Video & Transcript : 'closed primary' :
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AL
Transcript Highlights:
- happiness are fairly disposed in closing happiness are fairly disposed in closing I have ever considered
- some of the reasons that I've closing some of the reasons that I've closing some of the reasons that
- we all know rural hospitals are closing we all know rural hospitals are closing maternity Wars are closing
- and you know maternity Wars are closing and you know maternity Wars are closing and you know we know
- and may even able hospitals some closing and may even able hospitals some closing and may even able
Keywords:
property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:45.519><c> pool</c><00:09:45.920><c> feed</c> county to provide a primary pool feed county
- to provide a primary pool feed for<00:09:46.720><c> any</c><00:09:46.959><c> live</c><00:09:47.360><
- Um, we have been doing a very close analysis of the data. We updated the data.
- >> That's much better than zero time, but even then EPA would normally give close to six to 10 years
- to six to 10 years normally give close to six to 10 years for<00:37:28.480><c> uh</c><00:37:29.599><
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1531, HD1, which would require the governor or county mayors to provide American Sign Language interpreters during official emergency announcements broadcast on television or the internet, ensure the interpreter is visible, and provide a primary pool feed with picture-in-picture so rebroadcasters would not need to add the feature themselves. Testimony from the Disability and Communication Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and noting that interpreter placement and size can make broadcasts inaccessible. The council requested an effective date of July 1, 2027 to allow implementation time. Members raised concerns about interpreter availability and emergency logistics on Hawaiʻi Island, but the chair moved to pass the bill with amendments reflecting the picture-in-picture recommendation and the later effective date. The committee adopted the motion, with several members voting aye and others voting with reservations.
The committee then heard House Bill 1880, HD2, which would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2027, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene, such as Telone. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that pesticides are already regulated at both the federal and state levels, with EPA risk assessments and state enforcement of label restrictions, reporting, and school-buffer requirements. The Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the bill, citing cancer and respiratory risks and arguing that safer alternatives exist. In opposition, Dole Food and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said Telone is important for controlling nematodes in pineapple production, that it is applied underground under EPA conditions, and that no comparable registered alternative exists for pineapple; they also said the bill’s 2027 start date is too short for growers to adjust. A representative from the Y Alliance for Progressive Action and Support supported the measure, citing statewide usage data and concerns about drift and chronic health impacts. Committee members questioned both sides about drift monitoring, groundwater impacts, alternative methods, and whether a transition period or research into resistant varieties could reduce reliance on the chemical.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/08/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, we're going to close the hearing. Thank you on that.
- Our primary agnostic to energy policy.
- 27:47.359><c> US</c><02:27:47.680><c> nuclear</c> really closely with the US nuclear really closely with
- </c> >> All right, closing out the day once again.
- With that, we're going to close the hearing.
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Berner, would you like to close?
- Carrillo, would you like to close?
- Dixon, would you like to close?
- Would you like to close?
- Ellis, would you like to close? I would like to close. I would like to thank everyone here.
Summary:
The committee heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 2026 on groundwater recharge. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting for recharge projects, codify long-standing CEQA exemptions for flood diversions to recharge, and add tribal consultation and other guardrails. Water agencies and local districts supported the measure as a way to capture high-flow water and reduce groundwater subsidence, while environmental groups and some irrigation districts opposed it, warning that the bill’s exemptions and broader diversion authority could harm rivers, Delta resources, and public trust values. The bill was discussed but not voted on because the committee lacked a quorum at that point.
The committee then took up AB 1577 on data center energy accountability, which would require monthly reporting of energy-use data and permit-related estimates of energy and water demand. The author and the Little Hoover Commission argued the bill would improve transparency, help protect ratepayers, and give regulators better information for grid planning. Data center industry representatives opposed it as duplicative, burdensome, and uniquely targeted, while local governments, environmental groups, and some utilities supported it or supported it if amended. The bill was later reported out with a due pass recommendation once a quorum was established.
