Transcript Highlights:

• It allows for the IG to contract with Minute for information technology services under section 16E.016
• </c> with minute for information technology with minute for information technology services<00:22:51.360
• ><c> under</c><00:22:51.679><c> section</c> services under section services under section 16E.016.<00
• service.
• or u a services like a Medicaid service or u a stateonly<01:18:28.560><c> service.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we actually get or services, which is essentially the or services, which is essentially the CMHC<00:
• . services. services.
• . service. service.
• Trips are frequently services.
• </c> you're not eligible for the service. you're not eligible for the service.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board first approved the September 24 minutes and then heard a presentation from four certified community behavioral health clinic providers: Pathways, NorthKey, Seven Counties Services, and NewVista. The presenters explained the difference between traditional community mental health centers and CCBHCs, describing CCBHCs as an enhanced model that integrates behavioral health, primary care, wraparound services, and crisis response. They reviewed the federal history of the model, Kentucky’s entry into the Medicaid demonstration in 2022, and the scheduled end of the enhanced federal match on December 31, 2027. They also emphasized required services such as 24-hour mobile crisis, care coordination, and services for veterans, and described care coordination as a key feature that helps patients follow up after hospital or emergency discharge, manage medications, and connect to transportation and other supports. The presenters gave examples of improved outcomes, including a patient who was able to remain living independently because of coordinated home-based and telehealth support, and they argued that CCBHCs are helping Kentucky build a more responsive crisis system through 988, mobile crisis teams, and crisis stabilization units. They said the model is data-driven, uses performance metrics, and has led to stronger collaboration among community partners. One speaker said more than 100 agencies participated in a Jefferson County community health needs assessment and continued meeting afterward to reduce redundancies and barriers to care. They also said crisis call hub compliance and mobile crisis outreach compliance improved significantly over the past year. Members asked about how navigators and connectors fit into the model, how CCBHCs work with managed care organizations, and how the program could expand statewide. The presenters said navigators are not built into the CCBHC model but may be used through referrals, while the CCBHCs continue to bill MCOs the same way and receive a Medicaid wrap payment for the enhanced rate. They said the goal would be for all community mental health centers to become CCBHCs, but that a state plan amendment would be needed and could not be limited only to CMHCs if submitted to CMS. They estimated about $28 million would be needed statewide to continue the program in the next biennium, combining the loss of enhanced federal match and the state share of enhanced service costs. The board also discussed transportation, with one presenter explaining that their program arranges Medicaid transportation for eligible appointments, and members raised concerns about mental inquest warrant transport and whether sheriffs should remain involved. No votes were taken on the CCBHC or transportation items during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• But understanding that 15 years have gone by, technologies have changed, engineering has improved.
• But understanding that 15 years have gone by, technologies have changed, engineering has improved.
• front and say there are third alternatives, understanding that there's new innovations and new technologies
• 26:40.400><c> some</c><00:26:40.480><c> of</c><00:26:40.559><c> our</c> There's, you know, gaps in service
• Even in some of our larger areas, there's gaps in service as well, waiting lists, people not being served

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Northern Kentucky building industry representatives Brian Miller and Matt Mains on housing affordability and construction workforce issues. They argued that regulatory and code requirements add significant cost to new homes, citing an estimate of nearly $94,000 per home nationally and $15,000 to $20,000 per home in Boone County over the past decade. They recommended reforms to building code adoption, architectural design mandates, permit fees and delays, and setback/land dedication rules, saying these changes could reduce costs by $25,000 to $35,000 per home without affecting public safety. They also discussed workforce training efforts through the Enzwe Building Institute, dual-credit programs, apprenticeship incentives, and workforce grants, saying these efforts have helped hold wage growth below regional trends and improve housing affordability. Committee members asked about the breakdown of regulatory costs, the effect of energy codes, and ways to speed up permitting. The presenters said the costs were roughly split among federal, state, and local requirements, with local regulations adding about $25,000 to $35,000 and some energy-code changes adding about $19,000 per home. They said faster plan review, coordination with the Kentucky Division of Water, and addressing municipal staffing shortages could cut 30 to 45 days from approvals. Members also discussed the difficulty of building starter homes under about $350,000 and the need for more missing-middle housing, with the presenters saying such homes are hard to produce without sacrificing quality. The committee then took up Representative Kim Moer and Dr. Dale Bertram’s discussion of marriage and family therapist licensing and healthcare workforce data reporting. They explained that the bill would allow Kentucky to recognize out-of-state marriage and family therapists who meet licensure requirements, have no disciplinary history, and have passed the national exam, in order to reduce barriers and address provider shortages, especially in rural areas. They also described a separate workforce data reporting section that would require licensure boards to collect consistent information on where licensees practice and whether they are actively seeing patients, including through telehealth, so the state can better understand its healthcare workforce. Members supported the portability idea, noted that some qualified applicants are currently working in Indiana instead of Kentucky, and asked whether the data collection could be handled administratively; the sponsors said the bill would create consistency across boards. The committee also briefly discussed occupational board updates and the need for stronger communication between legislators and licensing boards, including architecture licensure issues and efforts to recruit more professionals.

