Transcript Highlights:

• This really is about state payments and how we're going to handle some state payments and innovation
• This really is about state payments and how we're going to handle some state payments and innovation
• I think this will save the state.
• exam, and every state has its own state-specific exam.
• Would the national certification transfer from state to state?

Committee: House Business

Summary: The committee considered several RS drafts and one bill, with most of the discussion focused on property rights, business regulation, and state payment modernization. RS 32990, which would allow businesses to use a commercial registered agent address instead of a home address, was introduced after questions about whether it could make it harder to tell if a business is actually located in Idaho. RS 33170, dealing with short-term rentals, was also introduced; the sponsor said it would clarify property owners’ rights while preserving existing nuisance and public-safety protections. RS 33182, requiring employers to verify legal immigration status through E-Verify, was introduced after members said they wanted to discuss carve-outs and current verification practices in more detail. The committee then heard RS 33102, which would extend the state’s inspection “shot clock” to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections. Members asked how the private-inspector backup system would work, whether municipalities might delay inspections knowing private options exist, and how refunds or certifications would be handled. The sponsor said the bill continues last session’s approach and that private inspectors are already certified, but several questions were left for the full hearing. RS 33063, a stablecoin proposal, drew the most skepticism and questions about whether it resembled a digital dollar, the fiscal impact, company ownership restrictions, and whether foreign ownership could be involved. Despite concerns, the committee voted to introduce it. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 512, which would reinstate an open-book Idaho jurisprudence exam for land surveyors. The sponsor and several surveyors testified that Idaho-specific law is essential because surveying affects property boundaries, rights-of-way, subdivisions, and irrigation issues, and that mistakes can lead to costly disputes years later. Opponents were not prominent in the testimony, though members asked about reciprocity and how out-of-state surveyors are licensed. After public testimony, the committee voted to send HB 512 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So why should the taxpayers across the state of Idaho share in the cost of your state insurance or your
• They're almost equal to what the state performance is.
• So, you know, our state, ...also in this body, serve at the pleasure of the state.
• So, you know, our state is only as healthy as our cities are.
• So you all know what cows are: California, Oregon, Washington.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Thursday, March 12, and then held House Joint Memorial 19 subject to the call of the chair because Superintendent Critchfield was unavailable. The main item of business was House Bill 725, which would allow Idaho cities to apply to join the state employee health insurance pool through the Office of Group Insurance. Representative Cheatham said the bill is intended to give cities an option to seek lower and more predictable health insurance costs, with all expenses paid by the participating cities. Supporters, including the mayors of Pocatello and Idaho Falls and an Idaho Falls firefighters representative, said rising premiums are straining city budgets, and that joining a larger pool could improve predictability, recruitment, and retention. Committee members questioned whether the bill would shift costs to state taxpayers or attract only higher-risk groups; the Office of Group Insurance administrator said cities would pay 100% of costs, the state general fund would not be affected, and each city would undergo an actuarial review. The committee then voted to send HB 725 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee next considered RS 33618, a draft bill from Representative Crane to prohibit foreign persons, foreign corporations, foreign governments, foreign REITs, and certain SEC-registered companies from purchasing single-family homes in Idaho. Crane said the measure was meant to prioritize Idahoans in the housing market and limit purchases by large outside entities. Members raised concerns about the breadth of the proposal and how it would affect noncitizens, temporary workers, foreign-owned businesses, and people tied to mining or other industries. The Office of Group Insurance administrator was not involved in this item, but the discussion focused on definitions, enforcement, and whether the bill could be too broad. After debate, the committee voted to introduce RS 33618 with a technical change on page 2, line 13, changing “and” to “or.”

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can look at any county aging provider in the state.
• : Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Alabama.
• , Washington, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Alabama.
• Yeah, for the people watching, state your name and position.
• Yeah, for the people watching, state your name and position.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Resources

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I in it with throughout the state Yeah.
• </c> places like Washington, Ohio, New York. places like Washington, Ohio, New York.
• </c><00:15:07.520><c> of</c> together and determine how the state of together and determine how the state
• </c> did was, I believe it was in the state did was, I believe it was in the state of<00:32:44.080><c
• Secretary of State. >> [sighs] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• States like Michigan, as stated, with lower taxes are now outselling California on a per-unit basis.
• AB 1265 gives the state program a real chance to work.
• Other states have seen remarkable returns on their state tax credits.
• Other states have seen remarkable returns on their state tax credits.
• We have so many incredible historic buildings in our state.

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee met with a delayed start while waiting for quorum, then heard several bills before moving to the suspense file. AB 564 by Assemblymember Haney would freeze the planned cannabis excise tax increase at 15% rather than allow it to rise to 25%; supporters argued the legal cannabis industry is struggling against the illicit market and high taxes, while opponents said the measure would reduce funding for children, youth programs, environmental restoration, and enforcement promised under Prop. 64. The bill was sent to suspense during regular order and later approved out of suspense on a 6-0 vote with amendments, including a five-year sunset and a reduced rate. AB 1265, also by Haney, would extend and expand the state historic tax credit to encourage rehabilitation of vacant historic buildings for housing and mixed-use projects; preservation and housing advocates supported it, and it was also sent to suspense rather than voted on immediately. The committee then heard AB 1377 by Assemblymember McKenna, which would require studios seeking optional diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility film tax credits to complete the plans they submit to the California Film Commission. Labor supporters said studios should do more than make good-faith efforts, and the bill passed 5-1 to Appropriations. AB 1416 by Vice Chair Ta would clarify disaster-related property tax deferrals for homeowners who have requested installment plans, and it passed 7-0 to the Assembly Floor. Afterward, the chair gave a general warning that the bills on suspense represented large revenue losses and emphasized the committee’s need to weigh tax expenditures against other state priorities. On the suspense file, the committee approved AB 27, AB 53, AB 97, AB 231, AB 232, AB 429, AB 613, AB 984, and AB 1485, mostly on unanimous or near-unanimous votes, while AB 547 passed 5-1. Several other bills, including AB 386, AB 389, AB 490, AB 6991, AB 814, AB 1057, AB 1219, AB 1282, AB 1354, AB 1431, AB 1435, and AB 1481, were held in committee. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the suspense-file actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Hawkins, welcome to House State Affairs.
• That we have in state code.
• We have states all around us that do not have this kind of language in their constitutions, states that
• , Washington, etc.
• Okay, come up, state your name, who you represent.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This can't be done just by the state alone.
• Last... ...has defined our state. Rail, however, is not just a relic of California's past.
• across the state.
• President George Washington celebrated his inauguration with a prayer service.
• Thank you, and may God bless you all, and may God bless the United States of America.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then took up several floor items. AB 108, a budget bill, was presented as a one-time $25 million grant program through HCAI to help severely distressed nonprofit and public hospitals with less than 10 days cash on hand and limited other options, along with a technical fix for the property tax postponement program. Senators Laird and Jones spoke in support, and the bill passed 36-0 with immediate transmittal granted. The chamber then adopted a series of resolutions recognizing CASA Appreciation Day (SCR 162), California Wildfire Preparedness Week (SCR 165), California Rail Month (SCR 84), the National Day of Prayer (SCR 153), and Mother’s Day (SCR 167). Floor remarks highlighted the role of CASA volunteers, year-round wildfire risk and local preparedness efforts, rail’s importance to mobility and climate goals, faith and prayer as sources of guidance, and the contributions of mothers and mother figures. All of these resolutions passed, with SCR 153 receiving one no vote and the others passing unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also passed SB 1175, which moves lobbyist registration and related filings directly to the Secretary of State to improve timeliness and transparency; SB 949, designating the Santa Cruz Mountains as a landscape of statewide significance; SB 1038, strengthening CalPERS audit notice requirements for unions; and SB 965, making it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain library cards without a parent physically present. Each measure received supportive remarks and passed on strong roll calls. Later, the Senate adopted SR 106 marking Black April Memorial Month and honoring Vietnamese refugees and the Vietnamese American community, with members speaking about the fall of Saigon, refugee sacrifice, and the community’s contributions. The session concluded with committee announcements and an adjournment in memory of Dan Hughes, a former reserve officer, firefighter paramedic, and longtime parks district board member. The Senate announced it would reconvene on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This can't be done just by the state alone.
• Has defined our state. Rail, however, is not just a relic of California's past.
• across the state.
• President George Washington celebrated his inauguration with a prayer service.
• Thank you, and may God bless you all, and may God bless the United States of America.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Maki then decided to take his chair to Washington and got elected to the House down there.
• They recently passed a law in Washington about housing, and they're going to limit the big development

Bills: H5314

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Keywords: condominium conversion, co-owned property, tenants in common, two-unit building, duplex, partition action, Land Court, chapter 183A, chapter 241, master deed, shared ownership, housing, property law, real estate, easements, common areas, common expenses, condominium ownership, small multifamily housing, 1212

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> reduce state reduce state taxes<00:02:44.040><c> that</c><00:02:44.159><c> is</c><00:02:44.319><
• That's not fed at the state level.
• </c> women who are elected to serve the state women who are elected to serve the state in<00:05:25.680
• state workforce.
• </c> and replace lead pipes across the state and replace lead pipes across the state the<00:07:12.919

