Transcript Highlights:

• So one leader in the AI arena has been Republican, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn.
• It was introduced by Gabe Evans from Colorado, Republican, but it's bipartisan.
• Well, not the Democrat-Republican aisle, that's one argument.
• Republican and Democratic co-sponsor. It's a working draft. So it's around Capitol Hill.
• Well, not the Democrat-Republican aisle, that's one argument.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, establishing its purpose as a study and policy-development body rather than one aimed at producing many bills. Majority Leader Hogue urged members to move quickly, focus on federal and other states’ AI laws, consider possible federal preemption, child protections, and the siting and economic impacts of data centers. Committee leadership echoed that the goal is practical, balanced governance that protects North Dakota while allowing innovation to continue. Legislative Council staff provided a background memo and NCSL presented a detailed overview of AI concepts and the current state legislative landscape. The presentations distinguished narrow AI, generative AI, agentic AI, and theoretical AGI/ASI, and summarized major state policy themes: comprehensive AI laws in states such as Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois; targeted laws on deepfakes, chatbots, health, education, notifications, and digital likeness; and growing use of appropriations and agency inventories. Members asked about Colorado’s repeal and reenactment, Texas’s sandbox and training provisions, oversight structures, and whether AI regulation is bipartisan; presenters said most issues cut across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfakes but more division on broader regulatory approaches. The federal update focused on executive orders, preemption, and congressional activity. NCSL described a White House framework favoring a single federal standard, a DOJ litigation task force, Commerce Department review of state laws, and possible funding conditions tied to state AI policy, though no formal state-law challenge had yet occurred. The presentation also covered a recent executive order creating a voluntary federal vetting process for advanced frontier models after safety concerns, and congressional proposals including a failed 10-year state moratorium, Senator Blackburn’s child-safety bills, the Kids Online Safety Act, a House-passed children’s digital safety package, a Senate data center moratorium proposal, and a House ratepayer/data-center bill. The committee took no formal action beyond receiving testimony and asking questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• This should not be a Republican or a Democratic issue.
• The fire company—there's Republicans, Democrats... ...in the state legislature.
• My Republican mayors are not benefiting. My Democrat mayors are not benefiting.
• My Republican mayors are not benefiting. And that goes the same for all my colleagues.
• We missed that opportunity to say, you know what, we do agree as Republicans.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As I mentioned, he's a former Republican representative. His term ends in January of 2028.
• And again, all three individuals identify with the Republican Party.
• </c> mentioned, he's a former Republican mentioned, he's a former Republican representative.<01:25:52.000
• </c><01:26:06.639><c> I</c> um identify with the Republican party.
• I um identify with the Republican party.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, and the Republicans will also caucus in five minutes. Good morning, Mr.
• Speaker, and the Republicans will also caucus in five minutes.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB6044, SB6132, SB5109, SB5877, SB6258, HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5831, SB6137, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> now strictly speaking as a republican now strictly speaking as a republican it's<01:01:18.839><c
• It's been under a House that's been controlled by Republicans, under a Senate controlled by Republicans
• , and under a Republican governor.
• My fellow union Republicans and I have had a challenging time in New Hampshire.
• We've never understood the Republican disdain for unions.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• vehicle emission standards and withholding funds from EV charging programs, and with congressional Republicans
• Then just yesterday, Governor Scott in Vermont came out with another statement that he is a Republican
• , but he's a Republican who from day one has driven a Ford F-150 Lightning, is very supportive of EVs
• Then just yesterday, Governor Scott in Vermont came out with another statement that he is a Republican
• , but he's a Republican who from day one has driven a Ford F-150 Lightning, is, you know, very supportive

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy heard testimony on several transportation and clean-fuel bills. Supporters of H. 3535 argued for delaying or pausing enforcement of Massachusetts’ zero-emission vehicle sales mandate, saying the current ACC2 timeline is unrealistic given low ZEV sales, limited charging infrastructure, dealer inventory concerns, and potential economic impacts on dealerships, consumers, and tax revenue. Opponents of that approach, including automakers and clean transportation advocates, said the state should stay on course with electrification and that the mandate is necessary to meet climate goals. The committee also heard support for H. 3570/S. 2326 to update vehicle emission standards for municipal and utility fleets, with municipal utility representatives saying current electric truck technology, charging access, and costs make the rules impractical for critical public services. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2246, the Freedom to Move Act, which would require MassDOT and regional planning agencies to set vehicle miles traveled reduction goals and align transportation spending with climate targets. Supporters said the bill would better coordinate transportation planning, encourage transit, biking, and walking, and help Massachusetts meet emissions goals while saving money and improving public health. Some committee members raised concerns that the bill could duplicate existing transportation climate mandates and could disadvantage rural residents who must drive long distances; witnesses responded that the bill is meant to add coordination and flexibility, not impose a one-size-fits-all solution. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3448, which would set deadlines to electrify school buses and public fleets and create programs for private fleet electrification. Advocates said fleet electrification is a practical way to cut emissions, improve air quality, and save money over time, especially for schoolchildren exposed to diesel exhaust. Several witnesses also supported low-carbon fuel standard bills H. 3576 and S. 2251, arguing they would reduce fuel carbon intensity and generate revenue for charging and clean-fuel investments. Others, including a coalition opposed to private jet expansion, objected to the bills’ treatment of sustainable aviation fuel, saying it is not scalable, is expensive, and could create land-use and food-supply tradeoffs. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So as a conservative Republican, I can't continue to create these districts.
• So as a conservative Republican, I can't support this. Thank you, Mr. Hecton Speaker.
• As a conservative Republican myself, this bill does not create new taxing districts.
• So as a conservative Republican, or personal rights when it comes to these districts.
• So as a conservative Republican, I can't support this. Thank you, Mr. Hecton Speaker.

