Transcript Highlights:

• In Gross, Senate Bill 2401, a bill for an act to create a new subdivision to subsection 2 of Section
• Line 28, there's a section later that allows for the epinephrine, like if you think an EpiPen.
• a new subsection to Section 43-48-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the prescriptive
• Pharmacists and therapeutic substitution; to amend and reenact subsection 1 of Section 26.1-36.11-01
• ; to repeal Section 43-15-25.3 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to approved laboratory tests

Bills: SB2401, SB2402, SB2403, SB2404

Keywords: SB 2401, North Dakota, Century Code, occupational therapy, occupational therapy board, criminal history record check, background check, licensee investigation, physician continuing education, medical license renewal, nutrition education, metabolic health, chronic disease prevention, health occupation boards, medical board, licensure fee, audit response, disciplinary action, Title 43, board of medicine

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. It adopted the procedural employment committee report naming Senate staff for the special session. The chamber then took up several health-care and appropriations measures, first adopting amendments to Senate Bills 2401, 2402, and 2403 before moving them to final passage. Senate Bill 2401 passed 44-2 and requires physicians to complete at least one hour of continuing education in nutrition and metabolic health, part of a broader rural health care package. Senate Bill 2402 passed 46-0 after major amendments negotiated between the medical and pharmacy boards; as amended, it expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution in limited areas while excluding categories such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, chemotherapy agents, Schedule II drugs, biological products, and narrow therapeutic index drugs. Supporters said it would improve rural access and help secure rural health transformation funding, while questions focused on how pharmacist competence would be measured and enforced. Senate Bill 2403, also passed 46-0, creates a short-term medical facility emergency operating loan program through the Bank of North Dakota, reduced by amendment from $10 million to $5 million, to help a financially distressed rural hospital. Senators discussed the hospital’s mismanagement, the need for a bridge loan, and safeguards including a limited application window and expiration in 2027. Senate Bill 2404 passed 46-0 and provides supplemental appropriations to the Information Technology Department for ADA-related website accessibility compliance and to the Public Service Commission for additional legal costs in federal energy-rate litigation. The Senate then made announcements about a Highway Patrol safety presentation and filing deadlines, excused an absent member, and adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, with SB 1864 though, we are extremely concerned about one section and that would be section D.
• Hey, just to be clear on, uh, section.
• We had talked about this section before, um, Section F, um, it would basically the way I read it, it
• Um, there is an A, and I missed that there is a section that it is only classifying to B and section
• We talked about, uh, the section of the bill, I think it's Section D, that puts a cap of $50 per year

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's section one. Section 2 is on the program. And so that's Section 1.
• Section 2 is on the program evaluation of child care services.
• So like if you look at Section 1, Legislative Management Study, Child Care Provider Licensing.
• And as Senator Larson, I think section three is appropriate because they're reporting to us.
• So the two amendments I'm hearing are on four, and we'll check on Section 2.

Bills: HB1220

Keywords: accelerated degree, high-demand occupations, education reform, North Dakota, licensing, 908, all

Summary: The Workforce Development Committee reconvened to discuss House Bill 1119, which would create a child care advisory committee and authorize a Legislative Council program evaluation of child care services. Senator Hogan explained that the bill is intended to review child care licensing rules, child care assistance, and related laws and policies, while also giving child care providers a stronger voice in the rulemaking process. He described the proposal as a new model for legislative program evaluation and noted that leadership had been briefed and was supportive. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s wording, scope, and structure. Senator Larson questioned the title and several sections, and multiple members suggested making the response language less directive and more collaborative, including changing “shall” to “may” in the section requiring a written response from the Department of Health and Human Services. Members also discussed limiting the advisory committee to the interim, clarifying that the evaluation would focus on child care services rather than broader early childhood programs, and adjusting language about enacted legislation to sound more neutral. The committee also discussed fiscal impact, with Hogan saying the evaluation would be done by Legislative Council staff and that any costs would likely be limited to meetings and existing DHS rulemaking activities. Members compared the proposal to other oversight models, including audit-style reviews and a possible DOGE process, and Hogan emphasized that the bill is meant to evaluate why child care issues keep recurring and why some laws are not fully implemented. No vote was taken; the committee agreed to continue refining the bill and planned to meet again the following Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Uh, Section 92. >> State your purpose. >> Section 92, uh, Section 4.
• 92, uh, Section 4.
• one. >> Section 92, Section 1.
• <01:26:30.400> 121 from section 124 now to section 121 from section 124 now to section 121
• No section they have. No section they have.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , provision to implement this section, provision to implement this section, including<00:04:16.519
• this section, including remedies.
• Um, section<00:32:52.360> 2<00:32:53.320> provides section 2 provides section 2 provides
• to to note that Article 1 Section 5 and Section<01:17:33.240> 13 Section 13 Section 13 uh<01:
• Uh I understand Section 5 of the bill. Uh I understand Section 5 of the bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:02:09.680> And in paragraph one in section one. And in paragraph one in section one.
• which is HB2, and it's found in section which is HB2, and it's found in section 412. 412. 412.
• So, any questions on section two?
• All the section does in section two is suspend current state law.
• questions on section two? questions on section two? >> All right,<01:22:05.120> then.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Two, section 1. In Colorado Colorado. Two, section 1.
• Section 3.
• Section 5.
• this section this section 18<01:31:12.560> section<01:31:12.880> 3<01:31:13.679>
• penalties described in section penalties described in section 18-12-401.57 Section 6.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, Section 4203 of the penal code prohibits a person from...
• The committee substitute amends a drafting error in section. one of the bill.
• 3, I'm sorry, Section 3 on page H2, the bill amends the text code.
• in the committee substitute is now a different section.
• And so it describes the activities identified in that section.

