Transcript Highlights:

• You know, there was some discussion in the past where it would be more similar to the Attorney General's
• respect, having all the ... consolidated and then reassigned, and then you could deploy like the Attorney
• Right, you know, the Attorney General's office is mainly exempt positions, so I don't know.
• General does I deploy like the Attorney General does I mean<01:14:23.000><c> I</c><01:14:23.080><c>
• </c><01:15:09.000><c> General's</c> right you know the Attorney General's right you know the Attorney

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees. A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion. Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Freeman was the lead attorney in the Supreme Court decision of Davis v. St.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill allows victims to recover damages, any ill-gotten gains, attorneys' fees, and obtain injunctive

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• Privacy Act, creating civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation that will be enforced by the Attorney

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS BILL IS RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMISSION ON ETHICS IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THERE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Commissioner, like for an example for an attorney, and I've got folks here that can correct me if I'm
• wrong, but let's say you're in Wisconsin as an attorney and you're doing, you know, working with this
• Commissioner, like for an example for an attorney, and I've got folks here that can correct me if I'm
• Commissioner, like for an example for an attorney, and I've got folks here that can correct me if I'm
• I'm an attorney for the Minnesota Department of Revenue, and I work in the areas of individual income

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And there’s the Attorney General’s opinion, which was sent via email.
• 23.560><c> office</c><01:27:23.920><c> if</c><01:27:24.320><c> DHR</c><01:27:25.320><c> could</c> Attorney
• General's office if DHR could Attorney General's office if DHR could legally<01:27:26.040><c> use</c
• </c> School administrators teachers attorneys School administrators teachers attorneys um<05:05:31.638
• I believe Attorney Veil you have a motion. Yes, I do, Mr. Chair. Not sure how to take that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up several bills in executive session, beginning with HB 568 on subdivision regulations concerning water supply. Representative Donnelly moved ITL, arguing the bill would create costly studies, that towns already have jurisdiction over needed studies, and that the issue was not widespread. The committee voted ITL 9-7. HB 582, dealing with safety requirements for personal watercraft, was also moved ITL on the grounds that existing law already covers the issue and the bill was unnecessary after recent action on personal flotation devices. Representative Derby opposed the ITL, saying the bill was a common-sense safety measure and would restore a misdemeanor penalty, but the committee voted ITL 9-7. The committee then retained HB 595, relative to coastal resilience zones, after members said the bill was important but needed more work and time because of its complexity. Members noted it should be revisited later, and the motion to retain passed 16-0. HB 607, funding the Hampton Beach Area Commission and making appropriations, received an ought-to-pass recommendation 15-1, with support from members who described Hampton Beach as an important economic driver and one dissenting member saying the state should not bear the full cost. The committee also adopted Amendment 2025-3 on HB 624, establishing a local river management advisory committee grant program, by a 16-0 vote; the amendment shifted funding decisions to the Department of Environmental Services based on demonstrated need and a first-come, first-served process. The bill as amended then received an ought-to-pass recommendation 16-0 and was placed on consent. Later, the committee retained HB 629, funding the operation, maintenance, and repair of state dams, after members said the dams need attention but the bill required more work because suggested amendments had just been received. That motion passed 16-0. HB 644, concerning drones in state parks, was ITL’d because the Department of Parks and Recreation is already working through rulemaking on UAS use in remote areas, and the committee voted 16-0 for ITL. HB 657, the short notice booking act access for New Hampshire residents to state parks, was also ITL’d at the request of the prime sponsor, passing 16-0. The committee then adjourned and announced a later hearing on HB 663, which would allow the Division of Historical Resources to use a portion of Moose plate funds for administering its grant program; testimony from the sponsor and the division supported the bill as clarifying existing authority, and no final vote on HB 663 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tierney no he would much a attorney Tierney no he would much rather<01:36:20.480><c> have</c><01:36:
• Diana Fenton from doe I just attorney Diana Fenton from doe I just happen<03:53:02.960><c> to</c><03
• Attorney Ramsey indicated to me when I was back at Dr. that they were hoping to have the quick guides
• Attorney Ramsey indicated to me when I was back at Dr. that they were hoping to have the quick guides
• She's our researcher and our attorney that works with us.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 193, which limits the maximum credits per course eligible for the Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program. Representative Ladd said the bill clarifies that eligible courses may not exceed four credits and was requested by the community college system. Representative Earth offered an amendment to make the bill effective on passage, which the committee adopted 18-0. The committee then approved HB 193 as amended by an 18-0 OTPA vote and placed it on the consent calendar. The committee next retained HB 295, concerning School Building Aid program funds, after Representative Spillsbury said the building aid bills were complex and needed more work. The motion to retain passed 18-0, with the chair explaining that retained bills can be revisited later and that related language could be moved among building aid bills. HB 354 was not acted on because the chair said the Department of Education and others had suggested possible changes that should be worked out first. HB 366, another school building aid bill, was also retained 18-0 for the same reasons as HB 295. The committee then considered HB 494, which funds the math learning communities program. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program, reducing the proposed increase by a net $50,000 and keeping funding at current levels for the biennium. After discussion about budget pressures and the program’s role in supporting math instruction and professional development, the amendment passed 18-0, and the bill as amended was approved 18-0 and placed on consent. Finally, the committee took up HB 515, which would repeal charter public school eligibility for state school building aid. Representative Popovici-Muller moved inexpedient to legislate, arguing charter schools should not be treated differently from other public schools, while Representatives Luno and Damon opposed the motion, saying charter schools differ in governance and financial risk and should not receive limited state building aid. The motion failed 10-8, so HB 515 was sent to the regular calendar. The committee assigned Representative Damon to the minority report and Representative Popovici-Muller to the majority report, with a noon deadline the next day. The committee then began HB 716, an appropriation for the dual and concurrent enrollment program. Representative Ladd described the program as a successful affordability measure that saves families money and supports college access. Representative Earth offered an amendment to flat-fund the program at current levels, reducing the proposed increase by $500,000 in each year of the biennium. Shannon Reed of the Community College System said the change could limit enrollment or the number of funded courses, though students could still take additional courses at their own expense. Representative Ladd explained the program’s tuition structure and said the funding would help meet demand; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 716.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a former healthcare executive and a licensed Oklahoma attorney with.

Committee: Senate Local and County Government

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Freeman was the lead attorney in the Supreme Court decision of Davis v. St.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met with all members present and held a public hearing on House Bill 2796, sponsored by Representative Marlon Anderson. The bill concerns honoring the Honorable Frankie Muse Freeman, a St. Louis legal pioneer and civil rights advocate who argued Davis v. St. Louis Housing Authority, served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and has a statue in Kiener Plaza. Representative Anderson and several committee members spoke in support, emphasizing her contributions to civil rights, women’s rights, and the legal profession. Testimony in favor also came from Tierra Harrell of the NAACP State Conference and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, who said the bill would continue Freeman’s legacy and support education and awareness, and from Miguel Ariannis, who said Freeman’s recognition was appropriate given her role in the civil rights movement and her inclusion in the Civil Rights Walk of Fame. During questioning, Harrell briefly explained Delta Sigma Theta’s founding and mission. No one testified in opposition. The committee did not take a vote on the bill during this portion of the meeting. After the hearing concluded and no further business remained, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Attorney LaSalle, James Madison Institute, proponent for the bill, and I guess you want to make a statement

Transcript Highlights:

• You do not, as Attorney General, get to celebrate the Lund decision by the SJC, calling it a victory,

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met briefly, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by remarks from a senator from Worcester and Hampshire criticizing state immigration and court policies. He argued that Massachusetts has not done enough to prevent dangerous individuals from being released or entering the Commonwealth, cited several criminal cases involving immigrants, and urged changes to state law and court practices regarding federal immigration detainers and information-sharing. The chamber then took up an order from the senator from Middlesex and Norfolk establishing a temporary Senate Committee on Rules until a permanent committee is appointed. The order created a nine-member committee, with two minority appointments, and a subcommittee to handle matters referred to it, including issues related to Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024. The Senate suspended the rules, adopted the order, and printed related communications from the Senate President and minority leader announcing committee appointments. Finally, the senator from Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth offered an adjournment order setting the Senate’s next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The order was adopted, and the Senate adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• approves all rules that were proposed by the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, the Attorney

Bills: SJR49 , HB3281 , HB4319 , HJR1086

Committee: Senate Administrative Rules

Keywords: wildlife, conservation, Oklahoma, regulations, permanent rules, administrative procedures, guidance documents, transparency, public inspection, rulemaking, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, judicial rules, public safety, state agencies, legislative approval

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Joint Resolution 49, as amended, which revokes an Oklahoma Wildlife Department rule requiring oil and gas companies to post a surety bond. Senator Murdoch explained that the change was intended to eliminate what he described as duplicate regulation, since the Corporation Commission already requires security bonds, and said the Wildlife Department had agreed to the revision. Senator Merritt’s amendment narrowing the resolution to the surety bond provision was adopted by voice vote, and the resolution then passed 6-0. The committee then heard House Bill 3281, described by Senator Bergstrom as the same measure previously passed as Senate Bill 1433, the Guidance Transparency Act. It was advanced without questions or debate and passed 6-0. House Bill 4319 followed, requiring agencies to have explicit statutory authority for each rule and to inventory existing rules within three years so noncompliant rules would be automatically repealed by January 1, 2030; it passed 7-0 after a due-pass motion. Finally, House Joint Resolution 1086 was approved, which ratifies rules from the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, the Attorney General, the Department of Public Safety, the State Fire Marshal Commission, and the State Board of Licensed Social Workers. Senator Bergstrom said committee concerns had already been addressed in prior hearings, and the resolution passed 7-0. The chair then announced a meeting for the following Wednesday at 11:30, urged members to continue reviewing rules and raising concerns promptly, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yeah, I think as an attorney, I work in an adversarial context all the time, and so I'm usually in

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The interview introduced Meg Luger-Nikolai, a St. Paul resident of more than 20 years who said she grew up in the greater Forest Lake area and has raised her family in Marion Park. She described her path to the House as a quick, competitive process after former Rep. Kaohly Her won the St. Paul mayor’s race, saying the district has many politically engaged voters and that the campaign moved from a primary to the general election on a compressed timeline. Luger-Nikolai said constituents raised a range of concerns, including the environment, public schools and the tax base, St. Paul’s economic competitiveness, and some farming-related issues such as farm-to-table food production. She pointed to her background as a labor lawyer and longtime labor movement worker as preparation for working in a tied House, saying she is used to adversarial settings but also to finding common ground and aligning interests. Asked about priorities, she said her initial focus was education, labor, and workforce issues, but that concerns about ICE activity in St. Paul and Minneapolis had risen to the top. She said she wants to pursue protections for migrants and support neighbors affected by those actions, describing the situation as unsustainable and unacceptable. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken in the interview.

Transcript Highlights:

• an act relating to human trafficking, amending Section 18-8605, Idaho Code, to provide that the Attorney

Summary: The House convened with 56 members present and 14 absent and excused, then opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The journal for the 11th legislative day was approved, and House Concurrent Resolution 22, which had passed the Senate, was referred for enrolling and later reported enrolled for signature and return to the Senate. Committee reports and bill referrals were announced. House Bills 511 through 517 and House Joint Resolution 7 were printed and referred to standing committees, while House Joint Memorial 10 was sent to Judiciary, Rules and Administration for printing. House Bills 518 and 519 were introduced and referred for printing. Several measures were advanced to the third-reading calendar, including House Resolution 20 and House Bills 489, 491, 492, and 493, covering topics such as political violence, crimes and punishment, emergency first aid, POST Council matters, and commercial sexual activity. The House also announced standing committee membership changes and upcoming committee meetings. No substantive floor debate or roll-call votes on bills occurred beyond the journal approval and the motion to adjourn. The House adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• an act relating to human trafficking, amending Section 18-8605, Idaho Code, to provide that the Attorney

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would mandate review and approval by the Attorney General and Comptroller of all proposed sales

Committee: Senate Corporations, Authorities and Commissions

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions met for its first convening of the 2026 session and confirmed quorum. The chair emphasized transparency in state agencies and utilities, particularly the Public Service Commission, and referenced prior work on utility affordability, nominations, and chaptered bills from the previous session. The committee considered eight bills. It advanced S.373, which would bar confidentiality and nondisclosure provisions in certain state and municipal contracts; S.1336, creating a New York State Digital Equity Plan and ConnectAll Digital Equity Grant Program; and S.2324, requiring Attorney General and Comptroller review of certain state or public authority real property sales over $250,000. It also moved S.2459 to restore earlier Public Authorities Control Board oversight provisions, and S.3736 to increase information provided to PACB members before project funding votes. Additional bills reported to the floor included S.4071A, clarifying that stormwater is included in the definition of sewage for certain water and sewer authorities; S.4576A, establishing a procedure for appointing a president or chairperson upon vacancy and correcting gendered language; and S.5551, requiring recording and public posting of certain Empire State Development public hearings. The bills were moved, seconded, and reported out, with several passing unanimously and at least one receiving a negative vote or abstention noted in the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you want to understand about revenue management, I'm in contact with one of the attorneys for a very
• General found it was State Attorney General found it was charging<04:49:23.280><c> tenants</c><04:49
• I'm not an attorney, but my belief is that if it was a revocable trust, they might be able to move the
• I'm not an attorney, but my belief is that if it was a revocable trust, they might be able to move the
• The witness said he was not an attorney, but his belief is that if it was a revocable trust, they might

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So just to recap, the Industrial Commission is made up of the governor as chair, the Attorney General
• So just to a recap, the Industrial Commission is made up of the governor as chair, the Attorney General
• , and the Ag Commissioner, and our current organization, the Attorney General and the Ag Commissioner

Summary: The committee received a compliance and budget update on Industrial Commission agencies and programs, including the Industrial Commission administrative office, the Oil and Gas Research Program, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the State Energy Research Center, the Research Technology Park grant program, and related funds. Staff reviewed spending and balances for items such as electric grid resiliency grants, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the salt cavern business case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members also discussed timing, carryover balances, matching requirements, and how some programs are structured to reimburse projects over several years rather than spend funds immediately. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described the agency’s administrative budget, the grant management system nearing completion, and the transition to standalone audits and staffing after separating from other agencies. She also outlined the status of active grant rounds across lignite, oil and gas, renewable energy, outdoor heritage, and clean sustainable energy programs. Members asked about the length of active grants, demand for clean energy funding, and the possibility of future grant rounds. Tyler and members also discussed the salt cavern study, the need to better define its commercial value, and the research technology park grant’s cash-match requirement. Ron Ness then testified on enhanced oil recovery and broader oil and gas market conditions. He said North Dakota production remained steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, longer laterals, and better use of natural gas and carbon dioxide for EOR. He described the state’s EOR grant round, the use of federal DOE funding to replace part of a state-funded project, and the expectation of additional grant rounds. Members asked about CO2 supply, storage, and the economics of using legacy fields and pipelines to extend oil production and support agriculture and industrial uses. The committee also heard from Bank of North Dakota President Don Morgan, who reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, lending verticals, disaster programs, and new initiatives. He said the bank is seeing deposit growth flatten and is responding to fintech competition by focusing on liquidity, risk management, and a new payment infrastructure initiative called Rough Rider Coin, which he emphasized is not crypto and not a public coin, but a banking payment rail for North Dakota institutions. Members asked about student loan rates, disaster lending, and how the bank’s lines of credit and balance sheet capacity are affected by deposit trends. Morgan said the bank remains profitable and continues to support agriculture, commerce, and industry through participation loans, student lending, and state-directed programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Environmental, California Community Foundation, Civic Sundays, Clergy Community Coalition, Consumer Attorneys
• at the Department of Insurance, the staff at Judiciary Committee, and, importantly, the Consumer Attorneys
• Zina Tacker with Consumer Attorneys of California. I echo the comments of Larissa.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Keywords: 987, senate, all