Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Senate Bill 1290 prohibits the Arizona Game and Fish Commission from transporting
• or from spending or using public monies or resources to transport Mexican gray wolf puppies into the
• Interstate transportation of Mexican wolf pups by the department is an uncommon occurrence.
• The department does, on occasion, transport pups from a central airport to remote Arizona locations as
• Currently, wolf pups are transported to Arizona or New Mexico by Lighthawk, a private organization, at

Bills: SB1005, SB1202, SB1278, SB1279, SB1280, SB1287

Keywords: cosmetics, animal testing, prohibition, manufacturers, sales regulation, state preemption, groundwater, water conservation, Arizona water resources, drought management, water quality, solar radiation management, environment, regulation, Arizona Revised Statutes, weather modification, licensing, environmental impact, public safety, cloud seeding

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee approved the minutes from January 20 and January 27, 2026, then heard several bills related to weather modification, water policy, wildlife, cosmetics, and groundwater management. SB 1278 would ban intentional solar radiation management in Arizona and bar public entities or recipients of public funds from supporting related technology development. Supporters argued it was needed to stop harmful geoengineering, while opponents said it would block research and distract from real pollution problems. The committee voted 5-2 with one not voting to give SB 1278 a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered SB 1279, which would regulate weather modification licenses, require ADWR and ADEQ review of chemicals, public notice, and public meetings, and—under a proposed strike-everything amendment—shift complaint enforcement to ADWR and require rulemaking. Testimony was largely in support from stakeholders and SRP, while ADEQ was neutral but warned it lacked standards, resources, and expertise to develop the required chemical limits on the bill’s timeline. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 5-2 with one not voting. Members next passed SB 1005, which would prohibit the sale of cosmetics developed with animal testing, with supporters citing cruelty concerns and industry alternatives; the bill received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. SB 1202, requiring ADWR to include more detailed data in five-year groundwater supply-and-demand assessments, drew opposition from ADWR over feasibility, cost, and the risk of misleading conclusions, but still received a do pass recommendation 4-2 with two not voting. The committee also passed SB 1280, which would bar Game and Fish from using public funds to transport Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona; wildlife advocates opposed it as harmful to recovery, while Game and Fish said it would not affect core responsibilities and was neutral. Finally, SB 1287, with a conforming amendment, was approved 5-1 with two not voting to extend certain irrigation grandfathered-right groundwater uses to subsequent active management areas. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The opportunity to produce far more with far less surface acreage gives us a unique and far higher economic
• Transportation Commission for State Highway Projects. House Bill 145.
• House Bill 145, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Transportation
• printed and referred to the House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee, the House Transportation
• House Bill 148, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• That will be up to the transportation.
• Budget capacity, staffing capacity, transportation capacity.
• Budget capacity, staffing capacity, transportation capacity.
• Um also um we transportation capacity.
• There's a transportation issue in Ohio.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On the surface,<01:42:28.080> that<01:42:28.320> sounds<01:42:28.639> reasonable.
• <01:42:29.360> Who surface, that sounds reasonable. Who surface, that sounds reasonable.
• This is not our committee, but perhaps I can make that suggestion to the transportation committee. >>
• They can make site-specific decisions related to impervious surfaces and stormwater management.
• to imperous surfaces and storm water<04:18:14.960> management.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the 41.5 going to active transportation. the 41.5 going to active transportation.
• Now this has transportation purposes.
• Regional solicitation of active transportation, a little bit from active transportation, a little bit
• scoring criteria um like the surface scoring criteria um like the surface life<01:25:53.840>
• projects from the state transportation projects from the state transportation improvement<01:41:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sure that there's appropriate equipment and food storage capacity, making sure that food-contact surfaces
• <00:12:44.560> are<00:12:44.800> all<00:12:45.440> um food contact surfaces
• are all um food contact surfaces are all um entirely<00:12:46.279> cleanable.
• > committee chair of the transportation committee chair of the transportation committee for<00
• to and from school in being transported to and from school in school<01:35:07.600> related<01

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• altered in any way by surface altered in any way by surface applications<00:21:25.520> or
• The proposed $50 million bonds each for transportation and for school aid were vetted by the Treasurer
• The proposed $50 million bonds each for transportation and for school aid were vetted by the Treasurer
• The proposed $50 million bonds each for the transportation bill and for school aid were vetted by the
• The proposed $50 million bonds each for the transportation bill and for school aid were vetted by the

