Transcript Highlights:

• We ask every week that if you have a reason to oppose or support, please take the opportunity to come
• It gives the opportunity for someone to go to a subcommittee under the contractors board.
• It gives an opportunity to protect the consumer for an appeals process when things have gone bad.
• It gives the opportunity for someone to go to a subcommittee under the contractors board.
• It gives an opportunity to protect the consumer for an appeals process when things have gone bad.

Bills: SB147 , SB414 , HB220 , HB750 , HB799 , HB827 , HB952 , HB953

Committee: Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: roof standards, construction code, residential property, fortified roofs, insurance, medical debt, interest rate, healthcare services, consumer protection, debt collection, Louisiana Medical Debt Protection Act, child exploitation, online reporting, platforms, cyber crime, PROTECT Act, automatic renewal, cancellation policy, subscription service, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• So when our small businesses pursue opportunity, they are not met with silence or coercion or exploitation
• Good morning, Vanessa Flores, on behalf of Golden State Opportunity, and strong support. Thank you.
• And some of the things they may provide us may be some additional public financing opportunities, or
• And I think, you know, having some flexibility and opportunity to do...
• We haven't seen the language and welcomed the opportunity to work on this, to narrow it to exactly who

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What I would like to take the opportunity to overview of this proposed amendment.
• What I would like to take the opportunity to emphasize is that this does not impact school board member
• They already have the opportunity to run their GO bonds and mill levies on a general election ballot.
• Gwen Prey, at the LESC, almost National Laboratory Foundation, I have appreciated the opportunity to
• I have appreciated the opportunity to work with a sponsor, as well as the Legislative Education Study

Committee: House House Education

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the New Mexico Constitution to remove language requiring school elections to be held at different times from partisan elections. The sponsor and the Secretary of State’s office said the change would let school bond and mill levy questions appear on general election ballots, reduce the number of costly special elections, increase turnout, and address an outdated discriminatory provision dating to 1910. Testimony from the New Mexico School Board Association and school superintendents supported the resolution for its potential cost savings and faster access to local and state capital outlay funding. A committee member asked for clarification that school board member elections would remain on the regular local election cycle and nonpartisan. There was no opposition, and the committee approved the resolution on a due pass motion. The committee then heard House Memorial 30, which asks the Legislative Education Study Committee to study public education governance and convene a broad working group to review roles, responsibilities, statutes, and long-term planning across the education system. The sponsor and LESC staff said the memorial is intended to improve coherence, support long-term goals, and consider governance structures that could better align education policy across administrations, including lessons from the Martinez-Yazzie response and models from other states. Supporters from charter schools, Kids Can, the school board association, superintendents, and Teach Plus backed the study as a way to improve coordination and student outcomes. Several committee members raised concerns about who would be included in the process, emphasizing the need for meaningful participation by families, plaintiffs in the Martinez-Yazzie case, tribal leaders, and students with disabilities, as well as clear notice and access for working families. Members also asked about guardrails, accountability, and whether a future statewide education commission could dilute local or tribal voices. LESC staff said the memorial would allow the committee to define the study’s structure, composition, metrics, and potential recommendations, including whether any commission should be created by statute or another mechanism. There was no opposition, and the committee passed House Memorial 30 on a do pass motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We should never miss an opportunity to celebrate Vermont's outsized achievements on the world stage,
• </c><00:11:46.079><c> Vermont's</c> an opportunity to celebrate Vermont's an opportunity to celebrate
• Equal opportunity means providing women the same chance to compete in events they have earned through
• Equal opportunity<00:13:15.680><c> means</c><00:13:16.079><c> providing</c><00:13:16.480><c> women</c
• ><00:13:16.880><c> the</c> opportunity means providing women the opportunity means providing women the

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to be here. For the record, my name is Allison Halpern.
• Thanks for the opportunity to testify. My name is Stephanie Selt.
• by the legislature in 2022, and supports research, policy advances, and funding opportunities to...
• Chair Shewmake, Vice Chair Hunt and Slatter, and Ranking Member Boehnke, thank you for the opportunity
• I want to thank Senator Hunt for sponsoring this bill and for the opportunity to speak on it.

Bills: SB6269 , SB6223 , SB5982 , SB6050 , SB5965 , SB5975 , SB6010 , SB5984 , SB6076 , SB5652

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: motor fuel, fuel quality act, RCW 19.112, alternative fuel, biodiesel, renewable diesel, ethanol blend, alcohol fuel, diesel fuel, nonhazardous motor fuel, biofuels, clean fuels, transportation fuels, Washington fuel standards, fuel labeling, fuel blending, petroleum products, natural gas vehicles, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas

Transcript Highlights:

• To have this meeting confidential, this is the only opportunity that we’re going to be able to... ...
• Thanks again for the opportunity to hear this bill.
• Thanks again for the opportunity to hear this bill.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this bill.
• I appreciate the opportunity to present this bill. HB 2605 focuses on...

Bills: HB2496 , HB2575 , HB2605

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: tribal consultation, energy facilities, site evaluation, environmental impact, policy regulation, environmental regulation, reporting obligations, energy laws, compliance, business impact, HB 2605, Washington asbestos law, naturally occurring fibrous silicate, asbestos-containing building materials, fibrous silicate materials, asbestos labeling, construction materials, renovation, repair and maintenance, EPA method

Transcript Highlights:

• Does the economic opportunity matter?
• Opportunity matters, but not when it extracts more than it gives.
• Powerful words, brings needed jobs, does the economic opportunity matter?
• Opportunity matters, but not when it extracts more than it gives.
• Taylor demonstrated how rural counties rely on predictable access and opportunity. Even Dr.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee approved the January 19, 2026 minutes and then considered and passed a temporary and pending rule for the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission (docket 15-0601-2501). Testimony from Sheriff Andy Creech emphasized that the rule would reduce administrative burden and costs by allowing longer-term contracts for Next Generation 911 equipment and services, helping Idaho modernize degraded legacy 911 systems and improve location accuracy, redundancy, and call routing. The committee also introduced RS 32996, presented by Senator Shippy, which would create a new licensing procedure for “established caterers.” The proposal would allow qualifying caterers operating from a publicly accessible business location and serving at least 50 events per year to obtain liquor licensing for service at catered events, addressing the current limitation that they lack a traditional brick-and-mortar premise for licensing purposes. Senator Harris moved to introduce the bill, and the motion passed. After official business, the committee hosted the American Falls FFA Ag Issues team, which presented a courtroom-style debate on the USDA’s 2025 rescission of the 2001 roadless rule. Students argued both the environmental and tribal concerns tied to preserving roadless forest protections and the opposing case for forest health, wildfire mitigation, economic development, and management flexibility. Committee members praised the students’ preparation and public speaking, asked questions about their research process and views on the issue, and adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have before me, I want to thank the chair for the opportunity to present SB 781 on behalf of Senator
• small business should be included, not excluded, from contracting and procurement activities and opportunities
• Therefore, government has a compelling interest in providing economic opportunities to small businesses
• It's a story if you stick around long enough you get to see. see the young people that you had an opportunity
• Well, so thank you for the opportunity to present SB 769, which will establish the Golden State Infrastructure

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank Ben and the board for the opportunity to consider a gauge for this.
• I could have gone all around the world and never left in case I got five minutes of opportunity with
• I just never miss an opportunity to talk about Gage anywhere in the nation.
• I just had the opportunity to attend an event in Arlington at the National Medal of Honor Museum.
• And register to vote, they have an opportunity to select a box that says they're a veteran.

Bills: HCR46 , HB1389 , HB3359 , HB5629

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: commemoration, military, navy seal, honor, January 12, Nathan Gage Ingram, military funeral honors, JROTC, veterans, training, grant program, military honors, community engagement, funeral services, education grants, community service, HB 3359, veteran status, Texas Veterans Commission, veterans services

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much for the opportunity.
• Chairman Ginn, thank you so much for the opportunity to lay out this bill.
• Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you. Members, any questions? All right.
• Thank you for the opportunity to provide an overview of the Texas State...
• Thank you again for the opportunity to be here today.

Bills: HB294 , HB405 , HB519 , HB294

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Keywords: food production, property owners' association, home gardening, cottage food, urban agriculture, livestock, community standards, renewable energy, ethanol, biodiesel, incentives, agriculture, grants, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is a reasonable opportunity. You know, I know we have a budget forecast coming out.
• You know, I just appreciate this opportunity.
• 04:43.479><c> know</c><00:04:43.600><c> we</c><00:04:43.720><c> have</c><00:04:43.840><c> a</c> opportunity
• um you know I know we have a opportunity um you know I know we have a budget<00:04:44.199><c> forecast
• you know we want to continue opportunity you know we want to continue to<00:05:27.400><c> have</c><00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So this will be a center that will be able to assist with benefits navigation, education opportunities
• It provides schools the opportunity to apply for military-friendly status.
• We think that this is an opportunity to amplify the issues among the veteran community.
• I appreciate the opportunity to tell you about... I'm going to have the same others appreciate...
• We've got lots of additional opportunities in the future.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> All members present had an opportunity All members present had an opportunity to<00:42:03.160><c
• </c> opportunity to vote? opportunity to vote?
• </c> opportunity to vote? opportunity to vote?
• </c> opportunity to vote? opportunity to vote?
• </c> opportunity to vote. opportunity to vote.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The traditional opportunities.
• So, thank you for that opportunity. opportunity. opportunity.
• </c> the um main challenges, opportunities the um main challenges, opportunities and<01:02:52.400><c>
• </c> society um that provides opportunities society um that provides opportunities not<01:45:54.080><
• ><c> your</c><01:49:01.280><c> school</c> the opportunity to visit your school the opportunity to visit

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 0:25 Approval of Minutes – 3-50 2025 RS SB 253 – 4:25 Computer Science and AI Literacy – 27:36 Fayette County School District Budget Update – 51:46 Adjournment – 2:09:46, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call, introductions, and approval of the previous meeting minutes by voice vote. It then heard a presentation on SB 253, focused on expanding support for teacher apprenticeship and teaching-and-learning pathways. Senator Hickman and staff from the Kentucky Department of Education and Nelson County Schools described how the program uses dual credit, work-based learning, and registered apprenticeship to help students earn an associate degree in high school and continue toward a teaching degree. They said the goal is to address the teacher shortage by creating a sustainable pipeline into the profession. Witnesses emphasized that the main barrier is cost. Mary Taylor said Kentucky’s youth apprenticeship model has been successful in other fields and that education should be added as an in-demand sector, but an associate degree alone will not solve the teacher shortage because teachers still need a bachelor’s degree and certification. Laura Arnold of Nelson County Schools described the district’s Lead Nelson program, saying the district has invested more than $800,000 since 2021, currently has 37 students in the pathway and seven committed apprentices, and spends about $85,000 per apprentice from freshman year through certification. She said district staffing, planning, and university partnerships are also significant hurdles. Members asked about job guarantees, tenure, and retirement; Arnold said employment is performance-based and retirement issues are being considered. Senator Hickman said the bill would use lottery funds to help cover tuition and dual credit costs so more districts can participate, noting that a prior version died because of a high fiscal note. Representative Payne and Representative Tipton praised the program but stressed the need for funding and noted inconsistencies between statute and budget language on Work Ready Kentucky and dual credit support. Representative Tipton also cautioned that lottery revenue may not keep pace with demand and said the General Assembly may need to make broader funding decisions. After the apprenticeship discussion, the chair moved the committee to the next agenda item on computer science and AI literacy, where Code.org began a presentation on the importance of computer science for all students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you so much.
• Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today.
• Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today.
• There's a limited opportunity for that.
• Hello, and thank you for the opportunity to speak.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• We welcome the opportunity to work with you and the committee on this bill. Thank you.
• Thank you for the opportunity to visit with you all today. I'm speaking in support of HB3172.
• Thanks to the chair and the committee for this opportunity to speak. My name is Brennan Griffin.
• For the opportunity to lay out House Bill 2797 for you today.
• This has given people an opportunity to really target exclusions simply based on familial status.

Bills: HB24 , HB2015 , HB2149 , HB2559 , HB2701 , HB2797 , HB3172 , HB24

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, municipal moratorium, development moratorium, property development, subdivision, site plan

Transcript Highlights:

• I greatly appreciate the opportunity to stand in support of the nominee Karen Ono.
• Okay, it's our opportunity to call Karen Ono, GM 530. GM 530.
• Thank you for the opportunity.
• </c><00:18:28.280><c> to</c> briefings we've had the opportunity to briefings we've had the opportunity
• I think I've had a really great opportunity to see the wonderful workings of the department.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve. For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers. For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts. For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• Thank you for this opportunity. Thank you for this opportunity. Melata?

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed. Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted. The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families. Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• CTE exposes students to a variety of career opportunities and prepares them for those opportunities through
• </c><00:02:57.560><c> and</c> a variety of career opportunities and a variety of career opportunities
• </c> prepares them for those opportunities prepares them for those opportunities through<00:03:00.440
• CTE students have the opportunity to get a head start on employment training, as well as over 13,500
• She asked whether students are being referred to speech and given the opportunity to have an IEP.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education bills and first received a presentation from Paige Cash of Kentucky FFA/Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education. She described the reach of CTE in Kentucky, saying more than 143,000 secondary students are enrolled in CTE courses, and highlighted work-based learning, dual credit, industry certifications, and student organizations such as FFA, DECA, FCCLA, HOSA, TSA, and SkillsUSA. She said CTE funding has helped update lab equipment, support teacher training, fund field trips, and expand participation in career and technical student organizations. Representative Wilson presented House Bill 132, which would address home hospital instruction reimbursement in cases involving short stays, particularly mental health placements that are often under five days. He said schools continue providing instruction even when they are no longer reimbursed under current rules. The committee advanced the bill unanimously after a motion and second, with the measure passing with an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee then heard House Bill 272 on dyslexia, sponsored by Representative Heavrin. The bill would require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, require local boards to adopt policies for identifying and assisting K-3 students with dyslexia, require KDE to report district implementation data to LRC, and require teacher preparation programs to include dyslexia instruction. Members discussed whether the bill would require teacher diagnoses, how it would interact with existing IEP/504 and RTI processes, and concerns about added reporting and district burden. Supporters said many students are falling through the cracks and that earlier identification is needed; Representative Willner noted a shortage of school psychologists. The committee passed HB 272 with a motion and second, though several members voted pass and explained concerns about reporting burdens, red tape, and district costs. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 193, a dual credit cleanup bill presented by Joe Carol Ellis of KHEAA. She said the bill would consolidate the statutes governing general education dual credit and CTE/work-ready dual credit scholarships to match current funding practice and reduce confusion for K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions. The presentation was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• What that is, is basically the opportunity cost when we implement the plan.
• They currently have about three to five active opportunities, and there's a growing number of opportunities
• than there are mature opportunities for them to invest.
• And the challenge with early-stage opportunities is that they end up requiring some sort of study, and
• We have the opportunity for small cap, mid cap, and international.

Summary: The Legacy Fund Committee received updates from the North Dakota Retirement Investment Office (RIO) on fund performance, liquidity, in-state investments, and internal management. Scott Anderson reported strong returns for the Legacy Fund across multiple time periods, with performance exceeding the policy benchmark and expectations, driven largely by strong equity markets and effective implementation. He also reviewed private market pacing, noting commitments were on plan but that unfunded obligations and distributions were lower than expected, and presented a new liquidity analysis showing the fund had substantial capacity to meet obligations even under stressed market scenarios. The committee also discussed RIO’s internal investment program and cost savings. Anderson explained how internal management of fixed income, equity, and cash overlay strategies has reduced fees and transaction costs, while improving flexibility and portfolio construction. Members asked about staffing needs, and RIO leadership said asset growth has outpaced current staffing, with a request for additional FTEs likely coming to support investment, operations, risk, and legal functions. The committee also reviewed the Legacy Fund’s in-state investment program, including 50 South Capital and infrastructure lending, and heard that one manager’s buildout is progressing more slowly because many opportunities are still early-stage. Adam Odison presented a preliminary estimate of the 2026 Legacy Fund earnings distribution, projecting about $894.8 million under current law, with roughly $237 million to the Highway Fund and $554 million to the Property Tax Relief Fund after the sinking and interest fund allocation. Jody Smith then gave a project update on a new standalone Legacy Fund website required by statute, intended to consolidate performance, holdings, governance, fees, and use-of-funds information for the public, with a planned launch around the October State Investment Board meeting. She also raised a possible future proposal to place the Legacy Earnings Fund back under State Investment Board management so the cash could remain invested longer before being transferred out, though members noted liquidity, accounting, and bank-deposit implications would need further review. Finally, Kelvin Holden of the Bank of North Dakota reviewed the match loan program, explaining how it supports large economic development projects by pairing Bank of North Dakota loans with State Investment Board CDs. He said the program currently has about $272 million outstanding and has supported projects such as Coal Creek Station and the MDU gas line to Gwinner. Members discussed whether the program’s return is appropriate and noted a prior moratorium on new investments so the committee can revisit the policy next session. The committee then elected Senator Klein as chair and Representative Hogan as vice chair, and the meeting ended with members thanking staff and partners for the fund’s progress.