Transcript Highlights:

• passed committee substitute for committee substitute for Senate Bill 617, banking and financial services
• Department of Human Resources to enter one or more qualified private entities to provide caseworker aid services
• President, in your gallery, we have now the King of the North Gallery has transitioned over to... ...
• We have now the King of the North Gallery has transitioned over to the President's Gallery, the husband

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The owner lives in Texas. He does not respond even to law enforcement. He doesn't respond.
• I've got an 88-year-old father-in-law who lives I appreciate that sentiment.
• The ones I'm talking about is the old guy, good old, honest guy that made a living his whole life.
• But still on all other types of watercraft... ...that you're not expected to get wet while in transit
• If you live along the coasts, then you know the issues that our boaters and watercraft and sportsmen

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are the Division of Administrative Hearings, the Public Employee Relations Commission, the Public Service
• Although FleetWave did not go live until September 2021, and as of last July of 2024, the Department
• The Specialized Services team, which handles this work here on Fleet, we have met.
• I would only offer one retort: I wouldn't necessarily say that we can live without them.
• I wouldn't necessarily say that we can live without them.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard a lengthy Auditor General presentation on the Department of Management Services’ fleet management operations. The audit found major problems with oversight, recordkeeping, policies, fee-setting, purchase and disposal approvals, public auction controls, and FleetWave system access and processing. Key findings included that 2,279 vehicles valued at more than $57 million could not be matched between FleetWave and FLAIR, disposal records were missing or incomplete, user access remained active long after employees separated, and the department had not documented a reasonable basis for its $1.75 per-vehicle monthly fee. Members expressed strong concern about the accuracy of the state’s fleet inventory and the risk of waste or misuse. DMS Secretary Allende said the department concurred with the findings, was working with the Auditor General, and planned corrective actions, including better training, clearer guidance, improved reconciliation, and possible centralization or pilot programs for fleet purchasing and management. The committee then returned to vacancy discussions with several agencies. The Division of Administrative Hearings said its two long-vacant judges of compensation claims positions had been hard to fill because of low pay and short reappointment terms, but the chief judge said the division could operate without them and offered those positions up as part of a reduction exercise. The Public Service Commission reported 42 vacancies but said statutory deadlines were still being met, though staff workloads and depth of analysis were affected. The commission also said vacancies help it manage salaries within its trust-fund budget. Members questioned whether some of those positions were truly needed given the lack of delays. The Florida Gaming Control Commission reported 29 vacancies, including a vacant chair that prevented appointment of an inspector general, and said the chair vacancy was a gubernatorial appointment issue. The acting executive director also said the commission’s compulsive gambling prevention program had lapsed after no responsive bids were received for a new contract, but an invitation to negotiate was nearly complete and a new provider was expected soon. The Public Employee Relations Commission reported that its caseload had more than doubled after Senate Bill 256, which increased union recertification work; it said it was meeting deadlines only with overtime and that the workload had not fallen despite decertifications. Members asked for follow-up data on union cases, vacancy needs, and whether some positions across agencies could be reallocated to better match workload.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her plan is to transition. Austin's going to transition the energy portfolio to her.
• Next up, we have the Public Service Commission.
• Of the Department of Emergency Services do have these programs.
• So welcome, Dave, and we appreciate your service. And when is your final date? July 12th.
• I don't think we have to deem, uh, live or die on a committee bill.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if they're super lucky, they might get to move to a place like a transitional living home, which
• </c> move to a place like a transitional move to a place like a transitional living<00:38:31.440><c>
• Services. House Bill 1158 by Services.
• And so what happens is they don't provide those services to everyone living in those communities and
• those services to everyone living<01:31:53.520><c> in</c><01:31:53.840><c> those</c><01:31:54.239><c

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. ...to the Legislative Services Office.
• I'm a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services.
• I'm a budget and policy analyst with legislative services.
• Information Technology Services. Mr.
• The first is physical health services, which provides services in a variety of program areas, including

Summary: The committee began with a general fund update from Legislative Services, which reviewed the latest green sheet, explained where to find budget information and hearing schedules online, and noted that JFAC actions had updated the FY 2026 and FY 2027 ending balance estimates. Members asked about tracking workgroup progress and were told to consult analysts and workgroup members rather than circulate a public daily summary. The update also noted several bills moving between chambers, including House bills 503, 556, 684, 737, and 759, and Senate Bill 1226. The committee then considered and approved several agency budgets and supplemental requests. The Idaho State Tax Commission budget was reconsidered and approved with a revised FY 2027 motion that removed funding for the chief operating officer salary and set aside funding for property tax education, tax automation, fast tax collection services, seasonal employees, replacement items, and OITS hardware; accompanying language restricted the fast tax collection money to that purpose and required any unused amount to revert to the general fund. The Office of Information Technology Services received approval for FY 2026 supplemental funding for Chinden campus furnishings and the E-CORE grant, and FY 2027 enhancements for enterprise security, the E-CORE continuation, and the final IT modernization transfer of 58 positions from Health and Welfare, along with cash-transfer language tied to SWICAP costs. The Military Division’s request for indirect cost recovery funds passed, but a proposed add-on for the state education assistance program failed. The Industrial Commission and Public Utilities Commission budgets also passed with dedicated-fund increases for IRIS maintenance, training, disability fund costs, and replacement hardware. The Department of Fish and Game budget was approved with a large package of dedicated and federal fund enhancements for fishery habitat work, Good Neighbor Authority projects, hatchery and lab inflation, temporary employees, wolf depredation response, communications, and equipment replacement, along with reappropriation authority. The Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Public Health Services drew the most debate: one motion would have funded home visiting, immunization assessment restoration, lab testing, ARPA grants, HIV and hepatitis prevention, and related items, while a substitute motion sought to keep some funding but move the home visiting program to Early Learning and Development and restore additional public health items. Both motions failed, leaving that budget unresolved in committee. The meeting ended with new language for the State Controller and State Treasurer requiring monthly cash reconciliations between Luma and TATERS, reporting to JFAC and LSO, and retention of supporting documentation for audit purposes. The committee adjourned after being reminded that budget setting would continue through the week and that Monday’s agenda would include education, administration, building fund, and lottery budgets.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are different services that would be offered, but it will be dependent upon what the needs of the
• Here in the capital, and we're not at that level yet, but these definitely do save lives.
• To the EMT services or the quick response time, within these school districts, the defibrillator and
• And so we raise the funds for most of the programming and do receive community service grants that.
• We provide some emergency alert information for some of those schools in a very large service area of

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up on the docket is RS 33085, Representative Skog, on pediatric transition parental rights.
• A few years ago, we passed a bill to outlaw sex transitions physically on children across the state,
• So now this bill takes care of that and prohibits ...social transitioning of children without parental
• That is only for this social transitioning and things related to that.
• That is only for this social transitioning and things related to that.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh service into Minnesota.
• </c><00:45:21.119><c> Community</c> services manager with United Community services manager with United
• We're a service center. We provide ground service for people who own and operate aircraft.
• Um the service throughout the country.
• What we are talking about here service.

Bills: HF3889 , HF2567 , HF3878

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: workforce development, grant program, employment, economic development, funding, employment contract, labor policy, employee rights, unconscionable provisions, public policy, legal enforcement, airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Her plan is to transition. Austin's going to transition the energy portfolio to her.
• Next up, we have the Public Service Commission.
• So welcome, Dave, and we appreciate your service. And when is your final date? July 12th.
• . ...by North Dakota NDSU Extension Service.
• I don't think we have to deem, uh, live or die on a committee bill.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability. Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts. North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:03.199><c> organiza</c> management, food service organiza management, food service organiza
• Food service operations.
• we had a student services coordinator.
• director, we had a student food service director, we had a student services<00:53:55.839><c> coordinator
• So, we had a lot services coordinator.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved corrected minutes from October 6 after members noted and fixed several transcription and spelling errors, including a clarification that a comment about SAU numbers came from former Senator Jim Rubin. The vote to approve the corrected minutes was moved, seconded, and adopted with one abstention. The main presentation came from Chuck Bates of the New Hampshire Association of School Business Officials (ASBO), who described the organization, its certification program, and the role of school business administrators. He explained that ASBO members handle accounting and financial management, facilities, food service, HR, information systems, transportation, and risk management. He also outlined the certification program, which includes 21 courses, most online, plus four in-person workshops unique to New Hampshire, and noted that many members are not certified because the state licensure requirement was removed. Bates then addressed the committee’s interest in SAU consolidation and county-wide restructuring. He said business administrators often manage multiple budgets, attend school board meetings, and serve as a visible point of contact for the community. He argued that consolidation would create operational and financial challenges, including staff and facility relocation, differing accounting systems, lack of a standardized chart of accounts, and uncertain return on investment. He said the biggest obstacle would be local control, especially in small towns that do not want outside decisions affecting school closures, class sizes, or student transportation. Committee members questioned him about the distinction between administrative and academic control, the size of district offices in larger cities, and what might reduce administrative costs; Bates responded that many administrative costs stem from legislation and that consolidation would be difficult to implement without local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I really look at the people who are engaged in delivering the services across Vermont, and I have
• better than I will, and that is we've seen an improvement to the workforce and access to home day services
• and and on a reduction as a services and and on a reduction as a result<00:17:12.560><c> of</c><00:17
• of uh capacity a genuine great service of uh capacity for<00:20:49.320><c> child</c><00:20:49.680><c
• They need to show the ID to receive required services and they must be ready to prove their identity

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• By way of background, in 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, established rural
• Rural emergency hospitals are allowed to provide emergency department services, observation care, and
• additional outpatient medical services, as long as it does not exceed an annual per-patient average
• Rural emergency hospitals are allowed to provide emergency department services, observation care, and
• They are prohibited from providing inpatient services except under certain circumstances.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6103, which would make Medicaid payments for services provided by rural emergency hospitals subject to appropriation. Committee staff explained that rural emergency hospitals are a federal Medicare provider type created in 2020, that they may provide emergency and limited outpatient services but not general inpatient care, and that Washington currently has no designated rural emergency hospitals. The bill would update state law so these facilities can be recognized in the Medicaid statute; staff said the fiscal note showed no fiscal impact. Public testimony was entirely in support. Lisa Thatcher of the Washington State Hospital Association said the bill is needed to align state law with the federal designation, allow cost-based reimbursement similar to critical access hospitals, and preserve eligibility for SNAP-related payment treatment. Todd Nida, CEO of East Adams Rural Health Care, said his facility is seeking to become the first rural emergency hospital in Washington and warned that without the bill, conversion would reduce reimbursement and threaten financial viability. No opposition was presented, and the chair closed the public hearing on SB 6103. The committee then announced upcoming budget release, hearing, amendment, and executive action dates, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We live it every single day.
• We live it every single day.
• We live it every single day.
• We live it every single day.
• We live it every single day.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition. HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.

Transcript Highlights:

• district, that area would be subject to that transit district's taxes and liabilities.
• And secondly, 1301 to 1302, Sound Transit 75-year bonds. This should look familiar.
• Authorized Sound Transit to issue bonds with terms up to 75 years.
• issuance exceeds 40 years, Sound Transit is ineligible for regional mobility grants.
• If a bond issuance exceeds 40 years, then Sound Transit is ineligible for regional mobility grants.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I live. I'm a proud non-member resident of the Colville Tribal Reservation.
• As written, the bill would prevent heir-finding firms from providing this service.
• The revenue from these fees are retained by the county performing service.
• It is a detrimental product that is harming the lives of our youth and our community.
• into much harder drugs and substances that further impact their lives.

Bills: HB2543

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: county clerk, fees, local government, administrative costs, revenue generation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are grateful for the sacrifice of Thy Son that allows us to have hope of returning and living with
• This is not a communist country that we live in.
• I have mines around where I live.
• We're living in a time of a living people as infallible.
• We know that Arizona residents, over 70% of them, want to see a clean energy transition.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and approval of the prior journal. Members then introduced guests, including Dr. Stephen Brown as doctor of the day, Arizona State Troopers Day participants, the Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the Arizona delegation of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The Senate also adopted a proclamation recognizing the Arizona Speech-Language-Hearing Association for its work serving people with communication disorders. The Committee of the Whole considered several House bills. HB 2133, dealing with sexual material and synthetic depictions, was amended on the floor and advanced despite objections that it was overbroad and raised First Amendment concerns. HB 2167, relating to the Attorney General, HB 2600, relating to public school clubs and parental consent, and HB 2811, relating to obstruction of public administration, were also advanced. In a second Committee of the Whole, HB 255 on brackish groundwater recovery, HB 2787 on limiting local cooperation with Mexican wolf reintroduction, HB 2795 on county zoning for small modular reactors, and HB 2985 on state land water allocations were considered; HB 2787, HB 2795, and HB 2985 advanced, while HB 2795 later failed on third reading. HB 2003, concerning driver licenses and instruction permits, was also amended to add a delayed effective date and advanced. On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2013, HB 2031, HB 2102, HB 2103, HB 2117, HB 2226, HB 2262, HB 2278, HB 2378, HB 2584, HB 2693, HB 2270, HB 2370, HB 2665, HB 2666, HB 2876, HB 487, HB 2003, HB 255, HB 2133, HB 2167, HB 2600, HB 2787, HB 2811, and HB 2985, with several members explaining no votes over water policy, local control, public safety, and free speech concerns. HB 2795 failed by a 15-13 vote. The Senate also agreed to a free conference committee on HB 2874 and appointed Senators Finchem, Bolick, and Ortiz to it. Bills passed in open session were ordered transmitted to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've lived on Nantucket for 30 years.
• That home didn't just change our lives.
• That home didn't just change our lives.
• Together, these bills recognize the reality that we live with every day and others who live in seasonal
• I live in North Reading.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing bills, with much of the discussion focused on seasonal communities and funding for year-round housing in places like Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cape Cod, and the Berkshires. Speakers supported bills including H. 4410/S. 966 and related seasonal communities legislation, which would allow local option real estate transfer fees and expand tools for towns to preserve and create affordable housing. Testimony emphasized severe housing shortages, high home prices, workforce displacement, and impacts on public safety, schools, health care, and local businesses. Many witnesses said the transfer fee would provide a sustainable local revenue stream, citing prior land bank models on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard as proof the approach can work. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3989 regarding seasonal community designation, with supporters arguing that towns should be included automatically or through a simpler opt-in process, and on H. 4568 to expand the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, which would broaden access to a federal voucher-based savings and self-sufficiency model. Senator Edwards testified in support of a bill to create training for municipal board members, describing it as a toolkit to improve informed local decision-making. Senator O’Connor testified for a bed bug bill, saying it would create clearer landlord and tenant notification and treatment requirements and provide needed legal guidance after his family’s experience with an infestation. Senator Lovely also testified for the Homeworks program, which provides transportation so homeless children in motels and shelters can attend after-school activities. The committee further heard testimony on a bill to fund housing in seasonal communities through a transfer fee and on a companion measure to expand the seasonal communities toolkit, with repeated calls for favorable reports. Witnesses from public safety, health care, housing nonprofits, schools, and local government described staffing shortages and housing insecurity as urgent problems. Later, the committee took testimony on H. 1559/S. 102 to maintain stable housing for families with pets, with animal welfare groups supporting protections against eviction, breed discrimination, and excessive pet rent. They said housing-related pet surrenders are a major driver of shelter intake. The hearing also included testimony on H. 1498 to limit criminalization of homelessness, which would restrict citations, fines, and related consequences for outdoor camping tied solely to homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Health and Human Services. Health and Human Services. &gt;&gt; Good<00:05:36.720><c> morning.
• </c> Human Services. Human Services.
• </c> Health and Human Services. Health and Human Services. &gt;&gt; Thank<00:08:11.199><c> you.
• We service the entire state.
• We service the entire state.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on Senate Bill 401, which DHHS described as a cleanup bill. Testimony from the department explained that the bill would repeal obsolete reporting requirements tied to a repealed municipal reimbursement program and to the now-repealed commission on demographic trends. No one testified in opposition, and the committee voted 12-0 ought to pass, placing the bill on the consent calendar. The committee then heard Senate Bill 402, which would eliminate certain non-compete agreements for physician associates going forward. Senator Gray introduced the bill, and a representative of the New Hampshire Society of Physician Associates said it would improve workforce recruitment and access to care without changing scope of practice or affecting existing agreements. Committee members asked about the length of current restrictions and whether the change would make New Hampshire more attractive to PAs. The committee voted 12-0 ought to pass and sent the bill to the consent calendar. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 426, which would repeal the permissible fireworks committee. Senator Uler and the deputy state fire marshal said the committee’s original purpose had been overtaken by later changes adopting federal fireworks standards, and that the fire marshal now has the necessary authority. The committee voted 12-0 ought to pass and placed the bill on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 469, a DMV modernization bill allowing electronic signatures in place of wet signatures for certain motor vehicle title and registration processes. Senator Lang, Carvana, the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association, Copart, and DMV staff all supported the measure, saying it would reduce delays, errors, and paperwork burdens. Members asked about AI, consumer protections, costs, and how electronic signatures would work in practice, including in cases involving deceased owners. The transcript cuts off during that hearing before any committee action on SB 469.

Transcript Highlights:

• or affordability of electricity service to other ratepayers.
• The bill requires a data center that seeks electricity service or is already receiving service to agree
• The original House bill allowed utilities to refuse service to... ...Portland salmon.
• I live in LD 36.
• I live on a tight budget, putting most of my income into housing.

Bills: HB2338 , HB2367 , HB2426 , HB2606

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: weatherization, energy efficiency, community projects, sustainability, environment, coal-fired plant, preferential treatment, energy policy, electric generation, regulatory reform, pollution control, efficiency, appeals process, environmental regulation, hearing board, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy