Transcript Highlights:

• fund; HB 2145, petition waiver fuel formations; HB 2147, deer taking, lawful more permits; HB 2162, Game
• Committee on Health and Human Services, having under consideration SB 1630 relating to home community-based
• China's social credit system assigned citizen scores based on behavior, associations, purchases, and
• And I think they're playing games at this point.
• I have a position that's based in scripture, that's based in common sense, that's based on observable

Transcript Highlights:

• But they were primarily technical, and then some were actionable based on very—there's a lot of interests
• We're based in Clovis, New Mexico.
• They've got to possibly put in some skin in the game, and then they can...
• Was it a base of $30 million already, Mr. Chair? Can you just clarify from a base on, Mr.
• Chair, based on the rules, the answer would be no. No, no, no. The 16th day of session.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 152, which would create a low-income telecommunications assistance program and continue support for rural broadband operations and maintenance through the State Rural Universal Service Fund. Senator Padilla and Office of Broadband Access and Expansion Director Jeff Lopez said the bill responds to the loss of federal affordability support and would help low-income households pay for broadband, while also preserving funding for rural carriers and maintenance. Supporters included the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group, tribal telecom representatives, and several rural providers, who said affordability is the main barrier to service and that the bill would help families, students, and rural communities. A few witnesses opposed parts of the bill, arguing that the ARS funding should be redirected entirely to broadband affordability and that legacy POTS-line support should sunset. Committee members asked about ETC requirements, satellite and wireless options, rural density, and the sunset provision; the sponsor said the sunset on ARS would be removed and that stakeholder discussions would continue in the interim. The committee voted due pass on the Senate Finance Committee substitute for SB 152. The committee then took up Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 132, which would add software planning and replacement to the state’s equipment replacement fund. The sponsor and expert said state agencies now rely heavily on software for core services and that planning for software alongside hardware would improve efficiency, security, and long-term sustainability. There was no opposition, and the committee voted due pass on the substitute. The meeting then shifted to a lengthy discussion of Senate changes to House Bill 2, the budget bill. Senate Finance staff described roughly 300 changes, including additional funding for fire response, early childhood, housing, health care, quantum initiatives, public safety, courts, transportation, education, and several social service programs. Members questioned cuts or reallocations affecting state employee pay, public school capital outlay, the state fair redevelopment, CARA, personal care services, the Office of Child Advocate, and other items. The presenters repeatedly defended the Senate’s use of funds as a way to preserve reserves while prioritizing health care, housing, education, and other recurring needs, and said reserves would remain above the target level even with the changes discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, because it is based off of Oregon, but it's not exactly This bill, because it is based off
• These include products with interactive gaming features or products that imitate a brand or a non-vapor
• and things that get people started, and we urge you to please support this practical and evidence-based
• Stores are right at the base of the bridge on the Oregon side where we pay no sales tax.
• This is an evidence-based policy recommended in the Lung Association's State of Tobacco Control Report

Bills: HB2439 , HB2483 , HB2400

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Business

Transcript Highlights:

• I estimated, and this was based on conversations I had with providers. Give us the number.
• I estimated, and this was based on conversations I had with providers. Give us the number.
• Based on some input, the change was made to put in five days.
• on some input uh immediately um based on some input uh the<02:02:02.440><c> change</c><02:02:02.719>
• Um, based on the financials, I didn't see any reason to table it. All right?

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So it isn't looking at a 49-page decision by a brand-new sheriff's deputy, a brand-new game warden.
• Maybe we can work that out with the game wardens and the landowner and, you know, whatever else.
• Maybe we can work that out with the game wardens and the landowner and, you know, whatever else.
• I did not recognize our Game and Fish Department.
• I did not recognize our Game and Fish Department.

Bills: HB0015 , HB0017 , HB0019

Committee: House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee substitute also increases the base salary of a district judge by 15% which also results
• district judges would be making two hundred thousand dollars at a the official After so that if the base
• Since the last base in 2013.
• So again, we encourage this little bit slighter increase in the base. pay but beyond that we think what
• you're doing here is to be commended and we're supporting your effort to increase base pay and make

Bills: SB260 , SB263 , SB293 , SJR18

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a fixed-based amount.
• This is a fixed-based amount.
• This is a fixed-based amount.
• This is a fixed-based amount.
• This is a fixed-based amount.

Bills: SB8

Committee: Joint Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a different conversation that's already been had, but we fully support compensation based on the
• And so They have to have some skin in the game to figure out what was going to happen in March, and they
• For example, Florida's gas tax went up by 0.5 of a cent this year based on the Consumer Price Index.
• And so what this does is it allows them to do a CPI increase based upon the consumer price index, right
• A 0.03 would be the numerator right now, the previous year, and adjust that annually based on CPI.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the type of care option that will limit itself based on age, existing family, or non-optimal
• So overall, the numbers of the, based on the population of the 320 cases...
• So overall, the numbers of the, based on the population of the 320 cases, then in the state of Nevada
• Nevada-based breweries need fair and modern policies that reflect today's marketplace.
• It is a game changer for local business growth and consumer access.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• They've never lost a game. They've never lost a game in 27. So, and I have to brag a little bit.
• My own grandson was MVP, and he broke a state record for rebounds, 52 rebounds in three games.
• son, got nine... the coach who passed his son got nine three-pointers in the last half of that last game

Transcript Highlights:

• They've never lost a game. They've never lost a game in 27. So, and I have to brag a little bit.
• My own grandson was MVP, and he broke a state record for rebounds, 52 rebounds in three games.
• The coach who passed his son got nine three-pointers in the last half of that last game.

Summary: The Senate opened by approving the previous day’s journal, receiving House messages on House Bill 2487 and House Bill 1983, and transmitting signed Senate bills 5252 and 5858. It then read first-reading measures, including Senate Bill 6358, which was referred to the Law and Justice Committee, and engrossed House Bill 2487, which was referred to Ways and Means. The chamber also suspended Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during the floor session and briefly stood at ease. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 8690, recognizing the contributions of the Chinook Tribal Nation. Senator Jeff Wilson spoke in support, emphasizing the Chinook people’s historical role in southwest Washington, their peaceful trade and diplomacy, and their continuing cultural and civic importance. After adoption, the Senate welcomed Chinook Indian Nation leaders and representatives who were present in the chamber. The Senate then considered gubernatorial appointments to the Washington State Women’s Commission. Allison F. Holub, Yolanda K. King Lowe, Malia Mullen, and Christina Cobbittish were each confirmed by roll call vote, with Holub and Cobbittish confirmed unanimously and King Lowe and Mullen confirmed on 30-19 votes. Senators also used points of personal privilege to recognize recent state basketball championships, including Colfax, Nia-Bay, Richland, and Lemmy Nation teams, before the Senate recessed for caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of the issues that are brought up are not based on facts.
• Is that based on experience of an accident someplace, or is it just based on a theory, basically, or
• Our state watch center was based off of Ohio's.
• The reports are submitted, and all grant programs are reimbursement-based.
• For me, just pick her rainy game. Four?

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And often they're based on the specific design of the technology.
• Most of the issues that are brought up are not based on facts.
• Is that based on experience of an accident someplace, or is it just based on a theory, basically, or
• Our state watch center was based off of Ohio's.
• For me, just pick a rainy game.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have a number of home and community-based service waivers, or HCBS waivers, to help keep MassHealth
• worker understood the importance of routine, which helps individuals with Alzheimer's retain certain skills
• disabled people boarding in the ER while awaiting long-term care placement or access to community-based

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:

• Is there a standard fee, or is it based regionally?
• region is very different, and I think the strategies to retain or recruit employees will be different based
• that next year to see if this is a pilot that we can spread across the state and try to get more skilled

Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate Finance Committee and the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks, and Recreation considered Governor Hochul’s nomination of Kathleen “Kathy” Moser to serve as Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Moser described her background in conservation and public lands, and said her priorities would include improving access and belonging for all New Yorkers, maintaining health and safety, modernizing infrastructure, addressing climate change and sustainability, and strengthening partnerships with local governments, community groups, and the Legislature. Members questioned her on a range of park issues, including visitor fees, safety at swimming areas such as Lake Welch, security measures at parks, access for urban residents through nature buses and school transportation grants, maintenance and capital needs, event permitting, workforce recruitment and retention, and coordination around the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Moser said the department has targeted capital and safety investments at popular parks, is installing fencing, lighting, cameras, and license plate readers at entrances at selected sites, and is planning extensive 250th commemoration programming and historic-site renovations. She also discussed efforts to expand community stewardship, including partner groups, culturally specific amenities like cricket fields, and outreach through traveling exhibits and social media. Senators raised concerns and suggestions about renewable energy siting, cell service in rural areas, invasive species prevention, and local infrastructure needs. After questioning concluded, the committees voted to advance the nomination, and the motion was reported to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Consistency and income-based, I think if it's going to be discretionary across the state, what would
• think maybe most appropriately, now that I, you know, we’ll talk later about whether he honed his skills
• Office of Multimodal Commerce, and then it should be staffed and funded based on the governor and the

Bills: SB309 , SB457 , SB513 , HB148 , HB149 , HB358 , HB384 , HB428 , HB487 , HB593 , HB613 , HB657 , HB675 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB728 , HB732 , HB845 , HB846 , HB965

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on April 22, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several transportation-related bills, many involving license plates, toll exemptions, and administrative changes. The committee first advanced HB 988 by Rep. Bagley, which changes the fee distribution for current and retired legislators’ special prestige license plates so the proceeds support repairs at the Pentagon/first LSU building rather than going to the state. It then heard HB 1001 by Rep. Marcel, designating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway; the bill was supported with remarks honoring Jackson’s civil rights legacy, and the committee observed a moment of silence before reporting it favorably without objection. The committee next considered HB 989 by Rep. Boyer, which updates and clarifies fees charged by public license tag agents. Rep. Phelps offered an amendment to exempt Shreveport from the fee increase, but it failed on a roll call vote, and the bill was then reported favorably by a 13-2 vote. HB 1192, also by Rep. Boyer, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association specialty license plate, was amended to remove a restriction limiting issuance to association members and then passed favorably without objection. HB 1032 by Rep. Wiley, which clarifies the substances referenced in DUI-related motor vehicle statutes, received technical amendments and was reported favorably without objection. The committee also advanced HB 748 by Rep. Brough, exempting Louisiana school board-owned and leased vehicles from tolls on bridges and highways, including the Bell Chasse toll bridge area, after testimony from Plaquemines Parish school officials and the district attorney describing toll costs and operational burdens; the bill was amended to include leased vehicles and then reported favorably without objection. HB 1108 by Rep. Omade creating a homeschool pride specialty plate was also reported favorably without objection after discussion of the plate design and proceeds going to Homeschool Louisiana. Finally, HB 1081 by Chairman Wright, restructuring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce and DOTD for administrative support, was amended at the request of the Governor’s Office and reported favorably without objection. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Consistency and income-based, I think if it's going to be discretionary across the state, what would
• think maybe most appropriately, now that I, you know, we'll talk later about whether he honed his skills
• The Office of Multimodal Commerce, and then it should be staffed and funded based on the governor and

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on April 22, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several transportation-related bills. HB 988 by Rep. Bagley, which changes the fee distribution for current and retired legislators’ special prestige license plates so the proceeds would support the Pentagon, was reported favorably without objection. HB 1001 by Rep. Marcel, designating a portion of US 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway, was also reported favorably without objection after brief remarks honoring Jackson’s civil rights legacy and a moment of silence. The committee then considered HB 989 by Rep. Boyer, which updates fees public license tag agents may charge. After testimony from the Louisiana Public Tag Agent Association and Commissioner Keith Neal, Rep. Phelps offered an amendment to exclude Shreveport from the fee increase; the committee rejected that amendment on a 13-2 vote, and the bill itself was then reported favorably on a 13-2 vote. HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association specialty license plate, was amended to remove language narrowing eligibility to association members and then passed favorably without objection. HB 1032 by Rep. Wiley, clarifying statutory references related to operating a motor vehicle under the influence, was amended technically and reported favorably without objection. Later, HB 748 by Rep. Brough, exempting school board-owned and leased vehicles from tolls on bridges and highways, was amended to include leased vehicles and an effective date. Testimony from Plaquemines Parish school officials and the district attorney described toll costs tied to the Belle Chasse bridge, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 1108 by Rep. Omade, creating a homeschool pride specialty license plate, was reported favorably without objection after discussion of the plate design and the intended recipient organization. Finally, HB 1081 by Chairman Wright, restructuring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce, was amended to clarify administrative placement and terminology and then reported favorably without objection. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• CHALLENGES SUCH AS BUDGET CONSTRAINTS, COMPETITION WITH THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND NEED TO RETAIN SPECIALIZED SKILLS
• AND AGAIN SENATORS THIS AMENDMENT IS REALLY BASED ON THE FEEDBACK I HEARD FROM THE FIRST COMMITTEE OF
• IT PROVIDES BROAD-BASED TAX RELIEF TO FLORIDA'S FAMILIES.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the reasoning for a lot of the boards that are here, is that they don't have the appropriate skills
• The staff members of these private companies are most of the time not merit-based and they're not held
• Not merit-based and they're not held under ethics.

Bills: SB174 , SB180 , HB196 , HB25 , SB193 , HB25

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:

• On the morning of May 2, 1955, In 1968, while assigned to the Loch Ninh base in South Vietnam, Green
• Established in 1997, Classical Conversations is a faith-based curriculum. to guide their children's educational
• Dutton relating to the measures to support kindergarten readiness and early literacy and numeracy skills