Members also heard AB 2245 on a producer responsibility program for lubricant products and containers, AB 2170 on CEQA language-access and environmental review protections for overburdened communities, AB 2059 on rural transportation and VMT mitigation, AB 1808 on Western Joshua tree permitting and fee relief, AB 2182 on industrial energy efficiency program changes, and AB 2231 on streamlining two hospital projects. Testimony was mixed on most of these bills: supporters emphasized affordability, local control, environmental justice, or project urgency, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA scope, regulatory duplication, costs, and environmental impacts. Several measures received due pass recommendations and roll-call votes, including AB 2170, AB 2059, AB 1808, AB 2182, and AB 2231, with some members voting no or not voting and some bills left open for absent members.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not very close to any other school districts.
- Thank you. right to close or hit the button.
- All right, the chair recognizes Representative Talarico to close on the bill. I close.
- In closing, I want to make something clear.
- The portal is closed.
Bills:
SB 13 , SB 27 , SB 57 , HB1325 , HB1655 , HB3312 , HB5526 , SB13 , SB57 , SB207 , HB441 , HB591 , HB5019 , SB27 , SB843
Committee:
House Public Education
Keywords:
lobbying, public funds, political subdivision, local government, county association, municipal lobbying, registered lobbyist, Texas Legislature, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, government finance, county dues, state association of counties, sheriffs association, law enforcement officers, legislative advocacy, bill tracking, legislative alerts, Government Code Chapter 556
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session May 4th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.
- The chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.
- The chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.
- Chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.
- Chair is preparing to close. Chair is preparing to close. Close the roll.
Bills:
SR28 , SB201 , SB1379 , SB1525 , SB1966 , SB2112 , SB2170 , HB2749 , HB3262 , HB3265 , HB3673 , HB3781 , HB3040 , HB3076 , HB3369 , HB3982 , HB3462 , HB3465 , HB3521 , HB3796 , HB3800 , HB4095 , HB4298 , HB4316 , HB4338 , HB4408 , HB4454
Keywords:
alpha-gal syndrome, alpha gal, tick-borne illness, tick bite allergy, red meat allergy, meat allergy, dairy allergy, anaphylaxis, Lyme disease, public health, tick prevention, vector-borne disease, allergy awareness, May awareness month, Oklahoma Department of Health, outdoor safety, health education, research funding, minimum salary, education funding
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special family recitation of the Declaration of Independence by Senator Hamilton’s children. The chamber then adopted SR 28, recognizing May as Alpha-Gal Awareness and Prevention Month in Oklahoma and encouraging awareness, prevention, and research on alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne allergic condition. Senator Seifried also introduced constituents affected by alpha-gal. Later, the Senate heard a gallery introduction from advocates for victims of impaired driving, highlighting the toll of DUI-related crashes in Oklahoma.
The Senate then took up several House amendments and final-passage votes on bills. SB 201, clarifying that a teacher pay raise applies to certified classroom teachers, passed 47-0 and was advanced as an emergency. SB 1379, SB 1525, SB 1966, SB 2112, and SB 2170 also passed after adoption of House amendments, with SB 1525 and SB 1379 advanced as emergency measures. SB 1525 raised the threshold for contracting to host a conference from $25,000 to $75,000, and SB 1966 served as the annual omnibus highway, memorial highway, and bridge designation bill.
Among the House bills considered, HB 3262 increased the sheriff fee for service of process from $50 to $100 and passed 37-8. HB 3265 allowed a psychologist to make PTSD determinations for the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System and passed 47-0. HB 3781, a major insurance modernization bill changing rate-filing procedures for homeowners insurance and expanding the insurance commissioner’s review authority, passed 39-6 after extended debate over transparency, regulation, and market impact. HB 3040 expanded sex-offender loitering restrictions around businesses serving minors and passed 40-4, while HB 3076 authorized alternative teacher certification providers under OEQA oversight and passed 38-6 as an emergency measure.
The chamber also passed HB 3369, a deregulation and efficiency bill affecting fire suppression and LP gas inspections, HB 2749, which shifted an intergenerational education program toward a Medicaid state plan amendment, HB 3982 on fleet vehicle titling, HB 3462 creating a shorter residential-only plumbing licensure pathway, HB 3465 extending the Oklahoma Emission Reduction Technology Rebate Program to 2029, HB 3521 modernizing money transmission law, HB 3796 as an Oklahoma Insurance Department omnibus bill, HB 3800 as a roofing-industry cleanup bill, and HB 4095 modernizing the 211 hotline advisory council. Several of these measures drew debate over regulation, workforce needs, public safety, or fiscal and policy impacts, but all of the listed bills ultimately passed by recorded vote.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> HB1 1746 closes that gap responsibly. HB1 1746 closes that gap responsibly.
- ,</c><00:52:58.080><c> the</c> even even if this is once closed, the even even if this is once closed
- </c> closing an investigation? closing an investigation?
- </c><01:53:41.200><c> the</c> Seeing none, I'm going to close the Seeing none, I'm going to close the
- Um but his primary and everything.
Committee:
House Judiciary
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Employment Relations May 8th, 2026
Joint Committee on Employment Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- The University of Washington employs 54,347 individuals across three primary workforce groups: academic
- This slide highlights the distinction between two primary collective bargaining frameworks that apply
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Employment Relations met on May 8, 2026, to review goals and objectives for the 2027–2029 master collective bargaining cycle and to hear updates on higher education and Washington Management Service bargaining. OFM’s Jenny Sheehan outlined the state workforce, noting that most employees are represented, the workforce remains heavily governed by civil service rules and CBAs, and the state is entering bargaining under a constrained hiring and budget environment. She described the bargaining timeline, the role of the June revenue forecasts in determining whether targeted compensation increases can be funded, and the state’s goals of affordability, maintaining labor relations, supporting equity, and addressing non-economic issues such as AI use, leave, immigration-related workplace concerns, and union access in a hybrid work environment.
Sheehan also reviewed the 2025–2027 bargaining cycle, including the prior WPEA ratification issue and the requirement that tentative agreements be submitted by October 1 for financial feasibility review and possible legislative funding. She said the 2025–27 agreements cost about $1.2 billion in general funds and $1.7 billion total, excluding the later-funded WPEA agreements. In response to a question, she explained that paid family and medical leave is not bargained over directly because it is governed by statute and ESD rules. She then presented on Washington Management Service bargaining, explaining that only certain WMS employees are eligible to bargain, that representation remains small, and that current WMS contracts are handled through addenda to existing agreements. She also described interest arbitration for certain groups, including ferries and public safety-related employees, and said arbitration awards still must be financially feasible and submitted by October 1.
The committee also heard from Western Washington University and the University of Washington on higher education bargaining. Western described its locally bargained contracts, the importance of local bargaining for workload, tenure, grievance, and safety issues, and the impact of the state fund split on budget planning. Western said it has no state funding for student compensation and has requested inclusion of student employees in the wage base. UW outlined its large workforce and the different bargaining frameworks under RCW 41.56 and 41.80, emphasizing that state funding and tuition make up only a portion of its budget and that the fund split and health care cost increases significantly affect compensation planning. UW also highlighted its request for state funding for academic student employee compensation, saying rising costs are reducing the number of positions and affecting class sizes and the academic pipeline. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members discussed the upcoming bargaining and arbitration timelines.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG-CPN, EIG, EIG-TRS Public Hearings 04-16-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- mentioned in the language of this task force that the chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee having primary
- Standing chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee<00:03:28.560><c> having</c><00:03:28.840><c> primary
Bills:
HCR202
Committee:
Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Keywords:
Hawaii, renewable energy, task force, energy independence, cost savings, decarbonization, public utilities, stakeholders, clean energy goals, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection heard HCR 202 HD2, a resolution creating a task force to study Hawaii’s electric generation mix and related costs. Testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office was neutral and stood on written comments, while another testifier supported the resolution, emphasizing affordability, reliability, and the need to understand the right balance of thermal generation and renewables as the state moves toward its 2045 renewable goals. The chairs said they had conferred on the measure and outlined recommended amendments, including adding study of the separation of ownership and control of generation versus transmission and distribution, and adding Senate committee representation to the task force.
The Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection committee voted to pass HCR 202 HD2 with amendments; the chair, vice chair, and another member voted aye, with one senator excused, and the recommendation was adopted. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee did not have quorum at that time and said it would take its vote later.
The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also heard HCR 165, concerning pickleball courts in Hawaii Kai. One resident testified in opposition, citing concerns about permanent lights, permanent nets, noise, light pollution, safety, maintenance, and the loss of multi-use flexibility. After discussion, the chair recommended passing the measure as is, and the committee said it would vote the next day because it lacked quorum. The committee also heard HCR 154 and HCR 43 with the Transportation Committee; HCR 154 was passed unamended, and HCR 43, which urged raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary School for pedestrian safety, was also passed unamended. Supporters of HCR 43 described heavy pedestrian traffic, schoolchildren crossing, and unsafe vehicle turning patterns at the intersections. The Transportation Committee adopted both recommendations, while the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee scheduled its votes for the following day.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 6th, 2026 at 08:32 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The government utilized the Indian Health Service as a primary channel for the practice.
- The government utilized the Indian Health Service as a primary channel for these practices.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- care provider before entering into or renewing a contract: the contact information for the carrier's primary
- On the right is just a chart of the primary diagnoses that we see, though I will say there's a very broad
Summary:
The House Health Care and Wellness Committee met at policy cutoff and first took up executive session on four bills. It considered a proposed substitute for HB 1589 on health carrier contracting practices, which would require carriers to provide providers advance notice and clean copies of contract changes and payment methodologies, and would also add notice requirements for significant payer contract modifications. The committee also considered HB 2402 on phthalates in IV solution containers and tubing, with a substitute delaying implementation dates and creating shortage and FDA-related exemptions. HB 2555, concerning Medicaid coverage of traditional health care practices, and HB 2685, concerning tribal data and disease reporting to tribal health jurisdictions, were also before the committee. HB 2599 was deferred. The committee reported HB 1589, HB 2402, HB 2555, and HB 2685 out of committee with do pass recommendations, with recorded votes showing some members voting no or no without recommendation on the more contested bills.
The committee then held a work session on private duty nursing in the Medically Intensive Children’s Program. Health Care Authority and DSHS staff described how the program serves children with complex medical needs through managed care and fee-for-service pathways, the role of prior authorization and medical necessity review, and the ongoing shortage of nursing staff. They said many approved hours are not filled, especially in rural areas, and that family members often provide unpaid care to fill gaps. Committee members asked about the structure of the children’s and adult PDN programs and about how many authorized hours are actually being served.
The committee also heard testimony from a home care agency representative and a parent caregiver, both of whom described severe staffing shortages and the burden on families when nursing shifts go unfilled. They supported models that would allow trusted family caregivers to be paid for some of the skilled care they already provide. The committee then heard examples from Montana and Massachusetts of similar family caregiver or complex care assistant programs. Montana described its pediatric complex care assistant model as a gap-filling service with prior authorization and a set hourly rate, while Massachusetts outlined its complex care assistant program, including training, supervision, wage pass-through requirements, and early growth in participation. The meeting concluded after the work session.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Our primary focus is to help folks understand how to come up with feasible projects, as well as to help
- Our primary focus is to help folks understand how to come up with feasible projects, as well as to help
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government heard staff briefings, sponsor testimony, and public testimony on three bills. Senate Bill 6242 would require counties to enter shared stewardship agreements with federal land managers, such as the U.S. Forest Service, to maintain fuel breaks along roads on federally owned land and include revenue-sharing for timber sales. Sponsor Senator Braun said the bill is intended to improve wildfire prevention, protect transportation corridors, and create a possible funding source for rural counties. County representatives supported the concept but noted concerns about the bill’s timber-revenue condition and whether it could be enforced if a federal agency declined to agree.
