Transcript Highlights:

• its academic programs, the rigor, the productivity, and its alignment with our state and system priorities
• Chair, just while we're on the question of kind of the super priority SIPs and education, there's ZIP
• Chair, just while we're on the question of kind of the super priority SIPS and education, there's zip
• And then kind of the super priority ones to the left of that, priority two-time standard, that's the
• So those boxes at the bottom are where you would move dollars up and down based on priorities.

Summary: The committee met to discuss higher education funding and capital building policy. Members first heard an update from NDUS Deputy Commissioner Lisa Johnson on low-producing academic programs. She described a proposed board policy using a five-year rolling window and thresholds of fewer than 10 undergraduate graduates or fewer than 5 graduate graduates, with programs flagged for three consecutive review periods going to the board. Possible outcomes would include continuation, continuation with modifications, inactivation, or termination. Members asked about how the review would account for program costs, service to other students, workforce demand, and the difference between inactivation and termination. Johnson said the board would consider broader factors and that campuses already do detailed program analysis. Several members also asked about cost savings and staffing impacts from program terminations, and Johnson said the board would try to provide more information later. The committee then received a report on the Capital Building Fund from Jamie Wilkie. He reviewed the program’s history, matching requirements, and recent uses, noting that about $334 million in state and matching dollars has been invested overall, with most going to deferred maintenance and extraordinary repairs. Members discussed whether the program is reducing deferred maintenance and requested updated systemwide data on deferred maintenance and campus space utilization. Wilkie said the board is considering a new study to update deferred maintenance figures, which are based on information more than 12 years old. He also reported that several institutions have used current biennium funds for projects such as residence hall renovations, health sciences housing, generators, and building repairs. Later, the committee began a detailed walkthrough of a draft bill that would replace the current higher education funding formula with an FTE-based model and also revise the capital building fund structure. The draft would use fall enrollment FTEs, add completion incentives for degrees in in-demand fields, and create a separate research funding component for UND and NDSU tied to doctoral completions and external research expenditures. Members raised concerns about the use of older data in the formula, the treatment of waivers, the weighting of professional and health sciences programs, and the use of CIP codes to define CTE and education incentives. The bill draft would also combine capital building fund tiers, broaden eligible uses for deferred maintenance and legislatively authorized projects, change matching requirements, repeal the old formula chapter and the capital pool, and transfer funds from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund into the capital building fund. No final votes were taken during the portion provided; the meeting was primarily discussion and review.

Transcript Highlights:

• its academic programs, the rigor, the productivity, and its alignment with our state and system priorities
• Just while we're on the question of the super priority SIPs and education, there's ZIP codes 13, 19,
• And then kind of the super priority ones to the left of that, priority two-time standard, that's the
• So those boxes at the bottom are where you would move dollars up and down based on priorities.
• So those boxes at the bottom are where you would move dollars up and down based on priorities.

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:

• you know, multiple silos, and we go essentially line item by line item, and we look at what the priorities
• You have to really analyze what are your actual priorities.
• You have to really analyze what are your actual priorities.
• , and that priority, what does it equate to in terms of a return on investment for the taxpayer?
• This legislature clearly needs to get the priorities straight.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You have to really analyze what are your actual priorities.
• You have to really analyze what are your actual priorities.
• , and that priority, what does it equate to in terms of a return on investment for the taxpayer?
• Local jurisdictions to rebalance their balance sheets, so to speak, to realign their priorities, and
• This legislature clearly needs to get the priorities straight.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “Because when you get a federal grant, all federal grant monies are divvied out by priority spending,
• So you are given by the federal government priorities in your spending of that grant money.
• , or you submit a plan for a formula grant from the feds, you want to hit number one, number two priority
• But if your practices happen to be priority three through five, there are usually five priorities; they
• But if your practices happen to be priority three through five, there's usually five priorities, they

