Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Walrus, Representative Ward Law. Sure. I can answer that for you.
• Representative Ward Law, you are recognized for questions. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• The next rules are the proposed amendments to the rules for cosmetology and body art in Arkansas.
• The proposed amendments are to comply with Act 484 regarding the posting of the National Human Trafficking
• the comments requested changes that would require a law change or noted issues unrelated to the proposed

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward, you may now open on the measure. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Ward.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward. Sorry, Zbur.
• Chair of the LGBT Caucus, Senator Ward.
• Assembly Members Ward, Rogers, Elhawary, Mark Gonzalez, Assembly Members Ward, Rogers, El-Hawary, Mark
• On behalf of Chair Ward and Vice Chair Cervantes, On behalf of Chair Ward and Vice Chair Cervantes and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're proposing is an area where the cats are put for the rest of their life.
• is is an landscape what we're proposing is is an area<01:03:56.760><c> where</c><01:03:57.240><c> the
• And also noting the excused absence of Representative Ward.
• Noting the excused absence of Representative Kush and Representative Ward, are there any reservations
• Again noting the excused absences of Representative Kush and Representative Ward, which will hold for

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Present. Lackey? Yes, ma'am. El-Hawari... Ward? Present. Lackey? Yes, ma'am. Al-Hawari.
• Good morning, Chairman Ward and members of the committee.
• Chairman Ward and members of the committee, good morning.
• Ward. Aye. Ward. Aye. Lackey. Elhawari. Jeff Gonzalez. Aye. Jeff Gonzalez, aye. McKinner. Aye.
• Assemblymember Ward? Aye. Ward aye. Just the absent. Okay. El-Hawari. Jeff Gonzalez? Aye.

Summary: The committee heard two education-related bills. AB 1572, by Assembly Member Alanis, would require the California Interscholastic Federation to conduct annual reviews of sports officials’ safety training and qualifications and create an online system for schools to verify certification status. The author and CIF support argued it would improve transparency, accountability, and student-athlete safety; one late witness opposed the bill, criticizing CIF policies more broadly. The bill was moved forward on a due-pass motion and ultimately passed the committee 9-0. AB 1665, by Assembly Member Pacheco, would require school coaches to complete a California Department of Education-approved mental health training course. The author and supporters, including a former athlete and representatives from hospitals, professional sports teams, and psychiatrists, said coaches are often the first adults to notice mental health struggles and should be better equipped to respond. Opponents argued the bill could be used to advance gender-identity policies and questioned the need for additional training. Committee members in support said the bill was important for student mental health and that coaches already receive other safety training. The bill was amended and passed the committee 9-0. The chair also noted committee procedures at the start, including limits on witnesses and testimony time, and welcomed the new committee secretary. After both items were taken up and roll calls completed, the committee adjourned for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward Engel King. Wintrow. Woodward. Ward Engel King. Wintrow. Woodward? Aye. Cedar. Side.
• Ward Engel King? Aye. Wintrow? Aye. The vote count shows 35 in favor, with none against.
• Ward Engel King? Ward Engel King?
• Ward Engel King? Wintrow? Woodward? Aye. Cedo? You have 60 seconds. Thank you.
• Ward Engel King? Wintrow? Cedar? Aye. Ciderveld? Galloway.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the March 11 journal and received routine communications, including notice of a temporary substitute senator and several committee reports. The chamber also received a gubernatorial message transmitting signed Senate bills and House messages on enrolled bills and new legislation. Committee reports moved a number of bills forward, including measures on finance, judiciary, resources, education, local government, agriculture, and transportation, with some bills held for amendment or one legislative day. On the floor, the Senate considered several third-reading bills. Senate Bill 1351, concerning state office vacancies and limits on reappointed gubernatorial appointees, passed 34-0. Senate Bill 1364, revising the expiration of temporary administrative rules, passed 35-0. Senate Bill 1370, amending the abortion trafficking statute by removing the word “recruiting” after constitutional concerns raised by the Attorney General’s office, passed 28-6. Senate Bill 1337, allowing limited flexibility for small irrigation district boards, passed 34-0, and Senate Bill 1339, replacing continuous improvement plans with multi-year strategic performance plans for schools and reducing reporting requirements, also passed on a 34-0 vote. The Senate also passed House Bill 576 on the Consumer Asset Recovery Fund, House Bill 731 on participation in the federal tax credit scholarship program, House Bill 591 cleaning up obsolete indigent eligibility law, House Bill 663 shifting agricultural license plate design authority, House Bill 543 updating retirement system Roth contribution language, House Bill 563 revising CPA licensure pathways, and House Bill 652 designating hunting as Idaho’s state sport. Senate Bill 1303, revising provisions related to renewable/sustainable energy resources and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, passed 27-8. House Bill 822 was introduced, and Senate Bill 1227 received House amendments that the Senate concurred in. The major defeat of the day was Senate Bill 1375, the fiscal year 2027 Health and Human Services maintenance appropriation bill. After extensive debate over Medicaid rate reductions, provider impacts, federal funding losses, and the use of reserves versus cuts, the bill failed 10-25 and was retained by the Secretary. The Senate then returned to committee reports, received additional House and Senate messages, and adjourned until 10:30 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:10:31.279><c> River</c><00:10:31.600><c> Junction,</c><00:10:32.560><c> Avi</c><00:10:32.959><c> Ward
• </c> of White River Junction, Avi Ward of St. of White River Junction, Avi Ward of St.
• The ayes do have it, and you have passed the bill in concurrence with proposal of amendment.
• </c> concurrence with proposal of amendment? concurrence with proposal of amendment?
• </c><00:21:07.360><c> of</c> the bill in concurrence with proposal of the bill in concurrence with proposal

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> genesis of this proposed legislation. genesis of this proposed legislation.
• I was not familiar with that, proposed.
• </c> in that instance, what we would propose in that instance, what we would propose is<01:35:11.320>
• Here to introduce HB 1535. represent Grafton 15, which is Ward 3 of represent Grafton 15, which is Ward
• I I was here last week, I said Ward 2.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I commend Senator Ward for taking some action to help us out in Claremont.
• And I commend Senator Ward for 292.
• ,</c> brought forth by repres Senator Ward, brought forth by repres Senator Ward, but<01:52:22.000><c
• Senator Ward, thank you.
• That's what I need to know. >> Thank you, Senator Ward. >> Thank you. Oh, yeah. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward Johnson: Here. Thank you.
• Ward Johnson: Aye. Eight ayes, zero nays, the motion prevails.
• Representative Ward Johnson.
• Thank you, Representative Ward-Johnson. Members, any questions?
• Thank you, Representative Ward-Johnson.

Bills: HB1397 , HB1886 , HB3088 , HB4187 , HB4229 , HB4230 , HB5032 , HCR6 , HCR34 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR74 , HCR75 , HCR80 , HCR86 , HCR93 , HCR100 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR6

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: Texas Constitution, Declaration of Independence, victory or death letter, display, historic preservation, lifeguard requirements, public beaches, municipalities, county regulations, exemptions, Parks and Wildlife, procurement, goods and services, revenue generation, Texas legislature, historical preservation, Texas Historical Commission, fees, nonprofit organizations, fundraising

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:40.760><c> Bill</c> phrases or terms in this proposed Bill phrases or terms in this proposed
• I've got lingering feelings about any proposal that makes that even harder, and a lot of the proposals
• We're going to ask William Ward, State Public Defender, to come forward.
• We're going to ask William Ward, State Public Defender, to come forward.
• Ward, for your comments. As you know, I sent you my bill beforehand.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• S.J.R. 1 by Huffman, proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail for an illegal
• S.J.R. 2 by Betancourt et al. proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail for an
• S.J.R. 33 by Miles and Cook proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain
• S.J.R. 34 by Hughes proposing a constitutional amendment protecting the right of parents to raise their
• Here's SJR 35 by Johnson proposing a constitutional amendment to repeal the constitutional provision

