Video & Transcript : 'campaign planning' :
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WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Finance Committee in Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 04:01 pm
Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- regulate the licensure of those who would be administrators of a self-insured medical reimbursement plan
- or a wellness integrated medical plan expense reimbursement plan, referred to in the bill as a wellness
- regulate the licensure of those who would be administrators of a self-insured medical reimbursement plan
- or a wellness integrated medical plan expense reimbursement plan referred to in the bill as a wellness
- ancillary product to an individual or group health insurance coverage or self-insured group health plan
Committee:
Senate Finance
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This is why schools need clear plans to keep students safe when something is too overwhelming for them
- These plans can protect students like me and give families peace of mind.
- These plans can protect students like me and give families peace of mind.
- The bill addresses the mutual management plan as a whole.
- The bill addresses the mutual management plan as a whole.
Committee:
House Education & Employment Committee
Summary:
The Education and Employment Committee heard and voted on several education-related bills. HB 129 on Florida Virtual School was presented as a cleanup bill responding to audit-related statutory updates; it would remove priority language, allow all Florida students and eligible overseas military dependents access, clarify teacher employment/retirement status, permit local schools to administer required exams, and authorize direct support organizations. The bill drew support from Seminole State College and Florida Virtual School and was reported favorably 15-0.
HB 423 on student elopement, sponsored by Reps. Eskamani and Tramont, would require schools to establish safety teams and procedures to prevent and respond to elopement by students with autism or similar needs. Testimony from the Autism Society of Greater Orlando and a student advocate emphasized safety risks and the need for clear school protocols. Members spoke strongly in support, and the bill passed unanimously 16-0. CS for CS for HB 753 on school counselors removed two certification barriers, kept the master’s degree requirement, and aligned evaluations with Florida school counseling standards; school counselor groups and several members argued it would help address counselor shortages and workload issues. It also passed unanimously 16-0.
The committee also approved CS for CS for HB 1253, which would let school-employed coaches use up to $15,000 per team per year of personal funds to support student-athletes with items like food, transportation, therapy, and rehabilitation, with an amendment requiring written parental consent. Several members raised concerns about liability, fairness, and guardrails, but the bill passed 17-0. PCS for CS for HB 833 on private school facilities would allow small private schools of 150 students or fewer to locate in commercial or mixed-use zoning without rezoning and to use certain existing buildings if fire and life-safety standards are met; members discussed traffic, school zones, and proximity to dispensaries, and it passed 15-0. PCS for CS for HB 1325 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund clarified matching contributions, allowed use of funds for expansion or modernization of existing space, and permitted two-year awards; it passed 16-0. Finally, CS for HB 1437 on conversion charter schools created dispute-resolution options over facility maintenance and, via amendment, allowed capital outlay funding if the charter assumes full maintenance responsibility; despite some opposition, it passed 13-3. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- president and his administration over the course of the last several years, including a strategic plan
- He had a business plan. He submitted it. He won the FAU Business Plan competition.
- He then won the state of Florida business plan competition.
- The state of Florida business plan competition, and his success has gone on to build a billion-dollar
- I have, of course, been very involved, like my colleagues, in our strategic plan, so I'm pretty clear
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it.
The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes.
The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications.
At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
General Government REVISED: Links added Feb 3rd, 2026
General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 3841 requires a majority approval of voters in the affected jurisdiction before a district plan
- It struck out any information relating to marketing plans, financial statements, trade, or any other
- Do you have a plan to consolidate, or is it every time a TIF proposal is made?
- What I'm getting at is, have you thought the plan all the way through? Well, of course.
- I mean—” “What I'm getting at is, have you thought the plan all the way through? Well, of course.
