Transcript Highlights:

• The Ramsey County election bureau has administered our 2023 election, and the cost was $28,600.
• Minneapolis is different from Ramsey County, and Ramsey County is different from Mounds View.
• Minneapolis is different from Ramsey County, and Ramsey County is different from Mounds View.
• Minneapolis is different from Ramsey County, and Ramsey County is different from Mounds View.
• Representative Acomb, thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the bill author.

Bills: HF72 , HF66 , HF69 , HF73

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: campaign finance, state funding, political activity, nonprofits, government transparency, HF66, Minnesota second-degree murder, unintentional murder, protective order, order for protection, harassment restraining order, domestic violence, victim protection, cross-jurisdictional orders, out-of-state restraining order, tribal court order, Canadian protective order, public safety, criminal law, homicide

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also more work to do on the ESPA, the Mountain Home aquifer, Elmore County.
• We're certainly aware of data centers coming in South Ada County.
• Some of the work that needs to be done in Elmore County is going to cost a lot of money.
• Some of the work that needs to be done in Elmore County is going to cost a lot of money.
• And I don't believe we need any spending authority presently to continue that process. Thank you.

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation for the Department of Water Resources. Analysts explained the agency’s structure, continuously appropriated funds, and the large budget increases tied to ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Funds and the ongoing $30 million infrastructure appropriation. Director Matthew Weaver and Water Resource Board Chairman Jeff Raybould described the department’s role in managing water rights, aquifer recharge, stream gauges, groundwater monitoring, and major projects in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA), the Palouse area, Mountain Home, and the Bear River basin. Members asked about aquifer stabilization, the impact of budget holdbacks on field work and monitoring, water quality concerns, project delays caused by easements and federal coordination, and the effect of data centers on water use. Weaver said reductions are being managed through cuts to travel, training, maintenance, and some stream gauge funding, and that the department is working toward a long-term goal of stabilizing the ESPA through reduced pumping, increased recharge, and expanded management areas. Chairman Raybould and Director Weaver also discussed the use of the prior $30 million appropriation, saying it has been fully obligated for recharge, conversion from groundwater to surface water irrigation, telemetry, and related projects. They said the next $30 million would likely support additional ESPA work, a Bear River study, and other emerging needs, but that major projects can take years because of engineering, landowner, state, and federal coordination. Questions also covered recharge capacity, the current average recharge level, and whether the state could reach a 350,000 acre-foot annual recharge goal; the witnesses said current infrastructure could handle well over 500,000 acre-feet in a good year, but more capacity is needed. The committee also discussed private and local matching funds for aging irrigation infrastructure and the role of groundwater quality monitoring, with Weaver noting that contamination issues are referred to the Department of Environmental Quality. The committee then moved to the Soil and Water Conservation Commission budget. Analysts said the agency’s budget is driven largely by one-time water quality appropriations in recent years and a small ongoing base, with a supplemental and enhancement request tied to CREP funding. Weaver, serving as interim administrator, and two commissioners explained that the commission supports local conservation districts and that a stakeholder process led by the Langdon Group recommended merging the commission with the Department of Water Resources. Weaver said the merger would preserve the commission’s non-regulatory, locally led mission while creating administrative efficiencies, and that related legislation and a concurrent resolution are moving through the Legislature. Members asked about CREP data, acreage, and water savings; Weaver said the program is a voluntary federal-state partnership, mainly in southern Idaho and parts of the eastern Snake Plain, with about 11,000 acres enrolled out of a 50,000-acre cap. He said a fully utilized CREP program could significantly reduce groundwater diversions, and the committee adjourned after discussing the historical shift from soil conservation toward water conservation priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our commissioners cannot waive the tax by statute; they don't have that authority.
• We earn them through either processing city and county, certain city and County taxes, we get a percentage
• There's a statutory requirement with at least one in every single county.
• I think the turn PPI authority and the tax mission also had some of those scams.
• We're the 19th largest county or state geographically.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• LET'S START WITH SB 20 ON RELIEF OF JM MINER BY HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY BY SENATOR BURGESS.
• THE CLAIMS IS $400,000 FOR JM MINOR BY HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY ON JUNE 7th, 2020.
• HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RECEIVE NOTICE ABOUT THE UNEVEN SIDEWALKS IN THAT AREA PRIOR TO THIS INJURY.
• HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AND GUARDIANS HAVE AGREED TO SETTLE THE CASE FOR $600,000.
• I AM A PUBLIC EDUCATOR FROM OSCEOLA COUNTY AND I AM IN OPPOSITION OF THIS BILL 248.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:56:50.440><c> charge</c><00:56:50.920><c> a</c> Authority uh legal authority to charge a Authority
• On the left is Carroll County, which of course is a recreational county in the middle of the state.
• Rockingham County is a county like that.
• c> in</c> about 300 counties like Caroll County in about 300 counties like Caroll County in the<04:29
• </c><04:30:15.119><c> is</c><04:30:15.359><c> a</c> county like that Rockingham County is a county like

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Only two of the cases in my classroom did my principal call the authorities in time.
• Only two of the cases in my classroom did my principal call the authorities in time.
• I live in Leytaw County. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
• Alternative authorization pathways weaken professional standards.
• My name is Heather Stout, and I live in Latah County.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CDFA requests the remaining $25 million in authorized grant funding in fiscal year 2026-27.
• CDF requests the remaining $25 million in authorized grant funding in fiscal year 2627.
• we look at farmers markets, there's also a great fish-to-farmers markets program up in Del Norte County
• So this item involves decommissioning a former offshore oil and gas operation in Ventura County, known
• We would still be the landowner, so we would be responsible for issuing any new lease that authorizes

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• In August of 2025 in Canyon County, there were reportedly three to four infants in foster care at one
• Is not an expansion of government authority?
• I am the officer that removed Baby Benjamin's older siblings when they were up in Boise County.
• As Boise County is my main area of work, I can tell you that lots of parents come to Boise County to
• It does not authorize forced entry. It does not remove children. It does not presume abuse.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• District 27, which is Cassia and Idaho in Minidoka Counties.
• , talking about that if you authorize a charter, you are the About that if you authorize a charter, you
• I'm the principal of Naples Elementary School as well as the principal of the Boundary County Online
• School here in Boundary County, Idaho.
• School here in Boundary County, Idaho.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Education Committee approved the minutes from February 4 and 5, 2026, then heard RS 3327 on Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA). The sponsor said the proposal would reduce state funding for several areas viewed as scope creep or double funding, including private school, homeschool, and some virtual school enrollments, LaunchPad literacy, urban custom sections, and a limit of three IDLA enrollments per student per year, along with a per-enrollment reduction. Members raised concerns about impacts on rural schools, the three-course cap, and whether the bill would hurt IDLA’s core mission, but the RS was introduced and sent to print. The committee then heard RS 33027, a proposal for a moment of silence in schools. The sponsor said it was intended to improve classroom behavior and could include prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection. Members debated whether the silence should be required at the beginning of the school day or left to teacher discretion. Two substitute motions to alter the timing language failed, and the committee then approved the original RS to be printed and introduced. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 588, a virtual education bill for Idaho Home Learning Academy and similar programs. Sponsors and supporters said it would codify standards for virtual schools, require board approval of education service provider contracts, clarify residency and curriculum requirements, require Idaho teaching certificates, and define supplemental learning funds and eligible expenses with local control and State Board guidance. Testimony from virtual school leaders and district superintendents generally supported the bill as improving transparency and accountability, while one former legislator cautioned that it could limit innovation. After discussion, the sponsor asked to hold the bill in committee while a clarifying RS was introduced; the committee agreed to hold HB 588, then introduced RS 33283 and sent it to second reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• Did she go to the authorities and tell them what had happened to her little girl that she had, she was
• And she came forward, told the authorities, and the outcome was we were able to save the girl.
• There was no shelter in our beautiful Miami-Dade County that would take 18-year-olds and up victims of
• I'll just say I'm in Broward County. Okay, I apologize. That's okay.
• I'm from Broward County.

Bills: S0164 , S0656 , S0892

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Keywords: wrongful death, unborn child, civil liability, medical provider, parental rights, habitual felony offenders, violent crimes, enhanced penalties, criminal justice, recidivism, 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A court cost surcharge for a law library has been authorized by statute for all counties since 1945.
• Louis County and Jackson County, which already have a $20 surcharge.
• Louis County is authorized to go up to $20, but they have other sources of funding.
• Those are grassroots folks who are nominated by their counties. They're county presidents.
• Calaway County, $12,000.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That from ordinary title 15 authority.
• number one, UN County Wyoming, and we number one, UN County Wyoming, and we assess<00:37:30.160><c>
• , the school district, or the city county, the school district, or the city or<00:37:49.040><c> county
• I know we have control areas currently in Laramie County, Platte County, and Goshen County, but just
• And it is in the county.

Committee: Joint Select Water Committee

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Article 5 gives states no control over delegates and no authority to nullify their votes.
• I represent Cochise County, Graham County, Greenlee County, where there's a lot of ranchers, Cochise
• and Santa Cruz, and part of Pima counties.
• The counties. It's a large district.
• State legislatures do not have access to that intelligence, and they do not have the authority to make

Bills: HB2908 , HB4042 , HCM2001 , HCM2002 , HCM2005 , HCM2006 , HCR2047

Committee: Senate Federalism and Family Law

Keywords: constitutional convention, faithless delegates, state delegates, oath of office, class 2 felony, civil penalties, parent-child relationship, termination of parental rights, child welfare, court procedures, abandonment, neglect, reunification services, felony conviction, Muslim Brotherhood, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, national security, Islamist extremism, Congress

Transcript Highlights:

• In Lee County, we had an organization that were giving CDLs out. County.
• Work authorization and lawful status is not sufficient for all federal programs.
• Work authorization and lawful status is not sufficient for all federal programs.
• I understand that only approximately 54% of motions were granted in Bernalillo County last year.
• We had not to pick on Bernalillo County. Las Cruces has had a very poor DA in the years preceding.

Committee: Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Summary: The committee first heard HB 124, which would codify the Office of New Americans within the Workforce Solutions Department. The sponsor and Workforce Solutions officials said the office has already been operating on a grant and has become a key resource for businesses and immigrant workers, especially for workforce development, credential recognition, language access, and referrals. Supporters from immigrant advocacy, child care, conservation, and civic groups argued the office would help address labor shortages, improve integration, and strengthen economic growth. Several members questioned whether the office would serve people without legal status, what services would be provided, and whether it would create taxpayer costs; sponsors said eligibility would depend on specific programs, the office would mainly provide referrals and workforce support, and it is currently philanthropic grant-funded. The bill was ultimately passed on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee then considered SJR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to change New Mexico’s pretrial detention standards. The sponsor argued the 2016 bail reform language has contributed to a “revolving door” for repeat offenders and that the current standard is too restrictive and inconsistently applied across judicial districts. Supporters from State Police said the resolution would give clearer direction and let voters revisit the issue. Opponents from the ACLU and the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association warned it would expand pretrial detention, weaken the requirement that the state prove no release conditions are adequate, and disproportionately affect poor people and people of color. After extended debate over public safety, judicial discretion, and whether the proposal should include a clearer standard, the committee approved the resolution on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee also passed SJR 7, a land swap between the state and the City of Santa Fe involving the DPS site and part of the Midtown campus. The sponsor, the Department of Public Safety, and the Santa Fe mayor said the exchange had been discussed for years, would allow the state to own the land under its DPS facilities, and would help the city advance its Midtown redevelopment plan, including housing and public amenities. Members asked about the parcels involved, whether both sides agreed, and whether any member had a financial interest; the sponsor said the swap was non-monetary and fully agreed to by both parties. The resolution passed without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SM 31, which creates a workgroup with LFC, DFA, and PERA to study the loss of COLAs for PERA retirees and recommend solutions. Retiree advocates said the reduced COLA has significantly eroded pension value and that retirees relied on the statutory promise of a 2% COLA. Other speakers emphasized the need to protect long-term fund solvency while addressing retiree losses. The memorial passed unanimously by roll call. The meeting then recessed, with the chair noting the next day’s agenda would be posted later.

Transcript Highlights:

• We already have the authority to do the inspection on this ski equipment.
• So the question used to work for Grant County PUD.
• , Amanda McKinney, Yakima County Commissioner.
• I'm the Sustainable Development Manager for Benton County.
• Amanda McKinney, Yakima County Commissioner, in support of House Bill 2090.

Bills: HB2090 , HB2215 , HB2245 , HB2272

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, energy strategy, sustainable development, state energy policy, climate change, fuel regulations, compliance obligations, sustainability, environmental policy, consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes

Transcript Highlights:

• list of co-authors, bipartisan list of co-authors,<00:01:39.040><c> Senators</c><00:01:39.360><c> Duckworth
• ,</c> co-authors, Senators Duckworth, co-authors, Senators Duckworth, Swidzinski,<00:01:40.479><c> Hley
• With county leaders.
• </c><00:59:01.839><c> has</c> and our local operational authority has and our local operational authority
• We cannot cut that County.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• authors have explained their bills.
• authors have explained their bills.
• ,</c> sheriff in Renville County, sheriff in Renville County, which<00:15:31.880><c> is</c><00:15:32.000
• </c><00:16:12.280><c> UAV</c> So, the proposed updates authorize UAV So, the proposed updates authorize
• </c> changes on law enforcement authorized changes on law enforcement authorized use<00:56:23.440><c>

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Without clear authority and adequate training, enforcement becomes difficult and inconsistent.
• While ultimately an officer can rely on their authority to remove an obstruction, the delay of even a
• Second, local authorities must have clear tools to hold these companies accountable.
• Permit to the operating authority.
• Permit to the operating authority.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, with testimony from industry, safety advocates, first responders, drivers, and state regulators. The chair framed the hearing as an overview of AV deployment, safety, first responder interactions, and current and future regulation. Witnesses from the AV industry argued that autonomous vehicles can reduce crashes and injuries, create jobs, and support California’s leadership in innovation, while critics and crash survivors described serious safety failures, including phantom braking, inadequate transparency, and crashes involving Tesla’s Autopilot/Full Self-Driving systems. Several witnesses urged stronger disclosure, data preservation, independent safety validation, and clearer accountability for companies deploying these systems. First responder and labor witnesses described operational problems in San Francisco and elsewhere, saying AVs have blocked fire engines, ambulances, and police responses, shut down in emergency scenes, and caused major delays during outages. They asked for faster and more reliable remote support, a public safety manual override, clearer enforcement authority, and limits on deployment in complex conditions. A police chief representative said law enforcement supports innovation but needs standardized protocols, training, and clear statutory authority. A Teamsters representative criticized proposed DMV rules for heavy-duty autonomous trucks, arguing they rely too heavily on manufacturer self-certification and do not impose enough independent safety review or geographic limits. State regulators from the DMV and CPUC defended California’s existing AV framework, saying the state has regulated AVs since 2014 and now has an end-to-end system with permits, reporting requirements, enforcement tools, and first responder coordination. DMV officials said the new rulemaking would add more reporting, address heavy-duty AVs, and require compliance with emergency geofence messages and law enforcement direction. CPUC testimony emphasized that its role is limited to passenger service and ride-hail operations. Committee members asked about crash data, remote operations, liability, response times, and whether California should adopt more uniform standards and stronger guardrails. No votes or formal actions were taken, as the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a public water district in our county that is annexing.
• We have a public water district in our county that is annexing at a rapid rate.
• Charles County.
• I represent Davies, Caldwell, Grundy, Harrison, and Worth County.
• Louis County.

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Attorney Ken Sorenson; and members of the law enforcement community, including county chiefs of police
• and prosecuting attorneys from the County of Maui.
• Chiefs of police and Prosecuting county Chiefs of police and Prosecuting attorneys<00:18:15.559><c>
• > Maui</c><00:18:16.880><c> mayor</c> attorneys from the county of Maui mayor attorneys from the county
• The Legislature authorized a similar pilot program for adult women.

Keywords: State of the Judiciary Address by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, 912, senate, all