Transcript Highlights:

• When I looked it up, equity is the quality of being fair or impartial, and so I would take that to say
• that we're not going to fund programs that advocate for being fair or impartial, which strikes me as
• I'd really like them to be fair. I'd really like them to be fair, impartial, open to all.
• that we're not going to fund programs that advocate for being fair or impartial, which strikes me as
• them to be fair, impartial, open to all.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee took up CS for House Bill 1071, a broad education package described by the sponsor as updating transparency, parental rights, student safety, early learning accountability, scholarship oversight, and instructional program rules. The committee adopted two amendments without objection: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM programs, and another removing a prior provision related to canine dogs on school grounds. Members then questioned the bill’s provisions on student records transfers, instructional materials adoption and removal, educational emergency authority for low-performing schools, health education and a fetal development video, student-led organizations, FHSAA board language, lab schools, and rulemaking authority. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was intended to improve accountability, keep education dollars focused on students, and give districts flexibility, while also noting that some issues would be addressed through future rulemaking or later amendments. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Many speakers argued the bill was an omnibus measure that bundled unrelated policies together, making it hard for families and educators to understand or meaningfully comment on it. Opponents also said it would increase school-law enforcement coordination, chill immigrant and mixed-status families’ participation, restrict DEI-related and student-led organizations, and impose controversial health and embryology content on students. Supporters, including the Christian Family Coalition and Florida Citizens Alliance, backed the fetal development video and the bill’s parental rights and funding restrictions, saying the content should be medically accurate and that schools should not fund political advocacy. Several speakers urged the committee to break the bill into separate measures. In debate, some members praised the sponsor’s responsiveness but said they would vote no because of constituent concerns, especially around DEI, the fetal development video, and local control. Others supported the bill, emphasizing rulemaking, educational emergency flexibility, EpiPen access, early learning changes, and evidence-based math instruction. The sponsor closed by reiterating support for the bill as amended, saying the law enforcement provision had been removed, the embryology content would be opt-out with posted materials, state funds should not support political advocacy, and the bill would help with safety, accountability, and student outcomes. The committee then voted on the bill after debate, with the sponsor indicating support and members stating their positions during closing discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I've got no option but to go on to Fair Plan.
• And I've got no option but to go on to Fair Plan.
• We have maybe 400 policies on the FAIR Plan right now.
• We have maybe 400 policies on the FAIR Plan right now.
• Well, we're the FAIR Plan that has like upwards of a million policies in our FAIR Plan.

Summary: The committee first heard updates on the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and related funding. Department of Ecology staff explained how MTCA and the hazardous substance tax support cleanup, prevention, stormwater, and local assistance programs, but said forecasted revenues have declined while appropriations and transfers have outpaced incoming funds. Ecology said the operating account will require underspending to stay balanced this biennium and that the problem is ongoing, with further reductions possible if forecasts worsen. Ecology also reviewed the state cleanup program, noting there are more than 14,500 cleanup sites in Washington and that new sites continue to be discovered faster than they are cleaned up. A question from Representative Lee raised the long-term issue of declining fossil-fuel-based revenue, and Ecology agreed that this is a future structural concern even though the current shortfall is driven more by forecasts and transfers than by fuel-use decline. The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency described its underground storage tank and heating oil programs, saying it has modernized from a reinsurance model to a financial assurance model with stronger state oversight and cleanup milestones. Russ Olson said the agency’s dedicated petroleum tax account is in strong financial condition, but emphasized the importance of preserving that funding source. He also discussed the loan and grant program for historic commercial releases and a new heating oil loan/grant program, while noting the agency is working on equity concerns where liens can be disproportionate to property values in smaller communities. Practitioners and advocates then offered differing views on MTCA’s performance: one attorney urged a collaborative review process to make cleanups faster, less expensive, and more certain, while another consultant argued the program is too conservative and process-heavy and should focus more narrowly on actual exposure and realistic cleanup standards. Environmental and community groups countered that MTCA is essential for cleanup, pollution prevention, stormwater control, and public participation, and that it is especially important for environmental justice communities such as the Duwamish Valley. Port and city representatives stressed that MTCA grants and cleanup funding are critical for large redevelopment projects, but said long timelines, permitting delays, and funding uncertainty can slow projects and jeopardize commitments. The committee then shifted to utility wildfire risk. Staff summarized recent legislation, including requirements for utility wildfire mitigation plans, creation of a wildfire mitigation standards work group, authorization for captive insurance by local governments and PUDs, securitization authority for disaster costs, and the existing wildfire response and resilience account. Chelan County PUD and Puget Sound Energy described extensive mitigation efforts such as vegetation management, grid hardening, undergrounding, AI smoke cameras, weather stations, enhanced operating settings, public safety power shutoffs, and community outreach. Both said wildfire risk is rising and insurance costs are increasing, and Chelan PUD asked the Legislature to restore funding to the wildfire response and resilience account. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner said a 2022 utility liability market study found insurance availability is tightening as perceived risk rises, and reported that a 2025 work group recommended restoring community resilience funding, requiring insurers to share wildfire risk scores and mitigation steps with property owners, and creating a grant program based on insurance industry wildfire standards. A PNNL scientist added that wildfire probability is increasing in parts of Washington and that mitigation requires long-term, landscape-scale coordination. The final speaker began describing California’s approach to wildfire risk, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill provides a common-sense, fair solution that has worked in a number of other states, and we
• Fair taxation. Good afternoon, committee.
• and affordability. the intended goal of fairness and affordability.
• Our research has found that New Mexico drivers with fair and poor credit pay much higher premiums for
• I think the high cost for the people with poor credit scores isn't fair.

Transcript Highlights:

• The fair pay and benefits he received ensured our family's stability and security.
• fight for every working mom, single dad, small business owner, and every American striving for their fair
• Is that fair to say? Yes. Which is probably why the president chose you.
• Is that fair to say?
• Okay, fair enough. Thank you. Thank you, Senator.

Keywords: PRO Act, labor laws, worker rights, unionization, right-to-work, public testimony, political polarization

Summary: The meeting centered around an in-depth discussion of the PRO Act, with representatives expressing passionate opinions both for and against the legislation. Representative Chavez de Rimmer emphasized the importance of worker freedom, arguing that the PRO Act would infringe upon individual rights by coercing unionization. This perspective was strongly received by members from right-to-work states, who articulated their concerns about the potential erosion of workers' choices and protections. Speaker after speaker conveyed conflicting views on labor laws, indicating a deeply polarized environment surrounding labor issues at the moment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is about fairness, transparency, and common-sense protection in our local sales tax audits.
• It's about fairness, transparency, and common-sense protection in our local sales tax audits.
• What it does is make sure that taxpayers understand their rights and the process is handled in a fair
• And there's ...fair as far as what documents they'll need to produce and things like that.
• So those are the four buckets that we found, but at a high level, it was a fair amount of savings that

Bills: HB2, HB3, HB799, HB1039

Keywords: capital outlay, budget, infrastructure, appropriation, general obligation bonds, bond authorization, capital improvement, financial management, state treasury, boiler safety, inspection, licensing, state fire marshal, operating certificate, regulations, local sales tax, local use tax, sales and use tax, tax audit, local collector

Transcript Highlights:

• Trying to figure out what the right number is that's defensible and fair to everybody was an impossible
• the 80%, but it's a number that we felt comfortable with, could work well for the industry, and be fair
• c><00:09:38.160> industry<00:09:38.640> and<00:09:39.040> be<00:09:39.600> fair
• <00:09:39.839> and for the for the industry and be fair and for the for the industry and be
• fair and equable<00:09:40.399> to<00:09:40.640> the<00:09:41.200> to<00:09:41.519

Bills: HJ0002, SF0118, SF0016

Keywords: mineral royalties, federal lands, Wyoming, revenue, education funding, transportation funding, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, eminent domain, water projects, legislative approval, state funding, land acquisition, grazing lands, subleasing, non-owned livestock, state lands, rental fees, agricultural policy, land management, 916

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we have the State Fair Association and Foundation.
• Anybody here for the Minot State Fair Foundation? Mr.
• But the fair itself had no legal connection.
• The foundation was really created by supporters of the state fair to raise money to enhance the fair.
• And they raised a fair amount of money over the years.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we have the State Fair Association and Foundation.
• Anybody here for the Minot State Fair Foundation? Mr.
• But the fair itself had no legal connection.
• The foundation was really created by supporters of the state fair to raise money to enhance the fair.
• And they raised a fair amount of money over the years.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It appears certainly to be fair.
• It appears certainly to be fair.
• It appears certainly to be fair.
• It appears certainly to be fair.
• It appears certainly to be fair. It appears certainly to be fair.

Bills: SF0095, SF0107, SF0112

Keywords: driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, motor vehicle, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers, vehicle fees, public records, license plates, replacement cycle, vehicle registration, motor vehicles, state fees, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yeah, it's a fair point and um I'm apologize for hopping in and out of this room.
• >> Yeah, it's a fair point and um I'm apologize for hopping in and out of this room.
• >> Yeah, it's a fair point and um I'm apologize for hopping in and out of this room.
• >> Yeah, it's a fair point and um I'm apologize for hopping in and out of this room.
• Yeah, it's a fair point and um I'm apologize for hopping in and out of this room.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill introduces several important reforms to ensure fairness and transparency in enforcement.
• This bill also strengthens fairness and due process in licensing actions.
• and fairness and transparency and enforcement<00:47:11.559> it<00:47:11.680> requires<
• <00:47:47.800> in<00:47:47.960> due fairness due to Pro uh fairness in due fairness
• due to Pro uh fairness in due process<00:47:48.559> and<00:47:48.720> Licensing<00:47:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this bill aims to strengthen the fairness, stability, and professionalism of the County Sheriff's
• It is responsible for protecting fair employment practices by maintaining due process for employees.
• This would ensure smooth transitions, protect job stability, and uphold fair standards throughout leadership
• It would ensure fair treatment of our hardworking employees.

