Video & Transcript : 'Washington State University' :
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TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Had 41 new state assisted fire starts.
- to another state for those military spouses.
- That's a, that's a vastly more than most other states across the United States. Uh, we have, um.
- state that.
- In this state and every police chief in this state and the Department of Public Safety.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Under current law, a deposit into our state savings account is effectively counted against state savings
- Five, State Administration.
- Not only are we a donor state, we are by far and away the largest donor state. Thank you, Mr.
- Variable revenue stream of any state government in the United States.
- And all the states in the United States, all the cities in the United States, we will be chasing our
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- the United States, Even terror attacks.
- We need the state of Massachusetts to loudly and clearly state that anti-Semitism is wrong and will not
- I'm at Boston University. I've worked at BU and lived in Arlington. Boston University.
- My dad, though gifted at mathematics, almost didn't get into Moscow State University because Jews who
- If this definition were to be adopted by the state of Massachusetts, it must be clearly stated in all
Summary:
The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 31st, 2026
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- And like Paul said, the state of Massachusetts is an aging state. I'm 58 years old.
- So there's plenty of money in the state.
- 463 million in critical state revenue. approximately 463 million in critical state revenue.
- England states taxis earnings at 50%.
- We were the first state... ...the first state. Yeah.
AL
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 12th, 2026 at 11:34 am
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- University.
- University.
- Too often companies look at our state. ...for development.
- : Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Alabama.
- license to legally practice in every other state.
Summary:
The Senate met on March 11, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest and page introductions, including school groups, prayer caucus visitors, and advocates for Home Family Education Day and Women in Blue Day. The chamber then took up committee reports and a large number of House bills, most of them on third reading, along with several resolutions and referrals. Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day, was adopted after remarks emphasizing the value of athletic trainers in preventing injuries and tragedies in school sports. Several other resolutions and concurrent resolutions were referred to the Committee on Rules or laid over under the rules.
The Senate passed a wide range of bills addressing economic development, public safety, health, licensing, and state administration. Measures approved included bills on the West Virginia Collaboratory at Marshall University, the Business Ready Sites program, volunteer fire company spending authority, the Load Forecast Accountability Act, funeral service licensure, work zone fines, biennial business reporting, correctional officer retirement law, the Right to Try Act, quick claim deed tax exemptions, an ibogaine drug-development grant program, aggravated vehicular homicide sentencing, 529 savings plan definitions, opportunity zones, barber apprenticeship, municipal and county hotel occupancy fund uses, criminal-record licensing standards, intimate image disclosure remedies, executor training materials, contempt penalties, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS information, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, capitation rate review expansions, convention and visitors bureau board membership, peer support services, cosmetology licensure compacts, natural resource police retirement, DNR fee indexing, ALS care services, the Neighborhood Investment Program, oil and gas well plugging and carbon capture-related provisions, DUI technical changes, abuse intervention program terminology, and a youth summer employment and career readiness program. Most bills passed overwhelmingly, with a few closer votes, including the Load Forecast Accountability Act and the DNR fee-indexing bill.
Several bills were amended on the floor, including title amendments and strike-and-insert changes. The Senate also debated the work zone penalty bill, with supporters citing worker safety and fatalities and opponents arguing the bill increased fines too much without requiring removal of outdated work-zone signs. On the energy-related load forecast bill, senators discussed the inclusion of provisions from Senate Bill 420 and concerns about coal plant utilization and utility impacts. After debate, the Senate adopted amendments and passed the bill. In most cases, after passage the Senate ordered the bills communicated to the House, and for a few measures it also adopted title amendments or made bills effective from passage or on a specified date.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy One - Friday, May 15 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- To the state employees, we absolutely owe you better.
- Missouri has been a state for over 200 years, and in another 200, we can imagine a Missouri state that
- Louis University. But really, all that is extra. All of that. Louis University.
- Charles County representation—10 state representatives and three state senators from St.
- This law exists in eight states and three territories.
