Transcript Highlights:

• And he has been an incredible part of my office this session.
• Does this amendment eliminate the community input part of the planning? Senator Martin.
• This should be part of it. We need to is coming back. Right. You're coming back.
• This should be part of it. We need to look at it.
• There are parts of my district where that's still probably the case.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Which part are you talking about? Could you clarify? Yes, sir.
• And I do really appreciate that aspect of it, of the unification part with the family.
• And I do really appreciate that aspect of it, of the unification part with the family.
• This is a part of the Make America Healthy Again.
• This is a part of the make America healthy again.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I am going to stand engaged as part of this transition.
• But I am going to stay engaged as part of this transition.
• But I am going to stay engaged as part of this transition.
• of that committee, and someone external as part of that committee.
• of that committee, and someone external as part of that committee.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so I get that part.
• So the first part of the bill works on definitions of anti-steering.
• So the first part of the bill works on definitions. nation.
• So is there any part from the MHA standpoint, any part or language in this bill that you do like?
• Part of our concern is the way that the bill is drafted.

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that, as I understand it, was part of what was the issue in the Walker Montgomery case.
• And let me say this: part of what they represent is an educational campaign.
• </c> rule parts of it constitutional or not. rule parts of it constitutional or not.
• Interestingly, depending on which part of the in and look, that's been a learning process.
• Interestingly, depending on which part of the in and look, that's been a learning process.

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division A

Keywords: Judiciary, Division A (Part 2) - Room 409, 3 March, 2026; 4:15 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our cities and counties are part of these regional partnerships, right?
• HAP played a significant part in how we achieved these outcomes.
• HAP played a significant part of how we achieved these outcomes.
• So the point-in-time count, the unsheltered part of the point-in-time count, there's two parts to a point-in-time
• So the point in time count, the unsheltered part of the point time count, there's two parts to a point

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HAP) program, focusing on how state homelessness dollars are spent, what accountability measures are in place, and whether those measures are helping or hindering results. The chair framed the discussion around the state’s large homelessness population, the roughly $5 billion invested in HAP since 2018, and the need to balance transparency, performance, and administrative burden as the Legislature considers future funding and possible trailer bill changes for Round 7. Testimony from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Housing and Community Development described HAP’s evolving accountability structure, including regional planning, system performance measures, housing element and pro-housing requirements, encampment policies, and public dashboards. LAO noted that added requirements have lengthened the application and award timeline, while HCD emphasized that the program is increasingly directing funds toward evidence-based housing solutions and that public reporting has improved transparency. HCD also said HAP has helped move more than 90,000 people into permanent housing statewide and that the department is working to reduce duplicative reporting and improve speed. Local officials from Oakland, Alameda County, and Riverside County largely supported HAP but urged the Legislature not to overcorrect with punitive or overly burdensome accountability rules. They argued that homelessness is driven by broader housing shortages and outside factors, that one-time funding should be stable and predictable, and that metrics should focus on program-level outcomes rather than system-wide homelessness counts alone. Several witnesses described HAP as essential to keeping shelter, interim housing, and permanent housing programs operating, with Riverside citing a 19% reduction in unsheltered homelessness and Alameda citing over 6,000 people moved into permanent housing through HAP-funded programs. Members asked about point-in-time count reporting, fraud safeguards, federal funding threats, and whether accountability requirements should be streamlined. Some members emphasized the need for faster disbursement and stable metrics, while others raised concerns about data consistency across counties and the impact of federal cuts to vouchers and supportive housing. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with members indicating follow-up discussions and future budget negotiations on HAP accountability and funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you see that you're old, and I say that, I wasn't part of that.
• Do you see that you're old, and I say that, I wasn't part of that.
• Madam Chair and Senator, I am not part of the other one. I think it's a great question.
• And part of the issue was that we didn't own it as a state.
• In business administration, and she's part of the CAMP program.

Bills: SB211 , SB131 , SB183 , SB222 , SB246 , SB254

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: appropriation, local government, Las Vegas, Rodriguez Park, public facilities, zoning reform, building regulations, residential apartments, commercial use, multigenerational housing, local government authority, healthcare, urgent care, emergency services, feasibility study, medical facilities, physician training, medical residency, New Mexico, massage therapy

Transcript Highlights:

• So they just do it as part of their normal job function.
• And they said, nope, it'll just be part of what we do anyway. So thank you.
• So they just do it as part of their normal job function.
• And they said, nope, it'll just be part of what we do anyways. So thank you.
• They said, “Nope, it’ll just be a part of what we do anyways.” Great. So, thank you.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 19, 2026, and then introduced RS 32876 on human trafficking with an amendment. The bill would allow local law enforcement to submit human trafficking investigations to the Attorney General’s office, which could prosecute at its discretion. The sponsor said the measure is meant to help with complex interstate and intercounty cases and modeled it on the ICAC program; the motion to introduce the RS with the amendment carried. The committee then heard House Bill 489, which would add a sentencing enhancement for crimes committed while wearing a mask or other face covering. The sponsor and supporters, including several law enforcement officers and private citizens, argued it would deter masked criminal conduct, protect victims, and help identify offenders. Opponents and some members raised concerns about vagueness, unintended consequences, unequal enforcement, impacts on protests, religious or medical coverings, and the lack of an explicit intent requirement. A motion to send the bill to amending order failed 6-9, and the committee then approved HB 489 for the floor with a due pass recommendation by an 8-7 vote. After a short break, the committee took up House Bill 491, which would expand Idaho’s Good Samaritan framework to include mental health and suicidal crises and encourage bystanders to intervene without fear of liability. The sponsor described the bill as a response to Idaho’s high suicide rates and said it would support training and crisis response efforts; supporters from suicide prevention organizations and the public testified in favor. The committee then adopted a due pass recommendation for HB 491 by roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• They can utilize this for the enhancements that I will list in whole or in part in specific cases.
• So they just do it as part of their normal job function.
• So they just do it as part of their normal job function.
• And they said, nope, it'll just be part of what we do anyways. So thank you.
• They said, nope, it'll just be a part of what we do anyway. Great. So, thank you.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that is kind of the part that we left out that we're trying to fix, that loophole, that we need to
• We're happy to be a part of that conversation.
• Yeah, but I don't know that that's part of the fiscal note that we have. Okay. It's just...
• I mean, hearing from DESE and you, it sounds like there may be parts of this that can ease up.
• My other question is, are there other compacts, other parts of the country? No.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because it's kind of in two parts. Because if you would have asked me that question...
• Can I answer that because it's kind of in two parts?
• If I made just one follow-up, did you say it's a full-time or part-time psychiatrist?
• I believe it's a part-time one. I believe she's here today as well.
• They’re not included in our part of the discussion.

Committee: Joint Health and Human Services Interim Committee

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would guess the follow-up would be that there could be higher demand in some parts of the state
• I would, I guess the follow-up would be, I would imagine that there could be higher demand in some parts
• The second part of this is really digging into that transition planning.
• So as part of the classes that we teach in ECE, we do not teach reading or writing in English.
• So part of it is that.

Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's why we oppose this part of the bill.
• I wasn't talking about that part.
• Chairman, I appreciate the hearing to understand and to get to a transparent part.
• That's all the banks get beat up on is extending credit, and part of what makes...
• Well, we're part of the overall American economy.

Bills: SB231 , SB584 , SB600 , SB668 , SB841 , SB986 , SB1003 , SB1244 , SB1625 , SB1960 , SB1963 , SB1964 , SB2026 , SB2056 , SB2368

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Transcript Highlights:

• Admissions, but I think that's part for the course for every medical school.
• I have a lot of colleagues in the medical field that I represent as part of my union.
• Part of what I do is perform for the stage.
• Part one of the three-part United States Medical Licensing Exam, which is the most comprehensive one
• Part one of the three-part United States medical licensing exam, which is the most comprehensive one,

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service, with the motion adopted and the confirmation recommended favorably. Members then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded actuarial liability, and allows certain elected officers to elect a DROP accumulation; a technical title amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably as a committee bill. The committee then heard extensive debate and public testimony on SB 1710, which would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion-related policies, trainings, and activities in state agencies, state-funded contractors and grantees, and medical institutions of higher education. Sponsor Senator DiCeglie said the bill is intended to prevent state agencies and contractors from using state funds for DEI programs and to limit state agencies from adopting DEI-related official positions; he also said the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s breadth and how it would affect health-related grants, public universities, historically Black institutions, recruitment, and contractor training. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and inclusion; a few supporters said DEI is ideological, can undermine merit, and should not be used by state agencies or publicly funded institutions. After debate, Senator Polsky argued the bill was confusing, overbroad, and harmful to serving diverse communities, while Senator Arrington said it was an overreach into private business and could have significant fiscal impacts. Chair Fine closed by saying DEI is political ideology and that the bill is meant to ensure government focuses on talent rather than identity. SB 1710 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote, with Senator Arrington voting no and the remaining members voting yes. The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, and heard the sponsor’s explanation of a delete-all amendment that would expand and clarify state restrictions on dealings with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, including certain nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, and grants; the amendment was adopted, and the sponsor and a witness began answering questions when the transcript cuts off.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Funk, another good rural-urban addition from the northern part of the state, so welcome to
• Senator Funk, another good rural-urban addition from the northern part of the state, so welcome to the
• rural urban addition from<00:01:20.880><c> the</c><00:01:21.000><c> northern</c><00:01:21.360><c> part
• of the state so from the northern part of the state so welcome<00:01:22.680><c> to</c><00:01:22.840>
• Rainbow's GRE is good with amending the testing part of it.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:30 Introduction of New Members 00:53 SB 69 Discussion 01:24, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met for its first session and took up Senate Bill 69, as amended by a committee substitute. The substitute was adopted by motion and vote, and the chair noted that a fiscal note had been requested but not yet received, so the bill would proceed and the fiscal note would be trailed. The bill concerns equine dental care and related chiropractic services, creating a licensing and regulatory framework for equine dental providers and allied animal health practitioners. Senator Robin Webb, the bill sponsor, said the substitute made technical corrections requested by the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and the chiropractors association. She described the measure as a compromise intended to clarify scopes of practice, establish a credentialing/licensing board, and provide a legal pathway for people who have long provided equine dental services, especially in rural areas where veterinary access can be limited. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability, allow providers to obtain liability insurance, and preserve referrals to veterinarians for issues outside the defined scope. Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and Board of Veterinary Examiners representatives said the bill was developed through a working group, modeled in part on Texas, and would include continuing education, grievance procedures, and due process protections. Justin Tallup, an equine dental provider, testified in favor, saying the bill would not change day-to-day practice but would legalize and formalize it. He said the scope would be limited to floating and balancing molars and incisors and removing caps and wolf teeth, with anything beyond that referred to veterinarians. He also said certification requires formal training, case submissions, testing, and annual continuing education. Senator Deneen asked about sedation, and witnesses said sedatives would still be prescribed and dispensed by a veterinarian under a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship, with the owner administering them. Michelle Shane of the Board of Veterinary Examiners said the board supported the bill’s disciplinary framework and would defer to federal law on controlled substances. Dr. William Rainbow, a veterinarian, testified against the bill, arguing that equine dentistry is veterinary medicine and that the proposal would allow undertrained practitioners to work without sufficient standards, including a grandfathering provision. He said practitioners should have training comparable to licensed veterinary technicians and warned that the bill could leave horses vulnerable to poor care. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided, but the chair indicated time was running short and that a vote would be needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to that, we have invited key individuals to be a part of that discussion, to be a part of
• How are we calculated here versus other parts of the state? Sure.
• So as the managing entities, ...inpatient part, so they continued to do the assessments.
• So part of the challenge we have with the mobile response teams is education and outreach, and making
• But for the most part, under EPSDT, Medicaid is able to cover that.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s mental health and substance abuse system, with representatives from DCF, AHCA, two managing entities, and two providers describing how the state’s behavioral health network is funded and operated. Members focused on the implementation of prior legislative investments, especially the $50 million in recurring funding from Representative Maney’s bill and the earlier $126 million community behavioral health appropriation. Witnesses said the newer funds were used mainly for crisis beds, discharge planning, outpatient services, regional collaboratives, and a USF Marchman Act report, while the larger behavioral health appropriation supported CAT, FACT, FIT, forensic teams, residential and outpatient services, and crisis care, with most dollars going directly to services and only a small share to administration. A major theme was access to crisis care and the role of mobile response teams, 988, and central receiving facilities in diverting people from Baker Act admissions and reducing readmissions. DCF and providers said mobile response teams have expanded, are being used to de-escalate crises and connect people to care, and have shown strong diversion results and reductions in Baker Acts in some regions. Members also asked about waitlists, children in crisis, and how to handle people without housing or support; providers said discharge planning is individualized but often constrained by homelessness, transportation, and a lack of safe placements, and several witnesses identified housing as one of the biggest barriers to recovery and stability. The committee also examined provider sustainability, reimbursement, and funding gaps. Witnesses described delays caused by contract timing, cost allocation rules, and Medicaid reimbursement rates that do not always keep pace with labor and operating costs, especially for smaller providers and rural networks. DCF and AHCA said managing entities can provide advances, retroactive rate adjustments, and technical assistance, and that Medicaid managed care plans have network standards and complaint/dispute processes. Members raised concerns about a reported $7 million loss in federal non-sustainable funds, provider closures, and whether there is a formal ombudsman process for disputes; DCF said the federal reductions were known and tied to one-time funds, and that the department generally handles provider issues informally while working with managing entities to preserve continuity of care.