Bills: HB2814, HB4477, HB5084, HB5108, HB5127, HB5383, HB5611, HB5663, HB5664, SB1563, HB2668, HB3841, HB4114

Keywords: juvenile justice, release documents, children, identification, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, civil service, staffing requirements, local government, positions exemption, Texas legislation, fireworks, Lunar New Year, retail permits, public safety, Texas law, holiday sales, HB 5108, deaths in custody, custodial death, jail death

Transcript Highlights:

• The strength of the American public begins with fair and secure elections that inspire public confidence
• The purpose of election law is to ensure a fair and orderly system that holds government accountable
• designed<00:09:19.120> to<00:09:19.279> ensure<00:09:19.519> a<00:09:19.680> fair
• <00:09:19.920> process<00:09:20.320> rather designed to ensure a fair process rather
• designed to ensure a fair process rather than<00:09:20.880> influence<00:09:21.600> the

Keywords: Discussion of HR 7 00:05:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee met, established a quorum, and opened with the pledge and prayer. Members then made several brief introductions of interns and guests from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. The chair also reminded members about microphone use, cell phones, and the 24-hour rule for committee amendments and substitutes. The sole substantive item was House Resolution 7, sponsored by Representative Hodgson, which set out guiding principles for Kentucky elections. Hodgson described principles including fair and secure elections, accessibility balanced with security, citizen-only voting, stability and uniformity in election procedures, prompt and accurate results, transparency, accountability, and preservation of state control over elections. Members generally supported the resolution; Representative Marzian asked whether Kentucky already follows these principles and raised the issue of low poll-worker pay, while Representative Hancock asked about protecting voter registration data and privacy. Hodgson responded that transparency applies to the process, not personal information, and that Kentucky protects ballot secrecy and voter data. Representative Chester Burton also asked about election security, and Hodgson said Kentucky’s system relies on bipartisan poll workers and mutual oversight at polling places. Representative Marzian asked whether Social Security numbers are still required for voter registration, and members indicated they are, with a follow-up promised to the committee. The committee then voted 15-0 to pass the resolution with favorable expression. Before adjournment, Hodgson encouraged additional co-sponsors, and the chair noted the committee would likely meet again the following Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't think that that is fair. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Pro Tem. Thank you."
• "I don't think that that is fair. Thank you, Mr. Speaker Pro Tem. Thank you."
• House Bill 2153, as substituted with Senate Bill 1106, is about affordability, clarity, and fairness.
• This bill further rigs the system against everyday Arizonans who are working hard and paying their fair
• Just like everyday Arizonans pay their fair share in taxes, the wealthiest should too.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and student guests, including JAG students and Hila Ben High School visitors. Attendance was recorded at 49 present, 3 absent, and 8 excused. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider HB 2153, the annual tax conformity bill, which was described by supporters as aligning Arizona tax law with recent federal changes and providing relief through no tax on tips and overtime, a 25% increase in the child tax credit, a new child care expense deduction, and expanded senior retirement-income deductions. Opponents argued the measure would primarily benefit wealthy individuals and corporations, leave out some seniors without retirement accounts, and reduce revenue needed for public services. HB 2153 drew extensive debate and multiple questions about its effects on seniors, small businesses, wages, child care, and the timing of tax filing forms already issued by the Department of Revenue. Supporters emphasized taxpayer certainty, conformity with federal forms, and economic growth; critics said the bill was fiscally irresponsible and unfair. The Committee of the Whole approved the bill 31-26, and the House later adopted the report and referred the bill to engrossing. The House then took up the Senate mirror measure, SB 1106, substituted for HB 2153, and held floor explanations of vote. After further debate along similar lines, the House passed SB 1106 by a vote of 31-27 with 2 not voting and transmitted it to the Senate. The remainder of the session included personal privilege remarks, committee schedule announcements, a long list of first-read bills and referrals, and finally a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fair enough. Thank you. Nothing else. Very good. Um, one more thing. Obviously, the U.S.
• <00:09:29.279> Fair.<00:09:29.440> Fair what to take out. Yeah. Fair.
• Fair what to take out. Yeah. Fair. Fair enough.<00:09:30.000> Thank<00:09:30.080> you.

Keywords: 00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:55 FB 2026-2028 Executive Branch Budget 15:17 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on budget instructions for the 2026-2028 state budget, as required by KRS Chapter 48. Staff from the Office of State Budget Director outlined three recommended changes: restructuring Form B4 for additional budget requests to emphasize the problem, solution, and quantitative data; adding page numbers to the Record P report so agencies’ additional budget requests can be located more easily; and updating the budget calendar to reflect the December 20 presentation of the consensus forecast to LRC under changes made by House Bill 360. Members asked follow-up questions about contribution rates, debt service template rates, and employee health rates. Staff said the fiscal 2026 KS non-hazardous contribution rate is 42.76%, but fiscal 2027 and 2028 rates have not yet been set; debt service rates would be posted later; and employee health rate assumptions are still being discussed with the Personnel Cabinet. Members also asked how program reductions or terminations would be handled, and staff explained that agencies base requests on statutory and federal requirements, while budget reductions are handled through the appropriations act. The committee discussed whether Form B4 should ask agencies to describe alternative options considered and how they were evaluated. Staff said the current instructions do not specifically require that, though some implications may appear in narrative responses, and members agreed to continue working on the instructions. The committee then adopted a motion directing the co-chairs to work with LRC staff to finalize the 2026-2028 budget instructions and present them for adoption, with the motion approved by roll call. Members also noted that federal budget developments, including possible SNAP cost shifts to states, are being monitored but are too early to incorporate into the instructions at this time.

Transcript Highlights:

• sure that we tax those extractions because they're taking something from us, and we should get our fair
• Let's make sure that Minnesota gets our fair share from this. Right?
• fair share from this. Right?
• <00:07:06.000> Well,<00:07:06.319> speaking it's fair and equitable.
• Well, speaking it's fair and equitable.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This reflects a basic fairness but also impacts overall outcomes.
• Is that fair? I also want, I'm sorry that Representative Lowe isn't here.
• State Fair of Texas testifying on the bill.
• I'm representing the State Fair of Texas.
• The State Fair of Texas leases the park for more than that.

Bills: HB164, HB164, HB411, HB627, HB 1226, HB1677, HB1865, HB1997, HB2985, HB3462, HB4188, HB4685, HB4840, HB5370, HB5424, HB5466, HB5509, HB5660, HB5673

Keywords: HB 164, HB164, Texas Flood Recovery, Reimbursement, and Reconstruction Program, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, Hill Country floods, July 2025 floods, flood recovery, disaster relief, flood reimbursement, reconstruction grants, resiliency standards, floodplain, base flood elevation, FEMA, Federal Emergency Management Agency, insurance denial, property damage, tenant assistance, rental property

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Fair Chance Hiring Act. In 2023, we passed House Bill 1215 out of the House.
• In 2019, President Trump signed the Fair Chance Act. to the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, which
• Over 35 states have followed suit with regard to a bill similar to the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs
• So, would it be fair to say that while we're considering possible downsides... or negative impacts of
• renewable energy and energy storage, is it also fair to look at the benefits to the people of Texas

Bills: HB1951, HB2715, HB3092, HB3237, HB3278, HB3511, HB3592, HB3675, HB3778, HB3782, HB3826, HB3970, HB4016, HB4049, HB4341, HB4344, HB4406, HB4427

Keywords: collective bargaining, public works, government contracts, labor agreements, state funding, removal from office, political subdivisions, local government, judicial proceedings, administrative judicial region, electric transmission, public convenience, landowner consent, utility regulation, energy infrastructure, energy consumption, higher education, governmental entities, sustainability, electricity reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• minimum standards may face contract penalties, but only if they refuse to correct violations after a fair
• Fair enough, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Are there any other questions?
• It simply restores a longstanding and fair tool for resolving disputes and ensuring that payment for.
• And so it's fair to say we have a vested interest in their financial success.
• I would say that's fair to say, yes. And ones in Europe don't? Because they don't have rewards.

Bills: SB231, SB584, SB600, SB668, SB841, SB986, SB1003, SB1244, SB1625, SB1960, SB1963, SB1964, SB2026, SB2056, SB2368

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill does not make us safer, it makes our system more costly, less fair, and more expensive.
• First, let's talk about local decision making and fairness.
• Finally, let's talk about basic rights and fairness.
• It creates a system where wealth... determines freedom, not fairness or safety.
• Thank you. of offenses, including some misdemeanors. to assess risk and ensure fair outcomes.

Bills: SB9, SB1047, SB1048, SJR17, SJR49, SB40, SJR1, SJR5, SB 9, SB 40, SJR 1

Keywords: bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, criminal procedure, public safety report, victim notification, family violence, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunction, taxpayer rights, violent crimes, sexual offenses, community safety, constitutional amendment, trafficking