Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:42:19.000><c> where</c> spending on special education, where spending on special education,
• </c> As you just heard, special education costs are responsible for the upward revision in our education
• Special education is largely a cost-based, reimbursement-driven formula.
• Chair, and I thought I'd pipe up real quick about the special education costs.
• Just rem- um could you education costs.

Bills: HF3425

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: supportive housing, grants, housing assistance, funding, Minnesota Statutes, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> simple check like for the education simple check like for the education someone<01:08:36.400><c>
• I think we should start with education over enforcement.
• </c><01:19:08.159><c> This</c><01:19:08.320><c> has</c> education over enforcement.
• This has education over enforcement.
• ><c> like</c><01:21:47.920><c> the</c> education, uh, you know, like the education, uh, you know, like

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the Office of the Auditor’s recent audit of Hawaii’s deposit beverage container program and the Department of Health’s response. State Auditor Les Condo reviewed the program’s structure, noting it was created to increase recycling and reduce litter, but said prior audits have repeatedly found weak internal controls, reliance on self-reported data, and an “honor system” approach. He cited examples of underreporting and overpayment risks, including a Whole Foods settlement and secret-shopper testing at a redemption center where the program reimbursed more than what was actually paid to consumers. Condo said the special fund continues to grow, increasing by more than $12 million between FY24 and FY25, and that the 2024 audit found no meaningful progress in implementing earlier recommendations. He also noted that many prior recommendations were later codified in law, including risk-based audits and internal control requirements, and said the office will audit the program again in about a year. Senator Fevella said the briefing was needed because he has seen little progress over the years and emphasized the program’s goals of reducing litter and promoting recycling. He noted that Hawaii has lost a glass recycler, underscoring broader challenges in the system. Department of Health Deputy Director Kathleen Hoe said the department is committed to addressing longstanding problems and said the director’s office meets with the program twice a month. Program staff outlined steps being taken to respond to the audit, including revising accounting and inspection/enforcement manuals, retaining third-party services, and implementing risk-based audits of distributors and redemption centers. They said internal control process documents from distributors were due June 30, with about 200 received and roughly 100 still outstanding, and that enforcement letters are being sent. The department also described plans for electronic reporting to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy, as well as a broader legislative proposal for a tiered audit system. Under that proposal, larger distributors would remain subject to the current every-other-year audit requirement, middle-tier distributors would be audited every five years, and smaller distributors would be exempt. Officials said the governor had temporarily waived enforcement of the 2025 independent audit requirement because of cost concerns for smaller distributors, while the department reviews submitted audits and considers a longer-term fix. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• :46:32.400><c> and</c> barriers to housing, employment, and barriers to housing, employment, and education
• that are caused by old education that are caused by old records. records. records.
• </c> 22% reported improvement in education. 22% reported improvement in education.
• I think it's educational for briefing.
• I think it's educational for all<01:24:37.040><c> of</c><01:24:37.120><c> us</c><01:24:37.280><c> who've

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held an information briefing on expungement and record clearance, with Chair David Tarnis and Vice Chair Mahina Poo Poy emphasizing second chances and the legislature’s recent work on state-initiated relief. The chair reviewed prior measures, including Act 62 (2024), which created Hawaii’s first state-initiated expungement pilot for certain non-conviction cannabis-related arrests, Act 159 (2023), which required automatic sealing or removal of expunged records from the judiciary’s public database, and Act 241 (2024), which created the Clean Slate Task Force. He said the committee invited the Clean Slate Initiative and Code for America because of their national experience with state-initiated record clearance systems. Phil Hickden of the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and Attorney General’s office reported that Act 62 was implemented using existing resources and no new funding, initially covering single-charge, pre-2020 arrests in Hawaii County for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and later expanded by Act 005 (2025) to all arrests under HRS 712-1249 regardless of drug type. He said the project identified 2,268 potentially eligible records, with 1,072 processed so far, 989 granted and 83 denied, and that the work has taken about 872 staff hours and roughly 45 days per expungement. He also said the office has identified about 412,000 people who could potentially qualify for expungement under broader legislation, though that estimate does not include case-by-case research. Michelle Acasta of the judiciary explained that Act 159 changed the process so HCJDC now digitally transmits expungement certificates to the court, eliminating the applicant’s second step of filing paperwork with the court. She said the courts still manually review eligibility, but the process is easier because certificates now include a case ID and HCJDC provides additional information to help locate records. She reported that since implementation the courts received 125 certificates in July and 87 in August, with 17 court orders filed in July and August, including 81 in the First Circuit, 14 in Maui, 7 in the Third Circuit, and 15 in the Fifth Circuit. She also noted that the Hawaii Supreme Court’s State v. Rogan decision affects procedure by requiring a written request or motion, an opportunity to be heard, and written findings for sealing court records, and that new Supreme Court rules are expected for public comment. Members asked about qualitative outcomes and whether the process could be expanded statewide; staff said they do not track recidivism or personal stories, and the chair encouraged further discussion before the next session to identify barriers and capacity needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you help us assure people in the education community that Proposition 98 is fully protected by this
• Just to your first question about Proposition 98 and making assurances to the education community...
• Just to your first question about Proposition 98 and making assurances to the education community, because
• So we have it there crystal clear to make clear to the education stakeholders... ...Article 16.
• So we have it there crystal clear to make clear to the education stakeholders, to make clear to members

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• little, the sky is falling on our budget right now, which is why we cut close to $350 million from education
• Which is why we cut close to $350 million from education to educate our scholars.
• I love more education for folks and incentives.
• I love more education for folks and incentivizing people to be volunteers in their community.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2808 on a 9-4 vote with one present. The hearing then focused on House Bill 1808 and its companion House Bill 3435, both titled Grace’s Law, which would create a narrow social host liability cause of action for knowingly providing alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person age 21 or older when that conduct leads to injury, death, or property damage. Sponsors said the bill is intended to fill a gap in Missouri law, align the state with other states that recognize social host liability, and promote accountability without punishing responsible hosts. Members raised questions about how the visible-intoxication standard would apply in private settings, whether the bill could reach casual gatherings, and whether it should also address other substances; sponsors said the measure is intentionally limited and still being refined. Supporters of Grace’s Law included the mother of Grace, the crash victim for whom the bill is named, a relative of another drunk-driving victim, and representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. They described the bill as a response to preventable tragedies and argued that liability would encourage hosts to stop serving intoxicated guests, take away keys, or arrange safe rides. Testimony emphasized that the bill is about reckless conduct rather than ordinary hospitality, and several members expressed sympathy and support for stronger accountability in drunk-driving cases. No opposition testimony was presented before the hearing on those bills concluded. The committee then heard House Bills 3439 and 3480, which would extend the Public Safety Protection and Recruitment Act to volunteer firefighters by allowing them to qualify for tuition assistance and related benefits under the program. Sponsors said volunteer firefighters in rural areas perform essential and often dangerous work, but are currently excluded from the statute, and that the change would help recruit and retain volunteers. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether volunteers should receive the same benefit as full-time personnel, and whether the program should be structured as a tuition waiver rather than a scholarship to reduce costs. Fire chiefs and other supporters testified that volunteer departments are critical in rural Missouri, that volunteers often receive extensive training and respond to fires, EMS calls, and disasters, and that the benefit would help departments recruit and keep members. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce also supported the bill, citing public safety and workforce benefits. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing was concluded after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Rachel Strife, Arizona Mad Moms, Mad Moms Services and Education Fund, also with Association for
• I'm Rachel Strife, Arizona Mad Moms, Mad Moms Services and Education Fund, also with Association for
• right, Madam Bliss, members of the committee, Rachel Strife, Arizona Mad Moms, Mad Mom Services and Education
• repealing the outdated language in ARS 36-415, we're not reducing transparency or eliminating important educational
• PASSRS is a membership organization that champions the senior placement industry through education, advocacy