Senate Bill 6211 would remove the voter-approval requirement for real estate excise tax 2 (REET 2) in counties and cities that voluntarily plan under the Growth Management Act, aligning them with jurisdictions that are required to fully plan. Supporters, including the City of Walla Walla and the Association of Washington Cities, said the bill would create fairness and consistency and provide local governments with more tools for capital projects such as sidewalks, ADA improvements, transportation, and utilities. Opponents from Washington Realtors and Washington Citizens Against Unfair Taxes argued the bill would raise housing costs and eliminate voter approval for a tax increase. The committee also heard concerns about property values and whether the bill would affect home prices or local tax burdens.
Senate Bill 6234 would prohibit cities, counties, and water-sewer districts from banning sewage grinder pumps for new residential buildings in certain situations where gravity sewer is impractical, such as steep terrain, low-lying lots, or long distances from sewer lines. The sponsor said the bill is meant to help infill development and housing production in urban growth areas by making a lower-cost sewer connection option available. Cities and sewer districts testified that grinder pumps are already allowed in many cases, but they opposed the bill’s prescriptive language and preemption of local standards, citing long-term maintenance, operational, and ratepayer concerns. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (04/22/2025)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We're involved in two primary contexts.
- </c> close to full compensation. close to full compensation. do<01:30:26.320><c> either</c><01:30:27.120
- What if we close that gap a little bit, moving it to 60 at 50%?
- I think it's fairly close.
- You know that it was it was closed. Yep.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Gates, you're recognized to close the bill. I waive close, sir. Thank you.
- And with that, members, I close. And with that, members, I close. Thank you.
- Seeing none, Senator Martin, you're recognized to close. I'll waive close.
- Seeing none, Senator Martin, you're recognized to close. I'll waive close.
- Seeing none, Senator Martin, you're recognized to close. I'll waive close.
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee heard and approved several criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 646 would allow drug-testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect adulterants in drugs; it passed unanimously after testimony from the sponsor and supporters describing overdose deaths and the value of early warning. SB 442 would extend the return period for warrants involving digital evidence from 45 days to one year, with prosecutors and law enforcement supporting the change because of encryption, device backlogs, and large volumes of child exploitation evidence; it also passed unanimously. SB 418 would require autism-related law enforcement training and create a Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism; it passed unanimously after supportive testimony from law enforcement and disability advocates. SB 132 would create a statewide database and instructions to help people determine eligibility for restoration of voting rights; it passed unanimously, with discussion about simplifying access to records and eligibility information. SB 748 would require sentencing score sheets to include notice about voting-rights restoration and ensure defendants receive a copy; it passed unanimously. SB 1734 would recognize juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under state law and extend related training, certification, and benefits; it passed unanimously. SB 1660 would designate June as Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month; it passed unanimously. SB 1742, as amended by a delete-all amendment, would replace an older offense with a new crime of indecent exposure of sexual organs to a minor; the amendment and bill passed unanimously. SB 1750 would expand and tighten career offender registration requirements, and SB 1332, a similar career-offender registration bill later corrected on the agenda, also passed unanimously after a question about empirical evidence for registry effectiveness. Both bills were supported by FDLE and sheriffs' groups.
The most extensive debate centered on SB 1326, which would eliminate Florida’s traditional insanity defense and replace it with a defense based on lack of culpable mental state caused by mental disease or defect, while also changing competency and sentencing provisions. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect the public from violent offenders with serious mental illness and to close gaps that can leave dangerous people under-supervised. Opponents, including criminal defense advocates and some senators, warned that the bill could leave acquitted defendants without treatment, reduce judicial discretion, raise reliability and cost concerns over malingering assessments, and potentially worsen public safety by pushing more mentally ill people into prison without adequate care. Despite those objections, the bill passed on a divided vote. Near the end of the meeting, the chair also corrected an earlier mix-up and moved SB 1750 to the next committee hearing after a motion to reconsider, while SB 1332 was taken up and reported favorably.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- So, in closing, my sincere request, my urgent request, my respectful request to this committee, both
- So on people who had been paying about $1,800 a month, now they were trying to jack them up to close
- They are only interested in one property and are highly motivated to get to the closing table.
- My mother works close to 60 hours a week to afford housing, and that's just not right.
