Transcript Highlights:

• Order of the day, item number five: reports of conference committees.
• Members, please note the 48-hour notice for conference committee reports numbers 3 through 29 as listed
• midnight for the purpose<00:33:12.080> of<00:33:12.240> receiving<00:33:12.799> conference
• purpose of receiving conference purpose of receiving conference committee<00:33:13.679> reports

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I THINK THAT WE ARE IN GOOD SHAPE WE'RE IN GOOD SHAPE TO GET TO CONFERENCE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
• AND PRESIDENT ALBRITTON AND SPEAKER PEREZ WE FEEL LIKE WE WILL GET TO A PLACE WHERE WE WILL BE IN CONFERENCE
• THAT WILL NOW BE IN THE TAX PACKAGE AS WELL AND SET US UP TO CONFERENCE WITH THE SENATE BECAUSE THEIR
• Driskell: THIS IS WHAT I ASK YOU TO THINK ABOUT WE KNOW LOOKING AT THE REVENUE ESTIMATING CONFERENCE
• LIKE TO THE DEVELOPER AND THERE IS NOT A MECHANISM FOR THE TENANTS BUT WHEN THE REVENUE ESTIMATING CONFERENCE

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, thank you for a quick chance to confer with you.
• And I would really like a chance to confer with Senator Shively about that before you move on the bank's
• Chairman, we need to get this out because it's going to go to conference committee.
• And if it isn't perfect for anybody, then it's not perfect for anybody, and the conference committees

Bills: HB1540

Keywords: education savings account, ESA, school choice, private school vouchers, nonpublic school, tuition assistance, education tax credit, homeschool exclusion, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Public Instruction, public funding for private education, voucher program, student scholarships, special education, parental choice, curriculum funding, tutoring, online learning, state per-pupil payment, income-based eligibility

Summary: The committee first took up amended bill 10-13, a school funding and education appropriations measure. Senator Schaible walked through the final version, which included changes to foundation aid, transportation grants, free and reduced-price meals funding, paraprofessional and teacher support programs, Native American education items, library and school facility projects, and several one-time grants. Members discussed removing the science center grant funding, and Senator Meyer objected to that removal, arguing that Grand Forks had raised matching private and local funds and that other cities had received similar state support. The committee also agreed to adjust regional education association funding to reflect six centers rather than seven, reducing that line to $600,000. The committee then adopted the amendment to 10-13 unanimously and passed the bill as further amended on a unanimous roll call, with Senator Shively designated as carrier. After a brief recess, the committee turned to bill 1540, but no formal action was taken. Bank of North Dakota and OMB representatives raised concerns that the draft included policy changes and procurement/IT exemptions that needed further discussion. Members agreed the bill would be delayed until Monday so the Bank, OMB, and NDIT could confer and work through the mechanics and policy issues before the committee moved it forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• And today we are gathered here alongside our partners for a crucial press conference to shine a spotlight
• This press conference... ...efforts with substantial investments to ensure success.
• This press conference is made possible by the support of our incredible partners.
• like to extend our sincere thanks to Representative Mary González for sponsoring today's press conference

Keywords: special education, funding, equity, advocacy, Texas Legislature, SB568, HB2, disabilities

Summary: This was a press conference calling on the Texas Legislature to increase and reform funding for special education, with speakers arguing that the current system leaves a roughly $1.7 billion gap and forces districts to stretch general education dollars to cover mandated services. Sabrina Gonzalez Ocedo of The Arc of Texas opened by framing the issue as one of equity and self-determination for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and noted support for legislative efforts including Senate Bill 568 and House Bill 2. She also thanked a coalition of advocacy groups and legislators involved in special education funding work. Representative Steve Toth spoke in favor of investing surplus dollars in special education, citing high rates of functional illiteracy and dyslexia among prison populations and saying earlier intervention could change life outcomes. Amy Litzinger described how accommodations and assistive technology helped her succeed in school and urged continued investment so other students can access similar supports. Sarah Harden, a parent and disability advocate, shared her daughter’s positive experience in a well-supported district but warned that many Texas districts cannot provide comparable services because of funding shortages and that families are increasingly worried about cuts. Rachel Hull, a special education director, said well-resourced special education is transformational and outlined the need for individualized services, therapies, vocational training, and college readiness supports. Jean Mayer, a school trustee, said districts are struggling to meet state and federal requirements because funding does not match actual costs, pointing to staffing shortages and the need for parent engagement and professional development. The speakers repeatedly urged lawmakers to fully fund Senate Bill 568 and broader special education reforms this session; no votes were taken, as this was an advocacy event rather than a committee hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• . conferences. conferences.
• >> Those would be outofstate conferences.
• >> Those would be outofstate conferences.
• <00:04:43.360> are And I will say the conferences are And I will say the conferences are learning
• be going to conferences. be going to conferences. >> Yes<02:22:57.040> ma'am.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 409, 22 January, 2026; 1:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Mississippi Auctioneer Commission, which requested level funding. PJ Lindsay reported the agency granted 29 new auctioneer applications and 9 new firm applications, received 3 complaints, resolved 1, signed 1 consent order, and issued 1 suspension. Members questioned the commission about its cash balance, reserve levels, and a large variance between prior spending and the FY26 request; staff explained the difference was tied to technology and contractual costs, including planned computer system updates and out-of-state conference travel for board members. The commission also noted that auctioneering oversight is important because an estimated $4.5 billion will flow through Mississippi escrow accounts in 2025. The Board of Optometry then presented its budget and organizational changes. Board leaders said the board had transitioned away from a state employee model to a management company arrangement with JBAR/Cornerstone, which they said saved about $43,000 and improved service and efficiency. They described the creation of a licensing database and a new back-end system, and said the board was generally seeking level funding with a small increase for computer equipment tied to the new system. Committee members asked about the impact on PERS contributions, the former employee’s retirement, the board’s cash balance, lease arrangements, and whether licensees had complained; the board said the change required legislative approval, the former employee retired, the cash balance was about $399,900, and service complaints had decreased. The Mississippi Board of Licensure for Engineers and Surveyors reported a busy FY2025, including moving most licensure applications online, accepting supporting documents by email, expanding K-12 and college outreach, hosting student interns, visiting ABET-accredited schools, decoupling the surveyor exam registration process, and awarding about $400,000 in grants to engineering programs. The board said it licenses about 15,000 engineers and surveyors plus 8,500 interns, with most registrants from out of state, and that its fees are among the lowest nationally. For the budget, the board requested level funding overall but also sought a new investigator position, 5% salary progressions, increased travel funding for national meetings and STEM outreach, more contractual money for internships and IT modifications, additional supplies, and restoration of a $600,000 grant program that is funded every other year to support university and community college engineering and surveying programs. The board said its operations are supported by fees and that its cash balance is about $1.6 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is Wednesday, March 19th, at 2 p.m. here in Conference Room 325.
• /c><00:10:06.480> room<00:10:06.760> 3:25<00:10:07.760> thank p.m. here in conference
• room 3:25 thank p.m. here in conference room 3:25 thank you<00:10:08.279> everybody<00:10:08.680
• Keep the effective date to move to conference committee.
• Keep the effective date to move to conference committee.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard SB 104, which would restrict the use of restrictive housing or solitary confinement in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with specified exceptions. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation strongly opposed the bill, saying its existing policy already meets or exceeds ACA and National Institute of Corrections standards, and objecting to language they said would give the oversight commission operational decision-making authority. The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission supported the bill, but also said it was not intended to run operations and described concerns about restrictive housing practices, including CoreCivic’s SHIP program at Saguaro. Supporters included the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Office of the Public Defender, the Disability Rights Center, ACLU Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, and individual testifiers. They argued that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately impacted by incarceration, that solitary confinement is harmful and linked to depression, anxiety, suicidality, and poor reentry outcomes, and that confinement beyond 15 days is widely condemned under international standards. Several testifiers cited suicides and deaths in custody as reasons to codify limits in statute rather than rely on policy alone. The department responded that it already has 24/7 medical care, though not 24/7 mental health coverage at one facility, and explained that it uses four custody categories: disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody, and placements for inmates seeking separation for safety reasons. Members questioned the department and commission about the SHIP program, whether the bill was based on other states’ laws, and how current policies compare with national standards. The director said the bill was too ambiguous in places and that the department was willing to work with the commission on policy changes, but still opposed the measure as written. The committee took testimony and questions; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Appropriations Conference Committee on Health and Human Services, Health Care, is called to order
• Anyone wishing to address the conference committee?
• Seeing no other business for our conference committee, Representative Vandrata moves that we adjourn

Summary: The Appropriations Conference Committee on Health and Human Services, Health Care, was called to order and the House presented its offer on both the budget and projects. President Andrade said the House had made considerable movement in response to the other side’s prior offer and expressed hope that a counteroffer would be returned soon. No members of the public or committee chose to address the conference committee. The chair reminded members that future meetings would be on one-hour notice. With no further business, Representative Vandrata moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, everybody, if you can take your seats, the House Budget and Senate Appropriations Conference
• If there's no further business before this conference committee, I'd say Vice Chair, If there's no further
• business before this conference committee, I'd say Vice Chair, Diccli, moves we adjourn.

Summary: The House Budget and Senate Appropriations Conference Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met briefly and came to order with the chair reminding attendees to turn off cell phones. Senator DeSigley reported that the Senate appreciated the House’s offer and had made an offer on the proviso, back of the bill, and implementing bill, saying the parties were making good progress on their issues. The House responded that it had also made an offer on the budget and projects for review. No public comment was offered, and there was no additional substantive discussion. With no further business before the committee, Vice Chair Diccli moved to adjourn, and the meeting ended without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, everybody, if you can take your seats, the House Budget and Senate Appropriations Conference
• If there's no further business before this conference committee, I'd say Vice Chair, If there's no further
• business before this conference committee, I'd say Vice Chair, DiCeglie, moves we adjourn.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, everybody, if you can take your seats, the House Budget and Senate Appropriations Conference
• If there's no further business before this conference committee, I'd say Vice Chair, If there's no further
• business before this conference committee, I'd say Vice Chair, DiCeglie, moves we adjourn.

Summary: The House Budget and Senate Appropriations Conference Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met briefly to continue budget negotiations. Senator DiCeglie said the Senate appreciated the House’s offer and had made an offer on the proviso, back of the bill, and implementing bill, noting that progress was being made on the issues. The House responded that it had also made an offer on the budget and projects for review. No public comment was offered, and no substantive debate or testimony occurred. With no further business, Vice Chair DiCeglie moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I hope that certainly maybe Representative Joy, but then any DFL member of the conference committee
• So I hope that certainly maybe Representative Joy, but then any DFL member of the conference committee
• not the the um uh conference uh not the conference<00:38:10.320> committee<00:38:10.640> but
• committee but uh of the ad conference committee but uh of the ad committee<00:38:13.119> would
• committee we can uh maybe conference committee we can uh maybe adjust<00:55:08.240> closer<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so anything from criminal settlement conferences in Superior Court to appellate mediation in Supreme
• The case manager can hold a case manager conference and assist them in that way.
• some version of settlement conferences. some version of settlement conferences. um<01:06:18.640>
• rooms need to be used at the conference rooms need to be used at the courthouse<01:19:08.640> for
• in the midst of also having conference in the midst of also having landlord<01:19:30.000> tenant<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to continue its review of recommendations for New Hampshire’s family court, with the chair emphasizing a collaborative approach and noting that the group would focus on the origins of the family division, recurring problems identified in earlier reports, and comparisons with other states. Members discussed organizing testimony into three broad topics: the court hearing process and pro se litigant preparation, mediation/arbitration/counseling, and the interaction of domestic violence issues with family court and related criminal proceedings. The chair also noted that the subcommittee would not meet again for two weeks and encouraged members to review materials from Judge Michael Mace and NCSL research on other states’ family court systems. Attorney Heather Culp, senior administrator for the judicial branch’s circuit court, testified about New Hampshire’s ADR programs. She explained that the Office of Mediation and Arbitration, created by statute in 2007, oversees more than 12 statewide ADR programs across the Supreme, Superior, and Circuit Courts, including family division programs such as divorce-parenting mediation, neutral case evaluation, guardianship, termination of parental rights, and voluntary adoption mediation. She said the divorce-parenting mediation program is the largest family division ADR program, with about 3,400 mediation sessions in 2023 out of roughly 6,700 cases, and that most cases involving minor children are referred to mediation soon after the first appearance session. Culp described the family division process as beginning with a first appearance session led by a case manager, who provides information, helps with paperwork, and schedules mediation, usually within 30 to 45 days. She said mediation is strongly encouraged in parenting and divorce cases, but there is no requirement to reach agreement, and parties may settle some issues while leaving others for court. She also explained that mediation is prohibited or limited in certain domestic violence cases: cases with active civil protection orders may proceed only with both parties’ consent and possible safeguards, while cases involving criminal protective orders are not sent to mediation. Mediators in court-referred family cases are contracted with the court and must be certified by the executive branch’s mediator certification board; mediators do not communicate with judges, except through a brief ADR report noting whether the case settled or what the next procedural step is. Members asked about referrals, timing, and the meaning of “neutrals,” and Culp said the court uses in-house contracted neutrals for family division ADR and does not refer divorce-parenting cases to outside providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• First off, I happen to catch the President Trump news conference yesterday with his agency heads, and
• Both the Senate and the House have to come to an agreement, and again, according to the conference with
• Both the Senate and the House have to come to an agreement, and again, according to the conference with
• Both the Senate and the House have to come to an agreement, and again, according to the conference with
• Both the Senate and the House have to come to an agreement, and again, according to the conference with

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The conference committee meeting on the appropriations will come to order.
• If there is no further business before the Conference Committee, Senator Hooper moves that we adjourn
• There is no further business before the Conference Committee. Senator Hooper moves that we adjourn.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Budget and Senate Appropriations Conference Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic
• Is there any public comment or anyone wishing to address the conference committee?
• Is there any public comment or anyone wishing to address the conference committee?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, because undoubtedly, uh, if not ending up in a committee of conference and not just a flat-out no
• Chair, do you recommend who goes on that committee conference then?
• Chair, do you recommend who goes on that committee conference then?
• Chair, do you recommend who goes on that committee conference then?
• that committee conference then? that committee conference then? >> I<01:26:44.719> do.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then moved into a work session on its remaining bills. The main discussion centered on House Bill 477, which would establish a commission to study safety and security procedures at the New Hampshire State House. Members debated whether a new commission was needed, with several speakers arguing that security is already being reviewed through the bipartisan Joint Facilities Committee and existing security staff, including an outside consultant’s review. Others raised concerns that members do not always know how to report safety or behavioral issues and suggested better communication to the full membership about who to contact and what information can be shared. The House clerk then explained the structure and authority of the Joint Facilities Committee under RSA 17-E, noting that it is a bipartisan legislative committee made up only of elected officials, with publicly listed members, defined duties, and the ability to meet in nonpublic session on sensitive matters such as security. The clerk said members can bring concerns to the committee, its chair, or their caucus leadership, and that some safety briefings are already given to all members when appropriate. Several members said they preferred keeping security matters limited to a need-to-know basis and opposed creating a new commission that could force public discussion of sensitive procedures. The committee then voted on HB 477. Representative Sheen moved ITL, Representative Turkot seconded, and the motion passed 12-0, with Representative Wall voting no. The bill was sent to consent. After that, the committee began discussion of House Bill 314, which would prohibit the use of federal, state, or local funds for lobbying activities, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON SENATE CRIMINAL AND CIVIL JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS IN HOUSE JUSTICE BUDGET
• ANYONE WISHING TO ADDRESS THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE?
• IF THERE IS NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE SENATOR WRIGHT MOVES THAT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Conference Committee report. First report of the First Conference Committee on House Bill 1038.
• Your First Conference Committee appointed on House Bill 1038 concerning county commissioner redistricting
• Conference<01:08:20.240> Committee<01:08:20.520> report.
• First report of the First Conference First report of the First Conference Committee<01:08:25.200
• <01:08:31.880> Committee your First Conference Committee your First Conference Committee appointed

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and then received committee reports advancing several bills, including House Bills 1262, 1183, 1184, 1331, 1332, and 1333, along with Senate Bills 2, 20, 80, 137, and 141. The chamber also removed House Bill 1331 and Senate Bill 80 from the consent calendar and later took up special orders for second reading. Senate Bills 20 and 137 were considered on the consent calendar, their committee reports were adopted, and both bills passed second reading and were placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The Committee of the Whole report was then adopted by a 32-0 vote with 3 excused. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 1332, which concerns the legislative department cash fund. Sponsors and supporters described the bill as transferring $12 million to the general fund and capping the fund balance at $8 million to improve transparency and align spending with current needs. Senator Pelton offered amendment L4 to lower the cap to $5 million and remove automatic inflation adjustments, but the amendment failed on a voice vote. The bill itself was then adopted. House Bill 1333, dealing with payment of legislative department expenses, was also adopted after discussion of salary-related adjustments and cash fund transfers. Senate Bill 141, which creates an optional $5 motor vehicle registration fee to fund wildlife crossings and related transportation improvements, drew the most debate. Supporters emphasized reduced vehicle-animal collisions, lower insurance costs, and the ability to leverage federal matching funds; several senators described personal or constituent experiences with wildlife crashes. Opponents argued existing bridge enterprise and wildlife cash funds should be used instead of creating a new fee, even if optional. Despite that opposition, the bill passed. Senate Bill 143, renaming the Colorado Youth Advisory Council review committee in honor of the late Senator Faith Winter, also passed unanimously. House Bill 1019 was laid over until April 27, and House Bill 1331, which modifies legislative interim activities and reduces an appropriation, passed after amendment L2 clarified that per diem and travel payments would not be made for meetings not actually held.

Transcript Highlights:

• recognize the Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference
• just say congratulations to the Tech Golden Suns cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference
• recognize the Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference
• recognize the Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference
• congratulations to the Tech Golden Suns to their cross-country team for winning the Great American Conference

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, in Hawaii State Capitol Conference Room 229.
• 00:04:06.680> Capitol 4th, 2026 in Hawaii State Capitol 4th, 2026 in Hawaii State Capitol Conference
• Conference Room 229. Conference Room 229.
• Uh, we are convening this 9:34 a.m. agenda on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, in Conference Room 229
• Okay, convening this 9:35 a.m. regular CPN agenda on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, in Conference Room

Bills: SB2386, SB2804, SB2852

Keywords: employment, wage transparency, job listings, salary disclosure, labor rights, monopoly, health care access, insurance rates, competition, stock acquisition, digital accessibility, web accessibility, website accessibility, app accessibility, ADA, disability rights, civil rights, public accommodations, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, HCRC

Summary: The committees met in decision-making sessions on several bills and generally advanced them without opposition. Early actions included SB 2386, which clarifies job-posting pay disclosure requirements and lowers the small-employer exemption threshold, and SB 2804, both recommended to pass unamended. SB 2852, addressing accessibility of information and communications technology for people with disabilities in public accommodations, was also recommended to pass unamended. SB 2975 on marine life conservation districts was advanced unamended despite a noted defective effective date. The CPN committee then acted on SB 3019, a consumer protection bill, recommending passage with amendments to require refunds of certain fees upon cancellation and to defect the effective date to July 1, 2050. SB 3231 on agricultural districts, SB 2378 on housing, and SB 3062 on liquor were all recommended to pass with amendments and a defective effective date set to July 1, 2050. SB 3255, concerning cash payments and rounding guidance, was reconsidered after discussion with small business stakeholders and was also advanced with amendments. In the later regular CPN agenda, SB 2607 on landscape architect licensure drew support from the board and professional groups and was recommended to pass with board-requested amendments and a July 1, 2050 effective date. SB 2623 SD1 on pharmacy technician registration was recommended to pass with clarifying amendments from the Board of Pharmacy. SB 2396, which would create a registry for agents managing property for absentee owners and require on-island contact information for certain condo owners, received mixed testimony: supporters emphasized accountability and enforcement, while opponents from community associations raised implementation concerns and asked for further work. The committee ultimately recommended SB 2396 with amendments from the Hawaii Council of Community Associations and a July 1, 2050 effective date.