Committee: House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced a series of Senate bills focused largely on mental health, public health, child welfare, and insurance coverage. SB 1113 would allow screening or evaluation agency employees to personally serve court documents on patients in involuntary mental health proceedings; supporters said this would reduce burdens on police and be less disruptive for patients. The committee adopted the Bliss amendment limiting reimbursement to services provided under county contract, and SB 1113 was given a due pass recommendation 12-0. SB 1122 would limit Access from imposing over-100% prepayment review on certain behavioral health providers serving American Indian Health Program members unless a corrective action plan is in place; Access was neutral and said it had worked with the sponsor, and the bill passed 12-0. SB 1123 would remove a board-certification requirement so trained, licensed forensic pathologists can supervise pathology trainees during autopsies; Maricopa County supported it as a workforce and efficiency measure, and it passed 12-0. SB 1125 would require DCS to make annual efforts to enter MOUs with Arizona tribes and improve coordination on tribal children in state care; DCS said it was already working on pending MOUs, and the bill passed 12-0. The committee also heard several bills tied to breast cancer screening and court-ordered treatment. SB 1165 would prohibit cost-sharing for follow-up breast cancer diagnostic and supplemental screening services in private insurance; the sponsor and advocates described it as removing financial barriers that can delay diagnosis, and it passed 12-0. SB 1243 would require guardians to be notified before discharge or release of patients under court-ordered treatment and allow guardians to seek continuation of treatment; family members and advocates testified that missed renewals can create dangerous gaps, and the bill passed 10-0 with two absent. SB 1318 would repeal a state breast-density notice requirement that now overlaps with a newer federal FDA standard; ADHS said the change would reduce confusion and duplicate notices, and it passed 11-0 with one absent. Later, SB 1188 would align Arizona controlled-substance schedules with federal FDA/DEA scheduling; the sponsor said it would speed access to new treatments, while one member opposed it over concerns about relying on federal agencies, and it passed 8-2. SB 1193 would bar DHS from selling or disclosing EMT personal identifying information for commercial purposes without consent; the sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns about vendors buying licensee data, and members discussed whether broader privacy protections should be considered, but the bill passed 10-0. Finally, SB 1477 would require referral agencies serving assisted living facilities to verify background-screening practices, registry status, and insurance coverage; the sponsor and PASSRS said it would raise standards in senior placement services, and it passed 10-0 after a technical amendment. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• know, when you have more and more kids, you know, obviously internet is just a lifeline of modern education
• know, when you have more and more kids, you know, obviously internet is just a lifeline of modern education
• know, when you have more and more kids, you know, obviously internet is just a lifeline of modern education
• You know, obviously, internet is just a lifeline of modern education, and this really not only harms
• Senator Storm also just wanted to mention that with the conversation you and I had yesterday, you educated

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 00:36 Roll Call 02:26 SB 291 07:42 SB 291 Vote 10:39 SB 94 19:53 SB 94 Vote, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this measure clarifies that employees of the Hawaii National Guard youth and adult educational programs
• Uh, this measure clarifies that employees of the Hawaii National Guard youth and adult educational programs
• Uh, this measure clarifies that employees of the Hawaii National Guard youth and adult educational programs
• Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Taxation, and youth and adult educational
• programs are youth and adult educational programs are excluded<00:04:19.040><c> from</c><00:04:19.440

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Labor and Technology and Public Safety and Military Affairs heard testimony on several measures. SB 3082, relating to military families and leave protections, drew support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the military community relations office, the Hawaii National Guard, and the U.S. Department of Defense, all of whom said the bill would align state law with federal standards and better account for military-related leave needs. SB 3110, relating to the Hawaii National Guard, was supported by Department of Defense witnesses who said it clarifies that employees of the Guard’s youth and adult educational programs are excluded from collective bargaining. The committees also heard SB 3251, which would prohibit certain state law enforcement agencies from hiring former ICE or Border Patrol agents as law enforcement officers. The main testimony in support argued the bill could help prevent local police staffing losses to higher-paying federal agencies and avoid future workforce instability if federal funding changes. The measure drew significant public testimony, with the chair noting 62 testimonies in support, five in opposition, and three comments. Members discussed the bill’s impact on recruitment and retention, and one member voted with reservations while another voted no. Later, the committees heard SB 3095 and SB 3264, both concerning Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund salaries. EUTF testified in support of SB 3095, which would allow the board to set salaries for investment office staff, and SB 3264, which would authorize the board to set the salary for an assistant administrator. After testimony, the committees moved into decision-making and passed SB 3082, SB 3110, SB 3251, SB 3095, and SB 3264 with amendments, generally including technical changes and revised effective dates of January 1, 2077 for the EUTF salary bills and SB 3082.

Transcript Highlights:

• Really bad thing to say, at least with me in the room, you know, because we saw the moonshot in education
• And yet we're not funding it because the PED, the Department of Education, if you don't understand what
• I thought that was part of the moonshot for education, but it never went anywhere because PED never supported
• This really does cover at least most of the bases, from the research to the education to the employment
• Most of the bases from the research to the education to the implementation, correct?

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: The committee first discussed the state budget and employee compensation, focusing on the 1% pay increase proposal and the broader cost of state employee raises and benefits. Members noted that over the past several years the state has invested heavily in payroll, pension contributions, pay studies, and band realignments, and several senators argued that the 80/20 health insurance change and other benefit improvements amount to significant compensation increases even without an additional raise. Others cautioned that recurring revenue is limited, that recent revenue collections were weaker than expected, and that the state should be careful about committing to ongoing costs given possible economic slowdown, federal uncertainty, drought, wildfire risk, and the possibility of future budget pressure. The committee then heard extensive testimony on SB 177, a major economic development proposal centered on quantum computing, advanced energy, robotics, synthetic biology, and related technologies. Supporters described the bill as a large strategic investment intended to leverage New Mexico’s national laboratories, universities, and existing quantum workforce to attract companies, create high-wage jobs, and diversify the economy. Testimony emphasized that much of the quantum workforce would be skilled trades and technicians rather than Ph.D.-level researchers, and members asked detailed questions about whether the state would receive long-term returns, how intellectual property and clawbacks would be handled, and whether the package included recurring costs. Witnesses also explained the bill’s trade association and workforce-development components, and several senators raised concerns about energy use, water use, guardrails, and ensuring the state does not subsidize outside interests without benefits returning to New Mexico. After debate, the committee moved to table SB 177 indefinitely, with members noting that the funding and structure were already incorporated into House Bill 2. The motion passed on an 8-0 vote, with several members excused. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• February 10, 2006, the Education Committee reports out House Bill 515 and Senate Bill 1244 and recommends
• Senate Bill 1281 by the Education Committee, an act relating to the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit,
• In the House of Representatives, House Joint Memorial 11 by the Education Committee, a joint memorial
• States, to the Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, and to the United States Secretary of Education
• House Joint Memorial 11 will be referred to the Education Committee, and House Bill 544 will be referred

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:

• The concern I've been having about E-Verify is, and maybe you can educate me on this, I just don't know
• Now, maybe if I could be educated different, and maybe that's why I was asking, Now, maybe if I could
• be educated different, and maybe that's why I was asking sincere questions today, maybe I could be educated
• We take for granted today that women have equal access to credit, education, and child support payments

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The education system really is operated without any oversight by local government, so if you were to
• So if we can't get the funding that we need under the basic education and funding plan, when the budgets
• What it does is encourage educated and useful locations that will not harm an aquifer.
• Our military families move often and need equitable education...
• Families move often and need quality education, similar to other families, in order for their children

Summary: The Capital Budget Committee heard briefings and testimony on several bills. Substitute House Bill 2281 would require state agencies to avoid imposing an undue burden on Indian tribes’ traditional cultural practices at tribal traditional cultural places, and would create a Superior Court cause of action for tribes. The prime sponsor and tribal witnesses said the bill is needed to protect sacred sites and cultural resources, while an industry witness asked for narrower, more predictable language. Some testimony criticized the bill as too expansive and likely to increase litigation. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2514, which would create a Global War on Terror memorial work group to plan and recommend details for a memorial on the Capitol campus; the sponsor emphasized honoring Washington service members and said private fundraising would be central to the project. House Bill 2551 would let school districts with very low ending fund balances seek OSPI approval to sell district real property and use the proceeds to restore financial stability, rather than depositing the money into capital or debt service funds. The sponsor and Tacoma School District testified that the bill is a safeguard for districts nearing binding conditions, while members raised concerns about possible impacts on local land use and whether the bill could be misused in urban or rural areas. Substitute House Bill 2668 would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify alternate locations for the Bob O’K Game Farm and request future capital funding to relocate and remediate the site because of nitrate contamination affecting the Centralia area aquifer. Local officials, public health staff, and tribal representatives supported relocation, citing public health risks and the potential cost of inaction, while the sponsor stressed that the bill is about moving, not closing, the game farm. In executive action, the committee took up House Bill 2470, as amended by a proposed substitute, which would increase state school construction assistance for schools on military bases by adding 15% to the calculated state match percentage. Members discussed the role of federal funding and the need for safe, equitable facilities for military-connected students. The committee approved the substitute bill and reported it out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 15-1, with three excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• taxes, all new service taxes created in Senate Bill 5814 for K-12 schools, school districts, and educational
• going to allow school districts to again resume engaging in contracts that are part of their special education
• with special needs are able to access ...that students with special needs are able to access their education
• This will allow the educational service districts to help support the small and rural school districts
• across the state that often look to the educational service districts to provide additional support,

Summary: House Finance held public hearings on several tax and property-related bills. HB 2584 would create a sales and use tax exemption for qualifying farm machinery and equipment purchased by eligible farmers, with supporters arguing it would ease financial pressure on farmers, encourage investment in more efficient and environmentally friendly equipment, and help rural economies. County officials opposed extending the exemption to local sales taxes, warning of cumulative revenue losses for local governments. HB 2376 would consolidate the state school property tax levy and expand property tax relief for seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans by raising income thresholds, increasing exemption amounts, and simplifying the income calculation; county assessors and local officials supported the bill as a way to help residents age in place, while opponents argued it would raise taxes for others and weaken the 1% cap. HB 2610 would broaden the nonprofit homeownership development property tax exemption to allow limited interim rental or community use without losing the exemption, and testimony from affordable housing groups supported the change as a practical way to keep projects moving and reduce costs. HB 2615 would codify the Department of Revenue’s voluntary disclosure program and create a temporary tax amnesty period for certain unpaid business taxes; supporters said it would bring businesses into compliance and generate revenue, while one sponsor noted technical issues still needed to be resolved. In executive session, the committee advanced four bills. HB 2194, allowing a county and city within it to concurrently impose a cultural access program sales tax, passed 10-5. Substitute HB 2257, a broad tax code cleanup and technical changes bill, passed unanimously 15-0 after members said it clarified ambiguities from prior legislation. HB 2528, which would remove voter-approval requirements for certain cities to impose a local real estate excise tax, passed 11-4 despite objections that it reduced voter control over tax increases. HB 2175, exempting certain nonprofit providers of free durable medical equipment from sales tax on repair parts, also passed unanimously 15-0. The chair announced that HB 2584, HB 2610, and HB 2615 would be scheduled for executive action the following day, with no amendments allowed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill reflects that responsibility and focuses on education, enforcement, and data so we can better
• And I think it's part of my responsibility to Aminah Spike: educate others why we say "never again."
• This is House Bill 7021 expanding the public record exemption for education examination and assessments
• I've been working on educating people around the importance of property taxes Amina Spark: to our local
• through her documented service, continued operational status, and public accessibility and ongoing educational

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've done a lot of work in the outreach and education arena with these, because it kind of fits in
• So we focus a lot on outreach and education with folks, and as we go through this, not to say they aren't
• out there in the wild, but it becomes an education opportunity.
• My name is Brett Wilder, assistant professor and area extension educator with the University of Idaho
• We do a lot of education on that at the University of Idaho.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee approved the January 27, 2026 minutes and then reviewed several Idaho State Department of Agriculture rules. Andrea Thompson presented updates to seed production and distribution rules, explaining that the changes mainly clean up redundant language, incorporate national and international testing standards by reference, and remove outdated rapeseed/canola and bluegrass district requirements that industry said were no longer necessary. She also outlined updates to commercial feed, fertilizer, and soil/plant amendment licensing rules to reflect the 2026 editions of AAFCO and related publications, and described bean planting rule changes clarifying that edible bean seed planted in Idaho must have approved green tags. The committee also heard temporary and pending invasive species rules tied to Snake River quagga mussel response and the addition of golden mussel to Idaho’s emergency invasive species list; members asked about the temporary-rule process and whether the standards should have publication dates, and staff explained the need for rolling updates and immediate quarantine authority. The committee said it would vote on the rules later in the week. The committee then received a presentation from Deputy Director Lloyd Knight on Idaho’s authorities for dealing with pests and invasive species, prompted by recent discussion about rats. He explained that the Plant Pest Act and Invasive Species Act give the department broad authority over pests such as Japanese beetle, grasshoppers, Mormon crickets, quagga/zebra mussels, and other listed species, but that some problems may be better handled through county abatement districts or other local tools. Senators asked about Mormon cricket response in rural counties, coordination with federal land managers, and whether a GIS-based public reporting system could be used for rat sightings; Knight said the department could likely build a low-cost reporting tool and that response options depend on land ownership, funding, and statutory direction. Brett Wilder of the University of Idaho then briefed the committee on the financial condition of Idaho agriculture. He said agriculture and agribusiness account for a significant share of Idaho’s economy, with livestock performing relatively well while crop producers face heavy pressure from high input costs, low commodity prices, and weak credit conditions. He noted record or near-record cash receipts overall, but emphasized that sugar beets and other crops are under strain, that export markets remain important, and that government payments are unlikely to solve the structural problems. Senators asked about sugar beet imports, market distortions, demand trends, and the likely impact of federal bridge payments; Wilder said the payments would help cash flow but would mostly go to existing debts and would not resolve the broader oversupply and profitability issues. The meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, on behalf of the Committee on Education, we welcome all of our participants who are here at the
• Um, again, um on behalf of the House Committee on Education, thank you to the 34 schools being represented
• um on behalf of the House<00:23:08.000><c> Committee</c><00:23:08.240><c> on</c><00:23:08.480><c> Education
• ,</c><00:23:09.200><c> thank</c><00:23:09.440><c> you</c> House Committee on Education, thank you House
• Committee on Education, thank you to<00:23:09.760><c> the</c><00:23:10.080><c> 34</c><00:23:10.799><

Bills: HB1751 , HB1752 , HB1636

Keywords: Hawaii National Guard, tuition assistance, graduate degrees, education, military personnel, funding, school districts, state budget, performance metrics, shopping carts, abandoned carts, cart retrieval, cart impoundment, county enforcement, municipal ordinance, retail businesses, grocery stores, wholesale stores, membership stores, private clubs

Transcript Highlights:

• revenues generated by the fines collected on speeding tickets would go to the Mississippi Department of Education
• would go to the Mississippi Department would go to the Mississippi Department of<00:05:34.880><c> Education
• 05:36.240><c> to</c><00:05:37.120><c> u</c><00:05:38.000><c> to</c><00:05:38.320><c> fund</c> of Education
• in order to u to fund of Education in order to u to fund driver's<00:05:39.199><c> ed</c><00:05:39.440
• Kind of like, you know, to drive a boat, you got to have a boating education course.

Committee: Joint Highways and Transportation

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm, again, being new to this committee, trying to educate myself on exactly where that's at.
• I'm, again, being new to this committee, trying to educate myself on exactly where that's at.
• I am an agriculture education teacher at American Falls High School, and these seven sophomores that
• The unique thing about agriculture education, and specifically the Ag Issues event, is that they select
• the groups one way or the other, but to inform them about both sides so that they can make a more educated

Summary: The committee first considered RS 33025, a concurrent resolution supporting consolidation of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission with the Idaho Department of Water Resources as part of broader executive-branch efficiency efforts. Senator Harris said the resolution explains the rationale and process for the proposed realignment, and noted a letter of support from commission leadership. Senator Guthrie asked how the estimated savings would be achieved. The committee voted to send the resolution to print. The main policy item was Senate Bill 1222, a trailer bill to last year’s domestic well legislation. Senator Anthony said it clarifies the definition of subdivision for IDWR purposes, ties it to a five-lot threshold, and makes clear the new rules apply only to subdivisions initiated on or after July 1, 2025. Supporters, including Paul Arrington and other stakeholders, said the bill fixes unintended effects on existing or partially built subdivisions and preserves the original intent of the law, while still limiting future domestic-exempt well use. Bruce Smith testified in opposition to immediate action, urging the committee to table the bill and hear more from IDWR about implementation. After questions about domestic use, fire suppression, subdivision definitions, and irrigation impacts, the committee voted to send SB 1222 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board from Kenneth Long and Carl Ray. Both described their backgrounds in outfitting, guiding, outdoor recreation, and public service, and members asked about board responsibilities, geographic representation, and challenges facing the industry, including access and tag allocation. The committee then took up Docket No. 24-3501-2-250, a set of eight rule changes for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. John Price said the changes were part of zero-based regulation and were developed through public meetings and stakeholder input; they removed duplicative definitions, clarified overlap predator and tag designation rules, refined river boundary descriptions, and corrected a typo. The committee voted to adopt the docket. At the end of the meeting, the committee hosted an American Falls FFA Ag Issues team presentation on the federal roadless rule rescission. The students presented arguments on both sides of the issue, focusing on forest health, wildfire risk, tribal concerns, recreation, and economic development. Senators praised the students’ preparation and leadership, but no committee action was taken on the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• 60% for energy assistance, weatherization, and low-income home electrification, and 40% for higher education
• How are we thinking about that in terms of education?
• How are we thinking about that in terms of education?
• combined with support for future career services, will ensure that our state will have a workforce educated
• full, this bill represents a meaningful investment in expanding opportunities for technological education

Bills: SB6171 , SB5965 , SB5982 , SB6004 , SB6010 , SB5941 , SB6050

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: energy facilities, large energy consumers, regulation, environment, sustainability, retail bags, pollution, customer impact, consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, renewable energy, public entities, electric generation, contracting, SB 6010, Washington energy siting, EFSEC

Transcript Highlights:

• Parents, educators, researchers, and lawmakers all have roles to play.
• content, downrank material associated with bullying and harassment, and prioritize age-appropriate, educational
• teen use personalization not just to scroll, but to explore interests and find communities like educational
• engagement, or support around health conditions. ...to explore interests and find communities like educational
• Our goal is not only to leverage the collective buying power of our members, but also to educate and

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee first held a work session on protecting children online. Testimony focused on a proposed Kids Online Protection Act that would limit addictive algorithmic feeds for minors and restrict push notifications during school hours and at night. Supporters included a former tech executive, a Meta whistleblower, and a psychology researcher, who argued that social media design exploits adolescent development, harms well-being, and that the bill gives parents and children more control without banning access to content. Industry and trade group witnesses opposed the approach, arguing it would violate the First Amendment, create privacy risks through age verification, and could reduce useful personalization and safety tools; they said companies are already implementing teen protections and parental controls. The committee did not take a vote during the work session. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5928, sponsored by Senators Warnick and Short at the request of the Insurance Commissioner. The bill would require property insurers using wildfire risk scores or models to disclose more information to consumers, explain adverse factors, provide appeal and rescoring processes, and account for mitigation actions in rate filings and discounts. The Office of Insurance Commissioner, a Colville Tribal representative, fire district testimony, climate advocates, realtors, hospitality businesses, and insurance agents generally supported the bill as a transparency and consumer-protection measure, with some urging inclusion of commercial lines and stronger recognition of local fire mitigation. Several insurance trade groups opposed or were neutral, warning that the bill goes too far, could expose proprietary underwriting information, increase regulation and costs, and should be narrowed to align with other states’ approaches. No vote was taken, and the chair adjourned after the hearing.