Transcript Highlights:

• Taxes change if the zoning changed.
• Have a zoned ag property, but you're using it as a residential use.
• Exactly better, but it's just a change of zoning.
• An up zone would mean now you could put two; you could put a duplex on it.
• That's typical zoning for residential. Thank you, Senator O'Malley.

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• But what this does is it creates the Missouri Innovation Zone.
• What is kind of some of the intentionality of those innovation zones?
• , historic Main Street, a downtown, a charter city, charter county zone of it.
• Your question might be, could they expand outside of the zone?
• new incremental state sales tax and withholdings within that zone.

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• within an urban growth area not zoned for industrial use.
• within an urban growth area not zoned for industrial use.
• Is that correct in terms of the zoning?
• This applies to both industrial-zoned areas and residential-zoned areas, or just what zoning does it
• It includes all areas except for those zoned as industrial use.

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee heard several housing-related bills and gubernatorial appointments. SB 6201 would create property tax and REET exemptions for property used as affordable housing by social housing agencies, with testimony from the sponsor and supporters from Seattle Social Housing and House Our Neighbors emphasizing lower development costs and deeper affordability. Senator Gildon questioned how the 50% occupancy requirement would work at purchase, and staff explained the covenant and compliance requirements. The committee also heard SB 6205, which would add conflict-of-interest restrictions and reporting requirements for the Community Reinvestment Account, Affordable Housing Program, and Covenant Homeownership Program; Senator Braun said the bill responds to reports of misuse and is intended to improve transparency and trust. The committee heard gubernatorial appointments Pedro Espinoza and Diana H. Perez to the Housing Finance Commission, both of whom described their construction, local government, and housing experience and were supported by committee members. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute and passed SB 6001 on scissors stairs, SB 6026 on allowing residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, and SB 6054 on fire-hardened building materials. SB 6026 drew the most debate, with amendments added and others rejected; supporters said it would expand housing supply, while opponents and local governments raised concerns about historic districts, main street areas, and limits on local planning authority. SB 6054 was amended to remove the 10% cap on fire-hardened materials, with members saying it would help homeowners protect against wildfire risk. The committee then moved to public hearings on SB 6069, which would require cities and counties to allow emergency shelters, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing in more zones and limit local restrictions to objective standards and administrative review. Supporters, including housing providers, the Attorney General’s Office, King County, and Disability Rights Washington, said local barriers are delaying needed housing, while cities and the Association of Washington Cities argued the bill is too broad and would limit operational agreements and local flexibility. The committee also heard SB 6167, which would bar homebuyers from receiving multiple state-funded down payment assistance loans or grants. The sponsor said the bill is meant to maximize limited assistance dollars for more households, but opponents from housing nonprofits, advocates, and a homeless veteran said it would reduce access to homeownership, especially for Black households and families needing layered assistance in high-cost markets. Finally, the committee returned to SB 6205 testimony, where supporters said the bill would prevent self-dealing and misuse of grant funds, while one testifier urged more investigation and oversight resources. No final action was taken on the public hearing bills during the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• supportive housing in any zone where hotels are allowed.
• A city or county may not require step housing to be located in a zone within an urban growth area zoned
• if it adopts an ordinance authorizing them in a majority of zones shelters on housing in certain zones
• a city or county may not require step housing to be located in a zone within an urban growth area zone
• area zoned for industrial use.

Summary: The Senate Housing Committee held public hearings on four bills and then took executive action on several measures and two gubernatorial appointments. At the start, the committee waived the five-day notice rule for Substitute House Bill 2354, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, and Second Substitute House Bill 2590. The committee also heard public testimony on House Bill 1859, which would expand affordable housing on property owned by religious organizations by lowering the affordability threshold needed to qualify for a density bonus. Supporters, including the sponsor, faith leaders, and local officials, said the current 100% affordability requirement has made projects difficult to finance and that the bill would better unlock underused church land for housing. The committee then heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2266, which would further standardize where and how permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and shelters can be sited, while limiting local barriers and allowing some negotiated conditions near schools or when local governments provide significant support. The sponsor and supporters from King County, housing providers, the Attorney General’s office, disability advocates, medical professionals, and others argued the bill would reduce discriminatory or inconsistent local siting rules and expand needed housing. Some local government representatives supported the bill but asked for additional amendments to preserve local flexibility, require on-site contacts, and clarify how operating conditions and funding agreements would work. The committee also heard House Bill 2590, which would revise rules for limited equity cooperatives so they can better function as a long-term affordable homeownership model and remain exempt from certain Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act requirements. Supporters said the bill would help preserve manufactured housing communities and other cooperative housing while maintaining affordability and oversight. House Bill 2354, a trailer bill to WACOIA, would make technical changes affecting common interest communities, including EV charging and heat pump cost responsibility, reserve studies, and audit thresholds; the Washington State Community Association’s Institute testified in support. In executive session, the committee confirmed gubernatorial appointments Aaron T. McGrath and Ann T. Malone and voted do-pass recommendations for EHB 1687, SHB 2269, and HB 2304, all subject to signatures.

