Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2 allocates 111 to the research and development and deployment fund.
• Section 2 allocates 111 to the research and development and deployment fund.
• But then Section 6 and 7 and 8 and 13 and 14 bypassed that Senator Figueroa noted that Sections 6, 7,
• Okay, Section 10, Federal Genesis Mission. Do you want to talk about that?
• Okay, is there anybody in opposition to that amendment to remove that last section?

Bills: SB20, SB21, SB166, SB177, SB181, SB189, SM6

Keywords: prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder

Transcript Highlights:

• So adopting the HD, um, but just removing section four with a clean date. Yes. Okay.
• </c> section four with a clean date. Yes. section four with a clean date. Yes.
• </c> on in the section um in same section on in the section um in same section paragraph<00:54:56.160
• </c><00:59:28.079><c> Cover</c><00:59:28.319><c> or</c> the purpose of the section.
• Cover or the purpose of the section.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Starting on pages 135 to 136, the board is adding a new section 510.10.
• We're adding section 510.10 to support affordable and innovative housing in Idaho.
• Touchstone, since we're on page 138, I'm looking at L, which is section 325.3.
• This is section C 405 and section C 406, reducing unnecessary cost burdens on projects.
• Section L, which we talked about a minute ago, and I'm looking at the language.

Summary: The House Business Committee met with a quorum and first considered two pending fee rules from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. The committee approved Rules Docket 24-21-2501 for the Idaho State Contractors Board, which raises annual registration and renewal fees from $50 to $60 to help the board meet statutory cash-balance requirements. It also approved Rules Docket 24-2201-2501 for the Board of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety, which increases licensure fees by 15 to 20 percent to address a negative cash balance and comply with Idaho’s board solvency statute. Members asked about the causes of the shortfalls, possible consolidation of boards, and why one training fee was left unchanged. The committee then took up Rules Docket 24-2801-2501 for the Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board. Representative Graham moved to hold the docket subject to call of the chair, citing concerns raised by industry participants and the need to work through issues with the department before advancing the rule. The motion carried, and the docket was held in committee. The longest discussion centered on Rules Docket 24-3930-2502, the Idaho Building Safety Code rules, which would adopt the 2024 building codes with Idaho-specific amendments. Supporters said the proposal would improve housing affordability, add flexibility for builders, address lithium-ion battery fire risks, and update energy and residential provisions while preserving many 2018 standards. Committee members raised concerns about overlapping authority with the State Fire Marshal, wording on garage heat detectors, whole-house ventilation language, and whether some provisions should remain in the building code at all. After public testimony from building officials, home builders, and city representatives in support of the rule, the committee first failed a substitute motion to hold the docket, then adopted a motion to reject the rule docket. The meeting adjourned with a reminder that the next floor session would begin at 11 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• 39-1118, Idaho Code, relating to immunization, repealing Section 39-4801, Idaho Code, ...
• Section 39-1118, Idaho Code, relating to immunization, repealing Section 39-4801, Idaho Code, relating
• Amending Chapter 48, Title 39, Idaho Code, by the addition of a new section 39-408-2, Idaho Code, to
• , to provide for award of attorney's fees and costs incurred, amending Section 73-503, Idaho Code, to
• 42-111, Idaho Code, to revise definitions and define terms, amending Section 42-227, Idaho Code, to

Summary: The House convened with 69 members present and one absent and excused, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal. Members also received notice that Representative Donald Hall had designated a substitute and that Senate Bill 1222, dealing with domestic wells and related water provisions, had been transmitted from the Senate and referred to the Resources and Conservation Committee. The House introduced House Bills 572, 573, and 574, covering pediatric transition-related parental rights, concealed carry instruction, and medical mandate/immunization changes, and sent them to Judiciary for printing. Several bills and memorials were advanced on the calendar, including measures on transportation tax, private forest land, federal land policy, human trafficking, unmanned aircraft systems, and artificial sweeteners. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 493, which would make purchasing sex a felony on a first offense for those 21 and older, while keeping a misdemeanor-first-offense structure for ages 18 to 20. Supporters argued the bill would better combat human trafficking by targeting demand and closing a gap in current law when a buyer does not know the person is being trafficked; opponents raised concerns about unequal treatment by age, the fiscal impact of incarceration, and whether the law should instead treat both parties equally or rely on existing trafficking statutes. The House passed HB 493 by a vote of 50-19, and the title was approved for transmission to the Senate. House Bill 514 was then taken up and described as allowing students to take a state test after completing 80% of coursework so they can enter the workforce sooner. With no opposition, the House passed HB 514 by a vote of 69-0, approved the title, and transmitted it to the Senate. The remaining third-reading bills were held one legislative day by unanimous consent. The House then moved to announcements, including committee meeting notices and several caucus, reception, and visitor announcements, and adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• by section, and placed before the Senate. ...show it has been read the third time at length, section
• Looking at the bill, Section 48...
• Section 48-2105 caps penalties at $500,000 maximum.
• Section 48-2105 strips constituents of any right to sue.
• It's a legal term in Section 48-2104.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, opened with prayer honoring Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboom, and approved the journal. The chamber then handled routine committee and House messages, including referrals of several Senate and House bills to standing committees, reports of enrolled measures, and gubernatorial and House transmittals. Senators also briefly returned House Bill 545 to committee because it had not been properly reported. The main floor action centered on several third-reading bills. Senate Bill 1299, limiting government use of digital identification and protecting physical ID and device privacy, passed 35-0 after debate about privacy, enforcement, and whether it would affect agency accounts. Senate Bill 1335, extending service obligations for state-supported veterinary students, passed 33-2. Senate Bill 1330, raising the small-claims limit from $5,000 to $15,000, passed unanimously by reused roll call. Senate Bill 1359, the Virtual Currency Kiosk Fraud Prevention Act, drew the most debate over consumer protection versus regulation; it passed 19-16. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1348 on public outdoor target ranges and Pittman-Robertson funds, Senate Bill 1376 on declarations of candidacy, and Senate Bill 1378 modernizing off-road vehicle account and trail funding rules. Later, the chamber took up several appropriation bills: House Bills 868, 869, 870, 871, and 876 all passed, covering PERSI, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, OITS, the State Tax Commission, and the State Board of Education/higher education budgets. Those budget bills prompted extended debate over funding levels, tax collection, cybersecurity, and especially cuts to universities, community colleges, and career technical education, but each ultimately passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also on R4, Senate section 4, House section 7. These are identical.
• The action is to adopt R4 to R5, Senate section 5, House section 8.
• um on R5 Senate section 6 house section um on R5 Senate section 6 house section 9 9 9 um<00:07:13.599
• Senate section 10 House<00:07:55.120><c> section</c><00:07:55.520><c> 11.
• 12, House Section 12, and Senate section 12, House Section 12, and these<00:08:16.240><c> were</c><00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 4227, page two, section two, line 17, by inserting a new section two
• Chair, I move to amend House Bill 4227, page 1, Section 1, line 16, by inserting a new section one to
• So, I'm gonna direct you to section two of the new law, section A, I believe it's on page six.
• Page 12, Section 5, new law, Section B. Can you repeat that for me? Yeah. It's Section 5.
• Section 309 further details on penalties. Section 314 also outlines the penalties for violations.

Bills: HB1016, HB1453, HB1992, HB2015, HB2940, HB2959, HB2997, HB3037, HB3045, HB3053, HB3087, HB3267, HB3301, HB3453, HB3495, HB3521, HB3581, HB3584, HB3586, HB3587, HB3662, HB3691, HB3695, HB3697, HB3742, HB3743, HB3845, HB4058, HB4125, HB4198, HB4227, HB4425

Keywords: minors, content creation, trust account, compensation, civil action, digital content, Oklahoma statutes, foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, motor vehicles, towing services, combination vehicles, wrecker fees, possessory lien, landlord

Transcript Highlights:

• This amends section 20-14 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to clarify that enforcement of criminal water
• to the purposes of section 205A-26, which is special management area guidelines, limit the issuance
• um we'll in section ones a subsection<00:07:56.400><c> one</c><00:07:56.639><c> A</c><00:07:56.840><
• </c><00:13:31.440><c> titled</c> deletes the proposed new section titled deletes the proposed new section
• </c> we'll additionally amend HRS section we'll additionally amend HRS section 1347<00:13:44.399><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and took up a series of bills, mostly approving them with amendments. SB 1032 on campaign finance passed with amendments to change the certification process for business entities, add a severability-type provision if foreign-influence conditions are struck down, and note a related Minnesota federal case. SB 401 on firearms passed with amendments to exclude shotguns, grandfather legally registered devices in place as of the effective date, and add committee report findings; SB 382 on procurement confidentiality passed as is; SB 598 extending deadlines for administrative driver’s license revocation review decisions passed as is; SB 771 on HHFDC board leadership passed as is; and SB 1318 clarifying water pollution enforcement jurisdiction passed as is. The committee also approved SB 1657 with an amendment removing authority to condemn public property, SB 1102 with an amendment making the Fire Council the source of nominees for the aircraft rescue fire fighting chief, and SB 100 with amendments replacing the original substance with a prohibition on fingerprinting nonprofit liquor-license board members during background checks and limiting the bill to counties under 500,000 population. SB 170 and SB 1296, both related to special management area exemptions for affordable housing and disaster-related reconstruction, passed with amendments incorporating Office of Planning, Sustainable Development, and Attorney General changes to narrow and clarify the exemptions. Finally, SB 363, a cleanup bill related to firearm parts and ghost gun laws, was considered with amendments that deleted a proposed new penalty section, revised existing firearms statutes, removed an unnecessary definition, and expanded penalties to include indeterminate imprisonment terms. Despite the amendments, the measure was not adopted because the Vice Chair voted no. The committee then adjourned and announced a later joint hearing with Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just changing one sentence in one paragraph of one section of code.
• It's just changing one sentence in one paragraph of one section of code.
• Section 106 is not a barrier to development. It's a safeguard.
• Section 106 is not a barrier to development; it's a safeguard.
• and we're complying with Section 106 by changing the state of Idaho.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 19 and March 11. It then heard Senate Bill 1285, which would make high school diplomas from non-public schools, including homeschool, equivalent to public school diplomas or GEDs for Idaho occupational and professional licensing. The sponsor and supporters said the bill removes a barrier for homeschool and private-school graduates without changing other licensing requirements. After brief questions and supportive testimony from Homeschool Idaho, the committee voted to send the bill to the House floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee next considered House Bill 841 on prior authorization in health insurance. The sponsor said the bill would add transparency, predictable timelines, qualified clinical review, stability once authorization is granted, and reporting requirements, while preserving fraud protections and not dictating prices or coverage design. Testimony from the Idaho Medical Association, a migraine patient, and the Idaho State Dental Association supported the bill as a way to reduce delays and administrative burden. Representative Harris raised concerns about complaints and fiscal impact, but after debate the motion to send the bill to the floor failed on a 9-5 roll call, with four absent. Senate Bill 1262 followed, a narrow insurance code change that removes a confusing “lesser of” investment limit and leaves a 10% asset cap for certain insurer investments. The sponsor and a domestic insurer said the change would simplify the code and improve portfolio flexibility, and the committee approved it for the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 898, which moves the State Historic Preservation Office from the Idaho State Historical Society to the new Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination. Supporters argued the move would streamline permitting and keep federal historic-preservation duties intact, while opponents warned of conflicts of interest, loss of independence, and possible funding and efficiency problems. After extensive testimony from preservation professionals, water users, and others, the sponsor closed by saying the budget and staff would follow the office and that the change would improve permitting efficiency; the transcript cuts off before the final disposition of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• CS/CS/SB 54 creates a new section of statute, Section 406.139, to establish uniform requirements for
• And, Senator, those are specified in Section 489.1212. Those are specified in Section 489.129.
• And I think taking this section out right now might be pretty good.
• that relate to that mirror this section as number one.
• I'm speaking to Section 6 of the bill, specifically lines 515 through 517.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Rules Committee heard and voted on a series of bills, beginning with SB 54 on toxicology screenings in autopsies of violent offenders, which requires medical examiners to screen for psychotropic and intoxicating substances, consult treating providers when possible, and report findings to state agencies; it passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 176 on public postsecondary campus safety policies, requiring colleges and universities to publish clearer reporting and response procedures for threats to students, faculty, and staff. Both bills were reported favorably without major opposition. The largest portion of the meeting was devoted to CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Florida Farm Bill. The bill covers a wide range of agriculture-related issues, including fair association rules, preemption of local restrictions on gas- and diesel-powered farm equipment, surplus of certain state-owned lands for agricultural use, a food and animal veterinary loan repayment program, permanent Farmers Feeding Florida funding, forest service training expansion, signal-jamming device penalties, CDL English proficiency enforcement, no-solicitation protections, food safety inspector protections, biosolids regulation, and contractor payment enforcement. Members adopted several amendments, including changes to contractor payment language, expanded veterinary loan eligibility, citrus foundation consolidation, technical corrections, removal of outdated fair references, a nonprofit definition fix, and a late amendment deleting the bill’s disparagement clause after extensive testimony and debate about free speech and agricultural speech protections. A separate late amendment delayed biosolids compliance deadlines. The bill drew strong support from farmers, agritourism groups, food donation advocates, and some utility and wastewater interests, while conservation groups and biosolids operators raised concerns about land surplus provisions and biosolids restrictions. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then approved SB 834 on nonprofit religious organizations, which repeals a restriction on health care sharing ministries partnering with licensed insurance agents, while an amendment added written disclaimer requirements; it passed favorably. SB 936 on temporary door locking devices also passed, directing the Building Commission to incorporate standards into the Florida Building Code. SB 50 on veterans’ courts was approved, allowing judges in all circuits to use veterans’ courts for cases involving service-related issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse. Finally, SB 1004 on the sale of dogs and cats passed after amendments removed an appropriation and kept the bill’s disclosure, financing, and consumer protection provisions, and SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools passed with discussion about coaches providing basic support to student-athletes and possible parental-consent language. The committee also began hearing SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks, which would regulate crypto kiosks with registration, fraud warnings, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections; an amendment to that bill was adopted, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a different appropriation section. So that's why you're not seeing the numbers foot.
• We're going from 177 employees down to 138, Section 1.
• Section 3, tying into Section 1, takes the salaries from 1.4 to $969,000.
• “That’s why it says that whole Section 10 is coming out of our section, and they have an amendment putting
• that whole Section 10 in their appropriation act.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm bringing the code sections forward.
• </c><00:05:04.880><c> are</c> the same way as the code sections are the same way as the code sections
• We just had a typographical error: section to act. We changed it from section to act.
• We changed it from section to act.
• </c> section to act. Is that correct? Sorry. section to act. Is that correct? Sorry.

Keywords: Technology - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 9:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next section begins on page 11 at line 1.
• The last section in Article 2 begins on line 13.22.
• The next section begins on page 11 at line 1.
• The last section in Article 2 begins on line 13.22.
• The next section begins on page 11 at line 1.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 1082 as a vehicle for the public safety finance bill and laid it over without taking official action. Staff walked through the DE6 amendment, which combines funding and policy provisions from several bills. The spreadsheet and bill summary showed appropriations for non-fatal shooting clearance grants, a domestic violence task force, a first responder uniform ID task force, and an increase to the Philando Castile training reimbursement fund, along with felony-related policy changes involving impersonating a police officer, medical facility security, theft from a vulnerable adult, and grooming offenses. The amendment also includes a $12 million transfer to the Minnesota victims of crime account, bringing the DE6 total to about $15.443 million for the biennium, with additional tail costs. Testimony focused heavily on the need to stabilize crime victim services funding. Katie Kramer of Violence Free Minnesota, speaking for multiple crime victims coalitions, urged support for the $12 million transfer, warning that flat funding and inflation have already forced program cuts, staff reductions, and service limits, and that a 20% cut could eliminate programs in rural areas. Tina Bronson of Alexandra House gave a similar account, describing how years of flat funding had reduced staff and programs and saying another cut would mean fewer advocates, longer waits, and less access for survivors. Both witnesses argued that victim services are an essential part of public safety and asked lawmakers to maintain existing services rather than expand them. In member discussion, the chair said the $12 million was intended as one-time funding to keep victim services at roughly prior-year levels and explained that the money would be distributed through the existing competitive grant process. A member asked about the grooming language and whether it could affect teenage relationships; nonpartisan staff clarified that the school-related offense applies only when there is a position of authority, and that existing criminal sexual conduct law already addresses age-differential situations. Members and the chair closed by describing the package as bipartisan and expressing appreciation for the committee’s work, with the chair noting the bill was being laid over for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendation is to remove the appropriation section in section two, require a local investor-owned
• </c> appropriation section in in section two appropriation section in in section two require<00:26:40.480
• Remove the appropriation in section 3 and effect an effective date. Any discussion?
• Remove the appropriation in section 3 and effect an effective date. Any discussion?
• Remove the appropriation in section 3 and effect an effective date. Any discussion?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of tax, budget, and policy bills. On SB 325 and SB 326, the Tax Foundation testified and the committee later recommended passage with amendments. SB 721, SB 1278, and SB 1465 also drew Tax Foundation testimony focused on technical corrections and effective-date issues; SB 1278 was strongly supported by the Hawaii Restaurant Association and other restaurant and business groups, who argued the bill should extend tax relief to the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because it served the same purpose as earlier COVID relief programs. A bar owner also testified in support, describing severe pandemic-related losses and lack of government assistance. The Department of Taxation asked about the estimated fiscal impact of SB 1278, which was stated to be about $16.8 million and not including interest. The committee also considered SB 1464 through SB 1470, with the Tax Foundation supporting most of the conformity and tax measures and opposing SB 1465 as unnecessary. SB 1464 was recommended for passage unamended, SB 1465 with amendments, and SB 1466, SB 1467, and SB 1470 unamended. SB 1362 and SB 1363 were deferred so the administration could explore moving funds within the existing budget instead of using emergency appropriations. SB 1044 was amended to create a condominium loan program and special fund to finance essential repairs and improve insurability of condominium properties, with loans repaid over 20 years and the fund eventually sunsetted. The committee also acted on several other measures: SB 533 was amended to remove an appropriation and require a local investor-owned utility to support schools affected by a planned public safety power shutoff program; SB 1117 was amended to define electric motorcycles and prohibit operation by those under 18; SB 1186 was amended to move a food-production working group to the Agribusiness Development Corporation and remove an appropriation; SB 1391 was amended to require a one-to-one match of state funds with private donations; and SB 1669 was amended with committee-report language noting concerns about jurisdictional definitions and board qualifications. Later, the committee recommitted SB 933 and SB 938 to Ways and Means after adopting proposed SD1 versions. Most measures were adopted unanimously, often with members voting no with reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section number two, Roman numeral six, okay, and then Section four.
• Section number two, Roman numeral six, okay, and then Section four.
• Section number two, Roman numeral six, okay, and then Section four.
• Section number two, Roman numeral six, okay, and then Section four.
• remove section four and renum<04:11:12.960><c> all</c><04:11:13.359><c> sections</c> renum all sections

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 hearing took testimony from the director of New Hampshire Police Standards and Training on the agency’s budget request and operations. He described the agency’s role in setting hiring, education, certification, and discipline standards for police, corrections, probation and parole, and court security officers, and noted that the agency runs the full-time, part-time, corrections, and court security training programs. He also outlined the agency’s staffing, facility, and budget request for FY 2026-27, including a request to keep funding level with the governor’s recommendation while shifting funds to support an IT manager position by defunding a vacant administrative slot. The agency requested several statutory changes in Chapter 106, including clarifying the definition of police misconduct, allowing a temporary member on the Conduct Review Committee, clarifying reporting requirements for misconduct allegations, and codifying the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. The director also reviewed new responsibilities added in recent years, including crisis intervention training, statewide accreditation, the Conduct Review Committee, and increased annual in-service training requirements. He explained that crisis intervention funding is carried in a continuously appropriated, non-lapsing account and that some budget lines were reclassified, including software and janitorial services, to reflect actual spending needs. Members asked about national standards, the different academy tracks, crisis intervention funding, maintenance and contract changes, temporary positions, and the court security training program. The agency said it coordinates with national peers through IADLEST, that the part-time and corrections academies are longstanding programs, and that the new court security academy can be delivered either as a full academy or as in-service training depending on resources. The director also said the agency has been running extra full-time academies because of high vacancy rates, but expects to return to three full-time academies this year, with two corrections academies and one or possibly two part-time academies. He also explained the current approach to misconduct records and public disclosure, saying sustained findings under RSA 106-L are heard by the council and published, replacing the older, less standardized exculpatory list process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2 of the bill adds a new section 302A-?
• 302A-155 or other sections be amended to align with section 10 of this bill.
• </c> amend the effective date for section amend the effective date for section three<00:59:07.200><c>
• </c> section 2A and section 2G. section 2A and section 2G.
• Um in section<01:13:34.080><c> 2B</c> section 2B section 2B um<01:13:35.920><c> where</c><01:13:36.239

Bills: HB2116, HB1879, HB2214, HB2310, HB2168, HB2427, HB2560, HB1596, HB2197, HB2498, HB2167

Keywords: grants, community engagement, nonprofit organizations, federal assistance, volunteering, youth transit, public transportation, subsidized transit, environment, energy independence, affordable transportation, Hawaii, diaper tax credit, families, low-income, childcare, health, Hawaii Department of Human Services, DHS, emergency appropriation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to human services, homelessness, transit, and family supports. HB 2116 HD1, concerning grants from the Office of Community Services to nonprofits providing training and volunteerism opportunities, drew strong support from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and multiple organizations in written testimony. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable people affected by federal program changes and cuts by connecting them to reintegration and support services. HB 1879 HD1, establishing a subsidized youth transit program coordinated with counties, received extensive testimony in support from the Department of Health, Department of Taxation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii State Youth Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Greenpeace Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, and others. Testifiers emphasized equity, school attendance, reduced transportation costs, climate benefits, and broader access for youth. Several witnesses urged amendments to make the program universal rather than means-tested, and committee discussion noted implementation questions for neighbor islands and rural areas. HB 2214, creating a refundable diaper tax credit for low-income families with children age four and under, was supported by the Hawaii Diaper Bank, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and several other organizations. The Department of Taxation recommended making the credit non-refundable and clarifying definitions to aid administration, while supporters argued refundability was important for low-income families who may owe little or no income tax. HB 2310, an emergency appropriation to replenish DHS funds used to provide SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown, also drew broad support from DHS, Catholic Charities, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Aloha United Way, and others; witnesses praised the state’s rapid response and said the appropriation would prepare DHS for future emergencies. The committee also heard HB 2168 HD1 and HB 2427 HD1 on education for students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth; the Attorney General recommended technical amendments to avoid conflicts with existing law and to clarify McKinney-Vento-related definitions, while advocates stressed the need for school access, transportation, meals, and other supports for homeless and runaway youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 1 and Section 3 designate feral chickens as a controllable pest and public nuisance.
• Section 1 and Section 3 designate feral chickens as a controllable pest and public nuisance.
• Section 1 and Section 3 designate feral chickens as a controllable pest and public nuisance.
• section</c> for decades.
• Section one and section for decades.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• 58-120, and it does this across 17 sections covering forest management, It does this across 17 sections
• This is Article 9, Section 7, State Board of Land Commissioners.
• Section 7, State Board of Land Commissioners.
• Section 18-708 again provides some exceptions.
• My concern is a particular section, which is 18-7... ...of it.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and journal approval, then moved through committee reports, bill introductions, and second- and third-reading calendars. Several bills were reported out of committee or received from the House, including measures on elections, public notices, parks and recreation, immigration cooperation, taxation, slow-moving vehicles, and property rights. The chamber also paused for multiple introductions and announcements, including recognition of visiting guests and several high school basketball teams and champions. On final action, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1328, which revises Idaho Department of Lands legal counsel provisions and replaces references to the Attorney General in certain land-management enforcement matters; Senate Bill 1260, which clarifies the Immigration Cooperation and Enforcement Act; Senate Bill 1345, which allows optional secure electronic communications from the Tax Commission; Senate Bill 1224 as amended, which creates a safety-based exception for certain slow-moving farm, construction, mining, and logging equipment; Senate Bill 1340 as amended, which requires vehicles to use the right lane on multi-lane highways except in specified circumstances; Senate Bill 1326 as amended, which establishes private property rights protections and limits warrantless entry by government agents; House Bill 583, which strengthens limits on local regulation of short-term rentals; and House Bill 528, which addresses directed blood product transfusions. Most of these bills passed on roll-call votes, with some opposition on the property-rights, immigration, short-term rental, and blood transfusion measures. Debate centered on several recurring themes: constitutional authority and state sovereignty, property rights, local regulation versus statewide standards, and public safety. Supporters of the property-rights bill argued it would protect landowners from warrantless entry and clarify when warrants or permission are required, while opponents warned it could conflict with federal law and hinder law enforcement. The short-term rental bill drew support from those emphasizing property rights and a level regulatory playing field, and opposition from senators concerned about housing availability, local control, and the need for registration or licensing. The blood transfusion bill drew a brief safety-related objection, but supporters said it simply preserved access to a federally permitted medical option. The Senate then reordered the third-reading calendar, made final announcements, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1 of Section 12.1-22-06 of the North Dakota Century Code.
• House Bill 1419 is a bill for an act to amend the main act, Sections 54-52-01.1.
• I move to suspend House Rule 329, Section 4 for three legislative days.
• The proposed changes in Section 1 amend Section 25-04-00.1 of the North Dakota Century Code by adding
• Government operations section will be going into section at 3:15. Mr. Chief Clerk. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The North Dakota House convened with prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests and student visitors, then moved through a long calendar of resolutions and bills. Early in the session, members honored Mandan High School’s e-sports team for state championships and recognized House Minority Leader Zachary Ista’s birthday. The House then passed HCR 3037 unanimously, urging mandatory reporting requirements for public officials, after committee support and remarks emphasizing accountability in public office. The chamber then considered numerous Senate amendments and final-passage votes on bills covering ambulance service grants (HB 1597), Public Service Commission records and open meetings (HB 1110 and HB 1063), squatter/trespass law (HB 1305), nonconforming structures in local governments (HB 1500), academic tenure policy (HB 1437), retirement eligibility for correctional officers and state radio dispatchers (HB 1274 and HB 1419), a Medicaid dental study (HB 1567), above-ground fuel storage tank regulation (HB 1058), gaming site authorization procedures (HB 1615), an oil extraction tax incentive outside the Bakken and Three Forks formations (HB 1483), and simple assault protections for hospital workers (HB 1341). Most of these measures passed, though HB 1231, which would have created a study on early discontinuation of sex offender registration, failed on final passage. A major point of debate was Senate Bill 2354, which would restrict student use of personal electronic devices during the school day in public and nonpublic schools, with exceptions for medical and special education needs and annual reporting on impacts. Supporters argued it would improve focus, behavior, and mental health, while opponents raised concerns about private-school regulation, logistics, liability, and duplication with a similar bill. The House passed SB 2354, and also passed SB 2112, which temporarily authorizes the Life Skills and Transition Center to serve certain non-eligible youth in crisis, despite objections that the facility should remain focused on developmental disabilities and concerns about repeating past institutional problems. The House also debated and rejected HB 1300 on legislative term limits after extensive discussion about whether the Senate’s date change altered the effect of the voter-approved measure. The session ended with announcements, committee notices, and adjournment until April 8, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• section 10 is the salaries.
• section 10 is the salaries.
• section 10 is the salaries.
• section 10 is the salaries.
• section 10 is the salaries.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 12 March, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all