Video & Transcript : 'fair chase' :
Page 45 of 500
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- of electricity and how the Magnificent Seven are destroying our neighborhoods and water while they chase
- The actions of these massive corporations are always chasing profits that affect Jane and Jack on Main
- Fair enough. Senator Fernandez, Gabaldón, Gonzales, how do you vote? The system is closed.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- 120% of the area median income, not 80%, not 60%, but 120%, it's nearly impossible for them to find fair
- Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America.
- You know, it's like a cat chasing its tail.
Summary:
The committee met to hear a panel on workforce and attainable housing, with presentations from Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Wendover Housing Partners, the City of Tallahassee, and Escambia County. Speakers described how state and local tools such as SHIP, the Live Local Act, land trusts, accessory dwelling units, infill development, and public-private partnerships are being used to expand housing supply and preserve long-term affordability. Several panelists emphasized that housing demand is rising across income levels, that workforce households often need subsidy to buy or rent, and that housing location, transportation access, and proximity to jobs and services are critical. They also highlighted challenges including rising construction costs, limited land, insurance, NIMBY opposition, and the need for more flexible financing tools and employer participation.
Members asked about area median income thresholds, whether current programs are reaching the households most in need, and what additional tools might help. Florida Housing said its traditional rental programs generally serve households at or below 60% AMI, while need is increasingly reaching up to 80% AMI statewide and higher in some regions; staff also provided examples of AMI levels by county. Other discussion focused on the impact of local government opt-outs, tax abatements, corporate ownership of single-family homes, insurance costs, Fortified construction standards, and whether bonuses or other income calculations can unintentionally disqualify applicants. Panelists urged more political will, more local flexibility, and additional incentives for employers and landowners to support housing near jobs.
The committee also used an anonymous interactive polling exercise, and members identified partnerships, SHIP funding, local government action, cost, and insurance as key issues. In closing, the chair said the committee would continue a member-driven process and likely hold a workshop on housing-related topics. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the meeting, and the session adjourned after the discussion.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy - Thursday, May 14 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Don't chase power. Be a servant. Your soul is more important than your bill. Don't lie.
- That would be fair to the individual.
- That would be fair to the individual.
- Yeah, no, I think your amendment makes it fundamentally more fair than the current bill does.
- MOSERS and EMPERS disagree as to what's required under the law, I think fair to say.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the prior day by a vote of 118-1. The bulk of the meeting consisted of lengthy points of personal privilege, including farewell remarks from several outgoing members who thanked family, staff, colleagues, and constituents, reflected on their service, and spoke about issues such as law enforcement, veterans, rural schools, unborn life, kindness, and the influence of money and lobbyists in the legislative process. The chamber also recognized several special guests, including schoolchildren, interns, a law school graduate, family members, and a former representative.
The House then took up committee reports and several bills. It granted further conference on Senate Bill 1020. Senate Bill 1019, dealing with hospital finance and related health-care provisions, was amended and passed 110-31 after debate over an amendment on prior authorization reform, physician licensure, telehealth, workplace violence language, and Lyme disease fixes. Senate Bill 1572, a pensions measure affecting MOSERS, EMPERS, the St. Louis police retirement system, and Kansas City police retirement timing, was amended on several technical and policy points and passed 129-14 after discussion of overpayment recoupment rules and retirement system compliance concerns.
The House also passed House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1196, which removed the sunset from the workforce diploma program, expanded Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grants, added workforce Pell Grant language, and established a future higher-education funding model subject to later legislative approval. It passed 115-20-4, but the emergency clause failed 2-132-2 after the sponsor said it was included only to speed Pell Grant implementation and was being handled “tongue in cheek.” Finally, the House began consideration of House Bill 2508 with Senate amendments, an LLC-related bill addressing certificates of good standing, court dissolution of LLCs in limited cases, and a St. Louis County property-management affidavit requirement for unresolved ordinance violations.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-EIG, CPN-HHS, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- First, it protects property owners, renters, insurers, and the economy by creating a speedy and fair
- </c> by creating a speedy and Fair by creating a speedy and Fair compensation<00:03:30.799><c> process
- This fund, the number we're chasing is a billion dollars. That's correct.
- It's a fair point.
- . ...pass this bill in the name of compassion and fairness.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection
Summary:
The joint Senate hearing focused primarily on SB 1201, a wildfire measure that would create a wildfire recovery fund and allow securitization for electric utilities. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill, saying it would help protect customers, property owners, insurers, and the broader economy from future catastrophic wildfire liability while improving the utility’s credit profile and lowering financing costs. Support also came from DCCA Consumer Advocacy, the Attorney General’s office on written comments, Ulupono Initiative, Clearway Energy Group, IBEW Local 1260, Par Hawaii, KIUC, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Plus Power, and numerous organizations and individuals. Opponents or commenters raised concerns about the liability cap, victim compensation process, and fund structure, including the Hawaiʻi Association for Justice, the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land supported the concept of a fund but questioned the catastrophe threshold and whether the fund would be empty without a prudency finding.
Much of the discussion centered on whether the proposed fund would actually help restore Hawaiian Electric to investment grade, with senators comparing the proposal to California’s wildfire fund. Hawaiian Electric said the bill was only one part of a broader process, alongside physical risk reduction and settlement finalization, and argued that without the bill the utility would not regain investment grade. Senators also questioned the proposed $1 billion fund size, the fairness of ratepayer contributions versus shareholder contributions, and whether customers should pay for consulting and administrative costs; Hawaiian Electric said its proposed amendment would remove those consulting-related charges. The company also said the fund would accrue interest and, if unused, could be returned to customers, and that there would be replenishment and supplemental contribution mechanisms if the fund were exhausted.
The Attorney General’s office said it still had further amendments to discuss, and the departments had not yet resolved where the fund should reside administratively, though Hawaiian Electric said it believed DCCA was the appropriate place but was open to alternatives. KIUC requested two amendments. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing, and the measure remained under discussion with questions and proposed amendments still outstanding.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, it’s affectionately referred to as ambulance chasing.
- Fair enough.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Apr 1st, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, it’s affectionately referred to as ambulance chasing.
- Fair enough.
Summary:
The Commerce Committee first met in executive session and considered a substitute for Senate Bill 973. Members adopted an amendment that revised the bill’s title and removed language tied to “certain written disclosures” and a two-year unused-facilities requirement from related school property language. After adopting the amendment and rolling it into the House Committee substitute, the committee voted the bill do pass by a 6-3 roll call vote.
The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 907 and related bills, dealing with abusive website access litigation. Senator Brad Hudson said the measure targets a single plaintiff’s pattern of threatening businesses with ADA-related website lawsuits and settlements, and explained changes made to refine definitions and extend coverage to political subdivisions. Witnesses from the Missouri Chamber, NFIB, Associated Industries of Missouri, the Columbia Chamber, the Missouri Insurance Coalition, and the Missouri Broadband Providers Association testified in support, describing the suits as costly and coercive for small businesses and nonprofits.
Members questioned the scope of the bill, including whether it should also cover churches and nonprofits, and whether the “good faith” standard in the Senate version was too vague or burdensome. A committee attorney explained that good faith would likely be a fact-based issue decided by a court under a preponderance standard. Several members expressed support for narrowing the bill to avoid broader tort reform, while others raised concerns about litigation costs and the lack of an early mechanism to stop abusive suits. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Abbarno, Abbarcus, Barnard, Berg, Bergquist, Burnbaum, Barry, Bernaski, Burnett, Callan, Chase, Connors
- this to make sure that as the bill reaches the other chamber we get the tax rates right so that it's fair
Keywords:
tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 23rd, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Abbarno, Abbarcus, Barnard, Berg, Bergquist, Burnbaum, Barry, Bernaski, Burnett, Callan, Chase, Connors
- this to make sure that as the bill reaches the other chamber, we get the tax rates right so that it's fair
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s minutes, and heard a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber also moved several bills through routine orders, including placing House Bill 273 on health carrier surpluses and House Bill 2681 on cannabis license fees on the second reading calendar, and welcoming guests and honored families to the gallery.
The main floor action centered on three bills. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325, establishing a tourism self-support program, was amended with a technical clarification and passed 84-5. Supporters said the industry should fund a statewide tourism marketing effort to attract visitors year-round and compete with other states. Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960, on renewable energy, was amended to address local tax treatment of wind, solar, and battery storage projects and passed 74-15; proponents said it would replace a shifting property-tax burden with a more stable excise tax so host communities receive lasting benefits.
House Bill 2521, concerning firearms background checks, drew the most debate. Amendments to raise the fee cap and to set the fee at zero were both rejected, with opponents arguing the bill would burden constitutional rights and supporters saying the fee should cover the State Patrol’s costs. The bill then passed 53-36. House Bill 2675, the annual accounts bill, passed unanimously 89-0 after brief support from both parties. The House then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Aeronautics and Transportation Feb 16th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Aeronautics and Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you agree with that, if the people don't have to worry about being chased after by this safety equipment
- By just paying that flat fee at the month based on the average mileage, it's a fair fee and that has
Bills:
SB1312 , SB1323 , SB1599 , SB1863 , SB1932 , SB1950 , SB1956 , SB1958 , SB1966 , SB1970 , SB2052
Committee:
Senate Aeronautics and Transportation
Keywords:
vehicle registration, automatic payments, Service Oklahoma, taxes, motor vehicle, prepayment program, memorial designation, highway, Sheriff Marty Grisham, transportation, Oklahoma Statutes, memorial bridge, dedication, Oklahoma, commemoration, memorial highway, road designation, John Skelley, motor carrier, administrative hearing
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 17th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Noor, McKenzie, Haley, and my next-door neighbor, Chase, whom I knew when he was this tall.
- providing opportunity for young people and alternatives to incarceration for children who just need a fair
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved procedural motions including suspension of rules for same-day action on certain bills and removal of several measures from the consent calendar. Members also introduced guests and interns from their districts and offices. The chamber then moved through a large number of second- and third-reading items, with many bills deemed read and amendments deemed adopted, and several items passed or retained on file without debate.
On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 104, a budget measure making technical and conforming changes to the 2025 Budget Act and extending loan repayment terms for two Imperial County hospitals, and to AB 138, which ratified additional collective bargaining agreements and related addenda. Members also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1114 on private ambulance toll fee waivers, AB 642 on emergencies, AB 1051 on state highways, AB 1533 appropriating funds for state claims, SB 611 on housing and land-use litigation delays, SB 251 appropriating funds to pay claims against the state, and AB 1459 on hazardous materials regulatory programs. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition; SB 611 and the claims bills were presented as urgency measures and passed unanimously or near-unanimously.
The consent calendar was adopted after ABs and SBs on the remaining list were approved, and the Assembly also re-referred SB 104 and SB 138 to the Budget Committee and moved SB 773 to the inactive file. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory tributes for James Raymond Bell, a juvenile justice reform advocate, and Gail Yolanda McGowan, followed by notice of committee meetings and an announcement that the House would stand in summer recess and reconvene on August 18, 2025, at 1 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 17th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Noor, McKenzie, Haley, and my next-door neighbor, Chase, who I knew when he was like this tall.
- providing opportunity for young people and alternatives to incarceration for children who just need a fair
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and proceeded with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and a series of procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow same-day action on certain measures and guest introductions. Members also introduced interns, district staff, and visitors from their districts before moving to the daily file and concurrence calendar.
The chamber took up several budget and policy bills. AB 104, a budget bill making technical and conforming changes to the 2025 Budget Act and extending loan repayment terms for two Imperial County hospitals, passed concurrence 53-1. AB 138, which ratified additional MOUs and contract addenda with estimated General Fund savings, also passed concurrence 53-4 after debate over whether the state was deferring costs and underfunding retiree health obligations. Other concurrence items passed unanimously or nearly so, including AB 1114 on private ambulance toll waivers, AB 642 on emergency-related provisions, AB 1051 on state highways, AB 1533 appropriating funds for state claims, AB 1459 on hazardous materials program technical changes, and SB 611 on housing and land-use litigation delays, which passed 66-0 on both the urgency and the measure. SB 251, another claims-appropriation bill, passed 64-0.
The Assembly also adopted the consent calendar, with several items removed at the authors’ request, and approved additional consent measures such as ACR 13, SB 255, SB 387, SB 428, SB 602, SB 648, SB 652, SB 693, SCR 48, and SCR 79. Near the end of the session, members delivered adjournment-in-memory tributes to James Raymond Bell and Gail Yolanda McGowan. The House then announced summer recess, ordered the desk open for committee reports through July 18, and set the Assembly to reconvene on Monday, August 18, at 1 p.m.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider S.527, to require the Federal Trade Commission to study the role of intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain and provide Congress with appropriate policy recommendations, S.1040, to amend the Federal Trade Commis Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Martin said, and we will chase them to the end of the earth to hold them accountable, an assurance he
- So I urge the chairman, knowing of his fair and dispassionate approach to our justice system, to allow
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
drug competition, product hopping, generic drugs, biosimilars, federal regulations, FTC Act, Federal Trade Commission, sham petitions, competition, public health, unfair competition, healthcare, pharmaceutical, antitrust law, pay-for-delay, reverse payment settlement, interchangeable biologics, brand-name pharmaceuticals, patent settlement, antitrust
Summary:
The meeting focused on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and the abusive practices that contribute to elevated prices affecting American families. Several bills were presented, including proposals to end pay-for-delay deals and to enhance transparency in the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The discussion was notable for its emphasis on consumer protection and ensuring that cheaper generic drugs reach the market more effectively. Members expressed frustration over past attempts to pass similar legislation stalling in the Senate, leading to renewed efforts to push these bills forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 3 - 03/19/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Limmer: Would this prohibit a federal agent from chasing a felon?
- Would this prohibit federal agents from chasing him into the school?
- Fair enough.
- Thank you, Madam Chair.<01:28:35.920><c> Fair</c><01:28:36.080><c> enough.
- Fair enough. Uh have you done any Chair. Fair enough.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's not something that Californians see as fundamentally fair. Californians are fair.
- And it's not something that Californians see as fundamentally fair. Californians are fair.
- Californians are fair.
- This bill restores fairness by ensuring all benefiting properties pay their fair share, while also reserving
- This bill restores fairness by ensuring all benefiting properties pay their fair share, while also reserving
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, with members observing a moment of silence for the Minnesota tragedy mentioned by the Speaker. The chamber then moved quickly through a large daily file, taking up many Senate amendments and third-reading measures, with most bills passing by wide margins or unanimously. Early procedural actions included returning AB 1308 to the Senate, rescinding action on SB 863, and later taking up several resolutions and bills on concurrence and third reading.
Among the main policy items, members adopted AJR 8 on temporary protected status after debate over immigration policy, and AJR 19 urging opposition to dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The Assembly also adopted ACR 112 recognizing September as Deaf Awareness Month, with several members speaking in support of the deaf community and accessibility. Other notable measures included bills on water reclamation and Colorado River Aqueduct maintenance (AB 580), telehealth (AB 688), housing approvals and ADU enforcement/cleanup (AB 920, SB 9, SB 543), pension and retirement rules (SB 301), volunteer fire department tax exemptions (SB 87), dementia training for home care aides (SB 412), and a San Francisco public-safety measure on stolen goods resale (SB 276), which drew opposition over permitting and criminalization concerns.
The Assembly also passed or concurred in a number of Senate bills dealing with local government finance and infrastructure, public contracts, the Delta, fairgrounds compensation, and San Francisco liquor licenses, as well as AJR 3 on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Most measures were approved on roll-call votes with few no votes; SB 227 and SB 276 were urgency measures and received the required two-thirds support. The consent calendar was adopted unanimously, and the day concluded with several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remembrances of former Assembly staffer Lawrence Merman, Jeff Brady, Fran Urcini, and Alejandro Luna, before the House adjourned until the next morning.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (01/22/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- This is merely a cost savings ability for you to chase the best cost savings while still providing the
- ability<00:20:29.320><c> for</c><00:20:29.520><c> you</c><00:20:29.679><c> to</c><00:20:30.000><c> chase
- c><00:20:30.320><c> the</c><00:20:30.440><c> best</c><00:20:30.640><c> cost</c> ability for you to chase
- the best cost ability for you to chase the best cost savings<00:20:31.320><c> while</c><00:20:31.480
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So HB 2977 and 2958 is about fairness, compliance, and protecting Missouri taxpayers. It ensures...
- HB 2958 is about fairness, compliance, and protecting Missouri taxpayers.
- It's about getting the revenues due, making sure it's fair for everyone else, that the wealthy people
- “Yeah, so I didn't want you guys to have to spend hours and hours chasing down a $25 licensing fee.
- So people say, hey, if you've been skirting your taxes and stuff, not trying to pay your fair share,
Summary:
The House Committee on Transportation met with a quorum and first held an expedited joint public hearing on House Bills 2977 and 2958, which sponsors said were identical to HB 2951 and intended to be folded into that bill. The bills were described as targeting Missouri residents who register vehicles out of state or through shell companies to avoid Missouri sales and personal property taxes. Committee members and the Department of Revenue discussed enforcement concerns, the scope of the bill, the 30-day registration rule for new residents, and whether the proposal could withstand legal challenge. The Department of Revenue said the problem is widespread, that it already receives complaints and evidence from assessors, collectors, and law enforcement, and that the bill would add clearer penalties and an amnesty period to encourage compliance. Some witnesses supported the goal but objected to the size of the penalties and the short compliance window, while the Missouri Trucking Association said it had worked with the department on language and could accept most of it, though some truck-related issues remained.
The committee then went into executive session on HB 2951 and adopted two amendments: one adding HB 2958 and HB 2977 to the title, and another making more substantive changes. The substitute created an amnesty period, delayed implementation to December 1, exempted recreational vehicles and trucks over 54,000 pounds with apportioned plates, clarified the definition of shell companies, and retained a $500 penalty and up to a 75% tax-and-fee penalty for willful evasion, with authority for the director of revenue to waive or reduce penalties for good cause. After debate about enforcement, fairness, and the burden on ordinary residents, the committee adopted the substitute and voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2951, 2958, and 2977 do pass by a vote of 11-2 with one present.
The committee also considered HB 2742, which concerns school bus safety cameras. A committee substitute was adopted that clarified existing language, removed unnecessary authorization language, and required footage to be deleted no later than 180 days after recording. The substitute and the bill were then voted do pass unanimously. Finally, the committee heard HB 1939, a public safety bill regulating golf cart use on roads. The sponsor said the bill would prohibit golf carts on roads over 25 mph, require safety equipment and a driver’s license, and keep carts off trails where dedicated paths exist, while allowing local ordinances for some exceptions. Testimony in favor supported statewide safety rules but suggested adding mandatory insurance; no opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing was adjourned without a vote on HB 1939.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that we have to keep the best teachers in the classroom, and for far too long we've chased the
- that Texas expects us to find the moments of common ground, and when it exists, to lean into it, to chase
Keywords:
public education, HB2, teacher salaries, special education, emergent bilingual programs, Texas legislature
Summary:
The meeting primarily revolved around the discussion of HB2, which aims to increase funding for public education in Texas. Key points included enhancements to teacher salaries, special education funding, and initiatives to support emergent bilingual programs. Legislators highlighted the need for collaboration and leadership in addressing the challenges faced by public schools, noting the vital role that education plays in the state's future. Speaker Burroughs expressed confidence in achieving significant improvements for Texas students through this legislation, which has been deemed one of the most consequential bills of the session.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Legislative Council Feb 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're chasing ourselves up the building.
- But we don't chase that as a goal.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/26/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- He said it has been the endless chase to get more federal money from Uncle Sam, and at some point the
- </c><00:42:34.280><c> to</c><00:42:34.440><c> get</c><00:42:34.640><c> more</c> been the endless Chase
- So I think we have to ask the committee and the world here are we're going to continue to chase federal
- So I think we have to ask the committee and the world here are we're going to continue to chase federal
- Right and it is not fair.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Management Aug 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to cut right to the chase, which is to talk about the situation we're in.
- His story of what happened in Wyoming is a fair warning.
- His story of what happened in Wyoming is a fair warning, and this should be taken seriously.
- A fair question is, why can't this wait until next legislative session?
- A fair question is, why can't this wait until next legislative session?
Summary:
The committee first approved minutes from prior meetings and then filled a vacancy on Legislative Management by appointing Senator Braunberger after a caucus recommendation. Members then took up an unusual appeal from the North Dakota Gaming Commission after the Administrative Rules Committee voided a rule that would have raised the poker tournament entry fee from $300 to $1,500. Legislative Council explained the administrative rules process and the grounds for voiding a rule, while Gaming Commission representatives argued the commission had statutory authority and that the issue should be left to the full Legislature. Several members raised concerns about legislative intent, precedent, and whether the matter should wait for the regular session. On a motion to disapprove the Administrative Rules Committee’s finding and restore the rule, the committee voted no, so the voiding of the rule remained in place.
The committee then reviewed the fiscal impact statement for Constitutional Measure No. 1 on congressional age limits. Staff reported no current fiscal impact because no litigation had been filed, though members noted the possibility of future legal challenges if the measure were enforced. After that, the committee began hearing proposed bills for the upcoming special session, starting with several kratom-related measures. Representative Wolff withdrew her bill, saying it was redundant, while Representative Heinert presented a bill to legalize and regulate natural kratom for adults 21 and over under the Attorney General, with licensing, labeling, penalties, and a public health campaign. Senator Axtman presented a companion bill targeting synthetic kratom derivatives, placing them on the controlled substances list with penalties similar to marijuana. Legislative Council later outlined Representative Johnston’s separate kratom bill, which would regulate kratom under the Department of Agriculture with product registration, licensing, and enforcement provisions.
The committee also heard Senator Hogue’s bill to address funding for the State Historical Society’s military museum project. He argued the state was in breach of contract and that delaying action would increase costs, so his bill would authorize a $35 million line of credit to keep construction moving while fundraising continued. Members questioned the relationship between the proposed line of credit, existing SIF funding, and the private fundraising requirement, but no vote was taken before the meeting moved on. Finally, Representative Sue Ann Olson began presenting a bill requiring the Class D driver’s license test to be administered in English, arguing it was a safety measure because road signs are in English and law enforcement encounters can be complicated by language barriers. The transcript cuts off before her testimony concluded or any action was taken on that bill.