proceeds, clarifies disclosure and Commerce’s rulemaking authority, and directs Commerce and the Housing Finance Commission to study creating a state homeowner assistance fund by July 1, 2027. The sponsor and supporters said the changes would stabilize foreclosure prevention funding, prevent multiple charges on the same transaction, and help homeowners stay in their homes.
Testimony on SB 5938 was strongly supportive from the Washington Homeownership Resource Center, the Washington Build Back Black Alliance, HOA United, and the Northwest Justice Project, with speakers emphasizing foreclosure prevention, housing stability, and the need for assistance for seniors, first-time buyers, and HOA homeowners. At the end of the hearing, the chair announced that the committee would likely take executive action on the bills early the next week and asked members to submit amendments by the stated deadlines.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- As part of our request, we are asking the committee to extend this temporary rule beyond sine die to
- So there's two parts to the rules governing thoroughness.
- So there's two parts of the rules governing thoroughness.
- So this second part, and we're really looking at page 495, excuse me, I don't know.
- I will just tell you, I took part in this process directly.
Committee:
Senate Education
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Democratic Leaders Media Availability Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So the governor, you know, has proposed using part of it for working families tax credit and part of
- it for... ...proposed using part of it for working families tax credit and part of it for small business
- And that is part of that enforcement mechanism, because that is a challenge.
- And I think this is part of how we keep ourselves from looking more like Russia than we do today.
- So I don't think that revenue increases are going to constitute the largest part of our budget solution
Summary:
Senate and House Democratic leaders opened the week by saying the Trump administration and federal actions are a major focus of the session, alongside a push to advance Washington-specific priorities. They said floor action had begun with bipartisan bills and that more floor votes were expected later in the week. Among the measures highlighted were the law enforcement masking bill, a bill regulating flock cameras, a bill on preserving access to preventive health services, and a bill on land banking for housing. They also flagged upcoming hearings on regulating large energy-use facilities and other committee work.
Leaders discussed several policy and budget issues. On revenue, they said broad-based tax increases were unlikely, but they were still considering targeted options such as closing tax exemptions, a tobacco tax increase, and a proposed millionaire’s income tax, with technical work still underway on the latter’s mechanics and offsets. They also said a payroll tax proposal was unlikely to advance in its current form. On affordability, they pointed to housing, health care, child care, and federal tariffs as major cost drivers, and cited bills on medical debt, preventive care, and public hospital support as part of their response.
Other topics included child welfare, where leaders said they shared concerns about protecting children and were working on follow-up legislation tied to the Keeping Families Together Act and DCYF’s identified critical incidents. They also said they were open to reviewing bills on accountability for public funds and NGO spending, and noted that WSU’s request for funding to cover student worker collective bargaining agreements would be considered in the budget process. On the masking bill, leaders emphasized that Washington law enforcement is not the target and said the bill includes a private right of action because federal agencies may not comply; they described it as a response to federal overreach and said it was likely to move in committee soon. They also mentioned possible floor action on a firearms-in-sensitive-places bill, and said victim-protection bills and a 0.05 BAC bill were among other notable measures under discussion.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 14, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- January 3, 2025 of the following member January 3, 2025 of the following member on<00:12:16.639><c> part
- 12:17.440><c> to</c><00:12:17.680><c> the</c><00:12:17.839><c> board</c><00:12:18.000><c> of</c> on part
- of the house to the board of on part of the house to the board of trustees<00:12:18.880><c> of</c><00
- the</c><00:12:39.200><c> house</c><00:12:39.519><c> to</c><00:12:39.680><c> the</c> members on the part
- of the house to the members on the part of the house to the Congressional<00:12:40.399><c> Executive
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- The city that we pay income taxes to, that we're supposed to be a part of, that we're supposed to be
- I mean, that's just part of human nature, unfortunately.
- I mean, they're New Yorkers, and Staten Island is an important part of New York City.
- I mean, they're New Yorkers, and Staten Island is an important part of New York City.
- So that's for that reason, I don't think you should leave New York to get part of the five.
Committee:
Senate Cities 1
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Cities 1 met on May 14, 2026, with a quorum present and Chair Erik Bottcher presiding. The committee considered a series of bills affecting New York City and related tax, housing, and municipal issues. Early measures included a neighborhood small business rent increase exemption (S.1451A), notice to community boards before locating transitional housing (S.3884), a solar and energy storage tax abatement credit (S.4272A), towing protection enforcement (S.4793), safety policies and training for correction and health workers (S.543?), and a proposal to create the city of Staten Island (S.8578). Most of these bills were advanced to other committees after brief discussion and voice votes.
The most extensive debate centered on S.8578, which would incorporate Staten Island as a separate city. Senator Lanza argued that Staten Island has long been neglected by New York City, cited past referendums and historical grievances, and urged the committee to let the bill continue through the process. Chair Bottcher and other members responded that Staten Island is an important part of New York City and discussed housing, transit, environmental preservation, and the City of Yes zoning changes; several members said they did not support secession but were open to continued conversation about Staten Island’s needs. After debate, the bill was defeated in committee.
