Video & Transcript : 'COFA Day' :
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NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Morning Session Apr 17th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Eight days?
- Some days in this place, it's certainly not fun, maybe more days than not.
- Some days, it seems like the days never end, but it is a privilege.
- Some days, it seems like the days never end, but it is a privilege.
- in this 60-day session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 3rd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- My son had just been deployed for 10 days.
- For about three days, he didn't want to speak to anyone.
- And so I thank my brother every day for what he does.
- And so I thank my brother every day for what he does.
- We'll now move to the second day consent calendar.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- , except we're doing a day in the life as a page in the House.
- And that means— and that means for the entire day. No. For the entire day. For the entire day. No.
- For the entire day. For the entire day. I have no bites.
- My concern is the seven-day reporting period on a personal loan.
- The Idaho Dental Association is hosting Dental Day at the Capitol.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Injosa to the Texas Senate as Doctor of the Day. Welcome. To the Texas Senate as Doctor of the Day.
- I know you've got a busy, busy day ahead of you today.
- And in our own day, it's still sounding, isn't it?
- See, they're happy people, they're waving, they're excited to be at the Capitol Day.
- Recognizing January 28, 2025 as Sexual Assault Survivors Day at the State Capitol.
Bills:
SJR36
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, and then took up a series of recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups, including Texas Society of CPAs Advocacy Day, the Texas A&M System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, Dimmit County officials, the Doctor of the Day, and Leadership Frisco. Senators also recognized the Senate’s memorial and ceremonial guests throughout the day.
The main floor business centered on two commemorative resolutions. Senate Resolution 15 marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust education, opposition to anti-Semitism and denial, remembrance of victims and survivors, and the importance of teaching students to stand up against hatred. The resolution was adopted, and the names of all senators and the lieutenant governor were added.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17 designating January 28 as Sexual Assault Survivors Day. Senator Parker described the prevalence and underreporting of sexual assault, the impact on survivors, and the need for prevention, support services, and stronger responses; Senator Cook spoke as a survivor and emergency room nurse and highlighted rape-kit backlogs and the need for victim support. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman urging action against violent offenders and stronger protections for law enforcement. Several additional resolutions were adopted, including SRs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, and SR 54 granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days was approved by roll call, 31 ayes and 0 nays. The Senate later adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Mark Allen Butler, whom Senator Kolkhorst also honored in remarks.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:04 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- be a seven-day period. ...would not be the 14 days that is in the prior set of rules, but it would be
- to seven days.
- to seven days, providing an additional two days for members to be able to consider the contents of the
- , and then kicks it out to the next calendar day.
- within a calendar day is created to circumvent the rule.
Summary:
The Senate continued debate on a package of amendments to its rules, with many proposals focused on floor procedure, transparency, attendance, remote participation, and budget timing. Several amendments were debated at length, including changes to the dilatory timeline for laying matters on the table, reporting Senate procurements, electing Senate counsel, requiring best efforts for in-person attendance, identifying whether members vote remotely, and adjusting deadlines for budget documents and amendments. Most of the procedural and transparency amendments were rejected, while a few were adopted, including an amendment allowing another minority caucus member to call a caucus if the minority leader is absent, a change to the filing deadline for amendments on Thursday-dated bills, and a corrective amendment from Senator Lovely. An amendment to create a Senate Committee on Reproductive Rights and Freedom was also offered and supported in debate but was not adopted.
The Senate also adopted amendments extending the time for members to receive the Senate Ways and Means General Appropriations Act from five to seven days and increasing the minimum filing time for budget amendments from 48 to 72 hours. Another amendment requiring a two-thirds roll call vote to continue past 10 p.m. was rejected, as were proposals related to remote-vote designation and shortening the late-session tabled-bill rule from 14 days to seven days. The chamber briefly recessed several times during the amendment process, and votes were taken both by roll call and by voice vote, with many amendments failing on recorded votes.
The Senate paused to honor Brockton Fire Captain Stephen A. Montero, who died after a battle with occupational cancer. Senator Brady offered a motion that the Senate adjourn in his memory, and members observed a moment of silence. The Senate then completed its formal business, adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., and adjourned in memory of Captain Montero.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Oct 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Now you're waiting 280 days to get that or I guess if FDLE it's getting done in 80 days.
- If this done within 30 days, that's shave off 100 and some odd days that he's not out there on the street
- The average who told us is about to run in 8 days.
- We're not waiting 365 days to test any evidence.
- We have 120 days.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Good afternoon, I'm Michael Day.
- Thank you, Chair Edwards and Chair Day. Thank you. Thank you, Chair Edwards and Chair Day.
- I'm going to tell you about the day. Beautiful day. Working in Woods Hole.
- I know it's not easy, the work that you do day in and day out. And thank you for understanding.
- I know it's not easy, the work that you do day in and day out. And thank you for understanding.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing.
Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A day where we will need to lean on somebody.
- Let us use today as a day of action, as a day of awareness, and as a day of saving lives.
- wanted: not to be alone that day.
- Across the nation to this day.
- To work in the fields every day.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a busy floor session with several procedural motions and bill actions. Members suspended rules to allow speeches and guests, withdrew AB 362 from Appropriations to the second reading file, and voted 41-13 to suspend the rules for that motion. The body also took up a number of items on the daily and third reading files, with several measures passed, retained, or moved to inactive file.
The main policy focus was ACR 70, designating September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Assembly Member Pellerin presented the resolution with a personal account of losing her husband to suicide and urged greater use of 988, secure firearm storage, and open conversations about mental health. Many members from both parties and caucuses spoke in support, sharing personal experiences with suicide and emphasizing stigma reduction, access to care, and the importance of checking in on others. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, Senate amendments were concurred in, and suicide awareness pins were distributed to members.
The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 977 on Native American human remains, with unanimous support and a 68-0 vote, and to AB 1510, the Assembly PERS Committee bill, which passed 66-1. Members then adopted H.R. 65, recognizing October as Filipino American History Month, after extensive remarks celebrating Filipino American history, labor organizing, public service, and community contributions; 63 co-authors were added without objection before the voice vote. Later, the chamber passed SB 81, protecting access to health care facilities from immigration enforcement, and SB 98, requiring schools and campuses to notify communities when immigration enforcement is present; both were framed as part of a broader package to protect immigrant communities and passed on urgency votes. The session concluded with debate on SJR 9, a resolution condemning mass immigration raids and defending civil liberties, which drew sharply divided remarks from supporters and opponents, with no final action shown in the transcript excerpt.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> that would be valid same day that would be valid same day registration<00:21:54.919><c> I</c><00
- </c> was the thought process was the same day was the thought process was the same day registration<00
- There's an in-person process, there's a by-mail process, and same-day process, so same-day process is
- ><c> day</c><00:46:16.079><c> registered</c> pre-registered same day registered pre-registered same day
- </c> Election Day Election Day um<00:58:57.640><c> and</c><00:58:58.240><c> then</c><00:58:59.240><c>
Committee:
House Election Law
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c><00:17:28.960><c> 7</c> the polls close uh on election day, 7 the polls close uh on election day
- Um, what other changes did election day.
- I think that was inerson absting day.
- Or they have to come in in that 22 days?
- They may be working during those days.
Committee:
Joint Elections
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, members, we will now proceed to business on the day.
- in and day out.
- Have to understand the trauma that they see day in and day out and the efforts that they make to keep
- And I can only imagine the stress when you have to face every day, day in and day out, very, very poor
- Today's the day.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor privileges and recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia on the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones for his advocacy on democracy and voting rights, with multiple senators speaking in support of his visit.
On business, the Senate confirmed Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as Executive Director of the State Bar, both by unanimous 35-0 votes. The body adopted SCR 163 designating May as California Tourism Month, highlighting tourism’s economic impact, and SCR 170 declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, with extensive testimony from senators about the trauma firefighters and first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support. The Senate also adopted SCR 174 marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the system’s role in community-based care.
The Senate adopted SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after extended debate focused on LGBTQ rights, hate violence, and the need for allies to speak out; the resolution passed 26-0. The chamber then approved a second-day consent calendar of multiple bills by 34-0, moved SCR 116 to the inactive file, granted reconsideration on SR 111 for a later session, and heard motions to adjourn in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella. The Senate announced committee hearings and then adjourned to reconvene Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The days are long.
- Our attempt is, pre-2018, we had 196 hand crews staffed seven days a week, 365 days a year.
- Four days a week to 19 crews on any given day, because we're moving from everyone working the same four
- days during the week to having four days with one overlap day and another four days.
- All right, let's bring it back to the dais. Thank you. All right, let's bring it back to the dais.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to discuss several California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Cal Fire budget proposals, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. The CCC overview highlighted the program’s 50th anniversary, its statewide conservation, disaster response, education, and workforce development work, and its funding mix of General Fund and fee-for-service reimbursements. Members praised the program’s impact on young adults and communities, and asked about revenue sources, partnerships, recruitment, and outcomes for Corps members after service.
A major CCC item was reopening and staffing the Greenwood Residential Center in El Dorado County. The department said the center is needed to restore local wildfire and fuel-break capacity, especially when winter road closures limit access to other facilities. The LAO said the proposal has merit but suggested the Legislature consider lower-cost alternatives, such as using fewer new Corps members or delaying opening, given the budget condition. The committee also discussed a proposal to move CCC hand crews to a seven-day wildfire readiness schedule; the department argued this is needed to match Cal Fire’s year-round operations and reduce chronic staffing gaps, while the LAO recommended considering partial funding or other cost-saving options.
Cal Fire’s department overview focused on year-round wildfire response, vegetation management, community preparedness, and the 66-hour workweek rollout. Members asked about contract counties, federal partnerships, reforestation capacity, and the use of cap-and-invest and General Fund dollars amid structural deficits. Cal Fire said its nursery capacity is far below reforestation needs and relies on public-private partnerships, and it described reimbursements for work on federal lands. The committee also discussed defensible space inspections, with Cal Fire seeking permanent staffing to replace temporary positions and maintain its goal of 250,000 inspections annually; the LAO suggested alternatives such as different funding mixes, a reinstated SRA fee, or one-time funding.
Finally, the committee heard a request to increase Cal Fire’s fixed-wing pilot and mechanic contract. Cal Fire said the larger, more complex aircraft fleet and year-round fire season require more pilots and maintainers, and that contracting provides flexibility and avoids some benefit costs. The LAO said the proposal addresses significant health and safety concerns and merits consideration, while members questioned whether in-house staffing or longer contract terms might be more cost-effective. Throughout the hearing, members emphasized wildfire risk, budget pressures, and the need to balance public safety with fiscal discipline.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Every day, all day, F.B.I. agents are out there keeping us safe.
- EVERY DAY, ALL DAY, F.B.I. AGENTS ARE OUT THERE KEEPING US SAFE.
- SPEAKER, DAY AFTER DAY, DONALD TRUMP IS ABUSING POWER, BREAKING THE LAW AND TEARING APART OUR CONSTITUTION
- September 11, 2001, was not just a day of immense loss; it was a day that changed our country forever
- SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, WAS NOT JUST A DAY OF IMMENSE LOSS IT WAS A DAY THAT CHANGED OUR COUNTRY FOREVER.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House panel considers election security bill, HF2073 3/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> that</c><00:05:20.520><c> covers</c> rather than 21 days prior so that covers rather than 21 days
- and 30 days, or, excuse me, between 14 and 30 days prior to other elections.
- </c> must be mailed out at least 28 days must be mailed out at least 28 days prior<00:07:27.000><c> to
- 14-day 14-day um<00:07:30.680><c> mailing</c><00:07:31.120><c> period</c><00:07:31.440><c> prior</c>
- c> excuse me between 14 and 30 days prior excuse me between 14 and 30 days prior to<00:07:37.879><c>
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We operate a residential day service and a day school for children.
- How has Day Solutions changed your life? If it wasn't for Day Solutions, I haven't gone to college.
- So they come to day program.
- Some days, it's unbearable. It's extreme. Some days, it's unbearable.
- Steffie and Susan get no overtime, no sick days, no vacation days, there is no retirement fund.
Committee:
House Budget
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chair Edwards and Chair Day. Thank you, Chair Edwards and Chair Day.
- I got to hear of the day. Hi. I'm a member of the day. I don't remember the community.
- I made her a promise that day. I promised I would be home soon and make her proud of me one day.
- in court meant another day of child care, another day of missing employment, another day of transportation
- They work every single day.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on several Judiciary bills, with the largest portion focused on S. 1178/H. 2052 to reduce mass incarceration and end life without parole. People incarcerated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, and NCCI Gardner described personal growth, rehabilitation, restorative justice work, family separation, and the belief that parole eligibility after long sentences would better reflect public safety and human development. Speakers emphasized that life without parole removes hope and can undermine rehabilitation, while supporters argued that many lifers are older, less likely to reoffend, and could contribute positively if given a chance at parole review. Committee members did not take votes during the hearing.
The committee also heard testimony on S. 1139 to restore the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving tobacco use, with Sen. Keenan explaining that a recent SJC decision had cut off claims where the injured person did not sue within three years before death. He said the bill would restore families’ ability to seek redress in cases involving long-latency tobacco harms like COPD. Another major topic was S. 1205, which would add abusive litigation to the definition of coercive control in domestic violence law; Sen. Michael Moore said the bill would stop abusers from using repeated court filings to harass and financially burden survivors.
The committee also took up S. 1114 on automatic record sealing, with Sen. Friedman and others arguing that the current petition-based process is slow, burdensome, and disproportionately harms people with criminal records, especially Black and Latino residents. Testimony also supported H. 1965/S. 1132 on compensation for wrongful conviction, with advocates and sponsors describing a faster administrative claims process, transitional support, and higher compensation without the current cap. Sen. Payano testified for S. 1241 to expand educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults, saying education reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes.
A substantial portion of the hearing focused on S. 2522, an update to Massachusetts’ shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Sen. Friedman, the Attorney General’s office, and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the bill is needed to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal attacks, protect patient and provider data, clarify enforcement authority, and add a state-level EMTALA-style emergency care requirement. Committee members asked detailed questions about prescription labeling, the prescription monitoring program, attorney discipline, custody and full faith and credit issues, and whether the bill’s enforcement language could create unintended limits or conflicts. The Attorney General’s office said it would provide follow-up written testimony on several technical questions.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Jul 31st, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- day and the third day and the fourth day was remarkable, from the people cooking food out back, to the
- That's not something we do on a day-to-day basis.
- You're asking me which day. This would be the day of the flood.
- , 10 days?
- Texans are showing up for each other every single day. day.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Feb 24th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- limit that runs from the day the PUC receives the complete application.
- Senate bill 740 also authorizes the PUC to extend the 60 day day time limit for 15 days for good cause
- Therefore, our members were pleased to see a 60-day deadline for action in Senate Bill 740.
- Practically, this means the 60-day clock may not begin at least.
- As a result, the true start of the 60-day timeline could be delayed anywhere from 60 to 120 days. or
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Keywords:
hunting license, fishing license, donation, operation game thief fund, wildlife conservation, livestock, electronic registry, marks and brands, Texas Animal Health Commission, animal identification, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water and Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened under the leadership of Chairman Kelly Hancock, who opened the meeting with a prayer in remembrance of Chairman Perry, who was absent due to a personal loss. The session focused on the discussions surrounding SB384, which aims to support the longstanding initiative known as Operation Game Thief. Senator Flores presented the bill, emphasizing its essential role in the fight against poaching through public support. The operation has a successful track record of convictions but is currently dependent on donations and merchandise sales for funding. The committee aimed to vote on multiple bills during this session, contingent on achieving a quorum. Notably, discussions also revolved around fiscal notes on two bills that were set aside for later consideration, indicating the committee's intention to carefully manage their legislative decisions. The meeting showcased a productive atmosphere, with committee members actively engaged in the review and potential advancement of key legislative measures.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/11/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure
Transportation & Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- It was the second day.
- But yet, it's happening every day, all day.
- It was the second day, a day after opening day here at the Capitol. I was driving to the Capitol.
- We have a wonderful day. Please have a wonderful day. Thank you for what you do.
- During Lent, which is 40 days to about 47 days, I give up soda.
Committee:
House Transportation & Infrastructure
Keywords:
special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement, safety fund, state funding, Arizona Revised Statutes, towing regulation, private towing carriers, vehicle impound, towing rates, preemption, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- seven days, followed by $75 per day thereafter.
- The seven days and beyond, after the seventh day, it raises up to $75.
- Because the day they get sentenced is the day they become a state prisoner.
- The day they get sentenced is the day they become a state prisoner.
- And for Canyon County, I have 115 people, IDOC prisoners a day; Ada County, 150 a day.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee first approved a motion to print RS 33676 without taking testimony, noting it would receive a hearing in another committee. The committee then heard SCR 114 from Senator Guthrie, which would limit the number of bill drafts legislators may request in a year, with exemptions for appropriations, amendments, trailer bills, interim committee legislation, and additional drafts approved by legislative leaders. Guthrie and supportive testimony from the League of Women Voters argued the measure would reduce legislative overload and improve quality; the resolution was sent to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee next considered SB 1330, sponsored by Senator Galloway, to raise the small claims court limit from $5,000 to $15,000. Galloway and a constituent testified that the current limit is too low for common disputes and burdens small businesses and individuals. Administrative Office of the Courts counsel Jason Spillman said the courts expected additional workload and noted the bill could affect magistrate court jurisdiction; Galloway said he would take the bill to the 14th order to add an amendment removing the $25 cap on attorney fees in small-claims appeals. The committee voted to send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment.
House Bill 556, carried by Senator Foreman, would increase state reimbursement to counties for housing state inmates in county jails from the current $55/$75 daily structure to a flat $80 per day. County officials and sheriffs testified that counties are still subsidizing the state, that actual costs are higher than reimbursement, and that overcrowding and delayed transfers create safety and operational problems. Several senators supported the bill while also raising broader concerns about Idaho’s incarceration rates and sentencing policies. The committee sent HB 556 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee also advanced HB 540, presented by Representative Bingham, which would extend public-records protections and related safety/security exemptions to the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections similar to those already available to the Department of Corrections. No opposition was offered, and the bill received a due pass recommendation. Finally, HB 688, presented by Senator Kaiser, would update Idaho’s airbag laws to define counterfeit and non-functional airbags, prohibit knowingly selling or installing them to mislead buyers, and set misdemeanor penalties. Testimony from the automotive industry supported the bill as a consumer-protection measure addressing counterfeit airbags; the committee sent HB 688 to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.