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our research over the last five years, in collaboration with the UMass Transportation Center, who was
• And now we have John Kalura from the UMass Transportation Center, who will also add to this.
• As she mentioned, I represent the UMass Transportation Center as a former director.
• I started... ...represent the UMass Transportation Center as a former director.
• I started on the faculty in transportation back in the mid-70s, and it’s been a great career.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Public Safety and Homeland Security Joint Committee heard testimony on several bills focused on accessibility, fire safety, and transportation safety. House 2569, expanding adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors, drew broad support from Rep. Christine Barber, disability advocates, and members of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said the bill would close gaps in the Architectural Access Board’s authority, require more adaptable housing in rehabs and older conversions, and extend accessibility requirements to employee-only work areas. They emphasized the shortage and cost of accessible housing, the benefits for aging in place, and the risk of institutionalization when accessible units are unavailable. The committee also heard strong support for House 2577, which would allow local fire departments to inspect and enforce fire code compliance in state-owned buildings. Rep. Robert Cataldo and Boston Fire Chief Pat Ellis described this as closing a long-standing loophole that leaves state properties outside local fire-code enforcement, despite the hazards posed by aging state buildings and life-safety systems. Fire service representatives also supported bills to create a statewide technical rescue system under the Department of Fire Services, standardizing training, equipment, funding, and coordination across regional rescue teams, and they backed related fire-safety measures including sprinkler-related legislation and professionalism measures. Rep. James O’Day testified for House 2676, which would require window screens to prevent child falls, arguing it is a common-sense safety measure and noting recent fatal incidents. Ann Shuey and John Kalura testified for House 2601, which would require motor coach passengers to wear seat belts, citing a family tragedy, low seat-belt use, and research showing signage can improve compliance. Steven Poglisi of NAGE supported House 2568, requiring carbon monoxide alarms in public buildings, describing a past CO exposure incident involving a union member. The committee took no votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our new budget will ensure that the committee has the resources to develop a surface transportation reauthorization

Bills: SB347, SB351

Keywords: brownfields, brownfield cleanup, site remediation, environmental cleanup, contaminated property, redevelopment, revitalization, CERCLA, Superfund, EPA grants, state response programs, environmental justice, disadvantaged communities, small communities, local government grants, nonprofit eligibility, community engagement, Alaska Native tribes, Regional Corporations, Village Corporations

Transcript Highlights:

• robust public transportation.
• robust public transportation.
• robust public transportation.
• robust public transportation.
• robust public transportation.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:04:33.520> 50<01:04:34.319> state<01:04:34.559> engineer<01:04:35.200> surface
• >> Senate File 50, State Engineer Surface and Groundwater Study, sponsored by Senator Love. >> Senator
• President, I move to introduce Senate File 50, State Engineer Surface and Groundwater Study, and request
• President, I move introduction of Senate File 50, State Engineer Surface and Groundwater Study, and request
• 50 will ensure our state engineers are operating from the most up-to-date information in regard to surface

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not provide transportation and has limited availability.
• This bill is a transportation bill. It directs, it does several things. Here we go.
• So it is not coming out on a level surface, meaning I could break my ramp.
• We did a lot for those transportation issues.
• You know, there's a lot of technology regarding transportation and enforcement of various transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• utilities Personnel Transportation utilities Personnel Transportation getting<00:13:54.480> food
• <00:13:56.800> barriers<00:13:57.560> throughout<00:13:57.880> the Transportation
• barriers throughout the Transportation barriers throughout the state<00:13:58.720> so<00:13:59.120
• Growers um nonprofits and transportation Growers um nonprofits and transportation and<00:54:49.520
• They do not have their own transportation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• transporting them. transporting them.
• Welcome to Transportation.
• The<02:21:18.640> transportation The transportation The transportation Thank<02:21:21.280>
• Transportation this year.
• Welcome Janet to transportation. Welcome Janet to transportation.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with SB 12, which would let certain veterans who already qualify for a disabled veteran license plate use that VA disability determination to obtain a walking disability placard without having to undergo a second physical or submit additional proof. Senator Waters, the prime sponsor, said the bill was prompted by a constituent and would reduce redundant paperwork. Melinda Sims of United Spinal and Leo Pacquin of the State Veterans Advisory Committee both supported the bill, saying veterans already go through an extensive VA certification process and should not have to repeat it for the state. A DMV representative said the department had no known objection and explained that the change would let the placard travel with the veteran in another vehicle. The hearing on SB 12 was then closed. The committee then took up SB 40, which would allow safe boater education certificates to be completed and tested online, rather than requiring an in-person final exam. Representative Coker and Senator Tim Lang described the bill as a cleanup measure to make a COVID-era online process permanent and said it would improve convenience and keep more revenue in New Hampshire. Tom Praol, representing the vendor, said the state lost significant revenue when the online option ended and argued that online proctoring can verify identity and prevent cheating. The New Hampshire Marine Trades Association supported the bill, saying it would help boaters learn New Hampshire-specific laws and keep dollars in-state. The Department of Safety Marine Patrol was neutral: Captain Tim Dunlvy said the current system includes classroom and online coursework followed by an in-person proctored final exam, and he raised concerns about safety, exam integrity, and lower scores in computer-only testing, while noting New Hampshire’s strong boating safety record. Committee members asked about reciprocity, proctoring methods, costs, and crash data, but no vote was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, House now to transportation issues.
• House Bill 2021 relating to transportation. House Bill 2021 relating to transportation.
• Uh, first up, Department of Transportation on Zoom. Department of Transportation on Zoom.
• I can see why on the surface 1741.
• <02:20:56.640> They Department of Transportation. They Department of Transportation.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, at a time when concerns about fraud and abuse are surfacing across state programs, we must be
• The clerk will read: Assembly Bill 117 by the Committee on Budget and appropriating to transportation
• This bill allows the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to borrow...
• Upon completion, this project will expand a reliable and efficient public transportation system in my
• He championed infrastructure investments that improved public safety, transportation, and neighborhood

