Transcript Highlights:

• So I think it's an appropriate adjustment to population for this purpose, to subtract those from the
• You may have to adjust this 360,000 property value per person up or down.
• to say tears I think those adjustments to say tears I think those who<03:51:30.560><c> are</c><03:51
• it retroactive ly paywise and you adjust it retroactive ly paywise and you will<04:45:43.200><c> get
• as well gotcha Mr chair yes adjustment as well gotcha Mr chair yes represent<04:49:01.920><c> um</c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 187, which would allow parents or guardians to seek restraining orders on behalf of a minor child even when the alleged perpetrator is not a family or household member. Tracy Sirles testified that the bill was prompted by her family’s experience after being told by state police to seek a restraining order, only to learn the current law did not allow it because the offender was the child’s best friend’s father. Members agreed the change was straightforward, noted the fiscal note reflected only a small indeterminate cost to the judicial branch, and moved House Bill 187 ought to pass; the motion was approved unanimously. The committee then discussed House Bill 66, a Right-to-Know bill that removes “citizen” language in favor of “person” in some provisions and allows certain New Hampshire-connected requesters to seek records electronically if the records already exist in that format. Members reviewed concerns about defining “member of the media,” the scope of electronic requests, and a sentence stating appeals would have no filing fee or search charge. After debate, the committee voted to amend the bill by removing that fee-waiver sentence, then recommended House Bill 66 ought to pass as amended. The vote was 6-3. Next, the committee heard from the Environment and Agriculture chair about several solid-waste-related bills being folded into trailer bill language, including House Bill 215 and House Bill 171, with discussion of a possible three-year landfill moratorium and the need to address DEES staffing and funding concerns. DEES later clarified that the revised approach would not require new positions or create a fiscal impact because the new solid waste commission would be self-funded through filing fees. The committee voted unanimously to retain House Bill 215. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 566, which requires landfill permit applications to include a detailed leachate management plan and more information about disposal contracts. The sponsor said the bill was developed with DEES to address leachate problems and improve safety oversight. DEES testified that the bill largely reflects current practice and would have no specific fiscal impact, with existing staff able to absorb any review workload. The committee moved House Bill 566 ought to pass, and the motion was approved unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 624, a grant program for local river management advisory committees, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If it won't, we can adjust again. Thank you. Representative Harshman, for your first time.
• If it won't, we can adjust again. Representative Lloyd Larsen, for your first time. Thank you, Mr.
• If it won't, we can adjust again. Thank you. Representative Lloyd Larsen, for your first time.
• If it won't, we can adjust again. Thank you.
• If it won't, we can adjust again. Opposed to the amendment. All right. Sorry about that.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the leasing<00:16:24.360><c> has</c><00:16:24.519><c> been</c> leasing has been leasing has been adjusted
• 27.120><c> good</c><00:16:27.360><c> question</c><00:16:27.720><c> chair</c><00:16:28.240><c> um</c> adjusted
• um yeah good question chair um adjusted um yeah good question chair um Alan<00:16:28.920><c> Carpenter
• whatever is left there, but anything of value, including IDs or whatever they needed, storage for claiming

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee heard several measures related to DLNR, coastal management, and public lands. SB 561, which appropriates funds for conservation enforcement equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, drew broad support from DLNR and multiple organizations, with the chair noting 18 supporters and no opposition. SB 465 would require DLNR to study the carrying capacity of Kīkiʻola Small Boat Harbor on Kauaʻi and report to the Legislature; DLNR supported the intent but suggested the study be timed with an ongoing $41 million capital improvement project. Senator Kouchi explained the bill was meant to close a permit loophole that has allowed operators to increase passenger capacity without additional approval, while one testifier opposed the measure as unnecessary and late. Supporters included county and community representatives, while some written testimony opposed it. The committee also heard SB 1456, which broadens the definition of beach restoration to include work on eroded beaches and degraded dune systems, including sand management, native vegetation, and removal of abandoned materials. DLNR, the University of Hawaiʻi, and other testifiers supported the measure as an administrative update. SB 1460 would require BLNR lease extensions to use updated forms reflecting current leasing practices; DLNR supported it as an administrative bill. SB 1517 would authorize public land leases for recreational residential use by public lottery limited to county residents. DLNR supported the bill, and Chipper Wiman and others testified that it would help preserve Kauaʻi’s historic recreational cabins and create fairness for local families; the committee also heard concerns about older cabins, market-based auction prices, and the need to keep these leases affordable for residents. The committee then heard SB 1511, which would prohibit vessels longer than 75 feet from entering Honoliʻi Bay, with an exemption for government vessels; DLNR and at least one additional testifier supported it. SB 1019 would allow the Ocean Stewardship Special Fund to be used for beach restoration planning and grants to nonprofits for cleanup, but DLNR said that purpose fit better under the separate Beach Restoration Special Fund, and the Ocean Tourism Coalition opposed the bill on that basis. Finally, SB 1457 would authorize DLNR to issue interim rules on commercial and recreational water sports equipment use for up to two years; DLNR described it as an adaptive-management tool for changing conditions, while multiple water-sports operators and residents opposed it, arguing it would reduce public participation, expand agency power, and target the foiling community. The hearing closed with the chair noting heavy opposition to SB 1457, including 88 written testimonies against it and only a few in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the state had a pretty significant economic damages claim of almost $800 million in that.
• And the state had a pretty significant economic damages claim of almost $800 million in that.
• Claims come out of that bank account.
• So what I would tell you is the more folks we add to it, the more claims would go up, right?
• And the question is, do we bring in enough revenue to cover those claims?