Bills: SJR1 , SJR2 , SJR5 , SJR33 , SJR34 , SJR35 , SJR37 , SJR38 , SJR39 , SCR12 , SB4 , SB40 , SB701 , SB702 , SB703 , SB704 , SB705 , SB706 , SB707 , SB708 , SB709 , SB710 , SB711 , SB712 , SB713 , SB714 , SB715 , SB716 , SB717 , SB718 , SB719 , SB720 , SB721 , SB722 , SB723 , SB724 , SB725 , SB726 , SB727 , SB728 , SB729 , SB730 , SB731 , SB732 , SB733 , SB734 , SB735 , SB736 , SB737 , SB738 , SB739 , SB740 , SB741 , SB742 , SB743 , SB744 , SB745 , SB746 , SB747 , SB748 , SB749 , SB750 , SB751 , SB752 , SB753 , SB754 , SB755 , SB756 , SB757 , SB758 , SB759 , SB760 , SB761 , SB762 , SB763 , SB764 , SB765 , SB766 , SB767 , SB768 , SB769 , SB770 , SB771 , SB772 , SB773 , SB774 , SB775 , SB776 , SB777 , SB778 , SB779 , SB780 , SB781 , SB782 , SB783 , SB784 , SB785 , SB786 , SB787 , SB788 , SB789 , SB790 , SB791 , SB792 , SB793 , SB794 , SB795 , SB796 , SB797 , SB798 , SB799 , SB800 , SB801 , SB802 , SB803 , SB804 , SB805 , SB806 , SB807 , SB808 , SB809 , SB810 , SB811 , SB812 , SB813 , SB814 , SB815 , SB816 , SB817 , SB818 , SB819 , SB820 , SB821 , SB822 , SB823 , SB824 , SB825 , SJR1 , SJR2 , SJR5 , SJR33 , SJR34 , SJR35 , SJR37 , SJR38 , SJR39 , SCR12 , SB4 , SB40 , SB701 , SB702 , SB703 , SB704 , SB705 , SB706 , SB707 , SB708 , SB709 , SB710 , SB711 , SB712 , SB713 , SB714 , SB715 , SB716 , SB717 , SB718 , SB719 , SB720 , SB721 , SB722 , SB723 , SB724 , SB725 , SB726 , SB727 , SB728 , SB729 , SB730 , SB731 , SB732 , SB733 , SB734 , SB735 , SB736 , SB737 , SB738 , SB739 , SB740 , SB741 , SB742 , SB743 , SB744 , SB745 , SB746 , SB747 , SB748 , SB749 , SB750 , SB751 , SB752 , SB753 , SB754 , SB755 , SB756 , SB757 , SB758 , SB759 , SB760 , SB761 , SB762 , SB763 , SB764 , SB765 , SB766 , SB767 , SB768 , SB769 , SB770 , SB771 , SB772 , SB773 , SB774 , SB775 , SB776 , SB777 , SB778 , SB779 , SB780 , SB781 , SB782 , SB783 , SB784 , SB785 , SB786 , SB787 , SB788 , SB789 , SB790 , SB791 , SB792 , SB793 , SB794 , SB795 , SB796 , SB797 , SB798 , SB799 , SB800 , SB801 , SB802 , SB803 , SB804 , SB805 , SB806 , SB807 , SB808 , SB809 , SB810 , SB811 , SB812 , SB813 , SB814 , SB815 , SB816 , SB817 , SB818 , SB819 , SB820 , SB821 , SB822 , SB823 , SB824 , SB825

Keywords: bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025

Transcript Highlights:

• I was transferred to Louisiana's Children's Hospital, where I was placed in their trauma birth ward,
• I was transferred to Louisiana's Children's Hospital, where I was placed in their trauma birth ward,
• I was transferred to Louisiana's Children's Hospital, where I was placed in their trauma birth ward,
• I was transferred to Louisiana's Children's Hospital, where I was placed in their trauma birth ward,
• I was transferred to Louisiana's Children's Hospital, where I was placed in their trauma birth ward,

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> proceeds and 60% across council wards. proceeds and 60% across council wards.
• And as you look at this proposal,<00:26:12.640><c> $275</c> proposal, $275 proposal, $275 million<00:
• each ward three people represented from each ward and<00:34:30.240><c> so</c><00:34:30.320><c> that<
• </c><01:07:38.880><c> on</c> part of the governor's proposal on part of the governor's proposal on um
• </c> so I think uh the model we're proposing so I think uh the model we're proposing is<01:39:59.920>

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward Engelking, welcome to committee.
• Janie Ward Engel King, District 18, Senator, and good morning. Thank you.
• Senator Ward Engelking, welcome to committee.
• Janie Ward Engel King, District 18, Senator, and good morning. Thank you.
• Senator Ward Engelking: Mr. Chairman and Senator, I've spoken to individuals.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee met on a Friday and first approved minutes from January 21, January 23, and January 26, 2026. The committee then considered several Senate resolutions for printing. RS 33059, a bipartisan resolution condemning political violence and affirming that criticism of government is appropriate but violence has no place in politics, was introduced by Senator Ruttee and Senator Taves and sent to print after supportive comments from committee members. The committee also heard RS 33130 from Senator Harris, which would require state and local governments and certain contractors with more than 150 employees and contracts over $100,000 to use E-Verify to verify employee work eligibility. The proposal included compliance steps and possible contract loss for continued violations, and it was sent to print. Finally, Senator Ward Engelking presented RS 33020, a proposal restricting facial coverings in certain public-law-enforcement contexts, with numerous exceptions for medical, safety, undercover, SWAT, and similar situations. She said the measure was intended to address public safety concerns and requested a hearing; after a brief question about law-enforcement input, the committee voted to send it to print. The meeting ended after the final minutes were approved and no further business was raised.

Bills: HB 2242 , HB 2446 , HB 2799 , HB 4502 , HB 2920 , HB 2790 , HB 5620 , HB 5060 , HB 5076 , HB 5080 , HB 5081 , HB 5128 , HB 5130 , HB 3847 , HB 5116 , HB 2969 , HB 4546 , HB 4202 , HB 5624 , HB 3964 , HB 4803 , HB 872 , HB 4775 , HB 4777 , HB 4961 , HB 5570 , HB 2988 , HB 4260 , HB 1375 , HB 5009 , HB 5411 , HB 5134 , HB 4388 , HB 3095 , HB 1387

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposal is not just a cost savings; it's also about fairness and accountability.
• And let me ...out of existence due to the subjective and vague language proposed here today.
• But again, I don't have a proposal or a solution for that.
• Kathy Ward, I’ve got you here on behalf of the SCJC testifying on the bill. Is that correct?”
• I think that Commissioner Ward has laid out what we’re asking for.

Bills: HB2242 , HB2446 , HB2799 , HB4502 , HB2920 , HB2790 , HB5620 , HB5060 , HB5076 , HB5080 , HB5081 , HB5128 , HB5130 , HB3847 , HB5116 , HB2969 , HB4546 , HB4202 , HB5624 , HB3964 , HB4803 , HB872 , HB4775 , HB4777 , HB4961 , HB5570 , HB2988 , HB4260 , HB1375 , HB5009 , HB5411 , HB5134 , HB4388 , HB3095 , HB1387

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Bills: HB2242 , HB2446 , HB2799 , HB4502 , HB2920 , HB2790 , HB5620 , HB5060 , HB5076 , HB5080 , HB5081 , HB5128 , HB5130 , HB3847 , HB5116 , HB2969 , HB4546 , HB4202 , HB5624 , HB3964 , HB4803 , HB872 , HB4775 , HB4777 , HB4961 , HB5570 , HB2988 , HB4260 , HB1375 , HB5009 , HB5411 , HB5134 , HB4388 , HB3095 , HB1387

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm testifying against HB 2790 because I can see my house on maps of proposed CCS facilities.
• Thank you for your time today to discuss this proposed legislation.
• The proposed legislation advances this reasoning and improves the process of receiverships.
• The proposed bill addresses this in two ways.
• This law that we're proposing in these amendments doesn't change liability, it doesn't change what you

Bills: HB2242 , HB2446 , HB2799 , HB4502 , HB2920 , HB2790 , HB5620 , HB5060 , HB5076 , HB5080 , HB5081 , HB5128 , HB5130 , HB3847 , HB5116 , HB2969 , HB4546 , HB4202 , HB5624 , HB3964 , HB4803 , HB872 , HB4775 , HB4777 , HB4961 , HB5570 , HB2988 , HB4260 , HB1375 , HB5009 , HB5411 , HB5134 , HB4388 , HB3095 , HB1387

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we have a motion made by Senator Ward, seconded by Representative Anoble to approve the agenda as
• Rep Sim Ward. I'm just curious.
• The department generally doesn't propose legislation.
• But we wouldn't propose legislation unless the governor asked us to do so. But we'll work with you.
• So, we have a motion made by Senator Ward and second by Representative Noble to approve the minutes from