Transcript Highlights:

• They greet us and deliver on the promise of this great public service.
• Bush once said, public service is a noble... President George H.W.
• Proud of his public service, Bernie served countless constituents over the course of his career.
• Proud of his public service, Bernie served countless constituents over the course of his career.
• These gaps can mean missed class placements, delayed services, and lost progress.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with ceremonial business, including adoption of resolutions recognizing the Copernicus Institute and honoring October 2025 as Polish American Heritage Month. Members also concurred in Senate petitions and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several new petitions to be referred, including proposals on employer notice of I-9 records, Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a sick leave bank for a trial court employee, and the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm. The chamber then advanced several local and administrative bills, including legislation authorizing MassDOT to convey land in Stoneham and bills on child welfare protections, transit-worker assault penalties, and other local matters. The most substantial debate centered on House No. 4645, a substitute bill addressing assault and battery on transit workers. Supporters argued that transit employees face rising violence and deserve protections similar to other public employees, citing MBTA assault statistics and testimony from workers describing threats, spitting, weapons, and serious injuries. The House accepted the substitute bill and passed it to be engrossed by roll call, 116-0. The chamber also passed to be engrossed a child welfare bill, House No. 4644, after debate on expanded DCF reporting, discharge planning, the independence of the Office of the Child Advocate, education coordination for children in care, and child fatality review reforms; amendments were adopted, including one adding a Department of Social Services social worker to the fatality review team and another creating a commission to study a digital education portfolio for foster youth. The House also adopted an emergency preamble for a bonds bill and passed several engrossed local bills, including measures affecting Hull, Lanesborough, and Norton. The session included a formal visit from a Hokkaido, Japan delegation marking the 35th anniversary of the Massachusetts-Hokkaido sister-state relationship, with remarks entered into the Journal. Members observed moments of silence for Bernard Fang and former Representative Thomas George, and the House later adopted a special adjournment in memory of Mark Haren before adjourning to meet the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pacific Beach Coalition's longtime president, she leaves a lasting legacy of service and stewardship
• Pacific Beach Coalition's longtime president, she leaves a lasting legacy of service and stewardship
• Winona is a retired service delivery manager for IBM in Silicon Valley, California.
• Her leadership unites technical excellence with heartfelt service.
• Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2024, Julie Moore continues a life of service.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and notices for floor business. The chamber approved the journals for March 9–12, 2026, and suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow a Budget Subcommittee on Education hearing on item 6120 with short notice. The body then took up third reading items, beginning with SCR 114 designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, land ownership, and economic development. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0, and Grove introduced guest Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association. The Senate next considered SR 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar led the resolution, highlighting women’s contributions and calling for continued policy work on equity, pay, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ+, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, citing women’s historic and ongoing leadership and the need to address persistent inequality. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded to a lengthy floor ceremony recognizing the Women of the Year honorees from each district, with brief biographies read into the record for community leaders, educators, public safety officials, veterans, advocates, business owners, and others. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby in honor of the father of Senate Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Aaron Peth. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill further recognizes the practical benefits of technology that were successfully used during COVID
• This is an international nonprofit service organization made up of Black women, over 17,000 strong, with
• The powers that be feel that they could move faster in implementing new technologies.
• “The logistics folks talk about the last mile of delivery in goods and services.
• The logistics folks talk about the last mile of delivery in goods and services.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and considered a series of juvenile justice, criminal procedure, public corruption, domestic violence, sentencing, and victim-notification measures. Early in the meeting, SB 396 was amended and reported favorably to allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference, with OJJ staff also participating virtually. SB 181 was amended and reported favorably to create a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations within a single health system. SB 81, a bill requiring prosecutorial consent before a defendant may waive a jury trial in a non-capital felony case, drew extensive debate; supporters said it would align Louisiana with federal practice and other states, while opponents argued it would give the state more power and reduce defendants’ control over their own trial rights. After testimony from district attorneys, defense lawyers, and advocacy groups, the committee reported SB 81 favorably by a 7-3 vote. The committee then took up SB 207, which extends the prescriptive period for prosecuting certain corruption offenses committed by elected officials and public employees to 10 years after they leave office. Supporters said it would help prevent officials from using their influence to avoid prosecution; opponents raised concerns about optics and scope. The bill was reported favorably by an 8-3 vote. SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system, was also reported favorably without objection. SB 156, which increases the maximum penalty for negligent homicide and includes special treatment for cases involving children under 13, was reported favorably after sponsors said they would make a technical fix before floor debate. SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated flight from a law enforcement officer and dedicating fine revenue to pursuit training and technology, was reported favorably after supporters cited fatal high-speed pursuits and law enforcement backing. Later, the committee approved SB 97, the constitutional amendment companion to SB 81, after similar testimony for and against the proposal; it was reported favorably by a 7-3 vote. SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board’s functions to the Louisiana Supreme Court, was reported favorably without objection. SB 410, increasing penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses, was also reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 251, which requires notice to victims or their families in resentencing proceedings; after amendments and testimony about post-conviction procedure and possible unintended consequences, it was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HCR 50, a resolution calling for reports on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and guidance on available funding; the sponsor described it as a study effort to improve access to treatment and recovery, and the resolution was moved favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have pretrial services. We have alternative dispute resolution.
• We've been updating our courtroom technology. We're asking for a courtroom modernization project.
• We've been updating our courtroom technology for several years now and have really appreciated the funding
• I don't want to say criticism—legitimate critiques that may come from, let's say, the Council of Service
• But he and I were at a conference where they’ll have somebody like their legislative counsel service

