Transcript Highlights:

• Talk to the families about what is going well, what is not going well, what are some goals that you have
• And most of those buildings are well over 20 years old.
• They had to have great leadership as well to get there. So, appreciate you're responsible. As well.
• wells for many decades.
• So, things are going well.

Committee: House A&B Health Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I understand that.
• Well, in the sections that they conflict.
• Well, in the sections that they conflict.
• Yeah, well, we didn't touch it.
• Well, we could.

Bills: HCR3025

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: law enforcement, first responders, heroism, community safety, condolences, 908, all

Summary: The State and Local Government Committee first heard House Concurrent Resolution 3025, a resolution honoring the police and first responders of Fargo. Representative Hendricks presented it as a straightforward tribute tied to a tragic incident, and several members and a representative of the Chiefs of Police Association and North Dakota League of Cities spoke in support. There was no opposition, and the committee closed the hearing and later gave the resolution a 6-0 do pass recommendation, with Senator Braunberger volunteering to carry it. The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 3010, which would direct Legislative Management to study legislative responsibility to review existing law before proposing new law. Representative Kempinock said the idea was to reduce repetitive or duplicative bills and improve legislative education, but also noted that current efforts by Legislative Council and leadership had made the resolution largely unnecessary. Members generally agreed with the premise but questioned whether a study was needed, and the committee ultimately gave it a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with Senator Lee volunteering to carry it. Next, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 3003, which would raise the threshold for approving constitutional amendments from 50% to 60%. Speaker Wise argued constitutional changes should be difficult and cited other states’ higher thresholds, while Eric Spencer of the Greater North Dakota Chamber supported the measure and emphasized how often North Dakota’s Constitution has been amended. Members discussed the irony of asking voters to raise the threshold by a simple majority and the broader issue of an overused constitution, but the committee still recommended it do pass on a 6-0 vote. The committee then spent considerable time on House Bill 1297 and related House Bill 1307 amendments dealing with approval voting, ranked-choice voting, and a Fargo-specific exemption. Members and witnesses from the Secretary of State’s office and the League of Cities debated whether Fargo should be exempted and how to avoid conflicts between the two bills. An amendment to strip approval voting from 1297 failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee gave 1297 a 4-2 do pass recommendation so the floor could decide the issue, with plans to reconcile 1307 afterward based on that outcome.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it may be parking; it could be a number of things.
• Well, Mr.
• . to provide appropriate funds to clean up, well, for example, orphaned wells.
• well plugging.
• So if it's just abandoned, well, the owner owns it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the questions, the author on the bill, Senator Mann, you're Recognized for a question.
• The impetus for it was the instances of abandoned grows that we see.
• Well, this actually includes wastewater and gas as well.
• But then also, the utility contractor would have to pull a permit as well. Is that correct?
• That's a debate maybe for a different time as well.

Bills: SB1241 , SB1242 , SB1442 , SB1592 , SB1623 , SB1625 , SB1913 , SB1940 , SB1949 , SB2102 , SB592 , SB992

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: ticket sales, resale, consumer protection, fraud, bots, transparency, refunds, event tickets, medical marijuana, cannabis, marijuana license, commercial grower, grow operation, bond requirement, land reclamation fee, revolving fund, environmental remediation, redevelopment, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, OMMA

Transcript Highlights:

• We're very well recognized.
• </c> there can be other reasons as well there can be other reasons as well though<00:58:51.760><c> I<
• </c> presented uh and were very well presented uh and were very well integrated<01:02:27.839><c> a</c
• </c> Vice te for research the at Mayo well Vice te for research the at Mayo well let's<01:04:14.480><
• </c> and and understands how to use that well and and understands how to use that well but<01:19:50.360

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• She's up there as well.
• I forgot Tom, sorry, my nephew Tom Beard as well.
• He's well known for one in gastroenterology.
• So, he writes very well.

Bills: HB3840 , HB3431 , HB4422 , HB4117 , HB4300 , HB4298 , HB2984 , HB3344 , HB2979 , HB2980 , HB3662 , HB4107 , HB3082 , HB2997 , HB3083 , HB3055 , HB2951 , HB3469 , HB3173 , HB3287 , HB2947 , HB3784 , HB3901 , HB4275 , HR1031 , HB4359 , HB4115 , HB3467 , HB2978 , HB3026 , HB3032

Keywords: foreign ownership, land acquisition, military installation, critical infrastructure, affidavit requirements, state law, penalties, Attorney General, foreign ownership of land, foreign adversary, foreign government adversary, foreign government enterprise, foreign government entity, foreign terrorist organization, specially designated national, SDN, FTO, critical minerals, land ownership, real property

Transcript Highlights:

• She's up there as well.
• Uh, my nephew Tom Beard also as well.
• He's well known for one in gastroenterology, by the way.
• So he writes very well.

Bills: HB3840 , HB3431 , HB4422 , HB4117 , HB4300 , HB4298 , HB2984 , HB3344 , HB2979 , HB2980 , HB3662 , HB4107 , HB3082 , HB2997 , HB3083 , HB3055 , HB2951 , HB3469 , HB3173 , HB3287 , HB2947 , HB3784 , HB3901 , HB4275 , HR1031 , HB4359 , HB4115 , HB3467 , HB2978 , HB3026 , HB3032

Keywords: foreign ownership, land acquisition, military installation, critical infrastructure, affidavit requirements, state law, penalties, Attorney General, foreign ownership of land, foreign adversary, foreign government adversary, foreign government enterprise, foreign government entity, foreign terrorist organization, specially designated national, SDN, FTO, critical minerals, land ownership, real property

Summary: The House convened with a roll call, prayer by Chaplain Ronnie Wilson, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Representative Littrell. The chamber then heard several introductions and recognitions, including guests from members’ districts, the Lady Hornets championship team, and Doctor of the Day Dr. Ahmed Aziz, an internal medicine hospitalist from the Edmond/Deer Creek area. The main legislative action was consideration of House Joint Resolution 1031 by Representative Tammy West, a resolution recognizing Rose Day 2026 and honoring the sanctity of life. West moved adoption of the resolution, and the House approved it by recorded vote, 72-16. After the resolution passed, the body moved to announcements and introductions. The floor leader then offered a motion to adjourn, and the House agreed to adjourn until Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, he's not in Frankfort today; he's at home. Tim Fugate.
• Well, he's not in Frankfort today; he's at home. Tim Fugate.
• Well, he's not in Frankfort today; he's at home. Tim Fugate.
• Well, he's not in Frankfort today; he's at home. Tim Fugate.
• And then we have mines that actually become abandoned.

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Energy and Environment Cabinet 18:56 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Tourism and Energy committee received a presentation from Gordon Sloan, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, and Deputy Commissioner David Fields on the Division of Mine Safety. They outlined the division’s structure, saying it has four branch offices in Madisonville, Harlan, Hazard, and Pikeville, with 36 inspectors total, plus administrative staff and several headquarters specialists. They also explained that four additional inspectors are on sick leave or workers’ compensation and will not be backfilled, and confirmed that inspectors work from offices rather than from home. The presentation focused on mine safety duties and staffing needs. Sloan said underground licensed mines must receive six inspections annually, including mine safety analyses, an electrical inspection, roof inspections, and regular inspections of airways, returns, belts, and miner safety equipment. He also described the division’s mine rescue responsibilities, including providing rescue coverage where operators do not have their own teams, maintaining teams within an hour’s drive of mines, and supporting training and certification. The division also conducts 17 training courses and about 8,000 to 9,000 trainings per year. Members were given updated mine and employment figures. Sloan reported 126 licensed mines in 2024 across the branch areas, with 61 active all year and others idle or later abandoned. He said Kentucky had 4,683 miners in 2024, with average employment of 4,509, and noted that the state had gone 34 months without a mining fatality since March 2022. He also said the division provides rescue services for 16 underground rock quarries, three highway tunnels, and three underground military training sites. In response to questions, Sloan said the division does not plan to refill the four vacant inspector positions because staffing is adequate statewide, and he said he would provide additional historical mine data later. The committee took no formal action and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it's good to be here.
• </c> on the corporations committee as well. on the corporations committee as well.
• </c> PMTF and to the school fund as well. PMTF and to the school fund as well.
• Well, uh, Mr. Chairman, members future. Well, uh, Mr.
• So, as well, so notice.

Bills: SF0102 , SF0123 , SF0021 , SF0099

Committee: House Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: energy transmission, load growth, Wyoming energy authority, transmission planning study, public utilities, regional cooperation, energy, funding, grants, loans, coal, natural gas, mineral processing, economic development, stable token, liquidity, trust account, Wyoming, fund distribution, financial regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• replacing some of the roof as well.
• </c> connections across the community as well connections across the community as well as<00:21:17.120
• Well, thank you, Mr. Chair, and testifier, for bringing this forward. This is a well worth project.
• Well done, thank you.
• For example, pesticide testing in private wells, or that private well initiative—if there are wells on

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:13.199><c> as</c><00:13:13.320><c> the</c> well as the well as the consumer consumer consumer
• And Senator Frentz, well, thank you, Mr.
• And Senator Frentz, well, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• </c><00:51:35.040><c> it</c> ahead and move that vehicle as well it ahead and move that vehicle as well
• </c> the same at the federal level as well the same at the federal level as well and<01:03:02.200><c>

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• well-off and the well-connected<00:03:40.120><c> leaving</c><00:03:41.120><c> middle</c><00:03:41.480
• ><c> class</c> well-connected leaving middle class well-connected leaving middle class families<00:03
• , and the well-connected.
• </c><02:14:32.920><c> keep</c> well-off and the well- connected keep well-off and the well- connected
• Well, it's a new year.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, January 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> vacant and abandoned, that has happened. vacant and abandoned, that has happened.
• Traditionally, when cities or counties have to deal with vacant and abandoned properties, they are of
• I know he's gone back<00:39:23.960><c> to</c><00:39:24.040><c> the</c><00:39:24.160><c> well</c><00:39
• /c><00:39:24.520><c> this</c><00:39:24.720><c> numerous</c><00:39:25.080><c> times</c> back to the well
• </c> and our senator as well. and our senator as well.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> seeing the issue of infant abandonment seeing the issue of infant abandonment on<00:05:09.520><c
• illegally and fatally abandoned over the years.
• She said it is a very well thought out program.
• </c> impact to this as well impact to this as well correct<01:19:11.639><c> um</c><01:19:11.880><c> I'm
• Well, we have another fiscal note.

Bills: HF837 , HF1903 , HF499 , HF794

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: health insurance, premium security plan, federal funding, state innovation waiver, Minnesota, newborn safety, anonymity, healthcare provider, safe place, child welfare, HF499, nursing, nurse licensure, temporary permit, temporary nursing permit, Board of Nursing, endorsement licensure, reregistration, refresher course, health occupations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> will hurt them especially hard, as well will hurt them especially hard, as well as<00:42:01.359>
• </c><00:53:25.040><c> as</c><00:53:25.280><c> the</c> same concern as well as the same concern as well
• You're taking not abandoning lands.
• And I oppose this streams as well.
• </c> on many of this issue as a bill as well. on many of this issue as a bill as well.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• An inactive well basically is a well that has been producing for like 12 months.
• So how do we distinguish between an inactive well and an abandoned well?
• An abandoned well is typically one that's been capped.
• Okay, so there is a clear definition between inactive wells and abandoned wells. Correct.
• orphan oil wells. ...a lot to directly address the population of inactive wells and orphaned wells that

Bills: HB42

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• , as well as my very good friend, And she'll have a few minutes to speak as well, as well as my very
• , and ask her to say a few words as well.
• Well, any other questions? Well, I... any other questions? Assemblymember Gonzalez.
• Well, Caitlin, Dr. Peterson... Well, Caitlin, Dr.
• Well, and not only that, but with the downturn in the industry, you have fields that have been left abandoned

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , as well as my very good friend And she'll have a few minutes to speak as well, as well as my very good
• , and ask her to say a few words as well.
• Well, it occurs to me that that may be something that the water plan can look at as well in terms of
• Well, Caitlin, Dr. Peterson... Well, Caitlin, Dr.
• Well, and not only that, but with the downturn in the industry, you have fields that have been left abandoned

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the state of agricultural production in California, with opening remarks from the Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committee chairs and Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry emphasizing agriculture’s economic importance and the need for stronger state investment. They highlighted concerns about water scarcity, labor shortages, rising costs, extreme weather, tariffs, pesticide and regulatory pressures, and the lack of agricultural funding in recent climate-related allocations. Aguiar-Curry also urged immediate action on the glassy-winged sharpshooter outbreak, which CDFA said would cost about $18.5 million annually to detect, monitor, and eradicate. The first panel featured CDFA and the Department of Water Resources. CDFA described California agriculture as a $61.2 billion industry producing more than 400 commodities, but also noted farm bankruptcies, rising input and compliance costs, climate stress, trade issues, and crop removals in vineyards and almonds. DWR focused on hydrologic variability, snowpack decline, groundwater overdraft, subsidence, and SGMA implementation, and discussed tools such as forecast-informed reservoir operations, groundwater recharge, basin characterization, and the 2028 water plan update. Members asked about immediate legislative priorities, flood response after 2023, Prop. 4 and greenhouse gas reduction funding, and regulatory alignment; officials pointed to pest control, science-based water management, affordability, infrastructure, and better coordination across agencies. The second panel examined water, climate, and resource sustainability. PPIC presented estimates that SGMA, climate change, and environmental regulations could reduce irrigation water in the San Joaquin Valley by about 20% by 2040, potentially requiring 500,000 to 900,000 acres of fallowing and affecting billions in agricultural GDP and tens of thousands of jobs. UC Merced discussed practical adaptation tools including FIRO, managed aquifer recharge, on-farm recharge, land repurposing, agrivoltaics, and crop flexibility. The Agricultural Energy Consumers Association argued that energy costs are unsustainable, that electricity and natural gas rates are rising sharply, and that state programs supporting climate-smart agriculture, biomass, and food processing need more funding and coordination. Members and witnesses discussed how limited Prop. 4 and GGRF dollars might be used for recharge, conveyance, subsidence mitigation, and regulatory improvements. The final panel addressed workforce innovation and the future of food production. Industry representatives said food and fiber processors cannot pass along rising costs from energy, labor, workers’ compensation, packaging rules, and compliance mandates, and warned that SGMA-driven land fallowing, pest pressure, and abandoned orchards threaten small farms and processing jobs. The Almond Alliance called for periodic review of regulations, stronger invasive species response, and targeted support for orchard removal, ag burn alternatives, and water efficiency. The California Farmworker Foundation described its work providing health, education, and civil assistance services to farmworkers in multiple counties, including health navigation, field-based clinics, and food support, and stressed the needs of an aging labor force and food insecurity in rural communities. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members and witnesses discussing possible future legislation and funding priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• “Well, and I appreciate that.
• Well, let me just continue.
• Well, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Well, I don't know.
• Well, I don't know.

Committee: All ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I will open up a work session on item 16: Water Resources Department, the Water Well Abandonment,
• The Natural Resources Subcommittee heard a request for the Water Resources Department, or Well Abandonment
• The WARF program fund provides grants up to $40,000 to abandon, repair, and replace domestic wells used
• . where one well could support a number of families, rather than one well supporting one family.
• So when a well driller completes a well, they submit a well log to the department.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The Emergency Board met on June 17, 2026, and approved a series of subcommittee recommendations, mostly on consent, related to federal grant applications, agency funding adjustments, and position authority. Early actions included approval of four federal grant applications from natural resources agencies, three public safety grant applications, a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, retroactive approval for an AmeriCorps volunteer-generation grant, and a $7.5 million allocation to Southern Oregon University from a special appropriation for short-term financial stability. Members supporting the SOU item emphasized the university’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and the need for a long-term higher education plan; several members voted no or raised concerns about sustainability, but the motion passed. The board also approved a federal apprenticeship expansion grant for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, a school nutrition equipment grant for the Department of Education, and an Oregon Health Authority request tied to Medicaid community engagement requirements under H.R. 1. Public safety items included funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a report on the stalled juvenile justice information system modernization project with a follow-up viability report due in 2026, and a statewide evacuation planning tool for emergency management. The evacuation tool drew strong support as a wildfire preparedness measure, with members noting it could significantly reduce alert times and save lives. A major point of debate was the Department of Justice request to add 16 permanent positions and increase other funds limitation for antitrust enforcement. Supporters argued the federal government has pulled back and Oregon needs capacity to pursue active cases and protect consumers; opponents objected to the process, the size of the expansion, and the incentive structure tied to settlements and awards. Despite those concerns, the motion passed. The board also approved Water Resources Department requests for the Water Well Abandonment, Repair and Replacement program, an assistant water master position in Washington County, and federal funding for Lower Umatilla Basin groundwater data collection. The water master item prompted questions about county cost shifts, but staff said the position would remain externally funded and would not be filled without those resources.