Bills: SB682, SB1013, SB1369, SB1422, SB2001, SB2080, SB2366, SB2705, SB2841

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Which section are you looking at? >> Which section are you looking at?
• However, the only statewide section in our office is the appellate section.
• > regard<00:26:05.279> to >> Uh the section with regard to >> Uh the section
• <00:27:02.480> in however the only statewide section in however the only statewide section
• <00:58:11.680> 231-394 interest as provided in section 231-394 interest as provided in section

Bills: SB2040, SB2248, SB2530, SB2732, SB2871, SB2919, SB3076, SB3300, SB3301

Keywords: freedom of speech, elections, campaign finance, non-natural persons, regulated participation, constitutional amendment, financial disclosures, government transparency, public confidence, Senate confirmation, conflicts of interest, state ethics commission, campaign contributions, state contracts, transparency, conflict of interest, government ethics, pretrial release, bail reform, financial ability

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the public section, is 3,500, but the next section is only 2,000.
• , the public section, is 3,500, but the next section is only 2,000.
• , the public section, is 3,500, but the next section is only 2,000.
• , the public section, is 3,500, but the next section is only 2,000.
• , the public section, is 3,500, but the next section is only 2,000.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping about report deadlines and bill scheduling, noting that reports should be submitted as soon as possible, ideally by Friday night, so they can be reviewed and filed on time. The chair explained the process for Democratic and Republican reports, reviewed the timing sheet for early bills, and said the committee was trying to stay on schedule to avoid hearings during vacation week. He also shared his contact information for questions. The committee then moved into executive session on 10 bills. On HB 13, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways in Windsor, the committee voted unanimously to retain the bill after the prime sponsor asked that it be held for possible local action. On HB 127, extending the closing date of OHRV trails on the Connecticut River headquarters property from September 30 to Columbus Day, members debated economic benefits for Pittsburgh versus concerns about local control, conservation easements, and hunting impacts. The committee voted 11-5 ought to pass; the chair noted it would not go on consent and would have a fiscal note. On HB 174, increasing the maximum weight of a utility terrain vehicle to 3,500 pounds unladen dry weight, supporters argued the change could help accommodate electric vehicles and heavier equipment, while opponents raised concerns about undefined terms, enforcement, private landowner rights, and unintended consequences. The committee voted 8-7 ought to pass. On HB 203, requiring C-COT approved personal flotation devices while on New Hampshire state waters, the committee heard a split between members who emphasized personal responsibility and those who said the bill would improve safety and education and could reduce drowning deaths. The motion to ITL failed 11-5, meaning the committee rejected the motion to kill the bill and advanced it instead. The transcript then moved on to HB 332, allowing for the establishment of a village district, but the discussion of that bill was not included in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dear President Ferguson, in accordance with Article 2, Section 13 of the Constitution of Maryland, I
• Dear President Ferguson, in accordance with Article 2, Section 13 of the Constitution of Maryland, I
• <00:03:07.160> 13<00:03:07.600> of<00:03:07.680> the with Article 2, Section
• 25.200> 3, authority conferred on me by Article 3, authority conferred on me by Article 3, Section
• <00:04:14.200> 13 in accordance with Article 2, Section 13 in accordance with Article 2, Section

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, March 27, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate met in a brief pro forma session. After roll call, the chamber welcomed a guest, recognized two senators’ birthdays, and approved the prior day’s journal. The main business was transmitting messages to the House of Delegates on Senate Bill 282, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, and Senate Bill 284, the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2026; in both cases, the Senate refused to concur with House amendments and requested that the House recede, while also naming conference committee members and advisory members. The Senate also received a message from Governor Wes Moore submitting Supplemental Budget No. 2 as an amendment to the FY 2027 budget, which was journalized and referred to the Budget and Tax Committee and the conference committee later that day. In addition, the Governor sent one executive nomination for Senate confirmation, which was referred to the Executive Nominations Committee, and a separate notice withdrawing a previously submitted nominee, also referred to that committee. No substantive debate or votes occurred beyond adopting the messages and ordering them journalized. The session concluded with thanks to the pages and a motion, adopted without objection, to recess until 6:30 p.m. Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section two states that section one is enforced as provided in that section instead of through the administrative
• the section also lays out misdemeanor the section also lays out civil<00:03:50.200> remedies<
• two states that violation section two states that section<00:04:11.599> one<00:04:11.959>
• one is enforced as provided in section one is enforced as provided in that<00:04:13.920> section<
• of the board uh this particular section of the board uh this particular section of<00:31:48.799>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also recommend amending HRS section 291C-1, to ensure consistent definitions across the statutes,
• We also recommend amending HRS section 291C-1, to ensure consistent definitions across the statutes,
• violation of the section committed within a 2-year period shall result in an additional fine of $350
• <01:15:10.239> committed violation of the section committed violation of the section committed
• Section three, regarding language in section three that the Department of Transportation may establish

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 667 would require DOT or county departments to scan deceased cats or dogs found on public roadways for microchips, record information, and report it to county animal services. DOT said it supported the bill, and the Hawaiʻi Humane Society and others strongly backed it, describing it as important for grieving pet owners. A private citizen also testified in support, saying the measure could help families learn what happened to missing pets. The chair noted there were nine supporters. The committee then heard HB 230 on sending a carbon copy of traffic citations to vehicle owners, followed by HB 77, which would make civil identification cards free to issue or renew. The Attorney General’s office said it had already submitted comments on HB 77, DOT opposed it, and a private citizen supported it as a way to reduce barriers to basic services. HB 668, which would make license suspension mandatory for operating a vehicle without insurance, drew opposition from the Office of the Public Defender and DOT. The Public Defender argued current law already allows suspension and that a mandatory rule would discourage people from obtaining insurance, increase court burdens, and disproportionately affect indigent drivers; the chair emphasized that driving is a privilege and raised concerns about uninsured driving in rural areas. The Public Defender also said it would look into whether state insurance options could help people who cannot get traditional coverage. The committee also took up HB 12, which would bar inspection certificates for mopeds or vehicles modified to increase NOx emissions. DOT offered comments, Citizens Against Noise supported it, and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it; the chair noted six additional supporters and ten opponents. HB 169 would raise the minimum age for moped operators from 15 to 16 and increase the helmet requirement age from 18 to 21; DOT supported it, while Moped Doctors, Moped’s Direct, and seven individuals opposed it. HB 220 would require moped operators to carry insurance under motorcycle/motor scooter insurance laws; DCCA offered comments, DOT supported it, and Moped Doctors and ten individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard HB 277, which would establish a statewide vehicle pursuit policy for law enforcement agencies. The Policing Project at NYU and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi supported the bill, citing national data on deaths and injuries from pursuits and arguing for a baseline limit on pursuits for minor offenses; the Hawaii Police Department and Maui Police Department opposed it. The committee also heard HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture. DOT supported it, while the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill was overly harsh, internally inconsistent, and likely to strain courts, law enforcement, and probation systems by turning a traffic offense into a felony with prison exposure and jury-trial rights. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um in section Eversource rate case.
• Section four of the bill um to this.
• The removal section, the last section on page two, which starts at line 27 and goes through lines 33.
• The removal section, the last section on page two, which starts at line 27 and goes through lines 33.
• The removal section, the last section on page two, which starts at line 27 and goes through lines 33.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this amendment takes one small section this amendment takes one small section of<00:16:58.480>
• <00:17:03.040> um small it's it's a substantial section um small it's it's a substantial section
• other sections um as well. other sections um as well. >> Thank<00:22:22.960> you.
• c><00:33:26.640> exits, sections are confined spaces, exits, sections are confined spaces, exits
• the 1400 rules, examining the sections the 1400 rules, examining the sections and<00:34:03.039><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So can you talk to us more about that section specifically? Sure.
• So Section 9 of the bill, when we were drafting it, right?
• That is what the section of the bill is referencing.
• If Section 5...
• We are opposed to SB 378 and most specifically to Section 18.3.

Bills: AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495

Keywords: higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency

Transcript Highlights:

• So, section one...
• Okay, section 4.5.
• Housing aid, sections 4.25 to 4.26.
• Section 7, local housing trust funds, sections 6.1 to 6.2, changes the time frame for a grantee to use
• Section 8, the high-rise sprinkler program, sections 6.16 to 6.17, addresses the height requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, the scope of Section 203 is limited.
• is covered by the current section.
• Roybal of Los Angeles were influential in the formation of Section 203.
• Roybal of Los Angeles were influential in the formation of Section 203.
• Roybal of Los Angeles were influential in the formation of Section 203.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 1, 2026, heard a full agenda of election-related measures, and took final votes on several bills and one resolution. The committee also adopted two consent items, SB 1429 and SB 1430, without opposition. Members and the chair repeatedly noted committee membership changes and the final meeting of the session, and the chair emphasized the committee’s focus on protecting democracy and election integrity. Among the bills heard, SB 1369 would shorten the signature-gathering period for judicial recalls in larger counties and require paid gatherers to disclose they are compensated; supporters argued it would protect judicial independence, while the chair and some members noted the need to balance recall rights with county differences. SB 900 would reformat campaign disclosure language on large print ads and billboards to improve readability while preserving transparency, with broad support from outdoor advertising, clean money, and good-government groups. SJR 18, which condemns Citizens United and urges action against corporate spending in elections, drew support from reform advocates but also concerns about the resolution’s focus and scope; it was advanced on a party-line split with some members voting no. The committee also advanced SB 1164, a major voting-rights measure expanding California protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, adding preclearance-style review for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to interpret election laws in favor of voting access. Local government representatives opposed it unless amended, citing uncertainty, loss of safe-harbor protections, and implementation concerns, while civil-rights and labor groups strongly supported it. SB 1360, which expands language-access requirements for voters with limited English proficiency and lowers coverage thresholds, was supported by voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups but opposed by elections officials unless amended; the committee acknowledged the need for further work on county-level implementation and data standards. The committee also approved SB 1418, which extends protections against seizure of election records and voting systems beyond voted ballots, and SB 884, which creates a buffer zone around polling places and vote-by-mail drop locations to prevent interference with voting and ballot custody, though sheriffs and police groups opposed the arrest restrictions. SB 46, which would give the Secretary of State clearer authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the ballot, and SB 715, which moves candidate ballot-designation challenge deadlines earlier, also advanced. Most measures were sent to Appropriations or otherwise held on call for absent members, and the meeting ended with final roll calls and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That concludes our public comment section.
• Section 7 is not the part that has had the most questioning. It has been every other section.
• Moving on to the tolling section, section two, sorry, I guess I get why tolling of child abuse makes
• I want to go back to that same section we were talking about before on page 2, section 8.
• Would that be covered under this section, Madam Chair?

Bills: SB38, SB17, SB41, SB264

Keywords: SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a short bill, only seven sections.
• It's a short bill, only seven sections.
• Moving on to Section 5, this is grant recipient acknowledgement and reporting, and this section just
• Moving on to Section 5, this is grant recipient acknowledgement and reporting, and this section just
• Section 6 is a legislative management report.

Bills: HB1623

Keywords: HB 1623, North Dakota, rural health, rural health transformation program, medical facility infrastructure loan fund, medical facility infrastructure loan program, rural health loan program, Bank of North Dakota, Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, federal grant, health care infrastructure, rural hospitals, critical access hospitals, nonprofit health care providers, gap financing, loan fund, public health funding, healthcare financing, Medicaid

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1623, the appropriations bill tied to North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program, which is funded through a new federal rural health care grant. Senator Bekkedahl explained the bill’s background, the interim committee process that developed it, and the federal conditions attached to the award, including spending deadlines, administrative cost limits, and restrictions on uses such as new construction, supplanting existing funding, and certain other costs. Legislative staff then walked through the seven sections of the bill, including appropriation authority, transfer authority, contingent appropriations for pass-through grants, procurement and public improvement exemptions, recipient reporting, legislative reporting, and immediate effective date. Commissioner Traynor and HHS staff described how the department plans to implement the program, emphasizing that the funding is intended to improve rural access, workforce recruitment and retention, technology and data connectivity, and community health initiatives. They said the department will rely on local applications, technical assistance, templates, listening sessions, and partnerships with providers, schools, public health units, tribal entities, and other community groups. Members asked about reimbursement timing, upfront costs, administrative expenses, sustainability after the five-year grant period, and whether CTE centers, public health units, gyms, grocery stores, and other community partners could participate; the department said yes, within program rules and with a focus on measurable outcomes and sustainability. Several supporters testified in favor. Mental Health America of North Dakota and the Mental Health Advocacy Network supported the bill and urged investment in community-based mental health, crisis response, children’s services, peer support, and mobile crisis teams. HIA Health described the grant as a chance to expand home-based and hospice care, noting that rural providers already have workable models but need funding to scale them. A cybersecurity representative also supported the bill, warning that the large amount of health data and AI-related tools will require strong data protection and professional support. The hearing was closed with no opposition testimony, and the committee announced it would return later in the day for further work on the bill and other measures.