Transcript Highlights:

• I have another public hearing, of course, on any proposal.
• The Chair is not sure, has the public received a map of any proposed changes?
• So many of these proposals as well not reflect the communities Texas.
• I'm a precinct chair for Precinct 0001 here in Houston's 1st Ward.
• I am a resident of Third Ward in OST South Union.

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• should note right at the outset, and we'll come back to this later, but there are eight measures proposed
• AB 1588 is a measured proposal that provides law enforcement with clearer tools to address conduct that
• Jeannie Ward-Waller, representing PeopleForBikes, the national trade association for bicycle and e-bike
• The bill clarifies that voters may propose and approve a local transactions and use tax of up to 0.5%
• The member asked how the proposal might inform statewide decision-making and, if not this way, how it

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The references to budget are changed to proposed budget.
• Mark Bell, Association of Electric Companies, Mark Ward Teesdale, Association of Mutual Insurance, Mark
• Ward Thiesdale Association of Mutual Insurance and Zach Stevenson Texas Electric Cooperities and we'll
• My name is Ward Tisdale. I'm with the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.
• There's other, like, chainsaw-version rate-making proposals that are out there, like letting utilities

Bills: HB 106 , HB144 , HB145 , HB252 , HB1732 , HB2221 , HB2467 , HB2468 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2963 , HB3016 , HB3689 , HB3960 , HB4386 , HB4490 , HB4751 , HB5247 , HJR175 , HB2213

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering SB 715 and then voting out several measures. The committee substitute for SB 1978 was reported favorably, and HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 were all reported favorably, many with objections sent to the local and uncontested calendar. HB 1522 and HB 4238 were adopted as committee substitutes before passage. The committee then moved into public testimony on HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. Supporters argued it would reduce waste, lower costs, and help independent repair shops by requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information on fair terms, while opponents said the bill was too broad and the automotive MOU exemption was problematic. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 2467, which would align State Fire Marshal Office investigators’ pay with other commissioned peace officers at TDI; testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the office’s arson-investigation role, and the bill was left pending. HB 252, a bill allowing certain state agencies flexibility to pay Schedule A employees twice monthly, was laid out and left pending after limited testimony. HB 2468, dealing with public improvement district notice in real estate transactions, would let buyers terminate within seven days if required PID notice was not provided before contract execution; it drew no public testimony and was left pending. HB 4386, an annuity exchange and surrender process bill, was presented as a consumer-protection measure with deadlines and penalties for insurer delays; it received support from industry witnesses and was left pending. The committee then heard HB 4751, creating the Texas Quantum Initiative within the Governor’s Office to coordinate quantum research, workforce, industry partnerships, and possible future grant funding. Witnesses from universities and industry supported the bill, while several senators questioned whether a new state structure was necessary; the bill was left pending. HJR 175 proposed a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ right to use mutually agreed forms of exchange, including cash, bullion, digital currency, or private script, and was discussed at length in the context of central bank digital currency and barter; it was left pending after testimony. HB 2221, updating insurance anti-rebating laws to allow wellness and value-added services, drew supportive testimony from the insurance industry and discussion about incentives versus monitoring; it was also left pending. Finally, the committee heard a series of utility wildfire and infrastructure bills: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain electrical infrastructure near well sites; HB 144, requiring electric utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing self-insurance under certain conditions. Utility, insurance, and cooperative witnesses generally supported the wildfire-related bills while asking for clarifications and less burdensome reporting, and the bills were left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward, would you lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, please? Please join us.
• Um, we'll move consent. >> Senator Ward will second consent on 560, and I'll take it out since it was
• Um, Senator Ward, do you want to take that out? >> Sure. >> Thank you very much. >> Oh, yes.
• And um Senator Ward cited some fa pass.
• Um, Senator Ward, do you >> None opposed.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward excused, Mr. Woodson, Madam Speaker, here. 49 members are present, two are excused. Thank you.
• Ward excused, Mr. Woodson, Madam Speaker, here. 49 members are present, two are excused. Thank you.
• </c><00:40:27.400><c> the</c><00:40:27.520><c> amendment</c> Constitution The Proposal the amendment
• Moving on to the top of page 16, Standing Committee Report 1338. the restrictions uh proposed by this
• the restrictions uh proposed by this bill<00:43:01.280><c> I</c><00:43:01.440><c> I</c><00:43:01.520

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward-Engelking [member_8961]. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator Ward-Engelking [member_8961]. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that we print RS 32-89.
• One more question, Senator Ward-Engelking. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Ward-Engelking. Thank you, Mr.
• Chairman, Senator Ward-Engelking, I would wholeheartedly agree it is about resources.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee first approved the January 21, 2026 minutes and then heard two print requests from Senator Carrie Semmelroth tied to code cleanup work that originated from House Bill 14 last session. RS 32-89 would remove obsolete references to regional library systems that no longer exist, and RS 32-91 would clean up Title 33 by removing redundancies and non-applicable provisions. Both RSs were moved to print and approved without opposition. The committee then held a special presentation on spelling to communicate (S2C) from Kara Sanders, followed by testimony from Jennifer Ruiz on behalf of her daughter Ray Ruiz. Sanders described S2C as a communication method for non-speaking people who can point to letters to spell their thoughts, emphasizing presuming competence, the role of a communication regulation partner, and the need for training and safeguards. Ray Ruiz testified that S2C opened communication and educational opportunities for her, including sharing her interests, languages, and goals in psychology and advocacy; committee members asked about when she began spelling, learning languages, and her education plans. Jennifer Ruiz said S2C allowed her to truly get to know her daughter after years of uncertainty. The final presentation was from Dr. Brooke Blevins on behalf of the Idaho Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. She outlined educator preparation efforts across Idaho’s colleges and universities, including work on student behavior, educator ethics, career and technical education, rural teacher preparation, early literacy, and generative AI. In response to committee questions, she said schools need more support personnel and tiered interventions to address behavior, stressed that education is a right, and said clear expectations, stable environments, and teacher retention are important. Members raised concerns that student behavior is becoming a crisis and urged the group to help develop new solutions; the presentation ended with the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• so it's potenti potentially um proposals so it's potenti potentially um projects<00:36:19.680><c> that
• So just to give you the level set on the Blue Line, it was originally proposed to start work on it in
• to start work on was originally proposed to start work on it<01:05:13.839><c> in</c><01:05:14.079><c
• I have to ask, who are these proposals for?
• Ward 5 in Minneapolis and Robinsdale share a border, and I can assure you that our constituencies are

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair Ward.
• Thank<01:28:02.000><c> you,</c><01:28:02.320><c> Chair</c><01:28:02.639><c> Ward.
• </c><01:28:03.600><c> Uh,</c> Thank you, Chair Ward. Uh, Thank you, Chair Ward.
• Thank you Chair Ward Senator Francis.
• Senator Ward, you were on this looking at the shortage of educators in New Hampshire.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward? Here. Lackey? Here. El-Hawari. Jeff Gonzalez? Here. McKinner. Ortega? Here. Cork Silva. Here.
• Ward? Here. Lackie. Here. El-Hawari. Jeff Gonzalez? Here. McKinner. Ortega? Here. Cork Silva. Here.
• Ward? Aye. Lackey? Al-Hawari? Aye. Jeff Gonzalez? Aye. McKinnor? Aye. Ortega? Aye. Quirk-Silva?
• Ward? Aye. Lackey? El Hawari, aye. Jeff Gonzalez? Aye. McKinnor? Aye. Ortega? Aye. Quirk-Silva?
• Good morning, Chairman Ward.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism heard three bills. AB 2113, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would prohibit unauthorized drone operation within 400 feet of ticketed outdoor entertainment events with 1,000 or more attendees, creating a $500 infraction to improve crowd safety and emergency response. Support came from Live Nation, the San Francisco 49ers, and BottleRock; opposition was limited to a support-if-amended position from the California Attractions and Parks Association and a less-amended concern from TechNet about impacts on nearby commercial drone use. Members discussed enforcement challenges and the need for a layered state-federal approach, and the bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2492, by Assemblymember Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including planning for security, emergencies, and reducing risks such as trafficking and discrimination. The California Travel Association testified in support, emphasizing the economic importance of these events and the need to reassure visitors about safety. Members noted the bill’s inclusion of watch parties and the need for strong coordination across agencies; it also passed 9-0 to Appropriations. AB 2130, by Assemblymember Haney, would allow the California State Athletic Commission to place sponsor logos on referee and official apparel at boxing and MMA events to generate revenue for fighter retirement benefits and related training, without using the General Fund or raising ticket prices. Support came from Combat U and the UFC, with testimony stressing that California is the only place offering this type of retirement benefit and that the bill would help support fighters after their careers. The committee described it as a targeted but important measure, and it passed 9-0 to Appropriations. After reopening the roll to capture absent members, all three bills were reported out unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
• Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward
• Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 18A to allow Assembly Members Addis, Berman, El Haney, Ward
• you now to consent to suspend Assembly Rule 18A to allow assembly members Addis, Berman, El Haney, Ward

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and dispensed with the reading of the previous day’s journal. Members handled routine procedural motions, including permission for guest seating and adjournment-in-memory remarks. A motion by Assemblymember Tangipa to suspend the rules so ACA 12, described as preventing double taxation on roads, could be taken up without reference to file failed on a roll call vote of 17 ayes to 46 noes. The floor then featured several guest introductions and recognitions. Assemblymember Elhawary honored Los Angeles Trade Technical College on its centennial, highlighting its role in accessible education, workforce training, and reentry programs. Assemblymember Addis recognized Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Maritime for Cal Poly’s 125th anniversary and its students and leadership. Assemblymember Haney welcomed representatives from Heel Palestine and six children from Gaza receiving medical care in California, describing the organization’s humanitarian work and the children’s resilience. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Members honored former Congressman Doug LaMalfa, emphasizing his long public service, rural advocacy, and work on agriculture, water, wildfire prevention, and local representation. The Assembly also remembered Alan Stewart Hammond IV for his civil rights and media policy work, and Rob and Michelle Reiner for their contributions to early childhood programs, equality, and public service. The House then adopted the adjournment motion and recessed until Thursday, February 5 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much, Chair Ward.
• Thank you, Senator Ward.
• And I think Thank you, Senator Ward.
• I think what may I chair Ward? Yes, absolutely. So Senator Sullivan, I... amendment, Senator Ward.
• I think what may I chair Ward? saying? I think what may I chair Ward?

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We propose that rather than criminalizing... ...similar to that could preserve access to OMT.
• We're going to move on to file item number five, AB 1775 by Assembly Member Ward.
• And there's some policy considerations that have been proposed moving forward.
• Our proposed amendments are to address implementation and clarity concerns.
• AB 1775 by Assembly Member Ward. Motion. Senator Menjavar moves the bill.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills on access to care, professional licensing, and consumer protection, beginning as a subcommittee because quorum was initially lacking. AB 1307 would create a pilot program allowing up to 30 qualified dentists from Mexico to work in underserved California areas for up to three years; the author and sponsor framed it as a cost-neutral way to address dental shortages, the California Dental Association moved from opposition to neutral after amendments, and members expressed support. AB 1703 would restrict use of osteopathic titles and osteopathic manipulative treatment to licensed DOs; supporters said it would prevent patient confusion and unlicensed practice, while non-physician osteopaths argued it would criminalize a long-standing, safe practice and reduce access. Members raised concerns about consumer clarity and access, and the author said she would continue working with opponents. AB 2250 made technical cleanup changes to last year’s hemp enforcement law, with support from the cannabis industry and no opposition. AB 1758 would raise the annual seller-of-travel assessment for the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund from $35 to $60, and AB 1794 would allow prescribed enteral nutrition formulas to be drop-shipped directly to patients’ homes with pharmacist oversight; both drew support and no opposition. AB 1775 would expand state licensing priority and related support for veterans discharged because of a federal transgender military policy, with emotional testimony from a transgender Army captain and support from equality and women’s organizations. AB 1939 would allow licensed professional fiduciaries to form corporations, and AB 2477 would create a limited provisional period for new pest control employees to work under supervision while licensing is pending; both were supported, though AB 2477 drew questions about supervision and committee amendments. AB 1999 would address veterinary workforce shortages by creating retired volunteer status, a shelter-veterinarian pathway, changes to VCPR rules, and narrowing the owner exemption to exclude surgical procedures; supporters cited animal welfare concerns, while some opponents warned about overreach. AB 2010 would permit high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in nontraditional settings to expand access, but the Veterinary Medical Board and some advocates opposed it unless amended over safety and clarity concerns. AB 2311 would let public health care district hospitals directly employ physicians, with supporters saying it would improve recruitment and access and opponents warning about erosion of physician autonomy; the author said the bill included safeguards, a sunset, and reporting requirements, and continued negotiations were ongoing. After quorum was established, the committee took roll-call votes and advanced the bills, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan votes, with several measures placed on call and others sent to Appropriations, Judiciary, Revenue and Taxation, Military and Veterans Affairs, or other committees as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just for the record, Assembly Members Ward and Davies, I know you're here in a timely fashion.
• But we'll move on to file item 1, AB 1684, Assembly Member Ward.
• We are pleased to remove opposition and move to a neutral position as proposed to be amended.
• We are pleased to remove opposition and move to a neutral position as proposed to be amended.
• On to Item 1, AB 1684, Ward. We need a motion. We need a motion. Okay, that's moved. Seconded.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard a series of bills, many focused on homeowners associations (HOAs), along with measures on self-defense, design-professional litigation, mobile home park claims, senior housing, and DEI. Several bills were presented only or discussed with amendments, and the committee repeatedly noted ongoing work with authors and stakeholders. The committee also established quorum partway through the hearing and took up a consent calendar of several unrelated bills, which passed. AB 2584, on civil immunity for lawful self-defense, was presented as a work-in-progress. The author and a UFC/public-safety witness argued that people hesitate to intervene because of fear of civil liability, while committee members said California already has strong self-defense and Good Samaritan laws and that the proposal could create confusion. The bill was not advanced at that time, with the chair emphasizing further conversations. AB 1684, which would prevent HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace compliant cooling systems, drew support from the author, a constituent statement, and supporters from the California Department Association and others; an HOA group opposed unless amended, citing association property rights and grid/power concerns. Members generally supported the concept, and the author said amendments addressed damage and code-compliance issues. AB 1892, a technical cleanup bill clarifying HOA duties on utility repairs, election notices, and electronic voting timelines, passed unanimously as amended. AB 2050, requiring a formula for HOA reserve funding and a phase-in period, also passed with broad support; witnesses said underfunded reserves lead to special assessments, insurance and mortgage problems, and deferred maintenance, while members framed it as a consumer-protection and affordability measure. AB 2106, extending certificate-of-merit protections for design professionals and requiring California-licensed experts in certain cases, passed with strong support from engineers, architects, landscape architects, and civil-justice groups. AB 2145, directing HCD to study seniors’ need and desire to downsize, passed after lenders and financial groups moved from opposition to neutral with amendments; supporters said it could help unlock larger homes for younger families. AB 2238, aimed at deterring meritless failure-to-maintain lawsuits against mobile home park owners by shifting fee exposure to attorneys, passed after amendments narrowed its focus. Supporters said some firms were using vague demand letters and frivolous claims to force settlements and raise insurance costs; opposition said the bill still needed refinement to protect meritorious resident claims. AB 2439, prompted by two authors’ own HOA payment problems, passed despite opposition concerns about community-wide certified-mail requirements and personal liability for board members; supporters said better notice is needed when payment processors change and that liens and collections can be unfairly imposed without notice. AB 2579, responding to the earlier $100 cap on HOA fines, passed as amended to create a Department of Real Estate process for serious health and safety violations; supporters said the cap had weakened enforcement, while members said the bill sought a better balance. Finally, SCR 89, reaffirming California’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, was presented as a response to federal attacks on DEI programs. The author and witnesses from the UC Student Association, National Action Network, and civil-rights and labor groups argued DEI is essential to fairness, access, and opportunity, especially for students and historically underserved communities. Members voiced strong support, describing DEI as central to California’s values, and the resolution moved forward with bipartisan support noted by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just for the record, Summer Ward and Davies, I know you're here in a timely fashion.
• But we'll move on to file item 1, AB 1684, Assembly Member Ward.
• We are pleased to remove opposition and move to a neutral position as proposed to be amended.
• We are pleased to remove opposition and move to a neutral position as proposed to be amended.
• On to Item 1, AB 1684, Ward. We need a motion. We need a motion. Okay, that's moved. Seconded.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a proposed committee substitute.
• There's a proposed committee substituted.
• My name is Jim Ward. I represent... Sure. Thank you, Senator Nichols. My name is Jim Ward.
• proposal.
• There's currently no limitation of number times taxing unit may propose a previously rejected proposal

Bills: SB467 , SB325 , SB867 , SB994 , SB1052 , SB1237 , SB1449 , SB1531 , SB2063 , SB2172 , SB2173 , SB2520 , SB2529 , SB2538 , SB2541 , SJR46 , SJR84

Committee: Senate Local Government

Keywords: SB 467, Texas property tax, ad valorem tax, homestead exemption, residence homestead, fire damage, house fire, destroyed home, temporary tax relief, appraisal district, chief appraiser, local taxing unit, tax rollback, tax refund, Tax Code Chapter 11, prorated exemption, homestead improvement, disaster relief, property tax exemption, residential property

Summary: The committee heard several local government and property tax bills, with most testimony focused on appraisal disputes, tax administration, and development rules. Senate Bill 1052 by Senator Hinojosa would address coastal county appraisal litigation by requiring property owners in certain large-value disputes to report an uncontested taxable value while appeals are pending, so taxing units can base truth-in-taxation calculations on more realistic revenue. Nueces County, Del Mar College, and Corpus Christi ISD testified in support, describing major budget shortfalls caused by refinery valuation disputes; the committee substitute narrowed and clarified the bill’s scope. No opposition was heard, public testimony closed, and SB 1052 was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1531, which would require local tax collectors to accept common electronic property tax payments such as credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Witnesses supported modernizing payment options and the committee substitute removed ACH/electronic funds transfer language to avoid bank-account disclosure concerns. Public testimony closed and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 325, by Senator Perry, would restore platting and groundwater-certification requirements that were unintentionally weakened by prior legislation; supporters from county government, water groups, and builders’ representatives debated whether the real issue was groundwater protection or road standards for private roads. The bill was left pending after extensive testimony and no vote. The committee then took up Senate Bill 994 and SJR 46, which would exempt certain livestock feed inventory from property tax and provide the constitutional amendment needed for that change. Feed store and Farm Bureau witnesses supported the measure as relief for seasonal inventory taxes, and the bills were left pending. Senator Paxton presented SB 467 and SJR 84 to create a temporary property tax exemption for homes completely destroyed by fire, with refunds or corrected bills based on the date of loss; both were left pending. SB 1237 would clarify charitable property tax exemptions for senior housing and retirement communities, with testimony from Catholic and Baptist retirement organizations and a resident describing rising costs and exemption revocations; it was also left pending. The committee later voted 6-0 to report SB 2073, a pending bill on appraisal district authority to purchase or finance real property, and recommended it for the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, the committee heard SB 2172, SB 2173, and SB 2063, all related to property tax administration. SB 2172 would limit when appraisal districts can require homeowners to reapply for homestead exemptions, requiring a specific reason and written notice; SB 2173 would protect new homeowners from surprise tax liabilities caused by prior owners’ erroneous homestead exemptions, with testimony describing large back-assessment bills; both were left pending. SB 2063 would bar appraisal districts from using market-value evidence in unequal appraisal protests, and testimony sharply divided between taxpayer advocates, who said market data improperly overwhelms equity claims, and appraisal district representatives, who argued market value is inherently tied to equal-and-uniform taxation and cited a recent Texas Supreme Court decision; the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And last but not least, I would like to recognize the staff of Representative Gene Ward.
• staff of like to recognize the staff of Representative<00:27:45.919><c> Gene</c><00:27:46.240><c> Ward
• You can all Representative Gene Ward.
• </c> member, Representative Gene Ward. Rep. member, Representative Gene Ward. Rep.
• I think Gene Ward would be very proud of that.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pass out on an A roll call. 6 Wallace, older adults meal program do pass out on an A-roll call, AB 6 Ward
• AB 368 ward passive house standards do pass. Equipment Inventories do pass out on an A-roll call.
• AB 864, Ward, Solar PV Modulars do pass out on an A-roll call. AB 1264. Board of Trustees.
• AB 1355 Ward location privacy holding committee.
• AB 736 Ward sorry AB 736 Wicks affordable housing bond act AB 804 Wicks, Medi-Cal Housing Supports, hold

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward Engelking. Thank you, Madam President.
• Senator Ward Engelking: Thank you. I move that the memorial be adopted.
• Senator Ward Engelking, you are recognized to speak on behalf of Senator Kidwell.
• Senator Ward Engelking, you are recognized to close debate. Thank you. Debate is closed.
• Ward Engel King. Wintrow? Woodward? Yes. Siderfeld? Adams. Carlson. Galloway. Lenny. Taves.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and received communications on substitute senators, gubernatorial appointments, and House bills transmitted for introduction. Committee reports moved a number of measures forward, including Senate Joint Memorial 110, House Bill 533, House Concurrent Resolution 24, Senate Bill 1258, and several newly printed Senate bills that were referred to standing committees. The chamber also advanced multiple bills through first and second reading, including measures on self-defense immunity, digital identification, state office vacancies and agency director appointments, beer sales, highway district elections, polling place liability, rangeland improvement, concealed weapons instruction, virtual education, and public charter schools. The Senate then recessed into a memorial service honoring former Senator Carl Crabtree, former Senator Reese Werner, former Senator Wayne Kidwell, and former Secretary of the Senate Janine Wood. Each memorial was adopted unanimously after brief readings and motions, and senators and guests offered tributes highlighting the honorees’ public service, integrity, work ethic, and impact on Idaho. The service included prayer, a musical performance, and remarks from current and former senators and family members. After the memorial service, the Senate returned to business, received additional committee reports and first-reading bills focused on water, irrigation, juvenile corrections, human fetal tissue, ignition interlock systems, public assistance, naturopathic licensing, hospital maternity price transparency, health exemptions, and regional education service centers. The chamber also heard a brief announcement from a guest and then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward Engelking. Thank you, Madam President.
• Senator Ward Engelking. Thank you. I move that the memorial be adopted.
• Senator Ward Engelking, you are recognized to speak on behalf of Senator Kidwell.
• Senator Ward Engelking, you are recognized to close debate. Thank you. Debate is closed.
• Ward Engel King. Winchrow? Woodward? Yes. Siderfeld? Adams. Carlson. Galloway. Leni. Taves.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita here. Madam Speaker: 47 members are present. Mr. Chun.
• Ward excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita here. Mr. Hussy. Mr. Iligan. Miss Iwamoto. Miss Kahaloa.
• Ward excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita here. Mr. Kila. Miss Kagawa excused. Mr. Kong. Mr.
• Ward excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita here.
• <00:12:20.160><c> excus</c><00:12:21.160><c> Mr</c> Ward excus Mr Ward excus Mr Woodson<00:12:23.199>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House was called to order with 47 members present. After the journal reading was deferred and there were no messages from the Governor or Senate communications, members offered several introductions recognizing visiting guests, including tourism and hospitality representatives, Kahakai Elementary School students and staff from Kona, a Portuguese delegation from the Luso American Development Foundation, and other constituents and aides. The chamber then moved to floor presentations. House Resolution No. 84 was presented, commending the United States Air Force Reserve Command 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron Medical Operations Flight for humanitarian service providing mental health support after the Maui wildfires. Representative Perck moved adoption, Representative Cochran seconded, and the resolution was read into the record describing the unit’s work with state and nonprofit partners to distribute supplies and support survivors’ emotional recovery. The House adopted the resolution by voice vote, and the motion carried. Following the presentation, the House recessed briefly so members could congratulate the honorees. When the House returned, there were no resolutions for action, and announcements included the Women’s Legislative Caucus Easter basket drive, recognition of Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund visitors, birthday greetings, and a reminder that substantive resolutions were due by 6:00 p.m. The House then voted to keep the journal open until 6:00 p.m. for resolution introductions and adjourned into recess until 12:00 noon Monday.