Transcript Highlights:

• families, The state providing childcare and after-school programs for working families, swim lessons, water
• or BOEM, 34 permits would be issued for offshore lease sales across 1.27 billion acres of federal waters
• Even as we feed and fuel the nation, we must realize that food grows where water flows.
• Even as we feed and fuel the nation, we must realize that food grows where water flows.
• His roots in California ran deep, from his great-great-grandfather Swiftwater Bill Waters, who settled

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA on its 175th anniversary and later welcomed officials from the city of Lindsay. The chamber then moved through confirmations for Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission; all three appointments were confirmed after roll calls. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of bills and resolutions without objection. On the floor, senators debated Senate Joint Resolution 12 opposing federal offshore oil and gas leasing off California. Supporters argued offshore drilling would threaten coastal environments and public participation, while opponents said California’s energy shortages and affordability problems require more in-state production. The resolution passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118 urging release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99 declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day, with broad praise for the state’s agricultural industry and concerns raised about water, farmland loss, and farmworker treatment. Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 100 designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to highlight child sexual abuse prevention, mandated reporting, and survivor support. The chamber then adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman, honoring their service and community impact. The session concluded with announcements of upcoming budget subcommittee meetings and notice that the Senate would reconvene on April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, for this one, we've been contacted by the Board of Water Supply.
• For this one, Board of Water Supply has contacted us.
• </c><00:03:37.599><c> They</c> contacted by board of water supply.
• They contacted by board of water supply.
• And this is the Commission on Water Resource Management, and has to do with the Kapolei aquifer system

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, the changes that were made, they do protect the public trust as to waters coming in, waters going
• Now, the changes that were made, they do protect the public trust as to waters coming in, waters going
• Now, the changes that were made, they do protect the public trust as to waters coming in, waters going
• Now, the changes that were made, they do protect the public trust as to waters coming in, waters going
• </c> protect the public trust as to waters protect the public trust as to waters coming<00:15:30.399>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Council Chair Tommy Waters, Honolulu City Council, [applause].
• It's our<00:40:05.599><c> water.
• It's our our water. It's our food.
• Six months ahead of clean water.
• We protected the water and the land.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, House Bill 651 makes necessary improvements to the Kentucky Waters program that we set up back in
• Necessary improvements to the Kentucky Waters program that we set up back in 2024.
• Uh, this is the structure of the Waters program itself.
• structure<00:09:24.720><c> of</c><00:09:24.920><c> the</c><00:09:25.080><c> W</c><00:09:25.440><c> Waters
• </c><00:09:25.880><c> program</c> structure of the W Waters program structure of the W Waters program

Committee: House Appropriations & Revenue

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:15 HB 503 Discussion 00:01:30 HB 503 Vote 00:05:30 HB 651 Discussion 00:07:15 HB 651 Vote 00:10:25, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our cities and towns, large and small, to manage solid waste in ways that protect public health, our water
• collection, recycling, cleanup, public education, and programs that reduce contaminants that enter our water
• increased fee for all that new equipment that they're trying to do to get out the microplastics out of water
• amount of forever chemicals if I'm Using the right vernacular, that would be in our soil and in our water
• Senator Bourne, I appreciate your efforts to Minimize the forever chemicals in our soil and water.

Bills: SB2106 , SB1471 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB1619

Committee: Senate Local and County Government

Keywords: zoning, municipal compensation, property rights, financial impact, reversion ordinance, solid waste management, municipal authority, regulatory fees, waste reduction, environmental impact, restrictive covenants, discriminatory covenants, racially restrictive covenants, housing discrimination, Fair Housing Act, plats, subdivision plats, residential additions, county clerk, municipal ordinance

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Corrections covers air quality, water quality, division of chemistry, and municipal facilities
• to do with Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding for small and disadvantaged communities water
• And I just wanted to mention the work that was done on that certification program for wastewater and water
• Wastewater and water treatment individuals.
• There's a shortage of certified operators across the state in the municipalities and the rural water