The committee also considered an artist housing preferences bill (S.9652), a facade-work tax abatement bill (S.9559), a parkland discontinuance measure (S.9987), and a credit/debit card surcharge prohibition bill (S.1005). S.9652, S.9559, S.9987, and S.1005 were reported out after voice votes. One homeless shelter placement bill (S.5554) failed. The meeting concluded after the final votes and adjournment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- And so part two of the bill really covers that portion of it.
- And with respect to part one of the bill, it retains you know the emergency powers We<00:09:11.680><c
- And so part two of our Kona low storms.
- And with respect to part one of the it.
- I appreciate the language that was put in for part two.
Keywords:
immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Finance Committee in Session Mar 12th, 2026 at 01:59 pm
Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Can you comment on this and how this may affect the financial part of this bill? Yes, sir.
- That's the first part.
- And so I'd like to add that part in. And then down at the very bottom of page...
- And so I'd like to add that part in.
- There's another part, another amendment that I would like to offer that I forgot. My apologies.
Committee:
Senate Finance
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And our problem is that we do not have a state-supported program to encourage folks from other parts
- of the country and folks from all other parts of the world to come to our state and visit.
- office was sending out more visitor guides across this state, across this country, than any other part
- There's a lot of moving parts, and you have to understand all the different parts of it.
- But the part that isn't stated, the negative space in this unconstitutional proposal, is that a criminal
Keywords:
tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It looks like the exciting part is still in front of us.
- Republicans have been warning that this was part of Democrats' plans to remake the state for years.
- And I think that should be a big part of what we're talking about as well.
- And then the big part, one of the big parts about this bill is the ability to sue the city.
- So part of the income tax proposal included a funding mechanism for public defense.
Summary:
Senate and House Republican leaders used the media availability to focus heavily on affordability and to criticize a newly unveiled Democratic income tax proposal. Leaders John Braun, Drew Stokesbary, and others argued the bill would function as a broader income tax, harm small and medium-sized businesses, include a marriage penalty, deny loss carryforwards, and ultimately raise costs for Washington residents. They also said the proposal would do little to offset regressive taxes and would not meaningfully improve affordability. In response to questions, they said the bill was a non-starter for Republicans and warned it could contribute to business and household outmigration.
Republicans also highlighted a range of other bills they said would increase costs or worsen public safety, including proposals related to insurance, tires and 6PPD, textiles, local taxes, social media, cigarettes, and solid waste. They criticized housing-related bills on homelessness and camping near schools and parks, saying they could limit local control and expose cities to lawsuits. On public safety, they said Democratic leaders were not advancing Republican-backed bills on sexually violent predators, family safety, and related issues. Braun also said his bill on oversight of NGOs and suspected fraud had a good hearing and remained a priority, while Republicans said they were watching fraud-related bills and a SNAP-related bill on restricting purchases of unhealthy foods.
The leaders said they were holding listening sessions on the initiatives because they believe the legislature must give them precedence, and they said they invited both supporters and opponents to participate. They also discussed Senate Bill 602 on automated license plate readers, saying it had bipartisan support in committee but still faced concerns from cities, counties, and law enforcement. On the governor’s statement that he could not support the income tax proposal as written, Republicans said it showed there may be room for negotiation within the Democratic side, but they doubted Republicans would be included in those talks. No votes were taken during the media availability.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the addition, the new part that's proposed. unless, and then the addition, the new part that's
- And it looks like that part is being stricken. And I'm just wondering how smart is that?
- The part that I don’t like about the stricken language in my mind, and maybe I’m just completely dense
- “That’s the unknown part.
- That’s the part that I have a very difficult time wrapping my mind around, if that makes sense.”
Summary:
The House Health and Welfare Committee met with a quorum, welcomed Boise State nursing students, and noted a substitute member sitting in for Representative Egbert. The committee first considered Department of Health and Welfare rule dockets covering developmental disabilities agencies and residential habilitation agencies. Department staff said the rules were a comprehensive rewrite and consolidation to reduce duplication, improve clarity, and align related provider types under the same statutory authority. Members asked about physical restraint language, and staff said the definition was carried over from the residential habilitation chapter and was not intended to be more restrictive for that population. The committee approved the developmental disabilities docket and then approved the residential habilitation docket, which was described as a repeal-and-recodification into the consolidated chapter.
The committee then took up the assisted living facilities docket, which also was presented as a rewrite focused on consolidation and clarification. Most of the discussion centered on criminal history and background check provisions, especially language allowing new employees to work while background checks are pending if they are supervised by cleared staff. Representative Kaler argued the revised language weakened protections for vulnerable residents and offered a substitute motion to strike the revised subsection; after discussion with department staff about existing practice, supervision standards, and the need to preserve FBI background-check access, he withdrew the motion. The committee also asked whether the rules applied to memory care units, and staff said they do. The docket was then approved in full.
Finally, the committee approved a rule docket repealing the residential habilitation chapter because its substance had been recodified in the earlier consolidated developmental disabilities chapter. Members briefly discussed whether the rules would still be needed if the service were reduced in the budget, and staff said they would remain necessary so long as the service continued. The committee then introduced RS 33050, sponsored by Representative Redman, which would update Idaho’s midwifery statute to reflect modern evidence-based practice and allow licensed midwives to administer medications within their training and scope. The RS was introduced without opposition, and the meeting adjourned.