Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development will now come to order
• that would make that more of an optional thing for counties and municipalities that would be on a request
• for federal dollars and their grant applications. ...with their requests for federal dollars and their
• Chair. ...with the remaining $1.7 million contingent upon legislative approval, and that is the bill,
• This legislation strengthens the accessibility and timeliness of our government services to Floridians

Bills: S0002 , S0026 , S0354 , S1112 , S1192 , S1220 , S1352 , S1670

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: negligence, settlement, appropriation, highway safety, damages, law enforcement, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, land use, development, sustainability, environmental protection, housing policy, labor pool, employment, temporary work, placement fee, Department of Commerce

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard several bills and reported most of them favorably. The first major measure, CS/SB 1220, was described as a broad transportation package expanding FDOT authority over trails, seaports, aviation, advanced air mobility, delivery devices, and related technology, while also addressing toll revenue use, autonomous vehicle penalties, digital driver licenses, and an FDOT study on alternative-fuel vehicles. An amendment narrowed some provisions, including local regulation of personal delivery devices and FDOT airport language. Senator Smith and others raised concerns about language involving FDOT assistance to local governments on federal grant applications, but the bill passed unanimously after support from industry and local-government appearance cards. The committee also approved SB 1112, the Labor Pool Act, which would prohibit labor pools from charging placement fees when workers are hired permanently by a third-party employer and require annual registration with the Department of Commerce. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would reduce barriers to full-time employment, improve oversight, and help returning citizens and low-wage workers; multiple witnesses testified in support, including labor advocates and individuals describing high placement fees. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s worker and reentry benefits, and it passed unanimously. The committee then favorably reported SB 2, a claims bill for the estate of Danielle Maudsley arising from a fatal FHP arrest incident and settlement, and SB 26, another claims bill providing relief for the estate of Mark Legata after alleged FDOT negligence. Senate Bill 1352 on motor vehicles also passed without opposition. It would create a secure online portal for license plate seizure processing, allow disabled veterans to retain their DV plate designation upon reissuance or transfer, ban license plate covers and similar devices that obscure plates, and route certain online driver license and ID transactions through county tax collectors. SB 1192, a customer service pilot requiring callback queues for certain calls to the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families, was likewise reported favorably to improve response times and reduce hold times. The most extensive debate centered on CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a new process for very large developments on 10,000-acre or larger parcels if the owner sets aside 60% of the land for conservation or reserve uses. Supporters said it was intended to promote long-range planning, preserve land, and provide certainty for infrastructure and services, while opponents from counties, planning groups, and environmental organizations argued it would preempt local land-use authority, weaken public participation, and allow conservation requirements to be too vague. An amendment added more detail, but concerns remained about administrative approval, timelines, and the definition of reserve areas. Despite opposition from some members, the committee reported the bill favorably on a divided vote. SB 1670 was temporarily postponed, and the committee adjourned after recording one member’s vote on SB 1220.

Transcript Highlights:

• Division of Senate Appropriations to order and ask counsel to call the roll.
• So we're well within what our appropriation of FTE count is.
• Then that goes to that request for appeal goes to our appeal supervisor.
• The project's appropriation The project's appropriation includes $200 million of SIF funding and up to
• Will next meeting be our last meeting before the legislative session?

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on health-related projects and Department of Health and Human Services budget matters. Representatives from CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck and Williston, and Altru in Grand Forks, reported progress on behavioral health expansion projects, including demolition and construction milestones, updated timelines, funding status, staffing plans, and barriers such as an unbudgeted air handler replacement in Williston. Members asked about original completion dates, use of telehealth, recruitment of psychiatrists and other staff, and whether the new beds might reduce the need for patients to travel to Jamestown State Hospital. The projects were described as on track overall, with completion expected in 2027 for the larger builds and earlier openings for some phases in Williston. The committee then heard from HHS leadership on technical line-item transfers and the Salaries and Wages Block Grant. Donna Ockland explained that recent transfers were administrative corrections to place spending in the proper budget lines and did not involve new spending, and she reviewed FTE counts and vacancies across the department. Questions focused on behavioral health staffing changes and the use of consultants in the Rural Health Transformation Program. Pat Rainer outlined the rural health program’s first-year grants and priorities, including workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community wellness initiatives, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, hospital equipment, suicide prevention training, technology, and EMS support. He said North Dakota’s plan was drawing positive national attention, but the department still needed to obligate roughly $199 million by September and was working with CMS on timing and compliance. The committee also received an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller. She said North Dakota had been accepted as a demonstration state, with certification efforts underway in Williston, North Central, Fargo, and Dickinson. Members asked about care coordination, service growth, staffing, and whether certification would expand to all clinics; the department said it was still collecting baseline data and evaluating impacts before making future recommendations. Finally, Rebecca Askins reviewed SNAP payment error rates, explaining that the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89 percent and that the department is working on training, system changes, and quality assurance steps to get below 6 percent. Members pressed on the causes of monthly variability, the performance of the SPACES system, and accountability for ongoing errors, and the department said it expects improvement over the next 6 to 12 months.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do believe that as legislators, you can create legislation that would define what those people would
• It just was not, it didn't come out in the final draft of the legislation during the session.
• Your request, Madam Chair, was supported except for this past session.
• And the other thing is that we passed legislation that stated, Mr.
• Most importantly, there was the key 2004 legislation creating land grants.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a cleanup bill requested by the Texas Department of Health.
• The definition and the intent of the legislation do not make it overly broad.
• Last session, we put $50 million in the General Appropriations Act, which was HB1.
• The committee substitute replaces the filed version with a legislative... Council draft.
• I mean, just great legislation. I'm super excited about that.

Bills: SB128 , SB640 , SB672 , SB904 , SB1141 , SB1263 , SB1525 , SB1528 , SB2041 , SB2306 , SB2308 , SB2357 , SB2446 , SB2695 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2583

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, SB 640, Texas Family Code, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, child welfare, foster care, managing conservatorship, suicide attempt, youth suicide, mental health, child protective services, state custody, annual report, reporting requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• So at the appropriate time, I'd like to move favorable on this.
• We have also here in support, provide information if requested.
• At the appropriate time, I move favorable. Thank you, Representative Thomas.
• Can present information if requested, Ms.
• Penny Jones, who is not only president of our chamber, but she's the legislative assistant.

Bills: HB65 , HB67 , HB73 , HB205 , HB225 , HB339 , HB550

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Keywords: sexual harassment, public employees, training requirements, mandatory education, elected officials, public records, personal information, protected individuals, ethics, transparency, public meetings, voting, electronic voting machine, government accountability, term limits, governor, Louisiana constitution, elections, gubernatorial, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no fiscal impact; no appropriations are requested.
• There is no fiscal impact; no appropriations are requested, but there is an amendment.
• That is functionally the legislation of the bill that I've just explained. Mr.
• Chairman, that is functionally the legislation of the bill that I've just explained. Thank you.
• I'm going to support the bill today, but I just have a request. Again, there's no...

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs heard three measures. First, SB 184 by Senator Gates would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units in single-family residential areas, with exceptions for planned unit developments and master-planned communities. The bill and its amendments were discussed at length, including parking restrictions, homestead exemption treatment, short-term rental concerns, impact and mobility fees, pre-approved designs, manufactured ADUs, and an OPPAGA study on mezzanine financing and tiny homes. Testimony from the Florida League of Cities raised concerns about parking, short-term rentals, and fee parity, while several senators supported the concept but asked for further refinement. The committee adopted the amendments and reported CS for SB 184 favorably. The committee then took up SB 118 by Senator Brodeur, which preempts regulation of presidential libraries to the state and defers regulation to the federal government, with the stated purpose of preventing local governments from imposing obstacles to a future presidential library in Florida. There was no debate or public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7704, a proposed committee bill to repeal the sunset date on a public records exemption for property photographs and personal identifying information of applicants or participants in disaster-related housing assistance programs held by state and local housing entities. With no questions, debate, or public testimony, the committee approved the motion to submit it as a committee bill and reported it favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And she has sent in a statement and would request Madam President permission to read.
• She goes on to say she looks forward to the swift enactment of this legislation.
• It adds $45 million in appropriation for VSOs because they are underfunded.
• The legislation doesn't preempt state law. Number one.
• Thank you. of the appropriate council districts.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the legislative director of legislative affairs for the Department of Health and Services, and I
• Williams I am the legislative director Williams I am the legislative director of<00:15:55.319><c> Affairs
• of legislative affairs of Affairs of legislative affairs director<00:15:57.759><c> uh</c><00:15:57.839
• </c> importantly to you our legislative importantly to you our legislative Liaisons<00:17:13.720><c>
• to legislature feels it's appropriate to pass<04:23:57.399><c> this</c><04:23:57.960><c> legislation

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1. The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families. Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• To start us off, without objection, we're going to show CS for HB 781 temporarily postponed at the request
• This issue came to me through our legislative delegation at home.
• , if not identical legislation to this.
• That we have with this legislation. And so I feel that that's a correct assessment.
• As you just heard, this legislation is being pushed all over the country.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first postponed CS for HB 781 at the sponsor’s request. It then heard and passed CS for HB 429, which codifies the existing process for terminating or cancelling motor vehicle dealer franchises and requires manufacturers to provide written sales and service performance criteria; the bill was supported by the Florida Automobile Dealers Association and was reported favorably 12-0. The committee next took up HB 983 on homeowners associations, where the sponsor described HOA fraud and abuse concerns and proposed expanding local law enforcement authority to investigate, inspect, and audit HOAs, easing recall procedures, and allowing prevailing-party attorney’s fees in recall disputes. Two amendments were adopted: one removing constitutionality-problematic Kaufman language, and another defining financial statements more comprehensively to improve HOA transparency. The bill drew support from Miami-Dade County and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and was reported favorably as amended 14-0. The committee also passed CS for HB 1343 on public nuisance abatement fines, which raises daily fines from $250 to $500, removes the $15,000 cap, adjusts foreclosure timing on unpaid nuisance liens, and allows attorney-fee calculations to include legal assistance time. Members discussed due process and notice concerns, and the sponsor said he would work on clarifying notice for both owners and nuisance-causing parties; the Orange County Sheriff’s Office supported the measure, citing violent crime tied to nuisance properties. CS for HB 643 on residual market insurers was then reported favorably without discussion. CS for HB 1183 on cybersecurity incident liability followed; it would shield government and private entities from liability if they substantially comply with cybersecurity standards, with the sponsor explaining that the bill was revised after a prior veto to define substantial compliance through policy letters, disaster recovery planning, and multi-factor authentication. Despite concerns about the breadth of the liability protection, the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably 13-1. PCS for HB 915, addressing advertisements for representation services, was also reported favorably 14-0. The bill targets misleading advertising by nonlawyers and notaries, especially in immigration-related services, requiring clear bilingual disclosures and allowing damages, fees, and injunctive relief for violations; it was supported by faith-based and civil rights groups. CS for HB 585 on former phosphate mining lands was then approved 14-0; the sponsor said it would create a defense to Water Quality Assurance Act strict liability for naturally occurring substances on former phosphate mine sites, require notice recording, radon surveys, and pre-suit radiation testing, and it would not apply retroactively to pending litigation. HB 6503, a claims bill for Mandy Penny Lemon, was also reported favorably 14-0 after brief sponsor remarks describing her severe injuries and homelessness following a 2018 incident. Finally, the committee considered HB 129 on pesticide-related products liability. A strike-all amendment was adopted that bars failure-to-warn claims for EPA-registered pesticide products when the label is consistent with EPA’s most recent human health risk assessment and carcinogenicity classification, while preserving claims if information was withheld, concealed, misrepresented, or destroyed to obtain or maintain the label. Supporters argued the bill provides certainty and respects EPA’s scientific labeling process; opponents warned it would effectively block access to courts and delay claims until after lengthy EPA investigations. After extensive debate, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended 13-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fraud uh would be helpful to legislators fraud uh would be helpful to legislators uh<00:26:08.560
• </c><00:27:22.280><c> spend</c> because they did not appropriately spend because they did not appropriately
• </c> consistent since we let the legislative consistent since we let the legislative auditor auditor
• </c> So it's always up to us as legislators So it's always up to us as legislators to<00:37:21.560><c
• </c> and I believe a roll call was requested. and I believe a roll call was requested.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• framework for an agriculturally resilient markets act, and it includes a number of policies and appropriations
• Last, the bill includes an appropriation of $885,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the
• It's one of our favorite days in the legislative session. Thank you very much.
• I am very supportive of this legislation.
• So there's a capital budget request.

Summary: The Consumer Protection & Business Committee held public hearings on two bills. House Bill 2616, described as an agriculturally resilient markets act, would create a broad package of agriculture-related policies and appropriations, including a strategy to expand state purchasing of Washington-grown food, temporary packaging and emissions exemptions for certain agricultural uses, changes to labor notice rules for agricultural and dairy layoffs, several grant and study programs, a transfer of cannabis production/processing/testing oversight to the Department of Agriculture, and an appropriation for the tree fruit leadership program. Representative Christine Reeves said the bill was intended as a state-level “farm bill” to address farm losses, food security, and regulatory burdens, and she emphasized stakeholder input and the need to support family farms and farmworker well-being. Testimony on HB 2616 was overwhelmingly supportive, with growers, commodity groups, dairy and potato representatives, and other agricultural stakeholders arguing that Washington farms face low margins, high regulatory and labor costs, refrigeration and processing challenges, and competition from foreign producers. Several speakers said the bill’s exemptions, grants, and studies would help keep farms viable and preserve local food production. Committee members asked about stakeholder outreach, the role of Washington State University and commodity commissions, the impact of federal versus state policy, and possible ways to reduce compliance burdens. The hearing ended without a vote, and the chair noted the bill was after cutoff and would not move this year, but that stakeholder meetings would continue over the summer. The committee then heard House Bill 2721, which would create a registration system for commercial interior designers, expand and rename the Board of Architects, set education, examination, and experience requirements, define the scope of practice, require seals and technical submission attestations, and establish penalties and a fee account. Supporters from interior design organizations said the bill would recognize a profession already performing code- and safety-related work in commercial spaces, align Washington with other states and national model law standards, and remove barriers to ownership and advancement, especially for women. Testifiers also said the bill would clarify responsibility for life safety, accessibility, and non-structural interior construction in schools, health care, and public buildings. The committee heard only supportive testimony, but members raised questions about how the profession compares with architecture, the impact of delaying the bill until 2027, and demographic diversity in the field. The chair closed the hearing noting the bill would not advance this session and that further interim work would be needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is DSHS request legislation.
• As Allison mentioned, this is agency request legislation just simply to align and make sure that the
• As Allison mentioned, this is agency request legislation just simply to align and make sure that the
• This is also DSHS request legislation that would exempt an individual from adult family home licensure
• This is also DSHS request legislation that would exempt an individual from adult family home licensure

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard several Department of Social and Health Services-related bills. Senate Bill 6024, sponsored by Senator Gildon, would streamline oversight of community residential service providers by limiting DSHS to one annual routine review per subject area when possible, requiring better document sharing within the department, and preserving investigations tied to complaints, incidents, mortality reviews, and other legally required oversight. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative audits and paperwork so providers can spend more time on direct client services. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6063, an agency-request bill sponsored by Senator Bateman and supported by DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, to update statutes to reflect DSHS’s recent reorganization into the Home and Community Living Administration and the Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration. Testimony described the measure as a technical cleanup with no fiscal impact. In addition, Senate Bill 6036, sponsored by Senator Kaufman, would exempt certain former foster parents and kinship caregivers from adult family home licensure when they continue caring for a former foster youth who is now an adult and the only unrelated adult in the home. DSHS supported the bill as a narrow way to preserve continuity and stability for vulnerable young adults. The committee spent the most time on Senate Bill 5681, sponsored by Senator Cortez, as amended in a proposed substitute. The bill would lower the age for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access employment and community inclusion services from 21 to 20, and rename community access as community inclusion. Senator Cortez and multiple advocates, educators, and service providers argued that earlier access would reduce service gaps, support transition from school to work, and help young adults maintain employment. Staff explained that the substitute changed the eligibility age from the original bill’s 19 to 20. No final action was taken; the chair closed the hearings and announced upcoming executive sessions on previously heard bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• legis- legislative session, Last legis- legislative session, um<00:09:39.760><c> we</c><00:09:39.880>
• </c> only a portion of their requested only a portion of their requested funding<00:46:40.000><c> this
• ,</c> Moving on to the 2026 bonding request, Moving on to the 2026 bonding request, we<01:08:40.400><
• </c> preservation request. preservation request.
• </c> So, they felt that our original request So, they felt that our original request of<01:26:27.840>

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . appropriately. appropriately.
• Some were legislative, some were not, some were systems changes.
• 00:04:39.040><c> some</c><00:04:39.199><c> were</c> legislative, some were not, some were legislative
• </c><00:35:00.960><c> offering</c> most flexible legislator that's offering most flexible legislator
• </c> conclude by noting that this legislation conclude by noting that this legislation has<00:59:59.520

Bills: HF4075 , HF3826 , HF3825 , HF3827 , HF3459 , HF3711 , HF4200 , HF3908 , HF3712

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: firearm restrictions, domestic violence, public safety, court orders, criminal convictions, identity theft, subpoena authority, fraud, statute of limitations, financial crime, victim notification, expungement, criminal justice, plea agreements, minor victims, identification protection, stalking, crime data, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, law enforcement grants

Transcript Highlights:

• The fact that it's not legislated very clearly, could that be a problem?
• And just today, a judge denied the state's request to dismiss.
• 542 and the support for this ongoing conversation to find appropriate solutions.
• with no more punitive legislation.
• So, legislators know the damage drilling is done to our planet.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy, Transportation, and Natural Resources focused on California’s transportation fuels sector, especially the state’s response to refinery closures and the broader transition away from fossil fuels. Opening remarks emphasized the tension between climate and air-quality goals, fuel affordability, refinery jobs and local tax bases, and the need to avoid crisis-driven responses as Phillips 66 and Valero consider shutting refineries in Wilmington and Benicia. Professor Emily Grubert framed the issue as a long-term managed transition in which the public already bears much of the risk and should also capture benefits from a well-planned shift. CARB Chair Leanne Randolph reviewed the state’s emissions and fuel policies, including AB 32, the low-carbon fuel standard, clean vehicle programs, and the at-berth regulation for ocean-going vessels. She said California’s transportation sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gases and a major source of smog-forming pollution, but that the state has made substantial progress and still needs to reduce demand for fossil fuels while maintaining compliance with federal air-quality standards. Randolph also said CARB’s recent LCFS amendments had not caused the predicted spike in gas prices and explained that compliance pathways for the at-berth rule include emissions-reduction technologies or payments into a remediation fund. CEC Vice Chair Gunda described declining gasoline demand, shrinking in-state refining capacity, and growing dependence on imports, arguing that the state is in a “mid-transition” period that requires both support for legacy infrastructure and continued investment in cleaner alternatives. He outlined the administration’s petroleum market stabilization proposal, which aims to return California crude production to 125 million barrels a year through four components: codifying the ban on fracking, validating the Kern County oil-and-gas permitting ordinance, creating a temporary CEQA exemption paired with a two-for-one plug-and-drill framework, and strengthening pipeline and spill-safety requirements. Department of Conservation Director Jennifer Lucasey said the proposal is intended to stabilize crude supply and pipeline throughput while preserving health and environmental protections, and noted that CalGEM would still review permits and enforce other requirements. Mayor Steve Young of Benicia testified that a Valero closure would significantly reduce city revenue and leave the community facing years of cleanup and redevelopment challenges. He said the city supports environmental protection but is worried about the economic hit, the possibility that Benicia becomes a fuel-import terminal, and the lack of local influence over refinery decisions. Members pressed the panel on the CEQA exemption, tribal and habitat review, disclosure of closure liabilities, fuel-demand projections, and whether the proposal should include more demand-side measures. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and officials said some proposals, including a margin-cap pause and further transition planning, would be taken up later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House consent has been requested. Is there objection?
• House Bill 489 will hold its place on the third reading calendar for one legislative day.
• Unanimous consent has been requested. Is there objection? Hearing none, so ordered.
• The House consent has been requested. Is there objection?
• The request has been made. Is there objection? Hearing none, so ordered.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a notice naming Grayson Stone as a qualified substitute for District 25CA for Representative Donald Hall. It also received an enrolled House Concurrent Resolution 22 from the Senate. Committee reports referred several printed measures, including House Joint Memorial 10 and House Bills 518 and 519, and the House introduced and referred House Bills 520 through 531, covering topics such as administrative procedure, criminal history records, unmanned aircraft near correctional facilities, Capitol Mall property and access rules, child custody, execution procedures, cottage food operations, the Yellow Dot medical information program, directed blood product transfusions, anti-cancer medications, and epinephrine delivery systems. On third reading, House Resolution 20 passed by voice vote after brief remarks emphasizing civility, reducing political violence, and supporting public servants. House Bill 489 was held on the calendar for one legislative day. House Bill 491, which would expand Good Samaritan protections to encourage layperson intervention in suicide crises, passed 67-0 with three absent and excused; supporters cited the need for bystander intervention and examples of lives saved. House Bill 492, which adds a juvenile justice administrator position to a council to better represent those working directly with youth in detention and probation settings, also passed 67-0 and was transmitted to the Senate. The remaining bill on the calendar was held one legislative day. During announcements, members welcomed University of Idaho students, FFA visitors, and other guests, noted a firefighters’ Medal of Honor application event in the rotunda, and mentioned Idaho Potato Commission potatoes available in the rotunda. Committee meeting notices were announced for several standing committees later in the week. The House then adjourned until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• the legislative sessions.
• the legislative sessions.
• the legislative sessions.
• I am here today at the request of the New Hampshire Home Builders Association to introduce legislation
• </c> like 10 questions that the legisl like 10 questions that the legisl legislative<02:17:39.319><c>

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The way that the process works is that any member of this committee can request that any nominee for
• I would ask now if any member of the committee has any last requests for any of the individuals who are
• If you do, we will honor that request. There being no request, we will go to Tabs 1 through 54.
• I'm going to honor your request. Others in debate. Others in debate. Senator Grohl. Thank you, Mr.
• I'm going to honor your request. Others in debate. Others in debate. Senator Grohl. Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The committee first took up 127 gubernatorial appointees grouped in blocks and, after brief testimony in favor of several nominees, voted to recommend confirmation of the block nominees to the full Senate. The committee then moved through a series of University of West Florida and other board nominations, hearing from each nominee about their background and priorities, with most emphasizing service, local ties, student success, military partnerships, and university growth. Several nominees also answered questions about governance, faculty hiring, diversity, and the university’s strategic direction. For the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, the committee heard from Paul Bailey, Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, Christopher Young, and Adam Kissel. Bailey stressed his local roots, legal background, and support for UWF’s pre-law program and military connections; Matthews highlighted her education and state-government experience, current role as board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Moyah cited her education and school board experience, fiscal discipline, and recent positive financial and enrollment figures; Ross emphasized fundraising, workforce needs, cyber opportunities, and support for the governor’s higher education agenda; and Young focused on business accountability, audit oversight, rural access to education, and expanding military-related opportunities. Each of these nominees was questioned about issues such as diversity, “woke” culture, faculty ideology, and the role of the board, and each was ultimately recommended for confirmation by roll-call vote. Adam Kissel’s nomination drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. Kissel described his background in free speech advocacy, federal education policy, philanthropy, and higher education reform, and said he would support UWF’s growth, free-speech protections, military and veteran engagement, and stronger graduation rates. Senators pressed him on prior writings favoring privatization of public higher education, comments about replacing administrators with AI, his work with the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025, and how his views fit with serving on a public university board; he said his long-term libertarian views did not conflict with his short-term support for UWF receiving more resources. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials, military focus, and alignment with the governor’s reforms, while opponents questioned his commitment to public higher education and whether he could be trusted to learn the university from the ground up. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kissel’s confirmation to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• I took them at their word for that, but I would request the same thing.
• that. ...they could request that registration refund for the unused months.
• Is that just on those who request the reimbursement? Yes, just on those who request reimbursement.
• We do know that we look at DUI legislation every year.
• Last item on the agenda is a request by the towing industry.

Committee: Joint Transportation Interim Committee

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The pending rule on page three—there was some additional legislation you may recall last year in 2025
• We updated definitions to reflect the legislation.
• That was added in legislation last year. And so we had some good conversations.
• On page 86 of your legislative booklets, I’ll begin the presentation of docket 0204-24-2501. Aye.
• On page 86 of your legislative booklets, I'll begin the presentation of docket 0204-24-2501. Mr.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The House Agricultural Affairs Committee approved the minutes from January 30, 2026, then took up several Idaho State Department of Agriculture administrative rule dockets. The Idaho Hop Growers Commission docket was approved to repeal a rule that was described as duplicative of statute. The committee also approved temporary and pending rules on grizzly bear and wolf depredation compensation, with testimony explaining the rules implement 2024 and 2025 legislation, establish claim procedures, compensation matrices, and conflict-prevention funding, and rely on stakeholder input and coordination with the Office of Species Conservation. The committee then heard extensive presentations on brucellosis and tuberculosis surveillance programs from Dr. Scott Livesley. He explained both are bacterial program diseases managed largely under federal requirements, with Idaho’s rules mainly being updated through zero-based rulemaking to remove duplicative or outdated language without changing the regulatory scope. Members asked about vaccination, electronic ID tags, security of cattle ID data, and whether Idaho should remain a mandatory brucellosis vaccination state; Livesley said the current program would remain in place for now, with future reconsideration dependent on federal changes. The tuberculosis docket was likewise approved after Livesley described Idaho’s surveillance, slaughter testing, and lack of current quarantined herds. Finally, the committee approved revisions to the public exchange of livestock rules. Livesley said the changes would require buying stations and trader lots to submit renewal requests, and would replace a paper sale-yard release form with a single end-of-day electronic report generated by auction software, reducing clerical burden while preserving the needed information. All dockets considered were approved, and the meeting adjourned with the committee scheduled to meet again on Wednesday.