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 129-0 vote. Members then spent considerable time on points of personal privilege and introductions, including remarks recognizing law enforcement wellness, personal health updates, legislative service and family sacrifices, interns, visiting students, and special guests such as a St. Louis entrepreneur honored with a House resolution and a visiting governor from Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The chamber then received Senate messages and committee reports before moving to conference requests on Senate Bills 835 and 1111 and Senate Bill 1020, both of which were approved for conference committees. The House also passed Senate Bills 977 and 1011, a measure barring international organizations or foreign law from exercising authority in Missouri or being used to deny “fundamental rights,” after debate over its scope and concerns about foreign-law venue rules and its practical effect; the final vote was 99-45. Senate Bill 1470, dealing with legislative research and statutory publication procedures, was amended and passed 148-1 after debate over reducing committee size, shifting publication to a primarily web-based format, and preserving printed archival copies. The House then adopted and finally passed Senate Bill 1940, the public notices/newspaper bill, by 142-1, with discussion focused on modernizing notice publication rules and election-related deadlines. It also took up Senate Bill 1871, which included county clerk and election administration provisions and a Senate amendment incorporating campaign finance language; debate emphasized ballot testing timelines and election transparency. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gregory and I work closely together and have for the last several years on priorities of the Attorney
• for the last several years on priorities for the last several years on priorities of<00:32:24.960
• efforts is As you know, anti-trafficking efforts is a<00:32:37.760> major<00:32:38.159> priority
• <00:32:38.559> for<00:32:38.799> the<00:32:38.960> attorney a major priority
• for the attorney a major priority for the attorney general<00:32:39.600> and<00:32:39.840>

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 9:00 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 21104, a Gaming Commission criminal penalties bill presented by Commissioner Jay McDaniel. He said the measure is essentially the same as a bill passed by the Senate last year and would keep penalties low for people merely playing gaming, but make it a felony for operators of illegal online gaming platforms, with a $100,000 fine per conviction and forfeiture authority for funds tied to the crime. The committee substitute was described as clarifying that the penalties target the operator rather than the platform being used. After no questions, the committee moved and adopted the bill. The committee then heard three Department of Public Safety bills from Commissioner Tindle. Senate Bill 2232 would raise seat belt fines from $25 to $100 and direct the additional revenue into existing driver education-related funds, with the stated goal of supporting driver education programs and improving teen road safety. Members asked about the revenue impact and whether the money would be appropriated back to the department and schools; Tindle said the funds would still be subject to legislative appropriation. The bill was moved and adopted, though some members raised concerns about redirecting local fine revenue. Senate Bill 2314 was described as a cleanup bill for driver’s license statutes, updating outdated references, removing obsolete paperwork requirements, allowing first-class mail and optional digital notice through mobile ID, and reflecting the department’s move from Jackson to Pearl. Members questioned whether first-class mail could shorten response time for suspension notices and how mobile ID notices would work; Tindle said the change was intended to save money and allow electronic notice if users opt in. The committee also adopted this bill. Senate Bill 2817 would reorganize DPS by consolidating several divisions into a new Mississippi State Bureau of Investigations, combine equipment and software purchases, raise autopsy fees from $1,000 to $1,200, increase salvage title inspection fees from $75 to $125, and open a broader discussion about the Highway Patrol’s future role. It was also moved and adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2230 from Senator Hill, which would extend electronic warrants to misdemeanors; members discussed efficiency, warrant databases, and Fourth Amendment concerns, but no final action on that bill was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:14:35.760> are<00:14:35.920> the<00:14:36.160> three<00:14:36.320> priority
• and construction are the three priority and construction are the three priority areas<00:14:37.440
• If we can kind of put that as a priority I think that kind of helps us in preservation of our public
• If we can kind of put that as a priority<00:40:50.079> I<00:40:50.240> think<00:40:50.320
• I think that kind of helps us priority I think that kind of helps us in<00:40:51.440> preservation