Bills: HB165 , HB175 , HB198 , HB272 , HB457 , HB488 , HB566 , HB603 , HB763 , HB902 , HB909 , HB971 , HB981 , HB1066 , HB1125 , HB1154 , HB1231

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• :32.080><c> So,</c><00:37:32.640><c> geothermal,</c><00:37:33.240><c> baggage</c><00:37:33.600><c> claim
• So, geothermal, baggage claim, would.
• So, geothermal, baggage claim, all<00:37:34.400><c> those</c><00:37:34.560><c> were</c><00:37:34.680>
• more space so it doesn't clog up the more space so it doesn't clog up the baggage<00:41:20.480><c> claim
• </c> baggage claim. baggage claim.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force was called to order with a quorum present, and Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation gave the first presentation. He outlined the state’s airport system, noting 58 public-use airports, the department’s small staff, and its funding structure through a jet fuel tax that generates about $23 million annually, leaving roughly $15 million for airport investment after required deductions. Carter highlighted recent projects at airports including Bardstown, Madisonville, Central Kentucky Regional, Paducah, Sparta, Danville, and Henderson, and said the department has also expanded data collection on airport activity, hangars, schools, and training programs. He emphasized that the department recently completed the first statewide economic impact study of general aviation airports and is developing a five-year airport needs plan. Carter said several things are working well, including stronger communication with airports, the public, the legislature, and especially the FAA’s Memphis district office, which now involves the state more in project selection. He said the department is reasonably staffed overall, but identified workforce development and advanced air mobility as major gaps. In response to questions from Senator Nunn and Representative York, he said he did not have specific workforce shortage numbers on hand, but cited Boeing reports showing large national and global shortages of pilots and mechanics, and explained that instructor shortages and low wages limit training capacity. He also said air traffic control is an FAA function, though EKU has shown interest in developing a training program. Carter identified several needs for improvement: more workforce investment, more aviation education in high schools, more scholarships for pilot and mechanic training, more attention to advanced air mobility, and more frequent, institutionalized data collection. He also pointed to major pending capital needs at airports such as Elizabethtown, Owensboro, Harlan, Leitchfield-Grayson County, and Whitesburg-Letcher County, all of which would require FAA and state support. He urged airports to do a better job marketing their economic value and said the state should continue updating aviation studies so lawmakers have current information for policy decisions. The task force then heard from Lexington Blue Grass Airport Director Eric Frankl, who welcomed the new CVG director and thanked the legislature for creating the task force and supporting aviation infrastructure. Frankl said Blue Grass Airport has rebounded from the pandemic and now exceeds pre-pandemic passenger levels, while serving a mix of private aviation, pilot training, corporate aviation, and commercial airline activity. He described ongoing terminal-area planning, parking technology upgrades, and a major parking lot expansion expected to finish by early spring 2026, and said the airport is planning for future technologies such as vertiports and electric aerial vehicles. Frankl estimated that a broader terminal modernization program will cost roughly $500 million to $700 million over the next 5 to 10 years and said the airport needs continued state support to close funding gaps and remain competitive with other states investing in aviation.

Transcript Highlights:

• , not a withdrawal, an adjustment, it's just good policy.
• , not a withdrawal, look at an adjustment, not a withdrawal, an<02:35:48.160><c> adjustment.
• I'm just saying it's it's an adjustment.
• </c><02:36:51.520><c> Chairman,</c><02:36:51.840><c> again,</c> adjustment. So, Mr. Mr.
• Chairman, again, adjustment. So, Mr. Mr.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker for taking this directive, seeing where this industry was headed, and asking us to move ahead, adjust
• The industry is changing, it's maturing, and we are here to meet that moment and adjust our approach.
• The industry is changing, it's maturing, and we are here to meet that moment and adjust our approach.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed students from the Frederick C. Murphy School in Weymouth, along with other guests introduced by members. The chamber then suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including proposals on alcohol labeling for beers consumed on premises, parity in funding for regional vocational and traditional public schools, and legal protections for victims of childhood sexual abuse. The main floor business was House No. 4187, An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth’s Cannabis Laws, reported by Ways and Means as a substitute bill. Members speaking in support described it as a comprehensive overhaul of the Cannabis Control Commission and the state’s cannabis and hemp regulatory framework. The bill would reduce and restructure the CCC, expand options for cannabis businesses and social equity operators, raise license and ownership caps, remove the vertical integration requirement for medical marijuana, and create stronger rules for hemp and CBD products, including a ban on unregulated intoxicating hemp products and a new regulatory structure for allowable hemp beverages and CBD items. Several amendments were offered and adopted by roll call, including changes narrowing the hemp beverage ban from 11 ounces to 7.5 ounces, requiring out-of-state testing labs to be certified in good standing with the commission, and other technical revisions. After debate, the House passed H. 4187 to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 153-0. The chamber also passed to be engrossed two sick leave bank bills, for Andrew Satara and Dana Johnson, and ordered House No. 1590, establishing a sick leave bank for Eric J. Wenaka, to a third reading. The House then adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Grover, we've also seen and heard about other pieces of legislation adjusting the criteria for school
• Grover, we've also seen and heard about other pieces of legislation adjusting the criteria for school
• brings education disruption, loss of established support systems, and challenges of helping children adjust

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard two bills. Senate Bill 1358, presented by Sen. Harris, would amend Idaho’s career ladder rules so superintendents and principals who return to classroom teaching can count qualifying administrative experience toward career ladder advancement, rather than restarting at their prior teacher-ladder placement. Testimony from a remote superintendent and the Idaho Association of School Administrators supported the bill as a fairness and retention measure, noting that administrators can face large pay cuts when returning to teaching and that the bill still requires proficient-or-higher evaluations. After brief discussion, the committee voted to send SB 1358 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 762, presented by Sen. Woodward, which would give charter schools the option to prioritize enrollment for children of active-duty or active-reserve military members and for foster children who already have a sibling in the school. A long line of testimony from military spouses, veterans, charter school leaders, and military children described frequent relocations, waitlists, and the difficulty of finding stable school placements, arguing the bill would improve access and support military readiness without creating new schools or changing accountability. One witness also noted the bill’s flexibility for charter schools and its limited, targeted nature. The committee voted to send HB 762 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rule also reflects adjustments to certain funding limits to better account for increased costs of
• These adjustments do not change any legislative appropriations, do not increase overall program funding

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Wednesday, February 11, by voice vote. It then heard House Bill 543 from Representative Ben Furman, which would update Percy Choice language to comply with the federal SECURE Act 2.0 by allowing after-tax Roth contributions in the 401(k)-type plan. The bill was described as a conformity update, and the committee moved it to the floor with a due pass recommendation by voice vote. Next, the Idaho Division of Veterans Services presented a pending rule docket removing obsolete rules related to domiciliary care, which the agency no longer provides. The administrator explained that assisted-living-type care is available elsewhere, but not through the division. The committee approved the rule docket by voice vote. Finally, the Department of Commerce presented its grant program rules under the governor’s zero-based regulation initiative, describing the rewrite as non-substantive housekeeping to remove redundant or outdated language, align with statute, and clarify definitions and funding limits. Members asked about a change allowing the department to require matching funds, and staff explained that the language gives flexibility to reduce or waive match requirements in hardship or disaster situations, or potentially require more in some cases. The committee approved the docket by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rule also reflects adjustments to certain funding limits to better account for increased costs of
• I want to be clear: these adjustments do not change any legislative appropriations, do not increase overall

Committee: House Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we were trying to make some adjustments on that last year, which I still think we should.
• But, So we were trying to make some adjustments on that last year, which I still think we should, but

Summary: The House Energy Committee met for its first meeting of session and heard two bills. House Bill 3469, by Chairman Bowles, would create a three-year phase-in for higher oil and gas surety bond requirements adopted in last year’s HB 1369, giving smaller operators more time to adjust while still addressing the state’s orphaned and abandoned well liabilities. Bowles explained that some small producers have had difficulty obtaining the larger bonds, and noted the state’s need for stronger financial protection given the large number of orphaned wells. The committee asked about the bill’s effective timing, and HB 3469 was reported out of committee on an 8-0 vote. House Bill 3173, by Chairman Archer, would allow orphaned and abandoned wells to be taken over for geothermal or energy storage uses, with the goal of putting some wells back into productive use and reducing the backlog of wells needing state plugging. Archer said the state’s current pace could take roughly 200 years to clear the list, and emphasized that even a small number of wells converted to productive use would help. A question from Rep. Lepak clarified that if the well is not used for the approved purpose for 12 months, the entity taking it over becomes responsible for plugging or remediation. HB 3173 also passed 8-0 and moved to the oversight committee. House Bill 4264, relating to mines and mining, was laid over at the sponsor’s request and was not heard. The committee adjourned after noting it would plan to meet again the following week, with the possibility of needing a third meeting to finish assigned bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• , if approved by the Texas voters, would amend Article 5, Section 1A of our state constitution to adjust
• Lastly, the joint resolution adjusts the authority of the commission and the Texas Supreme Court to more

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on HB 366, which would increase school building aid for eligible projects. Representative Cahill, the prime sponsor, said the bill would raise the annual minimum from $50 million to $60 million and help address a long backlog of school construction and renovation needs after years of a moratorium on applications. He argued that districts forced to build during the moratorium were left to shoulder costs through local property taxes, and he cited examples such as Londonderry, Claremont, and other communities with aging or inadequate facilities. He also said the current aid structure, including paying 80% upfront and 20% at completion, concentrates too much spending at once and limits how many projects can be funded. Several committee members asked about the fairness and structure of the program. Representative Maguire questioned whether aid should be distributed more broadly to all districts rather than only a few selected projects, and Representative Luneau noted that the committee would also be considering related bills on catastrophic aid, special education aid, and the school foundation formula. Cahill responded that building aid has historically been targeted to property-poor communities and that the state should be a reliable partner in school construction. He also said the bill includes a small retroactive component for communities that built during the moratorium, which he described as a compromise. Testimony in support came from Representative Cluder, who described Claremont’s Stevens High School project as a case where a bond issue narrowly failed and the city later had to fund renovations without state aid, contributing to high property taxes. He said the bill would help property-poor communities and urged passage. Tony Weinstein of New Market also supported the bill, saying his community had serious facility and safety needs, had moved forward with scaled-back renovations during the moratorium, and still faced debt-service burdens without state participation. Robert Thompson, superintendent in Hampstead, testified that his district needs an addition for overcrowding, safety, and special education space, and said building aid would help reduce out-of-district placements and transportation costs. No vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state auditor found 47,000 wage claims backlogged in 2023, with workers receiving the full amount
• When beneficiaries come forward to claim funds, they face barriers to access.
• When beneficiaries come forward to claim funds, they face barriers to access.
• about board members or the decedent that they do not and should not have, and simultaneously submit claims
• proof of death, clear and manageable verification requirements, allowing independent beneficiary claims

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• High deductibles, cost sharing, and claim denials can High deductibles, cost sharing, and claim denials
• For Ginnie Mae, after 12 months, then they might consider what's called a partial claim, which is actually
• For Ginnie Mae, after 12 months, then they might consider what's called a partial claim, which is actually
• like a silent second that they hold. 12 months, then they might consider what's called a partial claim

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• county collectors because they will be able to look at that and analyze it and see whether or not you claim
• In defense of my school district, they claimed they didn't even know they were doing it.
• But I'm not commercial property, and they don't claim them commercial property.
• ballot language requirements for local property tax measures and prevents misleading no tax increase claims
• ballot language requirements for local property tax measures and prevents misleading no tax increase claims

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House established a quorum and then took up several bills for perfection and printing. House Bill 2189, sponsored by the Jasper member, would allow five-year vehicle registrations, eliminate the old even/odd model-year registration rule, and limit the five-year option to vehicles six years old or newer. Members discussed how the bill would interact with emissions, safety inspections, insurance verification, and county tax collection systems. House Amendment 1, which set the five-year fee at $45, was adopted, and the bill was then perfected and printed. The chamber next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1790, a ballot-language measure sponsored by the St. Louis County member. The bill requires clearer ballot wording for local tax levies, including stating levy amounts in dollar terms, alphabetic labeling of propositions, disclosure when a measure would nullify a prior sunset, and a rollback rule tied to reassessment years and voter-approved levies. Members generally supported the transparency goals, and a drafting correction amendment adding a comma was adopted before the committee substitute was perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2178, sponsored by the Pike member, drew the most extended debate. The bill would limit commercial property assessment increases to 15% per reassessment cycle, require a physical inspection if increases exceed that threshold, and require Board of Equalization decisions by the end of September or revert to the prior year’s assessment. Amendments were adopted to add short-term rental protections so assessors cannot reclassify residential short-term rentals as commercial property, to incorporate ballot-language provisions from other bills, and to add taxpayer protections requiring clearer assessment notices, faster refunds, and litigation-cost recovery in some successful appeals. The body adopted House Amendment 1 by roll call, 92-43 with 5 present, and later adopted House Amendments 2 and 3; House Amendment 4 was then taken up for further discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• county collectors because they will be able to look at that and analyze it and see whether or not you claim
• In defense of my school district, they claimed they didn't even know they were doing it.
• But I'm not commercial property, and they don't claim it as commercial property.
• ballot language requirements for local property tax measures and prevents misleading no-tax increase claims
• No tax increase claims.

Summary: The House established a quorum and then moved to House bills for perfection and printing. House Bill 2189, sponsored by the gentleman from Jasper, would allow five-year vehicle registrations, eliminate the current odd/even model-year registration rule, and limit the five-year option to vehicles six years old or newer. Members asked about emissions and safety inspections, insurance verification, and personal property tax compliance; the sponsor said the Department of Revenue could track those items electronically and that the bill was intended to simplify registration for citizens. House Amendment 1, which set the five-year fee at $45, was adopted, and the bill was then perfected and printed as amended. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1790, a “fair ballot language” bill. The sponsor said it would require clearer ballot language for local tax levies, including stating tax rates in cents and their dollar impact, labeling propositions alphabetically, requiring disclosure when a measure would nullify a prior voter-approved sunset, and closing a loophole in the Hancock Amendment so taxing entities still roll back levies after reassessment while retaining voter-approved increases. Members generally supported the transparency goals, and a brief amendment adding a comma to existing statutory language was adopted. The committee substitute was then adopted, perfected, and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2178 was then considered, with several amendments. House Amendment 1, offered by the gentleman from Pike, capped assessment increases at 15% over two years and provided a tax credit for amounts above that threshold; after a roll call, it was adopted 92-43. House Amendment 2, from the gentleman from Clay, prevented assessors from reclassifying short-term rental properties from residential to commercial solely because of short-term rental use; it was adopted after debate over whether LLC-owned properties should be treated differently. House Amendment 3, from the gentleman from Jackson, incorporated ballot-language provisions from earlier bills to require clearer labeling and disclosure on property tax measures, and it was adopted. House Amendment 4, also from the gentleman from Jackson, required assessors to disclose valuation methods and supporting data, set a 30-day refund deadline with interest for late refunds, and allowed taxpayers to recover certain litigation costs when appeals succeed; it too was adopted. The bill then continued with discussion of Hancock-by-subclass and related property tax issues, with members debating how the proposal would affect residential, commercial, and agricultural taxpayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we ignore this data, then there still isn't established research to support the claim that wolves
• Science and Advocacy Director for Washington Wildlife First, speaking in opposition to HB 2131, claiming
• Claiming that sea lions at Bonneville Dam are making any discernible impact on salmon in the Columbia
• Avila Science and Advocacy Director for Washington Wildlife First, speaking in opposition to HB2131, claiming
• Claiming that sea lions at Bonneville Dam are making any discernible impact on salmon in the Columbia

Bills: HB2131 , HB2221 , HJM4009 , HB2619

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: sea lion, predation control, salmon preservation, fishing industry, voluntary donations, ungulate, wildlife conservation, ecosystem management, population sustainability, environmental impact, wildfire, federal response, community protection, natural resources, firefighter safety, agriculture, regulations, farming, compliance, economic impact

Transcript Highlights:

• probably because I'd been around so long, but 15, 20 years ago, there were some issues with schools claiming
• When we use it for the budget reserve fund, say MCHC, for example, can't use it to pay out claims.
• Can't use it to pay out claims. And so we're just making them whole again.
• This is not just authority to make sure that we can pay all of our state employee health insurance claims
• So if there's a claim for somebody who's paid by another fund, that fund pays out their workers' compensation

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Representative Hunter has claimed repeatedly that Senate District 9...
• that the decision was really a narrow decision based on coalition districts just not being able to claim
• scope in that the decision. there was made only talked about coalition districts could not file a claim
• Texas through the governor's office, AG's office, or otherwise regarding the unlawfulness or the claimed
• Which you claim was used for these maps, Harris County has a Black population of 900,000.

Bills: SB 2 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB4 , HB1 , HB3 , HB20 , HB22 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , HB4 , SB2 , SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments