Transcript Highlights:

• They had a little more skin in the game.
• So again, a little more skin in the game.
• You just have a little more skin in the game to kind of help with weaning off the social services that
• So no matter what, however, the in-game K the payment, the copayment can't be any more than 7% of s our
• Plus again, they have to have more skin in the game.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill that you passed, you know, was saying, like, let's take it into what Game and Fish does.
• Do we pay the county right now for what Game and Fish is currently doing?
• That you passed, you know, with saying, like, let's take it into what Game and Fish does.
• Do we pay the county right now for what Game and Fish is currently doing?
• Well, in the example of Game and Fish, yes, the county is— that’s all on county property.

Summary: The meeting focused heavily on behavioral health and substance use treatment, especially the IMD exclusion and whether North Dakota should pursue a Section 1115 waiver to allow Medicaid reimbursement for services in institutions for mental diseases for adults ages 21 to 64. Turtle Mountain representatives described major local needs, including limited access to care, high syphilis rates, and the importance of timely public health data. They also discussed the tribe’s recovery center, which opened the prior year, now operating five levels of care with 16 beds, and the desire to expand capacity, possibly through an IMD waiver or related policy changes. Committee members also raised related issues such as rural health transformation funding, telehealth, workforce retention, and the need for better coordination between tribal and state public health systems. A central issue was Turtle Mountain Public Health’s long-running effort to secure a data use agreement with the state so it can receive surveillance data and respond directly to infectious disease cases among tribal members. Speakers said the tribe had a successful COVID-era agreement that allowed faster contact tracing and case management, but that agreement ended with the pandemic. They argued that current delays in sharing data, especially for sexually transmitted infections, leave the tribe unable to respond quickly, while the state and county epidemiology workload is too distant and stretched to be effective. Committee members expressed support and said they would look into the issue, noting that other tribes have secured similar agreements. The committee also heard a detailed presentation from the National Health Law Program on the IMD exclusion. The presenter explained that federal Medicaid law generally bars payment for care in facilities with more than 16 beds, but that states can use other tools such as state plan amendments, managed care arrangements, telehealth, and community-based services. He said IMD waivers are administratively complex, time-limited, and have shown mixed results in other states, with some gains in residential treatment access but limited evidence of improved overdose outcomes or stronger community-based care. He urged the committee to consider broader continuum-of-care solutions and cautioned that waivers alone are not a cure-all. No final vote was taken on the bill draft during the portion shown, but the committee discussed the proposal to appropriate $49,000 and one FTE to HHS to pursue an IMD waiver and report back in the next interim. Members also debated the policy rationale for the 16-bed limit, the role of the state versus tribal sovereignty, and whether the bill should move through the Health Care or Human Services committee in the future.

Transcript Highlights:

• hunters while allowing such aids for another group of hunters during the same seasons and for the same game
• Senator Guthrie: Well, sorry, I'm a little late to committee, but I'm assuming this is the Fish and Game
• have been another five to ten years of litigation that ultimately could have resulted in a zero-sum game
• weren't able to reach the middle. ...litigation that ultimately could have resulted in a zero-sum game

Summary: The committee first considered a Fish and Game rules docket, 13-0108-2401, focused on restrictions related to hunting aids and wolf hunting. Senator O’Connowitz moved to adopt the docket except for section 410, subsections 4(g) and (h), citing potential conflicts with the Idaho Constitution and state law protecting hunting, fishing, trapping, and wolf take methods. After discussion about technology in hunting, Senator Cook withdrew his second, and Senator Van Orden offered a substitute motion to accept the docket as written. That substitute motion passed on a 6-4 roll call vote. The committee then heard House Bill 789, a water rights settlement bill involving the State of Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Avista, and other parties. Senator Phil Hart introduced the bill, and Tyrell Stevenson of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe explained that the measure would ratify a long-negotiated settlement and create a water bank under the Board of Water Resources. He said most of the tribe’s rights were non-consumptive, such as instream flows, lake levels, and spring rights, while some consumptive water could be leased through a rental pool for off-reservation use. Garrett Kittamura testified in support on behalf of several water-user groups, saying the settlement ended years of litigation and had broad support. The committee voted to send HB 789 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 1378, which would change how off-highway vehicle enforcement funds are allocated and modernize OHV advisory representation. Senator Harris said the bill would use performance-based funding metrics, return unused snowmobile and OHV funds to source accounts after three fiscal years, and add UTV representation. Dan Waugh of the Idaho Recreation Council said the proposal was developed with sheriffs, Parks and Recreation, and users, and would redirect about $635,000 in unused IDL funds back into the program. The committee then moved SB 1378 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• hunters while allowing such aids for another group of hunters during the same seasons and for the same game
• Senator Guthrie: Well, sorry, I'm a little late to committee, but I'm assuming this is the Fish and Game
• And my position hasn't changed... ...late to committee, but I'm assuming this is the Fish and Game rule
• have been another five to ten years of litigation that ultimately could have resulted in a zero-sum game

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• changing as the model is changing; the report isn't finished, but it's important to know what a huge game
• know, as the model is changing, the report isn't finished, but it's important to know what a huge game
• So that's a big game changer. And I think it's really upon us to at least authorize a pilot.
• program like CAP that was focused on preservation and specifically acquisition and rehab would be a game
• And it's all a new game. And I think looking and approaching these problems...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• changing as the model is changing; the report isn’t finished, but it’s important to know what a huge game
• know, as the model is changing, the report isn't finished, but it's important to know what a huge game
• So that's a big game changer. And I think it's really upon us to at least authorize a pilot.
• a program like CAP that was focused on preservation and specifically acquisition rehab would be a game
• And it's all a new game.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related proposals and policy ideas. One speaker urged changes to the welfare property tax exemption for affordable housing, arguing that annual income recertifications are outdated and burdensome, and proposing a one-time qualification at move-in, streamlined monitoring through TCAC or HCD, and continued exemption protection for projects that remain in compliance. The witness said rising insurance costs and administrative burdens are hurting cash flow and threatening the viability of affordable housing operations. A major portion of the meeting focused on social housing and the SB 555 study. HCD described its ongoing study process, including public engagement with residents, practitioners, and experts, and noted that California already has many building blocks for social housing, such as public land tools, long-term affordability mechanisms, community land trusts, and tenant protections. Community land trust and housing policy witnesses argued that social housing will require legislative action, expanded public subsidy, tax abatements, public land, and simplified financing, and they emphasized the need to reframe the concept for the “missing middle” and middle-class households to build broader political support. Committee members discussed stigma around “social housing,” the need for a rebrand, and the possibility of a pilot program, especially on excess public land. The committee also heard a proposal for a certified professional plan-check system modeled on Vancouver, Canada. The presenter said California’s permitting delays, inconsistent reviews, and staffing shortages add cost and uncertainty even for streamlined projects, and proposed allowing state-certified private professionals to perform plan checks and inspections under state oversight while local governments retain zoning and enforcement authority. Members discussed local control concerns, infrastructure costs, and the need to reduce delays and uncertainty in the entitlement process. Finally, the committee heard testimony supporting changes to HCD loan disbursement so funds can be used during construction rather than only after completion. Witnesses said this would reduce interest costs, improve feasibility, and could produce additional affordable homes with existing funding. The discussion also referenced AB 1053 as the vehicle for implementing that approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1382 by the Finance Committee, an act relating to the appropriation to the Department of Fish and Game
• , appropriating additional monies to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2027, providing
• , appropriating additional monies to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2027, providing
• , appropriating additional monies to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2027, providing
• There's a game at 8 p.m., so go Vandals. Thank you. Further announcements?

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the blocked charge, where a guy was coming in for a layup, and I called an offensive foul in the game
• And I decided after that it wasn't worth the $19 that I was making to referee a basketball game.
• The ice at a hockey game in Seattle and assaulted two youth officials.
• By passing 5272, we send a clear message that abuse is never part of the game.
• Just last night, I was at a regional basketball playoff game here in Spokane Valley.

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Fish and the Game Commission into a wildlife agency.
• And fish and the Game Commission into a wildlife agency.
• The department to openly and competently address issues that affect game management in our state.
• Over the past 13 years, I think I can count on one hand the number of Game Commission meetings that I
• Carrie Romero: Over the past 13 years, I think I can count on one hand the number of Game Commission

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Shooting Range Closure Conditions, requires the joint resolution of the Legislature in order for the Game
• The sponsor stated that it was like to fix a problem with a child updating a video game.
• Includes any of the following: computer device, video game console, a smartphone, or tablet, but does
• The sponsor stated that it was like to fix a problem with a child updating a video game.
• Includes any of the following: computer device, video game console, a smartphone, or tablet, but does

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long minority calendar covering a wide range of bills, with sponsors giving brief descriptions and members frequently raising concerns about constitutionality, cost, federal preemption, and policy impacts. Topics included medical intervention and vaccination/mask prohibitions, state treasurer investment rules, vacant state positions reporting, shooting range closure limits, congressional term limits, audit penalties, cellphone use while driving, procurement restrictions tied to China, air ambulance regulation, hospital immigration-status reporting, SNAP purchase restrictions, school assessment changes, school contract transparency, religious excusals from school, student contact information, fitness reporting, and several property tax, water, and agriculture measures. Members also discussed bills on AI-generated sexual material consent verification, DEI liability, hate-crime sentencing, commercial driver forfeiture tied to immigration status, speed-limiting devices for repeat speeding offenses, PFAS firefighting foam, name changes for sex offenders, abortion-inducing drugs, prisoner transition services, sexual extortion penalties, solar radiation management bans, and cultivated-cell food labeling and sales bans. Several bills drew explicit opposition or requests to pull them from consent, especially those affecting abortion access, immigration-related hospital reporting, school testing, religious release programs, DEI policies, and cultivated-cell foods. Members noted that some measures appeared duplicative, overly broad, or likely unconstitutional, and in multiple cases referenced prior vetoes or prior-year versions of the same bills. Supportive comments were also made on selected bills, including the PFAS foam prohibition, the assistive technology study committee, the digital goods consumer protection bill, and the prisoner transition services extension. The caucus also considered water and infrastructure measures, including brackish groundwater funding and studies, water augmentation authority bonds, Pima County water rates, groundwater transport rules, and HOA drought watering limits. Toward the end, members reviewed election-related memorials and resolutions, including a proposal to limit voting centers, a memorial urging withdrawal from the United Nations, and another urging defunding the IMF; all three were noted as being on consent and were pulled for further discussion. The meeting closed with announcements, including a note about a local missing-person concern and a caucus recognition program called the Affordable Arizona Award.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you also happen to mention that Arkansas Game and Fish was going to be involved in this.
• How is Arkansas Game and Fish going to be involved in this?
• We lease our acreage around Lake Maumelle to the Game and Fish Commission at a reduced rate.
• If it doesn't touch the lake and can't get to the lake on it, how would this land with Game and Fish
• So we try a variety of things to play, again, that long game for long-term management of those sites.

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, Pool 249 by Representative Kloba specifies that certain bots that are features of gaming systems
• or applications, in addition to certain bots that are features of video games, are not included in the
• I think the original bill contemplated video games, but I think it's a more accurate description to call
• it gaming systems or applications and change that language.
• We definitely want to help our friends in the gaming world, and so we will be a yes vote.

Bills: SB5420

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Transcript Highlights:

• the words 'or as otherwise authorized to be conducted on Indian lands in compliance with the Indian Gaming
• this law that anything else is under the conduct of the Indian lands in compliance with the Indian Gaming
• Oklahoma has only three limited exceptions for gambling: the lottery, horse racing, and class 3 tribal gaming
• Senate Bill 1589 does not ban Candy Rush or other entertainment games.
• It does address online casino games where the credits of the games can be exchanged for a prize award

Bills: SB1969 , SB1953 , SB1277 , SB1287 , SB1061 , SB1916 , SB1589 , SB2178 , SB1444 , SB1438 , SB1501 , SB1873 , SB1364

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: massage therapy, licensing, multistate compact, regulation, healthcare, professionals, Employer Health Plan Transparency Act, health insurance, claims data, contract provisions, health care providers, auditable materials, HIPAA compliance, insurance regulation, unemployment benefits, employment security, work search, job search, reemployment, jobless benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation will require Idaho Fish and Game to provide a 30-day public comment period when the
• Idaho Fish and Game undertakes season-setting every other year.
• amount of time to absorb, analyze, and respond to the season-setting proposals of the Idaho Fish and Game
• Big game season setting for deer and elk is sort of the main event for most Idaho hunters, and many of
• This proposed legislation has been fully coordinated with Idaho Fish and Game management, and they don't

Summary: The committee first handled two gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, moving the appointments of Carl Ray and Kenneth Long to the floor with recommendations that both be confirmed by the Senate. It then introduced a joint memorial on depredation claims, which would urge Congress to ensure that reporting livestock losses to wolves or grizzly bears does not affect a rancher’s grazing lease or permit; the memorial was sent to print. Next, the committee introduced RS 32927C1, which would require Idaho Fish and Game to provide a 30-day public comment period for season-setting proclamations. It also introduced four related water-resources resolutions, RS 33051 through RS 33054, covering the state’s four water districts and highlighting projects such as managed aquifer recharge, dam and spillway work, canal and irrigation improvements, and aquifer stabilization efforts. All of these introductions were approved by voice vote. The committee then considered several administrative rules from the Department of Environmental Quality. It approved a docket on cyanidation mining rules, with DEQ explaining the changes were needed to conform to 2025 statutory revisions and that some issues would continue through negotiated rulemaking; the Idaho Mining Association testified in support of that process. It also approved drinking water rules adopting federal Consumer Confidence Report and Lead and Copper Rule improvements, and a separate technical correction restoring the prior 100 PSI maximum static pressure standard for distribution systems, with Idaho Rural Water Association supporting the change. Finally, the committee approved rules for administration of wastewater and drinking water loan funds. DEQ said the revisions implement zero-based regulation, create a tiered affordability system to prioritize disadvantaged communities for SRF loans, and add flexibility to professional liability insurance requirements for engineering firms while still protecting public funds. The committee adjourned after approving the docket, with one senator noting a potential conflict related to professional engineer status for the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• How is your game? How is this? Attend their games. Attend their sporting events.
• How is your game? How is this? Attend their games. Attend their sporting events.
• This, again, is their games, attend their sporting events, attend their concerts.
• It has one of the biggest Connect 4 games you've ever seen. It has art.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first considered RS 33019, a joint memorial sponsored by Representative Ben Furman urging Congress to fully fund special education under IDEA. Furman argued that Congress promised 40% funding in 1975 but Idaho currently receives only about 12%, leaving schools and property taxpayers with an unfunded mandate. Several members supported the memorial as a way to press Congress, while others said they wanted a fuller discussion of special education requirements and maintenance-of-effort issues. The committee then voted to introduce RS 33019, with the motion passing on voice vote. The committee next recognized Idaho’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, Laren Johnson of Rigby High School, introduced by Superintendent Debbie Critchfield. Johnson spoke at length about the importance of teacher-student relationships, crediting mentors and describing how he works to connect with students through classes, extracurriculars, and community involvement. He highlighted programs and colleagues at Rigby, his work with Holocaust education and Future Hispanic Leaders of America, and the role of Idaho scholarships and career pathways in helping students stay in the state. Members thanked him for his service and remarks. Critchfield then presented a proposal for Idaho to seek federal flexibility on education rules and testing, including an EdFlex-style waiver and changes to assessment requirements. She said the department had reviewed reporting burdens and wanted to reduce requirements not mandated by state or federal law. The main waiver requests would exempt third graders from duplicative reading tests and allow 11th graders to choose among approved assessments, such as the ISAT, SAT, ACT, ASVAB, or technical exams, to better match student goals. Members asked about district testing practices, the portability of the ISAT, and future AI-related policy work. Critchfield said the proposal was out for public comment and would go to the State Board of Education before federal submission.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sergio's dedication to the game of golf has led him to become one of the most consistent players in the
• career and his accomplishments on the course but for the passion he brings to his craft and to the game
• You have understood that education is a game changer, and you all are game changers. ...changers.
• The team leader and championship game MVP Ian Setta was joined by Theo Brannon, Caleb Richard, and Javon
• SB 28 by Hall relates to a lottery game played or facilitated for play by television, phone, or through

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is sponsored by our own Mike Nemes, and this is an act relating to charitable gaming.
• This is an actual charitable gaming bill. It has nothing to do with horses or casinos."
• team or whatever, and you want to have three bingos, three sessions a week at your local charitable gaming
• team or whatever, and you want to have three bingos, three sessions a week at your local charitable gaming
• "Sessions a week at your local charitable gaming bingo hall instead of two, you can do it.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on March 4, 2025, with a quorum present and several members absent or marked not voting during roll calls. The committee first heard Senate Bill 133, sponsored by Senator David Yates, which makes a small wording change to clarify sanctioning bodies for boxing and wrestling exhibitions. Yates said the bill is intended to close a legal gap affecting amateur boxing and wrestling clubs, especially those not affiliated with schools, and to ensure charitable and exhibition events remain properly sanctioned and safe for youth participants. The bill received a favorable recommendation after a roll-call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 190, sponsored by Senator Mike Nemes, on charitable gaming. Nemes explained that the bill would allow certain groups to run three bingo sessions per week instead of two and increase volunteer participation limits from four to six times per week; he emphasized that the measure does not involve horses or casinos. The committee approved the bill favorably after a brief question from Senator Berg about why volunteer limits exist. Finally, the committee took up House Bills 261 and 262, both related to certified public accountants. HB 261 would allow retired CPAs to provide certain uncompensated public or nonprofit services, provided they complete a retirement-based continuing education waiver; members asked for clarification that the authority applies after retirement, not while active. HB 262 would let a CPA firm keep its name when the last remaining owner is left after another owner’s death or retirement, rather than requiring a name change; Senator Meredith asked about protections if an estate objects or if the prior name is associated with misconduct, and the board representative said remedies remain available and there is no time limit on enforcement. Both bills passed with favorable expression, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• While the department regulates the taking of game animals, it does not oversee the processing or food
• Jackie Keith not... safety requirements for donated Wild safety requirements for donated Wild game<00
• meat to the Department of Health game meat to the Department of Health I'll<00:31:50.559><c> be</c><
• So, for the purposes of this section, for example, wild game means a member of a species of game not
• Wild game includes the carcasses, parts thereof, and meat or meat products derived from wild game, just

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions. Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals. The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that we saw the same thing with some good representatives trying to go to basketball games and
• State was touting that they're going to move to facial recognition as your way to get into their ball games
• . ...move to facial recognition as your way to get into their ball games, and that when you buy your
• And I don't know that a basketball game, I mean, that would be an interesting issue.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Gaming will meet at 1:00 in room 114. Tomorrow, JUD B will meet at 3:00 in 113.
• Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of myself and Representative Casey, you're on a gaming um chairman.
• On your desk, you have the Mississippi Tourism Association, the Mississippi Gaming Hospitality envelope
• Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of myself and Representative Casey, you're on a gaming um chairman.
• On your desk, you have the Mississippi Tourism Association, the Mississippi Gaming Hospitality envelope

Keywords: MS House Floor - 2 March, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all