Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 1626 aims to prevent these government-favored entities from using their position to discriminate based
• It's based on the same area of law, but in that situation, it's not somebody holding an office for a
• where firewalls block bad actors from bypassing systems, this bill blocks political bad actors from gaming

Bills: SB38 , SB287 , SB291 , SB292 , SB508 , SB618 , SB901 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB1626 , SB1719 , SB1999 , SB1333 , SB 38

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, even if they have to publish in both print and online to cover the bases, whatever it is, we'll
• liquor licenses that are... 99.9% of all liquor licenses that are approved by the state are done so based
• I want to talk to you some more; we're going to game this out. And, Sir Hatcher, you as well.

Bills: SB36 , SB39 , SB40 , SB12 , SB29 , SB121 , SB131 , SB12

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: competitive bidding, procurement, disclosure statements, state contracts, contract protest, board governance, occupational licensing, Sunset Law, public accountability, training requirements, SB40, Houston/Hunter Act, firearm hold agreement, gun storage, temporary firearm storage, firearms dealer, federal firearms licensee, FFL, civil immunity, gun owner

Transcript Highlights:

• Funds were also case-based learning.
• </c><00:20:20.240><c> on</c> subsequent funding period and based on subsequent funding period and based
• </c> center, building rural obstetric skills center, building rural obstetric skills through<00:24:25.520
• And we were cognizant that in some cases we'd have to measure based on process, as outcome-based data
• </c> leaves another 30 or so urban-based leaves another 30 or so urban-based community<01:09:44.400><

Summary: The Select Subcommittee first took up adoption of three previously prepared nonpartisan committee summary reports dated October 15, November 13, and November 21. Senator Rasmusson objected to the lack of advance notice about the day’s testifiers and criticized the practice of having nonpartisan staff summarize what he described as a partisan agenda. The chair responded that the committee’s purpose is to gather information, not hear bills, and that the summaries were intended as neutral resources for the Senate. Senator Coopek moved adoption, the motion was opposed by Rasmusson and another member, and the motion passed. The committee then turned to the day’s hearing on federal impacts on Minnesota, with the chair focusing on federal funding threats and the effect of congressional budget actions on health care, especially in greater Minnesota. The first presentation came from the Minnesota Department of Health on the state’s rural health transformation work. Assistant Commissioner Carol Broom introduced the team and described the rural hospital transformation program as a major opportunity to invest in rural health, while acknowledging longstanding challenges such as demographics, transportation barriers, and the financing of care. Nitha Moibi outlined the state’s rural health chart book and data showing an aging population, workforce shortages, and many health professional shortage areas, and described proposed strategies including workforce pipelines, bridge payments for low-volume birth hospitals, telehealth access points, mental health urgent care, and chronic disease prevention. Acting Assistant Commissioner Anna Ashby of the Minnesota Management and Budget office explained the state’s application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created in federal law and awarded Minnesota just over $193 million for federal fiscal year 2026. She said the application was shaped by public comments, stakeholder meetings, and legislative outreach, and included initiatives on preventive care, workforce, care access, behavioral health, and provider financial stability. She also reviewed implementation constraints, including a January 30 revised budget deadline, limits on administrative spending, restrictions on using funds to offset Medicaid losses, and the need to show measurable progress to remain eligible for future funding. The presentation noted that most year-one funding would go to rural hospitals, with additional support for federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, tribal partners, and technical assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Establish a grant program with the Department of Human Services to support community-based organizations
• Others could eventually qualify for that, based on the rules.
• think we're giving an opportunity to go into a club situation, the mentorship, the tutoring, the soft skill

Bills: HB3622 , HB3621 , HB3151 , HB3882 , HB3661 , HB4273 , HB3644 , HB3706 , HB3708 , HB2021 , HB3986 , HB3972

Committee: House Appropriations and Budget

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills, beginning with HB 3622 and HB 3621, both related to census and state data functions. HB 3622, as amended, removed direct appropriation language and would let Department of Commerce staff carry out census-related duties such as updating local census addresses and upgrading technology. HB 3621 would recreate the State Data Center at the Legislative Service Bureau to coordinate census-related programs across agencies such as Commerce, Tax, and others; both bills received unanimous or near-unanimous support and were reported out due pass. A lengthy portion of the meeting focused on HB 3151, which would redefine instructional days so that only time students are actually in the classroom counts toward the instructional minimum, excluding professional development and parent-teacher conference time. The author argued the bill would close Oklahoma’s instructional-time gap and improve outcomes, while members raised concerns about funding, teacher pay, contract negotiations, and how districts would absorb the change. After debate, the bill passed 19-7. The committee also advanced HB 3706, which sets minimum elementary math instruction standards and expands math screening requirements, and HB 3708, which would allow private schools to use scholarship-granting organization funds for capital improvements to increase instructional capacity; both drew questions about funding, scheduling, and the scope of the programs but were reported out due pass. Other measures approved included HB 3661, extending a sunset on a timber equipment tax provision; HB 3882, creating a revolving fund for ODOT’s lake access and industrial access grants; HB 4273, extending a tax credit to certain aerospace engineers at an ARM 1 higher education institution; HB 3644, tied to medical training and best practices after a fatal misdiagnosis; HB 2021, creating a DHS grant program for out-of-school programming, with discussion centered on whether it would effectively favor Boys and Girls Clubs and exclude other providers; HB 3986, extending a sunset; and HB 3972, cleanup language related to the Comanche County prison purchase. Most bills passed with strong support, and the meeting adjourned after the final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't have the ability to share our digital content based on our contracts.
• gap for reading for folks versus the audio, where you're engaging people in more of the lifelong skills
• more of the you're engaging people in more of the the<00:52:41.119><c> lifelong</c><00:52:41.680><c> skills
• </c><00:52:42.240><c> lifelong</c><00:52:43.040><c> um</c><00:52:43.280><c> need</c> the lifelong skills
• and lifelong um need the lifelong skills and lifelong um need because<00:52:44.160><c> you</c><00:52

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, don't have a good place to be released to based on what the court would require.
• Um, don't have a good place to be released to based on what the court would require.
• on what the court be released to based on what the court would<00:18:33.760><c> require.
• ,</c> of actually subsuming the base offense, of actually subsuming the base offense, which<01:26:35.360
• ><c> on</c><01:59:58.800><c> the</c> opportunity, especially based on the opportunity, especially based

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> increasing taxes on the local tax base increasing taxes on the local tax base is<01:00:53.839><c
• And so it's many parts are similar to the base bill, and I won't bother with that.
• </c> base bill and I won't bother with that. base bill and I won't bother with that.
• President, based on that, Thank you, Mr.
• </c><03:40:25.840><c> Let's</c> game. Okay? So, please vote no. Let's game. Okay?

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes people think of tourism as a zero-sum game.
• So, it got to be a game.
• </c> driver of tourism revenue, faith-based driver of tourism revenue, faith-based tourism<00:37:51.599
• It was a, you know, faith-based attraction that is continuing to strive.
• ><c> is</c> faith-based attraction that is faith-based attraction that is continuing<00:49:49.839><c>

Summary: The committee met for its second Interim Joint Committee on Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology meeting, approved the June minutes, and then heard a presentation from representatives of the Ark Encounter on its 10-year anniversary. Eddie Lutz and Anna Katherine Scalf described the Ark as a major tourism anchor in Kentucky, citing nearly 9.3 million total guests, about 1 million annual visitors, 16,871 bus groups, and a largely out-of-region audience. They emphasized that the Ark and the nearby Creation Museum together draw about 1.5 million visitors a year and have helped drive hotel development, restaurant activity, and other tourism spending in Northern Kentucky and surrounding areas. They also previewed future expansion, including a large first-century Jerusalem model in the welcome center and a 40-day Christian music festival with more than 120 concerts. Members asked about the project’s financing, location choice, and business structure. The witnesses said no taxpayer dollars were used to build the Ark, but the project did receive a Kentucky tax incentive/rebate program, which they said helped bring the attraction to the state. They said Kentucky was chosen in part because of the available land off I-75 and because the Ark and Creation Museum are close enough to encourage overnight stays. In response to questions, they explained that Answers in Genesis is the nonprofit parent organization, the Creation Museum is nonprofit, and the Ark Encounter operates as a for-profit entity owned by a nonprofit; revenue comes from ticket sales and events, while development was funded through private donations. They also said staffing can reach about 1,400 employees seasonally, though they did not know the occupational tax details. Several legislators offered supportive comments and personal observations about the Ark’s draw for out-of-state and international visitors, including license plates from many states and stories of travelers extending their stays to visit. The witnesses and members also discussed broader tourism collaboration in Kentucky, including partnerships with Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky attractions, and nearby hotels and businesses that benefit from Ark-related traffic. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approval of the June minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're increasing the base student allocation by $50.
• We have two new law enforcement squads funded for North and Central Florida within the Florida Gaming
• We have two new law enforcement squads funded for North and Central Florida within the Florida Gaming
• If I'm 366 days removed and I die, I don't get the payout based on the one-year limit, correct?
• So we're sure the year is the magic number, but it's not based on any empirical data whatsoever.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Also in the East Gallery, we have the state and national champions in game day cheer.
• This is an increase in their appropriation to allow them to do tobacco enforcement and some casino gaming
• This is an increase in their appropriation to allow them to do tobacco enforcement and some casino gaming

Transcript Highlights:

• first national championship Saturday, rallying past Kirkwood, Iowa, to win the NJCAA Division II title game
• also wanted to shout out the University of Arizona men's basketball team, Wildcats, who won their game
• time in the state of Arizona, when we have spring training and people come here to watch our baseball games

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day and numerous guest introductions, including advocates for children’s health, Jewish advocacy, housing affordability, environmental issues, and other community groups. Members also made several personal privilege remarks, including a resolution-style statement for Lobo Week supporting Mexican gray wolf conservation and a brief announcement about an upcoming CAP update. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered two Senate bills. SB 1415 was recommended do pass without amendment, and SB 1430 was amended in committee to remove a disputed provision so the measure remained limited to tax-code corrections; it was then recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report, and both bills were deferred for engrossing. Earlier calendar actions also included the placement and referral of several Senate bills and resolutions. On third reading, the House passed HB 2680 on workers’ compensation by a vote of 55-1, and SB 1029 on campaign contributions and expenses by a vote of 57-0. The session included extended partisan debate during personal privilege remarks over the federal government shutdown, TSA pay, ICE presence at airports, and broader federal and state budget issues. The House later recessed briefly, received additional bill referrals and first readings, and adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stubbs has made history in the state of Arizona for scoring the most points in a single basketball game
• made history in the state of Arizona for scoring the most amount of basketball points in a single game
• There will be games, there will be fun, there'll be posters, there will be lots of artwork.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, and approved the prior journal. Members then recognized several guests and honored the Maryvale High School basketball program and Maryvale Gifted and Talented Micro School with legislative proclamations, including a designation of February 12, 2026 as the Day of the Gifted Child and Student of Arizona. Senators also marked Arizona’s statehood anniversary and held a moment of silence for Emily Pike, with remarks calling for continued attention to missing and murdered Indigenous people and for changes to the turquoise alert law. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and third reading votes. Senate Bill 1107, relating to peace officer certification pathways, was amended and passed 27-2. Senate Bill 1032, appropriating money to the Corrections Oversight Fund, passed 29-0 after supportive explanations from senators. Senate Bill 1029 on campaign contributions and expenses passed 29-0, SB 1083 on condominiums and planned communities passed 29-0, SB 1252 on assignment for benefit of creditors passed 29-0, and SB 1259 on campaigns passed 29-0. SB 1198, relating to the Arizona Beef Council, drew debate over industry promotion and use of checkoff dollars and passed 23-6. Senate Bill 1020, relating to special plates, was reconsidered after a motion by Senator Bolick and then passed again on reconsideration 25-4. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report, transmitted passed bills to the House, and agreed to a House request to return SBs 1333 and 1368 for reconsideration. Committee meeting announcements were made for the following Monday, and the Senate adjourned until February 16, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the key differentiators for us is that we are 100% competency-based.
• One of the key differentiators for us is that we are 100% competency-based.
• on science-based literacy practices.
• on science-based literacy practices.
• literacy</c> based on um science-based literacy based on um science-based literacy practices.<01:31:45.600

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Given the extraordinary cost of living here in Hawaii, hunting game comprises a significant portion of
• Given the extraordinary cost of living here in Hawaii, hunting game comprises a significant portion of
• I am the Hawaii County game management advisory commissioner chair.
• I am the Hawaii County game management advisory commissioner chair.
• be fair and based on individual circumstances. circumstances. circumstances.

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants. Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors. After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commercial protection, that 15% gets an actual inspection of the property, and moving 275 for the levy base
• What we're doing now is we were making that base 275 so everybody's going to start at that level regardless
• And so what the intent of this is, is to bring those schools who are lower than that up to that base
• Hancock is based on the revenue that they didn't really receive get. Okay.
• Hancock is based on the revenue that they didn't really receive, okay?

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• The program is an individualized, evidence-based program.
• So based on, also in the state of Arizona, we also do our direct practice work where our social workers
• We also start to see development of leadership skills.
• So based on the information that you provided...” “Thank you.
• report, where is it sent, the outcome measurements based on the fact that this has been part of DCS’

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety

Summary: The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety met to review child welfare reforms developed after prior oversight hearings on the deaths of Emily Pike, Zariah Dodd, and Rebecca Baptiste. Committee members and the chair described a series of stakeholder meetings with tribes, DCS, law enforcement, county attorneys, schools, and other advocates that produced several bills aimed at improving communication, reporting, investigations, and court decision-making. The chair said SB 1125, creating a tribal-DCS memorandum of understanding, had already been signed, and highlighted HB 1126 on school records access, HB 1127 on mandatory reporting by people with direct knowledge, HB 1174 on hotline case history and review of prior reports, HB 1175 on photo documentation of children in care, HB 1496 on allowing attorneys to share more safety information with judges, and HB 1631 requiring advanced forensic interviews within 72 hours in sexual abuse cases, with some exceptions. DCS Director Catherine Patak presented agency data showing nearly 160,000 hotline calls in 2025, about 43,000 investigations, and a relatively steady out-of-home care population that ended the year at 7,077 children. She said about 3,000 children were reunified, 1,300 adopted, and 800 entered guardianship, while 1,100 young adults received transition services. She also reported 534 new foster homes licensed, a 50% reimbursement increase for older youth caregivers, a 40% decrease in youth missing from care since September 2024, and a 30% reduction in fatalities of children in care since 2024. Patak discussed the annual fatality review process, noting that 52 of 123 alleged fatality or near-fatality reports had prior DCS involvement, and described agency responses such as health plans for children with complex medical needs, a diabetes training app, expanded LifeSet services, fentanyl and safe-sleep prevention campaigns, staffing realignment, retention efforts, and improved coordination with law enforcement and tribes. Members asked about group home notification rules, the distinction between “missing” and “runaway,” behavioral health needs driving children back into care, training under Jacob’s Law, and whether best practices exist for placing sexually abused youth with appropriate staff. Patak said DCS is updating rules to remove “runaway” and “AWOL” in favor of “missing,” and that the agency is considering whether the statute’s immediate-or-24-hour reporting language should be clarified. She also said DCS does not currently have a specific staffing requirement tied to a child’s sex in group homes, but would look into practices in other states. The committee then heard from Malcolm Hightower of Casey Family Programs, who said Arizona is generally in the middle of the pack nationally: slightly higher than average in foster care entries and congregate care use, but near the national average on screening, substantiation, recurrence, re-entry, and maltreatment fatalities. He praised Arizona’s kin placement rate, said congregate care remains a challenge, and noted that neglect definitions and poverty-related removals remain an area of policy discussion. Finally, K.C. Melsick of Collaborative Safety described the organization’s safety-science approach to systemic critical incident reviews, arguing that child welfare systems should move away from blame and toward learning from near-misses and system failures. Members discussed applying similar methods across state agencies, and the committee adjourned after members and witnesses emphasized continued collaboration and further reforms in the interim and next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program is an individualized, evidence-based program.
• So based on, also in the state of Arizona, we also do our direct practice work where our social workers
• We also start to see development of leadership skills.
• So based on the information that you provided, Thank you.
• The outcome measurements, based on the fact that this has been part of DCS's in-house strategies.

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on the Department of Child Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• already requires employers to train workers on sexual harassment, on abusive conduct, and harassment based
• We are a community-based civil rights organization, and we are in support of the bill. Thank you.
• I represent CAUSE, Californians United for Sex-Based Evidence in Policy and Law, and Women Are Real,
• I represent Cause, Californians United for sex-based evidence in policy and law, and women are real.
• Both nonpartisan organizations with a Meg Madden, representing CAUSE, Californians United for Sex-Based

Committee: House Labor and Employment

Transcript Highlights:

• We fund community-based organizations.
• positive childhood experiences, and that's what the funding would be used for: to promote community-based
• That's called the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Grant.
• A personalized plan connected him to skill-building courses and enrolled both him and his mother in a
• And so using a very broad base on an awareness campaign is where we came with this proposal.

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on possible uses of temporary Millennium Fund dollars for youth- and family-focused prevention programs. Members first approved the prior meeting minutes, then heard from the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund, which requested $682,000 for mid-sized grants to community organizations for child abuse prevention, parenting support, family resource centers, and school-based programs. The presenter emphasized the link between adverse childhood experiences and later substance use, and described the fund’s statewide grant-making process and current projects. Committee members asked about grant selection, funding sources, and how families are identified for services. The committee also heard from Children’s Bridge, which requested $3.5 million over four years to build a shared-services infrastructure for child care providers. The proposal focused on helping providers stabilize their businesses through software, coaching, shared purchasing, bookkeeping, and access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. The presenter argued that child care is part of Idaho’s prevention infrastructure and said the model would transition toward earned income and employer support over time. Members asked about similar programs, infrastructure, and how the model would be sustained after 2029. Idaho Safety Assessment Centers requested $1 million to support 12 youth assessment centers that divert youth from court, ERs, and school discipline into screening, counseling, and family support. The presenter cited individual success stories and said the centers served more than 12,000 youth in a year, with an estimated return of more than $3 in benefits for every dollar invested. The committee also heard from the Idaho Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, which requested $3 million in one-time bridge funding for 10 centers that conduct forensic interviews and coordinate child abuse investigations; members asked about coordination with state agencies and sustainability. Ross Edmunds of the Department of Health and Welfare requested $150,000 for a 10th recovery community center in Kamiah, explaining that the department already oversees nine centers through quarterly payments and reporting requirements. Finally, Representative Jordan Redman proposed a $5 million statewide drug-use awareness campaign using research, surveys, and targeted media buys; he said the campaign would be evaluated through impressions, reach, and frequency. No decisions were made, and the chair said the committee would return later to continue reviewing the requests, noting the fund is one-time money and that the governor’s recommendations and a $25 million request reduce the amount available.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Steve Wilhelm, and I represent the Seattle-based Northwest Dharma Association, the nation's
• For each political subdivision, it is responsible for land-based search and rescue activities.
• Our teams consist of dedicated men and women who are both highly skilled and technically proficient.
• These helicopter units can reach areas much more quickly than ground-based units to deliver emergency
• Each agency must consider and base data collection on the appropriate demographic data set necessary

Bills: SB6084 , SB6044 , SB5950 , SB6046 , SB5763 , SB5784

Committee: Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections

Keywords: elections, double voting, voting twice, multiple voting, same-day election, primary election, general election, special election, cross-state voting, ballot fraud, election fraud, voter misconduct, RCW 29A.84.660, State v. Padilla, civil infraction, class C felony, Secretary of State, Washington elections, election law, voter eligibility