Summary:
The House met on the final day of session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 126-0 vote. Much of the early floor time was devoted to points of personal privilege, with members and the Speaker offering lengthy tributes to departing colleagues, House staff, law enforcement, veterans, and family members. Several members reflected on their service, discussed the challenges of the session, and thanked staff in the chamber and across the Capitol for their work.
The chamber then took up Senate messages and committee reports, followed by several bills and resolutions. House Bill 2636, dealing with mortgage modification and related consumer protections, was adopted as amended and finally passed by votes of 142-1 on adoption and 144-1 on final passage. House Bill 2397, concerning water district dissolution procedures and related safeguards, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 129-16 and 127-17. House Bill 2576, a naming and designation bill adding observances and memorial highways/bridges, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 136-4 and 134-6.
The House also debated Senate Joint Resolution 95, which proposed creating a constitutional Show Me Prosperity Fund as a sovereign wealth fund intended to eventually replace state taxes through long-term investment returns. Supporters argued it was a forward-looking fiscal strategy based on compound interest and could reduce reliance on taxes over generations. Opponents warned that the state was facing near-term budget shortfalls and that locking money away could make it inaccessible during emergencies or when needed for current services. The transcript ends during continued debate on the resolution, with no final vote shown.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Dec 8th, 2025 at 09:12 am
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/24/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- passing this bill is in the interest of both the state of Arizona and of the United States more broadly
- Look at the state Department of Education.
- Rizwana B.V.G., and I'm a faculty member at Arizona State University.
- Step up, state your name. Two minutes. Mr.
- Research at the University of Kansas State of the States project also shows that we are one of ten states
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2134, which would create the Arizona Critical Infrastructure Protection Act to bar state and critical infrastructure entities from contracting with the People’s Republic of China or Chinese companies for access to Arizona critical infrastructure, and to prohibit Chinese-produced software in critical infrastructure. The sponsor and a witness from State Armor argued the bill was needed to reduce cyber and sabotage risks and to align Arizona policy with national security concerns. Some members questioned costs, overlap with federal law, and the Corporation Commission’s capacity, but the bill was approved on a 6-4 vote for a due pass recommendation.
The committee then considered House Bill 2051, which would require AHCCCS contractors, subject to federal approval, to cover breastfeeding and lactation care services and, under a proposed amendment, create a voluntary state certification for lactation care providers through the Department of Health Services. Testimony from lactation consultants, maternal health advocates, and researchers emphasized improved maternal and infant outcomes, access gaps for Medicaid families, and potential cost savings. AHCCCS and ADHS were neutral but noted implementation costs and the need for CMS approval; the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a 9-0 due pass recommendation.
House Bill 2700 would establish a 15-member technology-first study committee focused on assistive technology for people with disabilities, with an amendment adding appointments by legislative minority leaders. Supporters said the committee would help Arizona catch up on assistive technology, improve independence, and address staffing shortages and aging-population needs. The committee discussed the amendment and then approved the bill 9-0. House Bill 2800, which would increase penalties for knowingly lending a vehicle to a person with a DUI-related driving restriction if that person later causes serious injury or death, drew extensive debate over whether the felony penalty was too broad; the sponsor and family members of a victim supported it as a targeted deterrent, while some members raised due process and knowledge concerns. It passed 9-1. House Bill 2114, which would use motorcycle safety fund money for scholarships for rural and low-income riders and require at least one registered owner to have a Class M license before a motorcycle registration is issued, received supportive testimony from the sponsor, motorcycle advocates, and safety supporters; members noted a possible wording issue with existing endorsements, but the bill passed 10-0. The committee also took up House Bill 2127, a large special-plates bill that had been expanded into an omnibus measure; after discussion of a Kavanaugh amendment removing a duplicate Grand Canyon plate and withdrawal of an Alston amendment, the committee adopted the Kavanaugh amendment and gave the bill a due pass recommendation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So everybody's using the state system.
- So everybody's using the state system.
- When you redraw congressional lines, as if you were to redraw state representative lines or state senate
- other states deal with as well.
- The disclaimers themselves vary pretty wildly from state to state. Some of them are very simple.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Human Trafficking in Emergency Departments Task Force May 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I am your chairwoman, and I am State Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson.
- LaFASA is the state coalition that oversees all of the sexual assault centers across the state of Louisiana
- All centers across the state have emergency room accompaniment.
- All centers across the state have emergency room accompaniment.
- And so they’re funded with state funding from the state, as I mentioned, Act 662 earlier in the presentation
Summary:
The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into Louisiana’s sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andropont emphasized that the goal is a practical, transferable, survivor-centered protocol that can be adapted across regions and health systems. The task force also noted its timeline: use today’s presentations and member feedback to draft a protocol before the next meeting, then refine it into a final version.
Presenters from hospitals, SANE programs, and advocacy organizations described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s human trafficking policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, anonymous admissions, hotline and law enforcement reporting, and coordination with community partners. SANE and forensic nursing presenters described red-dot privacy alerts, trauma-informed interviewing, and the need to train all hospital staff, not just ED clinicians, because trafficking victims may present repeatedly or in non-ED settings. LaFASA described statewide advocacy and legal support, while Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread explained Louisiana’s juvenile trafficking response under Act 662, including 24/7 crisis response, relational advocacy, and care coordination for minors.
Members repeatedly raised the lack of safe housing, transportation, and placement options after identification, especially for adults, male survivors, and adults with special needs. Several presenters said that identifying victims is only the first step and that Louisiana still lacks enough resources for discharge and long-term stabilization. The task force also discussed the need for broader training across emergency departments, residency programs, nursing, housekeeping, maintenance, student health, mental health, and law enforcement, with members stressing that protocols should be clear, trauma-informed, and usable statewide. No votes were taken; the main action was to gather testimony, identify gaps, and begin drafting the statewide protocol.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Employment Relations Nov 21st, 2025
Joint Committee on Employment Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- We also bargain state employee health care under a coalition.
- In addition to the state employees that we bargain agreements for, we also bargain with some non-state
- Other employees that we work with through their unions are the Washington State Ferries, with about just
- So they have five, they have three groups at Washington Fish and Wildlife and two groups in the State
- Within the state, we have been working with who are working for the state, and last year we instituted
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met for work sessions on supplemental bargaining for Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) agreements in general government and higher education, followed by an overview of the collective bargaining process. OFM staff explained that bargaining for the 2025-27 biennium began in 2024, reached tentative agreements, was not ratified in time for the October 1 deadline, resumed, and ultimately produced ratified agreements in August 2025 that were submitted for financial feasibility review under RCW 41.80.010. Staff outlined the tentative agreements’ costs and covered employee counts, including roughly 2,500 FTEs in general government and 2,100 in higher education, with estimated 2025-27 total fund costs of about $22.25 million and $13.5 million respectively.
Staff then gave a broader briefing on how state collective bargaining works, including the bargaining calendar, the role of class and compensation review, the June revenue forecast, interest arbitration, and the October 1 submission deadline. They described the groups OFM bargains for, including general government, higher education, health care coalitions, and certain non-state provider groups such as adult family home providers, child care providers, and language access providers. In response to a question from Senator King, staff said the legislature requires bargaining for those non-state provider groups and has also provided interest arbitration for them. Staff also discussed bargaining priorities such as general wage increases, targeted classification adjustments, recruitment and retention, low-wage worker increases, and maintaining the health care premium split.
In executive session, the committee voted to keep the current co-chairs, Senator Robinson and Representative Couture, through 2026. Members also voted to recognize that the committee met twice in 2025 and to set the 2026 meeting schedule at two meetings. The motions passed without opposition, and the meeting adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Oct 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- SEPA applies to decisions of state, regional, and local agencies in Washington.
- We have a full agenda at the State Building Code Council update.
- Another study the bill asked us to do is to look at the feasibility of the state hiring state agency
- We're just starting to get some experience with that in Washington.
- Second, state energy and building codes have become more complex, and state requirements seem to be changing
Summary:
The Local Government Committee met in work session and heard a series of presentations on SEPA, permitting reforms, and building code implementation. Department of Ecology staff gave an overview of the State Environmental Policy Act, explaining its role in state and local decision-making, common exemptions, planned actions, and recent housing-related statutory changes such as transit-oriented development exemptions and SEPA appeals protections for certain local ordinances. Committee members asked about repeated SEPA reviews, cultural and historic resource review, and how SEPA relates to NEPA; Ecology responded that repeated reviews usually occur when proposals change and that programmatic EISs can help front-load analysis. Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections described how recent SEPA exemptions reduced residential review volume and supported more housing permits, and said the city is considering raising thresholds further.
The State Building Code Council provided an update on code adoption timelines and legislative tasks tied to the 2024 codes, including single-stair housing, multiplex housing, dwelling unit size, and temporary emergency shelter standards. Council staff said the content of the codes is largely set, but administrative timelines have been delayed, prompting a motion to postpone final adoption while pursuing ways to preserve the planned implementation schedule. Members asked about the timing of code changes and the impact on housing costs, and staff said the legislative topics remain on track for inclusion in the 2024 code package.
Committee staff then reviewed recent permitting legislation, including SB 5290’s permit decision deadlines and fee-refund provisions, later bills limiting pre-application meetings and clarifying that building permits are excluded from those timelines, and project-specific changes affecting middle housing, ADUs, lot splits, passive house projects, self-certification, transit-oriented development, and parking requirements. Commerce’s Dave Anderson reported on SB 5290 implementation, including guidance on permit fees, studies on staffing and statewide permitting systems, grants to local governments, and the first annual performance report, which showed mixed results and highlighted the importance of digital tools, clear checklists, staff training, and coordination across departments. Local officials from Issaquah and Kitsap County described their own process improvements, including code updates, optional pre-application meetings, new staffing, reporting systems, and a phased “Two by Six” review model in Kitsap, while also noting challenges from staffing shortages, agency coordination, and the burden of implementing multiple new mandates.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And because we're a rural state, we have the same issues as other rural states do.
- Possible an idea for the state to invest in both, in state government, and then also to share with city
- to invest in both. possible an idea for the states to invest in both, in state government, and then
- The state then matches that benefit.
- It is aligned with state priorities.
Summary:
The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models.
The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively.
Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Montigny: New Bedford State Pair of Mixed-Use Redevelopment.
- Montigny, New Bedford State pair of mixed-use redevelopment.
- Corrella State Forest Trust Fund. The Senator from the Cape and Islands, Mr. Sear.
- The state forest is no exception to that crisis. I hope the amendment is adopted.
- recent hydrologic and climate data to assess drought conditions across the state.
Summary:
The Senate took up a major environmental bond bill with amendments covering climate resilience, housing health, plastics reduction, coastal protection, fisheries, and related regulatory issues. Early debate included Senator Keenan’s withdrawn amendment to fund the Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program with $50 million, followed by his adopted amendment banning hotels from providing plastic toiletry packages. Senator Tarr’s amendment to remove the paper bag charge was defeated after extended debate over whether the 10-cent bag assessment functioned as a tax; a related floor speech from Senator Duner argued the fee would burden working families. The chamber also adopted Senator Fernandez’s ocean acidification amendment, which would aggregate ocean monitoring data to support shellfish, water quality, and coastal management, with support from Senators Sear and Driscoll. Other adopted measures included Driscoll’s Houghton’s Pond multi-use trail, Montigny’s New Bedford State Pier redevelopment and harbor oil-recovery provisions, Collins’s Commonwealth Conservation Commission later withdrawn, and several coastal resilience and housing-related amendments.
