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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Duru and Annette Levi, who should be congratulated for their dedication to developing the next generation
- Dempster, Ambassador and National Secretary General of the Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform
- empower survivors to share their stories without fear or shame and teach our society and the next generation
- I rise to present AB 2731 that expands the number of on-sale general alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County
- only helped build the technologies that power our modern world, but also opened doors for future generations
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the early session on guest introductions recognizing students, interns, advocacy groups, sorority members, and other visitors. Members also noted Assembly Member Castillo’s birthday and announced a later floor photo for members wearing denim. The chamber then moved to the Daily File and took up a series of bills and resolutions.
Among the major actions, AB 2323 by Assembly Member McKinnor, on modernizing public notice while preserving transparency and due process, passed 57-0. ACR 149 by Assembly Member Hart, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act and the Coastal Conservancy, drew extensive debate both in support and opposition before being adopted by voice vote, with 46 co-authors added. AB 2011 by Assembly Member Hart, codifying mental health parity standards, was also taken up, and AB 2691 by Assembly Member Addis, expanding disqualifying felony convictions for elected office to include sexual assault and human trafficking, passed 53-0. The Assembly also adopted HR 31 on Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month after lengthy testimony from members describing personal experiences and the need to support survivors.
The body then approved several policy bills with broad support, including AB 1621 on housing permitting timelines (64-0), AB 1704 on studying the cost of low-embodied-carbon building materials and pausing standards if cost parity is not reached (58-0), AB 1916 updating the definition of certified interpreter to include ASL interpreters (59-2), AB 2559 on returning construction and demolition permit deposits when compliance is documented (61-0), AB 2663 as an urgency sunset extension for alcoholic beverage law (64-0 on urgency and measure), and AB 2731 expanding on-sale general alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County (63-0). The Senate consent calendar was also adopted. The session ended with an adjournment in memory of Josado Dado Banatao, honoring his life, engineering achievements, and philanthropy, followed by a motion to adjourn until April 30 at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 27th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- is Serini Konduru and Annette Levi, whom we thank for their dedication to developing these next generation
- These are the next generation of agriculture leaders that will carry the torch for food-producing counties
- It's our responsibility to protect it, not just for today, but for generations to come.
- Over 50,000 than the general public, 17 years shorter.
- the confusion, SB 1285 clarifies and codifies that Welfare and Institutions Code Section 782 is a general
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through privileges of the floor recognizing visitors, including Fresno State Ag Leadership students and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The body also approved the Senate journals and took up several gubernatorial appointments, confirming Heather Lynn Gonzalez to the Court Reporters Board and reappointing Anacubas to the California Law Revision Commission and David Hübner to the same commission, each by 26-10 votes.
The chamber then considered SCR 136, commemorating the 50th anniversaries of the California Coastal Act, Coastal Commission, and Coastal Conservancy. Supporters emphasized coastal access, environmental protection, habitat restoration, public trails, and climate resilience, while opponents argued the commission can override local control and hinder development and infrastructure. The resolution passed 27-4. The Senate also adopted SR 68 on Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Denim Day unanimously, with members discussing survivor support, consent, and the need for stronger protections and accountability.
Additional resolutions and bills were approved, including SCR 130 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month, SB 1058 on school nutrition procurement flexibility, SB 930 requiring end-to-end encryption for certain school exam proctoring services, SB 917 expanding farmers’ market sales opportunities for wineries, SB 1002 on continuity of telehealth care for eligible patients, SB 1036 clarifying mitigation fee credits for redevelopment, SCR 131 calling for urgent action on unsheltered homelessness, SB 1285 on juvenile record dismissal, SB 969 on remote developmental services, and SCR 157 honoring School Bus Driver’s Day. Most of these items passed unanimously, while SCR 131 passed 34-0 after debate over housing-first approaches, self-sufficiency, interim shelter, and coordination among state and local governments. The consent calendar was then approved, committee announcements were made, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Sandy Steers, with the next floor session scheduled for April 30, 2026.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Wildlife Apr 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Agriculture and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- I am going to be asking the attorney general to look into it and how it all went down.
- And actually, we make them more and more and more resistant sequentially over generational time, which
- We generate the data. I run the prediction equations they sent us.
- And those deer have not lived with EHD for thousands of generations like the deer in South Texas and
- So at the moment in time the Attorney General issued his opinion, it was legal to release deer if the
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Wildlife
Keywords:
farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, 914, all
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Conservation and Natural Resources Apr 16th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Conservation and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- should be judicious and make sure we’re addressing specific concerns of conflict of interest, not general
- should be judicious and make sure we’re addressing specific concerns of conflict of interest, not general
- should be judicious and make sure we’re addressing specific concerns of conflict of interest, not general
- This bill works to eliminate plastic waste as much as possible in the largest natural economic generator
- It's about protecting our resources, not only today, but for future generations.
Committee:
House Conservation and Natural Resources
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 6th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- other people and other colleagues that I have worked with qualify for CalHFA, trying to break generational
- This industry generates more than $59 billion in annual farm production and supports over $100 billion
- Employers may already deduct compensation generally, but employees can still be taxed on receiving this
- AB 2192 includes a $200 million General Fund appropriation to reimburse cities and counties for their
- A $300 million hit to the General Fund that would impact local and state governments is something that
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, you have your generating costs, which vary depending on how much you're using.
- Generally, you're going to be hiring new people.
- Generally, you're going to be hiring new people.
- It's attracted Quaker Windows, Vulcan Foods, Dollar General.
- Amer, Missouri's territory, it's attracted Quaker windows, Volpe Foods, Dollar General.
Committee:
House Utilities
Summary:
The Committee on Utilities first took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2762, 2816, and 2402, a solar-energy measure. The committee substitute combined the bills’ titles and focused on three main areas: a taxation framework for solar projects, setback requirements from occupied dwellings and property lines, and a decommissioning/bonding framework for project cleanup. Supporters said the bill would create baseline rules for a growing industry, protect neighboring landowners, and ensure land is restored after projects end. Members asked about Chapter 100 agreements, the setback distances, county rulemaking authority, and how reclamation and bonding would work. The committee adopted the amendment, rolled it into a new substitute, and then voted the substitute do pass by 18 ayes and 2 noes.
The committee then heard House Bill 2248, which would change Missouri’s economic development electric rate structure and close a loophole that could allow data centers under 75 megawatts to receive reduced rates. The sponsor and utility witnesses said the bill would make incentives more predictable by replacing a variable formula with a fixed discount for qualifying new industrial projects, while still requiring customers to pay full cost to serve and meet load-factor and other requirements. Witnesses from Evergy, Ameren Missouri, the Missouri Chamber, and Ford discussed the value of incentives for manufacturing, the difference between new load and retention of existing large users, and whether the bill should also address retention discounts. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 903, which would expand critical infrastructure protections. The bill adds wireline and broadband facilities to the definition of critical infrastructure, increases penalties for damaging or tampering with such facilities, and creates an offense for unauthorized possession of certain stolen materials such as copper and related telecom materials. The sponsor and witnesses from AT&T, Verizon, cable, railroad, electric cooperative, recycling, municipal utility, and chamber groups said the measure responds to rising theft and vandalism, including copper theft and fiber cuts that disrupt 911 and other services. Members asked about scrap dealers, fiber versus copper, trespassing concerns, and whether harsher penalties would deter theft. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after testimony.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Remedies also include the Attorney General can intervene and can seek a fine of up to $100,000.
- Chairman, Representative Skog, I notice in subparagraph 14, you say that the Attorney General may file
- Chairman, covered entities—the part about writ of mandamus says that the Attorney General may file a
- Yeah, I mean, generally, I have met the parents.
- At a certain age, generally, we ask them to leave at a certain time in the visit.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Rules
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Labor and Employment
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition to that, general contractors that we represent are evenly split between union and non-union
- I might defer to my witnesses to address the concerns by the association-generated contract.
- I might defer to my witnesses to address the concerns by the association-generated contract.
- Felipe Fuentes, here on behalf of the Associated General Contractors of California, in opposition.
- Philippe Fuentes on behalf of the Associated General Contractors of California in opposition.
Committee:
House Labor and Employment
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- The general fund is how these cost settlements are funded for the state share.
- And supplemental payments to hospitals after federal match totaled $548 million, and no general revenue
- And supplemental payments to hospitals after federal match totaled $548 million, and no general revenue
- But we have not had any, in general, pushback on paying it.
- trying to calculate in my head while I answer you, and I don't have a specific, but there are some general
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review Arkansas DHS hospital spending and reimbursement methods, with Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks explaining Medicaid hospital payments. They described fee-for-service per diem payments, cost settlements, and the upper payment limit (UPL) program, noting that SFY 2025 hospital payments included $688 million in inpatient/outpatient claims, $473 million in UPL payments, $248 million in cost settlements, and about $47 million in other payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked about why per diem rates vary, how cost settlements work, why UPL applies mainly to private hospitals, and how assessment fees are structured and funded. DHS said the hospital assessment fee is broad-based and uniform, used as the state share to draw federal funds, and that supplemental hospital payments after federal match totaled $548 million with no general revenue used.
The Arkansas Hospital Association’s Jody Ann Tritt then gave a broader overview of the hospital landscape, explaining the different hospital types in the state, including critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals. She said Arkansas hospitals face financial strain, citing a negative 5.18% patient service margin statewide and lower reimbursement than surrounding states. She argued that Arkansas hospitals are paid less than hospitals in neighboring states for similar services, that commercial payer rates and administrative burdens are a major problem, and that Medicaid and Medicare rates remain below cost even with UPL support. She also said hospitals are the backbone of community care, provide emergency and public health functions, and are looking for ways to invest in technology and telehealth but often lack the revenue to do so.
Members pressed for clearer data on hospital finances, reimbursement adequacy, and the impact of commercial insurers. Tritt said the association had just authorized a statewide survey to gather updated financial information from hospitals, which she said would take about a year to complete. She also explained that Medicaid pays weekly, Medicare and commercial plans can involve delays and denials, and that hospitals often spend significant resources on revenue cycle work. The discussion ended with a brief update on assisted living reimbursement: DHS said one facility, The Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, nine Living Choices waiver clients were being transitioned, and the updated rate study would be available after cost reports are collected, likely before the end of the fiscal year. The meeting then adjourned.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Her general dentist didn't catch it. Her denturist did. Follow-up. And I appreciate that.
- That's very different than general dentistry. Thank you. I'm not seeing any more questions.
- I would move that we send House Bill 495 to General Orders.
- I will be supporting the motion to send to General Orders to give clarification.
- So I will be supporting the General Orders. Chair: Committee, any further comments?
Summary:
The House Health and Welfare Committee first heard House Bill 495, which would consolidate the Board of Denturity under the Board of Dentistry, add a board seat for someone experienced in denturistry/prosthetics, define denturists’ scope of practice, and address the denturist board’s financial deficit. The sponsor and Department of Occupational and Professional Licenses argued the change would improve efficiency and reduce costs while preserving the profession. Denturists, interns, and association representatives opposed the bill, saying it could create conflicts of interest, leave their profession without a guaranteed denturist on the board, increase barriers to entry, and allow dentists to influence fees and rules. The Idaho State Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would maintain public safety, preserve licensure, and reduce government size. After testimony and committee discussion, the original motion to send the bill to the floor was withdrawn and the committee voted to send HB 495 to amending order for clarification, including possible language about a denturist board member.
The committee then took up RS 33-468, a proposal to repeal Medicaid expansion effective January 1, 2028. The sponsor said the measure was intended to refocus Medicaid on the most vulnerable, address budget pressures, and respond to concerns that expansion can discourage work. Several members opposed the idea, arguing that it would remove coverage from many Idahoans, harm providers, and likely cost the state money by losing federal funds and related tax revenue. Others supported it as a needed step to control spending and prioritize traditional Medicaid populations. After debate, a motion to return the RS to the sponsor failed on roll call, and the committee voted 10-6 to introduce RS 33-468. The meeting then adjourned.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But prior to that, I'd like to start each of these meetings with giving you just a general overview of
- And so you can see within this project where it's located, who's constructing it, the general overview
- Just a general question, and I'm certainly not asking for a long situation report.
- And then followed by the general aviation funded list for 2026-2027, which consists of 99 general aviation
- And then followed by the general aviation funded list for FY 2026-2027, which consists of 99 general
Summary:
The Senate Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee received an update from DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet and Deputy Secretary Bo Black on the department’s transformation efforts. DOTD highlighted its new project delivery dashboard, key performance indicators, and litter abatement work, including nearly $15 million spent on litter pickup and a new highway sponsorship pilot. Members also received updates on LTIF 1.0 and 2.0, with officials reporting that most LTIF 1.0 work is complete and that LTIF 2.0 is progressing under budget. The committee also heard updates on the Office of Highway Construction’s bridge bundling program, the Calcasieu River Bridge project, and the Cameron Ferry boat replacement and privatization solicitation process.
The committee reviewed the draft 2026-2027 highway priority program, which DOTD said includes $913 million for construction and about $1.2 billion across 302 projects. Members discussed the public roadshow comments, project acceleration, and corridor planning, including the I-12 corridor and the Calcasieu River Bridge environmental review and public meetings. No vote was taken on the highway priority program at this meeting.
The statewide flood control program presented six recommended projects for fiscal year 2026-2027, including projects in Gretna, St. John, St. James, Mandeville, and two Lafourche-area projects, with officials saying the projects meet benefit-cost criteria and would reduce flood damage. The airport construction and development priority program was also reviewed, with 31 air carrier projects and 99 general aviation projects recommended. The rail program reported no new projects but said it expects a $13 million request and has 19 projects in the queue, while the port program presented three unfunded projects for future consideration.
The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and LSU’s Center for Analytics and Research presented crash data focused on impaired driving. They said 2024 saw 753 traffic fatalities, with impaired driving accounting for about one-third of fatal crashes, and estimated the economic cost of impaired driving at roughly $700 million. Members discussed youth driving, marijuana and alcohol trends, ignition interlock, DWI courts, and enforcement challenges on waterways. The meeting concluded with no formal votes or final actions on the major program items presented.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But prior to that, I'd like to start each of these meetings with giving you just a general overview of
- And so you can see within this project where it's located, who's constructing it, the general overview
- Secretary, just a general question, and I'm certainly not asking for a long situation report.
- And then followed by the general aviation funded list for 26-27, which consists of 99 general aviation
- And then followed by the general aviation funded list for 26-27, which consists of 99 general aviation
Summary:
The Senate Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee received updates from the Department of Transportation and Development on its transformation efforts, including a new project delivery dashboard, key performance indicators, and litter abatement work. DOTD said the dashboard is now live and tied to daily field updates, and reported progress on its T4LA initiatives, including improved project transparency, customer service, and a new highway sponsorship litter program. Members praised the department’s work and asked about litter funding, with DOTD saying last year’s $14.7 million litter pickup effort included the legislature’s supplemental appropriation.
The committee also heard detailed progress reports on LTIF 1.0 and 2.0, the Office of Highway Construction’s bridge bundling and roadway projects, the Calcasieu River Bridge project, and the Cameron Ferry. DOTD reported that LTIF 1.0 is about 80% complete and that LTIF 2.0 has encumbered nearly $150 million, with several projects ahead of schedule and some under budget. The Office of Highway Construction said 62 bridge projects are in the bundle, 11 are under construction, and emergency procurement has helped accelerate delivery. DOTD said the Calcasieu River Bridge remains on track for a mid-to-late April groundbreaking, with all federal permits in hand and right-of-way acquisition underway; it also reported that new Cameron Ferry boats are under construction and that a privatization proposal from Labmar Ferry Services will go to the Louisiana Transportation Authority.
Members then reviewed the draft 2026-2027 highway priority program, which DOTD said includes $913 million for construction across 302 projects and about $1.2 billion total investment. The committee also received public comment on the statewide flood control program, which recommended six projects expected to reduce flood damage by more than $289 million, and on the airport construction and development priority program, which includes 31 air carrier projects and 99 general aviation projects. DOTD also noted no current projects for the rail infrastructure program but said it expects to request $13 million and has 19 projects in the queue, and it presented three port projects that are not yet funded but will be considered by the Louisiana Transportation Authority.
The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and LSU’s Center for Analytics and Research presented data on impaired driving, saying impaired driving remains a major factor in fatalities and injuries, with alcohol and drugs together contributing to a large share of crashes and about $700 million in annual economic costs. Members discussed youth driving, marijuana, ignition interlock, DWI courts, and enforcement challenges on waterways; the presenters emphasized education, enforcement, and treatment as part of a broader safety strategy. No formal votes were taken during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after receiving the presentations and public comment.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Mar 3rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Phil Eng, and I do have the honor of serving as Interim Secretary of Transportation and General
- This bill is a generational investment in the future of transit and transportation infrastructure.
- It's not that it is exempt from the general economy, but that it is...
- It's not that it is exempt from the general economy, but that it is...
- It's not that it is exempt from the general economy, but that it is relatively cordoned off to those
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Keywords:
transportation bond bill, municipal roads, municipal bridges, Chapter 90, road aid, highway funding, bridge repair, pavement, MassDOT, MBTA, rail reliability, commuter rail locomotives, Fair Share surtax, Commonwealth Transportation Fund, infrastructure financing, bond authorization, deferred maintenance, climate resilience, parkways, DCR
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty Two - Tuesday, February 17 -Afternoon Session-
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In other words, the juvenile officer, prosecuting attorney, or attorney general under Section 211.71
- And people generally forget that. Gentleman, I know you don't. You practice in the area.
- Generally forget that, gentlemen. I know you don't.
- This bill was generated over the summer. I'm in support of the bill.
- This bill was generated over the summer from a committee that I had the opportunity to serve on over
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Twenty - Thursday, February 12
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The ASPS, their statement, they did say generally that they should defer surgeries until 19.
- The Interventions and minors should generally be deferred to adulthood.
- As my colleague already alluded to, $2.1 million each year that we will save in general revenue.
- That we will save in general revenue.
- Speaker, and we have a very special treat for this body and the General Assembly from St. Charles.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- First up to testify, we have the Attorney General with comments. Good morning.
- My name is John Cole with the Department of the Attorney General.
- Um, the Attorney General is the best suited to provide legal advice, and the agencies benefit from the
- </c> bill. um the feel the attorney general bill. um the feel the attorney general is<00:19:04.320><c
- are separate and apart attorneys general are separate and apart from<00:19:32.000><c> the</c><00:19:
Bills:
SB2187
Committee:
House Tourism
Keywords:
housing, economic development, tourism, state department, renaming, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony.
HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change.
During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Finance and Taxation General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- What this bill would do would allow AOCC to use these funds for the general operation of the courts and
- /c><00:14:23.360><c> funds</c><00:14:23.680><c> for</c><00:14:23.839><c> the</c><00:14:24.000><c> general
- </c> use these funds for the general use these funds for the general operation<00:14:24.800><c> of</c
- Where is a it's only general elections. Where is a general<00:29:26.240><c> election?
- I mean, I got general election?
Committee:
Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund
Keywords:
psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabis, beverage prohibition, criminal penalties, youth access, Jefferson County, pistol permit, gun permit, concealed carry, firearm permit, sheriff fee, permit fee, weapons license, gun licensing, school security, Jefferson County Sheriff's Fund, retirement system, Gardendale, Birmingham legislative office, local bill
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- There generally is no cap at the federal level.
- This dealt with the attorney general. We changed a shall to a may. Yeah.
- So the attorney general may commence a civil action in a court.
- This dealt with the attorney general. We changed a shall to a may.
- So the attorney general may commence a civil action in a court.
Committee:
House Economic Development
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- So generally, I think housing is super important. Affordability is super important.
- At the commission generally, I think my interests are that I just want to make sure we are listening
- And then generally I'm interested in the idea of continuous improvement, just making sure we are always
- In general, it provides whatever one's looking for.
- And in general, it provides whatever one's looking for.
Committee:
Senate Housing
Keywords:
residential building, construction permits, housing development, planning efficiency, state regulations, affordable housing, homelessness, homeless shelter, emergency shelter, emergency housing, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, low-income housing, very low-income, extremely low-income, housing crisis, land use, zoning, local preemption
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So taking a look at the consolidated fund analysis, now the Department of Correction is mostly general
- Have we stopped that in general? Director, Mr. Chairman, Representative Bruce, yes.
- I think that's what she was actually getting at. ...and from the general fund.
- Anthony's for $20,000, and then general inflation.
- General inflation was on an ongoing basis at $1.1 million.
Summary:
The joint Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee reviewed the Idaho Department of Correction budget, beginning with an agency-wide overview and then moving through management services, state prisons, county and out-of-state placement, community corrections, community-based substance use disorder treatment, and medical services. Analysts and the director explained that the department’s budget is heavily driven by personnel, contracts, medical costs, and population pressures, with dedicated funds such as inmate labor and probation/parole receipts declining in cash balance. Members asked about vacancies, overtime, holdback impacts, software licensing, hepatitis C funding, and the department’s use of contracts and technology. The committee also heard that some planned reductions tied to the governor’s holdback remain in place despite the agency being exempted, including cuts to Recidivis, GEO-related services, and some technology purchases, while body-worn cameras were kept in place because of safety and accountability benefits.
A major portion of the discussion focused on rising incarceration and housing costs. The director said the department is near capacity, with more people coming in than leaving, and that county jail and out-of-state placements are increasing because state facilities are full. Analysts described the county jail and out-of-state placement budget as highly volatile and based on updated population forecasts, with supplemental and ongoing requests increasing significantly. Members also asked about mandatory minimums, criminal aliens in custody, and the cost of housing inmates in state versus out-of-state facilities. The director said Idaho’s per-day direct prison cost is about $85, or about $95 with administrative costs, while the Arizona contract rate is about $85 per day.
The committee also discussed rehabilitation and recidivism-reduction programs, including education, work programs, community reentry centers, and the Bridge 8 tablet system. The director said the tablets are funded through inmate phone-related charges and are used for educational and rehabilitative purposes, not because the state is required to provide them. She said community reentry centers have shown an 11% lower recidivism rate for participants, and that the department has previously eliminated ineffective programs after evaluation. Members asked for more information on inmate labor contracts, hepatitis C treatment funding, and the cost and effectiveness of various programs. The meeting ended before all questions were resolved, and the committee adjourned to continue work groups the next morning.