- I was the primary breadwinner of the household through my job at Encore Boston Harbor.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Housing
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement.
Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human Services Committee May 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So that is something that this council is watching closely. DOCR is an active member.
- I work very closely with my team, and everything is accessible because we have a plan.
- We then sent a reminder email on April 20th, and the survey closed on May 8th.
- We then sent a reminder email on April 20th, and the survey closed on May 8th.
- Pretty close. Yeah. And sometimes I forget these reports.
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.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Sep 2nd, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The primary one removing ethylene dibromide is granular activated carbon.
- But that does close on. The 26th. We have had a couple of stakeholder meetings.
- Our primary Partners on this have been New Mexico Tech. Okay, interesting.
- They're gonna get the heck out of town once they've closed this down and closed the door on their liability
- Water disposal wells close to underground sources of drinking water.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The Department of Agriculture appreciates the intent and offers comments, in particular on the primary
- The Department of Agriculture appreciates the intent and offers comments, in particular on the primary
- ><c> or</c><00:10:34.560><c> it</c><00:10:34.680><c> would</c><00:10:34.880><c> be</c> we' have it close
- </c><00:31:04.960><c> with</c> U we'll be working more closely with U we'll be working more closely with
- </c> working very hard and very closely working very hard and very closely across<00:37:56.760><c> departments
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed.
Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted.
The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families.
Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma Education Commission Apr 30th, 2026
Oklahoma Education Commission
Transcript Highlights:
- The rooms are very close together. I'm looking forward to it. I think it's going to be great.
- It was close to $700,000. And that's right in front of it. I think close to $700,000.
- So I'm calling the primary help to maybe think about a tool That might serve as that pipeline, as that
Committee:
House Oklahoma Education Commission
Summary:
The commission met with a quorum and introduced Brett Farley, who was discussed as a possible partner to help strengthen the nonprofit side of the commission’s work. Members also welcomed a new participant, Naomi Janes of Owasso Public Schools, who described her role in instructional technology and AI integration. The group spent much of the meeting on planning for the upcoming AI symposium, including venue logistics, room and meal costs, audio-visual expenses, fundraising progress, keynote and vendor participation, and ideas for breakout sessions and after-hours demonstrations. Members discussed keeping attendee contact information private unless permission is obtained, and they also considered future regional meetings and year-round follow-up to sustain momentum beyond the symposium.
A major portion of the meeting focused on legislation and grant strategy. Michael provided an update on House Bill 1782, saying floor amendments had been filed and that the bill now includes authority for agencies to pursue gifts and donations, an expanded advisory council, broader research purposes, and a fund structure that can support multi-year projects without fiscal-year pressure. He also reviewed Senate Bill 1734, which would require parental disclosure, allow opt-outs, and require reporting on data minimization and privacy compliance for AI tools used in schools. Members discussed how the commission could help schools, families, and the public understand AI policy and how the new law might shape future recommendations.
The group also reviewed several grant efforts. Anna reported on the NSF TechABLE/AI HubZone proposal, a three-year, $1 million-per-year opportunity with a June 15 letter-of-intent deadline and July 15 full proposal deadline, and noted plans to include staff positions to support the project. She also updated the group on a rural health care transformation proposal of roughly $700,000 and asked for follow-up on its status. In addition, Anna outlined a broader K-20 pipeline concept centered on a shared learner record and microcredential system that would connect K-12, CareerTech, higher education, libraries, and workforce systems, with tools such as Career Coach and Skill of Eye to link credentials to jobs. Members generally supported the idea, noting benefits for transcript portability, special populations, teacher certification, and workforce alignment. The commission agreed to meet again on June 14 at 1:00 p.m., and the meeting adjourned after a brief announcement of an informal AI book club for the summer.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Apr 21st, 2026 at 08:25 am
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I thought we'd get close, maybe August, maybe September.
- I thought we'd get close, maybe August, maybe September.
- As John talked about, in the '90s we were a cleanup and closed-down site, and the federal government
- We take safety as a primary purpose.
Committee:
Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee