Transcript Highlights:

• So the only way the law is written, the only entity that can challenge party membership would be an officer
• She said the bill would ensure that such conduct is covered as profits from prostitution and would also
• The bill would address that and make sure such repayment is covered as profits from prostitution.
• that<00:41:20.359><c> is</c><00:41:20.920><c> um</c><00:41:21.680><c> indeed</c><00:41:22.040><c> covered
• </c><00:41:22.520><c> as</c><00:41:22.920><c> profits</c> that is um indeed covered as profits that is

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to condense what the sheriff from Cass County covered, so I'll mention just a couple more things
• </c><00:52:55.520><c> that</c><00:52:55.760><c> the</c> mechanism beyond the entities that the mechanism
• beyond the entities that the legislature<00:52:56.640><c> originally</c><00:52:57.280><c> determined
• 45:45.760><c> jurisdiction</c><01:45:46.639><c> for</c><01:45:46.880><c> the</c><01:45:47.119><c> entities
• </c> statewide jurisdiction for the entities. statewide jurisdiction for the entities.

Bills: HF962 , HF3541 , HF2936 , HF3762 , HF2879

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

Transcript Highlights:

• This is by far one of the most requested topics we cover, probably since last year because we weren't
• </c><00:23:11.080><c> as</c><00:23:11.280><c> the</c> of of being a governmental entity as the of of
• being a governmental entity as the campuses<00:23:11.840><c> are,</c><00:23:12.640><c> and</c><00:23:
• </c><00:23:54.960><c> So,</c><00:23:55.080><c> we'll</c> to do as statutory entities.
• So, we'll to do as statutory entities.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met and adopted the prior minutes before turning to AI in education. Jeff Gagne of the Southern Regional Education Board described SREB’s Commission on AI in Education, which has organized its work into committees on policy, K-12 instruction, postsecondary instruction, and skills development. He highlighted eight commission recommendations covering statewide AI networks, targeted guidance for different user groups, professional development, standards and curricula, local capacity assessments, risk management, procurement, and AI-ready workforce skills. He also emphasized that states need more specific guidance for students, teachers, faculty, administrators, and parents, and that training is essential because many educators have not been prepared to use AI in instruction. Gagne also summarized two recent SREB reports: one on AI-ready workforce skills and one on AI use in K-12 classrooms. The workforce report recommends embedding AI across standards, strengthening computer science and digital learning standards, collaborating with industry and workforce agencies, building AI competencies into training and upskilling, providing educator professional development, and monitoring readiness. He said the report identifies three skill areas: success skills, industry baseline skills, and technical skills. The classroom guidance report promotes responsible AI adoption, with four pillars focused on increasing cognitive demand, streamlining teaching and administrative work, supporting personalized learning, and developing ethical AI users. He also noted that the report includes an AI procurement tool for school districts. Members thanked Gagne for providing outside examples and resources. One member noted JCPS has an introductory AI professional development offering for educators. Gagne said Kentucky’s David Couch serves on the SREB commission and that the commission’s member list and reports are available on SREB’s website. The committee then heard from Travis Powell of the Council on Postsecondary Education, who said CPE had surveyed campuses and found that Kentucky institutions have broadly embraced AI in teaching, research, student services, and administrative operations. He said all institutions have AI-focused degrees, minors, or courses, and many are integrating AI into general education and across disciplines. Powell also said CPE is considering an AI consortium and that campuses are using AI in research partnerships and applied work, while continuing to focus on ethical and effective use.

Transcript Highlights:

• It says any public entity, public school, charter school, school district, then political subdivisions
• It says any public entity, public school, charter school, school district, then political subdivisions
• I'm just concerned that it does appear to be a witch hunt for one particular entity or a group of...
• ...to be a witch hunt for one particular entity or a group of entities.
• Chairman, good lady, I'm trying to make it so it's not for one particular entity or individual or whatever

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For these entities, the legislature has adopted an exception to that five-month rule, allowing up to
• Now, in my world, irrigation district is a specific thing, a specific entity that is similar to others
• , but it is a specific entity.
• administrator... ...and others on this question, we've learned this is generally applied to water entities
• , similar entities that may or may not be an irrigation district.

Summary: The Senate Commerce committee approved the January 22, 2026 minutes and then heard three gubernatorial appointments. Erica Malman of Boise was introduced for the Idaho Personnel Commission; she described her background as a natural resources attorney and law firm managing partner, and senators asked about the challenges and rewards of commission service and her legal practice. Brett Thomas of Twin Falls was reappointed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and Dr. Karen Cabell of Post Falls was appointed to the same board; both briefly outlined their professional backgrounds and service, and the committee indicated it would likely vote on the appointments the following Tuesday. The committee then considered two DOPL rules dockets. Docket 24-3201-2101 for the Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors moved licensing fees into rule, formalized a 60% fee reduction, and removed intern-related fees; it received no public comments and was approved. Docket 24-3950-2101 for the Public Works Contractors Board finalized temporary fee reductions of 16% to 20% and added “not to exceed” language to allow future reductions; it also drew no public comments and was approved effective sine die. Senate Bill 1221 was presented by Paul Arrington of the Idaho Water Users Association and supported by a water master from Water District 65. The bill would change Percy retirement language from “irrigation district” to “irrigation or drainage entity” so seasonal retirees can work up to eight months for certain water entities without triggering penalties, matching how the provision is already applied. The committee heard no opposition and voted to send the bill to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. The final presentation was an informational briefing from NCCI on Idaho workers’ compensation. Todd Johnson explained NCCI’s role as the state’s rating bureau, described declining claim frequency and generally favorable combined ratios, and noted recent rate decreases, including a 2.5% overall decrease effective January 1, 2026, plus reductions in assigned-risk surcharges. Senators asked about high-risk employers, NCCI’s rating process, and whether it handles claims decisions; Johnson said NCCI sets class-code rate recommendations and does not decide compensability or claims adjustment. The committee adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• just to minimum of 1.5 million a year just to operate<01:32:12.480><c> this</c><01:32:13.360><c> entity
• </c><01:32:14.560><c> And</c><01:32:14.800><c> in</c> operate this entity.
• And in operate this entity.
• in we're adding that to section A, which I find to be interesting because that's actually already covered
• in we're adding that to section A, which I find to be interesting because that's actually already covered

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The other state is the issuing entity.
• would. the other state is<01:06:27.520><c> the</c><01:06:27.680><c> issuing</c><01:06:28.079><c> entity
• </c><01:06:29.520><c> And</c><01:06:30.000><c> so</c><01:06:30.240><c> I'm</c> is the issuing entity.
• And so I'm is the issuing entity.
• This covers all the support costs, equipment, all the costs associated with hiring, training, supervising

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• along those lines, and so it just sparked the question in my head: whereas there are many different entities
• head whereas there are<00:21:21.440><c> many</c><00:21:21.720><c> different</c><00:21:21.960><c> entities
• </c><00:21:22.840><c> private</c><00:21:23.159><c> and</c> are many different entities private and are
• many different entities private and public<00:21:23.679><c> that</c><00:21:23.760><c> are</c><00:21:
• remaining librarians split time between the two secondary schools, while the other one of us would cover

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first amendment, on page two, the term private entities is defined starting at line four.
• The private entity did not otherwise have the ability to expropriate under existing law.
• The private entity did not otherwise have the ability to expropriate under existing law.
• property to then give it to some sort of private entity, which is not what's happening here.
• Private entity, correct? Rep.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met on House Bill 7 by Speaker Pro Tem Johnson, the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, which would remove eminent domain authority for carbon capture and geological sequestration projects. After housekeeping and roll call, the committee adopted a set of technical amendments that cleaned up definitions, removed a stray statutory reference, and changed “commissioner” to “secretary.” The author then gave an extended presentation arguing the bill was needed to align Louisiana law with the state constitution’s property-rights protections and recent court rulings, and to ensure carbon capture projects proceed only through voluntary agreements rather than forced takings. Several members questioned the author and supportive witnesses about whether the bill would stop carbon capture, affect oil and gas pipelines, or disrupt investment. The author and supporters said it would not stop projects, only prevent taking land without consent, and argued that landowners—especially small and rural owners—should not face the threat of expropriation. Supportive testimony also emphasized family land, inheritance, and constitutional limits on takings. Some members raised concerns about changing the rules after prior legislative action and about the economic importance of carbon capture, but the author responded that the legislature had made a mistake in 2020 and should correct it now. Opposition testimony came from representatives of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, the Louisiana Chemistry Association, and attorneys who handle right-of-way matters. They argued that eminent domain is a rare last resort, that existing law and the Landowner Bill of Rights already protect owners, and that the Constitution’s provisions for private-entity expropriation are different from the provisions discussed by the bill’s supporters. They warned that removing the tool for carbon capture would chill investment, threaten jobs and revenue, and could spill over into other energy infrastructure. The committee did not reach a final vote on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first amendment, on page two, the term private entities is defined starting at line four.
• The private entity did not otherwise have the ability to expropriate under existing law.
• The private entity did not otherwise have the ability to expropriate under existing law.
• property to then give it to some sort of private entity, which is not what's happening here.
• Private entity, correct? Rep.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and of course, but then they do go on to You know when we look at the, uh, I've probably covered
• And I think that any entity does, but over 99% of our staff show up every day, work selfishly, nights
• And I think that any entity does, but over 99% of our staff show up every day, work selfishly, nights
• There's access to Medicaid dollars to help cover that.
• And has Kentucky looked help cover that.

Bills: HB60

Committee: Joint Judiciary

Keywords: geoengineering, weather modification, environmental safety, atmospheric pollutants, criminal pollution, Meeting Start: 00:00:02 Roll Call: 00:00:08 26 RS HB 60 - AN ACT relating to geoengineering: 00:01:35 Department of Corrections Update: 00:32:59 Kentucky Parole Board Update: 01:19:21, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe this is quite extreme authority to give any entity, let alone the ADC.
• Entities created by the Entities created by the state, empowered by law, enriched by privilege, but never
• What this bill does is define the limits of entities that exist only because the state has that exist
• created by the Nonprofits, entities created by the state are not given inherent powers.
• For these entities to spend money for political election activity.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the repealer is, first of all, getting the government out of a private entity.
• So the repealer is, first of all, getting the government out of a private entity.
• And so I think there's been some ambiguity there on what defines an entity.
• So if individuals go through this educational entity, they're not fully certified.
• we giving three years' leniency to these particular entities that are not accredited?

Bills: HB1937 , HB2153 , HB3674 , HB2978 , HB3885 , HB3671 , HB3261 , HB3021 , HB3029 , HB4274 , HB3701 , HB3076

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board

Summary: The Senate Education Committee first considered a series of executive nominations, including Brian Bobeck to the State Board of Education, Jonathan Daniels to the Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools, Cody Swanee to OETA, Randy Squires to the Western Oklahoma State College Board of Regents, Dwight Spencer to the Carl Albert State College Board of Regents, V. Lee to the Oklahoma Arts Council, Adisha Chapman to the Murray State College Board of Regents, Trevor Pemberton to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Jennifer Carlson and Melissa Yvonne to the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability, Kevin Gross to the Tulsa Community College Board of Regents, and Barbara Myers to the Oklahoma Arts Council. Most nominees briefly described their backgrounds and reasons for serving, and the committee approved each nomination, with votes ranging from 8-1 to 10-0, sending them on to the full Senate or floor as applicable. The committee then took up several education bills. House Bill 1937, dealing with the Communications with Students Act, was amended to require corroborated evidence before immediate suspension and to narrow the definition of student; it passed 9-0. House Bill 2153, which would subject OSSAA meetings and hearings to the Open Meetings Act and repeal the statutory one-year sit-out rule for transfers, drew questions about recruitment and FERPA but passed 7-3. House Bill 3674, requiring school resource officer training on sexual assault and violence, annual continuing education, mandatory reporting, and closure of contractor loopholes, passed 9-0. House Bill 3885, setting a graduated discipline framework for third through fifth graders, prompted debate over classroom safety and student rights and passed 9-1. House Bill 3671, allowing a receiving district to accept a transferring teacher’s career status, passed 10-0. House Bill 3261, assigning employee numbers to school support staff such as coaches and bus drivers for tracking across districts, passed 10-0. Several other bills generated more extensive discussion. House Bill 2978, which would impose annual library audits, public online catalogs, a formal challenge process, and funding penalties for noncompliance, faced repeated questions about how it differed from existing policy and who could challenge materials; it failed 4-5. House Bill 3021, revising graduation requirements and preserving flexibility for applied math/science and local course approval while removing some language requirements, passed 8-2. House Bill 3029, requiring the Department of Education to develop a four-year plan, passed 9-1. House Bill 4274, expanding school choice options for military-dependent students living on base, passed 10-0. The committee also began consideration of House Bill 3076, which would clarify alternative teacher certification provider definitions and OEQA oversight, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• today's discussion and to hearing how the Governor's reorganization plan will ensure our licensing entities
• Now, although we propose to create two new entities, we have worked incredibly well together.
• I'm looking at the chart that has the housing and homelessness agency and then the five entities below
• ... ...proposes to make ICH its own independent entity within the Housing and Homelessness Agency.
• All of the entities that touch housing and homelessness are members of that council and now have this

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Governor’s 2025 reorganization plan to split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a Business and Consumer Services Agency and a California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Administration officials said the change would give each side more focused leadership, improve consumer protection and regulatory oversight, and better align housing and homelessness policy with the state’s broader housing goals. Leaders from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Cannabis Control, Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Financial Protection and Innovation all voiced support for the business-side reorganization, while housing officials emphasized that the new housing agency would help streamline funding, compliance, and coordination across programs. Members raised concerns about timing, budget impacts, office space, and whether the split would actually reduce bureaucracy. The administration said the plan would be included in the May Revision, was intended to be cost-neutral, and would not require fee increases for licensees or additional office space. On the housing side, officials said the new Housing Development and Finance Committee would work toward a single application and more coordinated award process for affordable housing funding, while preserving CalHFA’s statutory and financial independence. They also said the reorganization would improve compliance monitoring, data collection, and coordination with local governments, including Los Angeles homelessness programs. Public testimony was largely supportive. Industry groups representing beverage distributors, craft brewers, wine, mortgage lenders, and housing organizations backed the business-side split, and housing advocates such as Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and the California Housing Consortium supported the housing agency concept and the proposed one-stop-shop approach. Several witnesses urged that tax credits, bonds, and other funding sources be better coordinated, and some said the plan should be paired with additional state investment and implementation resources. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I do want to know what the definition of 'entity' is.
• I support your bill, I just want to know what the definition of 'entity' is per the legislation.
• apply to any of the businesses that provide those types of services, whether it's a corporation or an entity
• It is unlawful and a violation of section 8195 for any person or entity to impose... ...for any person
• or entity to impose.

Bills: HB435

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Keywords: manufactured homes, certificate of title, Alabama Department of Revenue, homeowner, vehicle registration, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:34.320><c> so</c> work together across all the entities so work together across all the entities
• It's not—it's something to create consistency across all the entities.
• And so you see other entities that we're involved with.
• ><c> that</c><00:06:39.440><c> we're</c> you see other entities that we're you see other entities that
• </c><00:07:04.960><c> in</c> apply to all of these other entities in apply to all of these other entities

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department also partners with seven managing entities across the state to implement a comprehensive
• . ...report, which you'll get at the end of December. $48.3 million was amended into the managing entity
• population and need, historical funding utilization, submission of the managing entity enhancement plans
• More specifically, we can delineate the appropriations per ME, but each managing entity utilizes the
• So, to illustrate one success story, a managing entity shared the story of an individual who entered

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive an update from the Florida Department of Children and Families on implementation of House Bill 7021, which revised the Baker Act and Marchman Act and was funded with a $50 million appropriation. Deputy Assistant Secretary Bill Hardin reported that the department has updated reference guides, training, administrative rules, and forms; launched regional behavioral health collaboratives; and created the Office of Children’s Behavioral Health Ombudsman. He said early data show continued declines in Baker Act use, high diversion rates from involuntary examinations through 988, mobile response teams, and care coordination, along with generally positive provider feedback on changes such as allowing psychiatric nurses to initiate emergency treatment orders and clarifying the 72-hour examination period. Hardin also described Marchman Act changes, including a streamlined petition process, remote testimony, improved discharge planning, and a new annual data report. He said the department has completed or is completing multiple training courses for providers and law enforcement, and has adopted or is finalizing numerous rules and forms. He reported that the regional collaboratives are identifying common statewide needs such as service capacity, resource sharing, funding flexibility, and peer support, while the ombudsman office is handling complaints and helping families navigate services. Members asked about whether the current funding is sufficient, future budget needs, outreach for the new ombudsman office, and services for juveniles. Hardin said DCF has posted legislative budget requests for additional forensic FACT services and short-term residential treatment beds, including children’s beds, and noted the ombudsman office is staffed with two FTEs and supported through existing complaint-management and regional systems. He said outreach is being done through regional collaboratives and coordination with other agencies, especially the Department of Education, and that juvenile transport and placement issues have improved with the new law. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was my understanding that those entities were exempt in the underlying bill.
• It was my understanding that those entities were exempt in the underlying bill.
• The bill adds federally recognized Indian tribes to the list of entities that may participate in and
• The bill adds federally recognized Indian tribes to the list of entities that may participate in and
• What type of entities are they? Are they nonprofits? Are they government entities?

Bills: SB5994 , SB6244

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: timber tax, school funding, levy failure, tax distribution, education funding, tax exemption, agriculture, hazardous substances, crop protection, warehousing, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation provides for a limitation on annual increases in the maintenance budget of all entities
• However, the restrictions on annual increases to the maintenance budgets of the state entities may have
• This legislation will limit any annual increase in the maintenance budget of any entity of the state
• Entity of the state government of the state of Idaho to no more than the average percentage increase
• Now, if the consumer price index shows no average increase or decrease, the state entity maintenance

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee met on February 3 and first considered RS 32989, the “Rogue Act,” sponsored by Senator Foreman. The proposal would limit annual increases in state agencies’ maintenance budgets to the average CPI-U increase for the western region, while allowing exceptions for exigent circumstances, federal mandates, and other operational needs. Foreman said the bill was intended to restrain government growth without harming agency flexibility or the general fund. During the print hearing, several senators expressed concern about moving the measure forward given current budget pressures and cuts affecting Medicaid, public schools, and infrastructure. Senator Rowe asked how the bill would affect state-mandated education support units and other required spending, and Foreman responded that the bill’s flexibility language was meant to avoid interfering with necessary services. The committee then voted on a motion to send RS 32989 to print; the motion passed with at least one recorded nay. The committee also approved the January 20 and January 22 minutes. It then heard from the Idaho State Tax Commission on administrative rule docket 35-0102-2501, a zero-based rewrite of sales and use tax rules that removed restatements of statute, reduced restrictive language, and cut the rules by about 46 percent, or roughly 33,800 words. Commissioners explained that examples had been moved online with hyperlinks in the rules, and senators asked about usability for practitioners and whether any substantive changes remained; the commission said the remaining rules were intended to be clearer and easier for taxpayers to follow. The committee unanimously approved the docket. At the end of the meeting, senators noted that House Bill 559, the tax conformity bill, had passed the House and would likely come to the committee later in the week. Members emphasized that prompt action would be needed so Idaho taxpayers and the Tax Commission could update forms and software and proceed with filing season.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation provides for a limitation on annual increases in the maintenance budget of all entities
• However, the restrictions on annual increases to the maintenance budgets of the state entities may have
• This legislation will limit any annual increase in the maintenance budget of any entity of the state
• government of the state of Idaho to no more than the average entity of the state government of the state
• Now, if the consumer price index shows no average increase or decrease, the state entity maintenance

Committee: Senate Local Government and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all