Transcript Highlights:

• The Commission will be tasked with bringing together state and local governmental entities, as well as
• Under existing law, work on community and home hardening is guided through an array of state codes, regulations
• by the state and local governments, as well as guidelines from non-profit organizations, and here's
• You know, I want to just acknowledge the concerns that were stated, but just want to be clear.
• More than any other state. Many fled regimes. that punish free expression with prison or worse.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 971 Alvarez state parks property holding committee.
• AB 616 CLOSA State Library Parks Pass Program.
• AB 1145, Jeff Gonzales, State Highway Safety Report, do pass as amended. to limit scope of study to State
• AB 602, Haney, student code of.
• AB 716 Sharp-Collins State Agency Strategic Plan.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The issue we are here to discuss extends far beyond the borders of the United States.
• Of course, this alliance was all too happy to wield traditional state power as well.
• The United States Capitol, particularly by one or two of the witnesses at the table.
• The Washington Post and New York Times routinely receive the highest marks.
• Stanford, University of Washington were involved in helping Flagpost.

Committee: Senate Constitution Subcommittee

Keywords: censorship, First Amendment, social media, misinformation, free speech, government regulation, Big Tech, public discourse

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implications of government involvement in censorship, particularly regarding social media platforms and compliance with misinformation standards. senators and witnesses discussed growing concerns over the influence of large tech companies, like Facebook and Google, in shaping public discourse and suppressing dissenting views. A significant part of the meeting included testimonies from various experts emphasizing the dangers of the 'censorship industrial complex'—a term used to describe the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to control information flow. This collaboration is viewed as a violation of First Amendment rights, with calls for urgent legislative action to restore free speech protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Several states have moved to a state-based marketplace.
• At least six states already have added state dollars to enhance the federal premium subsidy, and states
• Several states have moved to a state-based marketplace.
• Washington is the first state out in 2021. Colorado has an option in 2023.
• Washington um is the first<00:51:56.960><c> state</c><00:51:57.280><c> who</c><00:51:57.520><c> is</c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in the state versus instances when people may have an out-of-state driver's license, implying that they
• may not be residents of the state.
• I believe it would be between departments, between state departments. That's state departments?
• So what the state actually contributes to all DAs across the state, but particularly for Baton Rouge,
• That equal time and energy put in.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 513 by Representative Young, which would regulate name, image, and likeness activity for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes, especially high school athletes. Young said the bill reflects recommendations from a task force and sets guardrails such as parental consent and prohibited NIL categories. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended. Members then heard several Senate bills from Senator Mizell and Senator Cloud. Senate Bill 233 would create a statewide data exchange compact to allow state agencies to share information more efficiently; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 300 would make various changes to the Procurement Code, including auction techniques, sole sourcing for consulting services in limited cases, and procurement process clarifications; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 303 would allow executive branch agencies to buy or share technology solutions with other states and use the federal GSA schedule, and it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 411, removing a 20-year lease limitation for certain Orleans Parish state property, was also reported favorably. The committee spent substantial time on House Bill 660 and House Bill 719, both dealing with district attorney funding and staffing. HB 660 would raise the state warrant amount for assistant district attorney salaries from $50,000 to $60,000, with supporters arguing it is needed to recruit and retain prosecutors; an opposition witness argued the state should fund both prosecutors and public defenders more equitably. The committee adopted an amendment making the bill effective only upon appropriation and reported it favorably as amended. HB 719 would increase the number of assistant district attorney warrants statewide, with most of the new warrants directed to Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, and Caddo; it too was amended to be subject to appropriation and reported favorably as amended. House Bill 596, which would have created an inactive well-feet assessment credit for oil and gas operators, was voluntarily deferred after concerns that it could reduce funding for the oil field site restoration fund. Later, the committee reported favorably as amended House Bill 802, which redirects existing revenue to watershed and flood restoration work in the Amite River Basin, and House Bill 940, which creates a task force and rules framework for law enforcement responses to unlawful drone activity. It also reported favorably House Bill 76 on coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications, House Bill 950 on consumer protection materials for seniors, and began discussion of House Bill 1028, which would require higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been pent-up energy.
• And that's a very serious deal, and it's something that impacts the entire state.
• Kupper said, we're one of the first few states... ...right?
• You know, if my state wins, I feel like I win, and I don’t like to lose.
• He said he believes the states are innovators of incubation and that it is on states to come up with

Committee: House House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee met for its first meeting, with members and staff introducing themselves and the chair outlining the committee’s purpose and expectations. The committee adopted its standing rules, including House-rule-based procedures for agendas and amendment deadlines, and then moved to a chair’s presentation since no bills were assigned yet. The chair’s presentation focused on what AI is and is not, examples of current uses such as transcription and image generation, concerns about misinformation, deepfakes, surveillance, job displacement, and the need for responsible governance. He emphasized Arizona’s role in AI infrastructure and semiconductor manufacturing, including data centers, chip fabs, workforce development, energy, water, and national security considerations, while arguing the committee should be innovation-friendly and avoid overly burdensome regulation. Members then discussed their perspectives. Several expressed cautious optimism, highlighting AI’s potential in health care, education, public administration, and business, while stressing privacy, cybersecurity, human oversight, and safeguards against misuse. The vice chair and others noted the importance of state-level policymaking and the committee’s bipartisan approach. No legislation was heard, and the meeting ended with the chair stating the committee would meet weekly and begin hearing bills as they are assigned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name and who you represent. Time is yours. Thank you, Mr.
• representing food companies in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
• in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
• She now runs a two-state million-dollar operation.
• But there are standard food safety provisions being used in other states, especially with respect to

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee opened with roll call, approved the February 3 and 4 minutes, and set aside House Bill 496 at the sponsor’s request for a later date. The committee then introduced RS 33187, sponsored by Representative Wheeler, which would create an evidence-based cardiac emergency response framework for Idaho schools, including AED access, staff training, and coordinated response plans. Wheeler cited a real-life school cardiac incident and said the American Heart Association supports the concept; the committee voted to introduce the RS. The committee next heard House Bill 526 from Representative Ehlers on cottage food operations. The bill would allow small sellers with annual sales of $5,000 or less to sell certain time- and temperature-controlled foods, such as ice cream, bacon, and salsa, under cottage food rules rather than requiring commercial kitchen inspections and permits. Ehlers said the measure is intended to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs while keeping labeling requirements in place, including contact information, home-kitchen disclosure, and allergen warnings. Elizabeth Criner of Food Northwest testified in opposition to the bill as drafted, saying the current cottage food rules are designed for shelf-stable products and that expanding to time- and temperature-controlled foods raises food safety concerns. She also said the bill was unclear about whether existing labeling and safety rules would still apply, especially for allergens. Committee members asked about allergen labeling, the $5,000 threshold, and consumer responsibility. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to send House Bill 526 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned and announced it would meet again the next day at 8:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• and contributed greatly to this state.
• Entities into their states.
• First of all, I'm just curious: how many spaceports, how many states in the United States have spaceports
• Basically, at the state level and in regard to property tax, we, the state, break down the different
• representative telling other parts of the state.

Committee: House House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill creates a pathway for the state to identify and prioritize strategic clean energy and critical
• I think it is clean energy. It can't be used... ...carbon capture. I think it is clean energy.
• Madam Chair and Member, Scott Wedget on behalf of the California State Pipe Trades Council, the State
• creating jobs in the state.
• , regardless of their zip code.

Summary: The committee heard several energy-related bills. AB 710 would require investor-owned utilities to share critical circuit and grid information with local and tribal governments and community choice aggregators to help plan microgrids for resilience during PSPS events and wildfires. Supporters from counties and cities said better data sharing is needed to develop microgrids for critical facilities; PG&E and SDG&E opposed the bill as drafted, citing privacy and grid-security concerns, though SDG&E said amendments may address some issues. Members generally supported the bill’s goal, and the author accepted committee amendments. AB 2182 would restructure the CPUC’s industrial energy efficiency program so industrial customers’ funds are used for industrial projects, with less review and more focus on projects that reduce transmission and distribution needs. Support came from large energy users, with members praising the bill’s ratepayer protections and asking about caps, agriculture, and carbon capture; the author said agriculture could participate and carbon capture was removed from the bill. AB 2589 would require utility federal tax savings to be returned to ratepayers, building on prior legislation; it drew little debate and no opposition on the record. The committee also heard AB 2163, which would create strategic clean energy and critical mineral development zones, especially to support geothermal and lithium development in places like Imperial County and the Salton Sea. Supporters emphasized jobs, domestic supply chains, and state competitiveness, while some members raised questions about whether other zero-carbon resources should be included; the author said the bill could be receptive to those ideas. AB 2505 would allow hydrogen refueling stations to use dedicated utility meters and service lines, with supporters from the hydrogen industry and labor. AB 1577 would require data centers to report energy and water-use information to the Energy Commission and local planners; supporters said it would protect ratepayers and communities, while industry groups opposed the bill as too broad and duplicative, though they welcomed amendments narrowing the scope and adding trade-secret protections. AB 2065 would impose penalties on utilities that seek to recover prohibited or double-counted costs from ratepayers, and AB 2516 would create a California Grid Manufacturing Initiative to reduce equipment costs and expand in-state manufacturing; both drew strong support and some concerns about overreach and implementation. Finally, AB 2647 would direct the Energy Commission to study advanced nuclear’s role in meeting California’s electricity needs, with testimony in support from nuclear advocates and academics; the hearing ended before any final votes were taken, with several motions pending quorum.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seven states are redistricting now in the middle of a decade, some blue states, some red states.
• I am not advocating for us to redraw our state Senate or state House maps.
• Should you start at the top of the state, at the bottom of the state, or in the middle of the state?
• Florida has become more of a red state and less of a purple state.
• States of America.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D, later substituted with House Bill 1D, both establishing Florida’s congressional districts. The sponsor, Senator Gates, explained that the Governor had transmitted a proposed redistricting plan on short notice and argued that mid-decade congressional redistricting is legally permissible, citing population growth and the Governor’s view that race-based provisions in the Fair Districts Amendment are unconstitutional. He repeatedly said the Legislature was not being asked to prove the Governor’s legal theory, only to consider the proposal, and noted that no amendments were offered. A lengthy question-and-answer period followed, with senators raising concerns about the rushed process, lack of statewide public hearings, and the map’s effects on minority communities, compactness, communities of interest, and partisan fairness. Senators questioned whether the map cracked Latino and Black communities, whether partisan data was used, whether the Governor’s office had outside consultants, and whether the plan complied with the Florida Constitution, the Fair Districts Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act. Gates generally deferred on legal conclusions, said the Governor’s representatives had testified the map was race-neutral and used political data only as one factor, and emphasized that any constitutional challenge would be for the courts. After a motion to temporarily postpone failed by a recorded vote of 12 yeas to 23 nays, the Senate continued debate. Senators Rouson, Bernard, and others spoke in opposition, arguing the proposal was rushed, partisan, and harmful to communities of interest and minority voting power. Gates maintained that the Governor had a constitutional prerogative to propose the map and that the Legislature could accept, reject, or amend it. The House companion bill was then substituted for the Senate bill, read a third time, and the chamber moved into final debate on the congressional redistricting plan.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seven states are redistricting now in the middle of a decade, some blue states, some red states.
• I am not advocating for us to redraw our state Senate or state House maps.
• Should you start at the top of the state, at the bottom of the state, or in the middle of the state?
• Florida has become more of a red state and less of a purple state.
• States, an oath to the Constitution of our state and of the United States, and if there is a conflict

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill creates a pathway for the state to identify and prioritize strategic clean energy and critical
• I think it is clean energy. I think it is clean energy. It can't be used.
• So when I looked at nuclear energy, both on the energy side and the waste side, I was really surprised
• So when I looked at nuclear energy, both on the energy side and the waste side, I was really surprised
• , regardless of their zip code.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in the state.
• in the state.
• $50 million, $30 million to the state. That is the number. $30 million to the state.
• And what I've labeled over here is energy, but that's really from the State Land Office.
• So we've tried to hold them harmless by giving them state money. And then we went broke as a state.