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and pledge that reflected on Japanese American incarceration during World War II and recent storm-related losses in California. The chamber then handled routine procedural matters, guest introductions, and several consent and file items before moving to floor debate on a series of resolutions and budget measures. The main policy item was HR 82, declaring February 19, 2026, a day of remembrance for the incarceration of Japanese Americans. Members from both parties and several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the injustice of Executive Order 9066, the importance of remembering civil liberties failures, and the need to guard against similar abuses today. The resolution drew some criticism of its rhetoric toward federal law enforcement, but after debate the Assembly added 72 coauthors and adopted HR 82 by voice vote. The chamber also adopted ACR 128, a resolution recognizing solidarity with Ukraine, and later passed ACA 7, a constitutional amendment related to government preferences, after a partisan debate over whether it would restore or prohibit discrimination. The Assembly also took up two budget-related concurrence items. AB 107, described as technical and conforming changes to the 2025 Budget Act and adjustments related to Proposition 4 projects, passed concurrence 59-3 and was sent immediately to the Governor. AB 117 authorized the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to borrow up to $590 million from already awarded transit capital funds to support operating costs for BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; supporters called it a bridge loan to stabilize transit, while opponents called it a bailout lacking accountability. The measure passed concurrence 52-16 and was also transmitted to the Governor. The session ended with adjournments in memory of former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, with members praising his leadership in city government, energy policy, and clean energy development. The Speaker then announced the bill introduction deadline and the next floor session date before adjourning the Assembly until Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's not a very nice thing to say on its surface.
• , I'd like to announce that the Budget Subcommittee Five on Judicial, Corrections, Labor, and Transportation
• Transportation Subcommittee will be held in Room 112. Thank you.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then proceeded through motions, third reading, confirmations, and a consent calendar. Senator McNerney moved SB 1011 to the inactive file. The chamber also confirmed Preston Prince to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors by a 30-9 vote and reappointed Stephanie Landrigan to the State Mining and Geology Board by a 30-9 vote. Several policy bills were debated and passed. SB 1050 by Senator Ashby, requiring disclosure for advertisements using synthetic performers, passed 38-0. SB 1373 by Senator Grove, narrowing mental health diversion eligibility for certain serious offenses and restoring judicial discretion, passed 32-0 after extensive debate focused on public safety and victims. SB 1393 by Senator McGuire, a fisheries omnibus bill, passed 39-0. SB 995 by Senator Pérez, the Masuma Khan Justice Act addressing conditions and oversight in detention facilities, passed 39-0. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado, creating an Office of Food Security and Affordability, passed 37-0. The Senate also passed SB 1266 by Senator Stern, changing how copper wire theft damages are valued for public and telecommunications infrastructure, and SB 1211 by Senator González, clarifying conviction integrity units’ authority to investigate factual innocence claims as open cases, both by unanimous roll call. SB 1302 by Senator Wahab, the sunset bill for the Board of Registered Nursing, passed 38-0 after one objection to unanimous roll call. SB 1181 by Senator Hurtado, a school safety bill focused on coordination to protect youth and amended to remove fusion centers, passed 33-0 after members discussed privacy, trust, and local implementation concerns. The special consent calendar, containing multiple bills and a resolution, was adopted 39-0. The Senate then announced budget subcommittee meetings, noted completion of House of Origin work on 341 bills for the month, and recessed with the next floor session scheduled for June 1 at 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 95 will be assigned to Committee Number Eight, Transportation.
• Senate File 95 will be assigned to Committee Number Eight, Transportation.
• Senate File 95 will be assigned to Committee Number Eight, Transportation.
• Senate File 95 will be assigned to Committee Number Eight, Transportation.
• ,<01:59:21.440> highways,<01:59:21.920> military transportation, highways, military transportation

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But that's just kind of one of the things that happens, I think, under the surface when you're looking
• parking lot that can get pretty full, and we have now return-to-office strategies for Department of Transportation
• lot that can get pretty full and we have now returned to office strategies for Department of Transportation
• We requested a well-executed assessment that looks beyond surface-level damage. It's systematic.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• scenario where we're actually getting above WTI for economical reasons or what's happening with transportation
• would allow for the acceptance of these federal funds that would come from the Federal Office of Surface
• would allow for the acceptance of these federal funds that would come from the Federal Office of Surface
• I'm the director of the Department of Transportation. We have three items that we want to touch on.

Summary: The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast. The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.