Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:55:14.080><c> and</c> program, um an innovation program and program, um an innovation program
• </c> scholarship program. scholarship program.
• There are also 1-year certificate programs, 1-year CTE programs.
• </c> That's a totally separate program. That's a totally separate program.
• </c> literacy program. Eyes 29, nose two. literacy program. Eyes 29, nose two.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, the department through the Medicaid program covers GLP-1s for patients with certain levels of
• The resolution basically does what it says: we're requiring reporting on the MSIP program.
• We already have strong programs and partners in place.
• It would align existing programs.
• It would align existing programs.

Bills: HR267 , HCR105 , HCR107 , HCR110 , HCR113 , HCR114 , SB4 , SB52 , SB57 , SB145 , SB152 , SB194 , SB237 , SB333 , SB433 , SB483 , SCR37

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: diabetes, amputation, amputations, diabetic foot ulcer, peripheral artery disease, PAD, wound care, podiatry, vascular disease, endocrinology, limb salvage, health policy, public health, healthcare costs, insurance coverage, Louisiana Department of Health, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana Center for Health Innovation, patient education, screening

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> represent, uh, I do Blue uh, program represent, uh, I do Blue uh, program operation<00:22:25.200
• For example, SBA programs are an example.
• </c><00:34:03.279><c> is</c> firsthand how critical this program is firsthand how critical this program
• </c> county shall implement a buyback program county shall implement a buyback program for<01:25:07.520
• That includes impoundment costs and program operating costs.

Bills: HB1629 , HB1630 , HB1631

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: economic development, business, state statutes, Hawaii Revised Statutes, legislation, development strategy, state funding, infrastructure, employment opportunities, legislative intent, state legislation, development initiatives, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 1829 on marine affairs. Most testimony was in strong support, with speakers from state agencies, ocean-tech companies, startups, nonprofits, and community groups backing the creation of an Office of Marine Affairs and a marine affairs coordinator under HTDC. Supporters said the measure would better coordinate ocean policy, strengthen the blue economy, and help Hawaii capture jobs, investment, and innovation in marine-related industries. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HTDC-related measures, including HB 1615 and HB 1613, which also drew broad support from business, technology, and economic development interests. Testifiers said the bills would strengthen Hawaii’s technology and innovation ecosystem, support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, and help build a more diversified economy with higher-wage jobs. The committee also heard HB 1607 on public procurement and HB 1772 on small business procurement; state procurement staff and several business groups supported efforts to expand opportunities for local firms, while one speaker from the city’s economic revitalization commission argued that a flat 5% preference could help keep more revenue and jobs in-state. On HB 1636 relating to shopping carts, the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition, saying the bill would penalize businesses for carts that are stolen rather than abandoned and would add costs that could especially burden small and local retailers. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation drew support from Goodwill Hawaii and other nonprofits, who said the bill would improve transparency around donation bins and protect donors from misleading for-profit collection practices; the Attorney General’s office asked for a delayed effective date to allow system changes and staffing. HB 1782 on AI and the protection of minors received broad support from state agencies, educators, and advocacy groups, but some business and retail representatives urged narrowing the definition of covered AI services so ordinary customer-service chatbots would not be swept in. Finally, HB 1759 on theft drew opposition from the Public Defender’s Office, which said the bill could create overly harsh penalties and should include defense representation on any task force; the office also noted existing laws already address conspiracy and related conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also invests in the challenge program.
• This is a not just a policy program.
• There are no new programs and no new no-name grants. I believe that’s a win.
• ,</c> restrictions from key programs, restrictions from key programs, broadening<00:30:53.679><c> access
• There are no new programs and no win.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Bar Engineering also looked at timelines for the state's water permit programs, and here the finding
• Another suggestion is to enhance the state's expedited permitting program.
• This could be very helpful in both air and water permitting programs.
• Another suggestion is to enhance the state's expedited permitting program.
• This could be very helpful in both air and water permitting programs.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• California’s non-public school program plays a critical role in ensuring some of our most vulnerable
• They provide a full special education program when an LEA, through an IEP process, realizes they cannot
• They provide a full special education program when an LEA, through an IE process, realizes they cannot
• Our first concern has ...around the implementation of the grant program that's presented.
• I want to just clarify for the record that the grant program applies to all schools in the state.

