Transcript Highlights:

• We're the first to mandate public education, the first to recognize marriage equality, and among the
• first to codify rights for people with disabilities.
• We're the first to mandate public education, the first to recognize marriage equality, and among the
• first to codify rights for people with disabilities.
• First division. Twenty-two sufficient number having arisen.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with routine ceremonial business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and adoption of several resolutions, such as congratulations to the Williamsburg Grange on its 125th anniversary and to Fire Captain Melissa Blodgett on her retirement. The chamber also concurred in a Senate petition to establish a sick leave bank for a Bristol County Sheriff’s Department employee and suspended Joint Rule 12 to advance local petitions, including one involving the Dalton Fire District and another renaming a Chelmsford bridge. The main floor action centered on several Ways and Means bills. The House advanced a bill amending laws relative to individuals with disabilities, replacing outdated and offensive terminology in the General Laws with person-first language; members spoke at length in support, emphasizing dignity, inclusion, and the bill’s non-substantive nature. The bill was engrossed by a roll call vote, 152-0. The House also took up and engrossed a bill to improve Massachusetts home care, which would create a licensing and oversight framework for private-pay home care agencies, establish standards for contracts, background checks, training, insurance, and consumer protections, and create advisory committees to guide implementation. An amendment establishing a Family Caregiver Commission was adopted 154-0, and the bill itself was then engrossed 153-1. In addition, the House passed or engrossed several other measures, including a bill authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to provide sewer services to land in Sharon, a sick leave bank bill for a Trial Court employee, a Marblehead parking fines bill, a Hingham municipal property bill for a center for active living, and a Taunton bill allowing continued employment of Police Chief Edward J. Walsh. The chamber also handled numerous calendar items, holding or passing over many while advancing a few. The session ended with a special adjournment in memory of former Representative George L. Sacco Jr., and the House adjourned to meet the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So first up is Caitlin Kelly O'Neill. Thank you.
• First of all, thank you for your efforts on the bill.
• No, I need to go to public comment first. But then I will need one.
• But first we'll go to public comment. Who is on the list first? First up is Katie Gillis.
• Madam Chair, we have first Crystal Timmons Bryant. Hello.

Bills: SB9

Committee: House Natural Resources & Energy

Keywords: wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands, Delaware, environmental sustainability, climate change, carbon sink, permitting process

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee. The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development. Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's go ahead and move ourselves into ADCAL first.
• Let's go ahead and move ourselves into ADCAL first. It's a two-part motion. It's that second part.
• Reader will read the first bill on the calendar together with committee recommendations.
• We're going to read the first bill on the calendar.
• It's going to hit First Amendment problems, and this bill also certainly runs into First Amendment problems

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, welcomed former Senator Limpancrazi, and recognized page Owen Washburn and his family. The chamber then moved through messages and second-reading listings, and the Committee of the Whole considered several House bills. HB 2398, dealing with watercraft operation and peer-to-peer watercraft sharing insurance, received a floor amendment clarifying the types of insurers that may provide primary commercial boat liability coverage and was reported do pass as amended. HB 2477, relating to the Arizona Education Savings Plan, was amended to add investment guardrails, conflict-of-interest protections, an advisory team, limits on land investments, and statutory treatment of the local government investment pool, then reported do pass as amended. The Committee of the Whole also considered HB 2251 on midwifery, which was amended to transfer oversight of licensed midwives from the Department of Health Services to the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board, add a licensed midwife to the board, separate midwife and naturopathic funds, apply investigative and disciplinary procedures, and make conforming changes; it was reported do pass as amended. HB 2991, concerning minors’ access to technology content and social media, drew extensive debate. A floor amendment revised age-signal and parental-consent procedures, changed default settings language, removed a private right of action, and made other technical changes. Senators Tise, Epstein, and others argued the bill still raised serious First Amendment and censorship concerns, while Senator Bullock defended it as a child-safety measure that did not require uploading ID. The bill was ultimately reported do pass as amended. In third reading, the Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report, retained HB 2397 on the calendar, and voted on several bills. HB 2104, HB 2105, HB 2763, HB 2786, HB 2771, HB 2782, and HB 4117 passed; HB 2457, HB 2494, and HB 2696 failed. HB 2457 and HB 2494 drew opposition over local control and land-use concerns, while HB 2696, aimed at fuel and gas prices, drew criticism that the Commerce Authority was not the right vehicle and that the issue was driven by federal policy. HB 4117, relating to offenses against public order and religious services, passed after sharp debate over whether it would protect worship or chill protest and free speech, with opponents warning of vague language and potential political prosecutions. The Senate also voted to reconsider its prior action on HB 2311 and HB 2601, requested the House return HB 2995 for reconsideration, and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our new secretary is going to oversee our first committee hearing, so please welcome her.
• So they wrote these words into California's first Constitution.
• First of all, that sounded like an endorsement for publicly financed campaigns.
• Figure out life first rather than paying attention to who's paying for it.
• And my first campaign, I didn't take any corporate money.

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Finance met as a subcommittee at first due to a lack of quorum, then established quorum and proceeded with an informational hearing on AB 1984 by Assemblymember Rogers. The bill was presented as an effort to reduce the influence of money in politics by limiting political spending by corporations and other state-created entities, with supporters arguing that Citizens United has fueled dark money, eroded public trust, and distorted democracy. Testimony in support came from the author, Tom Moore of the Center for American Progress, Nancy Price of the Alliance for Democracy, and several advocacy groups and individuals, who emphasized corruption concerns, the need for transparency, and the view that the bill would make elections more accountable and less dominated by anonymous spending. Committee members raised concerns about constitutionality, the definition of covered entities, and whether the bill could unintentionally favor wealthy individuals or independent expenditures over ordinary candidates. Assemblymember Rubio argued that the measure could disadvantage candidates from poorer districts and shift power toward self-funded or IE-backed campaigns, while Assemblymember Schiavo and others noted the corrosive effect of dark money and the difficulty of running in a system shaped by large outside spending. The author and witnesses responded that the bill would not eliminate all spending, but would require spending to come from identifiable individuals and reduce anonymous corporate and dark-money channels. Opposition testimony came from the California Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill would be unconstitutional under First Amendment precedent and would silence businesses and nonprofits rather than solve the underlying problem. Additional opposition was voiced by the California Building Industry Association and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association. The committee also briefly considered and passed the consent calendar, including AB 2607, by roll call vote. The hearing on AB 1984 remained informational only, and no vote was taken on the bill before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We pray now, God, for your continued guidance that we would always seek you first, that we would do what
• This is the first ever boys state championship at Crofton High School.
• </c> first ever boys state championships. first ever boys state championships.
• </c><00:14:34.280><c> First,</c><00:14:34.959><c> strengthen</c> mission is twofold.
• First, strengthen mission is twofold.

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like to take the amendment up first, or would you like to explain the bill first?
• First off, Senator, thank you for working on this bill.
• First, thank you for coming by to chat with me about this.
• Would you like to take up the amendment first?
• Would you like to take up the amendment first?

Bills: SB1421 , SB1427 , SB1484 , SB1503 , SB1553 , SB1557 , SB1564 , SB1566 , SB1567 , SB1591 , SB1642 , SB1794 , SB1837 , SB2044

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: mental health, nonphysical intervention, training, youth care, conflict resolution, staff training, pediatric screenings, type 1 diabetes, health care providers, parental consent, reimbursement, state funding, public health, medicolegal investigation, medical examiner, coroner, sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS, sudden unexpected infant death, SUID

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced a series of health-related bills. Senate Bill 1503 would allow a digital abortion-related service provider to participate in the Choosing Childbirth grant program without requiring a brick-and-mortar Oklahoma presence; it passed 10-2. Senate Bill 1553, dealing with appeals reviewed by psychologists, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1427, as amended, would add antibody screening for type 1 diabetes with parental consent and Medicaid reimbursement for the Medicaid population; it passed 9-3. Senate Bill 1642, allowing physicians to prescribe opioids in divided quantities during the initial seven-day period, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1421, requiring non-physical intervention training for direct-care staff and volunteers in certain mental health facilities, also passed unanimously. The committee also approved several behavioral health and rural care measures. Senate Bill 1837 would ask the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to seek a federal exemption so rural providers of home- and community-based services can also provide case management and person-centered planning; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1566, aimed at expanding access to autism diagnosis and ABA therapy by broadening who may diagnose ASD and allowing telemedical supervision of behavioral techs, passed 9-3 with title off due to fiscal concerns. Senate Bill 1567, a cleanup bill for APRN prescriptive authority and medical board fee language, passed 9-3. Senate Bill 1794 would create a statewide behavioral health vacancy registry to help place people in crisis more quickly; it passed 11-1 with title off after fiscal concerns were raised. Later, the committee approved Senate Bill 1484, requiring medical examiner investigations of SIDS and sudden unexpected infant deaths to include review of immunization and medical records and adding parental notification/consent provisions unless a crime is suspected; it passed 12-0. Senate Bill 1557, transferring ABA therapist licensing duties from DHS to a licensing board, passed after an amendment shifting the board involved. Senate Bill 1564, requiring a standardized billing code and reimbursement rate for certain dental surgeries under general anesthesia, passed 11-1 with title off because of a $1.9 million fiscal note. Finally, Senate Bill 1591, as amended, would cap THC in medical marijuana edibles at 10 mg per edible and 100 mg per package to reduce child poisonings; it passed 10-2. Several bills were amended during discussion, and multiple members noted fiscal concerns, parental consent, and access-to-care issues throughout the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, Representative Vanderwater. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee.
• As we go through that, draw your attention first of all to page one of the bill.
• , first-served basis, didn't just take up the funds.
• First of all, it related to, first of all, as a property tax relief bill, essentially is what it was.
• First of all, it related to, first of all, as a property tax relief bill, essentially is what it was.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So victims come first, especially if it's a violent crime.
• And it's the first time that they have.
• Beginning in 1887, we were the first territory to provide the right to counsel. State v.
• So that would be the first state office for public defense in the state of Idaho.
• We were in court the first two months, and probably the first six months, doing things that they were

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Introduction and first reading of bills will be deemed read.
• Betsy was the first woman ever elected to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors.
• Betsy was the first woman ever elected to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors.
• And while she wasn't successful in being the first woman to have that spot...
• That election, she would have been the first woman in the... ...in 1976, that election was the first;

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled routine procedural matters, including deeming various messages and committee reports read. Senator Arreguín requested removal of SB 239 from the inactive file for second reading. The chamber then took up SJR 9 by Senator Durazo, which was presented as amended and placed on call before later receiving the amendments by a 29-10 vote. The main floor action was on SR 70 by Senator Pérez, commemorating the third anniversary of the Monterey Park mass shooting and honoring the 11 victims. Pérez and Senator Rubio spoke at length about the tragedy, the victims, the community response, and the heroism of Brandon Tsay, who disarmed the shooter. The resolution passed unanimously, 39-0. After adoption, Senator Pérez introduced Monterey Park Mayor Elizabeth Yang as a guest on the floor. The remainder of the session was devoted largely to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senators honored labor leader Mary Gutierrez Hunter, veteran and political activist Bob Mulholland, former Yolo County Supervisor Betsy Marchand, and Vietnamese American community leader Vu Von Locke, with remarks highlighting their public service, organizing work, and community impact. The Senate also announced that Appropriations would meet after session, and the desk was declared clear before recessing until the next floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Hurricane Irma program was the first one that happened.
• So, I'm sorry, I'll talk about our statutory authority first.
• So, I'm sorry, I'll talk about our statutory authority first.
• Eligible project types are first and foremost.
• So again, we focus on elevation first.

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard several housing and disaster-recovery items. The committee heard SB 48 by Senator Gates, which would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead treatment for the owner-occupied portion of the property, limit undue parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum rentals, extend certain density bonuses for military families, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 34 by Senator Sharif, creating a historic cemeteries program to help preserve historic African-American cemeteries and allow sale of excess vacant land if proceeds are used for long-term maintenance; it was also reported favorably. The committee then considered and recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Members also received a presentation from the Department of Commerce on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida. Deputy Secretary Justin Domer described the state’s administration of HUD disaster recovery funds, including more than $4.3 billion received since 2017, housing repair and replacement programs that have completed 5,271 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects such as sewer conversion in Alford, the new Calhoun-Liberty Hospital, and the Florida Keys desalination plant. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and audit procedures; Domer said the department uses inspections, vendor oversight, and financial penalties, and noted stricter contract consequences in newer programs. The Division of Emergency Management also presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition/demolition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is designed to reduce repetitive flood losses and keep homeowners in place, and that it has received more than 12,000 applications, with about 1,500 prioritized, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about the 25% match for seniors, the wait list, contractor procurement, and how projects are classified; Guthrie said the program uses insurance proceeds where available, has competitively procured 27 contractors, and may shift projects from elevation to reconstruction depending on damage and flood rules. The committee adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Hurricane Irma program was the first one that happened.
• Our Hurricane Irma program was the first one that happened.
• Eligible project types are first and foremost.
• First, cost-saving solutions.
• So again, we focus on elevation first.

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum and heard two bills, a confirmation, and two agency presentations. SB 48 by Senator Gates would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead exemption for the owner-occupied portion, limit parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum leases, extend density bonuses for military-family housing, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. SB 34 by Senator Sharief would expand the Historic Cemetery Program, particularly to help historic African-American cemeteries preserve and maintain themselves by allowing sale of excess vacant land only if proceeds are used for long-term upkeep; it also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors by unanimous vote. In addition, the Department of Commerce presented on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida, describing more than $4.3 billion in HUD disaster recovery funds since 2017, housing repair and replacement efforts that have completed more than 5,200 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects across the state. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and clawbacks from a prior vendor; Commerce said it had ended the earlier vendor relationship, imposed about $3.6 million in financial consequences, and now uses stronger oversight and competitive procurement for contractors. The Division of Emergency Management then presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds used. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is intended to reduce repetitive flood losses, keep homeowners in their communities, and serve as a national model; he reported more than 12,000 applications, about 1,500 prioritized for review, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about assistance for seniors who cannot meet the 25% match, the wait-list process, contractor selection, and the mix of project types, and Guthrie said contractors were selected through competitive procurement and that most projects are elevations, though some may become reconstructions or acquisitions depending on inspection results. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in this first year, we're kind of on a shortened timeline.
• So the first lifting of part of our funding was in February.
• So the first lifting of a part of our funding was in February.
• So, in the first part, what are the tribes doing well?
• This is the first time every state has a rural strategy.

Summary: The Rural Health Transformation Committee met to receive an overview from Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Sharon on Idaho’s Rural Health Transformation Program application and the federal rules governing the five-year funding. Sharon explained the program was created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, that Idaho’s award is about $186 million annually in year one, and that the state must obligate the funds by October 30 or risk losing them. She reviewed the application timeline, the federal scoring process, reporting and audit requirements, and the state’s plan to hire a 12-person limited-term team to manage solicitations, monitoring, and compliance. Committee members asked about scope-of-practice issues for dental hygienists and physician assistants, the risk of losing or gaining funds, survey methodology, telehealth, and how the state will use the money for workforce, technology, behavioral health, infrastructure, and tribal set-asides. Sharon said the department would continue working with the legislature on scope-of-practice policy, provide more detail on survey data and funding caps, and set up a shared information space with LSO for committee access. Sharon also walked through the five main initiative areas in Idaho’s plan: technology and access, innovative models, workforce, chronic disease and behavioral health, and rural infrastructure/partnerships. She emphasized that allowable uses include telehealth and EHR modernization, cybersecurity, EMS support, workforce recruitment and retention incentives, evidence-based behavioral health and chronic disease programs, renovations and mobile units, and a 3.5% tribal set-aside. She said the department is still refining what is allowable with CMS and that the committee will receive monthly summaries, procurement information, and performance reports. Members raised concerns about the survey’s heavy use of “other” responses, the amount of money going to administration, and whether telehealth spending is the best use of funds. Chris Jones of Catalyst Policy Group then offered outside perspective on rural health strategy and the federal program. He praised Idaho’s application but urged the committee to think in terms of integrated, patient-centered systems rather than isolated projects. He highlighted examples from other states involving community health workers, telehealth hubs, remote monitoring, value-based care networks, rural training pipelines, and partnerships among hospitals, FQHCs, and tribal providers. He cautioned against focusing on social determinants of health funding, encouraged use of technology to reduce labor burden and improve sustainability, and emphasized that training providers in rural areas tends to keep them there. No votes were taken. The committee agreed to tentatively meet again on May 28 during CMS’s planned Idaho visit, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in this first year, we're kind of on a shortened timeline.
• So the first lifting of part of our funding was in February.
• So the first lifting of a part of our funding was in February.
• So in the first part, what are the tribes doing well?
• This is the first time every state has a rural strategy.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Rural Health Transformation Committee met to receive an overview from Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Sharon on Idaho’s Rural Health Transformation Program, created under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Sharon explained the $50 billion federal program, Idaho’s application timeline, the state’s ranking and award amount, and the five broad initiative areas in the approved plan: technology and access, innovative care models, workforce development, chronic disease and behavioral health, and rural infrastructure/partnerships. She emphasized that the funding is tightly overseen by CMS, with required reporting, compliance checks, sustainability plans, and the risk of losing funds if Idaho does not obligate money or meet milestones on time. She also outlined the state’s plan to hire a 12-person temporary team and to use a mix of RFPs and competitive subgrants, with monthly reporting to the committee and a shared information space to track solicitations, rubrics, and awards. Committee members questioned several parts of the plan, especially scope-of-practice issues tied to the application, the use of telehealth funding, workforce retention, and the survey process used to shape the application. Representative Tanner asked whether the state could continue pursuing scope changes for dental hygienists and physician assistants and whether legislative action could affect funding outcomes; Sharon said the state would continue to evaluate those policies, but that compliance, timely spending, and performance would be the main factors affecting funding. Representative Healy raised concerns about the survey’s heavy use of “other” responses and about telehealth spending, arguing some telehealth uses may not be practical for specialty care. Representative Manwaring requested a shared drive for real-time data and asked for raw survey results and dollar-based funding caps. Sharon agreed to provide follow-up information, including survey data and additional details on funding limits. Chris Jones of Catalyst Policy Group then presented broader policy observations and examples from other states. He praised Idaho’s application, urged the committee to keep the focus on patient-centered rural access, and highlighted ideas such as community health workers, remote patient monitoring, rural training pipelines, value-based care networks, and telehealth models that reduce staffing needs and improve sustainability. He also cautioned against relying on social determinants of health funding, noted the importance of rural training and partnerships, and praised Idaho’s 3.5% tribal set-aside. The committee ended by agreeing to set up a shared information hub with LSO, to expect follow-up materials and possible solicitation drafts soon, and to tentatively plan its next meeting around CMS’s Idaho visit on May 28.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please listen to the first reading of the bill.
• Please listen to the first reading of the bill.
• Please listen to the first reading of the bill.
• </c> sovereignty clause that for the first sovereignty clause that for the first time<00:26:09.320><c
• </c> amendment to the bill that the first amendment to the bill that the first assistant<00:30:03.000

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have a quorum, but we will begin with our first bill. Mr.
• So first of all, I want to thank the author. I think it's a great bill.
• Anyway, so first of all, we're about to finish up on the bills.
• I want to just start first since we have almost everyone here.
• So with that, first of all, I would ask if there's a motion.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that the Senate revert to the first order of business.
• Senator Riccelli moves that the Senate now revert to the first order of business.
• First order of business: reports of standing committees. The Secretary will read.
• We also know that condos provide an opportunity for first-time homeowners...
• It has us work through things that, you know, at first are just contentious.

Bills: SB5223 , SB6071 , SB5966 , SB6061 , SB6016 , SB5973 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB6190 , SB5574 , SB6263 , SB6282 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5609 , SB5943 , SJM8016 , SB5907 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB5909 , SB6045 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5762 , SB6032 , SB6082 , SB6164 , SB6176 , SB6319 , SB6308 , SB6177 , SB6052 , SB6182 , SB6335 , SB6017 , SB5470 , SB5990 , SB5046 , SB5387 , SB5637 , SB5647 , SB5839 , SB5888 , SB5962 , SB6018 , SB6037 , SB6047 , SB6078 , SB6130 , SB6147 , SB6256 , HB2155 , HB2304 , HB2367 , HB2606 , SB5998 , SB6005

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial remarks, approved the previous day’s journal, and then moved through introductions, committee referrals, and caucus breaks. A resolution recognizing Ramadan, Senate Resolution 8680, was adopted after remarks from Senator Trudeau emphasizing charity, self-reflection, and restraint, and several members spoke in support of religious inclusion and community recognition. The chamber then took up several bills on final passage. House Bill 2304, expanding warranty options to encourage more condominium construction, passed overwhelmingly. Substitute House Bill 2492, requiring behavioral health and wellness training in construction apprenticeships, also passed after supporters cited high rates of mental health struggles and suicides in the trades. Substitute House Bill 2228, directing work on scissors stairs to improve housing efficiency, passed as well, as did Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541, which revises the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee to add more military and veteran experience. The most extended debate centered on Substitute House Bill 2355, the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights. Supporters argued it would provide basic labor protections, written agreements, minimum wage, and remedies for domestic workers, while opponents warned it would burden families, independent contractors, and small jobs with contracts, notice requirements, and private lawsuits. Several proposed amendments to narrow coverage or remove the private right of action were rejected, and the bill ultimately passed 28–20. The Senate also passed House Bill 2155 on nursing title use in the context of AI, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2242 on preventive services and state health guidance, Substitute House Bill 2269 on middle housing in unincorporated areas, and Engrossed House Bill 1501 on HOA/unit-owner inquiries after adopting a committee striking amendment. The Senate adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first item on our agenda today is approval of the minutes, Representative Diger. Thank you, Mr.
• First up, Cleet Edmondson, welcome back to House State Affairs.
• First up, Cleet Edmondson, welcome back to House State Affairs.
• First, I would like to thank Governor Little and IDL for putting health and safety first last summer,
• Do you mind if we catch Representative Haas first? I did. Would you like to have a question?

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 17 and 18 and agreed to hold RS 33446 at the sponsor’s request. It then reconsidered RS 33144, a memorial urging the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit Obergefell v. Hodges. The sponsor argued the issue belongs to the states under federalism and cited Idaho’s constitutional definition of marriage and traditional moral and religious views. Members questioned the need for the memorial given Idaho’s existing constitutional amendment and whether updated public-opinion data should be provided. The committee adopted a substitute amendment removing language referring to the “Anglo-American legal tradition,” and the revised RS 33144 was introduced; the chair later noted noes on the motion for the record. The committee next introduced RS 33-421, a large-load utility bill aimed at codifying rules for new high-demand customers, such as data centers, so growth pays for growth and existing ratepayers are protected from infrastructure costs. The sponsor said the bill would help prevent rate increases and stranded assets, and members asked about impacts on nuclear development, treatment of existing large-load customers, and whether utilities had been consulted. The motion to introduce RS 33-421 passed. The main item of the meeting was H.J.R. 10, a proposed constitutional amendment concerning Idaho endowment lands. The sponsor said the amendment would prioritize revenue-generating uses, preserve traditional uses like timber, mining, and grazing, and protect public access without making the public a beneficiary. Supporters, including recreation and outfitter representatives, said it would provide stability and better recognize recreation and other uses. Opponents from logging, mining, ranching, and the Idaho Department of Lands warned it could create legal ambiguity, invite litigation, conflict with the Admissions Act and fiduciary duties, and shift management away from the current trust framework. After extensive testimony and debate, a motion to hold H.J.R. 10 in committee failed 6-8, and the motion to send it to the floor with a due pass recommendation then failed on a 7-7 tie, so no action was taken to advance the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is securing those surface water supplies.
• First of all, apologies for my tardiness.
• The first one I want to talk about is agricultural viability.
• So first, I want to talk about forests.
• The first is to set priorities locally.

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we will hear about the implementation of House Bill 1349.
• That honestly was my first question.
• So we told you, The first case was received in August 2024.
• So the first case happened then, which included several active cases.
• So most of them, as you saw, First. Madam Chair, that's a great question.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive updates on implementation of House Bill 1349, which created guardianship transparency measures, and on the Department of Elder Affairs’ Office of Public and Professional Guardians (OPPG). The Clerk of Courts Operations Corporation described the statewide guardianship database for judges and a public-facing website, noting the system went live in March 2025 after a soft launch in 2024. Officials said the database now includes information from all 67 clerks, with 388 users, about 6,400 wards, and 518 professional guardians. Members asked about unique identifiers, data duplication, training, and how the system is being used; CCOC said it is working to use registration numbers as identifiers, improve search functions, expand training, and seek continued funding. Secretary Michelle Branham then outlined OPPG’s implementation of HB 1349 and its broader oversight role. She said the department has doubled education requirements, expanded transparency through the Sentry system, and brought investigations fully in-house in August 2024. She described the complaint and investigation process, including legal sufficiency review, regional investigators, mandatory in-person interviews, and possible outcomes ranging from corrective training and fines to suspension or revocation. Members asked about complaint categories, disciplinary actions, whether guardians can be suspended during investigations, and how older cases are handled; the secretary said most complaints are administrative/technical, serious allegations are referred to law enforcement, and one older case discussed remained ongoing. The Auditor General’s office presented its operational audit of OPPG, covering July 2022 through January 2024 and follow-up on prior findings. The audit identified problems with monitoring private professional guardians and public guardian offices, complaint processing timeliness, incomplete public profile information, late registration renewals, failure to assess contract penalties, weak collection safeguards, missing follow-up on required public guardian reports, lack of needed rules, and Sentry system access/security controls. In response, Secretary Branham said the department does not dispute the findings and has already taken corrective steps, including launching Sentry, hiring additional monitors, moving investigations in-house, adding automated renewal reminders, updating forms, and drafting new rules. She also said the department plans to seek subpoena power and stronger fines in the next legislative session. The subcommittee took no formal vote and adjourned after members’ questions were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• My first and lifelong mentor was Mari Lucy Jaramillo, Dr.
• First, was the original grant of land.
• So that's like first and foremost, all the accolades.
• It's the first land grant under the Spanish colony east of the Rio Pecos.
• First of all, thank you.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs