Transcript Highlights:

• Brass, would you like to discuss your amendments?
• So I'd love to discuss that with you after the meeting. Sure.
• Financial costs about this that needs to also be discussed.
• And there's a lot more to discuss, but we can save it for another day.
• We're going to have plenty of other opportunities to discuss this.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee met on March 18, 2026, with 11 members present and adopted prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee first heard HB 649 by Rep. Brass, which would create a statewide common application portal for dual enrollment. Supporters from the Pelican Institute and the Board of Regents said the bill would simplify enrollment, reduce paperwork for counselors and families, and improve awareness of dual enrollment options. Members asked about nonparticipation by institutions and access for nontraditional students; the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 807 by Rep. Brass, which would establish the Workforce Instructor Capacity Investment Program within LCTCS to help recruit and retain instructors for high-demand workforce programs. Testimony from River Parishes Community College, Dow, and the Louisiana Chemical Association described instructor shortages as a bottleneck for training workers for major industrial projects, and said employer-sharing models and apprenticeships have been successful. An amendment expanded eligibility to include LSU Eunice and Southern University at Shreveport, and the committee adopted the amendments. After debate about whether the state needed a new fund versus using existing systems, the bill was reported favorably by a 13-1 roll call vote. Next, the committee heard HB 285 by Chairman Bacala, which authorizes school boards to cooperate with banks and credit unions to operate branches in high schools as part of financial literacy programs. Bacala said the bill clarifies statutory authority, and an amendment added banks to the original credit union language. Members discussed ethics, exclusivity, student access, and whether the branches could market products; supporters from LABI and financial industry groups said the programs improve hands-on financial education. The bill was reported with amendments without objection. The committee also considered HB 28 by Rep. Owen, which adds a BESE-level appeal for certain teacher certification applicants affected by administrative or contractor errors. Owen described a case in which applicants paid for certification programs but were denied because of a mentor-signature issue, and said the amendment would require BESE or its designee to act within 30 days. Department of Education staff said the Teacher Certification Appeals Council had already granted extensions rather than outright denials in the affected cases, but the committee advanced the bill after a 9-4 roll call vote. Finally, the committee began HB 268 by Rep. Carver, which would strengthen career exposure requirements for students by tying activities more closely to high-wage, high-demand jobs and adding an annual exposure requirement in K-5; testimony emphasized early workforce awareness, and discussion focused on keeping the requirements manageable for schools.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next agency that will be discussed is the Office of Motor Vehicles.
• Matter of fact, on this committee, as we discussed yesterday. I did, I did.
• Matter of fact, on this committee, as we discussed yesterday.
• And we were going to get with Representative McFarland and discuss that.
• Yeah, that has been discussed.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard FY27 budget presentations for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, beginning with Public Safety Services. House Fiscal Division staff reviewed the department’s recommended budget of $645.9 million, including supplemental pay, State Police, Motor Vehicles, and the State Fire Marshal. Officials explained that the overall budget reflects a net decrease from FY26, driven largely by shifts in funding sources, removal of one-time statutory dedications, and adjustments tied to undercollections in fees and self-generated revenues. State Police was recommended at $459.7 million, OMV at $86.7 million, and the Fire Marshal at $41.1 million. Department leaders also described ongoing modernization efforts, staffing vacancies, and the use of efficiencies identified internally. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Burns and agency heads testified about State Police operations, including increased cadet graduations, improved Mardi Gras security, progress on APHIS and OMV modernization, and the new crime lab under construction. Members asked about undercollections, vacancies, the role of public tag agents, and whether the agency could expand counter-drone capabilities. Burns said the department has identified about $11 million in efficiencies, but warned that counter-drone work would require additional funding, citing a $4.5 million fiscal note for HB 940 and roughly $9 million more for a robust unit. OMV officials said staffing and retention remain difficult, but modernization should improve service and reduce lines; they also said the agency continues to rely on public tag agents and is working through reinstatement fee collection issues. The committee then reviewed the Department of Corrections FY27 budget, recommended at $902.3 million, with most funding from State General Fund and a large increase tied to higher incarceration costs, medical needs, overtime, and added capacity at Louisiana State Penitentiary. DOC officials said the department remains under pressure from vacancies, turnover, contraband, and medical costs, and that the budget includes funding to add 150 correctional officers at Angola and to house ICE detainees at Camp J. They also discussed criminal justice reinvestment savings, prison enterprises, and reentry programs funded through the Second Chance Act. Members asked about staffing, inmate deaths at Elaine Hunt, work-release pay, and whether the department is tracking the true long-term cost of incarceration. Officials said they are pursuing pay increases, recruitment, expanded training and reentry programs, and more data-driven workforce alignment, while acknowledging that many budget pressures remain unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we did have some of those discussions.
• Any further discussion or questions on the motion? Mr.
• Any further discussion or questions on the motion? Mr.
• Any further discussion? Representative Birch: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Any further discussion? Representative Birch. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee: House Business

Summary: The committee first introduced a new page, approved the January 27 and January 29 minutes, and then heard House Bill 703, which would consolidate multiple disciplinary provisions into a single procedural framework in Title 67 without changing substantive licensing standards. The sponsor said it was a cleanup measure building on prior code consolidation work, and a contractor group testified in support. The committee voted to send HB 703 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The main item was House Bill 704, a universal E-Verify bill requiring employers to verify new hires through the federal system. Sponsors said it would protect Idaho workers and businesses, align with federal law, and create a level playing field; they also said they were open to adjusting the implementation date. Supporters included business, law enforcement, immigrant, and advocacy witnesses who argued it would enforce existing law and reduce unauthorized employment. Opponents, including the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, small business and bookkeeping witnesses, and others, argued E-Verify is flawed, burdensome, and could harm agriculture, construction, household employers, and other sectors; they also raised concerns about biometric language, private complaints to the Attorney General, and possible unintended coverage of service relationships. After extensive committee questioning and testimony, a motion to send HB 704 to general orders failed 11-7. The committee then voted 16-2 to send HB 704 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation, with several members noting they reserved the right to change their votes on the floor. The committee then began House Bill 700, which would add criminal penalties for knowingly hiring unauthorized workers while providing a defense for employers who use E-Verify in good faith. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an enforcement measure, while opponents repeated concerns about E-Verify’s reliability and added burdens; the transcript ends during the sponsor’s closing remarks on HB 700, before any committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, there has been discussion, and there will be more discussion with stakeholders in this, and
• There are ongoing discussions here.
• There are ongoing discussions here.
• However, there has been discussion, and there will be more discussion with stakeholders in this, and
• There are ongoing discussions here.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 387 on ADS-B airport billing. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would stop airports and third-party vendors from using federally required automatic dependent surveillance broadcast data to calculate landing or touch-and-go fees, arguing the technology was intended for safety and collision avoidance, not invoicing. An amendment clarifying touch-and-go landings and other fee calculations was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably 15-0. Members then heard several local and policy bills. CS/HB 803 on private-provider building permits and inspections drew broad support from industry groups and was reported favorably 14-1. HB 451 and HB 4053, local fire-district assessment bills, were presented as relief for homeowners and churches facing higher non-ad valorem assessments; both were reported favorably after amendments, with testimony emphasizing impacts on houses of worship and local communities. PCS/HB 1329 on local government spending transparency prompted extensive debate over searchable budget formats, posting requirements, and possible unfunded mandates; supporters framed it as taxpayer access and accountability, while opponents argued many local governments already provide this information and that the bill could impose costs. It was reported favorably 8-4. The committee also advanced PCS/HB 927 on local land planning and development, which would allow qualified professionals to assist with pre-application reviews; local government representatives raised concerns about preemption and environmental restrictions, but the bill was reported favorably 13-2. HB 929 on chickee huts, PCS/HB 4081 on expanding a local water and sewer district by referendum, and HB 489 conveying the Trenton Train Depot to the city and county all passed unanimously or near-unanimously. HB 1211, a Department of Military Affairs bill updating leave and assistance-program provisions, was amended and reported favorably. HB 1041, creating business incentives for veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses, also passed 13-0 after amendment and supportive testimony from members and veterans. The final item shown was HB 1001, a bill restricting county and municipal DEI-related actions and contracting; the sponsor described it as a response to division and waste, and members began questioning its definitions, scope, and potential effects on training and civil actions, but the transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Representative Keshel, yeah, there was an extensive year-long discussion, so they discussed
• Long discussion, so they discussed everything.
• Any discussion, members?
• Any discussion on this?
• Yes, any discussion? Okay. Mr. Chair? Yes, any discussion? Sorry about that. Thank you. Mr.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Intel Expert/Expert Works on software intended to help investigators process large volumes of audio, video, and text data more quickly. The presenters said the tool could be adapted for Department of Child Safety work involving neglected, abused, missing, and exploited children by flagging keywords, building link charts, translating transcripts, and aggregating files for faster review. Members discussed possible use with DCS, county sheriffs, DOC, procurement and RFP issues, and whether the software could help triage hotline calls, clear backlogs, and identify trafficking or abuse networks. The presenters said the system is already used in Iowa and elsewhere, and committee members expressed interest in pursuing legislation, appropriations, or a pilot program. The committee then considered HB 2460, which would preempt local ordinances that penalize businesses for theft of movable property, especially shopping carts. The sponsor argued cities were shifting cleanup costs onto victims of theft, while cities and towns opposed the bill, saying local ordinances address blight and public-right-of-way hazards and that businesses should take proactive steps. After testimony from the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and the City of Phoenix, the committee passed HB 2460 on a 4-3 vote. Members also heard HB 2060, which would prohibit public educational institutions and ABOR schools from encouraging or facilitating abortions. The sponsor said taxpayer-funded institutions should remain neutral and not use public resources to promote abortion, while opponents argued the bill would restrict students’ access to constitutionally protected reproductive health care and referrals. Supporters said campuses should provide alternatives such as pregnancy resources and adoption information. The committee passed HB 2060 on a 4-3 vote. Finally, the committee considered HB 2210, as amended, to prohibit the state, local governments, and private entities from using ADS-B aircraft surveillance data to calculate or collect fees from aircraft owners or operators. Supporters said the technology was intended for safety and should not be repurposed for fee collection, warning that pilots might turn it off if used that way; opponents, including the City of Phoenix, said they wanted flexibility to use the system if needed. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 2210 as amended on a 4-3 vote. The transcript then began discussion of HB 2533, which would create an Office of Homeless Services, board, compensation fund, and ombudsman, but the excerpt ends before that bill is fully taken up.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion after questions? Okay, so, Madam Chair—yes, never mind. I'll say it in my vote.
• Is there any further discussion? Will the secretary please call the roll?
• Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, would the Secretary please call the roll?
• Is there any further discussion? Seeing none, would the Secretary please call the roll?
• Is there any further discussion? Members, you've heard the motion. Is there any further discussion?

Committee: Senate Senate Regulatory Affairs & Government Efficiency Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard the Arizona Auditor General’s 2025 sunset review of the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board. The audit found the board generally processed licenses and complaints timely and had adopted required school curriculum rules, but it also identified inconsistent disciplinary actions, gaps in required infection-prevention and law education for some reciprocity and instructor applicants, weak application review controls, and noncompliance issues involving open meeting law, public records, and conflicts of interest. Auditors also recommended statutory changes on esthetics scope of practice, cease-and-desist authority, and eyelash technician training standards. The board’s executive director said the agency agreed with the findings, had already implemented some changes including updated disciplinary parameters, conflict-of-interest training, lawful presence verification, and revised cash-handling procedures, and was working through the remaining recommendations. After questions, the committee voted 7-0 to recommend the board implement the audit recommendations and be continued for six years, until July 1, 2032. The committee then took up the combined sunset review and performance audit of the Arizona Department of Gaming, the Arizona Racing Commission, and the Arizona Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission. The Auditor General reported that while the department distributed tribal gaming funds and issued some licenses appropriately, it failed to consistently obtain and review required independent audit reports for event wagering and fantasy sports operators, did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements, lacked comprehensive complaint-handling processes, and had delayed some compact trust fund distributions. Additional issues included IT security documentation, horse-racing suitability checks, fee-setting reviews, rulemaking, and public records procedures; the Boxing and MMA Commission also had licensing and fee-setting deficiencies. The department and commissions agreed to implement the recommendations, and the department director said the agency was already making changes, including updated guidance to operators, a new complaint-tracking process, conflict-of-interest training, and work on trust fund distributions and rule changes. Committee members pressed both the auditor and the department on why fantasy sports audit reviews had not been completed, whether underpayments would be recovered, and why no distributions had yet been made to certain Category 3 tribes under the 2021 compact trust fund. The director said the department was now doing a look-back review, would seek any owed fees, penalties, and interest, and was helping tribes resolve the baseline-revenue formula needed for distributions. Members also asked about conflict-of-interest practices, problem gambling, and whether prediction markets fall under gaming regulation. The discussion continued into the department’s broader presentation, with the director describing the agency’s regulatory role and ongoing modernization efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not perfect like about everything else I produce, but uh, this is out for discussion.
• Uh and it's very simple even discussion.
• This was pretty much just for discussion only today. >> Yes.
• This was pretty much just for discussion only today. >> Yes.
• Of course, we discuss impacts concern.

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:56 Approval of Minutes 02:26 Discussion of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and Related Legislative 02:43 Presentation of Geoengineering and Related Legislation 07:42, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the prior meeting’s minutes. Senator Williams then presented a discussion draft involving KCNA and COOT/Kentucky Wired governance changes. He said the proposal would make the COOT executive director the KCNA director, place the education CIO as chair of a new board of constitutional officers, terminate existing KCNA employees at inception, and return KCNA funds to the general fund. He described the measure as a temporary holding pattern focused on customer connectivity until an audit is completed next summer. Senator West asked whether the bill would change existing Kentucky Wired contracts, and Williams said the contracts would remain in place and COOT would simply handle the work without an extra layer of bureaucracy. No vote was taken; the item was for discussion only. The committee then heard a presentation on geoengineering and related legislation from Rep. John Hodgson, Sen. Rollins, and retired meteorologist Randy Baker. They described geoengineering as attempts to alter climate or weather, including solar radiation modification, stratospheric aerosol injection, marine cloud brightening, and cloud seeding. The presenters distinguished these activities from ordinary jet contrails, crop dusting, ground-level emissions, and airport fog control, and said the proposed Kentucky bill would exclude those ordinary activities. They argued Kentucky lacks a current prohibition on weather modification, said the bill would protect farmland, crops, animal agriculture, aquaculture, and human health, and cited public concern, federal uncertainty, and similar legislation in other states. They also said cloud seeding is used in some western states but remains scientifically unproven and potentially harmful. Members asked about enforcement, federal preemption, and whether other states’ actions could affect Kentucky. The presenters said high-altitude spraying would be difficult to hide, that satellite imagery could detect large releases, and that the bill was intended as an assertion of state sovereignty even if federal law later changed. They also said there were no known active geoengineering projects in Kentucky. The discussion remained informational, with no committee vote or final action taken on either topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• I expect that the committee will begin by discussing and voting on ACA 8.
• How did you plan to submit this amendments if you were planning to end discussion?
• But we discuss as legislators, right? We discuss concepts. We discuss ideas.
• So commissioners were barred from discussing anything not in public.
• Thank you very much for the lively discussion today. I appreciate it.

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there discussion on that before we proceed?
• But I just want to throw that out there as we have this discussion.
• So we certainly discussed that.
• That’s a good discussion. I’m glad we had it.
• I'll be discussing what you've already been discussing, which is the July 7th letter from the Justice

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, all Any further discussion?
• Discussion of rule. Additionally, the language is rule.
• Any further discussion?
• Seeing none, all those in discussion?
• So any other discussion all rule making.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the consent calendar and the minutes. It then took up a Department of Employment Security rule, 24193, where the only issue was that a form had not been incorporated by reference. The department submitted an oral conditional approval request with revised language, and the committee approved the rule conditionally. A second Employment Security rule, 195, raised concerns that the notice language was too broad and vague and could amount to oral rulemaking; because the agency had not yet finalized revised language, the committee granted a one-month waiver so the rule could return next month with a conditional approval proposal. The Department of Safety’s contact person notification program rule, 24237, drew comments about Social Security number collection, unclear drafting on one section, and ambiguity about which application needed a signature. The agency agreed to remove Social Security number references from the rules and forms and to adopt the suggested clarifying language with minor edits. After discussion about why the identifiers were needed, the committee approved the rule conditionally with the oral changes. The committee then moved a previously consent-calendar item, OPLC rule 2547, off consent after Representative Maguire objected that the renewal application form was too health-care-focused and user-unfriendly for other professions; the agency said it would revisit the form, and the committee postponed action until next month without needing a waiver. The final major item was Fish and Game’s HB 2548, which changes licensing and permit rules for taking deer, bear, moose, turkey, and furbearing animals. Staff noted extensive public testimony, including a coalition submission, and said the main dispute was over what data the agency should rely on in setting seasons and take limits. Fish and Game explained that declining trapper participation made capture-per-unit-effort data less reliable, so it also uses hunter surveys and UNH research projects funded in part by federal money; the agency said current trapping removals are very low and do not appear to threaten populations. Committee members and public witnesses questioned whether the agency’s responses to comments were sufficiently specific under the new public-comment law, but no final vote on the Fish and Game rule was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had other bills before us that we've discussed, and... ...at an issue.
• We've had other bills before us that we've discussed.
• And I think it's important that we are discussing the levels of social...
• I think that’s something we need to discuss further.
• Okay, committee, do we have any discussion beyond what we’ve already done here? No?

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first heard House Joint Memorial 20, sponsored by Representative Steve Tanner, which asks the federal government to study and account for the cost Idaho says it bears under Plyler v. Doe for educating children of non-citizens. Tanner argued the ruling functions as an unfunded mandate and estimated the annual cost to Idaho taxpayers at roughly $112 million to $220 million. Members debated whether the memorial conflicted with Plyler, whether undocumented status could even be studied, and whether the memorial unfairly targeted a vulnerable population. Supporters said it was simply a statement asking the federal government to make Idaho whole; opponents raised concerns about one-sided framing and the treatment of immigrant children. The committee took a roll call vote and passed the memorial 10-3, sending it to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 883, sponsored by Representative Doug Pickett, a school funding flexibility and earned autonomy proposal for both traditional public school districts and public charter schools. Pickett and Idaho Charter School Network representative Emily McClure explained that the bill would allow qualifying schools more discretion over funding and reduce reporting burdens if they meet academic, financial, and governance benchmarks. The bill includes a two-year grace period if a school has a bad year and a 2029 review date. Questions focused on the different standards for districts and charters, how many schools might qualify, how growth and socioeconomic factors are accounted for, and why virtual charter schools were excluded. Supporters said the bill rewards strong performance and innovation while maintaining accountability. Testimony in favor emphasized that high-performing schools need flexibility to allocate funds, hire experienced staff, and reduce compliance work; one charter school leader said a compliance position had become 95% paperwork. Some members praised the bipartisan effort and said the bill could be a useful experiment and a bridge to broader funding reform. Representative Veeley moved to send HB 883 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying aye.
• Representative, we're discussing the motion.
• Representative Shepard, discussion on the motion.
• Any other discussion?
• Any other discussion?

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 663, which would allow Idaho Agriculture in the Classroom to redesign its specialty license plate and shift plate design authority from Food Producers of Idaho to the organization’s board of directors. The sponsor and Cassidy Plum, the state director, said the plate provides about 75% of the program’s funding and supports teacher workshops, grants, and ag-literacy curriculum. Samantha Parrott also testified in support, saying the redesign could help increase sales and that Food Producers of Idaho supports the bill. Representative Harris raised the idea of involving students in the design, and Plum said the organization may hold a student competition. The committee voted to send HB 663 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 628, which revises Idaho’s driver’s education law to expand parental instruction options and remove the prior rural-only limitation, while also adjusting language related to approved online course providers. Representative Mendive said the bill is the latest step in a multi-year effort to give families more flexibility and to allow school districts to offer driver training if they choose. Robert Scoville, a Caldwell science teacher and driver’s ed instructor, testified in opposition, arguing that removing school-based instruction would reduce safety and increase teen crash risks, citing crash and fatality statistics and the value of professional instruction. In response, supporters argued parents are already responsible for much of the training, that private instruction remains available, and that the bill increases freedom and reflects what is already happening in many districts. After discussion, the committee debated whether the bill would improve parental choice or weaken driver safety. Several members supported the measure as a matter of local control and family discretion, while others expressed concern about urban safety and the loss of professional instruction. The committee ultimately voted to send HB 628 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on the Kavanagh floor amendment? Seeing none, all in favor say aye.
• Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it.
• Any other discussion? Seeing none, Mr. Majority Leader, do you want closing comments?
• Any discussion? Seeing none... offer for consideration SB 1368, signed David C.
• You've heard the motion, any discussion? Seeing none, all of, Senator Gonzalez. Thank you, Mr.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized several visiting groups at the Capitol, including OBGYNs and trainees for Women’s and Reproductive Health Day, environmental advocates for Environmental Day, Arizona Maha Coalition members, nurses for Arizona Nurses Day, aerospace industry representatives for Aerospace Day, and guests for International Mother Language Day and other district visitors. Several proclamations and recognitions were read, including International Mother Language Day, Arizona Aerospace Day, and a recognition of Israeli Supreme Court Justice Daphne Barak-Erez. The chamber also welcomed the Doctor of the Day and a newly appointed commissioner, and the President Pro Tem made temporary committee appointments. The main floor business was a Committee of the Whole on several SNAP-related bills. SB 1002, concerning SNAP/TANF public welfare verification, received a floor amendment from Senator Kavanagh and was advanced with a do pass recommendation. SB 1331, relating to SNAP military employment and training, also advanced do pass. SB 1333, relating to a SNAP error rate forensic audit, was amended by the Health and Human Services Committee and advanced do pass after Senator Gonzalez spoke in opposition, arguing the bill did not address the underlying federal error-rate problem and could increase state costs. SB 1334, concerning SNAP work requirement waivers and exemptions, advanced do pass despite Senator Gonzalez’s opposition, in which she argued the bill would restrict Arizona’s flexibility, especially in rural and tribal areas, and could harm older adults and people with disabilities. SB 1368, concerning SNAP purchase restrictions, was then taken up; Senator Gonzalez began speaking in opposition, but the transcript cuts off before the debate or final action on that bill is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any other questions or discussion? Okay.
• Now, naturally, any discussion of the PRA requires us to have a brief interlude regarding records retention
• Now turning to a brief discussion of the OPMA, the Open Public Meetings Act.
• Then finally, I won't go through this, but the rest of the memo discusses the criteria that JLARC have
• Does anyone have a discussion or things they're interested in updating or changing? Okay.

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 7, 2025, with quorum present. The commission approved the October 22, 2024 meeting minutes and then received its annual open government refresher from the Attorney General’s office, which reviewed key requirements under the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, including record retention, response deadlines, exemptions, and meeting notice rules. Staff then provided a 2025 legislative session update, noting that the legislature passed 23 tax-preference-related bills, with several signed by the governor and others pending. Highlights included bills that extended or repealed certain preferences, added reporting requirements for newspaper and digital content exemptions, authorized JLARC to adjust its work plan when data is unavailable, and created a new exemption for zero-emission buses. The commission approved updates to the 2026 tax preference review schedule, which includes eight preferences in seven reviews, and approved unchanged testimony questions for 2025. The commission also received the 2025 expedited preference review report covering 52 tax preferences, presented as an interactive table drawing on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies. Staff then outlined the process for developing the next 10-year review schedule for 2027-2036, including surveying the legislature, incorporating new and repealed preferences, and considering a possible rolling 10-year schedule. No public comment was registered. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of Ron Buing’s long service on the commission and an announcement that the next meeting would be held August 6, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? If not, all those in favor say aye. All those opposed say no.
• Any<00:11:48.320><c> discussion?</c> Any discussion? Any discussion?
• Any discussion? Members, we will be taking a voice vote. All those in favor say aye.
• Any discussion?
• Members, we will be taking a discussion? Members, we will be taking a voice<00:12:45.440><c> vote.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no discussion... Oh, sorry, this is... Sorry, thank you.
• We've discussed a variety of concerns with SANDAG.
• We've discussed a variety of concerns with SANDAG.
• Today I will discuss our Delta—I'm sorry—our dental benefits program, which covers over 600,000 employees
• Thank you for the very interesting discussion. Thank you, CalHR.

Committee: House Joint Legislative Audit

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion?
• Further discussion. Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Chairman Justice. Aye.
• Seeing no further discussion, thank you, Representative, for that description there.
• The safeguard has been discussed and remains in place.
• The reason I offered the language that has been discussed by the committee, Mr.

Committee: House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and took up House Bill 2280, a bill to address abandoned railroad rights-of-way in Missouri by assigning the state land surveyor the duty of surveying them over a 20-year period. Supporters said the bill would help clarify boundaries and ownership where old rail corridors have been abandoned and physical evidence of the centerline has disappeared. Members discussed the bill’s fiscal note and the possibility of shifting survey costs to railroads in the future. The committee voted 21-0 to do pass HB 2280. In public hearing, Representative Farnan presented House Bill 3014, a conveyance bill authorizing the sale of about 59 acres owned by Northwest Missouri State University to Nottoway County Economic Development for a fairground, expo center, and campsites. Members asked about the acreage and whether the bill directed a specific buyer, and the sponsor said the county group was the intended purchaser if it secures funding. No witnesses testified, and the hearing closed without action. The committee then heard House Bill 3392 from Representative Haley, which would remove the requirement that retailers and distributors keep Form 149 exemption certificates on file for dyed diesel sales at retail pumps. Haley and supporting witnesses from Geyer Oil, the Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Missouri Corn Growers said the current paperwork requirement is burdensome, especially for unmanned or rural stations, and had led to a large audit assessment against one company. Department of Revenue staff explained that the current law requires the form, that refunds are available through DOR if a retailer does not accept it, and that they were reviewing proposed amendment language to avoid unintended consequences. No vote was taken on HB 3392, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, any further discussion on the motion?
• Representative Matthias, we appreciate this great discussion.
• Representative Matthias, we appreciate this great discussion. We do not have a motion yet.
• Is there any discussion? Representative Matthias. Thank you, Mr.
• Any discussion? All in favor say it. Excuse me, Representative Byswinger.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on the motion? Mr. Any discussion on the motion? Mr. Chairman. Yes, I'm direct you.
• Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• We'll have any discussion 10 and 5 till, then we'll let Senator Taves close.
• We'll have any discussion or motions in a vote after that.
• Discussion on the motion? Senator Wintrow: Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The committee first considered the gubernatorial appointment of Judge Rick Carnaroli of Pocatello to the Idaho Judicial Council. Carnaroli, appearing virtually, described his more than 20 years on the bench and said he wanted to help identify strong judicial candidates and support the judiciary. Senators offered favorable comments about his fairness and experience, and the committee voted unanimously to send the appointment to the floor with a recommendation for confirmation. The committee then printed two RSs, RS 3761 and RS 3805, before taking up House Bill 803. Senator Doug Ricks explained that the bill would clarify that execution protocols are not subject to the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act and would extend confidentiality protections to firing squad executions, consistent with the state’s recent adoption of firing squad as an execution method. A Department of Correction director testified that the agency already treats itself as exempt from the APA and that the bill was intended to clarify legislative intent while preserving public posting of procedures. After limited public testimony, including one opponent, the committee voted to send HB 803 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee spent most of the meeting on House Bill 752, which Senator Ben Taves said would protect sex-separated private spaces such as restrooms, locker rooms, and showers by making it a misdemeanor, with a felony for repeat offenses, for knowingly entering an opposite-sex facility in certain government or public accommodation settings, subject to listed exceptions. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect privacy and safety, while opponents said existing criminal laws already address misconduct and that the bill would criminalize transgender people and be difficult to enforce. Testimony included emotional accounts both for and against the measure, along with questions about enforcement, exceptions, and whether the bill was necessary. After debate, the committee voted to send HB 752 to the floor with a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? I have an amendment ending in .03H.
• Any discussion? All those in favor?
• Any discussion? Okay. Bill 3491 be voted do pass. Any discussion? Okay, please call the roll.
• Any discussion? Okay, seeing none? I have a substitute ending in .06C.
• Any discussion? Representative Walsh Moore?

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 959, house, all