Bills: HR286, HR287, HR288, HR289, HR290, HR291, HR292, HR293, HR294, HCR114, HR275, HR276, HR277, HR278, HR279, HR280, HR282, HR283, HR284, HR285, HCR112, HCR113, SCR62, SCR64, SB132, SB135, SB405, HR179, HR216, HR223, HR225, HR274, HCR89, SB39, SB99, SB111, SB112, SB124, SB134, SB174, SB189, SB190, SB201, SB233, SB236, SB258, SB270, SB273, SB288, SB307, SB313, SB320, SB321, SB325, SB326, SB331, SB339, SB341, SB345, SB346, SB347, SB353, SB357, SB359, SB387, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB419, SB422, SB426, SB435, SB437, SB440, SB451, SB464, SB470, SB487, SB488, SB495, SB504, SB505, SB518, SB523, SB228, SB408, HR168, HR174, HR194, HCR54, HCR74, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR95, HCR97, HCR98, HCR102, HCR104, SCR23, SCR38, HCR26, HB250, HB265, HB339, HB427, HB445, HB463, HB468, HB606, HB639, HB649, HB665, HB746, HB781, HB853, HB861, HB872, HB886, HB916, HB937, HB1054, HB1068, HB1117, HB1237, HB75, HB705, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, SB54, SB56, SB72, SB79, SB97, SB105, SB123, SB125, SB129, SB163, SB171, SB252, SB287, SB375, SB386, SB461, SB466, HR84, SCR3, HB582, HB625, HB646, HB998, HB1191, HB1255, SB81, SB100, SB109, SB197, SB374, SB479, SB78, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: HR286, House Resolution 286, LED, Louisiana Economic Development, rural development, energy efficiency, renewable energy, public-private partnership, tax credits, economic development, workforce training, school energy costs, community colleges, technical colleges, local government, building modernization, on-site energy generation, public facilities, rural parishes, distressed communities

Summary: The House met with a quorum, received a guest minister for prayer, approved the journal, and heard several announcements and recognitions, including NEC Awareness Day, a European Union delegation visit, and the Glenmore Wildcats baseball team’s state championship. Members also received Senate messages, including concurrence on some House measures, the filing of Senate bills, and several Senate resolutions and bills laid over for later consideration. The chamber then took up a long series of resolutions and bills. Among the resolutions adopted were measures on a Louisiana-United Kingdom Trade Commission, support for migratory waterfowl studies, hunting education in schools, SNAP delivery-fee studies, fraud prevention for seniors, subsurface data preservation, boating safety reporting, and visual acuity screening data. Some items were temporarily returned to the calendar, including a sales-tax uniform-base rule resolution and several Senate measures. The House also adopted a resolution creating an agricultural national security task force and another supporting a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On legislation, the House passed bills on missing-person alerts for people with disabilities (“Brian’s Call”), first responder status for public works employees, planning commission procedures, historic preservation district rules, judges’ supplemental compensation, the Baker Economic Development District, New Orleans downtown development district tax authority, a local crime prevention district, clerks of court records, hotel occupancy taxes in Shreveport-Bossier, firefighter cancer screenings, Shreveport police civil service rules, local ethics entity funding, hemp/alcohol age restrictions, OMV digital signatures, LED recreation, TOPS Tech eligibility for veterans, anatomical gift recordkeeping, crypto kiosk fraud protections, firefighting foam definitions, and consumer data privacy. Several bills failed, including HB 705 on legislative contempt penalties and HB 75 on gaming promotional play. One bill on vehicle insurance reinstatement fees was amended and passed, and a bill on judicial compensation fund adjustments was amended and passed after questions about CPI indexing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Along those lines of questioning, as a Democrat, I cannot come to and vote in a Republican caucus if
• I'm not a Republican.
• if I'm not a Republican.
• Would you understand that the dynamics in this building allows leadership to be Republicans?
• I do not have equal access to Republican caucus meetings just like you do.

Bills: HB3407, HB1242, HJR1081, HB3443, HB3781, HB1939, HB4237, HB3430, HB3321, HB3905, HB3329, HB4253, HB4421, HB4311, HJR1046, HB2015, HB3244, HB4265, HB3941, HB4203, HB2941, HB3695, HB3380, HB3132, HB3673, HB3134, HB3383, HB4490, HB4058

Keywords: property rights, abandoned homes, manufactured homes, notification, salvage, real estate, Oklahoma Tax Commission, landowner liability, redemption, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, agriculture

Summary: The House convened, heard an invocation from Rep. Kendrix, and recognized Dr. Jason Reagan as doctor of the day. Members then took up a long series of bills, with most moving through amendment, third reading, and final passage. Early measures included HB 3407 on abandoned personal property/manufactured homes, HB 1242 expanding agricultural sales tax exemptions to deer and elk, and HJR 1081 proposing a constitutional property-tax freeze for certain seniors; the senior tax resolution drew extended debate over valuation thresholds, renters, and county fiscal effects before passing. HB 3443 redirected funding for the Way Station Revolving Fund, HB 3781 changed insurance rate filing timing, and HB 1939 addressed Turnpike Authority notice procedures and landowner notification, including certified mail and a one-mile notification area. All three passed. The chamber also approved several criminal justice and public safety measures. HB 4237 and HB 3430, both part of a negotiated criminal-justice package, passed after title-only amendments; HB 3321 shifted to reporting on cost arrest warrants and passed with an emergency clause; HB 3905 clarified GPS monitoring for certain domestic-violence and stalking defendants; HB 2941 required first responders to notify law enforcement about suspected overdoses and created immunity for good-faith reporting; and HB 3695 refined the definition of great bodily injury in DUI cases. HB 3329 repealed the long-term care facility advisory board, and HB 4421, “Leo’s Law,” aimed at protecting children from fentanyl exposure in homes, was amended to address residue cleanup and reporting concerns before passage. Other notable actions included HB 4253, which would give teachers access to professional educator groups; it passed the House but the emergency clause failed. The bill prompted substantial debate over teacher choice, bargaining units, and whether the measure would create multiple representation arrangements. The House also passed HB 4311 increasing the Treasurer’s share of the unclaimed property administration fee, HJR 1046 providing a one-year ad valorem tax break for homes destroyed by disaster, HB 2015 on landlord-tenant issues, HB 3244 strengthening fraud and identity-theft laws, HB 4265 naming memorial roads and bridges, HB 3941 raising secretary/bailiff pay, HB 4203 allowing single-stair small multifamily units, HB 3380 on foster care transparency and outcomes, HB 3132 and HB 3134 on higher-education accreditation and DEI-related standards, and HB 3673 allowing certain expired electrical licenses to be reinstated. Most measures passed with broad support, while a few drew opposition over fiscal impact, legal concerns, or policy implications.

Transcript Highlights:

• that opportunity because regardless of whether the governor, like you said, is male or female or Republican
• opportunity because regardless of whether the governor you know like you said it's a male or female or Republican
• Now, I'm a conservative Republican. I love tax cuts. But I don't want any governor...
• Now, I'm a conservative Republican. I love tax cuts.
• , I'm disappointed in the governor for what she did, but this is a common solution that I think Republican

Bills: HB2780, HB4029, HB4030, HCR2052

Keywords: judicial foreclosure, tax lien, redemption rights, excess proceeds, property auction, income tax, federal tax conformity, revenue analysis, legislative session, tax reporting, municipal fees, county fees, utility rates, moratorium, tax classification, local government, inflation, economic stability, tax increases, cost-of-living protection

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to speak for part of my caucus in, you know, I'm really, well, I'm the only Republican senator
• And the rest of my Republican colleagues are mostly from rural areas of the state.
• I'm going to speak for part of my caucus in, you know, I'm really, well, I'm the only Republican senator
• And the rest of my Republican colleagues are mostly from, in Albuquerque.
• And the rest of my Republican colleagues are mostly from rural areas of the state.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would now like to ask that Speaker Rivas, Republican Leader Gallagher, and Vice Chairs Ortega and Carrillo
• And again, like my colleague said, this is not a Democrat issue or Republican issue.
• I rise in support of AJR 6, and I want to thank the Republican leader and the Republican caucus.
• I want to thank the Republican leader also for mentioning all the other problems that we work tirelessly
• I'm glad the Republican leader mentioned the need to unlock California's water.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment. After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales. The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.

Transcript Highlights:

• With just over 60% of the vote, Republican Carrie Heinsman was voted in via a special election to represent
• With just over 60% of the vote, Republican Carrie Heinsman was voted in via a special election to represent
• With me now is Republican Senator Rich Draheim, who says getting back to the basics can help grow Minnesota's
• With me now is Republican<00:12:07.839><c> Senator</c><00:12:08.240><c> Rich</c><00:12:08.560><c> Dreheim
• ,</c><00:12:09.200><c> who</c> Republican Senator Rich Dreheim, who Republican Senator Rich Dreheim,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had the House, majority of Republicans in the Senate, for the first time in 40-some years—Republicans
• there that the positive alternatives that many politicians on both sides of the aisle—Democrats and Republicans—worked
• Us Republicans, back in 2011 and 2012, we fought. And we tried to protect our pro-life movement.
• For 17 years, Republicans and Democrats who realized the value of life to protect women, children, and
• No matter how you feel about the bill, whether you agree with the Republicans or Democrats, that kind

Transcript Highlights:

• Democrats and Republicans have to stand up for the men and women who are risking their lives to keep
• He has worked well, both with Republicans and Democrats.
• Thank you to each of the individual members of this committee, both Republican and Democrat, as well
• Once again, Chip is one of a tiny handful of Texas Republicans with a spine, unwilling to capitulate
• It's not a Democrat-Republican thing.

Keywords: Department of Justice, nominations, Assistant Attorney General, civil rights, enforcement, committee discussion

Summary: The meeting covered important discussions surrounding key nominations in the Department of Justice, specifically for the roles of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and the Office of Legal Policy. Various committee members took turns to express their views on the nominees, emphasizing the implications of their potential confirmation on civil rights enforcement in the country. Alongside the committee discussion, the nominees provided insights into their professional backgrounds and how their experiences align with the responsibilities of the positions for which they have been nominated.

Transcript Highlights:

• My understanding is that none of the Republicans wanted to be on this committee, or so I was told.
• It's all of us, regardless of whether it's urban or rural, Republican or Democrat.
• The newer members, she's the most senior Republican in the committee, so we look forward to having you
• take that lead role for the Republican minority.
• And so, when the House went Republican, I had the only escape hatch, and I took it.

Transcript Highlights:

• I did want to share some thoughts from Republican State Senator Jordan Rasmusson, who can't be here today
• Were you mostly referring to Republicans? I was, yeah.
• Unfortunately, Republican caucus has a caucus meeting today, so a lot of them won't be there, but I think
• Unfortunately, Republican colleagues.
• Unfortunately, Republican caucus<00:21:12.760><c> has</c><00:21:13.120><c> a</c> caucus has a caucus

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And these bills, These bills that we're seeing that are sponsored by my Republican colleagues are extreme
• Some of the bills seem to attempt to ban people from gender-affirming care, meaning Republicans say that
• if you, a grown person, do not have the right to choose the kind of medical care you want, if a Republican

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, electronic roll call, and several guest introductions, including recognition of Health Workforce Wellbeing Day of Awareness, the Doctor of the Day, educators visiting the Capitol, and student guests. The President also made temporary committee appointments for the day and announced the day’s calendar of bills and committee referrals. The chamber then took up third-reading votes on several measures. Senate Bill 1014, relating to health insurance, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1016, on employment practices and religious exemptions, also passed 17-9 after debate about workplace safety and public health. Senate Bill 1050, concerning state parks and veteran access, passed 19-9, with supporters citing benefits for disabled and retired veterans and opponents warning about impacts on park fees. Senate Bill 1054, relating to referendum power and emergency measures, passed 16-10 amid debate over local emergency authority. Senate Bill 1177, relating to public monies and health care services, passed 17-9 after sharp partisan debate over transgender-related medical restrictions. Senate Bill 1194, also on health care services and vaccination-related medical decisions, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1398, relating to AHCCCS, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1751, relating to capital punishment, passed 16-9. The Senate also passed SCR 1049, a concurrent resolution proposing a constitutional amendment on capital punishment, by a 16-9 vote. Throughout the floor debate, members offered explanations of vote focused on public health, religious liberty, veterans’ benefits, emergency powers, transgender rights, vaccination policy, and the death penalty. The Senate then announced a Health and Human Services Committee meeting for the following day and adjourned until Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• But more importantly, it's a good day for a Republican bill to be in the 21.
• But more importantly, it's a good day for Republican. a lot with the sponsor.
• But more importantly, it's a good day for a Republican bill to be in the 21.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is out with Republicans not voting, with Mr. Tangapa voting aye. Thank you. Thank you.
• Republicans not voting. With that, next we will have Ms. Calderon. You are presenting on AB 942.
• The bill is out with Republicans not voting, along with Mr. Hart, Ms. Pellerin, and Mr.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to thank the CAs from both parties: Marissa Mantefel for the Republican side Anna Bordardeen
• For the Republicans, Aaron Bursey, and for the Democrats, Zach Meinert.
• Republicans, we will caucus in our caucus room immediately upon recess.