Committee:
House General Government
Keywords:
purchasing, compliance, state employees, longevity pay, contract management, unclaimed property, service charges, property fund, accountability, government transparency, local development, economic impact, voter approval, tax increment financing, review committee, public finance, blight, salary increase, bonus limits, job performance
Summary:
The committee met for its first General Government meeting of the second part of session and laid over several agenda items, including bills listed as numbers 3, 4, and 10. HB 3310, the Government Accountability and Budget Transparency Act, was presented as a procurement accountability measure to strengthen oversight, efficiency, and timely payment to private vendors doing business with the state. After brief questioning about whether late payment is a widespread problem, the committee voted 8-0 to pass the bill.
HB 431, which would increase the treasurer’s share of the unclaimed property administration fee from 4% to 6%, was presented as necessary to cover higher operating costs such as salaries and IT. The author emphasized that the change would not cost taxpayers anything or reduce the amount returned to owners of unclaimed property. The committee approved the bill after questions about long-term impacts on the unclaimed property fund.
The most extensive discussion centered on HB 3841, a major reform of tax increment financing (TIF). The author said the bill would not ban TIFs but would require voter approval, separate consent from affected taxing jurisdictions, more transparency, annual training for review committees, independent legal and financial opinions, and economic impact studies. Members raised concerns that the bill’s wording—especially the “majority of the eligible voters” language and removal of executive-session confidentiality—could make TIFs impractical or eliminate trade-secret protections, and they also questioned costs and effects on economic development. At the author’s request and with committee support, the bill was laid over for further work.
The committee then passed HB 3024, which creates statutory limits and oversight for state employee pay increases and bonuses, including a 10% cap unless higher amounts are approved through cabinet secretary/OMES procedures. Supporters said it would add transparency and curb large, unreported raises, while questions focused on whether it would help address broader pay disparities. Finally, HB 3075, as amended by a PCS, was presented to authorize rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel for state agencies and local governments in response to the practical disappearance of pennies. The committee approved that bill as well, and the meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene the following week.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Within that number is $681 million to support the comprehensive Everglades restoration plan, including
- $586 million to fully fund the remaining state portion of the Central Everglades Planning Project.
- Within that number is $681 million to support the comprehensive Everglades restoration plan, including
- $586 million to fully fund the remaining state portion of the Central Everglades Planning Project.
- There, the governor announced a plan to help protect puppies and to lift up good breeders while holding
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- commissioners that is in connection with the criteria and skills and the next steps in our working plan
- Technical expertise needed to evaluate and plan a cultural center.
- So that we can actually vote on the commissioners so we can plan our work plan.
- Does that sound like a plan that you guys can expect to just look over your emails?
- Does that sound like a plan that you guys can expect to just look over your emails?
Summary:
The meeting focused on the Cape Verdean Cultural Center Commission’s work to build a feasibility study and expand its membership. Members reviewed and approved the prior meeting minutes, then discussed draft nomination criteria meant to ensure geographic, generational, gender, and sector diversity, along with needed expertise such as arts and cultural programming, history, museum work, architecture, fundraising, nonprofit governance, language preservation, community organizing, economic development, government/policy, legal expertise, and communications. The commission also discussed designating seats for organizations such as the Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Culture at Bridgewater State, Mili Mila, the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Advisory Board, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
A long list of potential nominees was reviewed, including people with backgrounds in education, community advocacy, museums, maritime history, arts, law, and economic development. Commissioners raised concerns about gaps, especially legal expertise and representation from Taunton and Cape Cod, and noted that some nominees might need to serve as organizational designees rather than individual members. Several commissioners supported the overall slate but asked for more time to vet the candidates against the criteria.
The commission then voted to create a three-member nominating committee consisting of the chair, Senator Miranda, Commissioner Monica Vega, and Commissioner Manny Lopes, with Vega and Lopes accepting the assignment. The committee was tasked with narrowing the 16 additional nominees down to 12 open seats and reporting back at a special meeting later in the month, with the goal of finalizing appointments before the February meeting. The meeting adjourned after the motion passed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environmental Quality Committee Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Lauren De Valencia, representing the American Planning Association, in support.
- Lauren De Valencia, representing the American Planning Association in support.
- Our office plans to accept the technical assistance in full exactly as provided to us once we have the
- I wasn't planning on making remarks, so I'm sorry, I don't have a tie.
- This bill does nothing other than allow the industry to make its own fire prevention plans to prevent
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Environmental Quality heard four bills focused on environmental regulation and public health. SB 299 by Senator Cabaldon would extend a CEQA exemption to child care facilities in residential zones, with committee amendments adding guardrails to exclude sites on natural/protected lands and within 3,200 feet of oil wells or refineries. Support came from child care, planning, local government, and county groups, while one wildlife/plant organization opposed. Members emphasized the need for more child care access and noted the bill was a narrow fix to last year’s CEQA legislation. The committee later voted the bill out on a 7-0 vote.
SB 58 by Senator Padilla would update California’s hydrogen sulfide standards and response framework, citing outdated rules and monitoring gaps in the Tijuana River Valley and Salton Sea areas. Testimony from UCLA and community advocates described health impacts and undercounted exceedances, while air district representatives and business interests raised concerns about the scope and timing of the proposal. The committee accepted amendments and advanced the bill on a 7-0 vote. SB 811 by Senator Caballero would establish a regulatory framework for metal shredding facilities, clarifying DTSC enforcement authority and incorporating prior negotiated environmental justice and fire-safety amendments. Supporters included the recycling industry and labor groups; opponents from community, environmental, and local government organizations argued the bill was too deregulatory and did not adequately protect nearby communities. The bill passed 5-0.
SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand the state’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries such as those used in e-bikes and portable power systems. Supporters said the change would improve collection, reduce fire risks, and shift disposal costs from local governments to producers; one battery recycler expressed interest in working on implementation details. The bill was amended and advanced on a 5-2 vote. After quorum was established and votes were taken on call, all four bills were reported out of committee and the hearing adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Santa Barbara, San Jose, and San Mateo County are proving it is possible through detailed planning and
- Santa Barbara County are proving it is possible through detailed planning and decisive use of interim
- In Santa Barbara, the county adopted a plan to achieve functional zero unsheltered after experiencing
- So this bill requires a detailed plan for functional zero unsheltered to get dollars during the next
- And so this planning process that we've laid out really, again, holds these cities accountable, says:
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard several homelessness, public benefits, and aging-related bills. SB 748 would expand Encampment Resolution Funding to support safe parking sites for people living in cars or RVs, require quarterly reporting from HCD on outcomes, and direct LAO evaluation; supporters said it would help local governments reduce RV encampments while connecting people to housing and services. SB 290 would repeal the CalWORKs immunization sanction that reduces aid when parents cannot provide acceptable proof of a child’s vaccination; supporters argued the penalty unfairly harms families already in poverty and can worsen instability, while no opposition testified. SB 606 would define “functional zero” for overall and unsheltered homelessness and require local jurisdictions to plan for and report on the housing and interim shelter needed to reach that goal; supporters said it would add accountability and focus on reducing unsheltered homelessness, and one group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. SB 433 would create an income-based room-and-board cap and personal needs allowance for all Medi-Cal assisted living participants in residential care facilities for the elderly, not just SSI recipients; supporters said it would prevent eviction and homelessness among low-income seniors and people with disabilities, and facility groups withdrew opposition or moved to neutral after amendments. SB 761 would require students applying for Cal Grants to be notified that they may be eligible for CalFresh and given information on how to apply; supporters said it would address widespread student food insecurity and low enrollment among eligible students. The committee accepted amendments on the bills, and all of the measures discussed were reported out on 7-0 or similar unanimous votes to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, with the consent calendar also approved unanimously.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> This is not planned. I told the team I was like just so you guys know there is a by right.
- We planned that in the never mind as planned plan and boom, that is reason Bility right there.
- We plan and serving 500 veterans in 2 days. Take care. They're doing it.
- observation company that delivers high-resolution light our data for global mapping infrastructure planning
- And this imagery is great for hurricane planning and hurricane disaster mitigation.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- So... ...and then there's like a fiscal planning component.
- I'm just wondering about the corresponding fiscal implementation plan.
- But I wonder if, you know, some of you mentioned the long-term plan. What is the long-term plan?
- As a result, districts face less predictability in planning.
- This makes it harder to sustain programs and plan effectively.
Committee:
House Education
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education (2-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- and 504 plans.
- <00:14:43.279><c> and</c><00:14:43.440><c> their</c><00:14:43.560><c> 504</c><00:14:44.199><c> plans<
- /c><00:14:44.959><c> how</c><00:14:45.240><c> is</c><00:14:45.399><c> this</c> plans and their 504 plans
- how is this plans and their 504 plans how is this bill<00:14:45.880><c> going</c><00:14:46.000><c> to
- </c><00:16:17.360><c> that</c><00:16:17.480><c> are</c> don't have an IEP or 504 plan that are don't
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several education bills and first received a presentation from Paige Cash of Kentucky FFA/Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education. She described the reach of CTE in Kentucky, saying more than 143,000 secondary students are enrolled in CTE courses, and highlighted work-based learning, dual credit, industry certifications, and student organizations such as FFA, DECA, FCCLA, HOSA, TSA, and SkillsUSA. She said CTE funding has helped update lab equipment, support teacher training, fund field trips, and expand participation in career and technical student organizations.
Representative Wilson presented House Bill 132, which would address home hospital instruction reimbursement in cases involving short stays, particularly mental health placements that are often under five days. He said schools continue providing instruction even when they are no longer reimbursed under current rules. The committee advanced the bill unanimously after a motion and second, with the measure passing with an expression of opinion that it should pass.
The committee then heard House Bill 272 on dyslexia, sponsored by Representative Heavrin. The bill would require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, require local boards to adopt policies for identifying and assisting K-3 students with dyslexia, require KDE to report district implementation data to LRC, and require teacher preparation programs to include dyslexia instruction. Members discussed whether the bill would require teacher diagnoses, how it would interact with existing IEP/504 and RTI processes, and concerns about added reporting and district burden. Supporters said many students are falling through the cracks and that earlier identification is needed; Representative Willner noted a shortage of school psychologists. The committee passed HB 272 with a motion and second, though several members voted pass and explained concerns about reporting burdens, red tape, and district costs.
Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 193, a dual credit cleanup bill presented by Joe Carol Ellis of KHEAA. She said the bill would consolidate the statutes governing general education dual credit and CTE/work-ready dual credit scholarships to match current funding practice and reduce confusion for K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions. The presentation was underway when the transcript ended.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think they wanted to see more planning or more continuity from these entities with them.
- We are going to have some more conversations after the session to talk about maybe some planning that
- “Senate Bill 172 by Senator Luneau provides relative to planning commissions.
- The planning commission typically takes care of those things, and they’re supposed to.
- Some parishes have planning commissions that take care of the whole parish.
Summary:
The House Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs Committee met and advanced a series of local bills, mostly by unanimous voice vote after brief questions. SB 430 by Sen. Jenkins renewed the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau’s 1.5% hotel occupancy tax for 12-year periods by voter approval, with discussion about continued planning and coordination among tourism entities. SB 286 by Sen. Duplessis updated the New Orleans Downtown Development District statute by clarifying its status as a political subdivision, streamlining tax collection, removing staggered board terms, and clarifying bond renewal voting boundaries.
The committee also favorably reported SB 198 by Sen. Mizell, requiring government projects in historic districts to follow local historic district rules for new construction; SB 172 by Sen. Luneau, expanding a planning-commission waiver process for certain property divisions to municipalities below 150,000 population; and SB 439 by Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, adding pre-screening for esophageal/Barrett’s cancer for firefighters and fire service employees. Testimony on the firefighter bill emphasized the health risks from carcinogen exposure and the value of early detection, and members expressed strong support.
