Transcript Highlights:

• This is not a partisan, Democratic or Republican measure.
• It's not Democrat, Republican.
• I think we should make sure that if we, partisan, Democratic or Republican measure, this should be something
• It's not Democrat, Republican.
• It's not like talking about the Democrats or the libertarians or the Republicans.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 399 by Senator Bass, which would create the Louisiana Higher Education Research Security Council to review and potentially block certain gifts, contracts, academic partnerships, and research partnerships involving foreign adversary sources. Bass said the bill is intended to protect university research, intellectual property, and students from foreign influence, and would also require public disclosure of certain foreign-linked arrangements and a plan to eliminate foreign-adversary-linked software. Supporters from State Armor argued Louisiana universities have been vulnerable to Chinese Communist Party influence and intellectual property theft. Representatives from Tulane University and Lenovo raised concerns that the bill could create duplicative review, delay research, raise costs, and sweep in legitimate private or multinational entities; a proposed amendment to exempt entities operating under a CFIUS national security agreement failed 4-8. After debate, the committee moved SB 399 favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 310 by Senator Cloud, presented by Representative Carlson, which would require public school and college health centers to display information about pregnancy resources available in Louisiana. Supporters from Louisiana Right to Life said the bill would help connect pregnant students with existing state and private assistance programs, while the ACLU submitted a red card in opposition without speaking. The bill was moved favorably without objection. The committee also advanced House Resolution 171 by Representative Turner, which calls for a study of the workforce-oriented TOPS Tech and M.J. Foster programs, with business and workforce groups supporting the study as a way to measure outcomes and return on investment; it was moved favorably. Next, the committee took up House Bill 1084 by Representative Turner, a tuition autonomy bill for public post-secondary institutions. An amendment was adopted to add a conceptual framework for tuition-setting considerations, but the bill would still remove the existing 10% over two years cap and allow institutions to set tuition more freely. Turner argued universities need more flexibility because state funding has declined and campuses face deferred maintenance and operating pressures. Several members, especially Representative Carlson, warned that higher tuition could reduce access and that the bill did not address broader structural problems in higher education. Despite those concerns, HB 1084 was moved favorably by an 8-3 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 351 by Senator Jackson Andrews, which would let families apply for child care assistance through CCAP once pregnancy is known, rather than waiting until after birth, to help move them up the waiting list. An amendment was adopted to have BESE, rather than the department, handle rulemaking and to allow the House and Senate education committees to approve the implementation process. The bill was then discussed as a way to help parents return to work sooner, and the hearing continued with questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then, in 1994, Frank ran and was elected as a Republican from Nez Perce County and served in the Idaho
• In 1976, Wendy ran as a conservative Republican for a seat in the Idaho House of Representatives, unseating
• a longtime Republican legislator in the primary.
• In 1976, Wendy ran as a conservative Republican for a seat in the Idaho House of Representatives, unseating
• a longtime Republican legislator in the primary.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and then held a memorial program honoring former Idaho legislators and public servants, including tributes to Frank Brunel, Jeannie Givens, Carl Shirtliff, Wendy Ungrich Kachetti, Ron Vieselmeyer, and Gail Wilde. Speakers highlighted their careers, community service, family lives, and contributions to Idaho, and the chamber observed the memorial with music and remarks about public service and legacy. After the memorial, the House received messages from the Senate and reported several committee actions. Committee reports moved a number of bills and resolutions to calendars or other committees, and the House introduced a large slate of new bills covering state budget/logo restrictions, elections, telecommunications, broadband, water, fish and game, trapping, self-defense and public assemblies on roads, child abuse interview recording, criminal procedure, parental rights, sex offender residency, sheriff reimbursement, masking during crimes, bribery and nepotism, artificial intelligence procurement, airbags, administrative subpoenas, attorney general duties, child protection, election interference, voting rights, divorce and custody attorney fees, unauthorized employment, rental application fees, commercial code changes, professional licensing, land use, building codes, land division, HOA dissolution, programmable money, school start dates, civics education, and health insurance cost-sharing. The House then took up third-reading votes on three bills. House Bill 576, concerning the Idaho Consumer Asset Recovery Fund and limiting coverage to Idaho residents or former Idaho residents at the time of purchase, passed 53-14. House Bill 577, which removes the requirement to replace license plates every 10 years so long as they remain legible and readable, passed 66-1. House Bill 632, expanding whistleblower protections and setting a timeline for legislative information requests, passed 68-0. House Bill 607, dealing with separate restroom, shower, and locker room access in government buildings and public accommodations, generated extended debate over privacy, safety, enforcement, and business costs, but no final vote was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jason Rarick, Senate, Republican lead, education finance. Sure.
• Jody Withers, House Republican Caucus Education.
• Jody<00:01:52.000><c> Withers,</c><00:01:52.479><c> House</c><00:01:52.799><c> Republican</c><00:01:53.280
• ><c> Caucus</c> Jody Withers, House Republican Caucus Jody Withers, House Republican Caucus Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• People on the side of the Republican Party in this body have apologized to me because those people know
• People on the side of the Republican Party in this body have apologized to me because those people know
• existence people on the the the side<00:31:50.320><c> of</c><00:31:50.480><c> the</c><00:31:50.639><c> Republican
• </c><00:31:51.159><c> party</c><00:31:51.440><c> in</c><00:31:51.600><c> this</c> side of the Republican
• party in this side of the Republican party in this body<00:31:52.159><c> have</c><00:31:52.399><c> apologized

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 27,000 mail ballots in Texas were flagged for rejection, jeopardizing votes cast by Democrats and Republicans
• We've seen it by Republicans. We've seen it by Democrats down there.
• that's a The model you would like for us to use for if you for other primaries like Democratic or Republican
• Cano came today and we have made it a mission talking some of us, um, Democrats, Republicans, and yes
• Republicans, Democrats, and libertarians, y'all can just have like a hotline.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm looking for both of you to marshal our strong Republican majorities to deliver on the promises that
• I'm going to be a governor for you, whether you're a Republican, a Democrat, an independent—you name
• 01:00:04.400><c> whether</c><01:00:04.720><c> you're</c><01:00:05.319><c> a</c><01:00:05.720><c> republican
• </c><01:00:06.720><c> a</c> you whether you're a republican a you whether you're a republican a Democrat

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee announcements for today and tomorrow: the Republican Caucus will meet at 1:30.
• All right, and then just for tomorrow afternoon, the Republican Caucus will meet at 1:30, or upon a gentleman

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through introductions of guests and several ceremonial recognitions. Guests included a local justice of the peace, the doctor of the day, McDonald’s representatives visiting for the All-American Games, and AFL-CIO members at the Capitol. Senators also read proclamations recognizing Lobo Week in support of the Mexican gray wolf and McDonald’s All-American Games Week, highlighting the economic and charitable impact of McDonald’s in Arizona and the importance of wolf recovery efforts. During floor business, Senator Gonzalez submitted a statement criticizing Senate rules as undemocratic and unconstitutional, particularly in relation to House Bill 2072 and broader chamber procedures. The Senate then took up a motion by Senator Mesnard to reconsider House Bill 2874, which had previously passed third reading. After a division vote, the motion to reconsider passed 16-12. House Bill 2874, relating to campaign contributions and expenses, was then brought back for third reading. Senator Gonzalez spoke against the emergency clause, arguing there was no emergency and objecting to the bill’s reconsideration process. The Senate voted to pass HB 2874 on reconsideration without the emergency clause and ordered it transmitted to the House. The chamber also noted that Senate Bills 1125 and 1415 had been transmitted to the governor, announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings, and adjourned until Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• If that happens, then you have the local party, whether it's a Democrat or Republican... ...party, whether
• it's a Democrat or Republican, they meet.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee heard several bills and resolutions and took action on each. RS 23-983, a dietician licensure compact, was introduced by Senator Cook; he said the compact has already been enacted in 15 states and would not give the compact authority over Idaho law or licensing standards. After questions about sovereignty, the committee voted to send it to print. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1265, a code cleanup measure tied to the DOGE Task Force that removes outdated provisions related to the Petroleum Clean Water Trust Fund, and RS 33125, which would recognize a homeschool high school diploma as equivalent to a standard diploma or GED for professional and occupational licensing purposes. RS 33153, sponsored by Senator Nichols, would create Idaho consumer protection standards for paid assistance to veterans filing federal benefits claims, including disclosure, fee limits, and bans on deceptive practices; it was also sent to print. The committee approved minutes from February 3 and February 5, 2026. It then heard Senate Bill 1261, which would allow certain retired PERSI members appointed to fill elected local offices after a vacancy to keep their existing retirement benefits if they meet the bill’s conditions. Senator Lakey and Sheriff Getz said the measure is intended to treat appointed officials the same as elected ones in this context, and noted support from sheriffs, counties, cities, and no objection from PERSI. The bill was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1262, which would give insurance companies more flexibility in miscellaneous investments by replacing a confusing lesser-of standard with a clearer 10% of assets allowance. Senator Guthrie and United Heritage Life’s Jeff Niemeyer said the change would help insurers diversify, reduce risk, and potentially improve returns for policyholders; the Department of Insurance had no concerns. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If that happens, then you have the local party, whether it's a Democrat or Republican... ...party, whether
• it's a Democrat or Republican, they meet.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He had been appointed by a Republican president.
• And I hope that our Republican colleagues will join us at some point in condemning this. Thank you.

Keywords: nomination, Patrick Davis, Assistant Attorney General, Ed Martin, January 6th, public testimony

Summary: This meeting focused primarily on the nomination of Patrick Davis to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs. Members discussed Mr. Davis's qualifications and experience, emphasizing his commitment to effectively serving the American public and working collaboratively with Congress. The committee also briefly revisited the nominations of John Eisenberg and Brett Shumate but decided to hold them over until the next meeting. Additionally, concerns regarding the nomination of Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia were raised, particularly regarding his past statements and conduct related to the January 6th insurrection and its aftermath. The discussion highlighted the importance of reviewing Mr. Martin's responses to various questions before proceeding with a vote on his nomination.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me ask my Republicans here. We did not have our caucus last night.
• Um, do any of the Republicans here see the need to have a caucus before we vote on this?
• </c><00:11:47.200><c> We</c><00:11:47.360><c> did</c> Let me ask my Republicans here.
• We did Let me ask my Republicans here.
• And I have heard Republicans argue that against Democrats and Democrats argue against Republicans.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Children and Family Law Committee met on April 15, 2025, and opened a hearing on Senate Bill 269, which would remove references to “bride and groom” and replace them with “applicants” in the Vital Records Act. The bill was described by the sponsor’s designee as a housekeeping update requested by the Secretary of State to modernize and standardize the language in light of same-sex marriage and to make the statute gender-neutral. Members asked whether the change would affect the substance of marriage law, marriage ceremonies, age and residence requirements, or open the door to polygamy; the response was that it would not change the law, would still apply to two adults, and would not supersede New Hampshire’s ban on polygamy. Some members noted the bill had passed the Senate unanimously and 18-0, while others questioned whether the change was necessary given existing forms and statutes, and whether it could create confusion with other laws such as alimony or divorce paperwork. The discussion became lengthy and somewhat informal, with members debating whether the terminology update was merely clerical or whether it should be postponed for more information from the Secretary of State’s office. Several members expressed frustration that no representative from that office was present. One member, speaking as a family law attorney, argued the bill was redundant because similar information already appears on vital statistics forms and could potentially create unintended issues; others countered that the Legislature should keep statutes consistent with current law and modern terminology. The committee also briefly discussed how marriage certificates and licenses are labeled and how same-sex couples are designated under current law. After a Republican caucus break, the chair called for a nonbinding thumb vote on whether to postpone the bill. The committee voted to come back to the bill later, and the hearing on SB 269 was closed and postponed to a later executive session date. The chair then shifted to other committee business, including preparations for a later discussion with Chief Administrative Justice Ellen Kristo and a family court subcommittee exercise, but no further action was taken on SB 269 during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Full disclosure: I'm a registered Republican, and I vote Republican.
• This does not make me very popular with the Republican Party of the past.
• and I vote registered Republican and I vote Republican<00:58:17.160><c> unfortunately</c><00:58:18.160
• are Republicans defendants in my case are Republicans because<00:58:22.200><c> they</c><00:58:22.319
• </c> the Republican the Republican party<00:58:30.400><c> uh</c><00:58:31.400><c> of</c><00:58:31.559

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2023, actually, a Republican had a similar bill, similar member Waldron, and I think I was the only
• But yet at the same time, Republicans are cutting health care for families.
• Republicans are cutting CalFresh and food subsidies for families and kids.
• Republicans are cutting the whole safety net that needs to be there to support kids and families.
• And so it just blows my mind that Republicans are so adamant that you need to have kids when the number

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In March 2024, in the Republican primary, more than 87% of those Republican primary voters supported
• The Texas Dream Act was approved by a Republican legislator and signed into law by Governor Rick Perry
• I am deeply grateful for the Texas Dream Act and for the many Republicans.
• I am deeply grateful for the Texas Dream Act and for the many Republican governors who supported and
• Yet some Republican representatives want to treat them like second-class citizens.

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it includes policy and budget initiatives from Republican and Democratic members of this Senate.
• Um, it includes policy and budget initiatives from Republican and Democratic members of this Senate.
• Um, it includes policy and budget initiatives from Republican and Democratic members of this Senate.
• Um, it includes policy and budget initiatives from Republican and Democratic members of this Senate.
• </c><00:30:15.279><c> In</c> Identified all of the Republicans.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To the Republican staff, it's been a pleasure working with you and getting through the, you know, all
• To the Republican staff, it's sides.
• To the Republican staff, it's been<00:02:04.600><c> a</c><00:02:04.680><c> pleasure</c><00:02:05.720>
• It doesn't make a difference if it's Republican or Democrat. I think we can all agree with that.
• I think we can Republican or Democrat.

Bills: HF4252

Keywords: higher education, student aid, financial aid, grant programs, scholarships, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, community college, technical college, postsecondary institution, college affordability, student fees, athletic facilities, competitive athletics, developmental education, remedial courses, pregnant students, parenting students, priority registration

Transcript Highlights:

• The fascistic gymnastics of Texas Republicans knows no bounds. Concern for children, laughable.
• The fascistic gymnastics of Texas Republicans knows no bounds. Concern for children, laughable.
• It's a state Republican executive committee.
• And he took it to the local DA, who by the way at the time was a Republican.
• I'm here today to fulfill a promise I made to General Paxton in the Republican Convention in 2022.

Bills: SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 5, which Senator Perry described as a ban on intoxicating THC consumer products while preserving legal CBD, CBG, hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil products. Perry argued that most retail THC products are already illegal under federal law, that the industry has used loopholes and misleading labeling to sell high-potency products, and that regulation would be ineffective because chemists can quickly alter formulations. He also said the bill would steer people with medical needs toward the Texas Compassionate Use Program (T-Cup), which he and other supporters described as the proper physician-guided alternative. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the distinction between legal hemp-derived products and intoxicating THC products, and Perry said the bill would not touch non-consumable hemp uses such as fiber and clothing. Invited testimony came from law enforcement and medical witnesses who supported the bill. Texas Police Chiefs Association representative Steve Dye, Kaufman County District Attorney Early Wiley, and Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne all said regulation would be too costly, too complex, and ultimately unenforceable, while a ban would be clearer and easier to enforce. They cited overloaded DPS labs, the need for expensive private testing, limited police and prosecutor resources, and the difficulty of keeping up with constantly changing cannabinoids and out-of-state products. Hawthorne and Wiley described raids and investigations involving warehouses, retail stores, cash seizures, and products they said were marketed to young people and often mislabeled or imported from other states. They also said the bill would help law enforcement by creating a clearer legal line and protecting legitimate CBD/CBG businesses. Dr. Lindy McGee, speaking for the Texas Medical Association and Texas Pediatric Society, testified that retail THC products pose serious risks to children and adolescents, including addiction, impaired brain development, psychosis, suicide attempts, self-harm, accidental toddler ingestions, and possible long-term cognitive effects. She said there is no effective medication treatment for THC addiction comparable to nicotine cessation tools, and she supported restrictions such as child-resistant packaging, no marketing to minors, and age limits, while opposing criminal penalties for possession by minors. Senators asked follow-up questions about brain development, memory, dementia risk, pregnancy, and cardiovascular effects. No vote was taken during the portion provided, and the committee continued with invited testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to welcome Liz Ania, our new Republican consultant. ...pulled from today's hearing.
• I would like to welcome Liz Ania, our new Republican consultant.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard several bills, with AB 1827 by Assemblymember Chen proposing to raise the small claims court limit for small businesses from $6,250 to $15,000 and allow up to three filings per year. The author and supporters from the California Association of Collectors said the change would help small businesses recover unpaid invoices and minor contract disputes without costly civil litigation, while preserving the informal small claims process. The committee noted some Judicial Council concerns, but there was no opposition testimony, and the bill later passed out of committee to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1916 by Assemblymember Lee, which would include American Sign Language interpreters in the Trial Court Interpreter Employment and Labor Relations Act so they can participate in collective bargaining like other certified court interpreters. Supporters, including the California Federation of Interpreters and court interpreters, described recruitment and retention problems, limited representation, and a shortage of ASL interpreters in the courts. Members expressed support for improving representation and access for deaf and hard-of-hearing court users, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1977 by Assemblymember Irwin, presented by Assemblymember Pacheco, was described as a technical cleanup bill for California’s remote online notarization law, correcting ambiguities and conforming provisions to help the Secretary of State implement the program. The Secretary of State’s office supported the measure and said it would clarify procedures and digital seal authentication, while members raised questions about platform and renewal fees and one concern about a fee for terminated sessions; the sponsor indicated that provision could be removed. The bill was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also adopted a consent calendar containing several other bills and later established quorum to take recorded votes before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, the Republicans will be caucusing as well.
• President and the Republicans will be caucusing as well.

Summary: The Senate began with routine business, including approval of the prior day’s journal, referral of committee reports, and suspension of Rule 46 to allow committees to meet during the pro forma session. It also received first reading of introduced bills, including Senate Bill 6343, which was referred to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and Senate Bill 6035, which was redirected to Ways and Means. The main floor action was the adoption of two resolutions. Senate Resolution 8677, recognizing the commercial and tribal fishing industries and the Blessing of the Fleet, was adopted after remarks praising the fishing community and wishing for the safe return of vessels and crews. Senate Resolution 8676, celebrating Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners’ historic 2025 season, was also adopted. Senators highlighted the team’s comeback season, Cal Raleigh’s record-setting performance, Dan Wilson’s leadership, Jerry Dipoto’s executive recognition, and the Mariners’ impact on communities across Washington. Following adoption of the Mariners resolution, the Senate formally welcomed Dan Wilson, Rick Rizzs, Jerry Dipoto, Justin Hollander, and Tim Hevly to the chamber and expressed appreciation for their contributions to the state’s sports culture. The Senate then moved to adjourn until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with both Democratic and Republican caucuses announced before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're proud to have Republican Services headquarters here and grateful for their continued investment
• HB 24, Republican. Good. HB 2194, license cell. HB 2195, claims poor authorization.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Tammy Penhollow, a board-certified anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician, and Navy veteran. Members also introduced several guests in the gallery, including school board members and representatives from Republic Services, which was highlighted for its Arizona operations, employment, and sustainability work. Attendance was recorded at 57 present, zero absent, and two excused. The main floor business consisted of reading a large number of bills and resolutions for first and second reading and referring first-read measures to committee. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including public safety, education, health and human services, water and natural resources, commerce, taxation, housing, transportation, artificial intelligence, abortion-related issues, firearms, labor, and appropriations. No substantive debate or votes on individual bills were taken during this portion of the session. Toward the end of the meeting, members made committee announcements and birthday wishes, including a birthday greeting for Representative Aaron Márquez. Committee schedules were announced for Commerce, Education, Natural Resources, Energy and Water, Government, Judiciary, Ways and Means, and others. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.