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 14 January, 2026: 3:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: MDES presented its FY27 budget request, describing the agency as a special fund workforce agency focused on helping Mississippians get jobs through employment services, labor market information, and unemployment insurance. Executive Director Bill Ashley said the revised request seeks level spending authority similar to FY26, with line-item changes driven mainly by higher salaries and fringe benefits and lower contractual services. He said MDES currently has 406 employees, 28 active recruitments, and six additional planned positions, for a requested total of 440 positions, down from 453 authorized last year. The request also includes $1.4 million for the State Longitudinal Data System and $400,000 for Accelerate Mississippi fiscal support. Committee members asked about the SLDS pass-through funding, whether it is recurring, and the staffing/pin changes; MDES explained the SLDS is a recurring annual pass-through and that the staffing request reflects turnover and recruitment needs rather than a net expansion. Accelerate Mississippi then outlined its FY27 request and program updates. Officials said the office is requesting level funding overall, with some salary adjustments tied to benefits and two new positions, including one for Talent Solutions and one systems administrator. They described workforce initiatives such as Encore, a recruiter/instructor program; Facet, a partnership with Northwest Mississippi Community College to strengthen instructor preparation; Power Path, a K-12 advanced manufacturing credential model; and expanded career coach activity, reporting 204 coaches serving 209 schools and more than 22,000 unique student interactions. They also reviewed funding streams for workforce enhancement training, Mississippi Works, Equip Mississippi, and ARPA, saying ARPA funds are on track to be fully spent by the September 30 reimbursement deadline and that monthly check-ins are being used to ensure funds are drawn down. Members asked about the budget changes, the use of contractual services, and the career coach program; the office said it was shifting some audit and monitoring costs to the funds being monitored and was not requesting an increase for career coach funding. The Mississippi community college presidents and the Community College Board also presented their budget priorities. They reported that Mississippi community colleges served 88,600 students in academic year 2023 and said the system’s graduation rate is about 42 percent, with a goal of reaching 55 percent. Their FY27 request includes a 6 percent salary increase for employees, increased basic operations funding, and continued support for CTE Advantage programs, totaling $61.5 million in general support. On facilities, they requested $150 million after receiving no facilities funding last year, citing roughly $413 million in identified needs across capital improvements, repairs and renovations, and pre-planning. The Community College Board requested restoration of $310,000 in general fund cuts and a new $2 million appropriation for adult education, noting that an estimated 300,000 to 330,000 Mississippians lack a high school diploma. No votes were taken during the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• In that time, a lot of times our General Assembly members don't have the same priorities.
• So within that project life cycle, they may have higher priorities that come in.
• So<00:43:10.400> within<00:43:10.720> that<00:43:10.880> that same priorities
• So within that that same priorities.
• that come in those pro the priorities that come in those pro the projects<00:43:16.160> that<

Keywords: 00:32 Call to Order and Roll Call 02:30 Road Fund Report 17:22 Approval of Minutes 18:07 High Growth Counties Projects 56:00 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee for Transportation met without a quorum at first, then later approved the July 15 minutes by voice vote after quorum was reached. The committee heard an update from the Transportation Cabinet on the road fund for FY 2024-25. Cabinet staff reported road fund revenue came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, with motor vehicle usage tax receipts setting an all-time high for the fifth straight year. Motor fuels tax revenue was below estimate and down from the prior year, while overall road fund collections totaled $1.86 billion, essentially flat year over year. Staff said the road fund ended FY25 with a $61.6 million surplus, which under the budget bill must be appropriated to state construction. Members discussed the gas tax formula, with Senator Higdon arguing it no longer works well because revenues fall when fuel prices fall, and the chair noting the committee may need to revisit the formula. The committee then received an update on High Growth County projects in the 2024 highway plan. KYTC said $16 million in HGC authorizations had been made, nine projects already had construction funds authorized or were otherwise underway, 12 more were scheduled to be let by the end of 2025 with estimated construction costs above $250 million, and one additional project was expected to be awarded through alternative delivery. The cabinet said it anticipated authorizing the full $450 million appropriated by the General Assembly. Members praised the effort and emphasized the need to get projects to market before the next budget cycle. Jason Sala of KYTC also explained why transportation projects take time, citing planning, design, right-of-way acquisition, and utility relocation as major steps that can delay delivery. He said these processes are complex and require coordination with property owners, utilities, consultants, contractors, and local governments. Eric Pelfrey then briefed the committee on professional and personal service contracts, saying they are used to expand cabinet capacity for design, inspections, right-of-way appraisal, safety, and related work. He reported that authorizations and payments for these contracts have trended upward over the past decade, and that the number of contracts has also increased. In response to questions, Pelfrey said design-build can speed some projects by overlapping steps, but it does not eliminate right-of-way or utility work when those are required; he said KYTC has been using alternative delivery more often, but project complexity still limits how quickly work can move.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and I want to thank our members on both sides for recognizing this priority and putting it in the
• ><00:27:00.880> and<00:27:01.200> putting<00:27:01.360> it recognizing this priority
• and putting it recognizing this priority and putting it in<00:27:01.600> the<00:27:01.760>
• /c><00:31:19.440> housing<00:31:19.760> is<00:31:19.919> a<00:31:20.080> priority
• our values that housing is a priority our values that housing is a priority and<00:31:20.880>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Coming into session, my highest priority was to pass a budget that would prevent a government shutdown
• So making energy<00:08:24.879> efficiency<00:08:25.680> a<00:08:26.000> priority
• <00:08:26.479> is<00:08:26.720> an energy efficiency a priority is an energy efficiency
• a priority is an important<00:08:27.479> strategy<00:08:28.479> as<00:08:28.720> we
• was to pass a budget that would priority was to pass a budget that would prevent<00:09:39.760> a<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the signal that is being sent to the house of where this is on a priority scale, not a preference
• What my mom said, let's respect teachers and make sure that they're made a priority.
• And they have made and consider public school accountability a top priority. policy priority.
• And it's been a priority for Texas values for the past 10 years to give more authority to use textbook
• We are pleased that a longstanding priority of ours is making sure that textbooks on the bid list meet

Bills: SB451, SB762, SB1490, SB1262, SB1459, SB1750, SB1962, SB2252, SB2253, SB2365

Keywords: instructional materials, public schools, Education Code, adoption, rejected materials, local funds, open educational resources, Texas Education Code, school districts, open enrollment charter schools, funding restrictions, environmental regulation, business compliance, local authority, economic development, state preemption, local control, open education resources, SB 762, Texas public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the number one priority of this working group needs to be determining who's taking ownership
• I think that needs to be the number one priority of this group.
• I think the number<00:26:27.120> one<00:26:27.360> priority<00:26:27.760> of<00:
• 26:27.919> this<00:26:28.080> working number one priority of this working number one priority
• So, for example, priority of this group.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first considered a series of Governor’s Message nominations, largely to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Testifiers and agencies spoke in strong support of the nominees, emphasizing their advocacy, community involvement, and lived experience. The committee heard from nominees and supporters for John Paul Moses III, Cynthia Fowler, Joshua Eay, Alicia Kim, Raymond Mamea, Maria Christina Valenzuela, Eden Watabayashi, Sierra Whiteside, and Brandy Lynn Macallani Hayen. After hearing testimony, the committee voted to advise and consent on each nomination, with the votes adopted by the members present. The committee then took up SR 53 / SCR 69, which asks the Department of Health to convene a pharmacy benefit manager working group to improve transparency, fairness, and drug affordability. Supporters included the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, the University of Hawaii system, and several individuals, while the Department of Health said the issue is complex and may require additional support or a different structure. Members discussed whether the Department of Health should lead the effort or whether another entity, such as SHIPA with an appropriation, might be more workable; the Department of Health suggested a $100,000 appropriation could be sufficient. Next, SR 56 / SCR 73 proposed a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience supported the measure and asked for an extended deadline to the end of 2026, and several youth, mental health, and community organizations testified in support. The committee also heard SR 69 / STR 86 on creating an aeromedical services working group, with support from Air Methods, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii Medical Association, and SR 99 / STR 118 on studying the use of filtered catchment water for business activity, which drew support from the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and comments from the Department of Health that the issue is complicated and should include the Department of Agriculture. No final votes on the resolutions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And consider the extent to which they continue to reflect the legislature's priorities for the program
• Because the Naloxone distribution project is an administration priority, we re-evaluated the expenditure
• Determined that the naloxone distribution project is an administration priority.
• This is a high priority for the department. Thank you.
• The goals are quite broad and possibly could be tightened to align with legislative priorities.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 300 HD1 reflects the priorities of your House Committee on Finance to craft a responsive and
• House Bill 300 HD1 reflects the priorities of your House Committee on Finance to craft a responsive and
• Madam Speaker, health care remains a priority of the House.
• Madam Speaker, health care remains a priority of the House.
• <00:59:23.559> of<00:59:23.720> the Health care remains a priority of the House.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So continuing funding, uh, the, uh, initiative would certainly be one of our first priorities, and I
• Uh, that is one of the priorities, uh, that, uh, we are pursuing this session.
• Uh, you've already heard from, uh, our previous presenters about two legislative priorities, uh, ICUT
• The safety of our people and safeguarding their personal information must be top priorities.
• I'm looking at your exceptional items as they are listed on the page, is that the priorities?

Transcript Highlights:

• And something that is probably the highest priority for the administration and almost all of us here.
• My number one priority, as I mentioned, is safety.
• And as we've developed this My number one priority, as I mentioned, is safety.
• And so we're seeking support My number one priority, as I mentioned, is safety.
• It would destroy the priority of safety and would put in the hands of private-sector proponents their

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm pleased to author SB 1237, a priority measure for the Legislative Women's Caucus that is sponsored
• Most disturbing of all is the legislative priority this bill represents.
• It's a very important priority for the Jewish caucus, and with that, respectfully request your aye vote
• SB 1344 would extend those protections to also apply to priority care developments, which are projects
• By extending these procedural tools to priority care developments, SB 1344 would protect projects that

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 99, which would require courts and law enforcement to better recognize military protective orders in domestic violence cases and allow civilian judges to consider those orders when reviewing restraining order requests. Supporters, including the Department of Defense and military-related organizations, said the bill would close jurisdictional gaps that leave military families vulnerable off base. The bill drew no opposition and was approved on a unanimous vote, with members also expressing support for the author’s request to be added as coauthors. Members then heard SB 1237, a pay equity reporting enforcement bill that would increase penalties for repeat noncompliance with California’s employer pay-data reporting requirements. The author and supporters from Power California Action and HOPE argued that stronger penalties are needed because the state is still missing pay data for hundreds of thousands of workers and wage gaps persist, especially for women of color. There was no opposition testimony, but one member voted no; the bill passed to Appropriations and was placed on call. SB 1387 followed, proposing to allow Jewish identity to be reported as an ethnic category in state demographic data collection. Supporters said the change would improve data accuracy and help identify discrimination, while opponents from Jewish Voice for Peace and other Jewish speakers argued the bill was unworkable, unnecessary, and could be harmful or exceptionalizing. The committee approved the bill on a unanimous vote to Privacy. The committee also approved SB 932, which would require assignees filing civil actions to identify the original party in the case caption, after testimony that the change would improve transparency and help courts, the public, and journalists track assigned claims. SB 988, an auto glass industry bill, drew the most extensive debate: the author and the National Insurance Crime Bureau said it would curb fraud, restrict certain assignment-of-benefits practices, and improve consumer safety, while independent glass shops and their associations warned it could restrict consumer choice and favor insurers or large networks. Despite those concerns, the bill passed to Appropriations. SB 1296, requiring landlords to disclose pet policies before collecting application fees, also passed after supporters described the bill as a narrow transparency measure and opponents raised concerns about pet addenda and eviction procedures. Finally, SB 747, the “No Kings Act,” would create a state cause of action for constitutional violations by federal officers; supporters cited abuses by ICE and Border Patrol and the need for accountability, while law enforcement groups warned about uncertainty around qualified immunity and retroactivity. The bill was supported by several members, but the transcript ends before a final committee vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is my distinct pleasure to stand here in front of you again today and begin to unveil the priorities
• begin to in front of you again today and begin to unveil<00:12:55.000> the<00:12:55.160> priorities
• prohibition on employee furloughs, as well as paragraphs on budget implementation and budgetary priorities
• budget implementation<00:22:50.840> and<00:22:51.000> budgetary<00:22:51.560> priorities
• implementation and budgetary priorities. implementation and budgetary priorities.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No one wants to fund the Rainy Day Fund because there are so many other really important priorities out
• So with that, I vote no. ...and using it improperly, not to grow the fund, but to fund other priorities
• Well, I do believe that kinship care should be the priority.
• After sitting through committee hearings, we found that it is a priority, and DCS... ...we found that
• it is a priority, and DCS already has these policies in place that make it a priority.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, guest introductions, and a resolution honoring former legislator Barbara Leff, which was unanimously adopted. The chamber also received a long list of first and second readings, then moved into Committee of the Whole on calendar number one. Several measures were considered and advanced with amendments, including HB 2170 on restricting state purchases from Chinese-controlled entities, HB 2375 on preserving historic properties while allowing middle housing, HB 2380 on school board transparency and meeting location requirements, HB 2617, HB 2621 on special education access and certificates of educational convenience, HB 2671, HB 2720 on sealed records and anti-human trafficking funding, HB 2772 on DNR designation on driver’s licenses, HB 2784 on school district excess cash refunds, HB 2902 affirming the Electoral College, HB 2950 on a tourism/hospitality district, and HB 4025 creating a study committee on the feasibility of an Arizona oil refinery. Debate on HB 2375 focused on balancing historic preservation with middle housing, with supporters emphasizing local flexibility and opponents warning against a one-size-fits-all approach. HB 2380 drew discussion about school district accountability after a district’s out-of-state retreat, with supporters arguing meetings should occur within district boundaries and materials be posted online, while opponents said local boards should retain discretion. HB 2621’s amendment was described as ensuring special-needs students in unorganized territory and group homes can access services through certificates of educational convenience. HB 2720 was presented as strengthening protections for sex trafficking survivors and adding an anti-human trafficking grant fund. HB 2772 prompted questions about how DNR instructions on driver’s licenses would work in emergencies, with the sponsor saying it would protect advance directives while emergency personnel still provide appropriate care until information is known. HB 2902 generated extended partisan debate over the Electoral College versus a national popular vote, with supporters calling the Electoral College a constitutional safeguard and opponents arguing it violates one person, one vote and overweights swing states. HB 2950 involved competing amendments over whether a tourism-related district should be voluntary or could impose fees, with the Kolodin opt-in/opt-out amendment defeated and the bill advancing as amended. HB 4025, a study committee on an Arizona refinery, drew debate over fuel prices, refinery feasibility, environmental concerns, and whether taxpayer money should fund another study. In each of these Committee of the Whole actions, the House ultimately adopted the committee or amended recommendations and ordered the measures forward by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• in my previous hearings, but just a reminder: Lowering vacancy rates is a Health Care Authority priority
• Chair, is really that that's what's really a priority for me.
• To reach those goals, our budget request builds on five key priorities.
• Chair, members of the committee—we are still talking about the priorities within and what needs to be
• We're going to take LIDAR and scan the roads and find out what the priority is.

Keywords: 996, all