Additional bills advanced included SB 458 by Sen. McMath, creating a mechanism for local ethics-entity tax revenues in St. Tammany Parish to be transferred to the district attorney’s office if an inspector general office is created; SB 447 by Sen. Bass, changing Bossier City Police Department promotions from competitive to promotional seniority; SB 281 by Sen. Barrow, expanding the Baker Economic Development District boundaries to include additional commercial areas; SB 385 by Sen. Harris, changing appointments to the City Park Improvement Association board and allowing City Park to opt out of certain ORM insurance coverage; HR 84 by Rep. Walters, urging Shreveport to create an interest-free loan program for TSA workers during federal shutdowns; and SB 417 by Sen. Allain, adding two members to the St. Mary Parish drainage district board. All of these measures were reported favorably, with one member recusing himself from the City Park bill due to board membership. The committee then recessed briefly, noting several remaining bills would be deferred if sponsors did not arrive soon.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I know yesterday whenever we were here there was a lot of discussion about the state pay plan, to be
- So during the pay plan, did we not give you all a million dollars to meet that?
- No, sir, you wasn't increased during the pay plan.
- Within the pay plan, we can research that and see if they received money, but the pay plan itself, the
- But I know the pay plan itself, the class and comp act, would not have provided them anything.
Committee:
All JBC-PERSONNEL
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, did they have a feasibility plan?
- Do they have a plan to build all these major things for $100 million? Oh, they...
- I don't think they do have some plans. I don't know who the House member are.
- And so you're trying to plan if something happens.
- I think the plan that has been worked out locally, I think the plan that has been worked out locally
Committee:
Senate House Appropriations & Finance
Keywords:
cancer treatment, revenue bonds, Gila Regional Medical Center, Nor-Lea General Hospital, healthcare funding, capital outlay, capital projects, appropriations, reversion, encumbrance, reauthorization, reappropriation, general fund, capital development and reserve fund, tribal infrastructure project fund, Department of Finance and Administration, DFA, state board of finance, severance tax bonds, tax-exempt bonds
Summary:
The committee reviewed drafting instructions and spending sheets for House Bill 2, focusing on both recurring and nonrecurring appropriations, reserve levels, and several late changes. Staff explained that the package would leave reserves around 28% under the current scenario, with the possibility of rising to about 30% if a separate natural disaster reform bill is enacted. Members discussed how disaster funding would be handled through a replacement Section 8 and the appropriation contingency fund, and whether the operating reserve could be tapped with explicit authorization. There was also clarification on fund types, including other state funds and interagency transfers, and on how line items were reflected in the spreadsheets.
A major point of debate was how to offset additions by reducing funding elsewhere. Members discussed shifting money from the state fair/multipurpose arena request, the Office of Natural Resources Trustee, and other capital items to accommodate changes. Several senators raised concerns about cutting the Office of Natural Resources Trustee too deeply and about the purpose of those funds, including possible land purchases and floodplain mitigation in Ruidoso. The committee also discussed whether the state fair money should be reduced, with some members supporting a $25 million restoration and others preferring to leave the executive’s request intact. Staff noted that some reductions were not true cuts but swaps or offsets, such as moving local road money and using excess capital outlay reserves.
Other corrections and policy items were addressed, including an increase for UNM and NMSU stadium funding, a correction to a project distribution on line 105, and funding for the Health Council. Members also noted that the public employee 1% raise was no longer funded because recurring capacity was used elsewhere, and that no COLA was included. After discussion, Senator Woods moved to adopt the drafting instructions, Senator Gonzalez seconded, and the motion passed without objection. The committee then directed staff to prepare a catch-up cleanup version of House Bill 2 for later review and said House Bill 8 would be taken up the next morning.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/27/2026 - Senate Natural Resources
Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- It doesn't talk about how one would comply with the management goals and plans that are being..." "..
- "...within that portability, transferability, leaseability, in that management plan and goal over that
- So once that subsequent AMA is declared, there needs to be time to develop the management plan and to
- So once that subsequent AMA is declared, there needs to be time to develop the management plan and to
- heard raised were that..." "...there's no specific delineation of consistency with the management plan
Summary:
The Senate Natural Resources Committee approved its January 13, 2026 minutes and held over Senate Bills 1041 and 11676 for further review. The main substantive hearing was on SB 1197, which would let owners of irrigation grandfather rights in subsequent active management areas sell, lease, or transfer the associated water duty within the same AMA, including for non-irrigated acreage. The sponsor said the bill was intended to help wineries and other farmers in the Willcox and Douglas areas adjust field layouts and expand within existing water limits. Testimony was mixed: the Sierra Club and Rural Arizona Action opposed the bill, warning it could increase groundwater pumping without requiring reductions or tying transfers to AMA management goals, while the City of Willcox and ADWR were neutral but asked for clearer safeguards and statutory guardrails. The committee passed SB 1197 on a 4-3 vote, with one member not voting.
The committee then heard and passed SB 1198, which continues the Arizona Beef Council for eight years until July 1, 2034, and SB 1199, which continues the Arizona State Veterinary Examining Board for eight years until July 1, 2034. Both measures received unanimous or near-unanimous support, with members noting the importance of the beef industry and concerns about the shortage of rural and large-animal veterinarians.
Finally, the committee considered SCM 1004, a memorial urging Congress to clarify and limit the EPA’s powers and address what the sponsor described as regulatory overreach. Supporters framed it as a call for Congress to fix unclear federal law, while opponents argued it would weaken science-based environmental protections and ignore climate and air-quality concerns. The memorial was approved on a 4-3 vote, and the committee then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- The policy and planning position, I included the SJD.
- The policy and planning position, I included the SJD.
- </c> this chief of policy and planning this chief of policy and planning position<04:59:13.120><c> was
- How are we planning?
- </c><05:36:30.958><c> for</c> do the same job but she had a plan for do the same job but she had a plan
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language.
The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process.
Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The governor's directive or statement was to get yourselves, as constitutional offices, on her pay plan
- And it's a discussion and then a plan, and it doesn't make financial sense to do.
- Office requesting a change from line-item maximum salaries to pay grades associated with the state pay plan
- with that change and why it is so high, you know, our ultimate goal is just to get on the current pay plan
- we did was we took the request and, I think, set it in my right mid-range from the governor's pay plan
Committee:
All JBC-PERSONNEL
Summary:
The committee met to consider several budget and staffing requests tied to constitutional offices and the Supreme Court, with opening remarks noting that fringe benefits are now calculated at 40% to 45% and that constitutional officers may pay the maximum if they choose. Item B, a Supreme Court request for one new Supreme Court police chief position with no appropriation increase, was approved. Item C, from the Secretary of State, sought five additional Capitol Police corporal positions, title realignments, and salary maximum adjustments, along with a $498,000 appropriation increase; members questioned how the office could absorb pay changes without new funding, and the office explained it was cleaning up a large and outdated classification structure while also preparing to provide security for an additional building. The item was approved.
Item D, from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, proposed moving from line-item maximum salaries to state pay-plan grades, with no change in total positions but about a $349,000 increase in salaries and matching funds. Office representatives said the office had not had raises in nearly a decade and needed the change to stay competitive and retain staff, but members raised concerns about comparing the office’s pay to other agencies and about office staffing and accessibility. Senator Hill asked to hold the item for offline discussion, and the committee agreed to hold it until the next day.
Item E, from the Auditor’s Office, requested salary realignments, increases to line-item maximums, and two new positions tied to UCP claims and compliance work, with a total increase of $579,468. The auditor said the office had already pulled a government relations position from the request after an updated packet was issued, and defended the remaining increases as market-based and revenue-neutral, with some work funded by interest earnings. Members questioned the need for a legislative affairs position and whether the salary increases were aligned with the market, but after discussion the committee approved the item. The meeting then adjourned.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair does not plan on taking public testimony on this.
- The chair does not plan on taking public testimony on this.
- just aligns it with all other types of projects and then two by putting in place that 30-day initial plan
- This is a trailer bill to House Bill 645, the Portable Benefits Plan, what you see in the legislation
- House Bill 645, the Portable Benefits Plan.
Summary:
The Senate Commerce Committee first approved the March 17, 2026 minutes and then reconsidered House Bill 750, the “programmable money” bill. Members debated whether to reopen the prior vote, with some senators objecting that the bill had already received a full hearing and others saying additional information on UCC issues and member absences justified reconsideration. The motion to reconsider passed, Representative Heather Scott explained that the bill is intended as the Consumer Payment Rights and Transparency Act and that LSO/UCC review indicated it does not conflict with the Uniform Commercial Code. After discussion, the committee voted 6-3 to send HB 750 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then heard House Bill 721, which would allow school districts to advertise for construction bids while permitting is still pending and would create a 30-day initial permit review timeline for public works. The sponsor and an Idaho Associated General Contractors representative said the bill would reduce delays and align school construction with other public works projects; no opposition was noted. The committee unanimously sent HB 721 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Members also heard House Bill 931, a trailer bill to HB 645 that removes an unnecessary reference to the Department of Insurance in the portable benefits plan law, and HB 931 was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
House Bill 929, sponsored by Representative Aaron Bingham, would let insured patients negotiate cash prices with providers before services are rendered and require insurers to count the negotiated amount toward the patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Bingham said the bill is meant to lower health care costs, especially for people with high deductibles, and that industry had not opposed it. Some senators questioned how the bill interacts with insurance contracts and the hold-harmless clause, and Senator Lakey said he was concerned about the bill directing private-sector arrangements, but the committee still approved the motion to send HB 929 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. At the end of the meeting, Senator Zito attempted to bring House Bill 745 back before the committee, but the chair ruled the motion out of order because a bill held in committee cannot be overridden that way, and the committee adjourned.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators' plan for today: We will be going into the 10th and just taking up the, we have some concurrent
- We'll be taking up those today, not planning on doing any of the gubernatorial appointments in the 10th
- Senators' plan for today: We will be going into the 10th and just taking up the, we have some concurrent
- We'll be taking up those today, not planning on doing any of the gubernatorial appointments in the 10th
- Please plan on an afternoon floor session, probably around 4 or 4:30.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 32 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. It then received committee reports referring newly printed Senate Bills 1261-1268 to the appropriate committees, and heard a gubernatorial appointment of Trent Ney to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, which was referred to the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. The Senate also received House Concurrent Resolution 25 from the House for introduction.
In the 10th order, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 116, concerning findings related to Water District 1. It also adopted Senate Resolution 113, a bipartisan measure condemning political violence and affirming the importance of peaceful political engagement. The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, supporting consolidation of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources, with supporters citing efficiency, improved coordination, and continued support for local soil and water districts.
Under final consideration, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1239, which revises Idaho sex offender law to extend residency protections to legally operating daycares approved by local governments as well as state-licensed facilities. It also passed Senate Bill 1234, which changes Lewis-Clark State College’s name to Lewis-Clark State University throughout Idaho Code, with supporters arguing the change better reflects the institution’s degree offerings and would reduce confusion without changing its mission or adding ongoing costs. Both bills were transmitted to the House, and the Senate adjourned until the next day after miscellaneous announcements about upcoming deadlines and the final day for non-privileged committee bill introductions.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Senators' plan for today: We will be going into the 10th and just taking up the, we have some concurrent
- We'll be taking up those today, not planning on doing any of the gubernatorial appointments in the 10th
- Senators' plan for today: We will be going into the 10th and just taking up the, we have some concurrent
- We'll be taking up those today, not planning on doing any of the gubernatorial appointments in the 10th
- Please plan on an afternoon floor session, probably around 4 or 4:30.