Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? We do have a motion before us.
• Seeing no discussion, the motion is to send House Bill 742 to the floor with a due pass recommendation
• didn't see any negative testimony, so if you want to just return to your seat, we'll go ahead and discuss
• Is there any discussion? There is a motion to send 507 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
• Seeing no discussion, all in favor signify by saying aye. Any opposed?

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 742, sponsored by Representative Mitchell. The bill was described as a modernization of Idaho’s vehicle titling system, expanding secure electronic records, allowing the Transportation Department to accept electronic ownership documents and digital titles from other states, and shortening the timeline for lien releases to 10 days after verified funds are received. The sponsor said he had worked with auto dealers and banks and had not heard opposition. The committee moved HB 742 to the floor with a due pass recommendation by voice vote. The committee then agreed by unanimous consent to hold House Bill 508 at the call of the chair while some issues are worked out. After that, it heard House Bill 507, presented by Representative Brown on behalf of Representative Ted Hill. The bill updates the Idaho Code of Military Justice, with testimony from Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Chappell of the Idaho Military Division explaining that many changes are administrative, but the main policy changes would improve commanders’ ability to impose non-judicial punishment, including reduction in rank, and would limit the absolute right of service members to refuse NJP and demand court-martial for minor offenses. She said the changes would better align Idaho’s system with active-duty practice and other states, while preserving appellate review and due process for more serious punishment. Members asked several questions about how the current system works and how the bill would change the chain of command for discipline and appeals. No negative testimony was offered. The committee then moved HB 507 to the floor with a due pass recommendation by voice vote and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? Vice Chair. Mr. Chair, I do have an amendment I would like to offer.
• Any discussion on the amendment? Would you like to explain your amendment? I would love to.
• Is there any discussion on the amendment? Representative Smith.
• Any other discussion on the amendment? See none.
• Any discussion? All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed say no.

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying aye.
• Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying aye.
• Any further discussion on the motion? The motion is to introduce RS 33221.
• Any discussion on the motion?
• Is there any discussion on the motion?

Summary: The committee approved the February 2 minutes and then considered several transportation-related measures. Representative Mendive presented RS 32869, which would allow urban school districts to offer parent-taught driver education while still permitting a district course, and would remove references to Idaho Digital Learning Academy in favor of other approved online vendors. The committee voted to introduce the RS. Representative Palmer then presented RS 33221, allowing vehicle registration to be carried electronically on a phone or as a photo instead of paper for passenger vehicles. Members asked about security and clarified that the proposal applied only to vehicle registration, not driver’s licenses or voting. The committee voted to introduce the RS. House Bill 576, also presented by Palmer, would limit the existing I-CAR used-car dealer fund to Idaho vehicles purchased in Idaho by Idaho residents, keeping the program within state borders. No one testified against it, and the committee sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 577, presented by Representative Veeley, would eliminate the requirement to replace license plates every 10 years and instead keep them in use until they are no longer readable; after questions about how readability would be determined, the committee also sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, will the Secretary please call the roll?
• Any further discussion? Seeing none, will the Secretary please call the roll? Senator Adelaide.
• Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, will the Secretary please call the roll?
• We discussed it, the credit enhancement, and so if you would, please move the bill.
• Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, will the Secretary please call the roll? Aye.

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Education Committee considered four bills. SB 1210 would create a separate out-of-state registration process for private post-secondary institutions outside Arizona that offer fully online programs to Arizona residents, require certain disclosures and financial protections, and extend student tuition recovery fund protections to those students. Supporters said it would close a regulatory loophole and protect Arizona students; the committee voted 7-0 for a due pass recommendation. SB 1370 would allow public school principals, during the first quarter of the school year, to let eligible patriotic youth groups address students and distribute materials, with limits on discrimination and access criteria. The sponsor’s representative said the bill would expand opportunities for youth groups beyond the long-standing federally recognized list. The committee voted 7-0 for a due pass recommendation. SB 1422 would continue the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board through July 1, 2036, with termination tied to the retirement of any outstanding obligations. SB 1423 would continue the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education through July 1, 2036. Both bills were described as continuations of previously discussed measures, testimony was brief, and each received a 7-0 due pass recommendation. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion on that motion? Not seeing any. Those in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• Any discussion on that motion? Seeing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye.
• This legislation was drafted while holding discussions with ISP, Alcohol Beverage Control, and with several
• Discussion on that motion. Not seeing any. Those in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• Discussion on that motion? Not seeing any. Any discussion? Those in favor indicate by saying aye.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on the motion?
• Any additional discussion on the motion? All those in favor of approving docket 24-2301-2501, aye.
• Is there a discussion on the motion? Seeing none, the motion is in order.
• Is there a discussion on the motion?
• Is there any discussion on the motion?

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from January 19, 2026, then took up several administrative rule dockets from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. The first, docket 24-2301-2501 for the Speech, Hearing, and Communication Services Licensure Board, added a new video remote interpreting provider license created by prior legislation and set a $150 fee for up to five sign language interpreters per business. The agency said the fee would be the lowest in the country, drew no public comments, and would have no impact on the general fund. Some members questioned the cap and the fee level, but the committee approved the docket on a 5-3 roll call vote. The committee then approved, by voice vote, two chapter repeal dockets tied to the merger of the Nursing Home Administrators and Residential Care Facility Administrators boards into the new Idaho Long-Term Care Administrator Board: docket 24-0901-2501 and docket 24-1901-2501. Both repeals were presented as necessary because the old boards’ rules were being replaced by a unified rule set under the merged board structure. Finally, the committee approved docket 24-4101-2501, the new unified chapter for the Idaho Board of Long-Term Care Administrators. The presenter said the chapter combined previously approved rules from the two former boards with no substantive changes, only reformatting to fit the merged board. The committee also recognized visitors from A&A Idaho and Nurses Day at the Capitol before adjourning, with a budget presentation scheduled for the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? Senator Harris, Mr. Chairman, for a motion. The motion is in order. Mr.
• Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor, aye. Those opposed, nay.
• Any discussion on the motion? Any discussion on the motion?
• Any discussion on the motion? Any discussion on the motion?

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee first considered the gubernatorial reappointment of Clayton Steele to the Board of Environmental Quality. After a motion by Senator Harris and a second by Senator Blaylock, the committee voted by voice vote to send the reappointment to the Senate floor with a recommendation that he be confirmed. The committee then reviewed docket 16-0602-2501 on foster care licensing, presented by Jared Larson of the Department of Health and Welfare. Larson said the temporary and pending rules implement last year’s kin-specific licensure legislation, make a largely cosmetic change to suspension/revocation language, and add a substantive standard allowing the department to deny licensure if it can show by a preponderance of the evidence that an applicant committed disqualifying conduct even without a conviction. Senators asked about the effect of raising the foster parent age limit from 21 to 23 under prior legislation; Larson said participation has increased, he had not heard of downsides, and the department would provide a written summary of the impact. The committee approved the docket by voice vote. Finally, the committee took up docket 16-0613-2501, a pending rule repealing the Emergency Assistance for Families and Children chapter. Larson explained the program is entirely federally funded and the existing state rules were essentially a word-for-word copy of federal law, so the department was repealing the redundant chapter in line with its broader effort to remove rules already covered by higher authority. After no questions, the committee approved the repeal docket by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? Senator Harris: Mr. Chairman, for a motion. Mr.
• Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all those in favor, aye. Those opposed, nay.
• Any discussion on the motion? Any discussion on the motion?
• Any discussion on the motion? Any discussion on the motion?

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed nay.
• Is there any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed nay.
• Is there any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed nay.
• Is there any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed nay.
• Is there any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Opposed nay.

Bills: SB5826 , SB5828 , SB5909 , SB5931 , SB5954 , SB5963 , SB6082 , SB6090

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: medication abortion, public education, access, healthcare rights, postsecondary institutions, college grant, scholarships, higher education, private institutions, Washington State, undergraduate programs, enrollment, program review, public institutions, workforce education, accountability, oversight, administrative changes, investment, veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate that discussion, and just to make sure we all are on the same page on that.
• So as we've kind of discussed up here, what's going to happen is both motions are going to get pulled
• Is there any further discussion on the motion? Mr.
• I think there needs to be some in-depth discussion.
• I just think there needed to be some more discussion. Thank you.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard the Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee’s report on Idaho’s general fund revenue projections for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028. The committee’s median forecast was higher than the governor’s estimates, and the co-chairs recommended general fund revenues available for appropriation of $5.6651 billion for FY 2026 and $5.8166 billion for FY 2027, with caution urged on spending above those levels. Members noted the committee’s forecast was more conservative than some outside expert projections and discussed the state’s current revenue strength, including recent collections above forecast. A lengthy procedural discussion followed over the difference between “accepting” and “adopting” the report and whether those actions were separate or interchangeable. Legislative staff explained that accepting the report preserves it for future action, while adopting it sets the revenue number. Members also clarified a math error in the report, changing the FY 2027 percentage increase from 2.8% to 2.4% for the record. Several members spoke in support of the forecast as a prudent middle-ground number, while others emphasized concerns about future budget pressures, conformity, transportation, Medicaid, and other state services. The committee first voted on accepting the report, which failed after a tied split between the House and Senate caucuses. It then voted on a motion to adopt the Economic Outlook report with the FY 2027 percentage correction, and that motion passed unanimously, 10-0 in both the House and Senate caucuses. The committee then adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Discussion on the bill. I recognize the member from Hennepin, Representative Jones.
• We often disagree on things, but I appreciate the discussion.
• We need to discuss how we can help residents around the state make their homes more energy efficient
• Nuclear is tremendously expensive, but we can discuss that.
• Seeing no further discussion, the clerk will take the roll. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe we have discussed the proposed CD1, which reflected a conversion of that fee to $1, and we
• are discussing a potential 5-year drop-dead provision.
• </c><00:10:27.880><c> the</c><00:10:28.440><c> Let's</c> I believe we have discussed the Let's I believe
• we have discussed the Let's see,<00:10:29.080><c> proposed</c><00:10:29.640><c> CD1,</c><00:10:30.720
• a potential 5-year drop dead discussing a potential 5-year drop dead provision. provision. provision

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any further discussion on the amendment?
• Any further discussion? Representative Reier. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• There being no further discussion, the clerk will take the roll. Effective day.
• Discussion on the bill. I recognize the member from Polk, Representative Gander.
• Further discussion on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes.
• Any discussion? If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes.
• Any discussion? If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes.
• We are adjourned. discussion? If not, Senator Chang, I discussion?
• Any discussion?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs heard HCR 58 HD1, which asks the Hawaii State Energy Office to convene a geothermal energy working group to review the regulatory and policy landscape for geothermal development in Hawaii. Testimony was generally supportive: the PUC, Consumer Advocates Office, and State Energy Office all said they stood on written testimony in support. In response to questions, a State Energy Office representative explained that geothermal exploration and permitting involve multiple agencies and depend on the land involved, and estimated that drilling an initial slim-hole test well could cost around $2.5 million or more, with additional work needed afterward to characterize the resource. The representative also noted that drilling can provide useful information about groundwater, geology, and temperature profiles. The committee discussed the importance of including community members and relevant energy stakeholders in the working group. After discussion, the committee voted to recommend HCR 58 HD1 be passed unamended. The chair, vice chair, and Senator Richards voted yes, Senator Fevella was excused, and the recommendation was adopted. Later in the same meeting, the committee heard HCR 68, which urges the City and County of Honolulu to create a dedicated animal education and training complex in the Kalai Loa Parklands, and HCR 72, which urges county ethics commissions to adopt standards similar to those applied to state elected officials and officers. Pacific Pet Alliance testified in support of HCR 68, citing the lack of animal-friendly facilities on the Leeward side and the high cost of renting space for shows and related events. No one testified on HCR 72. The committee then voted to pass both resolutions unamended, with Senator Fevella excused, and both recommendations were adopted before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is why we propose the $100 million relief package being discussed today.
• That is why we propose the $100 million relief package being discussed today.
• This moment cannot only be about discussion. It must be about action. We need accessible relief.
• This moment cannot only be about discussion. It must be about action. We need accessible relief.
• I know there's a lot being discussed in there.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House and Senate DFL lawmakers held a Capitol news conference to press for a $100 million small business relief package in response to the economic fallout from Operation Metro Surge and related ICE enforcement activity. Representatives Cedrick Frazier and Jay Xiong, along with Senator Susan Pappas and other supporters, said the enforcement surge caused widespread fear, reduced customer traffic, lost wages, and closures for immigrant-owned and other small businesses in Minneapolis-St. Paul and greater Minnesota. They argued the state has a history of providing disaster-style aid when communities are harmed through no fault of their own and said this situation warrants similar action. Business and community testimony described specific losses: a Willmar restaurant closed after both parents were detained, a North Mankato grocery store opening was delayed, The Coven reported a 33% revenue drop at two locations, and Lake Street businesses were said to have lost substantial revenue and staff. Speakers said the damage affected workers, landlords, suppliers, and neighborhood corridors statewide, and several emphasized that the relief should come as grants or forgivable loans rather than additional debt. They also criticized House Republican leaders for tying the relief to changes in paid family leave and for blocking a public hearing. In response to questions, Frazier said negotiations were ongoing through committee chairs and conference committee, with the issue still being discussed in broader leadership talks. He said the House would need only one Republican vote in committee and on the floor to advance the measure, and identified Chair Baker as a possible supporter because of harm in his district. Speakers said the Senate has already passed the relief and urged the House to act quickly before the end of session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? There has been a motion and a second. Is there any discussion?
• Is there any discussion? Hearing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay.
• Any further discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay.
• Any discussion? Hearing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, nay.
• Is there any discussion? Asking for an aye. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed nay.

Bills: HB1796 , SGA9249 , SGA9269 , SGA9244

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: school construction, contract indebtedness, school districts, bonding authority, education funding, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any discussion on these items?
• Any discussion on standing committee report 342?
• </c> Members, any discussion on these items?
• ><c> committee</c> Any discussion on standing committee Any discussion on standing committee report<00
• Any further discussion on Standing Committee Report 456-26?

Bills: HB2139 , HB1892 , HB1893 , HB1890 , HB2335 , HB2468 , HB2091 , HB2092 , HB1878 , HB2297 , HB2127 , HB1785 , HB2345 , HB2344 , HB1780 , HB1891 , HB2398 , HB1764 , HB2564 , HB1783 , HB2567 , HB1934 , HB1778 , HB1781 , HB2621 , HB2019 , HB1803 , HB2454 , HB1811 , HB1943 , HB1589 , HB1607 , HB1851 , HB2490 , HB2546 , HB2568 , HB1972 , HB2391 , HB2575 , HB1896 , HB2399 , HB2004 , HB1894 , HB2397 , HB2498 , HB2560 , HB2310 , HB2214 , HB2167 , HB2197 , HB2116 , HB1879 , HB1596 , HB2096 , HB2298 , HB2343 , HB2566 , HB1518 , HB2044 , HB2336 , HB1603 , HB1718 , HB1740 , HB1616 , HB2171 , HB2022 , HB2347 , HB1882 , HB1708 , HB2086 , HB2154 , HB2027 , HB2179 , HB1620 , HB1913 , HB2159 , HB1597 , HB2121 , HB1864 , HB2305 , HB2576 , HB1713 , HB1729 , HB1756 , HB2122 , HB2559 , HB1743 , HB1733 , HB1868 , HB1723 , HB1711 , HB1812 , HB2515 , HB1724 , HB1604 , HB2270 , HB1722 , HB1727 , HB1920 , HB1593

Keywords: invasive species, Queensland longhorn beetle, agriculture, environmental impact, University of Hawaii, Board of Education, Hawaii public schools, teacher representative, nonvoting member, bargaining unit 5, HSTA, teachers union, education governance, school board, executive session, collective bargaining, public school teacher, policy-making body, student representative, military representative

Transcript Highlights:

• I called this meeting just to kind of have an open discussion. We're not taking public testimony.
• So I'm just right now going to open it up for discussion. I'll start with Rep.
• I mean, are we moving into discussing what's on these lists? All right.
• I mean, are we moving into discussing what's on these lists?
• I agree with that portion of the discussion too. Absolutely. Sure, sure. Anything more? Yeah.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator, since you're proposing, would you like to discuss? Thank you.
• So that we can discuss. That this amendment, 0.2336557.1 2.33657.1 do now be...
• And then we're back to discussion on the proposed amendment. Is there any committee discussion?
• Again, we've made the changes in discussion with the boards.
• Is there any discussion from committee members on the amendment?

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 12, the physical therapy licensure compact. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would increase access to care and help recruit physical therapists in New Mexico, especially in rural areas and for neurodivergent patients. Support came from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, Desert States Physical Therapy Network, Think New Mexico, the state Health Care Authority, and Americans for Autism Advocacy. A trial lawyer raised concerns about immunity, venue, and loser-pays language, and committee members discussed whether New Mexico-specific amendments would be accepted by the compact commission. Two amendments were adopted, including clarifying language on background checks, data, federal court standing, and repeal procedures, plus an immunity-related amendment. The bill was then reported out with a 9-0 due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 10, the physician assistant interstate compact. Supporters again emphasized workforce shortages, telehealth access, and the need to join the compact to qualify for Rural Health Transformation Program funding. The Health Care Authority said the compact was part of New Mexico’s commitments tied to federal funding, and a trial lawyer again raised concerns about loser-pays language. Two amendments were adopted to clarify New Mexico’s authority over reproductive and gender-affirming care issues, confidentiality of New Mexico licensee data, joint investigations, and contingent repeal procedures. After discussion about malpractice exposure, oversight, and the need for compact commission approval of language changes, the bill received an 8-0 due pass recommendation. House Bill 34, dealing with school nurse licensure provisions, was presented as a cleanup bill to clarify implementation issues from last session. The changes would add charter schools, align contract language with teacher contracts, and adjust supervision and evaluation rules for tiered school nurses in small districts. The New Mexico School Nurses Association supported the bill, and it passed unanimously with an 8-0 due pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Memorial 21, which would direct the Department of Health to study overdose prevention centers and other harm reduction strategies. Supporters from the ACLU, All Safe New Mexico, the Drug Policy Alliance, and Families and Youth Innovations Plus argued that New Mexico’s overdose crisis remains severe and that evidence-based interventions could save lives and connect people to treatment. The Department of Health provided background on overdose trends and said it was neutral but available for technical questions. After discussion about fentanyl trends, drug prices, and public health approaches, the memorial was approved on a 7-1 due pass vote. The committee also announced that Senate Bill 130 would be rolled over to Sunday’s meeting because a new substitute needed review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not a question for the Auditor General, just for discussion. Mr.
• I've said some comments, discussion. Explain your vote. Explain your vote.
• No final discussions.
• I have a discussion. Oh, yes. Yeah, me too. Excuse me.
• So there's no— is there any other discussion on this bill? Mr. Chair, sorry.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The Committee on Government convened, took roll, introduced members and staff, and heard an Auditor General presentation on a special audit of the Arizona Department of Child Safety’s handling of non-criminal child abuse and neglect reports. The audit found that while DCS generally met initial contact timeframes in most cases, 123 of 125 sampled cases had at least one policy noncompliance issue, including failures to properly notify alleged perpetrators of rights and allegations, incomplete or undocumented investigative steps and safety plans, and investigations that exceeded required timeframes. The Auditor General said DCS agreed with the findings and would implement the recommendations; members asked about sample size, staffing, turnover, and whether the problems were systemic and documentation-related. The chair also gave an opening statement emphasizing oversight of DCS and the committee’s intent to focus on systemic issues and child safety. The committee then considered House Bill 262, which authorizes a memorial for the Buffalo Soldiers at Wesley Boland Plaza. Several supporters testified about the historical significance of the Buffalo Soldiers and the importance of recognizing their contributions in Arizona. Members from both parties spoke in support, and HB 262 passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. The committee next heard House Bill 2018, which would prohibit DCS from entering into agreements with health care institutions that allow or require payment in exchange for reports of child abuse or neglect. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill was needed to prevent financial incentives from influencing reporting and to protect parents’ rights, while some testimony described alleged overreporting and harmful removals tied to hospital reporting arrangements. Members debated whether there was a sufficient paper trail for such payments and whether the issue was limited to one hospital or broader; the sponsor said DCS had not provided requested data and that subpoena power might be needed. After a recess and further discussion, HB 2018 passed on a 4-3 vote and the committee adjourned.