The Senate also approved a series of environmental and public health measures. Senator Moore’s rodenticide restriction amendment was adopted after testimony from animal welfare and conservation groups, with the sponsor describing harms to wildlife, pets, and livestock and noting local municipal support. Senator Lewis’s amendment directing DEP to study the feasibility of banning polystyrene was adopted, as was Senator Mark’s Massachusetts Climate Bank amendment and Senator Edwards’s carbon sequestration amendment expanding attention to salt marshes, seagrasses, and waterways. The chamber adopted amendments on equitable representation, improving indoor air quality, and a Douglas State Forest trust fund that would raise the entry fee from $1 to $2 for maintenance. Several amendments were withdrawn, including Collins’s urban coastal resilience commission and Tarr’s proposed Commonwealth Conservation Commission.
Housing and permitting issues were another major theme. Senator Driscoll’s amendment requiring local confirmation before a project is designated a priority housing project was defeated, but his related amendments clarifying the process and requiring consultation with the Housing and Livable Communities Secretary were adopted. The Senate also adopted Crichton’s amendments streamlining permitting for coastal resiliency projects in urban areas and creating a five-year pilot for nature-based solutions, as well as Tarr’s amendment adding dredging and sand placement to general coastal permits. Tarr’s amendment to revise the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund was adopted, while his later constitutional challenge to a landform-migration provision was withdrawn after he argued it could amount to an uncompensated taking. The session ended with the Senate noting only two amendments remained and then adjourning in memory of Quincy’s former mayor James A. Sheets.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning and welcome to Senate State Affairs.
- I'm the director of the Idaho State Lottery.
- The language in the legislation states that very specifically.
- And finally, the last two bullet points here, surrounding states such as Utah, Washington, and Oregon
- And finally, the last two bullet points here: surrounding states such as Utah, Washington, and Oregon
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee met with a quorum, approved the January 28, 2026 minutes, and was informed that Governor Little had withdrawn the reappointment of Estella Zamora to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights, ending further committee action on that appointment. The committee then considered and approved a rules docket from the Idaho State Lottery (IDAPA 52.01.03), which the director said was largely a cleanup and simplification effort. He highlighted changes to improve transparency around parent-company ownership, clarify draw games, simplify bingo paper language, and remove outdated or redundant provisions; the rule package reduced the text substantially in word count, paragraphs, lines, and pages.
The committee next heard RS 329-88-C-1 from Senator Brandon Shippey, which would grant Koenig Distillery a specialty liquor license allowing it to sell liquor by the drink from brands it owns. Shippey said the distillery is a small family business outside city limits, so it cannot obtain a quota-type city license and is at a competitive disadvantage compared with distilleries inside cities. He said the proposal was developed with input from ISP, Alcohol Beverage Control, and legislators who toured the facility, and noted similar allowances exist in neighboring states. The committee voted to send the RS to print.
Senator Ben Adams then presented RS 331-34, a revised public lands proposal. He said the change adds language allowing the acquisition of new rights, describing it as a minor adjustment that addresses concerns without creating new objections. The committee voted to introduce the RS. The meeting then adjourned.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the different states.
- State statute, you can't do any of these things.
- Please state your name and who you represent.
- In 2024, my husband and I escaped out of the tyranny that is next door to us in Washington State.
- While in Washington, we lived through 800 days of emergency powers at the hands of While in Washington
Summary:
The House Health and Welfare Committee first heard Senate Bill 1292, which would require prospective foster parents to complete 10 hours of basic training before licensure, replacing the current practice where most training is available but optional. Senator Brandon Shippey said the bill was developed with the Department of Health and Welfare as a middle ground between burdensome in-person training and no training at all, with the goal of improving foster parent retention and child safety. A foster parent testified in support, describing crises among new foster families who had not taken training. The committee moved the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and it passed unanimously.
The committee then took up House Bill 862, creating an Idaho Rural Health Transformation Fund and oversight committee for federal rural health transformation dollars. Rep. Jordan Redmond said the bill was intended to give the legislature oversight of nearly $1 billion in federal funds over five years and to ensure grants include sustainability plans. Members raised concerns about whether the state should accept the funds at all, whether committee members would be paid, and what happens when the money runs out. Supporters argued the bill was about legislative oversight and accountability, while opponents warned it resembled unsustainable federal spending and criticized the underlying federal program. The bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with three no votes recorded.
The committee began hearing House Bill 808, an expanded medical freedom bill that would make school and daycare immunizations voluntary, make the immunization registry opt-in rather than opt-out, and limit local governments from imposing medical mandates. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would protect informed consent, prevent coercion, and clarify that the Medical Freedom Act applies statewide. Opponents, including pediatricians, nurses, and school nurses, argued it would weaken public health protections, reduce immunization rates, and make it harder to track and prevent outbreaks. An insurer and other witnesses also warned that the bill’s language could unintentionally restrict emergency responders and public hospitals from recommending or providing medical care. The committee did not finish testimony and recessed, planning to continue the hearing the next day.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Tribal Relations, June 15, 2026 - AM
Select Committee on Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to make sure we had good citizens in our state in the United States.
- </c> that is a key priority across the state. that is a key priority across the state.
- state is like, "Oh, yeah."
- </c><01:42:05.040><c> state</c> but a kid in Washington state but a kid in Washington state is<01:42:
- I want us states in the nation.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The Department of State and were hired after 1984.
- </c> receive direct support from the state receive direct support from the state which<00:48:30.800><
- </c><00:48:52.359><c> financial</c> state by the state providing financial state by the state providing
- </c><00:49:23.559><c> really</c> many have had is does the state really many have had is does the state
- </c> me that they had approached the state me that they had approached the state regarding<00:59:58.280
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It also requires the Washington State Attorney General to indemnify and defend jails, corrections personnel
- This is a fairly, again, major shift in policy for Washington State.
- When we put out a bid, we said if folks want to build them in Washington State, they get a 10 to 15%
- When we put out a bid, we said if folks want to build them in Washington State, they get a 10 to 15%
- of Washington, this is not the level of detail that we put in state statute.
Summary:
The Senate Human Services Committee met on February 24 to executive a large docket of bills and one gubernatorial appointment. The committee first heard and then moved several bills in two packets. Topics included the Community Protection Program (SHB 1390), jail search policies for transgender and intersex individuals (EHB 1604), medically tailored meals (EHB 2211), limits on DSHS reviews of community residential service providers (SHB 2230), and a children and youth behavioral health coordination bill (2SHB 2429). Later, the committee also considered bills on foster care licensing and adult family homes (SHB 2505), DOC supervision of stalking convictions (HB 2510), inmate funds and indigency thresholds (SHB 2539), and transparency for residential habilitation centers (SHB 2350), along with the reappointment of Corey McNally to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board.
Most of the debate centered on SHB 1390 and EHB 1604, where Senator Christian offered numerous amendments aimed at adding restrictions, notifications, assessments, and delays; most of those amendments failed on party-line votes. On SHB 1390, the committee adopted only a technical amendment updating agency names and references, then advanced the bill to Rules. On EHB 1604, all proposed amendments failed and the bill was sent to Rules. On EHB 2211, an amendment to add a competitive bidding credit for nonprofit and small-business meal vendors failed, and the bill advanced. SHB 2230 moved forward without amendment, and 2SHB 2429 was amended with a striking amendment and referred to Ways and Means because of its fiscal impact.
In the second packet, SHB 2505 and HB 2510 were both moved out of committee without amendment. On SHB 2539, the committee rejected an amendment to lower the indigency threshold to $50, adopted an amendment allowing the threshold to be at least $100 and adjustable, and then advanced the bill as amended. On SHB 2350, the committee adopted a negotiated amendment requiring notices about residential habilitation center noncompliance to be emailed to relevant legislative committees, withdrew a second notice amendment, and passed the bill. The committee also voted to recommend confirmation of Corey McNally’s appointment to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board. Several bills were reported out subject to signatures, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.