Video & Transcript : 'Washington State University' :

Page 403 of 500
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

General Laws Mar 25th, 2026

General Laws

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm State Representative Don Mayhew, District 124.
  • ...it in most of our state, right? So why is it better this way?
  • Andrew is now running in the state.
  • But I did want to state this as clearly as possible.
  • states were not allowed to secede.
Keywords: 959, house, all
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Judiciary Committee Jan 21st, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • DC and I have no problem with Washington DC and I have no problem with the<00:45:03.760><c> state</c
  • </c> being from Washington DC. being from Washington DC. &gt;&gt; I<00:50:38.720><c> am.
  • </c> Washington DC. Washington DC.
  • States.
  • </c> the judicial branch of state government. the judicial branch of state government.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Emerging Issues Mar 2nd, 2026

Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Transcript Highlights:
  • In your state.
  • The universities in our state will be avoided by cis and trans, non-binary, and intersex students.
  • But 2075 says if you receive state money, then they can strip the state money, and now private schools
  • Sixty-one percent of queer youth in Missouri alone, according to the state-by-state breakdown of the
  • We're a constitutional carry state and a stand-your-ground state.
Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills, beginning with HB 2855, which would let the Department of Labor adjust workers’ compensation administrative taxes and the second injury fund surcharge in smaller 0.1% increments instead of 0.5%. The sponsor and the department said the change would better right-size collections and reduce the burden on employers; the Missouri Chamber also supported the bill as good governance. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on HB 2855 was closed. The committee then heard extensive testimony on HB 3142, a camp-safety bill prompted by the Camp Mystic flooding tragedy in Texas and a Missouri drowning case. The sponsor and multiple grieving parents urged mandatory emergency plans, staff training, background checks, licensing, weather warnings, and clearer oversight for summer camps. Supporters included the American Camp Association and some state and youth-safety advocates, while opponents—especially camp operators, the Missouri Afterschool Network, and park and recreation representatives—argued the bill was too broad, could burden day camps and church camps, and might worsen child-care shortages. Several witnesses suggested the bill should be narrowed to distinguish overnight residential camps from lower-risk day camps and possibly be housed under DSS rather than DESE. No vote was taken. Finally, the committee took testimony on HB 1893 and HB 2075, which would require sex-segregated multi-occupancy restrooms and locker rooms in private schools and public buildings, with enforcement tied to state funding in some cases. Sponsors said the bills were meant to create clear statewide standards and protect privacy and safety; opponents argued the measures would harm transgender and intersex people, be difficult or impossible to enforce, and create safety and discrimination problems. Supporters emphasized private-school autonomy and concerns about safety in shared facilities. The hearing concluded after extensive questioning, with no action or vote reported.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Governmental Oversight, Select Jun 4th, 2026

Governmental Oversight, Select

Transcript Highlights:
  • agency or state authority.
  • The state population. Where is the vast majority of the state population?
  • Imagine, you know, a doctor at one of our state universities is performing surgery on a patient and is
  • As I said previously, we represent state agencies and state officials.
  • Ohio State University has agreed to pay $100 million in damages to 279 former students who said a campus
Keywords: 1184, house, all
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Mar 24th, 2026

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So when you think about every direct dollar spent on the project in-state, the actual total in-state
  • There are states that have tended to be... ...we could engage with the states.
  • for state benefit.
  • for state benefit.
  • For example, one of my staff actually created a nuclear curriculum at Roane State University, which is
Summary: The committee met to hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear economics, workforce, community impacts, and financing. Nucleon Energy’s William Bridge presented a report estimating the economic impacts of hypothetical 200-megawatt and 600-megawatt SMRs, including construction and operating jobs, local spending, tax revenue, and the private-sector conditions needed to attract investment. He said the report used nth-of-a-kind cost assumptions, discussed security and water siting considerations, and argued that early community engagement and permitting work should be timed to when projects are closer to being economic. Committee members questioned cost assumptions, security staffing, transmission and water siting, and whether large reactors or SMRs are more likely to be financed in the near term. Lori Brady of the Nuclear Energy Institute then outlined national nuclear workforce needs and NEI’s strategic workforce planning. She described declining labor-force demographics, the need for hundreds of thousands of new energy workers by 2050, and six workforce priorities: career awareness, pipelines, training and qualification, policy support, retention, and non-traditional pipelines. She highlighted the Nuclear Works career website, the Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap, the new federal Energy and Natural Resources career cluster, and the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program for community colleges. Members asked about AI, robotics, and when training should begin relative to future plant construction; Brady said AI is not expected to replace workers broadly and that training timelines depend on the specific project and staffing plan. Red Wing, Minnesota Mayor Gary Yako described hosting the Prairie Island nuclear generating facility. He said the plant provides a large share of the city’s property tax base, supports well-paid jobs, contributes to local emergency preparedness, and is a strong community partner through donations and employee involvement. He said the city supports relicensing, has regular emergency drills, and has had no issues with dry cask storage. The committee also heard from NEI’s Benton Arnett, who reviewed the current financing landscape, including federal tax credits, DOE loan authority, offtake agreements, and the shift toward project developers and special-purpose vehicles. He said early projects face high first-of-a-kind costs, but federal support and long-term power purchase agreements are helping make projects financeable. Finally, DOE’s Julie Kazeraki described the Office of Energy Dominance Financing and its role in supporting new nuclear, restarts, uprates, and supply chain investments, emphasizing that federal loan and tax-credit tools are intended to reduce upfront risk and improve project affordability.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • If the state has taken over a well because the owner has abandoned it, then the state should take responsibility
  • We are running out of state funding.
  • .state as well as rural locations as well.
  • And as was stated, I will support it today.
  • But we have staffing issues in our state.
Summary: The committee heard a long housing agenda with several bills presented before quorum was established. AB 1725, as amended, would require disclosure of nearby oil wells and methane monitoring issues in a specific district; the author and community witnesses described serious health and safety risks in Vista Hermosa Heights, while the California Apartment Association, California Building Industry Association, and California Chamber of Commerce opposed, arguing the bill targeted the wrong industry and that the state should instead fix abandoned wells directly. AB 2110, a local finance tool to create tax increment districts for workforce housing for education, health care, manufacturing, and public safety workers, drew no witnesses in support or opposition and was presented as a way to help workers live closer to jobs. AB 1732 would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and college housing projects; UC and several housing and labor groups supported it, while housing advocates raised concerns about amendments affecting existing 100% affordable housing exemptions. AB 1771, amended into a study bill, would direct HCD to report on the long-standing resident manager requirement for apartment buildings with 16 or more units; the rental housing industry supported studying the issue, while the chair emphasized the need to consider tenant protections and the impact on current resident managers before changing the law. The committee also heard AB 2185, which would direct state affordable housing programs to update guidelines to better support factory-built housing; it drew broad support from housing, labor, technology, and local government groups, with no opposition. AB 2748 would delay new EV-readiness requirements for 100% affordable housing developments, keeping the prior 40% standard through 2035; supporters said the higher standard would add significant costs and threaten project feasibility, while clean air and transportation advocates argued the code changes are modest, important for equity, and should not be rolled back. Members split along those lines, with some emphasizing housing production and others urging more public subsidy for EV infrastructure rather than delaying the code. SB 417, a proposed $10 billion affordable housing bond for the November ballot, received extensive support from housing organizations, local governments, labor, and business groups, but Habitat for Humanity and the Los Angeles mayor’s office asked for specific allocations for CalHome and interim housing; the bill was ultimately moved to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote, with members noting ongoing negotiations over funding priorities. Finally, AB 1740 would create an urban multimodal community designation for Santa Monica, allowing local approval of certain low-impact coastal-zone activities—such as some housing, bike and bus lanes, outdoor dining, and building changes—without Coastal Commission review. The author and Santa Monica officials said the bill would reduce delays and uncertainty for infill housing and local economic recovery while preserving protections for sensitive coastal resources; supporters included housing, business, and city groups. The Coastal Commission and environmental organizations opposed, saying the bill would carve out broad exemptions, weaken public access and appeal rights, and bypass the local coastal program process that Santa Monica has not completed. Committee members debated the Commission’s role, with some criticizing it for opposing legislation and others arguing the bill was a common-sense way to modernize coastal permitting. A motion and second were made on AB 1740, and the bill was left pending with the committee’s action to be taken when appropriate.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House OKs $15.4 million supplemental public safety package 5/4/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • These are the programs that serve victims across the state.
  • Um, and you're going to be getting a list right now, members, of programs across the state who either
  • Paul, and Mike's family, particularly his wife Julie, they took that to Washington.
  • </c> duty death in the state of Minnesota. duty death in the state of Minnesota.
  • They took that to Washington. And Julie. They took that to Washington.
Keywords: 1183, house
WY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> throughout our state. throughout our state.
  • </c> our um delegation in Washington D.C. our um delegation in Washington D.C. to to to start<00:27:23.920
  • </c><00:52:12.680><c> these</c><00:52:12.880><c> in</c> states that already have these in states that
  • The state of law in Wyoming is just inconsistent.
  • Um the state of law in Wyoming session.
Keywords: 916, all
Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met under time constraints and asked members to rank interim topics for a letter to Management Council. The committee then took brief public testimony on a series of proposed study topics, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript. Early testimony focused on landlord eviction rights, where speakers said the court eviction process is too slow, can worsen housing shortages, and leaves landlords unable to recover rent, fees, or damage costs. The foster care topic was presented as a request to examine whether the system gives too much weight to reunification and not enough to the child’s best interests, especially for younger children. A Blue Envelope Program proposal was also discussed; supporters said it would help law enforcement communicate with autistic or otherwise communication-challenged individuals during traffic stops and emergencies, and improve consistency statewide. The committee also heard a proposal to study Wyoming’s homicide-by-vehicle statute, with testimony from a constituent whose mother was killed by a repeat dangerous driver. Speakers argued the current law leaves a gap because prior DUIs, high-risk driving history, and other aggravating factors do not meaningfully affect charging unless intoxication or extreme conduct is present. Related testimony from Wyoming Pathways said the change should be a tool in the toolbox for prosecutors and could improve safety for pedestrians and drivers. Senator Cooper then raised campaign finance reform and dark money, urging a resolution asking Wyoming’s congressional delegation to seek a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and restore state control over election spending transparency. Additional topics included a request from the Wyoming Livestock Board to review peace officer statutes so its investigators could act on felonies committed in their presence or prevent imminent bodily harm, while remaining within their current duties and certification. Representative Lee asked for review of non-disclosure agreements in public-private partnerships and executive sessions so the public can eventually understand how such agreements were used. Senator Pearson asked for interim consideration of shared custody amendments, saying fit parents should have a fair opportunity for shared parenting after separation. Representative Storer proposed revisiting DUI penalties, especially for refusal of chemical testing, arguing that refusal often prevents prosecution and that the law should impose treatment and license suspension consequences. The committee also heard a request to review statutes involving political parties, and the state court administrator asked for interim study of remote public access to court records, citing ongoing automation efforts, privacy concerns, and funding needs.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 03/05/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> so that your efforts keep our state so that your efforts keep our state grounded<00:03:12.600><c
  • constitution and our state laws.
  • constitution and our within our state constitution and our state<00:22:58.400><c> laws.
  • </c> state laws. state laws.
  • Senator Holmstom. the state of Minnesota. And so with that the state of Minnesota.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Six - Thursday, April 2

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • State buildings, state-operated facilities, and in total it's $638 million for House Bill 2018.
  • So it's not the second year, and it's not just state buildings, potentially or state-operated.
  • Missouri is one of the states with the highest level of prevalence among all the states.
  • Thirty-nine other states have already done so, including every state around Missouri.
  • problem in our state, the crisis, the state will invest as well.
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 124-1 vote, and numerous introductions of student groups, health professionals, and other guests. Committee reports were then read, including several bills recommended “do pass.” The chamber also heard a personal privilege speech from a St. Louis County member responding to a North St. Louis County school track meet shooting, calling for stronger action on gun access and firearm safety. The main floor work focused heavily on appropriations and capital projects. House Bills 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 were debated and passed, covering reappropriations, maintenance and repair projects, new capital improvements, and remaining ARPA pandemic funds. HB 2017 passed 137-9, HB 2018 passed 127-21, HB 2019 passed 98-48, and HB 2020 passed 127-24. Members emphasized that the bills largely used previously appropriated or federal funds, while some Democrats raised concerns about general revenue spending and one-time infrastructure projects. The House also adopted and finally passed Senate-amended HB 2641 on hemp/cannabis-related regulation, with changes on privacy, worker organization, effective date, and age restrictions; it passed 125-21 on adoption and 126-23 on final passage. HB 2423, dealing with Department of Finance staffing and capacity, passed unanimously after Senate adoption. Other measures passed included HB 1919 on electronic filing parity with IRS rules, HB 1768/2060 on short-term rental property tax classification, HB 1855 adding Alpha-Gal Syndrome to reportable conditions, HB 2355 creating a Food is Medicine pilot option, HB 1717/1643 on psilocybin therapy for veterans and first responders, HB 2372, a broad health care package, HB 2408 on the deaf-blind fund, HB 3000 on auditor/siganture-related procedures, HB 2898 restoring land bank tools, and HB 1740, “Melanie’s Law,” strengthening DWI penalties and ignition interlock requirements. Not all bills advanced: HB 3239, which would have expanded and funded the workforce diploma program through MoCAP, failed 55-95 after criticism that it shifted K-12 formula money and stripped vendor standards. HB 2760, the “Praise Act” on treatment of houses of worship during emergencies, drew extended debate on religious liberty, public health, and consistency in emergency orders; the transcript cuts off before the final vote is shown. Throughout the day, members frequently cited bipartisan support for health, public safety, and administrative bills, while several measures drew sharper partisan or policy disagreements over funding, regulation, and local control.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Appropriations Committee, January 14, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> to reopen University of Wyoming. to reopen University of Wyoming.
  • </c> burden on the citizens of this state. burden on the citizens of this state.
  • </c> the cowboy state. It's a great place. the cowboy state. It's a great place.
  • </c><03:44:13.840><c> funds</c> non-state funds to match any state funds non-state funds to match any
  • </c> for um purposes of state aid. for um purposes of state aid.
Keywords: 916, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (04/08/2026)

Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> businesses here in the state. businesses here in the state.
  • </c> states.
  • So, we have six other states states.
  • </c> Bearbrook State Park. Bearbrook State Park.
  • </c> service to the state. service to the state.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Finance - 03/18/26

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:02:45.720><c> with</c> communities and across our state with communities and across our state
  • with these funds in many parts of the state.
  • state and um state and um so<00:04:35.600><c> we</c><00:04:35.840><c> have</c><00:04:36.440><c> uh</c
  • The funds in many parts of the state.
  • But in order to do that, the state.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/25/2026 - Senate Government

Senate Government Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • University and the University of Arizona.
  • This measure would prevent the state from giving BIPAC-owned businesses any preference in state contracts
  • We have a lawsuit right now involving Arizona State University about a professor who was required to
  • University.
  • asking municipalities in the state, and in some cases the state, to upkeep the costs of these networks
Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the prior February meetings and then took up several measures. HCR 2013, designating June 2026 as “Celebrate Life Month” in Arizona, drew emotional testimony from Crystal Cooper and Bella Stockton about their lives with spina bifida and support for the resolution. Senator Kennedy and others questioned the purpose of the resolution, arguing the state should focus on concrete supports for families, but the motion passed 4-1 with two not voting. Members then advanced HB 2327, which clarifies protections for eligible persons’ identifying information in county recorder records, with an amendment excluding voter registration records; it passed 5-0 with two not voting. HB 2258, adding La Paz County to the Tourism Advisory Council’s geographic area, also passed unanimously among those voting. HB 2397, expanding HOA/COA disclosure requirements for prospective buyers, was amended twice and passed 5-1; supporters said it would improve transparency about assessments and defects, while opponents warned about cost and administrative burdens, especially for smaller associations. HB 2015, imposing penalties for late federal/state financial reporting by state organizations, passed 4-2 despite concerns that the automatic penalties were too harsh and could be out of agencies’ control. The committee also approved HB 4049, allowing DCS to hire its own counsel and directing the Attorney General to represent the state’s interest in certain cases involving alleged DCS misconduct, though some members argued current law already addresses conflicts and that DCS had not been consulted. HB 4087, authorizing placement of a Barbara Love memorial in the governmental wall, passed without opposition. HB 2100, allowing counties to authorize certain small land subdivisions, passed 4-2 amid debate over water adequacy and the risk of “wildcat” development. HB 2460, preempting local fees and penalties tied to abandoned or stolen movable business property such as shopping carts, passed 4-2 after extensive testimony from cities, retailers, and advocates over local control, costs, and theft prevention. Finally, HCR 2056, a proposed constitutional amendment recognizing a right to refuse medical mandates, began hearing testimony; supporters framed it as bodily autonomy, while opponents, including pediatric and public health advocates, warned it would weaken vaccine requirements and outbreak protections for schools and children.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:10:34.600><c> who</c> are only 22 attorneys in the state who are only 22 attorneys in the state
  • portion of the state.
  • portion of the state.
  • portion of the state.
  • However, again, the ability... criminal dockets in Washington and Maran criminal dockets in Washington
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The subcommittee met to discuss the guardian ad litem system, including appointment qualifications, training, payment, and whether any changes are needed. Roll was called, the February 25, 2025 minutes were approved, and the chair emphasized that the meeting was informational only and no vote would be taken. Representatives from the Court of Justice, including Chief Justice Deborah Henry Lambert and several family and district judges, testified about how the system has evolved since concerns raised in 2019 about overappointment and fees. Court witnesses said the judiciary responded to earlier concerns by requiring open appointment lists of trained and qualified attorneys, improving training, and increasing oversight of fee orders. They reported that statewide GAL fees have fallen from a little over $14 million in 2019 to about $12 million, even as caseloads have grown, and said the average payment works out to about $650 per case, with the statutory cap for trial-level GAL fees still set at $500 since 1986. They argued that the current local appointment model works well, especially in rural areas, and warned that moving to a DPA-style regional model would create serious scheduling and conflict problems because of overlapping dockets and related criminal cases. Judges from rural districts described shortages of available attorneys, high burnout, travel burdens, and the difficulty of finding enough counsel in smaller counties. They also said the Court of Justice cannot seek certain federal Title IV-E reimbursements, but urged the legislature to encourage the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to pursue that funding through an MOU. One judge noted that some appointed attorneys are effectively underpaid relative to private rates and that better compensation would help attract and retain lawyers. The discussion also covered training standards adopted after the 2019 audit. Witnesses said Rule 37 now requires initial training and four hours of multidisciplinary continuing training every two years, with topics including child development, trauma-informed care, substance use, child welfare, forensics, ethics, and communication with clients. They said the Court of Justice has offered in-person regional trainings and remote options, and that the goal is to keep qualified attorneys on the appointment lists while improving representation for children and parents in dependency, neglect, abuse, and termination-of-parental-rights cases.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Thu Jan 30, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 9

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today we have the head of the State Fire Council and fire chief for the Big Island, and also my brother
  • one step closer to necessary criminal justice reform that we should continually strive for in this state
  • 00:27:42.320><c> a</c><00:27:42.399><c> deputy</c><00:27:42.720><c> PRC</c><00:27:42.960><c> un</c> state
  • um when I was a deputy PRC un state um when I was a deputy PRC un attorney<00:27:43.399><c> in</c><00
  • The crash occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, leaving no survivors at this time.
Keywords: 910, house, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Jan 13th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • State of Florida, Department of State.
  • I, Cord Byrd, Secretary of State of the State of Florida, do hereby certify that the following candidate
  • The Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida, that I am duly qualified
  • to state, perform the duties of State Senator, District 11, on which I am now about to enter.
  • We all look forward to hearing your final State of the State address.
Summary: The Florida Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 regular session with prayer, presentation of colors by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by children in the chamber, and a performance of the national anthem by the FAMU Marching 100. Newly elected Senator Ralph Massullo was certified and sworn into office by Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, and several current and former state officials and senators were recognized in the chamber. The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 1466 to convene in joint session with the House to receive the Governor’s message, waived the rules to immediately certify the resolution to the House, and notified the House and Governor that the Senate was ready to proceed with the 2026 regular session. In remarks, Senate leadership and the President discussed priorities including rural Florida, agriculture, citrus recovery, food insecurity, affordability, tax relief, balanced budgets, and the importance of deliberation and checks and balances. The President also highlighted recent and planned initiatives such as the Farmers Feeding Florida program, rural health care investment, and property tax relief, while emphasizing faith, service, and cooperation in the chamber. Senator Gates announced that 52 executive appointments would be taken up the following day. The session concluded with a benediction by Senator Massullo and adjournment until the next scheduled meeting, with the Senate set to meet later in joint session with the House.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Jan 13th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • State of Florida, Department of State: I, Cord Bird, Secretary of State of the State of Florida, do hereby
  • and of the State of Florida, that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the State
  • We all look forward to hearing your final State of the State address.
  • , businesses, and communities across our state.
  • Senators, it's time for our family members who are attending the State of the State to make their way
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Senate in Session Jan 13th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • State of Florida, Department of State: I, Cord Bird, Secretary of State of the State of Florida, do hereby
  • and of the State of Florida, that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the State
  • We all look forward to hearing your final State of the State address.
  • , businesses, and communities across our state.
  • Senator, it's time for our family members who are attending the State of the State to make their way
Summary: The Senate convened for opening day of the 2026 regular session with prayer, presentation of colors by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem by the FAMU Marching 100. The chamber then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Ralph E. Misullo, Jr. of District 11, and welcomed a number of special guests, including statewide elected officials, Supreme Court justices, and former Senate leaders and members. The Senate adopted SCR 1466, which authorized the House and Senate to meet in joint session to receive a message from the Governor, and waived rules to immediately transmit the resolution to the House. The Rules Chair also moved that the Secretary notify the House and Governor that the Senate was convened and ready to begin the 2026 regular session. No substantive legislation was debated; the session was largely ceremonial and organizational. In remarks, the Senate President reflected on the role of the Senate, the need for balance, deliberation, and checks and balances, and highlighted priorities such as rural Florida, citrus recovery, farmers feeding Florida, rural health care, affordability, low taxes, property tax relief, and fiscal restraint. He also emphasized faith, service, and cooperation. At the end of the session, Senator Gates announced that 52 executive appointments would be considered the next day, and the Senate adjourned until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with committee meetings and other business to follow.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Jun 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The next one is the governor's lunch at the state archives.
  • So that's very robust and many states are participating.
  • And then commissioned Liberty Bells for our states. Ours was traveled across the state.
  • And that's what we know from our work at the State Museum, at the State impact on people, and that's
  • what we know from our work at the State Museum, at the State Archives, and at the Old Pen, and all of
Summary: The America 250 in Idaho Advisory Council met with a quorum and approved the June 10, 2026 minutes. Staff then gave a financial update showing an unobligated balance of $42,547.53, with additional accrued revenue expected to become available in fiscal year 2027; members were also reminded that Luma will be closed July 1–2 for invoice processing. Updates focused on preparations for Idaho’s July 4 America 250 celebration and related statewide programming. Treasurer Ellsworth reported on the ambassador program and the traveling Liberty Bell, noting events and outreach across the state, that the spuds used in the program were personally funded rather than paid with taxpayer dollars, and that the bell’s route is still being finalized. Secretary McGrane and Janet Gallimore described event logistics, including weather contingency plans, Capitol decorations, media promotion, volunteer recruitment, and the website’s event map showing roughly 97 supported events statewide. Gallimore also highlighted the restored Idaho Liberty Bell’s history and its planned tour around Idaho before returning to the Capitol in the fall. Additional reports noted national and statewide recognition for Idaho’s July 4 event, including selection for the “July 4th for America’s Block Party,” the Idaho State Pavilion in Washington, D.C., the Move 250 initiative, the Presidential 1776 Award finals airing June 30, arts and park events, and a July 8 statewide reading of the Declaration of Independence. No action items were taken beyond the minutes approval. The council tentatively scheduled its next meeting for July 14, with time to be determined, and members confirmed their attendance plans for the July 4 celebration before adjournment.