Video & Transcript : 'State Building Code Council' :

Page 478 of 500
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Currently, bettors in many other states can make wagers on in-state college teams here in Washington
  • Its stated purpose is to provide financial grants to real property owners, building contractors, and
  • So we have some state-based funding. It is $1.5 million. Now, so we have some state-based funding.
  • They're willing to do that to bring more revenue into the state rather than the state helping.
  • and out-of-state visitors.
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 6137 on sports wagering. Staff explained that the bill would allow wagering on collegiate events involving Washington colleges, but would continue to prohibit bets on the performance of individual college athletes. Tribal representatives from the Jamestown S’Klallam, Puyallup, and Kalispel tribes testified in support, saying the bill would keep wagering within the regulated tribal marketplace, protect integrity, and help smaller tribal casinos participate through a hub-and-spoke model. University of Washington and Washington State University representatives supported the ban on individual prop bets and emphasized student-athlete safety, while WSU also argued the bill would expand exposure to harassment and online abuse. No vote was taken. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6079, which would create the Strengthen Washington Homes wildfire mitigation grant program. Staff said the bill would fund grants for wildfire-hardening homes to IBHS standards, authorize pilot projects, and prohibit insurers from using wildfire risk to disqualify homes that meet the standards. Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuder and Senator Marcus Riccelli supported the bill, arguing that wildfire losses and non-renewals are increasing and that upfront mitigation is cheaper than recovery. Local officials and advocates from Medical Lake, Washington Realtors, and climate and wildfire groups also supported the measure. Insurance industry representatives supported the mitigation goals but objected to the bill’s requirement that insurers provide coverage based on IBHS designation and to using the commissioner’s regulatory account as a funding source, saying underwriting still needs to consider broader risk factors. No action was taken. The committee next held a work session and public hearing on Senate Bill 6061, which would create a tourism self-supported assessment program. State of Washington Tourism, the Washington Wine Commission, the Washington Hospitality Association, the Brewers Guild, the Port of Seattle, and rural economic development representatives said the state’s tourism program is underfunded and that an industry-led assessment could provide a stable, competitive funding source. They said the model would be governed by a ratepayer oversight board, subject to ratification, and could generate significant visitor spending and tax revenue over time. Some testimony raised concerns about the scope of eligible businesses and the bill’s references to other industries, but supporters said friendly amendments would refine those details. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5844 on self-storage rental agreements, which would allow electronic agreements, clarify acceptance by continued occupancy, and create a uniform process for termination or nonrenewal for nonpayment or nonmonetary defaults. Self-storage operators supported the bill as a modernization measure that would improve safety and consistency, and no vote was taken on any of the bills heard.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Rules Feb 2nd, 2026 at 09:12 am

Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • After she went on to the State Personnel Board, the State Personnel Director she actually understands
  • , state employee compensation.
  • Lange of the State Personnel Office and Lindsey Bachman of the Secretary of State Office.
  • I've talked to the state auditor.
  • As a former state employee, Ms.
Bills: SM13 , SM14
Committee: Senate Senate Rules
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Banking and Insurance Feb 4th, 2025

Banking and Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Florida Building Code.
  • the Florida Building Code.
  • We've done such great work in this space as a state, whether you look at the building code, whether you
  • The Florida building code.
  • You've heard people talk about the impact the building code has made in the state of Florida.
Summary: The Banking and Insurance Committee heard a series of presentations focused on mitigation, flood and wind resilience, and insurance discounts. Kevin Guthrie of the Florida Division of Emergency Management outlined several funding streams for mitigation, including federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program dollars, BRIC grants, flood mitigation assistance, and the state hurricane loss mitigation program. He emphasized the new Elevate Florida initiative, which will use about $400 million initially to elevate or reconstruct flood-prone homes, starting with National Flood Insurance Program properties and severe repetitive-loss homes, with no current per-home cap. Guthrie said the state will contract directly with licensed vendors and aims to reduce future flood losses, lower insurance costs, and keep properties on the tax rolls rather than relying on buyouts. Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworski described Florida’s windstorm mitigation discount program, explaining that the 1802 inspection form is used to assess a home’s overall “envelope” and determine statutory discounts. He said the office is updating the program based on a new wind loss study, with likely changes including greater recognition of roof types such as metal roofs and possible territorial risk adjustments. He also said the Legislature now requires the office to revisit the study every five years. Stephen Fielder of the Department of Financial Services reported on My Safe Florida Home, noting that the program offers inspections and grants for roof and opening protections, has completed more than 100,000 inspections, and has reimbursed hundreds of millions of dollars. He said the department has validated its discount calculations with insurers and that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce premiums through verified mitigation work. Michael Newman of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety said Florida’s building code is nationally leading and that post-Ian surveys found no wind-driven structural damage in buildings built after adoption of the code. He argued that mitigation should be treated as a system, not isolated upgrades, and suggested adding Fortified designation to the state’s mitigation form to better document verified resilience improvements. Bill Truex, a county commissioner and builder, stressed the need to educate homeowners about floodproofing and roof choices, citing examples where flood panels prevented damage and noting that asphalt shingles often do not last as long in Florida as their marketing suggests. In panel discussion, senators asked about program eligibility, outreach to elderly and digitally challenged residents, contractor vetting, roof-life disclosures, and whether flood insurance should be more broadly required. Officials said outreach will include call centers and in-person assistance, and several participants urged better consumer disclosure and more data-driven guidance on roof and mitigation choices.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Committee on Housing (02/03/2026)

Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> promulgate a state rental application. promulgate a state rental application.
  • </c> as it aligns with state law. as it aligns with state law.
  • </c> services in the state. services in the state. &gt;&gt; Other<03:40:10.239><c> questions?
  • </c> relative to sale of surplus state land. relative to sale of surplus state land.
  • </c> community and our state and our region. community and our state and our region.
Committee: House Housing
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 1598 and an amendment, 2026-0463H. Elliott Barry and Nick Norman testified that the amendment reflected a hard-fought compromise balancing concerns from all sides, and they urged no further changes. With no questions from members, the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend the bill with the amendment to the full committee, 3-0, and closed the subcommittee. The housing committee then moved through several executive session bills. HB 1010 was amended with 2026-0274H, described as clarifying and implementing prior housing law (HB 631) governing residential units above office and retail space; the amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 17-0 vote and placed on consent. HB 65 was then voted ought to pass and also placed on consent, with members saying it was duplicative of the compromise reached on HB 1010. HB 1349 was reconsidered for a clarifying vote and again received unanimous support for its prior disposition, 17-0, and was placed on consent. The committee next took up HB 1523, which concerned homeowners associations. An amendment, 2026-0380H, removed Section 5’s Attorney General enforcement mechanism, added HOA conflict-of-interest approval language, and delayed the effective date to give stakeholders more time; it was adopted unanimously. The bill then passed 18-0 as amended and was put on consent. The committee also voted ITL on CACR 16, a constitutional amendment related to sleeping or homelessness issues, after debate over unintended consequences and whether it protected a basic right; the vote was 10-8, with a majority report assigned and a minority report to be written. Later, HB 108, dealing with inclusionary zoning, was voted ITL 10-8 after members argued the bill imposed unrealistic burdens and could halt development; a minority report was noted with amendment 0149H. HB 7, concerning ADUs and restrictive covenants, was also voted ITL 10-8 after discussion of unintended consequences and a proposed amendment to encourage second ADUs; it was sent to the regular calendar with a minority report and amendment 0289H. HB 1120, on water-related subdivision requirements, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent, with one member noting a study amendment had been offered. HB 1143, addressing housing-provider obligations and municipal enforcement powers, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent. Finally, HB 1145, a fee/tax proposal tied to housing development, was ITL’d 11-7; members debated whether it would discourage development, and a minority report was assigned.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance Division I (02/28/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think one was the state vacancies, the state position vacancies that had a state cost share.
  • I think one was the state vacancies, the state position vacancies that had a state cost share.
  • You want to talk about the so we can use this one to fix coding as 100% general from coding buildings
  • Civil Air Patrol is a corner building near our state military reservation, I think it's Regional Drive
  • </c> corner building near our state Military corner building near our state Military Reservation<01:48
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise. A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area. The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Education K-16 May 26th, 2025

Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:
  • bill relates to the creation of a temporary educator certificate for educators certified by other states
  • think about it because here's the problem if somebody does that, you know, administrator violated state
  • Yes, Senator Menendez, we also heard from the, um, the, the witness for the Texas Council of Administrators
  • Line 19, failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect under section 2. 261.101 of the family code
  • Thank you, Michelle Senator Menendez, you're referring to Section 261101 of the Family code.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Wed Feb 25, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • that we don't need, and invested it into hiring people like council for state governments, other states
  • Please proceed. >> Thank you, Dry Barus, executive director for Hawaii State Council on Developmental
  • Please proceed. >> Thank you, Dry Barus, executive director for Hawaii State Council on Developmental
  • </c><02:52:52.800><c> Council</c><02:52:53.120><c> on</c> for Hawaii State Council on for Hawaii State
  • law or pursuant to title 8, United States Code, sections 1373 and 1644. ...sections 1373 and 1644.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on two immigration-enforcement bills: HB 1886 HD1 and HB 2540 HD1. HB 1886 would limit state and federal collaboration in immigration enforcement, require visible identification and restrictions on facial coverings for law enforcement officers, and create offenses for improper masking, lack of identification, and unauthorized civil immigration interrogation, arrest, or detention. HB 2540 would also limit state and federal collaboration, require law enforcement agencies to adopt and publicly post written civil immigration enforcement policies, prohibit stops or arrests based solely on immigration status, and restrict state and county participation in civil immigration enforcement in certain places. Most testimony supported both measures. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and several private individuals said the bills would increase transparency, accountability, and community trust, and would help protect constitutional rights and reduce fear among immigrants and other community members. Several testifiers emphasized Hawaii’s history and the need to keep local law enforcement separate from federal immigration enforcement, while others said the bills would help people feel safer going to court, school, work, or public protests. A retired police officer also supported visible identification and uniform standards for officers, including federal agents operating in Hawaii. A few testifiers opposed the use of masked or unidentified officers and argued that local police should not be diverted from ordinary public safety duties to immigration enforcement. One ACLU witness noted that the federal government has increasingly used local and state agencies to expand immigration enforcement, and said the task-force provisions in the bills are important to prevent blurred lines between agencies. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, but it recorded very large numbers of supportive testimonies for both bills, with only a small number in opposition.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary - 03/31/2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill is reported to Codes. The next bill is Senate Bill 1116 by Senator Gounardes.
  • Executive Law in relation to designating April 20th as a day of commemoration to be known as New York State
  • Commemoration to be known as New York State Constitution Day. Any discussion?
  • That's why this is a state law.
  • Do we not have the protections to contract in New York, let alone in the United States, enshrined in
Committee: Senate Judiciary
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee met for its fourth meeting of the year and considered a series of bills, mostly on civil practice, real property, and court administration. SB 26A on extreme risk protection orders drew some concern about possible unintended consequences and broad exclusions for minors, but it was moved and reported to Codes. SB 1116, designating April 20 as New York State Constitution Day, was moved quickly and reported to the floor. The committee spent the most time on SB 1477, which would limit certain debt-collection practices involving sovereign debt and so-called vulture investors. Senator Krueger explained that the bill is narrowly targeted at investors who buy distressed sovereign bonds with the intent to sue in New York courts, while Senator Palumbo raised concerns about breadth and possible effects on legitimate lending and contract rights. After extended discussion and assurances that the bill would not affect ordinary investors or credit-card debt, it was moved and reported to Finance. Members also discussed SB 7541 on transparency for co-ops and condos; some members warned of unintended consequences and opposition from the co-op/condo community, while others argued it would improve disclosure. The bill was ultimately reported to the floor. Several other bills were approved with little or no opposition: SB 2546 on abandoned multiple dwellings, SB 8294 requiring more detailed judicial determinations on motions, SB 8372 on expenses in matrimonial actions, SB 8870 extending supervision requirements for a real estate license application, and SB 9482 creating a New York City Civil Court subpart for eviction matters involving affordable housing providers and small landlords. SB 9482 drew supportive comments, with a note that funding and staffing would be needed in the budget for it to function effectively. All bills considered were moved out of committee and reported to the appropriate next committee or to the floor.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, February 27, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This EO stated that it is the policy of the United States to safeguard the American people's freedom
  • This EO stated that it is the policy of the United States to safeguard the American people's freedom
  • This EO stated that it is the policy of the United States to safeguard the American people's freedom
  • This EO stated that it is the policy of the United States to safeguard the American people's freedom
  • </c> under chapter 8 of Title 5 United States under chapter 8 of Title 5 United States code<00:56:21.440
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • I think I'm just allergic to the building.
  • We're going to look at commissions in other states.
  • And I became aware that 1 billion dollars of funds are allocated to building schools and other buildings
  • The School of Blind, the two state schools...
  • That's why we come to this body to have these discussions and to really state the truth— to state the
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 23rd, 2026

Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's under the International Building Code.
  • Nineteen states now have considered building single-stair buildings or studying the issue.
  • the fire departments and the building code officials.
  • code officials. ...including some local fire departments and building code officials.
  • Building Code.
Committee: House Business
Keywords: 989, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • It has many buildings.
  • </c> through our state waters. through our state waters.
  • </c> build you know separate buildings build you know separate buildings English<00:56:54.400><c> and
  • </c> in another state or no? in another state or no?
  • . council. council.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The meeting began with approval of the October 15 minutes and a brief discussion of the committee’s report process, including the likelihood of a minority report and a deadline of November 1 for any separate report. Members then heard from Jod Adams of the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools, who gave an overview of charter schools in the state: there are 37 charter schools, with 6,034 students last year, and schools are formed by certified teachers, parents, or nonprofit organizations. She said charter schools receive about $9,180 per pupil in adequacy aid and charter school grant funding, must fundraise for additional money, and are governed by their own boards under their charters and bylaws. Members asked about admissions, governance, transportation, and special education. Adams said charter schools are open enrollment, not geographically based, and may use lotteries when applications exceed available seats. She explained that districts and charter schools coordinate on special education and busing, with the sending district responsible for special education coordination and certain transportation obligations depending on where the student lives and attends. She also said charter schools are public schools, not selective, and that each school’s board operates independently of the local district school board, though some schools may have special arrangements. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on funding and statutory obligations. Adams and members discussed how special education aid follows the student, while charter schools do not receive some district-level aid such as catastrophic aid; free and reduced lunch funding and Title funds can go to charter schools. Members also raised concerns that some state laws and administrative rules do not clearly specify whether they apply to charter schools, creating confusion and, in some cases, causing districts to perform services such as dyslexia screening for charter students without additional funding. Adams agreed that clearer statutory language would help and noted that charter schools are subject to many state requirements, including testing and reporting, even though not every public-school rule applies to them.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25

Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> also worked in a couple of the state also worked in a couple of the state agencies<00:01:11.960>
  • We were founded in 1991 through the Council of State Governments, CSG, of course, the acronym that you're
  • 12 states.
  • </c> the other reciprocity state-to-state the other reciprocity state-to-state reciprocity<00:08:04.199
  • um</c> the other 12 States other 11 states um the other 12 States other 11 states um that<00:14:59.279
Keywords: 1183, house
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 5th, 2026

Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • , Building Code Rules, Temporary Rule.
  • Rules of Building Safety, Building Code Rules, Temporary Rule. Mr.
  • Bernard, I don't know if I have that exact answer in building code or for this board, but the state doesn't
  • Bernard, I don't know if I have that exact answer in building code or for this board, but the state doesn't
  • Safety, Building Code Rules.
Committee: House Business
Summary: The House Business Committee met with a quorum and considered a series of Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses rules presented by Ryan Bernard. The committee first handled the Public Works Contractors License Board fee rules, which would finalize temporary fee reductions of 16% to 20% and add “not to exceed” language so the board can keep fees lower while moving toward statutory cash-balance requirements. Members asked about how the reductions were calculated and noted a possible conflict with the now-eliminated Class D license, but were told the statute would prevail. The committee voted to extend the temporary rule to July 1, 2026, and then approved the pending rule as final effective that date. The committee next approved pending fee rules for the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, which move fees into rule, formalize a 60% fee reduction, and remove intern fees to reduce barriers to entry. Bernard said the board had a healthy cash balance of $337,319, or 402% of its five-year average expenditures, and members discussed whether the rule anticipated pending legislation on the land surveyor jurisprudence test. The committee also considered Building Safety/Building Code rules, which reduce permit fees by 20% and were described as necessary because the board’s cash balance was about $6.46 million, or 447% of average expenditures. Members questioned why staffing and inspection delays persisted despite the large balance; Bernard said inspector hiring is difficult and inspections are often completed same day or next day. The committee extended the temporary rule to July 1, 2026, and approved the pending rule. Finally, the committee considered Factory Built Structure Board rules, which reduce modular building permit and installation fees by 20% and lower specific installation charges for single-wide, double-wide, and multi-section units. Bernard said the board’s FY 2025 cash balance was $2,640,636, or 378% of average expenditures, and noted that the occupational licensing fund earns interest that reverts to the general fund. The committee extended the temporary rule to July 1, 2026, and approved the pending rule. Afterward, the committee approved the January 21 meeting minutes and adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/03/25

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:02:27.000><c> uh</c> it provides an Avenue for the State uh it provides an Avenue for the State
  • </c> if you would go ahead and just State if you would go ahead and just State your<00:03:52.280><c>
  • </c> country Brandon Guffy a state country Brandon Guffy a state representative<00:08:28.919><c> from
  • </c> if you read through the United States if you read through the United States soccer<00:29:43.559>
  • </c><00:37:00.119><c> your</c> all right could you please state your all right could you please state
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Health Committee Mar 18th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are models of climate resilience networks in other states like South Carolina.
  • away, how will the state... ...term temporary housing in cities, counties, and even states away.
  • Within 48 hours of a proclaimed state of emergency, health plans Within 48 hours of a proclaimed state
  • It's frustrating to hear how we weren't really prepared throughout the state.
  • This is due to the increase in the state. As other cancer-causing agents.
Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 23rd, 2026

Business

Transcript Highlights:
  • So right now in our current building codes, any apartment building taller than three stories does have
  • Nineteen states now have considered building single-stair buildings or studying the issue.
  • with the fire departments and the building code officials.
  • fire departments and the building code officials.
  • Building Code.
Committee: House Business
Summary: The House Business Committee met with a quorum, approved the February 25 minutes, and removed House Bill 881 from the agenda, leaving House Bill 706 as the only item for consideration. The bill, presented by Senator Ali Robbie, would allow local governments to permit single-stair apartment buildings up to six stories with a range of safety requirements, including NFPA 13 sprinklers, fire-rated stair enclosures, smoke detection, egress features, and limits on building size and unit count. Robbie argued the measure could reduce construction costs, help smaller infill projects pencil, and expand housing supply, while noting that pressurization was not included because of added cost and lack of consensus. Public testimony was split. The Professional Firefighters of Idaho and Boise Fire Marshal Mike Bazanio, speaking for the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association, opposed the bill, arguing that a second stairway is a critical life-safety feature and that a single stair creates a single point of failure for occupants and firefighters. They said they were not persuaded by the cited research and emphasized concerns about smoke, evacuation, and firefighter access. Supporters, including a Boise resident, a housing advocate, and an architect, said modern single-stair buildings with strong sprinkler and fire-safety standards have a good safety record, would improve affordability, and would give cities more flexibility to build smaller, more efficient housing types. In closing, Robbie said the bill had been negotiated with fire officials, building code officials, and architects, and that the main unresolved issue was stair pressurization. After debate, Representative Razor moved HB 706 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Representative Crane opposed the bill, while Representative Harris said he would support it because local control would limit adoption to cities able to handle the buildings. The committee approved the motion on a 14-4 roll call vote, and HB 706 was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Taxes - 03/11/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • . state. state.
  • It builds on existing federal opportunity zone benefits by adding state refundable tax credits to accelerate
  • </c> across the state. across the state.
  • thrilled to be able to allocate their state tax dollars directly into their own communities. build homes
  • The<01:06:08.880><c> state</c><01:06:09.120><c> tax</c> The state tax The state tax housing<01:06:10.600
Committee: Senate Taxes
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Session Day 12 Jan 23rd, 2026

Idaho House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • To work in a wonderful place and to lead the terrific people of this great state.
  • delegation representing the State of Idaho in the Congress of the United States, the Secretary of the
  • United States Department of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Health
  • House Resolution 20 by the State Affairs Committee relating to political violence.
  • House State Affairs Committee will meet Monday, January 26, at 9 a.m. in Room E.W. 40.
Keywords: 989, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • Our community in the state.
  • Some are buildings or buildings are different maintenance. This was really going down.
  • United States.
  • Palm Beach State College.
  • Lou, Poli Daytona State College Randall die. Daytona State College. Joe jacket.
Keywords: 999, senate, all