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ortiz was saying, apparently it was soliciting sex, also soliciting sex in exchange for legal services
• Should an officer of the court be soliciting sex in exchange for legal services?
• multicolored micronomismatic invisible ultraviolet designs; and unique forensic fraud detection technology
• We’d love to have the opportunity to service the needs of the state of Arizona.
• , was listed in 2021 as a team member of a senator’s Idaho-based energy nonprofit, Clean Power Technologies

Summary: The committee began with lengthy testimony and affidavits criticizing the Arizona State Bar, with speakers alleging selective discipline, due process problems, and retaliation against attorneys who take controversial cases. Committee members questioned the witnesses and discussed whether the bar and court system properly oversee attorney discipline, but no action was taken on that testimony. The committee then considered several election-related bills. SB 1037 would impose stricter security requirements on voting and tabulating equipment, including no internet access, tamper-proof seals, chain-of-custody documentation, nonstop video at accounting centers, and criminal penalties for violations; it passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1038 would require rapid public release of cast vote records, but an amendment changed the timing and transmission process; the amended bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1040 would expand public access to voter registration rolls through an internet portal and a read-only format; it also passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee next approved SB 1039, which would allow attorneys who prevail in bar discipline matters to seek damages for reputational harm and lost earnings; it passed 4-2 with one not voting after extensive discussion about bar procedures, interim suspension, and whether attorneys can practice while under investigation. SB 1053, reducing concealed carry permit fees for Arizona residents, passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1057, requiring ballot paper fraud-countermeasure features, also passed 4-2 with one not voting. SB 1060, removing a voting exemption for U.S. citizens who have never resided in the United States, passed 3-2 with two not voting. The committee then heard SB 1061, which would lower the fentanyl threshold for enhanced sentencing from 200 grams to 9 grams; testimony focused on whether the bill would sweep in users as well as dealers, but the transcript ends before a vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> pay down debt service or to prepay debt. pay down debt service or to prepay debt.
• </c> cover our debt service. cover our debt service.
• </c> revenue would exceed our debt service. revenue would exceed our debt service.
• I enjoy the arena much. debt service. Okay. as soon as it does, debt service.
• . service. service.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call. The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items. Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Senator Cabaldon, who this is his first hearing, and he is following Senator Laird's great service
• We redirected staff to form a team dedicated to labeling review, and we deployed enhanced technology
• the things that we've been trying to do, at least internally, is we've spent time developing a technology
• And so part of what we're trying to do with that technology tool is to flag more consistently whether

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee heard an audit on the Department of Cannabis Control’s oversight of cannabis packaging and labeling, focused on products that may be attractive to children. The auditor said the department’s rules are often vague or subjective, leading to inconsistent enforcement, and that the state relies heavily on complaints rather than pre-market review. The audit found disagreements with DCC’s conclusions in 13 of 80 packaging reviews, and noted weaknesses in tracking repeat violators and escalating penalties. The auditor recommended clearer statutory standards, better internal review tools, stronger repeat-offender policies, and consideration of options such as plain packaging or pre-approval systems. Committee members and the audit requester emphasized rising cannabis poison-control calls involving children under five and cited examples of legal products with cartoon imagery, bright colors, candy-like names, and beverage packaging that resembled ordinary drinks. DCC representatives said they had already begun reforms, including a centralized review team, improved databases, enhanced technology tools, and new procedures to track compliance history and apply progressive discipline. They also stressed that illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp remain major sources of youth exposure and argued that some issues require both regulatory refinement and more legislative clarity. Public health witnesses argued that California has not done enough to protect children and urged plain packaging, limits on flavors and child-appealing design, and a pre-market review process. Industry representatives agreed that cannabis should not be marketed to children but said the current rules are too subjective and inconsistent, and asked for objective, bright-line standards rather than broader bans. Several members said the examples shown were plainly child-appealing and called for stronger statutory guardrails, while also acknowledging the need to keep pressure on the illicit market. No formal vote or action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I staff finance and appropriations, transportation, and technology. This is my 31st session. Mr.
• It would help with special needs services.
• So when we do cuts, when we do cut revenues, we do cut services.
• It does not diminish their service to the state.
• It does not diminish their service to the state.

Bills: SB1042 , SB1043 , SB1044 , SB1135 , SB1136 , SB1142 , SB1180 , SB1221 , SB1252 , SB1254 , SCR1003

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: public funds, virtual currency, bitcoin, investment, Arizona Strategic Digital Asset Reserve Act, state treasurer, retirement system, state payments, cryptocurrency, Arizona law, payment methods, government transactions, property tax, tax exemption, Arizona Revised Statutes, digital currency, workers' compensation, death benefits, burial costs, spousal compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• And they do it with such grace and commitment to public service that they make all of us proud every
• That came with cost. ...to be propelled as leaders in the technology sector.
• We have to pay for these costs in the year in which we get the benefit of the service of the employee
• The United States Department of Defense estimates that nearly 81,000 American service members remain
• Forest Service as a ranger and a firefighter, literally backbreaking work.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a long floor session focused heavily on budget trailer bills, labor agreements, housing, environmental review, and several resolutions. Members also introduced visiting guests, including family members, district staff, Mandela Washington Fellows, and UC Berkeley public policy students. Procedural motions were taken up early, including a successful roll-call vote to suspend rules so certain budget-related bills could be heard without reference to file. The chamber approved several major budget measures. SB 129, the labor trailer bill, passed 56-4 after supporters said it made technical budget adjustments, funded collective bargaining, supported In-Home Supportive Services, and addressed pension and project-related issues. SB 131, the public resources and housing trailer bill, passed 50-3 after extensive debate over homelessness funding, CEQA exemptions, advanced manufacturing, high-speed rail, rural access to funds, tribal consultation, and environmental protections; multiple members voiced support while also urging follow-up changes. The Assembly also adopted SB 139, implementing agreements for professional and operating engineers, by 69-1, and SB 140, implementing the correctional officers’ agreement, by 71-0. Later, AB 130, the housing trailer bill, was taken up on concurrence in Senate amendments after a successful rule suspension; members discussed tribal consultation protections, CEQA reform, prevailing wage, and vehicle miles traveled provisions, with debate continuing as the transcript ended. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 927, extending the Williams inspection window for certain school districts, which passed 70-0. In addition, ACR 16 naming the 10th Street Bridge the POW/MIA Bridge passed 70-0. AJR 9, urging full and consistent federal funding for the National Park Service, drew broad bipartisan support and passed 66-0 after members highlighted California parks’ economic and cultural importance. HR 47, recognizing the Fourth of July and the Declaration of Independence, prompted extended remarks on democracy, civics, immigration, military service, and community celebrations before being adopted by voice vote with 64 co-authors added. The consent calendar was also adopted 64-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then CJ, we honor you today for your years of distinguished service to our state.
• And then CJ, we honor you today for your years of distinguished service to our state.
• </c> a great partner and all the service a great partner and all the service providers<00:30:55.840><
• , wraparound services, social services, to care for people and overall lower their cost to the state
• All of these services help us address one of our greatest social challenges.

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nash will be helping us out with all of the technology.
• There's a cost for us to do business, and we either have to raise a fee or cut back on our services as
• That leads to less service to Minnesotans.
• Then I pivoted to secure a Farm Service Agency loan but was unable to do so.
• Next up, we have Amber Bacchus from ISIC Locating Services.

Bills: HF2446

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• task force within the state technology task force within the state department<00:56:02.240><c> of</c
• That's called<01:08:42.960><c> utilizing</c><01:08:43.520><c> technology.
• </c> called utilizing technology. called utilizing technology.
• commission and we have a service commission and we have a proposed<01:57:52.080><c> amendment.
• There are no service that they provide.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Senators then adopted the prior day’s journal and excused absent members. A lengthy point of personal privilege followed, in which Senator Smith criticized the prior day’s handling of the special order calendar and argued that minority-party senators were denied the chance to speak, while Senator Coleman said Senate Bill 318 had been removed from the calendar and tied that to Child Abuse Prevention Month; she also noted Senate Bill 43, which would provide civil recourse for child sex assault survivors, had not advanced. The presiding officer also recognized guests in the gallery, including staff from the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Senate then received multiple committee reports, largely on a unanimous or near-unanimous basis. Finance and Taxation Education reported favorably on House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, 517, and 98, and Senate Bill 380, with some substitutes or amendments; Finance and Taxation General Fund reported Senate Bill 378 favorably; County and Municipal Government reported House Bills 568, 499, and 433; Education Policy reported House Bills 8 and 380; Banking and Insurance reported House Bill 545; Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development reported House Bill 586 with two nays; Healthcare reported House Bills 533 and 605; Tourism and Marketing reported House Bills 513 and 626 and Senate Bill 357; and local legislation committees reported several Mobile County and Madison County bills, including Senate Bill 379 relating to Madison County and various House bills, all advancing to the next legislative day. In motions and resolutions, the Senate agreed to allow committee reports to be received at any time during the day. Several resolutions were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee, including Senate Joint Resolution 100 honoring Presley Skelton, SJR 101 commending Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, SJR 102 establishing the Alabama Forest Products Retention and Pulp and Paper Mill Stability Study Commission, SJR 103 mourning Norman Wendell Arnold, and SJR 104 designating Alabama as the river state. The chamber also suspended the rules to take up Senate Joint Resolution 105, commending Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth for his service; the resolution included a lengthy recitation of his background and accomplishments and was read for immediate consideration with all senators added as sponsors.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation provides cash rounding guidance for goods and services when purchasers pay in cash and
• three grants were issued to Lewis County for remote networking, call handling, and Next Gen 911 core services
• interoperability between counties and PSAP centers, and it helps ensure that there's standardized technology

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 20 and then reordered the agenda to hear several Senate measures. Senate Bill 1350, on cash rounding when pennies are unavailable, was presented as a voluntary guide for cash transactions only; it would round to the nearest five cents and was supported by the Idaho Retailers Association. After a brief question about change-making and a note of support from Pam Eaton, the committee sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Members then heard Senate Joint Memorial 112, which urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget. Representative Raymond argued the federal deficit is unsustainable and said Idaho’s congressional delegation should lead on the issue; the memorial was advanced on a due pass motion. Senate Bill 1322, concerning voter affidavits for voters without photo ID, would require additional identifying information such as name, address, and either date of birth or driver’s license number before a ballot is issued. The Secretary of State’s office said about 1,200 voters used the affidavit in 2024 and supported the bill, which also received a due pass recommendation. The committee also advanced Senate Joint Memorial 109, reaffirming Idaho’s sovereignty and the Tenth Amendment in election administration, and House Concurrent Resolution 35, honoring Idaho’s 2026 Olympians, including medalists Breezy Johnson, Jalen Koth, and Hillary Knight. Representative Church read a statement from Sammy Smith’s coach praising her athletic competitiveness. Senate Concurrent Resolution 122, reaffirming Idaho’s relationship with Taiwan and its economic ties, was likewise sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. In the final item, the committee considered temporary and pending rules for the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission governing multi-year 911 grant authority and related scoring/application provisions. Sheriff Andy Creech said the rule would provide clearer limits and guidance for grants supporting next-generation 911 and that prior grants would remain valid. Despite his explanation, the committee voted to reject both docket 15-0601-2501 and docket 15-0601-2215, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are significant individualized services required under a student's IEP, not routine classroom expenses
• Also, Amit Savak, the CEO of the Education Testing Service system, the behemoth in America that has the
• happiness, with indicators of resilience, with indicators, and it is possible in today's age with technology