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to consider three measures, beginning with Senate Bill 2016 for Job Service. Testimony described Job Service’s workforce, unemployment insurance, and labor market functions, its long-term reduction in FTEs and budget, and its reliance on federal funding that does not keep pace with inflation. The bill included funding for an additional FTE for the H-2A housing inspection program, continued support for the JP3 offender placement pilot, and one-time funding for IT and mainframe costs tied to a system modernization effort. The committee approved the bill 20-0, with Representative Swiontek named as carrier. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 2305, which would allow family members to be paid as caregivers for certain young people with disabilities instead of only licensed outside providers. Members noted the specialized, 24-hour nature of the care, workforce shortages, waiting lists, and the potential to avoid more expensive institutional care. Questions focused on how the program would be structured, including certification requirements and whether it would remain a pilot or become part of the broader human services budget. The committee passed the bill 20-0, with Representative Roar as carrier and Representative Nelson available as backup. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2024 for the Department of Environmental Quality. The House change was limited to increased special-fund support for water and wastewater operator certification testing to expand availability, while the Senate version already included added FTEs for emerging contaminants and fuel inspection work. Members discussed federal funding uncertainty, including IIJA and ARPA-related concerns, but the department said its major projects, including the new laboratory, were not currently in jeopardy. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 22-0, with Representative Berg as carrier.

Transcript Highlights:

• are spent well on very important projects throughout every one of the 87 counties, including clean water
• Clean Water Fund, ensuring and making sure that our water is drinkable anywhere in our state, and protecting
• It's set up so that it gets used for clean water, clean air, arts, and arts and culture.
• I'm grateful for the legacy amendment to protect our drinking water sources, restore our native habitat

Transcript Highlights:

• that's with energy demand or, you know, the demand on the infrastructure or otherwise, or maybe in water
• more in the public interest where, you know, if they're going to use this much energy or this much water
• </c><00:15:27.880><c> Are</c> water usage and all of those things.
• Are water usage and all of those things.
• , it's going to impact me as much water, it's going to impact me as well?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Lawmakers held a bipartisan press availability on a bill to prohibit local governments and their officials from entering into non-disclosure agreements with private entities. Supporters said the measure is intended to protect transparency, public participation, and Minnesotans’ right to know about local decisions involving land use, public financing, and economic development, especially in cases involving data centers and other large projects. Representatives and senators from both parties described the bill as a response to examples in cities such as Rosemount, Farmington, Hermantown, North Mankato, Monticello, Pine Island, and others, where they said NDAs kept communities from learning about projects until decisions were effectively already made. The authors argued that the bill is not anti-development or limited to data centers, but instead prevents corporations from using private contracts to circumvent Minnesota’s open meeting and data practices laws. They said Chapter 13 already addresses trade secrets and other confidential information, and that the bill is meant to stop NDAs from creating secrecy around government decision-making. They also said they had heard little organized opposition so far, though they acknowledged questions about how the bill would affect early-stage business recruitment conversations and how local governments, especially smaller ones, would implement the change. Members also discussed the bill’s legislative path. They said it had previously received unanimous support in committee and was sent to the general register, then moved to the Judiciary Committee at the request of Chair Scott, who wanted a hearing. The authors said they did not believe the bill raised Chapter 13 issues requiring judiciary review, but agreed to the referral as a courtesy and said they were seeking a hearing. They reported that Senate consideration had previously ended in a tie vote, but said momentum was growing and expected stronger support this session. No vote was taken during the press event.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you Senator Waters. Yeah. Okay. Thank you Senator Waters. Yeah.
• </c><01:59:56.560><c> Senator</c><01:59:56.960><c> Waters.</c> Yep. Thank you. Senator Waters. Yep.
• </c><02:40:27.280><c> lab,</c> areas microbiology, our water lab, areas microbiology, our water lab,
• </c> it be a private well or public water it be a private well or public water sources<02:40:37.200><
• </c> certain water fees and testing. certain water fees and testing.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Wildlife LR 404 Kira Kahani with Water Wildlife LR 404 Kira Kahani with Water Resource<00:01:58.759
• There's not a whole lot of water resources.
• There's not a whole lot of water resources.
• So now we're going to move from fire to water, okay?
• <01:33:24.960><c> okay</c> water okay water okay 404<01:33:27.520><c> yeah</c><01:33:27.880><c> so</c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> my</c><00:07:40.560><c> water</c><00:07:40.880><c> utility</c><00:07:41.120><c> in</c> a water district
• in my water utility in a water district in my water utility in my<00:07:41.520><c> district</c><00:07
• And was that just for water, sewer? Were roads included in that?
• And was that just for water, sewer? Were roads included in that?
• And was that just for water, entities. And was that just for water, sewer?

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• WE GO TO THAT MIDWEST AREA FOR WHATEVER REASON THEY GOT A LOT OF SWIFT WATER RESCUE TEAMS.
• THERE, TENNESSEE WE ARE ALMOST IN AN AIDE AGREEMENT BETWEEN TENNESSEE AND US, THEY HAVE EIGHT SWIFT WATER
• DOWN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SWIFT WATER RESCUE TEAMS YOU SEE AS THEY OPERATE IN A DISASTER.
• PRIVATE-SECTOR SWIFT WATER ELEMENTS. THAT NUMBER WOULD HAVE EASILY TRIPLED.
• WE'VE COMPLETED THE TASK FORCE, COMPLETED THE SWIFT WATER FLOOR OF THE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, this request for a permanent easement would be granted to the Conway Water Precinct for $36,000
• This easement will extend from Eastman Road to connect with an existing water line further north on and
• 47.600><c> $36,000</c><00:16:48.800><c> along</c><00:16:49.040><c> with</c><00:16:49.120><c> a</c> Water
• </c><00:16:56.399><c> line</c> connect with an existing water line connect with an existing water line
• The Conway Water Precinct will be required to provide a boundary survey identifying the limits of the

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Long Range Capital Planning and Utilization Committee approved the April 14, 2025 minutes and then considered several capital items, mostly Department of Transportation property dispositions and one Department of Business and Economic Affairs lease amendment. BEA requested approval to amend its Granite Center LLC lease to absorb space used by Gopher, explaining that the arrangement would keep both agencies in the same building, allow flexible space allocation, and produce a modest net savings while using federal funds reimbursed through an interagency arrangement. The committee asked about Gopher’s role, the floor layout, and whether federal money was indirectly subsidizing the lease; the item was approved. DOT items approved included sale of a former maintenance parcel in Raymond, vacant land in Dover, a permanent utility easement in Conway for the Conway Water Precinct, and a direct sale of limited access right-of-way in Seabrook to C&J Seabrook LLC for parking expansion. Members asked about environmental liability on the Raymond parcel, the size and location of the Conway easement, and whether C&J would charge for parking; C&J said the expansion would support a successful facility and that parking revenues help fund improvements such as paving, lighting, and security cameras. The committee also approved a small Salem parcel sale to Brooks Property LLC. The Department of Environmental Services received approval to transfer 37 acres near a New Ipswich flood control site to the town as part of a long-running settlement involving cemetery encroachment onto state land. DES said the agreement, reached with the town in 2023, reflects prior legislation and includes payment to the state; members asked whether there was any current dam damage, and DES said there was none. In miscellaneous business, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission said the governor had directed cancellation of the planned RFP sale and that the matter would instead proceed as a ground lease through a new RFP process. The committee also noted informational items on Council on Resources and Development minutes and surplus land reviews, set the next meeting for September 29 at 9:30, and adjourned by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• borders; and whereas Washington and British Columbia are permanently linked by the Salish Sea, whose waters
• are unconstrained by national borders; and whereas the country... ...Salish Sea, whose waters are unconstrained
• our country in times of crisis, lending supplies and volunteers during the Nooksack floods, sending water
• The other work on invasive species, those water-borne invasive species, these...
• Work on invasive species, those water-borne invasive species, knowing what we need to do on both sides

Summary: The Senate convened on Tuesday, February 24, approved the previous day’s Journal without objection, and handled committee referrals. Among the measures referred, engrossed substitute House Bill 2548, concerning health care market standards, was specifically sent to the Committee on Rules rather than the committee listed in the standing committee report. The chamber also received supplemental committee reports later in the day, including Senate Bill 5998, the operating budget supplemental, and House Bill 2664, both referred to Rules. The main floor action was consideration of Senate Resolution 8696, which recognizes Washington’s interconnected relationship with Canada. The resolution highlighted economic, cultural, environmental, and border-community ties, including trade, shared infrastructure and energy links, cross-border family connections, tribal and First Nations relationships, and cooperation on issues such as climate policy, disaster response, and scientific research. Senators Schumake, Short, and Slatter spoke in support, emphasizing border communities, shared natural resources, research partnerships, and the long-standing friendship between Washington and Canada. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. After adoption, the Senate recognized visiting Canadian and regional officials and representatives, including the Canadian Consul General in Seattle, the Consulate’s trade commissioner, Quebec’s delegate in Seattle, the Mayor of Blaine, and Western Washington University representatives. The Senate then went at ease, later reconvened briefly to process the supplemental committee reports, and adjourned without objection until Thursday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lot of bills out there related to water and water infrastructure and the need that has been
• This is in order just to keep the conversation going on the need for water infrastructure and water infrastructure
• So all of those things remain as part of the overall discussion as it relates to water.
• And again, reflective of the OWRB water request, in their request, there is a REAP funding piece of this
• On page two, it talks about incentivizing regional water system planning grants.

Bills: SB1189 , SB1295 , SB1297 , SB1330 , SB1333 , SB1338 , SB1341 , SB1344 , SB1355 , SB1377 , SB1378 , SB1546 , SB1859 , SB1946 , SB1990 , SB1998

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: school security, funding, public schools, security enhancements, resource officers, domestic violence, fatality review, revolving fund, database, public safety, Oklahoma, census accuracy, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, federal census, grassroots outreach, marketing campaign, SB1330, Pardon and Parole Board, parole board, pardon board

Summary: The committee met in an appropriations setting and first laid over Senate Bill 1946. It then advanced Senate Bill 1344, creating an insulin access affordability program at the Health Department, on a 19-1 vote. Senate Bill 1295, establishing a Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board revolving fund and database, was amended to delete a section and then passed 21-0. Senate Bill 1355, creating a program for memorials and headstones for eligible National Guard veterans, also passed unanimously. Members then advanced several other measures, including Senate Bill 1998 to help smaller towns qualify for quality events incentives, Senate Bill 1330 raising Pardon and Parole Board salaries, Senate Bill 1297 creating a decennial census revolving fund to support outreach for the 2030 census, and Senate Bill 1189 extending the school security fund for three more years at $50 million annually. The committee also passed Senate Bill 1338 making the Heroes Literacy Instructional Team permanent, and Senate Bill 1546 increasing scholarship support for teacher preparation students. Additional bills passed included Senate Bill 1378 creating the Olympics and Oklahoma Revolving Fund, Senate Bill 1859 creating an OSBI cyber crime and fraud unit fund, Senate Bill 1341 creating a Career Counseling Revolving Fund, Senate Bill 1377 directing DHS to provide bags for foster children’s belongings, and Senate Bill 1990 broadening the Incentive Evaluation Commission’s comparative analysis of incentives. Several bills had appropriations stripped by amendment at the chair’s request before passage, and the committee repeatedly discussed fiscal impacts, local matching expectations, transparency, and whether programs should remain state-funded or rely on local or philanthropic support. The meeting ended with adjournment and notice of a meeting the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't cut my water costs. I can't cut my power costs. So the things that I'm going to...
• I can't cut my water costs. I can't cut my power costs.
• But this was a full tillage program. water. We're not sure. But this was a full tillage program.
• We were able to obtain some water rights and transfer them to this field, but before we tilled up the
• Cover crops are great, but they use more water and they are not cheap.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The House Agricultural Affairs Committee approved the January 20, 2025 minutes and then took up an RS, introduced by Rep. Jaron Crane, promoting natural sugar in school lunches and breakfast programs as part of Idaho’s support for the MAHA movement. The committee voted to introduce RS 32944C1, with lighthearted discussion about “sweetening” the proposal. Crane and others framed the memorial as a way to encourage federal officials to prioritize real sugar over artificial sweeteners and to support Idaho sugar beet growers. The committee then heard a panel from the Snake River Sugar Beet Growers Association and Amalgamated Sugar on the economic condition of the sugar beet industry. Growers described sharply lower prices, rising input costs, and tightening margins, saying many farms are near break-even or losing money and that smaller family farms are especially vulnerable. A presentation on regenerative agriculture emphasized soil health practices such as strip-till, cover crops, and compost/manure use, while noting that cover crops are costly and may be reduced in tight years. Questions from members focused on glyphosate availability, the effect of losing herbicides on tillage practices, and whether more incentives or federal help could support production. Amalgamated Sugar’s Jake Hancock explained the cooperative’s role in Idaho’s economy and described the federal sugar program, arguing that low prices are being driven by excessive imports, USDA demand overestimates, and an outdated high-tier import duty that has not kept pace with inflation. He said the recent federal increase in the sugar loan rate helps, but long-term sustainability requires raising the duty and better aligning import policy with domestic production costs. Several members expressed support for a joint memorial to Congress and federal agencies asking them to review sugar policy and protect the domestic industry. The chair closed by stressing that agricultural policy decisions affect rural jobs, families, and local economies, and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 178, introduced by Senator Pope, an act relating to water, amending and enacting sections
• of the Produced Water Act, amending the Water Quality Act, amending the Tax Administration.
• Act restricting the use of produced water off the oil field for research purposes only, imposing a 50
• -cent produced water fee on barrels of produced water from oil or gas wells, creating the Plugging and
• Wells Fund, depositing money collected from the produced water fee into the Plugging and Remediating

Transcript Highlights:

• we actually did put a pause because the federal government was also looking at their rules and regulations
• looking at their government was also looking at their rules<00:25:49.960><c> and</c><00:25:50.200><c> regulations
• </c><00:25:50.799><c> for</c><00:25:51.000><c> the</c><00:25:51.080><c> older</c> rules and regulations
• for the older rules and regulations for the older Americans<00:25:52.159><c> act</c><00:25:52.480><c
• opportunity to work with Hawaiian Electric, the Department of Health, public health nurse, and the Board of Water

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on Kupuna Care funding, distribution, utilization, and the status of program rules. The Office of Aging explained that state Kupuna Care funds are distributed using the same federally approved interstate funding formula used for Older Americans Act funds, with eight weighted factors tailored to Hawaii’s conditions: older adults, greatest economic need, low-income minority status, disability, language barriers, geographic isolation, inverse population density, and older adults living alone in poverty. The department said the formula is based on census and American Community Survey data, with current county shares listed as Kauai 7.45%, Honolulu 69.61%, Maui 11.7%, and Hawaii County 17.88%. Officials said the formula is being reviewed with current data and will need federal approval and then public hearing before final adoption. Members questioned how the program works in practice, noting that the statute and eligibility language can sound like direct individual benefits even though services are delivered through area agencies on aging, ADRCs, and contracted providers such as meal and adult day care programs. The Office of Aging said ADRCs determine eligibility and then refer clients to authorized providers, who must meet service standards in their contracts. The chair pressed repeatedly for long-delayed rules, saying the Legislature had expected them years earlier and that clear rules are needed to ensure funds are spent properly and to avoid conflicts of interest. The department acknowledged the delay, said draft rules were written in 2023 after earlier commitments to finish sooner, and said it paused while federal Older Americans Act rules were being updated; it now expects to send the rules to the Deputy Attorney General, then out for public hearing, with a goal of completion in 2025. The department also reported utilization data for the last two fiscal years. In 2023, it expended about 93% of its allocation and served 5,473 older adults at an average annual cost of $1,358; in 2024, it expended about 97% and served 5,520 older adults, with the average cost down by about $200, which officials said may indicate fewer services per person. Eligibility was described as age 60 or older, U.S. citizen or qualified alien, with cognitive impairment or disability and functional deficits, and the statewide profile showed many participants were homebound, living alone, or below poverty. The most-used services were transportation, case management, and home-delivered meals. The chair also asked about the former Kupuna caregiver program; officials said the programs are now combined under Kupuna Care, with most funding going to adult day care to provide respite for working caregivers. County representatives then described local conditions, especially on Hawaii Island. Hawaii County officials said the county covers about 5,000 square miles, has about 208,000 residents, and roughly 24% are age 65 or older. They identified three main challenges: staffing shortages and retention problems among providers, shortages within the county department itself, and the loss of adult day care capacity, with only one center remaining on the island and none on the west side. They said these constraints limit service delivery even as demand grows. At the same time, they highlighted successes such as serving people in the community before they need higher levels of care, providing caregiver counseling and training through adult day care, serving 467 individuals locally, and ensuring the Resource Center answers calls from caregivers seeking help.

Transcript Highlights:

• He who brought water for you out of the rock, he fed you manna, that he might humble you and that he
• But we look to you, we humble ourselves because water is our life. And it comes from your throne.
• To the white water runs of the payhead's fruit, golden potatoes, farmers stand strong, cattle and dairy
• To the white water runs of the payhead's fruit, golden potatoes, farmers stand strong, cattle and dairy
• , they feed in us all, from Boise Nights with the bright city glow to Cordillanes, calm waters below,

Summary: The Senate met with all 35 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. Several guests and school groups were recognized throughout the day, and the chamber later paused for an Idaho Day celebration featuring historical remarks, music, and presentations on Idaho history and agriculture. In floor action, the Senate adopted House Concurrent Resolution 24 honoring fallen firefighters Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison, Jr., and recognizing the recovery of Engineer David Tisdell. It also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 120 encouraging advancement of used nuclear fuel reprocessing in Idaho and supporting the state’s role at the Idaho National Laboratory, and Senate Joint Memorial 112 urging Congress to pursue a balanced budget amendment and fiscal discipline. The Senate then introduced several new bills, including measures on appropriations, administrative rules, elections, pharmacy benefit managers, utilities, abortion trafficking, educator disclosure, and whistleblower protections. The Senate passed Senate Bill 1241, as amended, which protects working animals and clarifies its applicability; supporters described it as preserving Idaho’s agricultural and Western heritage while preserving local authority over health, safety, and animal care. The Committee of the Whole later considered Senate Bills 1224, 1326, and 1340, adopted amendments to each, and reported them back without recommendation, while several other bills were held in place or reported as progressing. The Senate adopted the committee report and then adjourned until the next day.