Transcript Highlights:

• My goal this morning is to walk through the packet of information in preparation for taking votes on
• So on Friday, you'll be taking a vote on the rescissions package. Number one.
• Following up on that, how are these going to look when we vote on them?
• These are all policy decisions that have to be voted on.
• And maybe just yes or no, but whatever vote we make of the ongoing base reductions is ongoing.

Summary: The committee met to review materials in preparation for Friday votes on the 2026 Budget Rescission Act, related cash transfers, and statewide budget decisions. Keith Bybee of budget policy analysis walked members through packets showing the governor’s recommended 3% holdback rescissions, plus additional 1% and 2% reduction scenarios. He explained that the governor’s recommendation included general fund, dedicated fund, and federal fund reductions tied to agency holdbacks, long-term vacant positions, unallocated CEC, and school funding adjustments, and that the committee would be voting on which level of rescissions to adopt. He also identified agencies exempted or largely held harmless in the additional reduction scenarios, including public schools, Medicaid, corrections, and Idaho State Police, while noting the Secretary of State’s request to return $850,000 one-time through contract renegotiation. Members discussed why the committee was considering additional cuts despite revenue assumptions and a possible tax conformity bill, with co-chairs and others emphasizing uncertainty around conformity, revenue, and policy bills, and the need to right-size the budget with ongoing reductions rather than one-time fixes. Some members supported the process as a way to set clearer targets for work groups, while others expressed concern that broad cuts before agency hearings could create uncertainty and whipsaw agencies. Bybee also clarified that the Friday votes would include rescissions, cash transfers, and statewide decisions that would shape maintenance budgets and 2027 budget structure. The committee then reviewed a separate package of recommended cash transfers totaling about $106.7 million to help balance fiscal year 2026, including transfers from the In-Demand Careers Fund, Water Pollution Control Fund, Strategic Initiatives Fund, Idaho Opportunity Scholarship Fund, and Permanent Building Fund. Bybee said the transfers would be voted on individually and that the legislature has authority to move cash in the treasury for these purposes. Finally, the committee reviewed statewide decisions affecting all budgets, including personnel benefit cost increases, contract inflation, statewide cost allocation, military compensation CEC, and base budget reduction options. Members discussed options to fund health insurance increases at reduced levels based on fill rates, and Bybee explained that the Friday vote would set the base for maintenance budgets, with any later changes handled through supplements or enhancements. The meeting ended with plans to continue work group discussions and reconvene the next morning for additional agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• failed to receive an affirmative vote of the membership of the committee.
• Now you are recognized to explain why people should vote for this.
• We'll leave that pending until we vote a little later. Thank you.
• Okay, why don't you go ahead and vote mine out, and then Schwartner, I'll do you after we vote mine out
• The vote over there was 95 to 30.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 464 will be left pending subject to the card vote of the chair.
• The voters have to vote for it.
• It increases the vote threshold to two-thirds for the passage or adoption of moratoriums.
• The problem is that it could be triggered... without even a vote of the governing body.
• Let's proceed with the voting first, as it seems everyone's ready on these. Thank you. ...

Bills: SB32 , SB464 , SB996 , SB1163 , SB1173 , SB1277 , SB1452 , SB1453 , SB1548 , SB1882 , SB1883 , SB2016 , SB 32

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, tax exemption, franchise tax credit, income production, personal property, SB 464, school buffer zone, tobacco retailer, vape shop, e-cigarette, vaping, nicotine, tobacco products, retail permit, comptroller, Class A misdemeanor, school proximity, youth access, public school, private school

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 10 texts being like, "How should I vote 10 texts being like, "How should I vote on<00:03:59.560>
• </c> the last person who signed up to vote. the last person who signed up to vote.
• </c> the school to vote. the school to vote.
• </c> that 3/5 vote. that 3/5 vote.
• a 3/5 vote taken.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you... did we vote on that? Do you have... Did we vote on that sentence?
• We voted on that, so now we can vote on this.
• We voted the first. We voted the second.
• Oh no, we can vote on the sentence. Can we vote on the sentence?
• Are we ready to vote?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session of the Education Policy and Administration Committee focused on House Bill 131 and House Bill 781, which were described as nearly identical bills addressing student cell phone use in schools. Members noted that HB 781 is an early bill and therefore needed committee action by Wednesday, while HB 131 did not face that deadline. The chair and members discussed the bills’ shared goal of requiring school boards to develop and adopt policies on student personal device use, with debate over whether the state should set minimum standards or leave more to local control. A major topic was funding. One member urged the committee to avoid creating an unfunded mandate and asked for some funding support, while others argued it was too early to commit money and that the committee should first establish the policy framework. The governor’s proposed funding was discussed, including a $1 million figure in the budget and a separate $250,000 amount referenced in the bill, but several members said the money would likely be insufficient to cover all students or pouch systems statewide. The committee also reviewed a handout reflecting proposed budget language that would require school boards to adopt policies on personal device use during the school day, with schoolwide implementation and exceptions for medical disability or language proficiency needs, and a DOE-administered grant program. Members spent considerable time on drafting details, especially deadlines and exceptions. They debated whether the bills should require school boards to “develop,” “adopt,” or also “implement” policies, and whether the effective date of the act should also serve as the deadline for school boards. They also discussed whether exceptions for classroom instructional use should be mandatory or merely encouraged, and whether the bills should explicitly include or exclude charter schools. Additional proposed exceptions included IEPs, 504 plans, English learners, and medical needs such as glucose sensors or insulin pumps, with some members suggesting medical issues be certified by a physician. No final vote or formal action was taken in the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet here we are being asked to vote on this bill.
• And my no vote tonight is protecting those I represent.
• And the only way that can stop is for us to resist it and to vote no.
• And so I would ask my colleagues,... ...resist it and vote no.
• Can I get to the roll call vote? I'll get to that.

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, a similar version made it all the way to the floor, and you voted on it to give some relief
• And so I'm here today to thank you and hope that you vote yes in support of this bill because in five
• Anola, please call the roll on HB 259 and announce the vote. Vice Chair Brackett? Yes.
• Having waived close, Anola, please call the roll on PCS for HB 1443 and announce the vote.
• Having waived close, Anola, please call the roll on HB 1445 and announce the vote.

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. HB 887, reducing medical marijuana registry card fees to $15 for honorably discharged veterans, drew support from veterans’ advocates and cannabis groups as a way to lower a financial barrier to care; it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. HB 733, a Department of Health bill covering medical marijuana treatment center setbacks, physician certification renewals, low-THC/cannabis definitions, emergency license suspension for certain murder-related arrests, dental loan repayment area definitions, Early Steps policy cleanup, and autism microcredential eligibility, received mixed testimony from cannabis advocates who objected to some marijuana-related changes and zoning impacts; it also passed 18-0. HB 259, removing the $1,500 cap on pre-treatment funds held in trust by chiropractic physicians, was described as a free-market change supported by chiropractic groups and passed 18-0. The committee also approved PCS for HB 1443, creating a statewide Parkinson’s Disease Registry within the existing Parkinson’s Disease Research Institute and adding appointments to the consortium board, with USF support and no opposition; it passed 18-0. HB 1445, the related public records exemption for the registry, adopted an amendment adding the required public necessity statement and sunset date of October 2, 2031, then passed 18-0. HB 1309, which would standardize and speed patient access to medical records and align nursing home timelines with federal requirements, drew opposition from an information systems group concerned about data mining and portal access, while supporters argued it would improve patient access and care coordination; it passed 17-1 and was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Chair Burton: BY YOUR VOTE SENATE BILL 126 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• BY YOUR VOTE SENATE BILL 152 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• BY YOUR VOTE SENATE BILL 264 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• BY YOUR VOTE SENATE BILL 342 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.
• BY YOUR VOTE SENATE BILL 294 IS REPORTED FAVORABLY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. >> Okay. Voting on HB 2490.
• See, &gt;&gt; I'll<02:07:14.960><c> vote.</c> &gt;&gt; I'll vote. &gt;&gt; I'll vote.
• </c> Um, vice chair for the vote. Um, vice chair for the vote.
• Seeing none, Vice Chair, for the vote. >> Okay. Voting on HP 2592.
• Voting on HP2592. &gt;&gt; Okay. Voting on HP2592.

Bills: HB1527 , HB1823 , HB2490 , HB2223 , HB2325 , HB2104 , HB2593 , HB2592 , HB1927 , HB1553 , HB1964 , HB1918 , HB1990

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: gambling prohibition, Aloha Stadium, University of Hawaii, amateur athletics, state lands, coastal resilience, Maui, Mantokuji Bay, coastal erosion, environmental protection, Native Hawaiian, spiritual sites, historic preservation, economic development, burial sites, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, cultural history, archaeology, Hawaii Revised Statutes, civil service

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1527 relating to gambling. The chair outlined hearing rules, including a two-minute limit and a warning that bills not heard would die. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from a prosecutor, Honolulu Police Department, and Stop Predatory Gambling, all arguing that casinos and sports betting increase crime, sex trafficking, harassment of athletes, and broader social harm. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee moved on without questions or action taken on the bill. The committee then heard HB 1823 relating to coastal zone management and HB 2490 relating to coastal resilience. For HB 1823, DLNR, the Office of Planning, and Maui County testified, with Maui County supporting the measure and its proposed amendments. For HB 2490, DLNR expressed concern about exempting a proposed Mokuji Bay pilot project from permits and regulation before a long-term plan is finalized, while the County of Maui, the Mokuji Soto Zen Mission, and the Office of Planning supported the bill as a coastal resilience pilot. The mission described severe erosion, sea-level rise impacts, and years of unsuccessful efforts to stabilize the shoreline; its consultant said the study is leaning toward nature-based and hybrid solutions. In questioning, members and DLNR discussed whether the bill should say the project “shall” or “may” be exempt, and the chair indicated the language would be adjusted to preserve DLNR discretion and to change the lead agency reference to OPSD. No vote was taken in the transcript. Finally, the committee took up HB 2223 relating to historic preservation reviews. SHPD said it stood on its written comments, while OPSD and DHHL supported the bill. DHHL argued the measure would streamline reviews, improve transparency, and help address long wait times for its projects, saying it could alleviate burden on SHPD and better serve beneficiaries. Representative Shimizu questioned whether the bill would create redundancy and expand government rather than strengthen SHPD, noting a separate staffing bill already exists. SHPD responded that DHHL is uniquely subject to 6E review and that the bill would not waive federal or state historic review requirements; the discussion also touched on possible federal-style grant support and the existing memorandum of agreement between SHPD and DHHL. The transcript ends during questioning, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...vote no to stand against this takeover by Governor Abbott.
• I am from San Antonio, Texas, and I am asking to vote on SB 7.
• Voting for SB 7 pushes me out of my kids.
• Please vote against this bill. Thank you. Thank you.
• Please vote for this bill. Thank you for your testimony.

Bills: SB7 , SB14

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on Senate Bill 7, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, with the author and committee substitute explaining that the bill would require public facilities to designate multi-use private spaces by biological sex, restrict access to women’s restrooms, locker rooms, showers, sleeping quarters, shelters, and correctional facilities, and create civil penalties and enforcement mechanisms. Members asked about how the bill would apply to family violence shelters, children in mixed-family settings, venue layout, and venue for lawsuits; the author said the bill was similar to prior legislation but with stronger penalties and the 15th Court of Appeals as the exclusive intermediate appellate court for challenges, while clarifying that trial venue should generally be local except for state agencies. The committee also heard that the bill would be amended to better address local venue concerns and shelter-related issues. Invited testimony was largely in support of the bill from witnesses who described personal experiences in women’s sports, prisons, shelters, and public facilities, arguing that single-sex spaces are necessary for privacy and safety. Supporters included parents, former incarcerated women, a Republican county chair, a legal advocate, and a prison educator, who cited incidents involving transgender-identifying individuals in locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and restrooms, and said the bill would restore sex-based boundaries and protect vulnerable women and girls. One witness from Texas Values said the bill was needed despite the recently enacted Women’s Bill of Rights, and another ADF witness said the measure would protect privacy in schools and shelters. Opponents testified that the bill would harm transgender and intersex Texans, create harassment and “gender policing,” and expose cisgender women and children to invasive enforcement. Several witnesses argued there is no evidence that transgender women pose a restroom safety threat, while others said the bill would worsen mental health, employment, and school conditions for trans people and could conflict with prison standards and federal law. Family violence advocates urged changes to protect shelter operations and clarify that children can stay with parents, while other witnesses said the bill would create barriers for victims seeking help. The hearing featured extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, Vice Chair, for the vote, please. Voting on SB 148, SD2, HD1 with amendments.
• Vice Chair, for the vote.
• Vice Chair, for the vote.
• Vice Chair, for the vote. Members voting on Senate Bill 1048, Senate Draft 2.
• Vice Chair, for the vote.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 48 SD2 HD1 relating to combat sports. The Attorney General offered a technical comment on the bill’s effective date, and several testifiers from the combat sports community strongly supported the measure with amendments. They argued that boxing and MMA should be treated separately, that the current regulatory structure has made events too costly and reduced opportunities, and that more local oversight would help revive the sport and give youth a constructive outlet. Committee members questioned whether the bill’s medical staffing requirements would apply to boxing, MMA, or both, and whether the added requirements would increase costs and reduce access. The witness from the combat sports community said amateur boxing is already regulated through USA Boxing, that the DCCA should focus on professional boxing, and that for safety he would support two physicians and one ambulance for boxing and MMA events. The committee then took up SB 117 SD2 HD1 relating to transportation. The Department of Transportation and the Ulon Initiative testified in support, and the bicycling community was listed as supporting as well. Members focused on the bill’s rebate program for electric transportation devices, asking how successful it had been and whether removing the rebate would affect use. DOT said the program began in February 2023 and had issued about 500 rebates totaling roughly $166,000, aimed at helping people without vehicles access transportation options. The department explained that the bill would broaden access and increase the rebate amount, including additional assistance for low-income applicants. Finally, the committee heard SB 897 SD3 HD1 relating to energy and wildfire liability. The Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Public Utilities Commission, the Attorney General, Clearway Energy Group, Ulon Initiative, Kawai K, IBEW Local 1260, and Hawaiian Electric all testified in support, while the Hawaii Association for Justice was listed as opposed but not present. Supporters said the bill would help finance wildfire mitigation and infrastructure improvements through securitization, reduce wildfire risk, and address utility cost and credit concerns. Hawaiian Electric emphasized that the bill is forward-looking, would help protect customers from future wildfire-related cost increases, and requested amendments including a study on a future wildfire recovery fund. In questioning, members pressed Hawaiian Electric on the liability cap, asking whether it would have applied to the Maui wildfires and whether it would cover personal injury or wrongful death; the witness and company counsel clarified that the aggregate cap applies only to qualifying property damage, not personal injury or wrongful death, and said they would follow up on how the cap would calculate in a Maui-type event. Hawaiian Electric also said it would seek financing under the bill if enacted and updated members on settlement funding efforts, including raising the first $550 million in equity and divesting assets to help meet its obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is a record vote required by the Constitution? Clerk will ring the bell. Ms. Howard voting aye, Mr.
• Harris voting aye, Mr. Hunter voting aye. It's fairly voting on. Mr. Reynolds voting aye.
• Have all members voted? Have all members voted? 117 ayes and 14 nays; the resolution is adopted.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, offered an invocation, and led the pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags. Several members were excused for district business or a funeral, and the chamber received a message from the Senate reporting passage of SCR 1. The main item of business was SCR 1, which grants the legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days during the period beginning Wednesday, July 30, 2025, and ending Monday, August 4, 2025. After explanation by Rep. Harris, the resolution was adopted by record vote, 117 ayes and 14 nays. Following adoption of the resolution, the House also approved a motion allowing committees and subcommittees to meet while the House is in session through Monday, August 4, according to posted notices. The Speaker then announced the desk was clear, and the House adjourned pending the reading and referral of bills and receipt of messages until 10:00 a.m. on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over 300 of us, in 12 votes, has cast its vote for Ukraine.
• Over 300 of us, in 12 votes, has cast its vote for Ukraine.
• </c> leadership will not allow a vote. leadership will not allow a vote.
• The first electronic vote will be conducted as a 15-minute vote.
• This is a 15-minute vote. electronic vote will be conducted as a electronic vote will be conducted as

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> vote aye. Representative Belatti. Aye. vote aye. Representative Belatti. Aye.
• </c> Okay, members, we're voting on HCR 61. Okay, members, we're voting on HCR 61.
• Put in the vote, please. Okay, members are voting on HCR 185 and HR 175.
• Okay, now we will vote on HCR 68 and HR 62. My recommendation is to vote to pass as is.
• Seeing none, take the vote, Okay. Seeing none, take the vote, please. please. please.

Bills: HCR13 , HCR61 , HCR136 , HCR185 , HCR155 , HCR68 , HCR174 , HCR178 , HCR179 , HCR91 , HCR103 , HCR115 , HCR199 , HR15 , HR128 , HR175 , HR147 , HR62 , HR164 , HR168 , HR169 , HR83 , HR95 , HR107 , HR189

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: coral reefs, sunscreen, environmental education, student stewardship, marine conservation, reforestation, Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, native forests, climate resilience, sustainable practices, economic opportunity, biodiversity, wildland-urban interface, WUI, wildfire mitigation, wildfire safety, Maui County, County of Maui, Kauai

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 31, 2026, and heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 13/HR 50, which asks DLNR to work with DOE and the Public Charter School Commission on a student coral stewardship program, drew comments from DLNR, which said it stood on written testimony and had proposed amendments, and from supporters in the room. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, nursery capacity, and related support for public and private lands, received strong support from DLNR and multiple testifiers, including members of a reforestation policy hui, a resident, and others who emphasized watershed protection, flood and fire resilience, and the need to upgrade nursery infrastructure and staffing. Committee members asked questions about nursery modernization, staffing, island-specific needs, and whether reforestation could reduce wildfire impacts; the DLNR witness said all islands need investment, with especially large opportunities on Hawaiʻi Island, and that healthier forests improve resilience though they cannot eliminate climate-related risks. The committee then heard HCR 136/HR 128 on wildland-urban interface safety standards for Maui plantation towns, but no one testified. It also heard HCR 185/HR 175, which urges denial of permits for ICE detention-related warehouses; Chris Coffey of Immua Alliance testified in support, saying migrant survivors of exploitation are harmed when ICE detains people and that Hawaii would not be the first place to take such action, citing examples from other states and cities. In questioning, members explored whether a local facility would keep people closer to families and services or instead increase local detention; Coffey said detention generally cuts off access to services and can intensify fear, and that a local facility could incentivize more detention and make survivors less likely to come forward. Finally, the committee heard HCR 155/HR 147 supporting the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition’s Hawaii Water Safety Act. Testifiers included Allison Shapera, who described the statewide water safety plan, Hawaii’s high drowning rate, the economic and human costs of drownings, and her personal loss of her daughter in a preventable drowning; Kirsten Hermstead and Kalani Vierra of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association said the plan’s recommendations need legislative recognition to help with implementation and grant funding; and Jessamine Town Horner testified by Zoom as a co-founder and bereaved family advocate. The transcript provided does not show any votes or final committee actions on the measures discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I recommend a no vote. On the amendment, I recommend a yes vote. Chair Pinto.
• With that, I recommend a no vote.
• With that, I recommend a<00:48:37.280><c> no</c><00:48:37.480><c> vote.</c> a no vote. a no vote.
• </c> Let's go to a vote. Let's go to a vote.
• Chair votes no. requested. Chair votes no. Chair<01:20:38.120><c> Mohler,</c><01:20:38.640><c> no.

Bills: HF2354 , HF3407 , HF4359 , HF4192 , HF3356 , HF3695 , HF1597 , HF3155 , HF3871 , HF4437 , HF4446 , HF3990

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, ghost guns, unserialized firearms, 3D-printed guns, 3D printer firearms, CNC milling, home-built firearms, firearm serialization, serial numbers, unfinished frame, unfinished receiver, ghost gun ban, gun control, firearm design files, CAD files, digital gun blueprints

Transcript Highlights:

• The vote is now open. The vote is now closed.
• We have a roll call vote: a vote of yes and the amendment is tabled; a vote of no and we will consider
• Thirty-second vote clock. The vote is now open. Well, it's about to close. The vote is now closed.
• Okay, the vote is open. Okay, the vote is now closed.
• The vote is now closed. The vote is now closed by the vote of 44 in the affirmative.

Bills: HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM25 , HB9 , SB2 , SB19

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• The adoption of the emergency preamble under the Constitution required a standing vote.
• I have a vote in the negative. The emergency preamble is adopted.
• Those members voting in the affirmative, please rise to be counted. Two.
• Two members have voted in the affirmative. Zero members have voted in the negative.
• Two members have voted in the affirmative. Zero have voted in the negative.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered and advanced Senate No. 2152, designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day. The bill was presented by the Senator from Middlesex, who explained it was inspired by a Lexington constituent, Owen Rosenthal, and aimed to raise awareness and reduce stigma around Tourette syndrome. The Minority Leader voiced support, and the Senate adopted an emergency preamble amendment before passing the bill to engrossment and later to enactment. The chamber also adopted an emergency preamble for a sick leave bank bill for Andrew Satera, a Trial Court employee, and later passed that bill to enactment as well. In addition, the Senate adopted several resolutions commending National Safety Month, honoring Daniel Grover Fitch, and celebrating the 300th anniversary of the first religious society of Newburyport. Other actions included suspending rules to refer a petition to dedicate “Bob Pizza” as the official pizza of the Commonwealth to committee, ordering a House sick leave bank bill for Dana Johnson to a third reading, and referring several House petitions to committees. The Senate also agreed to adjourn in memory of Captain Andrew John Parker of Rockport, and welcomed the Scrap Robotics team of Weymouth to the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have the record, but it was almost nobody voted against this.
• I think it's very similar to it just weeks ago, and you voted it out. We hope you do the same.
• And I say those votes just because every time there's a vote, it's a good strong bipartisan vote.
• I think it's very similar to it just weeks ago, and you voted it out. We hope you do the same.
• just because every time there's vote it's a good strong bipartisan vote 36 states have kind of taken

Committee: House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1067, a Uniform Public Expression Protection Act intended to deter meritless “SLAPP” lawsuits that can chill free speech by forcing defendants into costly litigation. The bill sponsor explained that it would apply to speech on matters of public concern, including social media and political speech, and would allow an expedited motion and immediate appeal so a plaintiff must show early that the case has merit. Members asked about examples, whether defamation and true harmful speech would still be actionable, and whether the bill would strain courts; the sponsor said it would not eliminate valid claims and would likely reduce court burden by resolving weak cases sooner. Witnesses testified in support, including the Missouri Press Association, the Institute for Free Speech, the Missouri Broadcasters Association, and Missouri Right to Life. Supporters said journalists, broadcasters, and ordinary citizens are frequent targets of meritless suits meant to silence reporting or other protected expression, and noted the bill was similar to prior versions that had advanced with bipartisan support. One witness said the measure mirrors language adopted in many other states and simply moves the summary-judgment-type review earlier in the process, before lengthy discovery. No witnesses spoke in opposition or for informational purposes. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after closing the public hearing on SB 1067.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not having received a motion for a roll call vote, I will conduct a voice vote on this motion.
• Do you want that nay vote to be recorded? Thank you. The motion passes.
• Not having received a motion for a roll call vote, I will conduct a voice vote on this motion.
• All in favor of introducing a vote. conduct a voice vote on this motion.
• Do you want that nay vote to be recorded? Thank you. The motion passes.

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee met on January 23, 2026, and considered only one item: RS 33071, Representative Jeff Ehlers’ annual tax conformity bill. Ehlers explained that the proposal would conform Idaho tax law retroactive to calendar year 2025 and forward to federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill, while continuing Idaho’s longstanding nonconformity with bonus depreciation. He said the bill also addresses federal R&E/R&D expensing and allows individuals to benefit from the federal changes, which he described as providing tax relief to Idaho taxpayers. Ehlers also said the bill would prevent “double dipping” by taxpayers who might otherwise use the same qualified expenses for both the new federal deduction and Idaho’s research activities credit or investment tax credit. Representative Gannon questioned the fiscal note, arguing that the Tax Commission’s estimate appeared too low compared with analyses from the Tax Foundation and other states, and raised concerns that the true revenue impact could be much higher, potentially affecting future budgets. Ehlers responded that the Tax Commission’s zero-impact view applied to the credit portion, while the main cost came from the R&D deduction and the personal provisions, and he said the committee’s fiscal estimate of about $155 million was based on the midpoint of Tax Commission estimates. After discussion, the committee took up Representative Raybould’s motion to introduce RS 33071. The motion passed on a voice vote, with one recorded nay, and the bill was introduced. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For these reasons, I respectfully ask for your I vote.
• And with that, I ask for an aye vote. I want to thank you for that.
• And with that, I ask for an aye vote. Do I hear a motion? Motion to move.
• The vote is 3 to 0. The bill is out, or is it on call? It's on call for Senator Menjivar.
• And we are going to, we gave everyone an opportunity to vote.

Summary: The committee met with one item on the agenda: Senate Bill 623 by Senator Arreguín. The bill would implement SCA 4 by providing property tax relief to veterans and their families, including allowing eligible veterans to combine the homeowners’ exemption with the disabled veterans’ or veterans’ exemption and removing certain property limitations tied to qualification. The author described the measure as a way to recognize veterans and improve access to tax benefits. The bill received broad support in testimony from veterans and veterans’ advocates, including disabled veterans, combat veterans, and representatives of veterans organizations and health advocacy groups. Supporters said the measure would better honor service members and provide meaningful financial relief. No opposition testimony was offered, and no committee member raised objections during the hearing. The committee voted 3-0 to pass SB 623 as a due pass recommendation to the Committee on Appropriations. The vote was initially held open for Senator Menjivar, and the chair later noted that the committee had established a quorum and the bill had been moved out of committee.