Transcript Highlights:

• that district's fungibility of the block grant has restricted their ability to move funds from other parts
• And on page three, you saw that Campbell one was part of developing the current formula, or at least
• And I'm not going to... ...say that got it over the finish line, but that was part of that work.
• We would love to continue this discussion any part in our district or school. Thank you so much.
• That's part of the external cost adjustment that will be done every year going forward.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What is, is that part of it?
• There's no approval required on your part.
• Again, that in part is due to better awareness of the program.
• So that is also in part a little bit of the reason for the increase.
• But a lot of moving parts, without question. Representative Neffi. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee: Joint Budget Section

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that part of it?
• There's no approval required on your part.
• Again, that in part is due to better awareness of the program.
• So that is also in part a little bit of the reason for the increase.
• But a lot of moving parts without question. Representative Neffi. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Summary: The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast. The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the state legislature, they were actually ruling on whether or not the legislature needed to be part
• I've been working in the area of public records for the Secretary's Office for the better part of the
• We keep receipts for the most part, I hope. Do receipts exist for that?
• I am able to be a part of the effort. I am able to be representative of their effort.
• That's being examined today is, in my opinion properly understood as part of this ongoing.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with committee chairs explaining the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions’ role under Article 48 and outlining the process for initiative petition 25-14, H5-004, an act to improve access to public records. The first panel consisted of subject-matter experts. William Clark of the National Conference of State Legislatures gave an overview of public records laws across states, noting that all states have some form of open-records law but that exemptions for legislatures vary widely. He discussed common legislative exemptions, legislative privilege, and court cases showing that outcomes often turn on specific constitutional and statutory language. Rebecca Murray, General Counsel for the Secretary of the Commonwealth, described Massachusetts public records trends, saying state agency requests and appeals have risen sharply since the 2017 law update, with 2025 setting a record for appeals. She said the initiative would extend the public records law to the General Court and the Governor’s Office and add exemptions specific to those offices, while also noting resource concerns from the growing volume of requests and appeals.