Summary: The committee’s final day focused first on a historical overview of New Mexico tax packages by Pam Stokes of Legislative Council Services. She described how tax packages have alternated over the decades between tax relief, revenue raising, and tax reform, with examples ranging from the creation of the gross receipts tax in 1966 to major packages in 1981, 1986, 1991, 1994, 2005, 2019, 2022, 2024, and the vetoed 2025 package. Members discussed how tax policy often tracks revenue conditions, how packages can combine increases and decreases, and how local government gross receipts taxes and hold-harmless distributions have affected communities differently. Several members reflected on past packages, especially the 2004 food tax repeal and the 2013 film tax and manufacturing changes, and noted that tax policy can have major economic and political effects even when it is not “sexy” legislation. The committee then heard a proposal to expand the health care practitioner gross receipts tax deduction to include co-insurance, and to extend the sunset date. Sponsor Senator Figueroa said the bill was intended to help recruit and retain medical providers and build on prior deductions for co-pays and deductibles. Testimony explained that co-insurance is the patient’s share after the deductible, that providers currently absorb the gross receipts tax on those payments, and that the proposal would cost about $30 million to the state plus about $20 million to municipalities and counties, with the exact fiscal impact likely to be updated. Members raised concerns about the effect on local governments, whether insurers could be required to reimburse providers, whether the bill would actually attract doctors, and whether better evaluation measures and sunsets should be added. The sponsor said the bill was part of a broader set of efforts to address provider shortages and that the discussion would continue. Representative McQueen then presented a bill to update the Land Conservation Incentives Act. He and conservation partners said the program has protected more than 500,000 acres but has not kept pace with rising land values, especially for irrigated agricultural land in the Middle Rio Grande. The proposal would increase the percentage of conservation value eligible for the credit, raise the per-transaction cap from $250,000 to $2 million, and make the credit refundable rather than only transferable. Testimony emphasized that the program is voluntary, keeps land in private ownership and production, and helps land-rich, cash-poor landowners preserve farmland and water rights. Members asked about average credit amounts, how easements work, whether landowners could effectively buy land and then use the credit, and whether there should be inflation indexing or a statewide cap. The discussion also touched on water rights, fencing, and the role of conservation easements in protecting agricultural land and compact water deliveries. Finally, Senator Sharer previewed his 2% tax proposal with a historical presentation on New Mexico tax law, using props to illustrate the evolution from early territorial tax codes to the modern tax system. He argued that the state’s current tax structure is overly complex and that recent federal changes have disrupted the personal income tax base. The committee did not take any votes on the day’s presentations; the meeting was primarily informational, with members offering feedback and raising policy concerns for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Matt Pearl with the Office of State Tax Commissioner.
• Before I move on to the state hospital update, does anybody have any questions regarding the State Facility
• regarding the State Facility Maintenance Fund?
• For the state hospital project, first I would like to bring recognition to the state partners that are
• And that will be, I believe, hosted at the current state facility or state hospital facility.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a code that's been adopted, I believe, by all 50 states.
• to be implemented in all the various states who have subscribed to the Uniform Commercial Code.
• we're changing state law, which supersedes the Uniform Commercial Code in other states.
• Well, if we appear before that court, we are subject to the Uniform Commercial Code in that state, and
• codes.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Jerome Pendell, as stated.
• And so it is not covered in the code. It needs to be covered in the code.
• And so it is not covered in the code. It needs to be covered in the code.
• go, so do the rest of the state.
• Our country is called the United States. That is DEI. That's what DEI is.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:55:19.319><c> before</c> prosecuting attorneys as stated before prosecuting attorneys as stated
• Those were actually building code and fire code laws meant to ensure fire safety because black powder
• </c> unconstitutional it's not nine states unconstitutional it's not nine states have<01:55:28.800><c
• </c><01:55:57.719><c> that</c> that's because every other state that that's because every other state
• </c><02:24:19.200><c> permits</c> with strict federal and state permits with strict federal and state

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered House Bill 279 and House Bill 392, both relating to firearms. HB 279 would restrict carrying or possessing firearm parts except at or between certain locations and in an enclosed container, define firearm parts and prohibited persons, and increase penalties for violations. The Department of Law Enforcement strongly supported the bill, saying it would close a loophole involving disassembled or “ghost gun” parts and help law enforcement charge people who carry weapons in pieces. Most public testimony opposed the measure, with speakers arguing it was unconstitutional, vague, hard to enforce, and would burden lawful gun owners, gunsmiths, and firearm dealers; several also said existing laws already cover the conduct. One supporter, Dennis Dunn, said additional firearm security could reduce theft and suicides. The chair noted the committee had received 270 testimonies on HB 279, with 39 in support, 234 in opposition, and one comment. The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit the possession, transfer, and sale of ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for using a ghost gun in a felony. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported the bill, saying unserialized firearms are difficult to trace and that prosecutors need clear laws to address them. Supporters argued the measure would help prevent untraceable weapons from circulating and align penalties with other firearm offenses. Opponents, including several gun owners and association representatives, said the bill was unnecessary because existing state and federal laws already prohibit unserialized firearms, and warned it could create confusion, criminalize lawful owners of antique or self-built firearms, and be difficult to administer. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know that Pierce County is the second most populous county in Washington State, and just a little
• We are the leads in Washington state. So we do provide that certification.
• First, this dispositional approach used in Washington state is anomalous.
• Travis Dutton, representing the Washington State Association of Counties, testifying opposed today on
• Our sentencing scheme in Washington State is too prescriptive.

Bills: SB6062

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: juvenile justice, criminal offense, minors, rehabilitation, legal provisions, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From my old alma state of Minnesota.
• </c> improve this program on a state level? improve this program on a state level?
• state state gets gets gets some<00:24:23.840><c> money</c><00:24:24.200><c> because</c><00:24:24.600
• because of the state general some money because of the state general levy<00:24:25.680><c> that's</c
• </c> state is not responsible for those. state is not responsible for those.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning and welcome to Senate State Affairs.
• In contrast, the 2025 rescission bypassed the state and the city.
• Rescission restores flexibility for state Rescission restores flexibility for states and local managers
• So we got done with our state.
• So we got done with our state.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all