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The issue was brought before me from multiple teachers throughout the state, including some in my own
• Lindsay Turner, who’s at Boise State.
• I just think using recess as a punishment is not the best policy for the state.
• It brings Idaho in line with states like Arkansas, Illinois, and Washington that have already adopted
• Again, Debbie Critchfield, State Superintendent.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 27 and March 3. It then took up House Bill 785, which would expand the definition of inappropriate online behavior involving public school employees and other persons, and add disciplinary options for school boards to address vulgar, false, or defamatory online conduct directed at teachers and others. Representative Redmond said the bill was prompted by complaints from teachers, and State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield testified in support. After a brief question about public records and executive session handling, the committee voted to send HB 785 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next introduced RS-33-6-23, a proposal from Representative Harris to remove statutory hour requirements for career and technical education instructors so the Department of CTE would have more flexibility in recruiting trade professionals into classrooms. The motion to introduce the RS passed. The bulk of the meeting focused on House Bill 784 and its RS, which would require daily recess for elementary students and unstructured activity time for middle school students, while barring recess from being withheld for discipline except when the misconduct occurred during recess. Representative Redmond and Superintendent Critchfield argued recess improves focus, behavior, and health, and that schools need flexibility and guidance rather than using recess as punishment. Several members raised concerns that the language was too rigid and could limit classroom management or disciplinary discretion, especially for behavior occurring outside recess. After extended debate and testimony from John Mason of FGA Action in support, the committee voted to hold HB 784 in committee and then approved the RS for second reading, with some members recording opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the the break in road is about state.
• </c> serve in this capacity as the state serve in this capacity as the state co-chair<00:09:24.000><c
• </c><00:21:20.480><c> of</c> that there are areas in the state of that there are areas in the state of
• </c> Um, and then three systems in the state Um, and then three systems in the state of<00:21:37.440>
• </c> states. It's called Farmers Alliance. states. It's called Farmers Alliance.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Make America Healthy Kentucky Task Force met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then heard a presentation on the state’s “food is medicine” efforts. Chair Funky Fromm opened by describing a recent foot injury from a road hazard and used it to emphasize the importance of infrastructure, nutrition, sleep, and activity as part of a broader wellness culture. The main witnesses were Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, Holly Harris of Appalachian Regional Health Care (ARH), and Jim Muser of the Kentucky Hospital Association. Shell and Harris described a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Hospital Association, and hospitals such as ARH to connect local farmers with hospital cafeterias, farmers markets, CSA-style subscription food boxes, and medically tailored meals. Harris said ARH serves a large region with 14 hospitals, more than 95 clinics, about 6,700 employees, and 1,300 medical staff, and that the system began by improving employee food options because hospital workers often have limited access to healthy meals during shifts. They reported examples such as a local-protein burger, parking-lot farmers markets, subsidized CSA boxes for employees, and plans for container gardens at some hospitals. The witnesses said the program is intended to improve health outcomes, reduce readmissions, support chronic disease management, and also increase rural prosperity by expanding demand for Kentucky farm products. Shell said more than 40 hospitals had already been onboarded into the food-is-medicine program, with measurable outcomes being studied through pilots such as one at Russell County Hospital. He also noted that some systems, including CHI St. Joseph Health, Taylor Regional, and UK King’s Daughters, have formally embedded food-as-medicine goals into strategic plans. Members and witnesses also discussed barriers, especially the lack of reimbursement, fragmented short-term funding, and regulatory or purchasing hurdles that make it difficult for small farmers to participate. Shell said the goal is to make the model scalable and easier for hospitals and farmers to navigate, while Harris emphasized that ARH has been funding its efforts without reimbursement because of its mission. No votes or formal policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• for under state law.
• for under state law.
• of other states.
• of other states.
• We have state compacts for youth moving among the state.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota is one of five states that rely on general funds to pay for the state share of the program.
• for the state share.
• </c><00:16:16.079><c> have</c> consistent with what other states have consistent with what other states
• </c><01:03:06.119><c> your</c> committee would you please state your committee would you please state
• </c><01:42:48.159><c> when</c> think State what part of the state when think State what part of the state

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , in the state of Florida.
• to the state of Florida.
• State revenues.
• But not every city in the state, not every county in this state.
• But not every city in the state, not every county in this state is a bad actor. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But state employees. agreements, if you pass a state law and agreements, if you pass a state law and
• Seven states—California, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington—have enacted laws
• Washington and Minnesota, however, are the only states that have worker safety standards which address
• state? state?
• </c> the state. the state.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed House Bill 1150, which would require disclosure of complaints to public employees within five business days. Members said the sponsor was still working on an amendment, so the bill was held for another week with the understanding it would be executed next week if no amendment was ready. The chair also outlined the committee’s schedule, including upcoming floor reports and the goal of finishing the remaining committee bills on time. The committee then took up House Bill 1168, concerning employer documentation requirements. Supporters argued the bill would give employers more time to gather payroll records, especially when claims arise years later, and said the current system should be adjusted for fairness to businesses. Opponents, including several members, said payroll records are usually electronic and should be produced quickly so workers waiting on wages are not delayed. The Department of Labor deputy commissioner testified that employers can already request extensions and that further extensions could still be requested under the current process. The committee voted 11-9 to ought to pass HB 1168. Next, House Bill 1250, dealing with notice, documentation, and job reinstatement requirements for leave related to childbirth, postpartum care, and pediatric appointments, was considered. Members said the statute was newly enacted, had been carefully negotiated, and should be allowed to work before being revised. The committee voted 20-0 to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1043, which would allow private employers to adopt their own minimum pay policies for report-to-work situations instead of being bound by the current two-hour minimum, so long as the policy is established in advance. The sponsor said the bill would modernize an outdated law and preserve the current default if no policy is adopted. Members raised questions about collective bargaining agreements and whether the bill could weaken existing worker protections, while the sponsor and supporters said it was intended to provide flexibility rather than a mandate. The hearing continued with questions and discussion, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Class action waivers were recently prohibited in Washington state, and similar statutes exist in California
• Class action waivers were recently prohibited in Washington state, and similar statutes exist in California
• ,</c> which is our center, Anoka, Washington, which is our center, Anoka, Washington, and and and Washington
• </c> responders across the state. responders across the state.
• </c> support that around the state. support that around the state.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have a small office in Washington, D.C., and their work focuses on ensuring state legislators
• </c> state up to a maximum $10,000 state state up to a maximum $10,000 state contribution. contribution
• At least 30 states and Washington, D.C., including Minnesota, have created residual market plans that
• insurance fraud as a specific crime, and at least 40 states and Washington, D.C., have an insurance
• have</c><00:36:58.240><c> an</c> 40 states in Washington DC have an 40 states in Washington DC have

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> purchasing director for Kentucky State purchasing director for Kentucky State University.<00:43:
• Next item on the pulled list are from Morehead State University.
• </c> are are with Morhead State University. are are with Morhead State University.
• </c><01:35:48.480><c> So,</c> Kentucky State University campus.
• So, Kentucky State University campus.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first approved the minutes from its May 13 meeting. Members then reviewed a deferred contract with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy for the Kentucky Pharmacist Recovery Network (KYPRN), a program that provides monitoring and support for pharmacists and pharmacy interns with substance abuse or mental health issues. Board representatives explained that the contract is a long-running arrangement, renewed periodically, with an option for two additional two-year renewals. Senators asked about the program’s structure, participation trends, follow-up, and consequences for noncompliance. The board said enrollment has remained fairly consistent at about 52 participants, with roughly 500 participants over the life of the program, weekly and monthly check-ins during the five-year typical enrollment period, and possible additional sanctions if participants fail to meet obligations. The committee then approved the contract. The committee next considered a group of economic development contracts, including items from the Cabinet for Economic Development. Secretary Jeff Null and general counsel Matt Wingate testified about contracts tied to regional innovation and entrepreneurship hubs. Members focused on the large differences in funding between regions and pressed for more support for rural and eastern Kentucky. Null said the cabinet is working on a more tailored, non-one-size-fits-all approach, including possible changes to capital support, build-to-suit options, and additional resources for rural areas. He said the hubs have helped 193 startups over the last two years and helped attract nearly $350 million in private capital, and he agreed to provide a written report by hub district on startup viability. The committee approved the economic development contracts. The Kentucky Lottery Corporation then presented its contracts with vendor IGT for retail and internet sales systems. Lottery officials said the contracts are mission-critical, cover both the traditional retail system and iLottery, and are structured as a percentage of sales so no payment is made until revenue is earned. They described planned equipment upgrades, including refreshed terminals, new ticket checkers, cashless vending and bill acceptors, and connected-play features that would link retail and online wallets. Officials said keeping the same vendor reduces the risk of business disruption and that the arrangement has already produced cost savings. They also said the lottery continues to see year-over-year growth and expects to meet its annual contribution target of $360 million for scholarships and grants. The committee approved the lottery contract after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> support this bill to fill the state support this bill to fill the state funding<00:44:52.520><c>
• We have others coming from across the state, and I know you're building the support in and out of states
• We have others coming from across the state, and I know you're building the support in and out of states
• We have others coming from across the state, and I know you're building the support in and out of states
• We have others coming from across the state, and I know you're building the support in and out of states

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all