Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation gives the court discretion to support that restitution.
• I had not contemplated that within the legislation.
• The intent of the operator.
• intent.
• Unfortunately, this legislation would not come close to meeting that need.

Summary: The Rules Committee took up a large agenda of bills, with many measures reported favorably after brief explanations, amendments, and testimony. Early bills included CS/SB 658 on lien waivers and releases, which was amended to preserve enforceability despite form differences and then passed; CS/CS/SB 736 on brownfields redevelopment, which drew support from business and redevelopment interests and passed; and CS/SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, which was amended to bar certain building or fire code provisions affecting fuel-source choices and then passed despite opposition from environmental advocates. The committee also advanced CS/CS/SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, where manufacturers, dealer representatives, and industry groups warned the bill could undermine dealer networks and existing repair programs, while supporters argued it would improve consumer access and help farmers and equipment owners. The bill still passed. Other measures reported favorably included CS/SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of property-damage crashes, CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign-country controlling interests in health care licensing, CS/SB 772 on school access to glucagon for diabetes emergencies, CS/SB 1400 on removal of nonconsensual altered sexual depictions, and CS/SB 1696 on transportation network company impersonation and transit funding. A major portion of the meeting focused on affordable housing. CS/SB 1730, a follow-up to the Live Local Act, made several changes to zoning, height, density, parking, moratorium, and enforcement provisions, with members raising concerns about parking reductions, attorney’s fees, local control, and impacts in the Keys and other sensitive areas. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes and improves workforce housing implementation, while some witnesses urged additional exemptions for areas of critical state concern. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. Later, the committee considered several bills from Senator Leak, including CS/SB 576 on service of process, CS/SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments, and CS/SB 1164 on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices. CS/SB 606 drew substantial debate over whether hotels and extended-stay properties should be able to remove nonpaying guests without treating them like residential tenants; the sponsor said the bill clarifies transient occupancy and removes mandatory arrest provisions, and it passed. CS/SB 1164, which allows email notice delivery by agreement, passed despite concerns from tenant advocates that the bill should include clearer consent and safeguards. The committee also approved CS/SB 1374 on school district reporting of educator arrests and misconduct, CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation sales, and began hearing CS/SB 1690 on surrendered infants, which would authorize infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, with supportive testimony from proponents describing crisis situations and the need for anonymous surrender options.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everyone was in agreement with respect to this intent, including Paul Marsh.
• Respectful opposition to this legislation.
• And that's why that was the original intent.
• And that's why we're, that was the original intent.
• State Representative Leo Biasucci, Legislative District 30.

Bills: HB2026, HB2027, HB2028, HB2031, HB2078, HB2094, HB2095, HB2101, HB2102, HB2103, HB2260, HB2278, HB2827, HB2932, HB2933, HB2934, HB2986, HCM2009, HCR2038

Keywords: assured water supply, groundwater, commingling, commingled water, water supply, Arizona Department of Water Resources, ADWR, active management area, AMA, subdivision plat, development approval, water rights, municipal provider, private water company, certificate of assured water supply, written commitment of water service, groundwater savings credits, gray water reuse, replenishment district, Central Arizona Project

Summary: The committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Water heard and advanced several bills and memorials focused on water policy, mining, environmental regulation, and professional licensing. HB 2260, a veterinary board measure, HB 2986, an ADEQ cleanup/omnibus bill, and HB 2827, which extends Pinal AMA groundwater fee authority and related fund deadlines, all received due pass recommendations on unanimous 10-0 votes. HB 2078, clarifying that public notice for new aggregate mine reclamation plans applies only to new plans and can be satisfied by certain local notices, also passed 9-1 after testimony from the sponsor and mining industry representatives. HCM 2009, urging Congress to amend the Antiquities Act, address split estate mineral rights, and streamline mining permits, passed 5-4 along party lines and drew support from mining interests and opposition from members concerned about federal land protection and monuments. HCR 2038, supporting a seven-state Colorado River agreement, passed 9-1 with testimony emphasizing the importance of a negotiated river settlement to Arizona’s economy, food supply, and national security. The committee then took up a series of water-management bills that generated more extensive debate. HB 2026, which narrows how ADWR evaluates water availability by focusing on proposed dedicated supplies even if commingled in delivery systems, passed 6-4 despite concerns that it echoed previously vetoed language and could weaken water security. HB 2027, as amended, would limit application of Pinal AMA-style rules in the Phoenix AMA and alter physical-availability review for applicants enrolled in the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District; it passed 6-4 after strong opposition from CAP, municipal water users, and ADWR, who warned it could undermine assured water supply designations and CAGRD obligations, while home builders argued it was a fairness issue for development. HB 2028, removing ADWR’s exemption from appealable administrative-completeness determinations, passed 6-4 over agency concerns that it would turn deficiency letters into formal appeals and add workload, while supporters said it would give applicants the same legal rights as other regulated parties. The committee also approved HB 2031, an emergency measure setting a deadline for filing grandfathered groundwater rights in the Wilcox AMA, on a 5-4 vote, and HB 2094, which would require ADWR to re-review certain assured water supply determinations and retroactively validate some applications using specified models, also on a 5-4 vote; both were described as similar to previously vetoed measures. The transcript ends as the committee begins HB 2095, which would expand the factors ADWR considers in determining groundwater depth and physical availability for assured water supply applications, with an amendment being explained but no final action captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that was the intent, Mr.
• There's no reason we can't move ahead with this bill today, and that is my intention.
• There's no reason we can't move ahead with this bill today, and that is my intention.
• <00:29:05.960> uh bill today and that is my intention uh bill today and that is my intention
• employers and that's what is this intent employers and that's what is this intent of<00:34:27.359

Bills: HF11

Keywords: Minnesota Paid Leave, paid family and medical leave, family leave, medical leave, implementation delay, premium collection, employer premiums, state payroll tax, workforce, labor, benefits administration, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, employer notice, seasonal employees, private plans, actuarial study, outreach and education, employee rights, reinstatement

Transcript Highlights:

• I find myself compelled as a parent and a legislator to bring this piece of legislation back because,
• And I think that's the author's intention here.
• A lot of them, I think, are well-intentioned.
• I appreciate the author's intent with this bill.
• I support the intention, and I think everyone supports the intention of what the author is trying to

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:00.080> of measure we believe that the intent of measure we believe that the intent
• <00:20:32.159> was note that a similar legislation was note that a similar legislation was
• be counterintuitive to what the intent be counterintuitive to what the intent was<01:01:15.799><
• <01:40:48.920> thank report to all of our legislators thank report to all of our legislators
• <01:47:36.199> let's 137 is that type of legislation let's 137 is that type of legislation

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions. The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand the intent. The intention is commendable.
• I respectfully rise to oppose this legislation.
• That is who we're hurting with this legislation.
• I actually ran legislation a couple years in a row to put them under legislative audit review because
• And I think our intent when we did it was good.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and a long series of guest introductions, including honorary pages, veterans, child care advocates, and other visitors. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 63 designating March 13, 2026, as Veterans Visibility Day. Senators spoke at length about honoring everyday veterans, those who served and returned home, and families of those who did not. The resolution was adopted 33-0, with one absent vote, and the remarks of the sponsor were ordered printed in the journal appendix. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 64 opposing China’s misuse of U.N. Resolution 2758 and reaffirming support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. Members described it as an annual expression of support for Taiwan and urged the congressional delegation to stand with Taiwan. The resolution was adopted by voice vote. The chamber then passed House Bill 4007 on industrial access roads, increasing annual funding and project limits for the program, and House Bill 4010 creating an airport hangar grant pilot program funded with $75 million; both bills passed 33-0 and were made effective by the Senate. A major debate centered on House Bill 4012, which would reduce regulatory burdens on utilities and add conditions for transmission projects and PSC approvals. Supporters argued it would protect West Virginia landowners and ratepayers from subsidizing out-of-state projects, while opponents warned about federal preemption and said the bill could hinder beneficial transmission development. After amendment, the bill passed 29-5 and was made effective from passage. The Senate also passed House Bill 4025, moving certain health-related employees into the classified exempt system; House Bill 487 creating a West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance; House Bill 4106 allowing constitutional carry for 18- to 20-year-olds; House Bill 4176 allowing youth and handicapped hunters to harvest buck deer or doe during special hunts; House Bill 4191 expanding child care support and changing reimbursement rules; House Bill 4345 requiring digitization and transfer of missing persons records to the Fusion Center; and House Bill 4418 creating a Tax Efficiency Act for voluntary electronic B&O tax filing. Most of these measures passed with strong margins, though House Bill 4106 and House Bill 4191 drew notable debate and narrower votes. The most extended and divided discussion came on House Bill 4425, which repealed the one-time high school transfer athletic eligibility protection. Supporters said the current rule had led to recruiting, competitive imbalance, and harm to smaller schools, while opponents argued it punished children and restricted parental choice, especially in academic or safety-related transfers. After extensive debate, the bill passed 31-3. The Senate then moved on to House Bill 4198 and House Bill 4245 by unanimous consent actions, and the transcript ended amid continued debate on school transfer policy and related concerns about fairness, parental authority, and student welfare.

Transcript Highlights:

• We’ve all been a little busy on our respective legislation.
• And I think I understand your intent of this.
• So in closing, we definitely appreciate the intent of the bill.
• So in closing, definitely appreciate the intent of the bill.
• So we believe it's premature to make changes through this process in legislation.

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with AB 1424, AB 1340, AB 288, and AB 746 all advancing on due-pass motions to Appropriations after testimony and roll calls. AB 1424 would require climate resiliency and extreme-heat protections in CDCR facilities; supporters described dangerous heat conditions for incarcerated workers and staff, while no opposition testified. AB 1340 would allow rideshare drivers to unionize and collectively bargain; drivers, labor groups, and researchers testified that app-based work is low-paid and unstable, while TechNet, Uber, Lyft, and other business groups argued the bill conflicts with Proposition 22 and could raise costs. AB 288 would let PERB step in when federal labor remedies are unavailable; supporters said it is needed because of NLRB dysfunction, while the Chamber of Commerce raised preemption and enforcement concerns. AB 746 would create an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve; supporters framed it as a recidivism-reduction and reentry strategy, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard AB 858, which would extend hotel and hospitality worker recall rights after declared emergencies and extend existing COVID-era protections. Hospitality workers and unions supported the bill as a way to protect jobs after pandemics, wildfires, and other disasters, while hotel, chamber, retail, restaurant, trucking, travel, and attractions groups opposed it, saying the current recall rules were meant to sunset and that the bill would create broad liabilities and hiring complications. The bill was moved to Appropriations but remained on call after the roll. AB 291, creating a credentialed educator apprenticeship program to address teacher shortages and improve diversity, drew support from education groups and stakeholders who said apprenticeships could lower preparation costs and provide better support; it was also moved to Appropriations and placed on call. Later, the committee took up AB 1104, a solar-energy bill intended to clarify that private solar customers are not “awarding bodies” and to ease certain business-to-business solar transactions while preserving prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements for contractors. Supporters said the current interpretation has chilled commercial solar adoption and harmed jobs, while opponents from electrical workers, PG&E, and others warned about expanded “over-the-fence” power sales and the need for clearer limits. Members questioned the lack of a definition of “small,” and the bill was held without a second. The committee also heard AB 338, which seeks $50 million for Los Angeles and Ventura wildfire workforce recovery; the author and county officials described major job loss and business destruction and said the funds would support displaced workers and rebuilding, with the testimony continuing beyond the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't accidental, it's intentional.
• She remarked, "It's always interesting when I read the legislative history and see legislators saying
• My intent is to ban eight-liners in Texas.
• This is TLR's 16th legislative session over 32 years.
• It is based on the Florida legislation.

Bills: SB30, SB517, SB1313, SB1314, SB1316, SB1541, SB1698, SB1845, SB1860, SB2420, SB2429, SB 30

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Transcript Highlights:

• final draft is prepared for legislative final draft is prepared for legislative consideration<00
• So I think if we are really intentional about what needs to be happening, this is the time.
• So I think if we are really intentional about what needs to be happening, this is the time.
• So I think if we are really intentional about what needs to be happening, this is the time.
• So I think if we are really intentional about what needs to be happening, this is the time.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I'm wondering the intent.
• Well, I mean, your legislation is making it more complex to operate in the space.
• Housing type is supposed to be the intent of it.
• Gosh, well, I mean, that question of intent is a very interesting one.
• That was never the intent of the law.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I I do think we intent is with this.
• money that's primary purpose of intent money that's primary purpose of intent was<00:15:16.079><
• > for<00:42:43.480> the I'm the legislative liaison for the I'm the legislative liaison
• 31.680> and the director of legislative and the director of legislative and political<00:43:32.200
• also have the report and legislation also have the report and legislation recommended<01:20:14.880

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The commission first approved the minutes and then took up several pension omnibus items. Representative Rapinski’s item, related to an I-RAP issue, was moved ahead of the agenda and passed without further information after members noted the State Board of Investment and Minnesota State had not identified additional facts; the bill, as previously amended, was recommended for inclusion in the 2026 Pension Omnibus Bill. The committee also corrected a procedural issue on Senator Gustafson’s bill, SF 3897/HF 3703, after realizing an amendment referenced earlier belonged to a different bill; the motion was restated without the amendment reference and the bill was then recommended to pass and be incorporated into the omnibus bill. The main policy discussion centered on SF 3897/HF 3703, which would change how terminating firefighter relief association plans value benefits for firefighters under age 50. Senator Gustafson said the current statute can unfairly reduce benefits by requiring present-value discounting and that the bill would instead allow benefits to be based on accrued benefit under the plan formula, while still leaving relief associations flexibility to use present value if they choose. Staff confirmed the bill applies only to relief associations under chapter 424B, not PERA or the statewide plan. Senator Rasmussen raised concerns about consistency between SVF and non-SVF reliefs and about differing treatment on termination; the bill author acknowledged the difference. The committee ultimately voted to recommend the bill for inclusion in the omnibus pension bill. The final major item was House File 4162, as amended by an A1 amendment, which requires employers of reemployed annuitants in TRA to make employer contributions during reemployment, including Minnesota State Colleges and Universities employees covered under section 354.445. Representative O’Driscoll argued the bill would direct existing education-formula pension dollars to TRA, prevent districts from using those funds elsewhere when retirees are rehired, and keep the employee neutral because the annuitant’s benefit would not change. Supporters said the measure would help pension funding and address situations where districts rehire retired teachers, often in hard-to-fill specialties. Opponents, including Senator Rasmusson, questioned the added cost to school districts, citing an estimated $5.385 million in annual TRA revenue from the change and warning it could reduce districts’ ability to hire or retain staff. After discussion, the committee had not yet taken final action on this item in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We even had a thread with a lot of legislators in that area.
• I wonder if that's the intent, so, uh, so we'll, yeah, we'll look at that. That's great.
• I wonder if that's the intent, so, uh, so we'll, yeah, we'll look at that. That's great.
• I wonder if that's the intent, so, uh, so we'll, yeah, we'll look at that. That's great.
• I wonder if that's the intent, so, uh, so we'll, yeah, we'll look at that. That's great.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 669, sponsored by Representative Smith, which was presented as a response to a September shooting incident in his district that led to school closures and missed instructional days. Smith said the bill was intended to help school districts recover lost days caused by extraordinary emergencies and not to set a broad precedent. Members asked whether districts had adjusted calendars to make up time, and Smith said many had already extended days or moved calendars into June. The committee then voted to pass House Bill 669, with all members present voting yes. The committee next heard House Bill 621, as amended by a committee substitute that removed a homeschooling-related section and left only the school-threat provisions. The bill would allow courts to impose a fine on parents when a child is adjudicated for terroristic threatening if law enforcement incurred excessive costs, and it would require a mental health assessment for the child. Representative Duvall and Officer Steve Chappelle supported the measure, arguing that online school threats spread fear, disrupt attendance, pull law-enforcement resources from other schools, and should create more parental accountability. Representative Riley also supported the accountability goal, citing lost instructional time and a recent student suicide tied to online issues. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s scope and due process. Representative Josh Callaway questioned why this offense should be the starting point for parental fines and warned about a slippery slope in holding parents liable for children’s crimes. Representative Willner said the bill seemed more like a judiciary issue, questioned whether punishment can make parents better parents, and asked about diversion programs and the meaning of the detention language. Representative Tipton pointed to existing statutes on mental health assessments and terroristic threatening penalties, and said the committee substitute would alleviate many concerns. Scott West, speaking for Kentucky Policy and the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the mandatory detention language would remove judicial discretion and that the parental fine provision could conflict with existing due process protections requiring notice, a hearing, and a finding that lack of supervision was a substantial factor in the child’s delinquency. The transcript does not show a final vote on House Bill 621 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many in this legislative body are gifted.
• The goal of that legislation was to ensure Missouri's intention is to serve all of its children.
• The goal of that legislation was to ensure Missouri's intention is to serve all of its children.
• this legislation does a good job of following up to make sure that intent is really respected.
• So it would require additional legislation to withdraw.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The intent of the bill was to clarify the language that they've been seeking.
• Thank you for bringing this legislation forward.
• We support legislation like this throughout the United States.
• Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to present this legislation.
• Okay, we support the legislation on consumer bill.

Bills: HB854, HB 1052, HB1642, HB2076, HB3042, HB3695, HB3787, HB4062, HB4092, SB213, SB493, SB896, HB5519, HB4635

Keywords: insurance, replacement cost, homeowner's policy, renter's policy, condominium insurance, property damage, claims process, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health benefit plan, insurance coverage, out-of-state services, anxiety, pain management, contraceptive devices, women's health, medical procedures, healthcare, laboratory

Transcript Highlights:

• 37:38.040> but<00:37:38.359> as presume the intent of the bill but as presume the intent
• We appreciate the intent.
• intent was in the bill.
• intent was in the bill.
• intent was in the bill.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They >> That's what the legislation says.
• best response to you is intentional best response to you is intentional college<00:29:45.360>
• >> and I'm not arguing about the intent. >> and I'm not arguing about the intent.
• Once again, you know, I like the intent of the bill.
• Uh, and I like the intent of the bill.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 00:55 26RS SB 22 – 04:52 26RS SB 46 – 0:34:36, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met with a quorum and opened the session by recognizing staff and an intern before taking up SB 22, relating to the dual credit scholarship program. Senator Jimmy Higdon presented the bill with Laura Arnold of Nelson County Schools, explaining that it is a narrower version of a prior proposal that had been too broad and had drawn an unfavorable fiscal note. The bill would create a Grow Your Own teacher apprenticeship scholarship for students in registered teacher apprenticeship programs, beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, allowing up to 20 dual credit courses total and no more than eight per year. It requires a district-approved commitment form, annual completion of at least one teaching-and-learning pathway course, and maintenance of a 2.75 GPA on scholarship-funded coursework. Students who withdraw or fail to meet academic requirements would lose eligibility and could be required to repay scholarship funds, though waivers for cause are included. The sponsor said the estimated costs were relatively modest at first and could grow over time, and described the program as a way to address the teacher shortage and help students earn an associate degree in high school and then complete teacher certification with less debt. Testimony from Nelson County Schools described the Lead Nelson model as a partnership among the district, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, and Western Kentucky University, with students beginning education coursework in high school, earning dual credit, and receiving clinical hours in classrooms earlier than in traditional preparation programs. Witnesses said the model includes key assessments, university oversight, and collaboration on curriculum and outcomes, and that it has already produced at least one teacher who returned to Nelson County. Members asked about the GPA cutoff, possible reinstatement after academic recovery, federal funding opportunities, the amount and structure of apprentice pay, and the role of postsecondary partners. Mary Taylor of the Kentucky Department of Education said there appears to be federal support for similar apprenticeship efforts and noted a possible U.S. grant opportunity, while the presenters said high school apprentices are paid hourly and adult apprentices average about $24,000 annually. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to vote out to pass on this legislation to vote out to pass on this legislation and<00:07:45.960
• Well, if you adopt the minimum or maximum..." intention like yes so the way I can tell intention like
• In that case, it's a knowing intent to distribute. The law requires not a knowing intent to kill.
• In that case, it's a knowing intent to distribute. The law requires not a knowing intent to kill.
• human you cannot legislate fundamentally human you cannot legislate personal<02:40:34.520> safety

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that was the intent.
• And it was not the intent that maybe that's the final matching.
• I think the intent, and my intent, would be to put the language that section 11 wouldn’t apply to them
• So that's the intent of the progression piece.
• So the numbers will be slightly different, but the intent is to simplify it.

Summary: The Higher Education Funding Review Committee met to continue work on a draft higher education funding formula and related capital building fund changes. Lisa Johnson of the North Dakota University System updated the committee on the board’s developing policy for low-producing academic programs. She said the board is using a five-year rolling window, with thresholds of fewer than 10 undergraduate graduates or fewer than 5 graduate graduates, and that programs flagged in three consecutive review cycles would go to the board for review. Possible outcomes include continuation, continuation with modifications, inactivation, or termination. Members asked about how the policy would account for enrollment, program costs, workforce need, and programs that serve students outside their major. Johnson said the board would likely use an accompanying procedure to consider those factors. She also reported that about 200 programs could potentially be reviewed under current guidance, with 135 inactivated and 112 terminated, and said the process is intended to support quality and stewardship rather than simply cut programs. Jamie Wilkie then reported on the Capital Building Fund. He reviewed the fund’s history, matching requirements, and use for extraordinary repairs, deferred maintenance, and some legislatively authorized projects. He said about $334 million in state and matching dollars has been invested overall, with roughly 78.7% going to deferred maintenance and extraordinary repairs. Committee members pressed for updated information on how much deferred maintenance has actually been reduced, and several members said they wanted clearer reporting on the return on investment from new buildings versus repairs. NDSU representatives said the tier funding has helped significantly reduce deferred maintenance and allowed demolition and renovation work on campus. The committee also discussed the need for updated five-year facility plans and space-utilization information from the institutions. The committee then began a section-by-section review of a draft bill that would replace the current higher education funding formula with an FTE-based model and restructure the capital building fund. The draft would fund UND and NDSU differently from the other nine institutions, use fall enrollment rather than completed credits, add performance funding for completions in in-demand fields, create research incentives for UND and NDSU, and combine capital building fund tiers while changing matching requirements and eligible uses. Members raised concerns about the treatment of professional students, the use of CIP codes, incentives for waivers, and whether the formula should rely on more current data. The committee did not take final action on the draft during this meeting, but it continued detailed discussion and indicated more review would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• location, and immediately before and throughout the year they are there to provide help to any legislators
• Andrews Priory, and I got to meet her during our Women's Legislative Breakfast.
• Today is her first day, and joining her is our legislative aide, Ainkez Enriquez, and it also happens
• breakfast um uh she women's legislative breakfast um uh she is<00:18:25.679> going<00:18:25.840
• Aid uh Ain kez her is our legislative Aid uh Ain kez Enriquez<00:18:34.400> and<00:18:34.520>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he knew the sponsor’s intent, but wanted to make sure the bill is written to the intent and does
• He said he knew the sponsor’s intent, but wanted to make sure the bill is written to the intent and does
• Um, so I think the intent as well.
• of legislation about different pieces of legislation here?
• of legislation and and it is right now. of legislation and and it is right now.

Keywords: Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15 Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14 Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all

Summary: The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf. Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.