Transcript Highlights:

• hearts and minds the people of this state.
• That will make us the largest state in the union in investments, larger than Alaska and other states.
• State funds, federal funds. Now, when we receive the federal funds, state funds, federal funds.
• If evidence is weak, the state loses. If evidence is weak, the state loses.
• would have an official state tie.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If the error rate is over that 6%, that would cost the state about $95 million in state general fund.
• Central State Hospital. Central State Hospital. Where is that located? In Pineville?
• Central State Hospital. Central State Hospital. Where is that located? In Pineville.
• The state, actually, the entire United States over the last 45 years... ...the state, actually, the entire
• In the state.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State assets will be used, and they coordinate with state forestry. However, they manage Fires.
• move around the state.
• Mexico State Forestry.
• 12 across the state.
• So, there are many exceptions. that this state uses. We are the only state.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• So other states don't have this law.
• We were the eighth state in the United States to pass this kind of legislation.
• I've already been in that state.
• This is a state legislative auditor.
• It is state funds.

Bills: SB237

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews, confidentiality

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the May 13 minutes. The committee quickly reported several bills favorably, including SB 1224, which requires DCFS review when a pregnancy involves a child under 17 and makes children under 12 a child in need of care; SB 1100, which repeals an old statute on unenriched bread; HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify certain provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners; HB 1231, clarifying that continuous glucose monitoring is covered through Medicaid for any insulin-dependent diabetic, including gestational diabetes; and HB 198, setting reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures. The committee also adopted a personal privilege welcome for physicians on White Coat Day and repeatedly noted that several bills were being advanced with the understanding that further work might continue before floor debate. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1160, which would create a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical school graduates, especially for rural and shortage areas. Committee members pressed the Board of Medical Examiners about delays in promulgating rules under an earlier 2024 law and objected to rule language they said went beyond the statute. Board representatives acknowledged a misunderstanding about the original bill’s intent and said the program had been operating, but members warned against agencies writing rules that contradict enacted law. Despite the criticism, HB 1160 was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably HCR 67, which creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children, following emotional testimony from the sponsor about her son’s death and the lack of appropriate care options. The committee then approved HCR 27, calling for a coordinated statewide evaluation of autism services by the Department of Health and Department of Education, with testimony emphasizing rising diagnosis rates, rural provider shortages, and the need for better data and coordination between medical and school-based services. HCR 28, which would study school nurse orientation and training, was also reported favorably after school nurses described the lack of standardized onboarding for new graduates and the risks of placing them alone in schools without adequate supervision. HB 469, which would have allowed pharmacy license renewal fees to be directed to Xavier University’s pharmacy school as well as public schools, was deferred after concerns about diverting funds from public institutions and the absence of testimony from affected schools. The committee also took up HB 223, which recreates DCFS, and adopted an amendment shortening the sunset date and requiring law enforcement reports to be accepted through a secure web-based platform; the bill was then reported favorably as amended. Another major discussion centered on HB 457 and HB 616, both tied to homelessness. HB 457, establishing minimum standards for shelters and related facilities, was reported favorably as amended after sponsor testimony and support cards. HB 616, which would allow the legislative auditor and local officials access to records and databases for audits of homelessness initiatives, drew extensive debate over privacy, federal funding, and accountability. Supporters cited a 2025 audit showing more than $216 million in federal homelessness spending in New Orleans and argued that auditors need access to performance data to detect waste and abuse; opponents warned about client privacy and the impact of funding cutoffs. The committee adopted an amendment changing permissive language to mandatory language for enforcement and then continued hearing testimony, with the discussion still centered on balancing oversight with confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the parents. 13 states formed the federal government, and we Child, we are the parents. 13 states
• The states can propose amendments that have to be sent out to all the states, and 38 states would need
• And then Governor Abbott of Texas, I arranged a call, and Governor Abbott of Texas talked to him for
• Number one, we don't have a state budget yet for this year. We don't have a state budget done.”
• So I take great confidence knowing that he knew that he was special to his state, his home state.

Keywords: 977, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with additional state support, Lakewood can deepen our work, And with additional state support, Lakewood
• You know, for a lot of other states, it's the largest city in that state.
• Bright red Louisiana, the poorest state in the United States, with a total state budget of just $12 billion
• You see a state like California that has a budget of over $300 billion, it's up to the state to prioritize
• You see a state like California that has a budget of over $300 billion, it's up to the state to prioritize

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But in Orleans, the state gives them, we, the state, gives them directly the money, $7 million.
• and the state departments.
• Please state your name and your position.
• And that gets very expensive for the state.
• There is only one parish in our state that gets direct money from the state of Louisiana.

Bills: HB141 , HB178 , HB179 , HB187 , HB188 , HB527 , HB782 , HB911 , HB916

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: court proceedings, transcription, criminal law, recording, judicial discretion, court reporters, record retention, criminal cases, civil cases, legal proceedings, judicial administration, Louisiana Supreme Court, court reporting services, digital reporting, remote proceedings, virtual courts, court reporter fees, judicial district, statewide revision, costs

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states or systems might look at enrollment.
• Appropriated from the general fund, state special funds, and grants and contracts revenues from state
• Under current law, it states of a building.
• It states that an institution may not receive less than 100% of the state aid to which the institution
• It states that an institution may not receive less than 100% of the state aid to which the institution

Committee: Joint Higher Education Funding Review Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states or systems might look at enrollment.
• Under current law, it states of a building.
• There's no changes to current state law from that. It's paid for.
• It states that an institution may not receive less than 100% of the state aid to which the institution
• Carmen Simone, President at Lake Region State College.

Summary: The committee met to discuss higher education funding and capital building policy. Members first heard an update from NDUS Deputy Commissioner Lisa Johnson on low-producing academic programs. She described a proposed board policy using a five-year rolling window and thresholds of fewer than 10 undergraduate graduates or fewer than 5 graduate graduates, with programs flagged for three consecutive review periods going to the board. Possible outcomes would include continuation, continuation with modifications, inactivation, or termination. Members asked about how the review would account for program costs, service to other students, workforce demand, and the difference between inactivation and termination. Johnson said the board would consider broader factors and that campuses already do detailed program analysis. Several members also asked about cost savings and staffing impacts from program terminations, and Johnson said the board would try to provide more information later. The committee then received a report on the Capital Building Fund from Jamie Wilkie. He reviewed the program’s history, matching requirements, and recent uses, noting that about $334 million in state and matching dollars has been invested overall, with most going to deferred maintenance and extraordinary repairs. Members discussed whether the program is reducing deferred maintenance and requested updated systemwide data on deferred maintenance and campus space utilization. Wilkie said the board is considering a new study to update deferred maintenance figures, which are based on information more than 12 years old. He also reported that several institutions have used current biennium funds for projects such as residence hall renovations, health sciences housing, generators, and building repairs. Later, the committee began a detailed walkthrough of a draft bill that would replace the current higher education funding formula with an FTE-based model and also revise the capital building fund structure. The draft would use fall enrollment FTEs, add completion incentives for degrees in in-demand fields, and create a separate research funding component for UND and NDSU tied to doctoral completions and external research expenditures. Members raised concerns about the use of older data in the formula, the treatment of waivers, the weighting of professional and health sciences programs, and the use of CIP codes to define CTE and education incentives. The bill draft would also combine capital building fund tiers, broaden eligible uses for deferred maintenance and legislatively authorized projects, change matching requirements, repeal the old formula chapter and the capital pool, and transfer funds from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund into the capital building fund. No final votes were taken during the portion provided; the meeting was primarily discussion and review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Court process and system across the state.
• But we're talking the rest of the state of California.
• But we're talking the rest of the state of California.
• And in the state of Texas, it allowed my biological... And there was not a conviction.
• And in the state of Texas, it allowed my biological mother to relinquish her custody of me without having

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Court process and system across the state.
• State Association of Counties in opposition. Thank you.
• But we’re talking the rest of the state of California.
• And in the state of Texas, it allowed my biological... And there was not a conviction.
• And in the state of Texas, it allowed my biological mother to relinquish her custody of me without having

Summary: The committee heard several bills. SB 911, by Senator Becker, would require notification and verification of defensible-space compliance when homes in high wildfire severity zones are transferred, using the preliminary change of ownership report; supporters said it would improve wildfire resilience and insurance availability, while county assessors opposed the use of the PCOR and urged a different recorded document. Members generally supported the bill but raised concerns about the 12-month compliance window and the need to keep working with assessors; the bill was held pending a quorum and later placed on call. SB 1016, by Senator Blakespear, would create a pathway for a higher-level mental health evaluation when a Care Court petition is dismissed because the person is too ill to participate or otherwise needs more intensive care. Supporters, including psychiatrists, family members, and local officials, said Care Court is leaving many severely ill people untreated and that the bill would connect them to existing LPS processes. Opponents, including Disability Rights California, county behavioral health directors, counties, and other advocacy groups, argued it would expand involuntary detention, bypass existing pre-petition screening safeguards, and undermine Care Court’s voluntary nature. The bill passed the committee on a roll call vote and was placed on call. SB 1112, by Senator Archuleta, would create a faster court process for victims of illegal or excessive “bandit towing” to recover their vehicles by posting a bond and obtaining a release certificate. Support came from Enterprise Mobility and the author, who said the bill targets bad actors and helps equalize leverage for vehicle owners; the California Auto Body Association sought an amendment to exclude auto repair shops. The committee passed the bill as amended to Appropriations and placed it on call. SB 1119, by Senator Padilla, would impose child-safety requirements on AI chatbots, including risk assessments, crisis-response protocols, parental controls, limits on time and data use, reporting, audits, and a private right of action. The bill was driven by testimony from the mother of a teenager who died by suicide after prolonged chatbot interactions; industry and business groups opposed or sought amendments, citing overlap with recent law, vague standards, and prescriptive design mandates. Members expressed strong support for the bill’s goals while urging tighter definitions, and the bill was moved on a roll call vote and placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states or systems might look at enrollment.
• fund, state special funds, and grants and contracts revenues from state entities.
• Under current law, it states of a building... Under current law, it states of a building.
• There's no changes to current state law from that.
• It states that an institution may not receive less than 100% of the state aid to which the institution

Committee: Joint Higher Education Funding Review Committee

Summary: The Higher Education Funding Review Committee met to continue work on a draft higher education funding formula and related capital building fund changes. Lisa Johnson of the North Dakota University System updated the committee on the board’s developing policy for low-producing academic programs. She said the board is using a five-year rolling window, with thresholds of fewer than 10 undergraduate graduates or fewer than 5 graduate graduates, and that programs flagged in three consecutive review cycles would go to the board for review. Possible outcomes include continuation, continuation with modifications, inactivation, or termination. Members asked about how the policy would account for enrollment, program costs, workforce need, and programs that serve students outside their major. Johnson said the board would likely use an accompanying procedure to consider those factors. She also reported that about 200 programs could potentially be reviewed under current guidance, with 135 inactivated and 112 terminated, and said the process is intended to support quality and stewardship rather than simply cut programs. Jamie Wilkie then reported on the Capital Building Fund. He reviewed the fund’s history, matching requirements, and use for extraordinary repairs, deferred maintenance, and some legislatively authorized projects. He said about $334 million in state and matching dollars has been invested overall, with roughly 78.7% going to deferred maintenance and extraordinary repairs. Committee members pressed for updated information on how much deferred maintenance has actually been reduced, and several members said they wanted clearer reporting on the return on investment from new buildings versus repairs. NDSU representatives said the tier funding has helped significantly reduce deferred maintenance and allowed demolition and renovation work on campus. The committee also discussed the need for updated five-year facility plans and space-utilization information from the institutions. The committee then began a section-by-section review of a draft bill that would replace the current higher education funding formula with an FTE-based model and restructure the capital building fund. The draft would fund UND and NDSU differently from the other nine institutions, use fall enrollment rather than completed credits, add performance funding for completions in in-demand fields, create research incentives for UND and NDSU, and combine capital building fund tiers while changing matching requirements and eligible uses. Members raised concerns about the treatment of professional students, the use of CIP codes, incentives for waivers, and whether the formula should rely on more current data. The committee did not take final action on the draft during this meeting, but it continued detailed discussion and indicated more review would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• State address.
• This morning state of the state is not just a preview of the year ahead.
• This morning's State of the State is not just a preview of the year ahead.
• state of California.
• So the question to all of you, who are the high-tax states? Just consider Texas.

Summary: The Assembly met, initially lacking a quorum, and the Clerk called the roll until a quorum was established. The chamber then proceeded through routine opening business, including prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, recognition of Native lands, approval of procedural motions, and several unanimous-consent actions to re-refer bills and allow committees to notice bills pending re-referral. The Assembly also recessed regular session to convene a joint convention for the Governor’s State of the State address. In the joint convention, Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his final State of the State speech, focusing on California’s economic performance, education investments, housing reforms, public safety, homelessness, climate policy, insurance issues, and the state’s response to federal actions. He highlighted budget plans, including a proposed $248.3 billion general fund, increased reserves, major education funding, child care and after-school investments, housing and affordability measures, mental health and homelessness funding, infrastructure projects, clean energy goals, and wildfire recovery efforts. He also praised legislative collaboration on AI regulation, tax credits, and other policy areas while criticizing federal policies and calling for continued state action. After the address, the Governor’s speech was ordered printed in the journal, the joint convention adjourned sine die, and the Assembly returned to regular session. The Speaker announced the desk would remain open for introduction of the budget bill, noted the next floor session would be Monday, January 12 at 1 p.m., and the House adjourned on motion of the Majority Leader.

Transcript Highlights:

• State address.
• This morning state of the state is not just a preview of the year ahead.
• This morning's State of the State is not just a preview of the year ahead.
• state of California.
• So the question to all of you, who are the high-tax states? Just consider Texas.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And with 28 states on board, the campaign is now just five states shy of 33.
• It is not delegated from the states, and the states cannot control it once it's limited.
• The states can't.
• That was changed from one state per, or one delegate per state, or one congressman per state, to several
• But let's stand up and join states like Utah, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Wyoming, and 23 others that

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please state your name.
• And with 28 states on board, the campaign is now just five states shy of 33.
• The states can't.
• That was changed from one state per, or one delegate per state, or one congressman per state, to several
• But let's stand up and join states like Utah, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Wyoming, and 23 others that

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then heard House Concurrent Resolution 25, which would apply for an Article V convention limited to proposing a balanced budget amendment, with a seven-year sunset on Idaho’s application. Senator Ricks and supporter Lauren Enz argued that federal debt is unsustainable, Congress has failed to act, and the states should use Article V pressure to force a balanced budget amendment. Supporters said the resolution is narrowly limited, that ratification would still require 38 states, and that Idaho should join the 28 states already on board. Opponents, including representatives of the Idaho GOP and several private citizens, warned that an Article V convention could not be safely limited, could become a runaway convention, and would place the Constitution at risk. They argued Congress, not the states, controls the process once a convention is called, and that the real problem is federal overreach and failure to follow the Constitution rather than the need for a new amendment. Several speakers also said Idaho should not pursue a balanced budget amendment while relying heavily on federal funds. After public testimony and committee discussion, Senator Foreman moved to send HCR 25 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, seconded by Senator Ricks. The committee debated the risks of a convention versus the urgency of federal debt, then took a roll call vote. The motion failed 5-4, and HCR 25 was held in committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, and welcome to Senate State Affairs.
• State Police, Idaho Public Safety Commission, Idaho Public Utilities Commission, Secretary of State,
• Secretary of State, Idaho Department of State, Idaho Department of Administration, and Idaho State Lottery
• and, you know, states' rights.
• , Indiana, and other states.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ENVISIONED FOR THEIR STATE PARKS.
• OF STATE PARKS.
• TO STATE LANDS FOR THE BENEFIT AND ENJOYMENT OF ALL PEOPLE OF THE STATE NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
• FROM TEXAS TO SOUTH CAROLINA.
• IT WOULD HELP DIVERSIFY THE STATE. IF WE HAVE A DIVERSIFIED STATE WE HAVE A STRONG STATE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the State of Idaho and the Congress of the United States.
• In the Senate, Senate Resolution 115 by the State Affairs Committee, a Senate resolution stating findings
• of Administration, and Idaho State Lottery have been reviewed and approved by the Senate State Affairs
• delegation representing the state of Idaho, and the Congress of the United States, the Secretary of
• , to the congressional delegation representing the state of Idaho in the Congress of the United States

Summary: The Senate convened with 33 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and received communications including a temporary substitute appointment for Legislative District 20. The chamber also received several committee reports and House messages, and welcomed numerous guests, including Idaho Farm Bureau members and other visitors in the gallery. The Senate acted on several gubernatorial appointments and memorials. It adopted committee reports confirming Brett Thomas to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, Erica Malman to the Idaho Personnel Commission, Michael Kennedy to the Idaho Judicial Council, and Representative John Weber to the State Insurance Fund Board. It also adopted House Joint Memorial 10, which urged federal officials to favor sugar over artificial sweeteners in school nutrition standards, with supporters arguing it promoted real food and Idaho’s sugar industry. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 1233, the “Constitutional Courts Act,” which would bar state courts from enforcing or applying religious or cultural law that does not conform to the U.S. and Idaho constitutions. Supporters said it protected constitutional supremacy and religious neutrality, while opponents argued it was unnecessary, legally risky, and potentially targeted religious law in a way that could invite constitutional challenges. After roll call, the bill failed by a vote of 15 ayes to 19 nays, with one absent and excused, and was filed in the Secretary’s office. The Senate also introduced and referred a slate of new bills, including measures on transportation, veterans, state employment, public employee retirement, accessory dwelling units, religious land development, housing covenants, and the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit. The chamber then moved to miscellaneous business, heard a few final announcements and introductions, and adjourned until 11 a.m. on February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Johnson with the Washington State Council of Firefighters.
• -29 biennium, $5.8 million general fund state...”
• The State Treasurer's Office has indicated no fiscal impact.
• The state of Washington is facing a financial crisis.
• The state should be looking for ways to trim the budget.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held public hearings on several bills before moving into executive session. Substitute Senate Bill 6037 would change how single-city fire protection districts are funded by ending the requirement that a city reduce its levy dollar-for-dollar and instead reducing the city’s statutory maximum rate; testimony was generally supportive from cities and firefighters, while public hospital districts opposed it over prorationing concerns and some witnesses sought amendments on governance and accountability. Senate Bill 6194 would allow cost-based Medicaid reimbursement for rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations, with strong support from Toppenish/Astria representatives and the Yakama Nation, who said the bill is needed to address severe funding inequities and preserve services. Senate Bill 5963 would make Passport to Careers students automatically income-eligible for the Washington College Grant; it drew support from student advocates and foster-youth advocates, with staff noting modest estimated costs. Senate Bill 5909 would require public universities to review and report low-enrollment undergraduate programs and potentially discontinue them after repeated low enrollment; Eastern Washington University supported it as an accountability measure, while faculty and student representatives opposed it as unnecessary, costly, and potentially politicized. Senate Bill 5826 would require public postsecondary student health centers to provide access to medication abortion or referrals and related web information; testimony was sharply divided between supporters who framed it as needed student health access and opponents who raised moral, safety, and budget objections. In executive session, staff briefed a series of bills, including measures on opioid treatment accreditation fees, a pre-K donation account, JLARC report elimination, retirement trust fund expense authority, pension lump-sum thresholds, port employee retirement exemptions, lemon law arbitration fees, LEAP website disclosures, limits on corporate ownership of single-family homes, a permanent senior center property tax exemption, timber tax distributions for school districts, capital project administration rules, and a real estate excise tax exemption for affordable housing. The committee then took action on the listed bills. The committee voted to give due pass recommendations to the Rules Committee for Senate Bills 5872, 5879, 5834, 5835, 5905, 5832, 6177, 5496, 5970, 5994, 6047, and 5647. Amendments were adopted on SB 5834, SB 5905, SB 6047, and SB 5647 before those bills were advanced as substitutes. SB 5988 was noted as taking action later, but no vote on it was recorded in the transcript excerpt.