Transcript Highlights:

• Your cell phone provider is a private provider that you get to enter into an agreement and a contract
• Your cell phone provider is a private provider that you get to enter into an agreement and a contract
• But it provides access to the address database so that we can actually know where things are located
• availability for us at 911 to find you when you're reaching out to us so we can figure out what your actual location
• as a priority—is a really big factor in the decision of a new or innovative business of where they locate

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Transcript Highlights:

• It will be at the discretion of the department based on the geographic location of the missing child.
• It's regarding, as I stated, statewide, making it specific to the location and then also making sure
• That's why the discretion for the location, I think, is very specific.
• That's why the discretion for the location, I think, is very specific. And that, okay.
• And last but not least, there is no, these are existing contracts that are being impaired.

Bills: SB1071 , SB1315 , SB1317 , SB1416 , SB1493 , SB1537 , SB1542 , SB1584 , SB1626 , SB1740 , SB1751 , SB1804 , SCR1047 , SCR1049

Committees: Senate Public Safety , Senate Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference

Keywords: Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, school safety, interoperable communications, law enforcement, emergency response, funding, reentry programs, criminal justice, grants, recidivism, attorney general, missing children, kidnapping, reporting requirements, child safety, training

Transcript Highlights:

• So those will move to the next phase, which is contract documents.
• Remains have been located there before in past construction projects.
• All of the savings are returned to the state per contract. ...the state per contract.
• This property is located next to the DOT District Office off of Highway 2.
• Semis are brought onto the scale located north of the building.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity in North Dakota. Ron Ness said production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with efficiency gains and longer laterals helping offset lower rig counts. He discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, northward movement of drilling activity, and the importance of new infrastructure and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilots. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, pipeline impacts, and the outlook for Continental and other operators. Ness said the industry is likely to remain steady rather than see a major ramp-up or decline. Matt Pearl of the State Tax Department then explained the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. He said the law extends or makes permanent several federal provisions and creates temporary deductions for seniors, tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, with the biggest state impact coming from the standard deduction increase and business tax changes. He revised earlier estimates downward, saying the net cash impact on state collections is likely in the $30 million to $35 million range after accounting for business prepayments and one-time FY25 oilfield transaction effects. Committee members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns. OMB staff gave a detailed update on major capital projects and facility funding. Topics included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, seating, lighting, tree management, and restroom and lobby upgrades; security work at the governor’s residence, which has been delayed by the discovery of human remains; and space reconfiguration efforts in Bismarck-Mandan to reduce leases and create shared offices and conference rooms. They also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, including roof, window, boiler, and kitchen projects at state facilities, and on the state hospital project in Jamestown, which remains on budget and on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028. OMB also updated the committee on the Minot North Central State Office Building, the use of federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds, and the status of legislative intent and trust fund reports, including school aid turnback, the school construction loan program, the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund, the Legacy Fund, and the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. The committee ended by discussing future agenda items, including government efficiency, cash management, Bank of North Dakota lines of credit, and the rural health transformation program, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, many of the grants and contracts, as well as special tax funds, do not allow for diversion
• And again, many of the grants and contracts as well as special tax funds do not allow for diversion of
• An audit to evaluate the Department of Human Resources dental benefit procurement process and contract
• Delta Dental, as the senator has mentioned, has had this contract since 1984.
• And objective six focuses on reviewing CalHR's plans. terms of their contracts.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to consider new audit requests. The State Auditor reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, with several expected to be published over the coming months, and noted that litigation is delaying the Huntington Beach air show audit. The committee approved a consent calendar of four audit requests covering UC library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. The committee then heard Assembly Member DeMaio’s request for an audit of SANDAG’s road project management and use of transportation funds. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to restore public trust and examine whether restricted funds, voter-approved revenues, and project commitments were properly handled. SANDAG’s CEO and CFO said the agency manages many funding sources, undergoes frequent audits, and has strengthened internal controls; they said the requested review would be duplicative of existing oversight. After debate, the committee voted the request down. Next, Senator Valadares presented an audit of the Board of State and Community Corrections’ Proposition 47 grant administration, focusing on whether grantees and BSCC are accurately reporting outcomes and recidivism data and whether oversight is sufficient. BSCC said the program already has multiple oversight layers, including Controller audits, and cited reported improvements in homelessness, employment, and recidivism outcomes. The committee approved the audit. Finally, Senator Cortese’s audit of CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and contract oversight was heard, with supporters citing long-standing benefit caps, provider network problems, and retirees’ out-of-pocket costs. CalHR said its network remains strong, that it recently ran an RFP adding MetLife as a second carrier starting in 2027, and that it uses performance guarantees. The committee approved that audit as well, then completed add-on votes approving the earlier consent calendar items before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe it contracted—that's an option.
• When lowest bidder may be contracted, that's an option to them, right? It is the option.
• Not off the top of my head, but we are signatory to union contracts.
• We have a contract with our local workforce board now, doing similar services as a contract provider
• We're located in a geographically isolated region.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills. SB 1154 would allow community college districts to use best-value procurement for public works projects over $1 million. The author and community college supporters argued it would give colleges flexibility similar to K-12, UC, and CSU and help avoid delays and costly change orders. Contractors and electrical subcontractors opposed the bill, saying its skilled-and-trained workforce requirement and safety provisions would narrow competition and disadvantage small and nonunion firms. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass vote and was placed on call. SB 1347 would clarify that stock albuterol may be stocked in all public schools, including preschool programs. The author and a physician testified that the bill would remove confusion in existing law and improve access to emergency asthma medication for students. School nurses, respiratory care advocates, and small school districts supported the measure, and there was no opposition. The bill passed unanimously on a due-pass to the floor vote and was placed on call. SB 1222 would create a pilot program to designate a lead county office to help regions struggling with career technical education implementation. Supporters said many students remain disconnected from school and work and that the bill would spread proven regional CTE practices. Some committee members questioned whether another pilot was needed, arguing existing CTE programs need more funding and fewer new structures, while the author and sponsor said the bill would build regional capacity and share successful models. The bill passed to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. SB 1378 would create a California Excellence in Service Learning Designation Program to recognize schools and districts with strong service-learning programs. Supporters said it would validate existing work and encourage civic engagement, while one member raised concerns about adding more designations and workload for schools. The bill passed as amended to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. SB 1048 would create a Seal of Climate Literacy for high school students demonstrating climate science knowledge through coursework and hands-on learning. Supporters, including the Department of Education and climate education groups, said it would align students with growing clean-energy careers; some members cautioned against adding more curriculum-related seals and noted equity and implementation concerns. The bill passed to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. Later, SB 1101, the Higher Education Data Sharing Transparency Act, was presented. It would require CSU, community colleges, independent colleges, and request UC to notify students, faculty, and staff when their personal information is shared with federal agencies such as the Office for Civil Rights, and to limit disclosure to what is legally required. Supporters said recent federal investigations and subpoenas have created fear and a lack of transparency on campuses. Committee discussion focused on subpoena authority, constitutional limits, and whether notice should be required; one member said she would abstain because of legal concerns, while another said the bill would continue to be examined in the next committee. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 1101 before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, yes, we do contract... ...what is their function?
• Madam Chair, yes, we do contract out for third-party appraisals.
• Madam Chair, yes, we do contract... ...what is their function?
• Madam Chair, yes, we do contract out for third-party appraisals.
• All the way to Picacho Peak in Pinal County, where the famous Dairy Queen is located.

Bills: HB2150 , HB2262 , HB2267 , HB2268 , HB2351 , HB2425 , HB2426 , HB2427 , HB2755 , HB2781 , HB2913 , HB2943 , HB2956 , HB2975 , HB2985 , HB4009

Committees: House Natural Resources, Energy & Water , House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Keywords: state land department, mineral lease, renewals, indexed royalties, land use planning, auditor general, five-year plans, geospatial data, Arizona Geological Survey, resource analysis, geographic information systems, wildlife protection, public nuisance, renewable energy, wind farm, solar farm, residential property, public health, local regulations, state land

Transcript Highlights:

• mortgage lending fraud prosecution account are used by the Department of Financial Institutions to contract
• The account revenues are used by the Department of Financial Institutions to contract with county prosecutor's
• The Department of Financial Institutions would spend those new revenues on additional contracts with
• We manage an ECAP contract for about 1,440 ECAP slots in Snohomish County that are located in schools
• In 2018, the legislature authorized DSHS to contract with the consumer-directed employer, or CDE, to

Bills: SB5109 , SB5835 , SB6065

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: mortgage lending, fraud, prosecution, financial regulations, consumer protection, retirement, lump sum payment, benefits, pension, financial security, SB 6065, school district transportation, transportation vehicle fund, pupil transportation, school buses, electric school buses, zero-emission buses, bus fleet electrification, charging stations, vehicle replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would require any person applying to contract with the department or to renew or extend a contract
• HB 1530 requires that any person applying to contract with the department, or to extend or renew a contract
• ,</c><01:10:21.840><c> but</c> Department of Health's contract, but Department of Health's contract,
• ><c> argues</c> A contracted service provider argues A contracted service provider argues that<01:14:
• They don't have to have located the program at the time of the contract award.

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1969, which would provide state funding for colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department of Human Services said it supports the goal of early screening but would need new administrative capacity, including a program manager and claim pre-screening, to run the program. The Department of Health supported the measure and cited low screening rates in Hawaii, noting an educational campaign to encourage screening. The Insurance Division raised concerns about reliance on federal FAQs, warning that guidance can change and may create state cost exposure. Supporters including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Hawaii Medical Association argued the bill would close a preventive-care gap, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and save long-term costs; the committee also discussed implementation costs, estimated by DHS at roughly $1.4 million to $2 million annually plus administrative expenses, and a 6-month to 1-year timeline to establish the program. The committee then took up House Bill 1965, which would require health carriers to spend at least 6% of total medical expenditures on primary care providers. The Insurance Division said several provisions raise technical and legal concerns, including the premium freeze, the medical loss ratio language, the lack of an existing external review process for downcoding claims, and a new mandate for medically necessary inter-island transportation that could trigger an ACA defrayal. The Department of Human Services supported the intent but suggested broader language to include primary care supports and services, and noted that QUEST integration plans already invested at least 9% of total medical expenditures in primary care in 2024, with additional spending on supports and low-value care reductions. State health planning officials strongly supported the bill as an investment in primary care, saying it could improve outcomes and lower long-term costs, though they acknowledged a possible temporary premium increase during the transition. Testimony in support emphasized Hawaii’s physician shortage, especially on Maui, the Big Island, and other neighbor islands, and warned that clinics are under financial strain and may close without higher primary care reimbursement. The Hawaii Healthcare Task Force, AARP Hawaii, and other supporters said the bill would help retain providers, improve access for Medicare and Medicaid patients, and prevent downstream costs from emergency room use and avoidable hospitalizations. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• They also provide investment strategies to international investors seeking to locate in Missouri.
• Spread out, we have 14 offices located around the world.
• I mean, that was going to be able to pull down federal dollars for a contract. I understand.
• I think... is it located on an institution's campus? I know they partner with them.
• So what was a $20,000 location then becomes a $1,000 location.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• THE BUREAU OF CONTRACT MANAGES MODESTO MANAGEMENT MANAGES THE 960 VENDOR CONTRACTS AND THEY ENSURE THAT
• THESE AGREEMENTS INCLUDE BOTH STATE TERM CONTRACTS AND ALTERNATE CONTRACT THEY ARE DEFINED IN CHAPTER
• THAT IF AN AGENCY NEEDS A GOOD OF SERVICE ON A CONTRACT THEY HAVE TO PURCHASE FROM THE STATE TERM CONTRACT
• IF THE COMMODITY CONTRACTUAL SERVICE IS AVAILABLE ON THE STATE TERM CONTRACT OR ALTERNATE CONTRACT SOURCE
• CONTRACTS.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think Steve pointed out when you have a service, they source it to the location where it's received
• We have facilities in multiple locations.
• We have facilities in multiple locations and offer a diverse schedule of online and in-person classes
• services for direct support... $11.4 million on contracted services for direct support to students,
• I only earn income from my contract hours, which is about $120 per four hours.

Committee: House Finance

Summary: The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The committee then received a Department of Revenue update on the Antio-related legislation. DOR explained the Washington Supreme Court’s Antio decision on the B&O deduction for investment income, the department’s post-decision guidance, and the 2025 legislative changes in HB 2081 and SB 5167, including an expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for entities with unreported investment income. DOR said the expanded program offers broader penalty and interest relief and applies to both registered and unregistered businesses, but participation has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved. The committee next heard the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through the first 10 months and a major increase in applications after TurboTax integrated the credit. Officials said the program reached more than 409,000 children this year, but demographic response rates fell because TurboTax did not present optional demographic questions. DOR also discussed outreach efforts, the end of funding for community outreach partners after 2025, and challenges including fraud involving third-party preparers, turnover in eligible households, immigration-related reluctance among ITIN holders, data-sharing barriers, and difficulty verifying self-employment income. Members asked about fraud remedies, and DOR said it can pursue recipients for fraudulent refunds and may work with law enforcement, but the statute does not provide direct penalties against preparers. The final DOR presentation covered implementation of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded retail sales tax to certain services effective October 1. DOR described its outreach and guidance process, including 16 listening sessions, an online survey, a centralized guidance page, special notices, and about 95,000 direct taxpayer contacts. Officials said ruling requests surged sharply around the effective date, especially for live presentations, advertising, and software/IT services, and formal rulemaking is expected after the 2026 session. Committee members questioned whether the fiscal note anticipated impacts on schools and nonprofits and whether the department’s estimates should be revisited. The committee then heard stakeholder testimony from Expedia, T-Mobile, and the Construction Industry Training Council, followed by Clover Park School District and Seattle Theatre Group/Inspire Washington. Witnesses argued that SB 5814 creates complexity, uncertainty, and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses and nonprofits, especially for digital advertising, IT, training, and live presentation services. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax raises costs for education, apprenticeship, arts, and cultural programming, with Clover Park warning of a roughly $1.2 million annual hit to special education-related contracted services. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair saying the committee would continue working on SB 5814 issues in the next legislative session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um you heard a um mention a located.
• Uh, it establishes, as a matter of law, the contracts in this case, a lease agreement between a solar
• Those contracts must have financial assurances and decommissioning obligations owed by the grantee to
• Uh, it establishes, as a matter of law, the contracts in this case, a lease agreement between a solar
• Those contracts must have financial assurances and decommissioning obligations owed by the grantee to

Bills: SB88 , SB337 , SB88 , SB337 , HB623

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: expungement, criminal records, courts, victim rights, rehabilitation, Alabama law, SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, construction management

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, if a city or county wants to use a private laboratory, the city or county must contract
• The bill is silent as to the location of the lab. Thank you. Any questions of staff?
• , trespassing on the place of worship or the common areas of the real property upon which it is located
• So the definition currently is a place of worship means a location where persons regularly assemble for
• This narrow fix protects State procurement contracts.

Committee: House Community Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• The issue for them is that they are not a great fit compared to some of the other contract schools that
• If we can build upon the resources that we have and expand those to different locations, that would be
• The Medicaid, when they're making their contracting and other kinds of things, could require that to
• I mean, if you're in a rural location, you don't have a very big pool to draw from.
• And then those are things like utilities, insurance, contract labor.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• It was not a forensic audit, but what it was, was the first time we had actually used a contract that
• to contract.
• , not necessarily where campuses are located, where parents and voters can hold them accountable.
• Because charter schools can have different locations all across the state.
• It was in the middle of the school year, because they're not contracted, right?

Bills: HB1540 , HB3837 , HB5571 , SB370 , SB2425

Committee: House Delivery of Government Efficiency

Keywords: government review, Texas Sunset Act, regulatory oversight, agencies, sunset provisions, autonomous vehicles, regulation, safety, criminal offense, Autonomous Vehicle Commission, registration, regulations, Level 4 automation, Level 5 automation, self-driving technology, traffic laws, permit system, collision reporting, safety standards, Automated Vehicle Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• Unless you knew the date that the emergency rule had been published, it was difficult to find or locate
• , that many budget appropriations, and that many procurements that go out against the state term contract
• a given year, and we believe we'll get substantial savings over what's already in the state term contract
• It would also tell you where vehicles are, location, any given moment.
• Centralizing that in one place, we still. state term contract.

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met for its first meeting of the session, took roll, and heard a presentation from Ken Plant of the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee on SB 108, the 2025 law overhauling Florida rulemaking. The presentation focused on new deadlines for agencies to begin and publish rules, limits on automatic sunset provisions, changes to emergency rule procedures, expanded public input on statements of estimated regulatory costs, a five-year review cycle for existing rules, and new licensing-reporting requirements. Members asked about the review timeline and emphasized the need to keep agencies accountable for meeting the new requirements. The committee then reviewed the Department of Management Services’ response to Auditor General Report 2025-1096 on fleet management. DMS said the audit found 10 issues, most of which it believes it has addressed, and described the statewide fleet system as tracking about 27,000 assets with limited staff. DMS highlighted two major improvement ideas that would require funding: an enterprise telematics system to automate vehicle data and improve tracking, and centralized fleet procurement to reduce duplication and save money. Members questioned the status of FleetWave implementation, missing vehicle records, integration with other state systems, and access controls for separated employees. DMS explained that FleetWave is fully implemented but still relies on manual data entry, that discrepancies with the state accounting system largely reflect mismatched or inconsistent entries, and that policies and procedures were updated after the audit. The department said it now works more closely with People First to deactivate access when employees leave. After discussion, no further business was raised, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• of CBDMD, Inc., said that their product will be in convenience stores, grocery stores, and other locations
• And I think language like that, maybe we could talk about it being in the contract with the member.
• Now, in policy, in the contracts, that's a better place for something about notice.
• Health benefits contracts provided under this act shall not be subject to individual post-claimed medical
• Does everybody have it located? Do you have it? I do not, sir. Well, this... Yeah.

Bills: HB441

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• of CBDMD, Inc. said that their product will be in convenience stores, grocery stores, and other locations
• I think language like that, maybe we could talk about it being in the contract with the member.
• Now, in policy, in the contracts, that’s a better place for something about notice.
• Underwriting while coverage remains in effect and no member covered under a health benefits contract
• Does everybody have it located? Do you have it? I do not, sir. Well, this... This was...

Bills: HB445 , HB477 , SB274 , HB441

Committee: House Health

Keywords: hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, THC, delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, consumable hemp products, psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, ABC Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, retail hemp sales, wholesale hemp distribution, hemp tax, excise tax, age verification, underage sales, product testing, certificate of analysis

Transcript Highlights:

• They are located in the East Gallery. Today is Moffitt Day.
• The problem is that some of them have gone into a new contract on February 1st, and their question is
• , you know, what happens with those individuals who have just entered into a new contract?
• And these services will be covered under the new contracts, whatever.
• And these services will be covered under the new contracts, whatever.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and several introductions recognizing visitors and groups in the gallery, including Moffitt Cancer Center for “Moffitt Day,” students from Lakeland Christian School, representatives from the space industry for Space Day, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity members, licensed investigators, and local delegations from Groveland, Polk County, Auburndale, and the College of the Florida Keys. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar with Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell presented the bill as a major autism-focused measure aimed at earlier diagnosis and expanded services. The bill would expand autism screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services to age four with a federal waiver, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a coordinating research hub, create grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establish a microcredential for teachers, health workers, and daycare workers serving children with autism. Senators Davis, Jones, Osgood, Duma, and Wright spoke in support while raising concerns about provider recruitment, Medicaid managed care coverage, the need for technology and research, and the importance of early intervention and adult services. Harrell closed by saying the bill was only “step one,” addressed provider and funding questions, and emphasized research and statewide coordination. The Senate passed CS/CS/SB 112 by a vote of 38-0 and then adopted a motion to waive the rules and immediately certify the bill to the House. Senators also co-introduced Senate Resolution 1856 honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, Senate Bill 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration, and the Senate adjourned until the following Wednesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we changed the Community Mental Health Center contract and rebid that.
• But we have specific scope of work in our Community Mental Health Center contracts for them to go into
• One is its location, and so, you know, where sheriffs and police were taking people was not as easily
• The Fort Smith success, I think, is because it's located on the grounds of Western Arkansas Counseling
• So that was a special contract that we awarded them because we did not have a qualified bidder.

Committee: All PUBLIC HEALTH- HOUSE HEALTH SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE