Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, any other discussions? Not seeing any. We have a motion to introduce RS 33187.
• So here to discuss House Bill 526.
• Any other discussion? Not seeing any other questions or lights on.
• Any other discussion? Representative Byswinger: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• We only have, I think, the yellow dot program is up for discussion tomorrow.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, the chair will entertain any discussion or debate on that reappointment. Mr. Chairman.
• Committee, any discussion on the motion?
• Do we have any discussion or debate on the motion?
• Committee will entertain any discussion or debate. Mr. Chair. Appointment. Senator Burt.
• Committee, any debate or discussion on the motion? Hearing...

Summary: The committee first approved the January 20, 2026 minutes. It then considered several gubernatorial appointments and reappointments related to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board and the Department of Finance. Hyatt Erstad, Cynthia Fairfax, and Janice Folkerson were each moved to the Senate floor with recommendations for confirmation, with motions carrying on voice votes. Nora Carpenter and Gregory Danaka appeared before the committee, introduced themselves, and answered no or limited questions; their appointments were held for a later vote, likely at the next meeting. The committee also heard a detailed presentation from Salvador Cruz, the gubernatorial appointee to serve as Director of the Department of Finance. Cruz described his background in banking supervision and state financial regulation, his current role as interim director, and the department’s responsibilities overseeing banks, credit unions, mortgage and securities industries, among others. He emphasized consumer education, combating scams such as romance and pig-butchering fraud, maintaining strong relationships with regulated industries, and keeping the department lean and effective. Senators asked about his move to Idaho, his career path, and his goals for the department; he said he wants the agency to be dynamic, more visible, and the best-run executive branch agency. No substantive legislation was debated. The only formal actions taken were approval of the minutes and the committee’s favorable recommendations to the Senate on the three Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board appointments/reappointments. The meeting ended with the chair praising the quality and willingness of Idaho’s public appointees and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? Any opposition? Hearing none, that motion carries.
• At that time, we also discussed the multiple life safety redundancies that were in place.
• At that time, we also discussed the multiple life safety redundancies that were in place, such as the
• Is there any discussion on this matter? Is there any opposition on the matter?
• Please keep your testimony to what was discussed or introduced during the hearing, excuse me.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and received a revenue report showing continued growth across several gaming sectors. State police reported December riverboat AGR of $167.8 million, Caesars New Orleans revenue of $283,602, racetrack slot AGR of $26.9 million, video gaming net device revenue of $67.1 million, retail and mobile sports wagering totals of $24.7 million and $373 million respectively, and daily fantasy sports gross revenue of about $4.8 million. The board noted increases in year-to-date revenues and fees in multiple categories, including the impact of Bally’s Baton Rouge landside opening and gains in the Shreveport-Bossier and Lake Charles markets. The board then approved a second temporary certificate of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel through February 28, 2026. AVS and the Attorney General’s office reported that most life-safety deficiencies had been corrected, including repair and successful testing of the emergency generator system, but a final verification blackout drill still needed to be completed. The extension was granted to allow AVS to complete that inspection. The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises, Inc. for late filing of annual forms and fees required for its Type 6 video draw poker license. In the final item, the board heard Thomas Rasko’s appeal of a revocation decision involving his non-key gaming employee permit. After argument from both Rasko and the Division, the board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking the permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion? Any opposition? Hearing none, that motion carries.
• At that time, we also discussed the multiple life safety redundancies that were in place.
• At that time, we also discussed the multiple life safety redundancies that were in place, such as the
• During the discussion with Simmons, it was identified that the replacement UV trip was anticipated on
• Is there any discussion on this matter? Is there any opposition on the matter?

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, and first approved the minutes from its December 18, 2025 meeting. Staff then reported strong December gaming revenues across riverboats, Caesars New Orleans, racetrack slots, video gaming, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports, with several categories showing month-over-month and year-over-year increases. Board members noted the overall growth in the industry and did not raise questions on the revenue report. The board next approved a temporary certificate of compliance extension for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel. Officials said most life-safety deficiencies from the annual inspection had been corrected, and the remaining issue involved the emergency generator, which had recently been repaired and tested successfully, though a final verification inspection was still pending. The temporary certificate was extended through February 28, 2026. The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises for late submission of required annual forms and fees. In the final agenda item, the board heard an appeal from Thomas Rasko challenging the revocation of his non-key gaming employee permit. Rasko acknowledged the underlying violation and asked for a shorter penalty, while the Division argued his conduct during an arrest showed he lacked the suitability required for gaming participation. The board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking his permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The performance audit being discussed at this hearing was conducted...
• The performance audit being discussed at this hearing was conducted solely and independently by the State
• Including OIC as a part of that discussion.
• There to date, there has not yet been a discussion about joint legislation, but I think we're certainly
• Yet been a discussion about joint legislation, but I think we're certainly open to, you know, figuring

Committee: Joint JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits

Summary: At the June 4, 2025 JLARC I-900 Subcommittee hearing, the State Auditor’s Office presented a performance audit on Washington’s child support insurance intercept law. The audit reviewed the mandatory reporting system for insurance claims tied to past-due child support, noting that collections increased after the law took effect in 2022, but that some eligible claims still are not being reported. Auditors said DCS learns about roughly 1 in 10 claims through other channels, and that insurers may miss reporting because they are unaware of the law, make administrative errors, or misunderstand the $500 threshold and timing requirements. The audit recommended that the Office of the Insurance Commissioner help educate insurers by adding information to its website and sharing insurer contact contacts with DCS, and also recommended that the Legislature amend the law to create monitoring and enforcement authority. The auditor said neither DCS nor OIC currently has authority to monitor compliance or take action against noncompliant insurers, though other states use insurance regulators or market conduct exams for this purpose. Committee members asked about possible coordinated enforcement between DSHS and OIC, which the auditor said was beyond the scope of the audit but could be considered by the Legislature. An OIC representative said the commissioner is willing to help educate insurers, post information on the OIC website, and share contact information with DSHS, and that the agency is open to further discussion. No public testimony was offered, and no votes or formal committee actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing discussion, Chair Harrison Chair moves that House Bill 791 be reported favorably to the full
• Is there any discussion? This is another one that we did this last meeting.
• And, uh, there's no discussion.
• Is there any discussion? Chair here is none.
• You were reluctant to discuss any of these things. Why? Well, because I, I, I, I don't, I'm not.

Bills: HB 2007 , HB 2462 , HB 2621 , HB 2921 , HB 3187 , HB 3331 , HB 3332 , HJR 144 , HB 3514 , HB 3528 , HB 3539 , HB 3563 , HB 3720 , HB 3726 , HB 3751 , HB 3859 , HB 3947 , HB 4148 , HB 4164 , HB 4337 , HB 4346 , HB 4368 , HB 4706 , HB 4916 , HB 4950 , HB 4967 , HB 5177 , HB 5603

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commercial signs, county approval, transportation code, regulations, road signage, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, confidentiality, personal information, local government, airport data, public records, regional transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Not seeing any, any member questions or discussion.
• </c> or discussion. or discussion.
• Chair Davids asked if there was any further discussion.
• a good discussion on that one,<01:03:40.920><c> too.
• . discussion. discussion.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, members, I will open it up to questions and discussion.
• See no further discussion.
• Chair, and thank you, members, for this great discussion.
• </c><01:03:59.279><c> but</c> can have a reasonable discussion but can have a reasonable discussion but
• I have a lot of discussion with them about this subject.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We discussed specific solutions.
• We discussed specific solutions.
• We discussed specific solutions.
• We discussed merely identify problems. We discussed specific<00:05:13.840><c> solutions.
• We discussed fixes. We discussed guardrails.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in significant<00:59:36.960><c> discuss</c><00:59:37.440><c> discussions</c><00:59:38.000><c>
• with</c><00:59:38.240><c> DOT</c> significant discuss discussions with DOT significant discuss discussions
• but we could further discussion, but we could definitely<01:09:43.679><c> discuss</c><01:09:44.000><
• </c><01:09:44.319><c> Sir,</c> definitely discuss that. Sir, definitely discuss that.
• </c> um I I think it was AG who's discussing um I I think it was AG who's discussing or<01:11:40.480>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs held an informational briefing on violent crime clearance rates and what resources law enforcement and prosecutors need to improve them. Chair and members noted there would be no public testimony. The briefing was led by Marshall Clement of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center, with later participation expected from state and county law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. Clement argued that solving violent crime is a systemwide issue, not just a local police function, and said clearance rates have declined nationally over decades for homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. He said Hawaii’s reported data, limited to Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, shows overall violent crime rates are lower than the national average and have been relatively flat with a pandemic-era spike followed by declines in 2023 and 2024. He reported that Hawaii’s overall violent crime solve rate fell from about 52% in 2014 to about 40% in 2024, with 2024 rates of 50% for homicides, 48% for aggravated assaults, and 26% each for rapes and robberies. He also estimated unsolved cases over the past three years at about 17 homicides, 3,300 aggravated assaults, 1,200 rapes, and 1,700 robberies. Members asked about victim and witness support, staffing shortages, the Denver example, whether clearance rates include cases not prosecuted, and whether HPD’s size or structure might affect solve rates. Clement said support can include victim-witness programs and coordinators that help maintain cooperation and trust, especially where clearance rates are low. He said resources, training, technology, and detective caseloads matter, citing Boston, Denver, and Omaha as cities that improved solve rates through relatively low-cost operational changes; he highlighted Denver’s increase in non-fatal shooting clearance from 39% to 65% in seven months after dedicating more resources. He said he had no research showing that breaking up a large department would improve solve rates, and noted that clearance data can include exceptional clearances such as victim noncooperation, prosecutorial declination, or a suspect’s death. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• if that if questions or discussion if that if they're<00:53:38.240><c> needed.
• And so I mean we had a discussion about this.
• And so I mean we had a discussion about this.
• If we need more time to discuss, bills.
• I think it does warrant more discussion, and we will lay the bill over.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> difficulty with what we were discussing? difficulty with what we were discussing?
• c> the</c><01:30:53.360><c> traffic</c> You know, you discussed the traffic You know, you discussed the
• Hearing no discussion, the clerk 16?
• </c> Um, there's been a lot of discussion Um, there's been a lot of discussion about<03:22:18.160><c>
• Uh so I had some discussions wasn't.

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any further nominations or discussion? Wonderful. Hearing none, we'll proceed to vote.
• So all that to say, the work group in September discussed the goal of further study of this issue, but
• So that question is open for discussion to the commission.
• is open for discussion to the commission.
• So are any other options being discussed that aren't just taxes on the business community?

Summary: The Commission on Unemployment Compensation met, established a quorum, and elected Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling as chair and Senator Mike Jones as vice chair. The commission also adopted its electronic meeting policy and heard introductions from new members, staff, and officials from the Secretary of Labor’s office and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Secretary Jessica Lumen outlined the administration’s workforce and labor priorities, including supporting workers, employers, and program transparency, while members raised concerns about business climate, job losses, labor participation, and the implementation of paid family and medical leave. Staff provided legislative updates on recent unemployment-related bills. These included increases to the weekly unemployment benefit amount enacted in 2025 and 2026, a bill on labor dispute disqualification that changed how lockouts are treated for benefit eligibility, and a budget item providing $75,000 for actuarial support to the commission. The commission also discussed the 2025 work group on annual adjustments to weekly benefit amounts; staff reported that the work group did not complete its charge, and members agreed to revisit whether to reconstitute it at a future meeting. Delegate Martinez expressed support for continuing the work, and the chair said the issue would be taken up at the next meeting. Deputy Commissioner Joanna Darkus gave a detailed presentation on Virginia’s unemployment insurance system, including current claims data, eligibility rules, employer tax structure, benefit levels, trust fund solvency, fraud prevention, and customer service operations. She reported that Virginia’s unemployment rate remains low, weekly claims are modest, the current weekly benefit range is $160 to $478, and the trust fund balance factor is projected at 50.9 percent, near the threshold for additional employer charges. Members asked about the taxable wage base, trust fund solvency, the effect of benefit increases, fraud controls, and the planned paid family and medical leave program. VEC said it is implementing that program through regulations, staffing, IT procurement, public listening sessions, and consultation with other states. A public commenter from the Virginia Poverty Law Center urged the commission to strengthen state investment in unemployment insurance and warned that federal support is uncertain. The commission then adjourned without taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We did not look at how much it costs, and I think that discussion, again, We did not look at how much
• And part of that discussion, along with having a discussion of mechanisms to address the, quote unquote
• So I would just suggest that we might want to have further discussion about it.
• We have three key audit results we would like to discuss today.
• We have recognized the issues that the auditor's office is discussing.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee heard three State Auditor’s Office performance audits: implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act, Washington’s digital equity planning, and the Department of Commerce’s Digital Navigator Program. In the law enforcement training audit, the State Auditor found the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training content but had not developed all required topics, lacked a systematic project management approach, and had weak tools to ensure participation and compliance. Auditors said most officers had not completed the required 40 hours, patrol tactics training was a major bottleneck, and the Commission’s reporting did not clearly show statewide compliance. The Commission said it generally agreed with the recommendations and had begun implementing some changes. Committee members raised concerns about staffing, liability, incentives, and whether the law had enough enforcement “teeth.” In the digital equity audit, auditors said Washington lacked a comprehensive, unified statewide plan, a designated leader, and reliable funding for digital equity efforts. They said existing plans were fragmented, with the NTIA-approved plan the most complete but no longer fully funded after federal changes. The State Auditor recommended the legislature establish oversight authority and require a lead organization to coordinate and evaluate statewide digital equity efforts and develop a unified plan. The Department of Commerce and Office of Equity agreed with the need for clearer leadership and coordination, and a public witness described ongoing coalition and local planning work. Committee members asked about best practices from other states and whether the auditor could provide additional research on coordination models. In the Digital Navigator Program audit, the State Auditor concluded Commerce did not consistently follow core grant-management practices, including competitive award processes, vetting of grantees, clear contracts, performance monitoring, and reimbursement controls. Auditors said Commerce expanded grants without a new competition, lacked adequate documentation and reporting, and paid out millions without sufficient support; they also cited management decisions that overrode staff concerns. Commerce said it had already begun major contract-management reforms, created a new contracts and compliance structure, and was working on risk assessments, documentation standards, and staff training. Members pressed Commerce on accountability, possible recoupment of improper payments, ethics issues, and whether the agency had clear performance metrics for the program. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Covered California appeared before this committee in March to discuss the sweeping impacts that HR1,
• That proposed budget will be taken to our board in May for public discussion.
• The board would then ...budget will be taken to our board in May for public discussion.
• However, we can share where we are headed directionally and discuss important changes we will propose
• With that, I will turn to Jim to discuss our budget and operations, and his testimony will cover the

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard updates on five health-related budget items. First, members reviewed state support for distressed hospitals and health facilities. The California Health Facilities Financing Authority and HCAI described the Distressed Hospital Loan Program as a lifeline for 16 hospitals, many of which remain financially strained and are expected to seek loan forgiveness rather than repayment. Speakers cited reduced contract labor, new service lines, strategic partnerships, and the reopening of Madera Hospital as signs of progress, but also warned that federal policy changes under H.R. 1 will likely increase uncompensated care and pressure emergency departments. Public commenters from hospital, dental, and consumer groups supported additional funding, including a request to refresh the program with another $300 million. The committee then heard HCAI’s update on the California Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded at $233.6 million for California. HCAI said the program will focus on rural care models, workforce development, and health technology, with grants to be rolled out on a fast timeline and all funds obligated by October 30, 2026. Members raised concerns about rural provider capacity to apply for grants, and HCAI said it will use a third-party administrator, a technical assistance center, webinars, and other supports to help applicants. HCAI also presented its budget request for the health care payments database, seeking ongoing non-General Fund support to continue operations and expand data, including pharmacy benefit manager data. The Emergency Medical Services Authority presented three budget change proposals: funding to replace disaster medical services fleet vehicles, funding for IT security work, and additional positions for HR, enforcement, and legal workload. A member also raised concern that EMSA has not yet completed the annual ambulance rate reporting required by AB 716, and EMSA said it remains committed to the requirement but lost prior funding through later budget reductions. Covered California reported that it is still finalizing its own budget, but expects a lower operating budget due to efforts to reduce baseline costs and align spending with actual expenditures; it also projected enrollment declines tied to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, H.R. 1, and federal rule changes, while noting that revenues may still rise because premiums are expected to increase. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined budget proposals tied to menopause coverage and education, PBM licensure and enforcement under AB 116 and SB 41, credentialing reforms under AB 1041, and prior authorization reporting under SB 306. Public testimony generally supported the menopause and PBM proposals, while also urging clearer language and attention to Medi-Cal parity. The hearing concluded after public comment, including additional advocacy for sickle cell services and rural health workforce funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion to the motion? All in favor say aye. Opposed? All right, Mr. Billy, C1 through 6.
• Discussion to the motion. Second discussion to the motion. All in favor say aye.
• Motion, second, discussion to the motion. All in favor say aye. Opposed?
• Any discussion to the motion? All in favor say aye. All opposed. Passes. Billy, thank you, Mr.
• Those and doing discussions with the vendors to do an anticipation of awards.

