Transcript Highlights:

• We are in discussions with the utilities.
• Does the, in the discussion of 15%... Thank you, Madam Witt for bringing the bill.
• Does the, in the discussion of 15% Mr. Chair, thank you.
• Does the, in the discussion of 15%, was that a point of discussion with the IOUs here in New Mexico to
• this was somewhat discussed last year.

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So anyway, I'm trying to make it short, discussing it with our town manager, Alexis Rivera.
• Okay, members, any final discussion?
• Okay, for discussion? Sure. I have to 100% agree with Representative Gillette.
• Chair, Representative, I don't know if I actually asked that specific question, but we discussed this
• So with that, I vote no, but I really appreciate you bringing this forward as a discussion.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2825, which would replace criminal enforcement for unpaid court fines, fees, restitution, and incarceration costs with a civil collection framework and end arrest warrants and contempt proceedings for nonpayment. Representative Chris Lopez said the bill would let people keep working and repay debts through wage garnishment and other civil tools, while a Justice Action Network representative testified in support. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment limiting challenges to a second default judgment entered within one year of a prior one, then passed HB 2825 with a 7-0 due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2070, an emergency appropriation of $25 million for Gila County flood relief. Gila County supervisors, mayors from Globe and Miami, the county emergency manager, and public works staff described severe flooding, deaths, major debris and sediment removal, damaged roads and utilities, and the county’s inability to meet matching-fund requirements for federal or state grants. Members discussed FEMA denials, federal review, and the need to act before monsoon season. HB 2070 passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. Next, HB 2129, which moves the deadline for municipal library trustees’ annual report from the first Monday in July to the second Monday, was supported by the Arizona Library Association as a simple timing fix for smaller and rural libraries. It passed 6-1. HB 2439, exempting public and semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ water pollution rules, was presented as a way to reduce regulatory confusion and costs for small businesses; it also passed 6-0 with one member absent. The committee then approved HB 2773, barring Arizona and its entities from assisting the International Criminal Court, after debate over sovereignty and constitutional authority, by a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the reasons we discuss this is that if you look at the next map, which I also included in the
• Now, I will turn it over to Secretary Cerna to discuss the funding areas. Thank you very much.
• When I first came into this role, there was a lot of discussion about BIL.
• We're working with Santa Clara Pueblo to discuss the possibility.
• And then we have all these discussions about so many different things.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a pretty straightforward discussion.
• So, while straightforward uh discussion.
• Chairman. >> Certainly. >> Final discussion.
• Further discussion? >> Yeah.
• Further discussion? >> Yeah.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? Seeing none, I have substituted ending in 0.08C.
• Any discussion? I could have swore I would have had a question or two.
• Any discussion? So, Representative Hose, you're recognized.
• I am here to discuss Senate Bill 945.
• This fee that we're discussing today is not a new cost.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? Oh, 914. Discussion on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 914.
• Any discussion? I do have a sub, Representative Amato.
• And I'm sure there's patterns and there's things we can discuss.
• And I know there's discussion around, I don't think any of the discussion you guys are going to hear,
• And I know there's discussion around, I don't think any of the discussion you guys are going to hear,

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? Discussion on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 914.
• Any discussion? I do have a sub, Representative Motto.
• And I'm sure there's patterns and there's things we can discuss.
• And I know there's discussion around it.
• We have been involved in discussions on this and trying to work toward it.

Committee: House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and unanimously voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 914 and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3467 due pass. HB 3467 was amended before passage; the sponsor said the changes clarified that any tax authority would apply only if a tax change is actually approved, corrected county/city references, and fixed ballot-language issues involving sheltered workshops. Members generally praised the sponsor’s work, though one member noted concern about shifting more burden to sales taxes. The main public hearing was on H.J.R. 107, which would place before voters a constitutional question allowing Jackson County to consider separating Kansas City from the county or otherwise altering its charter government. Sponsor Rep. Steinmeyer argued the measure was about voter sovereignty and local control, citing prior Jackson County ballot measures and saying entrenched local power had blocked reform. Supporters echoed that Jackson County residents were frustrated with representation, taxes, and county governance. Opponents, including Kansas City and chamber representatives, argued the proposal was unnecessary, costly, procedurally unclear, and potentially destabilizing; several members also questioned the 10-year resubmission clause, the exclusion of local officials from the transition process, and the statewide fiscal impact. No action was taken on the resolution during the hearing. The committee then heard Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 975, dealing with ambulance district mergers and community paramedic/mobile integrated health services. Senator Black and supporters said the bill would help struggling rural ambulance districts merge without disrupting billing, contracts, or service, and would expand community paramedic care for low-acuity patients and hospital-at-home models. Several witnesses from ambulance and fire districts described successful programs and said the bill would improve patient care and help rural areas. Opponents, including ambulance and fire district representatives, supported the merger provisions but objected to Senate-added language they said would let districts provide community paramedic services across jurisdictional lines without memorandums of understanding, undermining local control and negotiating power. The hearing ended with testimony still ongoing after a recess for floor session; no vote on SB 975 was reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, do we have further discussion on that motion?
• That's not what we're discussing today.
• Committee, do we have any further discussion?
• You will certainly have the opportunity during the discussion.
• Committee, is there any further discussion? Okay, committee, I see no further discussion.

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 626, which would require cities to collect county development impact fees for county facilities such as jails and courthouses rather than allowing cities to opt out. Representative Alfieri and county officials from Payette and Kootenai counties argued the bill was needed so growth would pay for county infrastructure and so one jurisdiction would not shift costs to others. The Idaho Association of Counties supported the bill, while the Association of Idaho Cities opposed it, saying cities are separate entities and should not be compelled to administer county fees. A virtual attorney for several cities argued the bill likely conflicts with the Idaho Constitution because county ordinances cannot be enforced inside city limits and suggested the issue should be handled through intergovernmental agreements instead. Committee members questioned why counties could not collect the fees themselves, whether the bill contained an enforcement mechanism, and whether the measure was constitutional. Supporters said cities had refused to collect fees in specific counties, causing lost revenue for jail and ambulance projects. Opponents said cities may lack the staff or revenue to administer the program and that the bill would force one local government to carry out another’s ordinance. After debate, a motion to hold the bill in committee failed, and the committee voted to send House Bill 626 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 749, a separate annexation-related measure. Representative Ehart described it as a collaborative fix developed with the Association of Idaho Cities to address costly annexation impacts on property owners, including the Hammonds, who testified that annexation had created large potential costs and uncertainty for their home. The committee voted to send House Bill 749 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. Later, the committee took up House Bill 659, which would require local and county law enforcement agencies to apply for federal 287(g) agreements with ICE and to explain in writing if they cannot participate. Representative Hawkins said the bill was intended to increase cooperation with ICE and emphasized that it focused on jail-based enforcement and application for agreements, not street-level immigration policing. Sheriffs and other opponents argued the bill would impose costs, interfere with constitutional duties of elected sheriffs, and potentially require participation in future federal programs with unknown scope. Supporters said the public wanted stronger immigration enforcement and that federal reimbursement and training could offset costs. Testimony continued from both supporters and opponents, but no final committee action on HB 659 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we did discuss this a little bit in the last meeting before we laid it on the table subject to call
• Uh and I I to have that discussion.
• Are there discussions or questions or debate on the amendment?
• The chair asked whether there was debate or discussion on the amendment.
• Is there debate,<00:40:01.839><c> discussion?</c> Debate, discussion? No. Are you ready to vote?

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 24 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? I've seen none. Any objections? Adoption of the amendment?
• All right, any discussion on that proposed amendment? Objection to that?
• Other discussion. Other discussion. I'm just trying to follow. And it's just a clarification thing.
• Is there any further discussion on this specific change or objection?
• Any further discussion? Any objection to adopting that change? No?

Bills: SB3 , HB70 , HB49 , HB60 , HB151 , HB164 , SB17 , SB35 , SB164

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: mental health, commitment, involuntary commitment, civil commitment, assisted outpatient treatment, AOT, court-ordered treatment, behavioral health, psychiatric hold, danger to self, danger to others, suicide prevention, self-harm, homicide risk, capacity, decisional capacity, guardianship, treatment guardian, crisis stabilization, crisis triage center

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 35, which would create one additional judgeship in the First Judicial District. Senator Trujillo and Chief Judge Bichai explained that the position had been approved through the judiciary’s unified budget process based on caseload and weighted-caseload needs. Members asked about how the new judge would be appointed, election timing, and courthouse space; the judge said the district would make room temporarily and that technology had helped with courtroom efficiency. One member of the public testified in opposition, alleging questionable case-assignment practices in the district court. The committee then voted do pass on SB 35 to the Finance Committee without objection. The committee then heard Senate Bill 17, the Stop Illegal Gun Trade Act, with extensive testimony on both sides. Supporters, including the sponsors, gun-violence survivors, prosecutors, law enforcement, city representatives, educators, and advocacy groups, argued that the bill would address a retail-to-criminal pipeline by requiring gun dealers to secure inventory, train employees, track sales, report suspicious activity, and restrict future sales of certain military-style firearms and large-capacity magazines. They cited gun violence statistics, local homicides, and the impact on children and schools. Opponents, including NRA and industry representatives, sheriffs, ranchers, dealers, and other citizens, argued the bill would violate the Second, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments, create a de facto registry, impose costly burdens on lawful businesses, and fail to stop criminals. Several opponents also raised concerns about litigation costs and the effect on rural gun owners. Committee members then questioned the sponsors and debated the bill’s definitions, recordkeeping, confidentiality, and dealer requirements. Senator Duhigg offered and the committee adopted several amendments, including removing narrow loss-language tied to fire/theft/flood, changing backup timing language back to the federal standard, and revising the confidentiality/IPRA language to protect names and personal identifying information of transferees. The sponsors said the bill was intended to align with or build on federal standards in some areas while adding state-level dealer oversight. The chair allowed extended amendment discussion and indicated the committee would continue working through the substitute bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had some discussions, and I hope that today's conversations continue to add to the discussions
• We've had some brief discussions about the deep cuts being considered at Sonoma State, and we've heard
• I'm here to thank you for your questions and for your thoughtful discussion.
• I'm going to discuss the proposals in the 2025-26 Governor's Budget for the CSU.
• That's why you hear, I think, during the discussion here, this discussion of, well, if some offices at

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we will have a panel discussion with the Department of Financial Services that will cover the
• We'll get started with our DFS discussion.
• We will have a panel discussion with the Department of Financial Services that will cover the State Fire
• We'll get started with our DFS discussion.
• I wasn't here or part of those discussions, so I can't answer that question.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations from the Department of Financial Services and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, then returned to its ongoing budget workshop with the Department of Management Services. DFS’s Division of Risk Management described its role as the state self-insurance fund, covering about 200,000 employees and 27,000 vehicles, paying roughly $150 million in claims last year, and managing a pilot ETS treatment program for veterans and first responders that had 49 patients and 804 treatments as of the latest report. The Division of State Fire Marshal outlined its fire prevention, training, emergency response, and grant programs, including hurricane deployments, the Florida State Fire College, and several capital and grant requests for roof, courtyard, memorial, and equipment needs. The Division of Rehabilitation and Liquidation explained how it handles insolvent insurers under Chapter 631, currently administering 14 estates with $1.2 billion in assets and $3.7 billion in liabilities, and said no new receiverships had been opened since February 2023. Members asked about grant backlogs, fire truck procurement delays, memorial repairs, and whether affiliate transfers were occurring in insurer liquidations. Secretary Griffin then updated the committee on DBPR’s implementation of House Bill 1021 on community associations. He said the department had used the new authority to expand education, complaint handling, and ombudsman services, including 10 free standardized courses, a new condo website, and a four-hour board certification course that had already drawn more than 12,000 attendees. He reported that outreach to condominium communities had increased by more than 60%, that complaint filings were up 39% while jurisdictional dismissals dropped to 11%, and that about 81% to 82% of the 65 new positions had been filled. Members pressed him on whether the department had enough authority and funding, how condominium counts are determined, how self-reported structural integrity reserve study data is verified, and whether more public-facing complaint tracking and better reporting from local governments or developers would improve the system. The committee then resumed questioning Secretary Allende of DMS about outstanding budget and operations issues. Members focused on the delayed People First contract extension required by statute, with the secretary saying the delay involved technical and contractual complexity in moving a legacy hard-coded system to the cloud. They also revisited the state data team and data catalog project, asking why a statutory 2022 deadline had not been met, how the four-person team and broader data staff were organized, how many applicants were considered for key positions, and what each role was doing. The secretary said the catalog work was being simplified into six metadata fields and supported by a broader community of practice, but no firm completion date was given during the exchange.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the same issue that we discussed and received information on last week: an act relating to Medicaid
• c><00:07:07.680><c> we</c> 695 this is the same issue that we 695 this is the same issue that we discussed
• > and</c><00:07:09.800><c> received</c><00:07:10.520><c> information</c><00:07:11.080><c> on</c> discussed
• and received information on discussed and received information on last last last week<00:07:14.639><
• </c> in here last week and we had discussion in here last week and we had discussion only<00:20:35.559

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:15 HB 537 Discussion 00:01:30 HB 537 Vote 00:05:15 HB 695 Discussion 00:07:00 HB 695 Vote 00:23:15 HJR 31 Discussion 00:27:40 HJR 31 Vote 00:29:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 537, as amended by PHS 1, which was described as a technical measure needed to ensure Kentucky can receive opioid settlement funds despite changes in bankruptcy court orders. The sponsor and Attorney General’s office explained that the bill does not change the settlement formula or substantive terms, but adjusts the mechanism for receiving the money. After brief discussion, the committee adopted PHS 1 and then passed HB 537 out favorably on a 17-0 vote, with one member recording attendance after arriving late. The committee then considered House Bill 695, also amended by PHS 1, a Medicaid stabilization bill. The sponsor said the measure is intended to hold the program steady while the legislature gathers more information and awaits work by a future Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. The bill would limit new waivers, state plan amendments, and coverage expansions; require reporting and record retention; create a Kentucky Medicaid Pharmaceutical Rebate Fund; direct certain behavioral health and managed care changes; and include an emergency clause. Members raised questions about the rebate fund, work requirements, and whether the bill could affect coverage or funding, while supporters emphasized transparency, data collection, and preventing new expansions until oversight is in place. Several members spoke in favor of the bill’s goals but expressed caution about micromanaging a complex program and about possible unintended consequences for beneficiaries. Representative Fleming stressed the need for stronger oversight and noted the potential fiscal impact of federal Medicaid changes. Representative Stevenson voted pass, saying the committee should let the new oversight board handle the issue, and Representative Gentry also passed, citing concern about overreach and the burden of data collection. The committee ultimately reported HB 695 favorably on a 16-1 vote with three pass votes. Afterward, members recorded additional yes votes on HB 537 for the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• As discussed in last effect October 1st.
• So, the bill which has been discussed.
• </c> &gt;&gt; no that's why I stop and further discuss &gt;&gt; no that's why I stop and further discuss
• just in case um further discussion just in case um further<01:25:24.239><c> discussion</c><01:25:24.880
• Any discussion? >> No discussion. >> This is the final pass. >> All right.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are also discussions about ambulatory surgical facilities.
• </c><00:19:33.120><c> about</c> Um there are also discussions about Um there are also discussions about
• Having introduced it, are you ready to discuss it? Yes, sir.
• </c> discuss it? discuss it? &gt;&gt; Yes,<00:46:30.000><c> sir.
• </c><01:25:22.080><c> and</c> have policy I guess discussions and have policy I guess discussions and

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> extended discussion. extended discussion.
• There's been haven't been discussed.
• There was no discussion, no deliberation.
• There was no discussion, no single word.
• We moved this forward so it would give you it wasn't there to discuss the bill or discuss the work.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on October 14, approved the minutes, and then took up a large group of staff-suggested amendments to multiple regulations. Those staff amendments were approved without objection and were described as technical changes needed to comply with KRS Chapter 13A and other governing law. The committee then moved out of order to consider Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure regulation 2011 KAR 9:270, which governs buprenorphine prescribing and related standards. Board representatives said the regulation has been updated over time since 2015 and that the current amendments are intended to streamline the rule, remove outdated federal references such as the X-waiver, narrow education requirements to addiction-related topics, and create exceptions for settings like emergency rooms and certain pain treatment situations. The agency amendment would also allow buprenorphine monoproduct for up to 30 days when a patient is transitioning from a full opioid agonist, and would add physicians certified in addiction medicine as eligible specialty consultants. Board officials said the regulation was developed through a two-year process with a work group, informal outreach to medical organizations, and multiple comment periods, and they argued the rule is working because overdose deaths have declined and provider numbers have increased. Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the regulation remains too restrictive. Senator Rocky Adams noted that major medical organizations had said the proposed language could restrict access and worsen overdose risk, and he questioned whether the committee was being asked to choose between conflicting expert views. Opponents, including a medical student, a recovery advocate, and Dr. Colleen Ryan of the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine, argued the rule is outdated, creates unnecessary barriers to buprenorphine treatment, and should be repealed or substantially revised to align with federal guidance and evidence-based care. They said rigid requirements can discourage treatment and that addiction should be treated like other chronic illnesses. No final vote on the medical licensure regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, and the discussion ended with the chair preparing to hear from additional opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the key word there is the opportunity to discuss with our voters and our patrons how they want to
• This bill provides us that opportunity to have that discussion, have that public debate with residents
• I would appreciate your support for this bill because it gives us the opportunity to have that discussion
• In the middle of last summer and fall, we saw a tremendous amount of discussion and several hearings
• Seeing no other further discussion, that will close the public hearing on Senate Bill 1023.

Committee: House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Summary: The Committee on Local Government held a public hearing on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023, sponsored by Senator Justin Brown. The bill would expand the existing authority for certain public library districts to ask voters for a sales tax, with provisions to reduce or eliminate property tax levies in some cases. Brown explained that the bill includes special carve-outs for St. Charles County, where any sales tax would be paired with a dollar-for-dollar property tax rollback over a three-year phase-out, and for Cass and Johnson counties, where the sales tax cap would be 0.33% and property tax levies would be eliminated. The bill also allows circuit courts to collect a civil case filing surcharge of up to $15 for law library maintenance. Supporters testified that the measure would give libraries more flexible and diversified funding options, similar to other local taxing entities. Library officials from Scenic Regional, St. Charles City-County, Marshall Public Library, and Kansas City Public Library said most library revenue still comes from property taxes and argued that the bill would let local voters decide whether to shift some or all funding to sales tax. They described needs such as expanding services, building new branches, renovating facilities, and protecting voter-approved taxes from uncertainty tied to county reclassification litigation. The Missouri Library Association said the bill serves as a safeguard amid broader discussions about property tax reform. There was no opposition testimony. Committee members raised questions about the fairness of shifting library funding to sales tax, especially for nonresidents who may not use the services, and about how the St. Charles amendment would work. Several members spoke in support of libraries and the bill, while one member criticized the tone of the sponsor’s response to questioning. At the close of the hearing, the chair announced the committee would executive the bill on Monday and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on that motion? Seeing none, all in favor, say aye. Any opposed? Okay, thank you.
• Any discussion on that motion? Senator Zito. Oh, no, I was turning it on. Okay, sorry.
• Any discussion on that motion? Seeing none, all in favor, say aye. Any opposed?
• And Representative Gannon, you've already discussed with... Ask me hard questions.
• You've already discussed with the House side on the ability for this bill to You've already discussed

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion.” “All right. Further discussion.” “All right. What was the number on that?”
• Any further discussion? Questions about House Bill 18, maintenance and repair bill?
• Further discussion on House Bill 2019. All right.
• Anybody have a discussion on House Bill 20? Representative Taylor, Del Taylor.
• Further discussion. All right.

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any further discussion? All in favor, aye. Aye. Any opposed? Thank you. Thank you.
• Questions for discussion? I'm not seeing any. Thank you for your time today. Mr. Lair.
• Any further discussion? House Bill 712 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
• Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor, aye, aye, aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.
• Any discussion on the motion or an alternate motion?

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee first approved the March 4, 2026 minutes without objection. It then heard House Bill 712, which would create a civics seal or endorsement on high school diplomas for students who meet specified academic and civics requirements, including coursework in U.S. history and government, a civics test score, and a civics project or related activities. The sponsors described it as a voluntary recognition to encourage civic knowledge and engagement, and testimony from the Idaho Family Policy Center and Dr. Samuel Lair supported the bill as a way to promote citizenship and public service. Committee members asked about how the coursework requirement is defined and whether the seal could be earned alongside other diploma endorsements; the Department of Education clarified that the required coursework is two credits each in U.S. history and American government. The committee voted to send HB 712 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 761, which would consolidate the Idaho STEM Action Center into the Workforce Development Council. Senator Lent and Workforce Development Council/STEM Action Center Director Wendy Seacrest explained that the merger is intended to streamline operations, reduce administrative overlap, and better connect STEM education with workforce development. Seacrest said the combined structure would continue most STEM programs, including teacher professional development, community partnerships, and career awareness efforts, while tying them more closely to careers and workforce needs. She also said the consolidation would save more than $300,000 annually and eliminate two staff positions, and that private donations and foundation support would still be available, including direct support to local districts or organizations and a 50% match requirement for new programs. With no public testimony against the bill, the committee voted to send HB 761 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.