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and then heard several Senate RS measures, all of which were moved to print. Senator Blaylock presented RS 33277C1 to create the Idaho High Need Student Fund, which would reimburse districts for extraordinary special education costs above $30,000 per student annually, with caps, documentation requirements, and annual reporting. Senator Cole presented RS 33271, the PROM Act, to let homeschooled students in grades 8-12 buy a social access pass to participate in public school dances, fairs, and cultural events without enrolling, with families paying a $25 annual fee plus event charges. Senator O’Conniewicz presented RS 33334 regarding foreign national students on college athletic teams, describing it as a way to balance athletics with retaining graduates who could stay and work in Idaho. Senator Semmelroth presented RS 33335, a revised code-cleanup bill that restores specialty diploma provisions after an earlier version mistakenly included them for repeal. Each of these RS measures received a motion and unanimous support to be printed. The committee also heard an informational presentation from Sam Abrams, superintendent of Hayden Canyon Charter, who argued that Idaho’s education system is too focused on seat time, compliance, and standardized testing rather than mastery and individualized learning. He urged the committee to consider shifting toward competency-based progression, greater accountability for student well-being and demonstrated learning, and more flexible reporting models. Abrams used examples from his work in Qatar and from a traditional gradebook to argue that students should advance by showing mastery rather than by time spent in class. Committee members responded with comments about the rigidity of traditional public schools, the flexibility of charter schools, and the need for options that fit different students, but no formal action was taken on the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are significant individualized services required under a student's IEP, not routine classroom expenses
• Also, Amit Savak, the CEO of the Education Testing Service system, the behemoth in America that has the
• happiness, with indicators of resilience, with indicators, and it is possible in today's age with technology

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes a utility report related to heat disconnections on days when the National Weather Service
• Commerce and changes the state energy strategy implementation report due date to be less frequent. ...service
• And that would be useful in terms of reporting on technologies that could, you know, reduce carbon emissions

Bills: HB2416 , HB2537 , HB2575 , HB2322

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: waste management, energy, climate action, environmental regulations, fair treatment, renewable energy, sustainability, emissions, climate commitment act, environmental regulation, trade regulation, facility compliance, reporting obligations, energy laws, compliance, business impact, alternative fuel, carbon reduction, aviation, energy production

Transcript Highlights:

• He then continued to page 477, where there were two revisions: another clarification about technological
• local level the appropriate implementation for IDEA, so that it helps us be able to deliver those services
• level the appropriate implementation for IDEA so that it helps us be able to deliver that in the services

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee took up a series of State Board of Education rule dockets, most of them described by presenters as cleanup or clarification changes. Nicholas Wagner first presented a repeal of the pay-for-success contracting rule because it duplicated statute and had never been used; the committee approved the repeal. He also explained a cleanup to the Career Technical Centers rules to remove duplicative language tied to the federal Perkins 5 law and to delete an unnecessary reference to “data,” and that docket was approved as well. Greg Wilson then presented several dockets on uniformity, educator ethics, special education, and thoroughness. The uniformity changes were mostly technical edits, including abbreviating State Board of Education to SBOE and adding “standard” to a Career Technical Education certificate title; the committee approved that docket. On the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators, Wilson said the revisions came from the Professional Standards Commission and public comment, and included limits on digital communication with students to district-approved devices and platforms, plus other clarifications about misuse of school property and public funds; the committee approved it. He also described a temporary special education rule and a pending special education manual update intended to bring Idaho into compliance with federal IDEA requirements after an OSEP letter, including changes to specific learning disability criteria and dual enrollment, and the committee approved both the temporary and pending special education dockets. The final major item was the pending social studies standards under rules governing thoroughness. Wilson said the Legislature had rejected prior revisions, so the standards were reworked through a summer process with educators and outside reviewers. He said grade 4 social studies and U.S. history standards were revised, and a new 9-12 Western Civilization section was added. The committee approved the social studies docket, then corrected and re-approved an earlier docket number to ensure the record was accurate. The meeting ended with the chair noting the committee would discuss the budget the next day and then adjourning.