Transcript Highlights:

• We review a lot of legislatively mandated transfers, including a large transfer from the state highway
• tax distribution fund to the Highway Patrol, and also legacy fund transfers to ensure they were properly
• We review a lot of legislatively mandated transfers, including a large transfer from the state highway
• tax distribution fund to the Highway Patrol, and also legacy fund transfers to ensure they were properly
• Legislation in 2025 moved the oversight of the State Fire and Tornado Fund and bonding fund from the

Committee: Joint Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We review a lot of legislatively mandated transfers, including a large transfer from the state highway
• tax distribution fund to the Highway Patrol, and also Legacy Fund transfers to ensure they were properly
• We review a lot of legislatively mandated transfers, including a large transfer from the state highway
• tax distribution fund to the Highway Patrol, and also legacy fund transfers to ensure they were properly
• Legislation in 2025 moved the oversight of the NDFT and bonding fund from the North Dakota Insurance

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Highway Patrol.
• Highway patrol. Seeing none, all those Highway patrol.
• </c> are the quote unquote digital highways are the quote unquote digital highways for<01:55:31.360><
• They can come from bonds.
• They can come from internal bonds.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what main highway comes through? 77.
• reported to the prosecuting attorney in the AG's office, and the first finding was certified at the bond
• Continuing with reports certified by the bond board and referred to the prosecuting attorney and AG's
• That is the Highway 4-24 Water Association for July 31, 2025. This is a private report.
• That is the Highway 4-24 Water Association for July 31st to 2025. This is a private report.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES

Summary: The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent water and sewer reports, including seven new reinstatements and a reduction to four remaining delinquent filers. Staff also reported on municipal accounting code noncompliance, removing Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day clock after improved records were verified, and presenting repeat findings for Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, and Haynes. Members discussed repeated audit problems, the length of time some issues had persisted, and whether towns should be given additional time or face stronger action; motions were made and adopted to place some entities on a 60-day clock or defer action to later meetings. For Fargo and Alma, staff described extensive repeat accounting deficiencies, including missing budgets, bank reconciliations, financial statements, receipts, journals, and supporting documentation. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was beginning to improve its office systems; the committee voted to defer the matter for 60 days and file the report. Alma’s officials said they were trying to correct water audit and accounting issues, and the committee likewise deferred the matter to the August meeting while warning that water-audit delays could jeopardize turnback funds. The committee then reviewed misuse-of-street-funds findings for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho’s police chief and officials explained that traffic fines, drug-related arrests, and other citations had pushed the town over the statutory threshold, while staff clarified that the speed-trap calculation excludes certain add-on fines and is referred to the prosecuting attorney for any action. Haynes officials said repayment problems stemmed from lost revenue and staffing changes, including the loss of the police department, but staff reported the town remained behind on its repayment plan and also owed the IRS. The committee voted to defer the Haynes matter to September and to defer Jericho as well, with members emphasizing the need for consistency and possible broader legislative review of small-town viability. A special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District drew substantial discussion. Staff cited findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, car allowances and personal vehicle use, competitive bidding, and unusually high advertising spending, as well as the sale of trailers and other equipment at low prices. The district director said the board had delegated authority for many expenditures, that personal use was reported for tax purposes, and that advertising was necessary to educate the public about recycling. Members questioned the procurement and disposal decisions and the size of the advertising budget; after discussion, the committee deferred the report to September and asked the director to return. The meeting also included brief deferred reports on Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove, which were filed after local officials described ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing audit and tax issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bonds and the bond interest are paid out of the budget, correct? Well, INS, yes. Mm-hmm.
• It's interesting you say voter-approved bonds.
• Charter schools are included because bonds are included.
• Okay. ...Same thing with revenue bonds.
• That's not from bonds; that's out of the general funds.

Bills: HB26 , HB73 , SB 14 , HB46

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: HB26, law enforcement contracts, sheriff, constable, county commissioners court, commissioners court, private security, special law enforcement district, property owners association, POA, municipal utility district, school district, junior college district, local government, contract policing, supplemental police services, large counties, population over 3.3 million, Texas Local Government Code, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• 1435, schools libraries classification; 1475, minutes galactic; 1501, agency statutory; 1519, off-highway
• that language to ensure that the segmentation that we're requesting ADOT undertake with the Federal Highway
• set aside for remediation of the environment, although that is not something that is required to be bonded
• set aside for remediation of the environment, although that is not something that is required to be bonded
• be out on the... ...on the line day in and day out, whether it be in the prisons or be out on the highways

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, we did just pass a bill for bonding, but that is to address projects from start to finish.
• The bonding bill will help with construction.
• So as the bonding package, I didn't like the bonding package because I didn't think the bonding package
• Some of it comes from bonding. Some of it can come from general fund money that we have.
• Some of it comes from bonding. Some of it can come from general fund money that we have.

Bills: SB251 , SB150 , SB154 , SB73 , SB111 , SB172 , SB76 , SB181 , SB235

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1302 by State Affairs Committee, an act relating to single countywide highway
• districts, to revise provisions regarding the election of single countywide highway district commissioners
• And we bonded really quickly.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and received communications on substitute senators, gubernatorial appointments, and House bills transmitted for introduction. Committee reports moved a number of measures forward, including Senate Joint Memorial 110, House Bill 533, House Concurrent Resolution 24, Senate Bill 1258, and several newly printed Senate bills that were referred to standing committees. The chamber also advanced multiple bills through first and second reading, including measures on self-defense immunity, digital identification, state office vacancies and agency director appointments, beer sales, highway district elections, polling place liability, rangeland improvement, concealed weapons instruction, virtual education, and public charter schools. The Senate then recessed into a memorial service honoring former Senator Carl Crabtree, former Senator Reese Werner, former Senator Wayne Kidwell, and former Secretary of the Senate Janine Wood. Each memorial was adopted unanimously after brief readings and motions, and senators and guests offered tributes highlighting the honorees’ public service, integrity, work ethic, and impact on Idaho. The service included prayer, a musical performance, and remarks from current and former senators and family members. After the memorial service, the Senate returned to business, received additional committee reports and first-reading bills focused on water, irrigation, juvenile corrections, human fetal tissue, ignition interlock systems, public assistance, naturopathic licensing, hospital maternity price transparency, health exemptions, and regional education service centers. The chamber also heard a brief announcement from a guest and then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1302 by State Affairs Committee, an act relating to single countywide highway districts,
• to revise provisions regarding the election of single countywide highway district commissioners and to
• And we bonded really quickly.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• approximately 3.8 billion dollars to the state each year. 50,000 of that revenue goes to the state highway
• fund, 25% of that revenue goes to public education, and the remaining 25% goes to the state highway
• certified by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as of the board's January 2025 quarterly bond

Bills: SB214 , SB935 , SB1030 , SB1901 , SB2018 , SB2020 , SB2066 , SB2206

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: HVAC, tax exemption, energy efficiency, residential heating, installation services, Energy Star, sales tax, residential, installation, sales tax exemption, Environmental Protection Agency, temporary exemption, motor fuel tax, county exemption, diesel fuel, gasoline tax, transportation funding, SB 1030, Texas Tax Code, use tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• 1519 modifies the definition of an all-terrain vehicle by increasing the unladen weight of an off-highway
• district governing board spend the proceeds from the lease of school property for the payment of bonded

Summary: The meeting reviewed a long list of Senate and House bills, mostly from Appropriations and Education, with staff describing strike-everything amendments and whether the amended language matched other bills. Topics included electronic monitoring in care facilities (SB 1041), dental board complaint forwarding and licensure exemptions (SB 1168), revitalization district contracts (SB 1189), timeshare salesperson licensing (SB 1274), veterinary telemedicine prescriptions (SB 1286), insurer zero-estimated-exposure policies (SB 1428), advanced air mobility funding for border security (SB 1457), death benefits for law enforcement pilots (SB 1503), ATV definitions (SB 1519), pet and fowl restrictions in planned communities (SB 1582), pharmacist independent testing and treatment (SB 1713), school district self-insurance quotes (SB 1497), and a housing/historic district measure tied to SB 1118. Most of these were presented as technical or policy changes, often noting that the strike-everything language was identical to a House bill already passed. The caucus then moved through several blue-sheet concurrence items. HB 2120 received a technical Senate amendment to align property-tax disability language with updated statute, and the sponsor concurred. HB 2174 was amended to require a modeling and data organization to file models used by insurers, with concurrence noted. HB 2203, aimed at reducing duplicative ADE and school reporting, was amended so ADE must review each statutory reporting requirement and report back to the legislature; the sponsor concurred. HB 2383 was amended only to name a trampoline court law as “TIE’s law,” with no substantive policy change, and the sponsor concurred. On the remaining House bills, HB 2877 was changed from timeshare licensing to create an alternative education pathway for certified veterinary technicians, and the sponsor concurred. HB 2875, dealing with unmanned aircraft and drone delivery, was amended to adjust airport-related local authority limits from one mile to 2.5 miles and to reference consultation with airports; members raised questions about FAA preemption and local authority. HB 2428 on emission reduction credits was amended to emphasize voluntary participation and limit new credits if participation later becomes mandatory, and the sponsor concurred. HB 2176 on health care institution licensing and complaint investigations was amended to allow older abuse-related complaints, and the sponsor concurred. HB 2050 on radiologic technology standards and radiologist assistant supervision drew the most discussion; the Senate narrowed the supervision change to rural counties under 500,000 population and critical access hospitals, and the sponsor concurred while members questioned the geographic scope. Finally, HB 2010 on refunds for digital goods was amended to shorten the refund window from 10 years to five, but the sponsor refused concurrence due to a drafting error, indicating a conference committee would be needed. The caucus then concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Larry, the partnership that we have had, the bond that we have had, the bond that we have Larry, the
• partnership that we have had, the bond that we have built, I believe it is something unprecedented in
• Wells Memorial Highway in Walton County. We have added Superintendent Pledger v.
• Sullivan Memorial Highway in Okaloosa County.
• , that registration, the online voter registration, has to compare that data to the Department of Highway

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then moved into returning messages from the Senate. Early action focused on CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which would add computer science and artificial intelligence content in high school and create a K-12 teacher certificate program; after adopting a House amendment restoring certificate language and adjusting implementation timing, the House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 105-0. The chamber then took up CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program and add a five-year sunset, then concurring in the Senate amendment shifting grant administration back to the Florida Digital Service; the bill passed 104-1. The House refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over U.S. military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both back to the Senate. It also refused to concur in the Senate amendment to CS/HB 851 on professional learning for instructional and school administrative personnel, saying the Senate version expanded the bill beyond its original autism-focused scope. After a recess, the House unveiled Speaker Daniel Perez’s portrait and heard extended remarks praising his leadership, institutional reforms, and the work of House staff and members. In the second returning-message list, the House debated CS/CS/HB 1471 on systems of law and terrorist organizations. The Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline provisions for terrorist organization designations, and kept references to Sharia law as an example in the foreign religious law section. Supporters argued the bill was aimed at conduct beyond speech and was intended to protect the Constitution and public safety; opponents warned it would chill free speech, target Muslim Floridians, and give the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate due process. After lengthy debate, the House concurred and passed the bill 80-25. The House then took up CS/CS/HB 1473, a public records bill tied to HB 1471, and moved to concur in a technical Senate amendment aligning the records exemption with the revised structure of HB 1471.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has $50 million in housing infrastructure bonds to build more homes, a necessity if we hope
• And we seem to be able to come together and have nonpartisan, bipartisan votes on bonding bills.
• </c> same criteria that we use for bonding. same criteria that we use for bonding.
• We should be able to have bonding bills.
• Thank you members for attending the I-90/Highway 14 party last night. Much appreciated.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this recently is in 2024, you passed a bill that limited our long-term debt in our severance tax bonding
• General Obligation Bond Package.
• We're going to sell bonds to pay for this project, which is, in my view, just tiny considering all the
• Just for a severance tax bond and general fund.
• That should be on our airport, should be all over our highways And we should be advertising that every

Bills: HB1

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• my good friend, the distinguished chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, has indicated that our bond
• And that bond rating has benefits whenever we seek to borrow money because it reduces our cost of borrowing
• which is the fact that, as I mentioned earlier today, our friends on Wall Street increased the state's bond
• Tarr: traffic study of State Highway Route 114 in the town of Middleton.
• visiting Russia, Cuba, Vietnam, Malaysia, and especially her beloved Ireland, where she felt a deep bond

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a fiscal year 2025 close-out supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments, many of which were withdrawn, adopted, or rejected. Early debate focused heavily on funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Massachusetts, with Senators O’Connor and Feeney arguing for restoring money for transportation, safety, and event readiness, citing projected ridership surges, economic benefits, and the need for Boston and the Commonwealth to invest. Senator Driscoll also won adoption of an amendment directing the MBTA to study and report on its local assessment formula, using Milton and Quincy as examples of perceived inequities in how communities are charged relative to service received. The Senate then took up several other amendments, including measures on fire survivor support, vaccine liability, mental health and sidewalk projects, council on aging and public safety items, disaster relief, service dogs, and MBTA assessments. Senator Tarr offered amendments on driver record transparency and energy cost reporting, but those were not adopted. A major roll-call vote rejected Tarr’s amendment to restore a larger share of excess capital gains to the stabilization fund; supporters argued for stronger rainy day reserves, while the Ways and Means chair defended the bill’s use of a deficiency reserve fund and warned of revenue losses from federal tax changes. The Senate also adopted an amendment on shelter and Home Base spending transparency, requiring renewed reporting on emergency shelter and housing assistance programs. Later, the chamber adopted Senator Edwards’ amendment creating a Massachusetts Federal Employee and Service Member Civil Relief Act to protect federal workers and service members in the event of a shutdown, including relief from eviction and foreclosure-related harms. The Senate also adopted Senator Rodrigues’s Ways and Means amendment, then approved the underlying supplemental budget as amended and ordered it to third reading. After the final roll call, the bill was passed to be engrossed by a 39-0 vote. The Senate concluded by agreeing to adjourn and by honoring Mrs. Anne Lee in memory, with a brief communication from Senator Cyr noting a prior remote-vote error for the journal.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cody Boyles, on behalf of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, in support. Thank you.
• I'll just say the association represents about 90% of the billboards along state highways, and it is
• Today, California requires reverse performance and payment bonds on nearly all public works projects.
• Performance bonds protect project owners by guaranteeing completion even if the contractor fails to fulfill
• Payment bonds ensure that subcontractors and suppliers are paid, significantly reducing the risk of liens

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 2507 by Assembly Member Wynn would strengthen state consultation with federally recognized tribal governments by requiring clearer tribal liaison roles, a tribal advisory committee, and more consistent early engagement across agencies. Support came from Wilton Rancheria and the California Tribal Business Alliance, with members praising the bill as improving respect, coordination, and outcomes for tribes. AB 2024, also by Wynn, would require the Outdoor Advertising Act permitting process to reach a determination on submitted applications, aimed at reducing delays and uncertainty; it drew support from the outdoor advertising industry and the California Association of Realtors, with members describing it as a technical cleanup measure. Both bills were later moved to Appropriations, along with a consent calendar of several other measures. AB 1585 by Assembly Member Connolly would require wine labeled as American to be made from 100% American-grown grapes, aligning the federal “American” label with California’s existing 100% state-origin standard. Supporters, including California wine grape growers, family wineries, consumer advocates, and several local agricultural groups, argued the bill would improve truth in labeling and help struggling growers. Opponents from major wine companies and industry groups warned it could reduce flexibility, create labeling complications, and limit the ability to list varietal and vintage on some blended wines. After a lengthy debate over labeling standards, consumer expectations, and impacts on interstate wine sales, the committee passed the bill to Appropriations. AB 1605 by Assembly Member Ransom would allow judges to place a no-alcohol-sales notice on the licenses of repeat or serious DUI offenders, restricting their ability to purchase alcohol as a preventive measure. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, the Safe California Roads Coalition, and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, said the bill would give courts another tool to reduce recidivism and save lives. Retailers and restaurant representatives raised concerns about implementation and ID-checking burdens, but the bill was amended and passed to Appropriations. AB 2211 by Assembly Member Hoover, which would allow craft distillers to operate a second tasting room, also advanced with support from the California Distillers Association. Finally, AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson, presented by Assembly Member Solache, would require anti-hate speech training for local and state elected officials; it drew strong opposition over First Amendment and definitional concerns, and members pressed for a clearer definition of hate speech before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, the California Highway Patrol reported that from the year... ...tunnels.
• Furthermore, the California Highway Patrol reported that from 2021 through 2025, there were 3,240,000
• Like you would see more highway patrolmen.
• I rarely see a highway patrolman on the highway when I'm on the highway, and people are driving in L.A
• Lori Bonds, an ALS volunteer, and I support this bill.

Summary: The committee heard several insurance-related bills. AB 69, AB 1554, and AB 1680 all focused on California’s insurance market and the Fair Plan. AB 69 would require clearer notices to Fair Plan policyholders about coverage options, quarterly public reporting on clearinghouse programs, and additional broker/agent training to help depopulate the Fair Plan while preserving consumer choice. AB 1554 would require the California Earthquake Authority to post its annual report online and send it to relevant committees, and would direct the Insurance Commissioner to convene a working group on incorporating hazard mitigation into risk-transfer recommendations. AB 1680 would require the Fair Plan to comply with CDI examination findings, hire more staff, and improve clearinghouse operations; the Fair Plan moved from opposition to neutral after amendments, and the department said the bill would strengthen accountability and consumer protections. These bills were held pending quorum or taken up later, with authors requesting aye votes. AB 2198, by Assemblymember Rodriguez, would clarify title insurance rate-filing rules by specifying that title insurers file title rates and underwritten title companies file escrow rates, reducing duplicative filings and requiring rate schedules to be posted online. The California Land Title Association supported the bill, saying it codified longstanding practice and improved transparency, while the department continued discussions about possible revisions. The bill was left open for further questions and a later vote. AB 1795, by Assemblymember Gibson, would create statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating smoke damage in wildfire-affected homes. The author and the Department of Insurance said the bill would establish science-based standards, protect survivors from unsafe reentry, require training and certification for relevant professionals, and improve claims handling; the department also described serious gaps found in its Fair Plan examination and recent wildfire claims. Insurers and some residents opposed or opposed unless amended, arguing the bill was still too broad, could raise costs, relied too much on industry standards, and left unresolved issues about legal standards, timing, and coverage. The bill remained under discussion, with the author saying negotiations would continue. AB 311, by Assemblymember McKinnor, would create an optional telematics-based auto insurance program to reward safer driving and improve road safety. Supporters, including road-safety advocates, victims’ families, and some insurance representatives, argued telematics could reduce speeding and distracted driving and save lives. Opponents, including privacy and consumer groups, argued the bill would create opaque surveillance pricing, undermine Prop. 103, and raise privacy and fairness concerns. After extensive debate, the committee passed the bill on a 3-0 vote and placed it on call. AB 1798, by Assemblymember Wilson, would bar life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information from direct-to-consumer or other predictive genetic testing to deny coverage or raise premiums, while preserving use of medical history and family history and allowing consideration of certain high-value policies above $1.5 million. Supporters said the bill would reduce genetic discrimination and encourage testing; insurers argued genetic information is relevant to underwriting and warned the bill could raise costs and create inconsistencies. The committee chair and members noted the bill was close to agreement but still needed work, and the bill was moved with a 3-0 vote and placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• valiant veterans of the Korean War, which my uncle was one of them, and to celebrate the enduring bond
• The Korean War in particular forged a lasting bond between the United States and the Republic of Korea
• The bond endures today as a strong alliance and economic partnership grounded in shared endures today
• Diana Webb, a longtime resident of the Pacific Coast Highway community, who will be missed dearly by

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 106 by Senator Choi, which designates January 13, 2026 as Korean American Day in California. Senator Choi and many members spoke in support, highlighting the history of Korean immigration, the contributions of Korean Americans in business, public service, culture, education, health care, and civic life, and the significance of Korean American communities across the state. Several members also shared personal and district-specific examples, including Koreatown, the Korean Friendship Bell, Pachappa Camp in Riverside, and Korean American organizations and businesses affected by the recent wildfires. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 roll call vote. After the vote, Senator Choi introduced Korean American guests visiting the chamber, including the Consul General of Korea in San Francisco and other community leaders. The Senate then returned to motions and committee announcements, including notices that the Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee and the Human Services Committee would meet after adjournment. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas also requested that SB 626 be removed from the inactive file and returned to the Assembly for amendments. The remainder of the session was devoted largely to adjournment memorials. Senator Umberg honored Monica Lynn Martinez-Hays, a longtime legislative staffer and artist. Senators Pérez and Allen jointly memorialized the 19 people who died in the January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires, describing the devastation, the community’s recovery, and the names and lives of many victims. Senator Menjivar also asked for adjournment in memory of Marine Corps Sergeant Adrian Carrillo, who died in a December traffic collision. The Senate announced its next floor session for Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m. and then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would be stocks and bonds, something you might have in a stock account or in your retirement fund
• ..Uniform Commercial Code had been modified in 1994, allegedly to prevent harm to stock owners and bond
• Amending Section 47-13-17, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding application, permit, and bond for
• Section 49-630, Idaho Code, to require vehicles to be driven in the right-hand lane on multi-lane highways
• Section 49-630, Idaho Code, to require vehicles to be driven in the right-hand lane on multi-lane highways

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the journal, then received a notice appointing Kirk Larson as a substitute representative for District 33. The chamber also handled several Senate messages and committee reports, including printing or engrossing a number of bills, and advanced multiple measures through the calendar. Among the bills introduced were appropriations bills for the judicial and legislative branches (HB 847 and HB 848), an education bill revising career ladder and endorsement provisions (HB 849), and Senate bills on occupational licensure, veterans’ benefits consumer protections, specie/tender contracts, state investment in gold and silver, and household egg production. The House passed Senate Bill 1332, a fiscal year-end cash transfer bill that reallocated about $100 million back to the general fund by pulling unspent money from several programs, including transportation strategic initiatives, the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, the Permanent Building Fund, water pollution control grants, and the In-Demand Careers Fund. Members also passed House Bill 545, which would allow military chaplains to qualify for counseling licensure and bill insurance; the bill drew substantial debate over whether chaplain training is equivalent to the education and supervised experience required for independent mental health practice, but supporters argued the military experience is valuable and the bill would help address counselor shortages. The House also passed HB 702 on securities ownership and Idaho law, HB 638 to restore Idaho’s presidential primary in March, HB 765 and HB 766 on fire district boundary changes and impact-fee collection, HB 767 on using impact fees for replacement of certain fire vehicles, HB 797 on fire district sub-district representation, and HB 672 to keep logos and slogans out of the executive budget document. Later, the House passed HB 785, which adds school disciplinary procedures for vulgar or inappropriate online posts about educators, HB 760 on property tax exemption for workforce and affordable housing, and HB 789, ratifying the Coeur d’Alene Tribe Water Rights Settlement of 2026. The chamber also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 27 honoring Idaho civilians who served and died on Wake Island during World War II, and House Resolution 25 approving reviewed administrative rules. A motion to suspend rules allowed immediate consideration of HB 833, a bill requiring daily recess in elementary schools and unstructured activity for middle school students; debate focused on whether the bill would improperly limit classroom discipline, and the transcript ends during closing remarks on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• constituent who is having their property taken by eminent domain in front of their house that moves a highway
• know that most of you will agree with me that here in Texas and in this building, your word is your bond
• You're saying that word is your bond, legislature needs to be bound.
• You're saying that word is your bond, legislature needs to be bound.
• way that the valuation works is if you take, like, say you took 30 feet of someone's property for a highway

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 5695, which would create the Sayers Ranch Municipal Utility District in Bastrop County between Elgin and Bastrop. Representative Gurdis said Bastrop County commissioners unanimously supported the district. There was no public testimony, the bill was left pending, and later reported favorably to the full House on an 8-0 vote. The main debate centered on Senate Bill 291, which would require condemning entities to pay landowner attorney’s fees if they fail to provide 10 years of appraisal reports with an initial offer in an eminent domain case. Supporters, including Rita Beving and Charles Maley, argued the bill would add an enforcement mechanism and better protect landowners in a process they described as intimidating and lopsided. Opponents, including Tom Zabel and Lisa Kaufman, said current law already provides a remedy through abatement and attorney’s fees under Section 21.047 of the Property Code, and warned the bill could create inconsistency, delay public infrastructure projects, and increase costs. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 5699, a simple MUD boundary change in Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 405 that would allow a tract to leave one district and join another. Representative Schofield said the landowner and district agreed to the change and to pay the tract’s share of debt. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on an 8-0 vote. Later, the committee considered House Bill 5489, which would impose a four-year moratorium on impact fees. Representative Dyson framed it as an “active study” to test whether impact fees raise housing costs. College Station officials and other opponents argued impact fees help fund infrastructure for growth and that local governments should retain control; supporters said the fees are regressive and add to housing prices. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 292, which would update the Landowner Bill of Rights to add information on surveys, require separate offers for property not sought in condemnation, and require the rights document to be delivered with the initial offer. Supporters said it would improve transparency and fill gaps in the current document, while opponents said it was unnecessary because the law already exists and warned against revisiting a 2021 compromise. The transcript ends during that discussion.