Transcript Highlights:

• That legislation has worked and has been on the books since then, and what this legislation does is update
• That legislation has worked and has been on the book since then, and what this legislation does is updated
• As the Chairman knows, last legislative session there was legislation enacted that would give the state
• So this would actually force a discussion, or the opportunity for discussion, to go to the members.
• And it said, here's what we're going to be discussing.

Bills: SB1206, SB1254, SB1290, SB1421, SB1432, SB1515, SB1563, SB1641, SB1649, SB1670, SB1671, SB1747

Keywords: storm damage, catastrophic storm, hail damage, wind damage, roof repair, roof replacement, post-storm repairs, insurance claim, property and casualty insurance, adjuster, public adjuster, contractor licensing, homeowner protections, deductible waiver, insurance fraud prevention, storm chaser, residential construction contract, workers' compensation, joint check, claim solicitation

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know we have lots of discussion coming up on adequacy.
• I'm with the Bureau of Legislative Research. There we go.
• So this is going to kind of guide my discussion today.
• And I'm going to discuss each of these categories briefly.
• In 2004, the legislation established the broad study requirements.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and then shifted to an update from Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva and Deputy Commissioner Stacey Smith on early childhood education, especially the state-funded Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program. They said Arkansas had received a federal Preschool Development Grant and described ABC as a large state program with about 23,800 funded slots and roughly $114 million in annual appropriations. Department officials said they are reviewing slot allocations because about 1,000 seats are funded but unfilled, while more than 2,000 families are on waiting lists, and they plan to reduce or reallocate slots from providers that have not filled them over several years. They also said they are examining whether income thresholds, curriculum expectations, daily rates, and summer programming should be updated, and members raised concerns about access, local control, transportation, and whether the program should better align with K-12 choice and school readiness goals. The committee agreed to form an early childhood subcommittee and asked the Bureau of Legislative Research to help gather historical data and other information for future discussion. The committee then received a legal presentation from BLR attorney Taylor Lloyd on the constitutional and statutory framework for education adequacy in Arkansas. She reviewed the Dupree and Lake View cases, explaining that the state must maintain a general, suitable, and efficient system of free public schools, and that adequacy and equity are distinct but related concepts. She emphasized that the General Assembly is responsible for defining adequacy, studying whether the system meets that standard, and reacting to the evidence, while the courts ultimately decide constitutional compliance. Lloyd also explained the current adequacy definition, the role of the matrix as a funding tool rather than a spending mandate, and the distinction between unrestricted foundation funding and restricted categorical funding. BLR’s Elizabeth Bynum followed with a historical overview of how Arkansas responded to the court cases and developed the current adequacy process. She traced major legislative actions from the 1980s through the Lake View litigation, including the creation of funding formulas, categorical aid, isolated funding, declining enrollment funding, and the 2003-2004 adequacy study that led to the Continuing Adequacy Evaluation Act and the matrix used to set foundation funding. She also described later changes to the adequacy statute, the financial reporting requirements for districts, and the ongoing use of surveys, stakeholder testimony, and consultant studies in the biennial adequacy process. Members asked questions about whether private or homeschool programs could use public funds for expenses like utilities, whether stakeholders should include those groups, the difference between average daily membership and attendance, and whether school board members are surveyed; staff said those issues would need further research or were outside the scope of the presenters’ role.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion?
• Further discussion.
• Further discussion?
• Further discussion?
• Further discussion?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, there's so much legislation... ...good legislation that doesn't pass the first time, doesn't
• Any further discussion on this bill? All right, so we're making it a priority.
• I think we've had different discussions in the past, so just wanted to be sure.
• We could certainly have a discussion about that in one of future meetings.
• We could certainly have a discussion about that and one of future meetings do.

Keywords: Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion on the bill?
• >> Further discussion, questions? >> Further discussion, questions?
• Any further discussion?
• , the decision on the prior legislation, the decision on the prior legislation, >> correct?
• is the prior to the prior legislation is the prior legislation,<01:44:14.239> it<01:44:14.560

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not how we make good legislation.
• This is not how we make good legislation.
• Further discussion on the gentleman's motion.
• Further discussion on the emergency clause.
• Discussion on the bill. Gentleman from St. Louis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Discussion on the bill.