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a long slate of education bills, beginning with SB 685 on nonpublic schools for students with disabilities. Senator Cortese and the California Department of Education described the bill as a response to the Ninth Circuit’s Laughman decision, removing the obsolete “non-sectarian” requirement while preserving secular use of public funds, nondiscrimination protections, background checks, credentialing, and incident reporting. There was no opposition, and the bill later passed 7-0 to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1181, a pilot grant program for violence prevention, student wellness, and school safety in Central Valley and other schools. Supporters framed it as a prevention measure, while opponents from EFF, ACLU Cal Action, and community advocates warned it could increase law enforcement involvement, surveillance, and use of fusion centers; despite those concerns, it ultimately passed 5-0 to Appropriations. Members then considered SB 1067, which would create a statewide framework for annual K-2 math assessments starting in 2028-29 to identify students needing early intervention. The author and supporters argued California faces a serious math achievement crisis and that early assessment would help close gaps, while CTA and several educators and administrators sought additional clarity and amendments to ensure alignment with existing diagnostic practices and limits on high-stakes use. The bill drew broad support from educators, parents, and advocacy groups and passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1107, a school shade-structure bill, would expand eligible shade projects and allow bundling through design-build to reduce costs; it received support from LAUSD, school boards, and climate-focused groups and passed 7-0. SB 1128, on take-home devices and screen time for kindergarteners, was presented as a modest first step to give families more flexibility and reduce early screen exposure, with support from early childhood advocates and no opposition, and it passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1048, creating a voluntary State Seal of Climate Literacy for students who complete climate coursework and hands-on projects. Supporters, including Ten Strands, students, teachers, and county offices, said it would recognize real-world climate learning and green career readiness; it passed 7-0. SB 1140, sponsored by CFT, would require LEA construction contractors to follow campus security provisions during school projects to reduce unauthorized access; it drew support from labor and gun violence prevention groups and passed 7-0. SB 930, requiring end-to-end encryption for proctoring companies handling K-12 exam data, was presented as a student privacy measure in response to cybersecurity risks and passed 6-0. Finally, SB 1083 was introduced by Senator Perez as a follow-up to last year’s Safe Learning Environments Act, with extensive committee amendments to refine the statewide misconduct data system, disclosure rules, contractor fingerprinting, and access requirements; the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full hearing and vote are shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• is that our Commonwealth has a very proud tradition of honoring service through its wartime bonus program
• This bill would extend eligibility for benefits under Chapter 115, the Chapter 115 program, to members
• The Chapter 115 program to members of the Massachusetts National Guard and Reserves who do not currently
• The Chapter 115 benefit program provides financial assistance, health care benefits, and other essential
• . being a born and An act to establish the Guard Enlistment Enhancement Program.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hybrid public hearing on seven House bills and seven Senate bills related to the Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserves. Opening remarks covered hearing procedures, livestreaming, testimony limits, and expected reporting dates, and chairs noted the committee’s focus on Guard and Reserve issues. Testimony then moved through several bills, including S. 2465 to expand the National Guard welcome-home veterans bonus to all deployed Guard members regardless of residency, H. 3876/S. 2462 to authorize military-style headstones for long-serving or deceased Guard members, and S. 2482/H. 3833 to establish a Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Salem. Supporters of the bonus and headstone bills argued they would correct inequities and better honor service; Senator Lovely described the museum proposal as a way to preserve the Guard’s history in Salem and potentially support federal funding for the project. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 3829/S. 2471, the “Defend the Guard” proposal that would bar Massachusetts National Guard deployments into active combat absent a formal congressional declaration of war. Supporters argued the bill would restore constitutional war powers, reduce repeated undeclared deployments, and protect Guard members’ mental health and state readiness. Opponents, including retired Guard leaders and current service members, warned it could conflict with federal law and Title 10 authority, undermine federal funding and training, and harm readiness, force structure, and unique Guard capabilities. Committee members repeatedly questioned the bill’s legal authority, constitutional basis, and practical effects under the Supremacy Clause and Title 10, and several witnesses were asked to submit additional written legal support. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3831, which would extend Chapter 115 benefits to currently serving Guard and Reserve members who do not meet federal veteran-status thresholds, and on related proposals to clarify Guard command structure and the duties of the Adjutant General. Supporters said these changes would improve access to benefits, reduce confusion in the chain of command, and strengthen discipline and responsiveness. Separately, the National Guard Association of Massachusetts backed H. 3860/S. 2458, the Guard Enlistment Enhancement Program, as a recruiting tool, while opposing the Defend the Guard bills. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the first two that I mentioned are existing grant programs where we just added additional funding.
• </c><00:09:53.760><c> So,</c><00:09:53.920><c> the</c> Safety in a grant program there.
• So, the Safety in a grant program there.
• where we just added additional programs where we just added additional funding.<00:09:59.920><c> For
• We did invest substantial resources into our SNAP program in order to try and preserve it for the long

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, you know, low-income housing, I understand that certain programs are resulting in lower-income
• You know, and so I would support more programs in order to get the housing built.
• If there isn't flexibility in the programs that are funding the projects, you are potentially going to
• So, that's an an I don't think I have enough information or been touching all of these programs that
• </c><00:17:25.439><c> that</c> touching all of these programs that touching all of these programs that

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard and acted on three measures related to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) and affordable housing policy. First, it considered GM 681, the nomination of Garth Yamanaka to the HHFDC Board of Directors. Yamanaka testified that he supports using all available tools to increase housing production, including open space and park dedication where feasible, more revenue-neutral and workforce housing, and a broad mix of housing types. Senators questioned him on priorities such as perpetual affordability, state- and county-owned projects, and whether HHFDC should focus more on revenue-neutral housing; he generally supported greater flexibility and more options, while emphasizing the need to consider feasibility and local market needs. The committee recommended GM 681 for advise and consent and adopted that recommendation unanimously, with Senator Fevella excused. The committee then heard GM 764, the nomination of Susan Coons to the HHFDC Board. Coons said she supports prioritizing state and government lands for affordable housing but stressed that the government cannot solve the housing shortage alone and should continue to engage private and nonprofit partners. In response to questions, she said HHFDC should give greater priority to perpetual affordability and could potentially devote more resources to revenue-neutral, income-blind housing, but she cautioned against blanket policies and said decisions should be guided by data, community needs, and project readiness. She also supported the idea of a 100,000-unit housing plan and said HHFDC should focus on more specific policies and projects. The committee recommended GM 764 for advise and consent and adopted the recommendation. Finally, the committee considered HCR 83, which supports using the dwelling unit revolving fund for pre-development costs through interim loans for government affordable housing projects. HHFDC testified in support and explained that it already has authority to make pre-development loans, but the resolution would provide policy support and comfort to the board. Members asked about loan security and default; HHFDC said such loans would typically be secured by land collateral and that it would not expect to forgive the loans. The committee agreed to pass the resolution with amendments, including adding committee report language about default and collateral and noting HHFDC’s existing authority. In a joint portion with the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, the committees also took up HCR 98 HD1 and recommended it pass with amendments to clarify that the countywide housing pattern book applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and involves collaboration between Honolulu housing and planning agencies. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, we have three licensed water operators who have graduated from the program.
• I credit our water operators' development and their success directly to the program.
• I wasn't part of the initial start in the program, but we created post-camp.
• And these programs, when I read this, I don't actually see this program authorizing new programs or permanent
• These programs, when I read this, I don't actually see this program authorizing new programs or permanent

Summary: The committee first waited for a quorum, then heard presentations from North Idaho irrigation districts on water management challenges. Brandon Rose of Hayden Lake Irrigation District described rapid growth, groundwater pumping, a new reservoir and main replacement project, and concerns about aquifer and lake impacts. Barney Metz of Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District discussed the Palouse Basin aquifer decline, LOID’s mixed domestic and irrigation system, ESA and tribal issues, a proposed water exchange, and problems caused by urban encroachment and fiber installation damaging water infrastructure. Ron Wilson of East Green Acres Irrigation District described aging infrastructure, grant-funded upgrades, workforce training, aquifer coordination through the Idaho-Washington Aquifer Collaborative, and similar damage from broadband construction. Members raised concerns about “do-not-dig” enforcement and liability for utility damage, but no formal action was taken on the presentations. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 119, which Representative Van der Woude said highlighted water needs in Region 2 and growth-related recharge issues in the Treasure Valley. The committee moved the resolution to the floor with a due pass recommendation. After that, the committee considered several Idaho Department of Water Resources fee rules. It approved the Shoshone-Bannock Water Bank rule docket and the Water District 34 rule docket after brief questions, but held the stream channel alteration rule docket at the call of the chair after members raised concerns about revised definitions, especially the “100-year flood” language, fish habitat terminology, and whether the edits were clearer or more restrictive. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 746, which would expand Idaho Department of Lands deficiency warrants to cover reimbursable non-fire emergency uses of fire resources, such as flooding response, pumps, incident command support, and prescribed fire or fuels work. Testimony from the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association and the Department of Lands said the bill would improve flexibility, keep Idaho resources available for mutual aid, and not create non-reimbursable obligations, though it could temporarily affect spending authority until reimbursement is received. Members questioned definitions, reimbursement timing, budget impacts, and whether existing agreements could address the issue. No final vote on the bill was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's a federal program that our department runs that's called SHIP.
• So that is the way that the dollars are distributed through this program.
• So then my next question is, This program.
• So 75% of the dollars that are generated by this program have to...
• I mean, out of the $25 million that we're putting into this program?

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 21, as amended, which would create an annual birthday-based open enrollment period for Medicare supplement policyholders age 65 and older, allowing them to switch to equal or lesser coverage without medical underwriting. The Aging and Long-Term Services Department and the Office of Superintendent of Insurance supported the bill as a consumer protection measure for seniors who are locked into rising premiums, while AHIP opposed it, warning it could raise premiums for existing policyholders. The League of Women Voters and AARP supported the measure. After debate over premium impacts and market stability, the committee voted 6-4 to give SB 21 a due pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 20, dealing with prior authorization for medications used to treat serious mental illness. An amendment to change the bill from limiting prior authorization to once every three years to once every 12 months was debated; insurers supported the annual review, while nursing, disability, and mental health advocates argued that more frequent prior authorization would add burden and delay care. The committee tabled the amendment 5-4, then passed the unamended bill on a do pass vote. Testimony emphasized that the bill would not change how often patients see their doctors, only how often insurers can require prior authorization. Next, Senate Bill 101 was heard, which repeals the delayed sunset of the Health Care Delivery and Access Act so the hospital provider tax can continue. Sponsors and the Health Care Authority said the program has generated substantial federal matching funds and supports hospitals, especially rural facilities. AARP, Health Action New Mexico, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and the New Mexico Hospital Association supported the bill. Committee members asked about how funds are distributed and reported; the agency said distributions are based on Medicaid discharges and hospitals must report on spending. The bill received a do pass. The committee also approved House Memorial 52, which requests a study group on health insurance premium affordability for working families and small employers. Supporters from Blue Cross and Blue Shield and AHIP said the memorial would help identify cost drivers and improve transparency. The committee then passed House Bill 132, as amended, creating a workers’ compensation presumption for certain occupational conditions affecting police officers. Supporters from labor, state police, OSI, and business groups said it would help recruitment, retention, and recovery, while members discussed the removal of back pain from the presumption and the reinstatement of PTSD. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 14, which expands the state’s health professional loan repayment program and creates a broader advisory structure to address workforce shortages. The bill would cover physicians and many other health professions, with a large appropriation and special provisions for part-time service and loan repayment terms. The sponsor described it as a competitive recruitment tool, and numerous health care, labor, and consumer groups testified in support. The sponsor also described a proposed amendment to reallocate physician funds to other eligible health professionals if there are not enough qualified physician applicants, but the committee was preparing to move on when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• On lines 17, 18, and 19, you can see where the maintenance budgets, enhancement budgets, and any program
• We didn't have a say on eliminating six mental health programs, just eliminating them.
• We didn't have a say in losing all the federal dollars that we lost by eliminating those programs.
• We didn't have a say in eliminating six mental health programs, just eliminating them.
• There's no cut to the voucher program. This is really troubling to me, so I'll be a no vote.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first received a briefing on the updated “green sheet” budget materials and how to read the FY 2027 columns, along with a review of several bills with fiscal impacts, including HB 503, HB 556, HB 559, and HB 578. Staff explained where the documents could be found online and answered questions about the timing and size of the bills’ fiscal effects, including the tax conformity bill and county jail reimbursement changes. The main business was the 2026 Idaho Budget Rescissions Act. Members debated whether to adopt the governor’s 3% rescission, add an additional 1% reduction, or add an additional 2% reduction. Supporters of deeper cuts argued the state needed structural balance, a larger ending balance, and a response to revenue uncertainty and the pending tax conformity bill. Opponents said across-the-board cuts were too blunt, could harm Medicaid, education, public safety, and other programs, and should be handled agency by agency. The committee first rejected the 1% and 2% substitute motions, then approved the governor’s 3% rescission motion on a due-pass recommendation. The committee then approved a transfer of $22,366,500 from the Public School Income Fund to the General Fund, with the motion passing after a roll call vote. It next took up statewide decisions, starting with ongoing base reductions for selected state agencies. After debate over whether the reductions should be 3%, 4%, or 5%, the committee rejected the higher-cut substitutes and approved the governor’s 3% base reduction recommendation. Members emphasized that the work groups would still have flexibility to adjust individual agency budgets later. Finally, the committee considered personnel benefit cost increases for FY 2027. Staff explained the proposed health insurance and other variable-rate adjustments, and members debated whether to use the governor’s recommendation or a DOGE Working Group recommendation that slightly changed the funding mix and total. The governor’s recommendation was defended as more consistent with prior employee-benefit review practice, while supporters of the DOGE proposal said it would tighten legislative control over funding. The governor’s recommendation was ultimately rejected, and the committee moved on after the roll call votes on the competing motions.

Transcript Highlights:

• is a great initiative for retention... ...program for officers, which I think is a great initiative
• And if so, does Maricopa and Pima County have similar programs?
• The program has outdone itself and is more than doubled that transcriber count. ...done itself and is
• And of the 20 inmates that have been released that were a part of this program and are still choosing
• So my question kind of started with this: this is an accredited program for inmates, right?

Bills: HB2207 , HB2225 , HB2602 , HB2641

Committee: House Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Keywords: braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, HB 2225, Yavapai County, northern Arizona regional training academy, training academy, public safety training, law enforcement training, police academy, first responder training, capital appropriation, state general fund, state treasurer, lapsing appropriation, section 35-190, capital costs, regional training facility

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> historic doubling the number of programs historic doubling the number of programs that<00:21:13.080
• Of the programs that we passed in 2023 and earlier, are they all up and running?
• The Senate's internship program runs throughout the session, and applications for the new session are
• This is Partha Pra's third year in the program and her first serving in an elected position.
• </c> else she's picked up through the program else she's picked up through the program a<00:27:02.399

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Four years to help support that particular program.
• Okay, and then I was glancing back on airport development, page 14 under airport development programs
• Before, you're giving it to the Joint Committee on Airport Construction and Development program.
• Okay, and then I was glancing back on airport development, page 14 under airport development programs
• My brother Brett lost his life in 2021 in an adult day program because of his poor impulse control.

Summary: The committee met with four members present and approved the May 7, 2026 minutes. It then considered a series of transportation, motor vehicle, aviation, port, and memorial designation bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including HB 1086 on electronic titling and digital title transfers, HB 745 extending special tandem load permits, HB 1175 updating the definition of aerospace, HB 1108 creating a Homeschool Proud license plate, HB 722 changing reinstatement procedures so certain suspended licenses are restored once fees are paid, HB 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate, HB 1173 giving drivers on reinstatement payment plans a three-month grace period before late fees apply, and HB 98 imposing a $25 annual royalty fee on a retired legislators’ plate to help restore the Pentagon Barracks. HB 487, dealing with red-light overtaking and an added fine, and HB 1032, a technical cleanup bill aligning DWI/drug-impairment language, were also reported favorably. HB 1050, a CDL cleanup bill that adjusts age and testing provisions and removes outdated vision-waiver language, and HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association plate, were approved as well. HB 989, which would have raised public license tag agent convenience fees, was supported by private tag agents but drew questions about fee parity and business impacts; it was reported favorably. A separate bill on driving school pricing and refunds was deferred and turned into a study resolution after the sponsor said more stakeholder discussion was needed. The committee also advanced several memorial and infrastructure measures. HB 401 designated the Lance Corporal Justin McLeese Memorial Bridge, with members speaking about his military service and sacrifice. HB 1081 moved the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce for administrative support while leaving port boards independent. HCR 63 created a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel could operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without a civilian license. HCR 69 urged priority improvements to the Interstate 12 corridor, especially the bottleneck and interchange areas near I-55, citing safety and evacuation concerns. SCR 58 asked DOTD to review public-private partnership practices, using the Belle Chasse Toll Bridge as a case study and focusing on lessons learned for future projects. HB 1001 designated a portion of U.S. 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway. HB 1218 named Highway 1090 the Lewis Pett Miramon Memorial Highway, with family members and supporters describing Miramon’s wartime service and role in building Slidell. HB 1172 designated a highway segment in memory of a 14-year-old hit-and-run victim, Kulin Carrier. One major policy bill, SB 514, was amended and reported favorably. It updates Louisiana’s aeronautics statutes, transfers responsibility for aeronautics activities and facilities from the DOTD secretary to the Office of Multimodal Commerce commissioner, and modernizes the law to align with federal aviation rules and new technologies, including advanced aviation and electric vertical takeoff and landing programs. Members asked about the lengthy amendments, fuel tax language, airport development reporting, and the Transportation Trust Fund, and the sponsor and DOTD explained that the changes were largely technical and intended to keep Louisiana eligible for federal aviation funding and compliant with current standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 1244, which would add a brain-injury designation to driver’s licenses and require law-enforcement training. The sponsor and advocates described how the designation could help de-escalate encounters and improve safety for people with brain injuries; the bill was reported favorably, with members noting it could also cover broader brain-injury conditions if medically certified. After that testimony, the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• , to provide for the creation of the Idaho Child Care Program.
• To provide for the creation of the Idaho Child Care Program, In the Senate, Senate Bill 1374, by the
• Finance Committee, an act relating to the Idaho Child Care Program, to provide for the creation of the
• Idaho Child Care Program, to establish provisions regarding parent qualifying activities, to establish
• President, let me just say that the funding that comes into these programs come from non-governmental

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and pledge, approved the journal, and received several communications, including substitute legislator designations and gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho Lottery Commission and State Building Authority. Members also made brief announcements and introductions before moving into committee reports and the day’s floor calendar. The chamber advanced a number of bills and resolutions through reading and referral, including measures on the Idaho Child Care Program, Health and Human Services appropriations, elections, development impact fees, hazardous waste, and several House concurrent resolutions and joint memorials. On final consideration, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1285 on occupational licensure for nonpublic school diplomas, Senate Bill 1286 on consumer protections for veterans benefits, Senate Bill 1323 on enforcement of contracts involving gold and silver specie, Senate Bill 1338 on allowing a portion of idle state funds to be invested in gold and silver bullion, and Senate Bill 1342 establishing a limited right for households to keep hens for egg production. The Senate also passed House Bill 531 updating epinephrine delivery system language for schools, House Bill 518 expanding authority for the Attorney General in human trafficking cases, House Bill 512 reinstating an open-book jurisprudence exam for land surveyors, House Bill 551 correcting urban renewal-related property tax treatment for fire and ambulance districts, House Bill 594 codifying a Supreme Court ruling on distribution of late property tax fees and interest, and House Bill 587 clarifying continuous funding for rangeland improvement programs. Debate on several measures included concerns about local control, continuous spending, and oversight, but each bill ultimately received majority support. The Senate reordered the third-reading calendar and then adjourned until Monday, March 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the program manager of Navigable Waterways at the Idaho Department of Lands.
• I am the rights-of-way program manager at the Idaho Department of Lands. Thank you.
• Outdoor recreation, and part of that, we've determined in talking to experts that the programs that we
• have from our parks and our recreation programs statewide contribute That the programs that we have
• We have a program for that so people can take a track share and check it out.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Former foster youth enrolled in the Young Adult Transitional Program, and Arizona is designated as having
• Mandatory employment training programs are expensive.
• , better programs within our schools around career technical education, so that we can strengthen our
• We can find ways to save taxpayer money from those wasteful programs without hurting the most vulnerable
• They write— ...reduction so that the program will lose funding.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 29 present, and several guest introductions, including Scout groups from Phoenix/Levine, Dr. John Galgiani for Valley Fever Awareness, and Dr. Sarah Lee Davidson as Doctor of the Day. Senator Kavanagh read a proclamation recognizing Valley Fever Awareness and the work of the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence. The chamber also adopted a death resolution for Victor E. Hardy and observed a moment of silence. The Committee of the Whole considered SB 1036 on unemployment insurance, SB 1056 on reporting vacant state positions, SB 1236 on AHCCCS enrollment verification and presumptive eligibility, and SB 1238 on the physician assistant licensure compact. SB 1036, SB 1056, and SB 1238 were approved in Committee of the Whole, with SB 1036 and SB 1238 amended. During floor debate, SB 1036 drew criticism from Democrats as adding burdens and reducing benefits for unemployed workers, while supporters said it was aimed at preventing fraud; it later passed the Senate 17-12. SB 1056 also passed 17-12 after debate over whether automatic elimination of long-vacant positions would improve efficiency or harm agency staffing. SB 1238 passed with a conforming amendment and later the House version HB 2190 was substituted and passed. The Senate then took up several third-reading bills. SB 1126 on educational records passed 29-0. SB 1189 on campaign expenditures passed 27-2 after debate about political violence and campaign-related expenses. SB 1211 on sentencing passed 29-0. The chamber also reconsidered and substituted House bills for identical Senate bills: HB 2206 for SB 1333 and HB 2396 for SB 1368, both related to SNAP. HB 2206 passed 17-12 after debate over a proposed SNAP error-rate penalty and its impact on food access, and HB 2396 passed 17-12 after debate over restricting SNAP purchases. Finally, HB 2796 was substituted for SB 1236 and passed after debate over AHCCCS enrollment barriers. The Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• is collected through fees or permits, and the money is used to fund operations for that specific program
• Then you saw in 2010 a legislative reform out of the statute to make the program more robust and look
• We are working towards a full eradication program. The folks here expect nothing else of us.
• Of that, one-third of our total general fund footprint is the invasive species program.
• That is not a program that has a ton of dedicated dollars coming into it. There's some.

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations first for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and then for the State Liquor Division. For Agriculture, analyst Morgan Poloni outlined the agency’s structure, staffing, dedicated funds, and major FY 2025-2027 budget items, including ongoing pay enhancements for investigators and fruit and vegetable inspectors, replacement items, IT hardware, reappropriation of the Resilient Food Systems Grant, and two FY 2026 requests: a deficiency warrant for exotic pest response and a supplemental appropriation for quagga mussel treatment. Director Chanel Tewalt emphasized the history and statutory basis of Idaho’s invasive species program, described the quagga mussel response and its impacts, and said the agency is trying to manage risk while maintaining inspection coverage. Members asked about grant delays, vehicle replacement, signage costs, chemical treatment costs, possible research or biological solutions, and whether cuts would reduce station hours or openings; Tewalt said some stations would be delayed or reduced under cuts and that the department would continue to seek creative enforcement and funding options. The committee then reviewed the Liquor Division budget. Poloni described the division as a dedicated-fund operation with retail, accounting, and distribution functions, and summarized FY 2025-2027 enhancements for personnel, store maintenance, ADA website compliance, replacement items, and IT/security equipment. Director Andrew Arulenandum said he had prioritized spending based on safety, legal exposure, and operational needs, citing a store shelving collapse and warehouse safety concerns as reasons for some requests. Members asked about a pending policy issue involving bulk lottery ticket purchases by out-of-state syndicates, and Arulenandum said the proposal would not have a fiscal impact but would protect the integrity of the lottery. He also addressed questions about liquor pricing and distributor concerns, explaining that Idaho uses a standard tiered markup and that smaller manufacturers can be disadvantaged by higher production costs, though the division sells premium bottles close to cost. The meeting ended with no votes or formal actions taken, and the committee announced it would meet the next morning to take action on FY 2027 maintenance budgets before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• But all of us as state programs roll with those changes as they update those seed standards.
• This program originally started under a federal grant way back in the day.
• State noxious weed programs control aquatic noxious weeds in water bodies across the state.
• insurance programs by farmers.
• I can tell you adoption and use of those programs is fairly low for a variety of different reasons.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Keywords: 989, all