Committee: All JBC-PEER REVIEW

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I do think that when we discuss this, probably the best thing that we can do, from a philosophical
• discussions of should they market it this way or market it that way or can they get more money here or
• We've had a robust discussion. I think we need to move on.
• Sorry, since I wasn't here for the 26th discussion, what's the $5 million road in Bolivar?
• Well, I mean, I think you, a lady, we're here for the discussion or heard about it.

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Jeff Ehlers, District 21, Meridian, here to discuss House Bill 563.
• Representative Jeff Ehlers, District 21 Meridian, here to discuss House Bill 563.
• Committee, any discussion on the motion?
• Thank you, committee, for the discussion. The chair at this time will...
• Thank you, committee, for the discussion.

Summary: Senate Commerce approved the February 24, 2026 minutes and heard a gubernatorial reappointment of Jeff Seilich to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho board. The committee took no action on the appointment during the meeting, with the chair indicating a vote would likely occur later in the week. PERSI’s director and the nominee described the system as stable and well funded. The committee then advanced House Bill 543, a technical PERSI bill updating language to comply with federal Secure Act 2.0 requirements by changing post-tax catch-up contribution language to Roth contributions in the PERSI Choice Plan. Representative Ben Furman and PERSI Director Mike Hampton said the change was purely technical. The bill received a due pass recommendation to the Senate floor. House Bill 563, which revises CPA licensure pathways to address workforce shortages, also received a due pass recommendation. Representative Jeff Ehlers and Idaho Society of CPAs representatives said the bill would create three pathways to licensure, lower education barriers, preserve the exam requirement, and ease reciprocity for out-of-state CPAs. Supporters said the profession is facing retirements and declining exam candidates, while committee members generally supported the effort to reduce barriers. The committee spent most of the meeting on Senate Bill 1310, the Human Fetal Tissue Transparency Act, which would require product labeling when human fetal tissue or related cell lines were used in testing or production. Supporters argued the bill would provide consumer transparency and informed consent for moral and conscience reasons, while opponents raised concerns about federal preemption, enforcement, costs, and practical implementation, especially for medical products and retailers. After extensive debate, the committee adopted a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee by a 5-4 roll call vote, with Senators Guthrie, Nichols, Burns, Ruchti, and Lenney in favor and Senators Zito, Ward-Engelking, and Foreman opposed, resulting in SB 1310 being held.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Chair Howard, is there any discussion to the amendment? >> All in favor, say I. >> All oppose.
• Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed.
• </c><00:02:00.880><c> Any</c><00:02:01.119><c> discussion?</c> A1 amendment. Any discussion?
• Any discussion? &gt;&gt; All<00:02:03.119><c> in</c><00:02:03.360><c> favor?
• Next we'll move to member discussion. Any members have discussion for this bill?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to give plenty of time for questions and discussion, and we look forward to continuing this discussion
• I want to give plenty of time for questions and discussion, and we look forward to continuing this discussion
• So that really is where we're at today, and so I want to talk about the discussion topics.
• I know we've had discussions about what may be possible.
• Respectfully asking for an amendment or additional discussion, if possible. Thank you.

Bills: SB6352

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, resources, funding, state law, 904, all