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Freedom Account Oversight Committee met on March 27 and approved the agenda, adding a request for clarification on how the Children’s Scholarship Fund separates applications for the EFA program and the education tax credit program. The committee also approved minutes from December 30, 2025, and March 27, 2026, with a request that the March minutes include a link to the live stream. Members discussed the status of pending Legislative Budget Assistant audit reports on EFA and special education, noting the reports were still not released and would likely come later in the summer after review by the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund. A major topic was the EFA program’s administrative fee, which statute allows up to 10% of deposits. Children’s Scholarship Fund representatives said current administrative costs were under 8%, that staffing had been reduced through the ScholarVia platform, and that any unused amount is reconciled and returned to students at year’s end. Members asked for historical administrative-cost data and a written explanation of how the withholding and reconciliation process works. The committee also reviewed the distinction between the EFA and education tax credit funding streams and was told the two programs use separate applications and separate funds, though both use the same platform. The committee spent substantial time on assessment and accountability. Department of Education staff explained that EFA students may satisfy annual assessment requirements through a portfolio, a norm-referenced test, or the statewide assessment; only about 10 EFA students took the statewide assessment, while most used portfolios or standardized tests such as the California Achievement Test and NWEA. Staff described how statewide assessment data are kept separate by student identifier and can be aggregated for EFA reporting, and members asked for breakdowns by grade, test type, and school district. The department also discussed linking assessments through Lexiles and Quantiles and said it could provide a list of commonly used formative assessments in New Hampshire districts. The committee additionally discussed a possible PSAT addition to the state contract and the costs of the statewide assessment program. Another major issue was special education eligibility and services within the EFA program. Members questioned the rule allowing a medical certification of disability from a licensed professional anywhere in the United States as an alternative to an IEP-based determination. Department staff said the current system allows either pathway, that about 1,000 EFA students are identified as special education students, and that the program does not track growth or service alignment on an individual basis. Members expressed concern that the medical-certification route may be too broad and asked for data on the disability categories used. The committee also discussed career and technical education access for EFA students, noting that Senate Bill 491 would provide guidance and that House Bill 1817 would address access and funding issues, but that current law still allows EFA funds to be used to pay CTE costs. The meeting ended with a request for future agenda items and a decision to leave the next meeting date open until fall, pending further information from the LBA audit process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward Engel King changes her vote to nay. Senator Ward Engel King changes her vote to nay.
• Ward Engel King. Wintrow? Woodward? Aye. Cedo? Aye. Siderveld?
• Taylor, Taves, Van Orden, Ward Engel King. Mr. President, 60 seconds to extend.
• Ward-Engelking. Woodward. CETO. Ward-Engelking: Aye. Woodward: Aye. Cedo: Aye. Zuiderveld? Grow?
• Warding Coakling? No. Wintrow? Yes. Woodward? Sido? Mr. President. Senator Woodward?

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and moved through committee reports, House messages, and first and second reading calendars before taking up several bills on third reading. Committee reports advanced a number of measures, including bills on elections, public notices, parks and recreation, immigration cooperation, taxation, slow-moving vehicles, short-term rentals, private property rights, and directed blood product transfusion. The chamber also received House bills and transmitted enrolled Senate bills to the House for further action. Among the major floor debates, Senate Bill 1328 passed 30-5 after discussion about shifting legal counsel authority for the Department of Lands from the Attorney General to the department’s general counsel. Senate Bill 1260 passed 29-6 after debate over immigration enforcement language and whether the bill was necessary while related litigation was pending. Senate Bill 1345 passed unanimously to allow Idaho Tax Commission secure electronic communications through opt-in taxpayer accounts, with estimated cost savings. Senate Bill 1224 passed 35-0 to create exceptions for slow-moving farm and construction equipment when no safe pull-off exists, after concerns from law enforcement were addressed. The Senate also passed House Bill 583, 23-12, to reinforce the state’s short-term rental law and limit local governments from imposing special restrictions beyond generally applicable residential regulations; supporters framed it as a property-rights and tourism measure, while opponents warned it could worsen housing shortages and reduce local control. Senate Bill 1326 as amended passed 30-5 to require government agents to have landowner permission, a warrant, or exigent circumstances before entering private property, with supporters citing Fourth Amendment protections and opponents warning it could hinder law enforcement and raise constitutional issues. House Bill 528 passed 25-8 to clarify access to directed blood product transfusions, with supporters emphasizing patient choice and opponents stressing blood-supply safety. The Senate then reordered the third-reading calendar, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.