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the previous day by roll call vote, 126-0. Members then offered several points of personal privilege, including recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day and a moment of silence for journalist Ray Hartman. The chamber also welcomed numerous student groups, interns, and other special guests in the gallery. The main floor action centered on the conference committee report for House Bills 2637 and 3155, a very large public safety/criminal justice package. Supporters said it refined earlier legislation, including narrowing juvenile certification to certain A and B felonies, sex offenses, and repeat offenses, adding mental health and cyberstalking provisions, addressing sex offender registry issues, and including a drone-related section with an emergency clause. Critics argued the bill was overly long, multi-subject, and difficult to vet. The House adopted the conference report 124-13, passed the bill 119-18, and then adopted the emergency clause 125-15. The House also passed Senate Bill 834, a consumer protection measure on mortgage modifications and residential sale-leaseback transactions, by 139-1 after members described it as a companion to a House bill and a way to protect homeowners from predatory practices. Senate Bill 937, a land transfer bill authorizing the governor to dispose of certain state properties, passed 137-2 after amendment. Senate Bill 938, which raises recording fees to support the land survey program and recorder of deeds offices, passed 121-21-2 after supporters said the fee had not been increased since 1969 and was needed to keep the program operating. Finally, House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973, dealing with wholesaler disclosures and land banks, passed 110-36 after an amendment removed a school property right-of-first-refusal provision and added land bank language. The House then moved several other bills to the informal calendar, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? discussion? discussion? >> Kazunite. >> Kazunite. >> Kazunite.
• Any discussion? discussion? discussion?
• Any discussion? If not, final passage. Any discussion?
• Any discussion? If not, the passage. Any discussion?
• Any discussion? If not, the passage. Any discussion?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 13, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on the final day of session, heard an invocation, recognized guests and pages, and outlined a tentative plan for multiple sessions and breaks through the day. The chamber then took up several messages between the Senate and House, including a refusal to concur in House amendments to Senate Bill 311 on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the appointment of conferees, as well as a House message on House Bill 9007 establishing a conference committee on third-degree assault. The Senate also considered a series of second-reader bills. House Bill 6, requiring MHEC to collect data on pregnant and parenting students, was amended to exempt Maryland Global Campus and limit certain provisions to public senior higher education institutions and community colleges before being ordered to third reading. House Bill 182, concerning replacement of faithless electors, was amended to conform with Senate Bill 237 and then passed. House Bill 575, creating excused absences for student civic engagement, drew the most discussion; senators asked about the definition of civic engagement, county discretion, and whether students could use the bill for repeated protests. The floor leader explained that county boards would retain discretion and that the bill would not require weekly absences. The bill’s two amendments were adopted and it was sent to third reading. Additional measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 640 revised boards, commissions, and reporting requirements; House Bill 1335 required an independent study of IT and cybersecurity staffing and pay; House Bill 587 created a work group to review transportation procurement procedures; House Bill 854 established a nonpublic special education school renovation program; and House Bill 898 adjusted economic development provisions, including VLT proceeds and film tax credit language, after questions about the general fund impact. The Senate also advanced House Bill 1247 on Prince George’s County tax increment financing for an immersive entertainment venue, with amendments making it an emergency bill and addressing zoning and outdoor advertising issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion? If not, all those in favor of Any discussion?
• The end of today is meant to be an update and a discussion, to the extent that folks want to have a discussion
• So, to begin, starting off with some of our legislative priorities from the last legislative session
• So with next year being a legislative year, the NDSA will set legislative priorities for the 2027 to
• We have one legislatively mandated report that we'll receive and then a couple updates on Legislatively

Summary: The committee met at Dakota College at Bottineau, approved the January 15, 2026 minutes, and heard an extensive campus update from Dean Corey Gorder and other DCB leaders. Gorder described the college’s affiliation with Minot State and its growing use of shared services, including business office functions, HR, institutional research, Title IX, printing, financial aid support through UND, and payroll support through NDSU. He said the arrangement lets DCB focus on its core mission while relying on system partners for specialized administrative work, and noted that accreditation concerns were not believed to limit those shared-service arrangements. He also highlighted DCB’s mission, enrollment growth, dual-credit reach across rural schools, and the college’s emphasis on nursing, dental, paramedic, farm management, and other workforce-oriented programs. Committee members asked detailed questions about dual credit, program delivery, and whether DCB’s partnerships were exclusive. Gorder said the relationships are generally collaborative rather than exclusive, that schools can choose other providers, and that many partnerships began through personal outreach and ongoing relationships with rural schools. Lisa Johnson of the university system added that transfer complaints are rare and that dual credit generally transfers well within North Dakota, though highly selective out-of-state institutions may treat credits differently. Members also asked about stipends for high school instructors, the share of K-12 versus DCB instructors, and the capacity limits in dental hygiene and other programs. Gorder said dental hygiene is capped by space and staffing, that there were more applicants than seats, and that expansion is being considered; he also said he would provide follow-up information on the paramedic program and instructor breakdowns. Gorder closed by identifying long-term challenges, including aging residence halls, recruiting faculty and staff, and the need to review low-enrollment programs. He said DCB should consider expanding into more high-demand trades such as welding, HVAC, and electrical work, and should streamline dual credit and strengthen its Minot programming. The committee then heard from the North Dakota Student Association, whose leaders outlined student priorities from the last session and the interim. Their main concerns included campus housing quality and affordability, food insecurity and food pantries, mental and physical health resources, student-led research funding, academic and career readiness, internships, and campus collaboration. They also discussed dual credit, saying it is valuable but uneven across the state, and raised questions about how to better retain students in North Dakota through the system. Members asked follow-up questions about housing, transferability of dual credit, and whether incentives could be used to encourage students to stay in-state for higher education.

Transcript Highlights:

• got this office, a legislator does not get the pay raise.
• When the commission is operating under legislative, Authority is delegated legislative authority; they
• Making a special exception for legislators is not allowed.
• They are not new legislative increases during the term.
• There will be a Discussion in executive session.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're here for their legislative days.
• The text of the legislation...
• We had a very good discussion on it.
• Further discussion on House Amendment 1.
• Further discussion on House Amendment 1.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal for the 51st day by roll call vote, 117-1. Members then spent a long portion of the morning on personal privileges and introductions of guests, including students, local officials, university visitors, fraternity and sorority members, county officials, banking association representatives, and other constituents. The Speaker also suspended business several times so the Speaker could sign enrolled bills and a Senate substitute, including HB 2061, HB 2641, HB 2423, and HB 2934. The main floor debate centered on House Concurrent Resolution 48, which urges Congress to pass the SAVE America Act requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Supporters argued it would protect election integrity and prevent non-citizen voting, while opponents said it would function as a poll tax, create burdens for women, seniors, students, military members, immigrants, and others who may need to re-register, and would be unnecessary given existing verification systems and the rarity of non-citizen voting. After extended debate and a motion for the previous question, HCR 48 passed third reading 92-43. The House then took up House Concurrent Resolution 23, a federalism resolution urging Congress to reaffirm state authority over elections; it passed unanimously, 137-0. The House also perfected and printed House Bill 2855, which adjusts workers’ compensation and second injury fund tax rate changes from 0.5% increments to 0.1% increments to better match receipts and expenditures. An amendment dealing with permanent total cases and replacement of attorneys in long-running cases was adopted, and the bill was then perfected and printed. House Bill 1906 was also perfected and printed; it would allow township counties to offer annual, semi-annual, or quarterly payment options for real and personal property taxes, a change supporters said would help taxpayers and modernize outdated statutory language. The House ended the morning session by announcing committee and event notices and then recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, it inserts a legislative findings section.
• Madam Chair, members, Ralph Heap, Legislative District 10.
• Madam Chair, members, Ralph Heap, Legislative District 10.
• I just wanted to make a comment on this type of legislation.
• Representative Justin Olson from Legislative District 10.

Bills: HB2099, HB2263, HB2264, HB2330, HB2341, HB2492, HB2757, HB2782, HB2843, HB2889, HB2912, HB2915, HB2918, HB4025, HB4100, HCR2020, HCR2057

Keywords: water storage, long-term storage credits, groundwater management, drought contingency, Arizona water regulations, Colorado River, replenishment, groundwater savings facility, groundwater storage, underground water storage, active management area, irrigation non-expansion area, Arizona water law, water rights, water replenishment, recharge, water conservation district, multi-county water conservation district, CAP water, Central Arizona Project

Transcript Highlights:

• And that was a mechanism that, as we had heard from the legislative intent and in discussions with legislators
• And that was a mechanism that, as we had heard from the legislative intent and in discussions with legislators
• And that was a mechanism that, as we had heard from the legislative intent and in discussions with legislators
• And that was a mechanism that, as we had heard from the legislative intent and in discussions with legislators
• And that was a mechanism that, as we had heard from the legislative intent and in discussions with legislators

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislative proclamation: City of Coolidge centennial celebration.
• And so ...want to have a certain piece of legislation heard.
• We discussed one.
• All right, further discussion? Seeing none...
• We've had the opportunity as legislators to feast...

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we stand in strong support of this legislation.
• But that was the whole discussion.
• We discussed that and thought that the rulemaking should proceed first, and instead of bringing legislation
• I'd like to see further discussion.
• Whether it's a request for a report from an individual legislator or multiple legislators or a memorial

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because you provided us a bill that strikes out two pieces of legislation.
• Because you provided us a bill that strikes out two pieces of legislation.
• Because you provided us a bill that strikes out two pieces of legislation.
• You provided us a bill that strikes out two pieces of legislation.
• <01:04:56.799> is is as it is as this legislation is is as it is as this legislation is written

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard House Bill 2712, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). Members expressed concern that the exam requirement was only added in 2021 and has not been in place long enough to evaluate, but they also questioned whether licensure should be granted without a meaningful measure of competency. Testimony was split: supporters argued the exam is a barrier for applicants without formal social work education, while opponents said licensure should still require some standard of competency, especially because the title carries public expectations and insurance reimbursement implications. Karina Bonia, speaking for NASW New Hampshire, said there is very limited data because only one person in New Hampshire currently holds an LSWA. She explained that LSWA applicants may have degrees outside social work, unlike licensed social workers, and that the current exam is the same national social work exam used for higher levels of licensure. She argued that this creates a significant barrier for LSWA applicants and noted that LSWA holders are already required to complete 30 hours of training and substantial supervised hours. Members asked for data on pass/fail rates and whether a different exam or practical skills test would be more appropriate. Committee members and OPLC representatives discussed whether the current statute and board rules already provide enough authority for the board to set other criteria, and whether the exam requirement is tied to the social work compact. OPLC indicated that the current rule requires passage of a national proctored exam approved by the board, but that no national exam exists specifically for this level, and that the board may need legislative authority to develop different criteria. The discussion ended with interest in obtaining the existing rule language and possibly revisiting the issue through amendment or future legislation rather than immediately removing the exam requirement.

Transcript Highlights:

• How will I hold classroom discussion if SB 37 passes?
• I teach primarily by discussion.
• We do not need more legislation.
• This legislation doesn't place barriers or goalposts.
• I think that's one of the biggest concerns with the legislation.

Bills: SB 37

Keywords: fetal development, education, public health curriculum, middle school, age-appropriate instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion on directed. Is there any discussion on this<00:12:00.800> amendment?
• discussion on adopting this amendment? discussion on adopting this amendment?
• little bit of a break before we discuss little bit of a break before we discuss this<00:35:08.960
• legislation regulating AI at this time. legislation regulating AI at this time.
• <03:12:29.960> during say is that um as was discussed during say is that um as was discussed

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any discussion?
• Any discussion? No.
• Is there any discussion?
• Is there any discussion?
• Any further discussion?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?
• All right, any discussion?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So how can we legislate that, right?
• So how can we legislate that, right?
• So we've been working with Been working on some legislative one-on-one, so we've been working with legislators
• Any other discussion? Any other discussion? If not, thank you, gentlemen, for coming.
• You're absolutely, you're going to be a legislator, so you're going to be bringing legislation here soon

Summary: The Tribal and State Relations Committee met at Standing Rock and heard extensive comments from tribal council members, state legislators, and tribal program leaders about ongoing state-tribal coordination issues. Early discussion focused on the committee’s purpose, the need for better communication, and frustration that the meeting agenda and time allotted did not include enough state department heads or program experts to address child welfare, ICWA, Medicaid, and other human services concerns. Tribal leaders emphasized that Standing Rock wants more direct, regular communication and more practical follow-through from prior meetings. A major theme was health and human services, including concerns that the state’s rural health transformation efforts and human service zone structure do not fit tribal needs, especially for a direct-service tribe that relies on federal funding and Indian Health Service. Members also raised foster care delays, housing shortages that force children off-reservation, substance abuse treatment capacity, and the need for cultural competency in child welfare and education. Other issues included missing and murdered Indigenous people, law enforcement cooperation, extradition and banishment ordinances, cross-deputization, roads, water and sewer infrastructure, census accuracy, and the need for updated lists of tribal liaisons and bills affecting tribes. Economic development and sovereignty issues were also discussed. Standing Rock leaders raised concerns about e-pull-tabs and charitable gaming, saying state regulation has reduced tribal gaming revenue and that e-tabs should be treated as Class III gaming. They also objected to county-issued fireworks and liquor permits that affect reservation communities, arguing that state and county authority often conflicts with tribal sovereignty. In response, legislators said e-tabs and charitable gaming were likely to return as legislative issues and suggested possible solutions such as restricting e-tabs near tribal lands. The committee also discussed the need for more information on tribal-related bills and for legislators to receive cultural and treaty training. Several tribal projects and programs were presented. Joseph McNeil described Sage Development Authority’s 235-megawatt wind project, which is paused because of federal permitting delays, and asked for state support to move it forward. Dave Arshambo described Wojou’s land regeneration, buffalo, food sovereignty, youth, and wellness programs. Later, Cheryl Carey of Sacred Pipe Resource Center introduced the needs of the urban Native population in Bismarck-Mandan and statewide, noting that many Native people live off-reservation and often fall through the cracks in state-tribal discussions. The committee adjourned for lunch and planned to continue with additional presentations afterward.