Transcript Highlights:

• We went further with that and modernized our zoning code.
• We went further with that and modernized our zoning code.
• </c><00:10:06.519><c> we</c> partly because of restrictive zoning we partly because of restrictive zoning
• It is time to relook at restrictive zoning. Good morning.
• are already commercially zoned.

Transcript Highlights:

• investigation. ...and transparent and legally rigorous fact-finding investigation into the criminal enterprises

Committee: House House House Investigatory Subcommittee

Summary: The subcommittee held its first official organizational meeting to investigate Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes in New Mexico, especially activity connected to Zorro Ranch. After roll call established a quorum, the members introduced themselves and explained their backgrounds: Representative Anaya cited survivor advocacy work, Representative Hall described his FBI background, and Representative Reeb noted her experience prosecuting sexual assault cases. Chair Romero outlined the committee’s purpose as a bipartisan House investigatory subcommittee, informally called the Truth Commission, tasked with conducting a full, transparent, legally rigorous fact-finding investigation into Epstein’s criminal enterprise and how New Mexico was used. The chair said the committee has a $2 million budget, will hire legal experts and investigators, and will work through Legislative Council after session. She announced plans for a public website, regular updates, a tip line, and coordination with the New Mexico Department of Justice, law enforcement, and public safety agencies. She also said the committee has subpoena power and will issue subpoenas to persons of interest if they do not voluntarily cooperate, while protecting survivor anonymity and keeping the process trauma-informed and victim-centered. Members emphasized the importance of justice for survivors and public transparency. Representative Anaya encouraged people needing help to contact the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. No public commenters came forward during the allotted comment period, and the meeting adjourned after the organizational discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• global commodity, and fuel policy and fuel type are best determined by the free market and private enterprise

Committee: House General Laws

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2748. Members considered a committee substitute and adopted a House committee amendment that restored recess language and clarified age-appropriate physical activity provisions. After rolling the amendment into a new substitute, the committee voted the bill do pass by a roll call of 6 ayes, 4 noes, and 1 present. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2774, which would prohibit the state or political subdivisions from restricting the sale or use of equipment, vehicles, tools, or similar items based on fuel source. Representative Knight presented the bill as a short measure aimed at preventing fuel-source restrictions. Testimony in support came from the American Petroleum Institute, Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association, Missouri Propane Gas Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Missouri Golf Association, with supporters emphasizing consumer choice, free-market fuel policy, and economic benefits for biofuels and related industries. During questioning, a member asked whether the bill would affect homeowners associations banning gas-powered lawn equipment; the witness said it would not, unless the HOA were a political subdivision. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing on HB 2774 was concluded before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• An enterprising farmer thinks, "Well, this is going well.

Transcript Highlights:

• option of setting aside 10% of allocated funds for construction contracts with minority business enterprises

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard two bills. First, it considered Senate Bill 312 relating to the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. The committee took up a strike-all amendment and then a secondary amendment offered by Senator Fine to clarify that the current University of West Florida Board of Trustees chair would have no role in the organization. Members described the changes as friendly, and both amendments were adopted. The bill, as amended, was then reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1624 on higher education, which was presented as a broad higher-education package. The bill would set market-rate out-of-state fees for nonresident online students, revise financial aid and support program language, provide tuition and fee waivers for Florida State Guard members, change rules for adult and career education programs, redirect certain workforce-related funds, rename Hillsborough Community College as Hillsborough State College, rename the Florida Educational Equity Act as the Florida Educational Equality Act, adjust appointments to certain boards and councils, update admissions and scholarship references to include the classical learning test, broaden the definition of opioid antagonist, repeal a grandparent-based out-of-state fee waiver, and strengthen FIU’s Office of Ocean Economy. There was no public testimony or debate, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting concluded after both measures were approved and no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this does is it adds driving 20 ...in construction or school zones.
• This behavior undermines how work zones are designed.
• work zone speed limits.
• We have experienced numerous crashes in our work zones.
• . ...qualification that you see somebody in the zone and you can identify them as being in the zone kind

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• related to the camera enforcement of traffic violations for red light running, speeding in a school zone
• I believe in 2023, we did the school zones and then following the school bus cameras.
• Let's talk about the school speed zones.
• let's talk with the school speed zones uh we'll start with the school speed zones Senator Martin, you're
• School speed zones. Let's start with the school speed zones, if I may.

Bills: S0382 , S0654 , S0684 , S0880 , S1080

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Transportation Committee met with a quorum and first took up SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement, which would standardize procedures for red-light, school-zone speed, and school bus camera enforcement. The bill would allow clerks to retain 10% of penalty revenue, permit virtual hearings, require records retention, limit surveillance/data use, tighten school-zone flashing-light requirements, and add school board approval and reporting requirements for school bus camera programs. An amendment clarified reporting periods and which entity receives liability-transfer affidavits. Members raised questions about information-sharing, facial recognition, school-zone warnings, and school bus stop safety, but the committee accepted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 1080, which was amended by a delete-all to address FDOT direct payments to first-tier subcontractors and takeover agreements involving sureties and replacement contractors. The amended bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved a slate of appointments in tabs 1 through 6 by one vote. Next, the committee heard SB 382 on electric bicycles and scooters. A strike-all amendment shifted the bill away from immediate enforcement changes and instead created an e-bike task force, required crash data collection and reporting, and retained rules requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, provide audible signals, and limit speed near pedestrians. Members discussed enforcement practicality, access concerns for riders who rely on e-bikes, and the need for public education and transparency. The amended bill was reported favorably. The committee then reported favorably SB 684, which removes certain signature requirements for electronic odometer disclosures in total-loss vehicle and vessel insurance transactions, and SB 880, which creates a new license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association. The meeting ended after all items were approved and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• When DNR leases vehicles, they do so with money that is not, um, part of the enterprise.
• </c><01:11:04.640><c> So,</c><01:11:04.880><c> it</c> not um part of the enterprise.
• So, it not um part of the enterprise.
• My minority leader told me it's about 28 billion dollars currently in enterprise funds.
• </c> money is sitting in enterprise funds? money is sitting in enterprise funds?

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 103 also aligns taxation with actual market conditions rather than technical zoning shifts.
• And so the use is usually what's looked at, but currently our code says zoning.
• But is it... ...exactly better, but it's just a change of zoning.
• That's a typical zoning for residential. You could put two. You could put a duplex on it.
• That's a typical zoning for residential. Thank you, Senator O'Malley.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 283, a workforce housing bill that would let local governments designate housing shortage areas and use metropolitan redevelopment tools, including property tax stabilization, to encourage construction and preservation of “missing middle” housing. Supporters said it would preserve local control, increase supply, and help teachers, nurses, first responders, and young workers afford housing. Opponents raised concerns about gentrification, redevelopment in neighborhoods, and whether the affordability requirements were strong enough. After questions about local designation, affordability percentages, and the 14-year term, the committee passed the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee substitute for SB 283 on an 8-0 vote. The committee then considered HB 103, which would keep the residential property tax cap in place when zoning changes occur, so long as the property’s use remains residential. Supporters argued the bill would protect homeowners from tax spikes caused by rezoning and preserve stability for seniors and families. Committee discussion focused on how zoning changes affect valuation, what counts as an upzone, and how assessors currently apply the law. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote. HB 200, a starter-home incentive bill, was heard next. The bill would provide zero-interest loans through the Mortgage Finance Authority to reduce the cost of newly built starter homes, with higher subsidy amounts in Santa Fe, Taos, and Los Alamos. Supporters said it would help young families, retirees, and first-time buyers and encourage construction of smaller homes. Several senators questioned whether the subsidy would simply raise prices, whether the loan structure was the best tool, and whether the program would work equally well across the state. The committee vote ended in a tie, so the bill was held and placed at the top of the next agenda. The committee also passed HB 154 and HB 285 by unanimous votes. HB 154 was approved 6-1 after little discussion. HB 285, a veterans property tax cleanup bill, clarifies how exemptions apply when more than one veteran in a household has a disability rating; it passed 7-0. HB 165, which expands the C-PACE program to include certain economic development projects working through industrial revenue bond arrangements, also passed 8-0 after sponsors said the change was an oversight fix. After HB 165, the committee lost quorum and recessed, with remaining items bumped to the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• deer with a rifle in some of the flat zones.
• Would this affect current hunting zones?
• , is the DNR going to adjust hunting zone maps out of safety concerns?
• Any more accidents on one side than the other in the firearm zone versus shotgun zone?
• I live in the shotgun zone while my neighbors can shoot with rifles.

Bills: HF647 , HF2824 , HF1249 , HF623 , HF820

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• is required to draft a Renaissance Zone development plan.
• We often call those islands to the primary contiguous zone.
• zone.
• The reason I'm asking is... ...to Renaissance Zone.
• Well, I appreciate the comments on the Renaissance Zone.

Summary: The committee met to continue its tax reform and relief study agenda, approved the December 3, 2025 minutes, and announced a new subcommittee to examine property tax statement issues with counties, auditors, and the tax office. Representative Headland was named chair, Senator Rummel vice chair, and Representatives Dressler and Dr. Dr. and Senator Patton were also assigned. The chair noted the group may need an additional meeting and thanked staff and attendees. A major portion of the meeting focused on economic development incentives. The Department of Commerce presented on the Renaissance Zone program and TIF districts, describing Renaissance Zones as locally tailored tools that combine local property tax relief with state income tax incentives. Commerce said the program has supported thousands of projects since 1999 and cited examples from Beach and Mandan showing increases in property and taxable value, business retention, housing, and downtown revitalization. Committee members raised concerns that smaller rural communities often lack the staff and expertise to apply, and Commerce said it provides outreach through conferences, office hours, and one-on-one assistance. League of Cities and local officials from Bismarck and Ellendale echoed the capacity issue, discussed how the programs have worked in their communities, and suggested possible reforms or more targeted support for small towns. Ellendale’s mayor also described two TIF districts, one for industrial infrastructure in Oaks and one for housing infrastructure tied to a data center project in Ellendale. The committee then turned to stripper oil taxation. The Tax Department gave a comparison of oil and gas tax structures in selected states, noting that most have some form of stripper or marginal well provision, while Alaska does not appear to have a specific stripper-well exemption. Members asked for more detail on definitions and North Dakota’s annual adjusted rate. The Department of Mineral Resources followed with a detailed presentation on North Dakota stripper wells, explaining the statutory thresholds, the 12-consecutive-month production test, and the fact that once a well qualifies it remains on stripper status even if production later rises. DMR said about 11,332 stripper wells are active, representing roughly 54% of wells and about 16% of state production, and emphasized that stripper status can extend well life, preserve tax revenue, and reduce orphaned wells. Committee members and industry witnesses discussed refracs, the economics of keeping marginal wells active, and the competitive disadvantage created by North Dakota’s oil price discount. No votes were taken on these informational items.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think they could definitely do that, but they'd have to deal with that zoning statute, or that zoning
• </c><00:10:26.800><c> ordinance,</c> um by changing their zoning ordinance, um by changing their zoning
• zoning zoning &gt;&gt; Yeah.
• </c> residential zoning. residential zoning. It's<00:15:23.400><c> the</c><00:15:23.520><c> Y.
• ,</c> And this clearly is subject to zoning, And this clearly is subject to zoning, the<00:15:54.920>

Summary: The conference committee met on House Bill 69, which concerns Department of Health land transfers involving property from the Wyoming Life Resource Center in Lander. Members reviewed the two main pieces of the bill: a transfer of land to WYDOT for a maintenance yard, and a separate parcel intended for possible residential development. Much of the discussion focused on clarifying that the residential parcel would still be subject to zoning and likely sold through a public process, while the WYDOT parcel would remain a state-to-state transfer. A central issue was whether the City of Lander should be specifically included in the consultation language. Committee members agreed the city should be consulted on both sections, but there was debate over whether the bill should say the department is “authorized and directed” to convey the WYDOT parcel or use more permissive language such as “may” or simply “authorized.” Members noted that the city would have zoning authority over the residential parcel, but not necessarily a veto over the WYDOT transfer. The discussion also covered the practical need for a new WYDOT facility because the current yard is too small. The committee ultimately agreed to add the City of Lander to the consultation language, keep the WYDOT transfer directed, and leave the residential section permissive. They also approved a reporting requirement so the legislature would be notified when the transfers are completed. The committee then voted unanimously to adopt the compromise and prepare a conference committee report for signing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But even though it not the zoning board.
• Um, you know, your point about how local zoning can address industrial uses is well taken, but zoning
• Um, you know, your point about how local zoning can address industrial uses is well taken, but zoning
• Um, you know, your point about how local zoning can address industrial uses is well taken, but zoning
• Um, you know, your point about how local zoning can address industrial uses is well taken, but zoning

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• From a young age, Don worked in the family business, New Enterprise Stone and Lime.
• :39.360><c> family</c><00:06:39.600><c> business,</c><00:06:40.319><c> New</c><00:06:40.639><c> Enterprise
• ,</c> in the family business, New Enterprise, in the family business, New Enterprise, Stone<00:06:41.360
• </c><04:42:48.320><c> That's</c> enterprise is prepared for both.
• That's enterprise is prepared for both.

Bills: HB8897 , HB3106 , HR1398 , HB8738 , HB3535 , HB7574 , HB8535 , HB8168 , HB9388 , HB9391 , HB8874 , HB9328 , HB8770 , HB7809 , HB6332

Keywords: FEC, Federal Election Commission, campaign finance, electioneering communications, political committees, electronic filing, e-filing, disclosure reports, campaign reporting, disbursements, checkless payments, payment methods, administrative reform, election law, FECA, 52 U.S.C. 30104, 52 U.S.C. 30102, campaign administration, political spending, Department of Homeland Security

Transcript Highlights:

• That's much more common across the rest of the enterprise, but had not been used by the governor's office
• the<01:11:36.960><c> rest</c><01:11:37.040><c> of</c><01:11:37.120><c> the</c><01:11:37.280><c> enterprise
• but had not the rest of the enterprise but had not been<01:11:38.880><c> used</c><01:11:39.120><c> by
• We're kind of just getting on board with what a lot of the rest of the enterprise does.
• I know some of the issues had to do with the enterprise asset tracking system that was not particularly

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are dedicated to free enterprise and free speech online, and our members know that as they join
• So all of my testimony should be seen through that lens of free enterprise.
• </c><00:23:58.000><c> and</c> we are dedicated to free enterprise and we are dedicated to free enterprise
• </c><00:24:07.600><c> And</c><00:24:07.760><c> with</c><00:24:08.000><c> that</c> lens of free enterprise
• And with that lens of free enterprise.

Summary: The Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum present and approved the minutes from the August 14 meeting. The first presentation was from the National Retail Federation on artificial intelligence in the retail sector. NRF described AI use cases in three areas: consumer-facing tools such as chatbots, product descriptions, and marketing; employee-facing tools such as company-specific apps trained on employee manuals; and internal uses such as supply chain forecasting, inventory planning, fraud detection, cybersecurity, and coding support. The presenters said retail has been among the top deployers of AI and emphasized that the goal is to improve both customer and employee experience. NRF also outlined its principles for responsible AI use, organized around governance and risk management, customer engagement and trust, workforce applications, and business partner accountability. The group said retailers should maintain strong internal oversight, be transparent with customers, ensure compliance with existing laws, closely review workforce-related uses because they can be high-risk, and clearly define responsibilities between retailers and third-party developers. In policy discussion, NRF urged a tiered approach focused first on high-risk uses such as hiring, health care, financial, mortgage, and rental decisions, warned against fragmented rules that could favor only the largest firms, and encouraged voluntary standards and worker upskilling incentives. In response to a question about dynamic pricing, NRF said its members do not target consumers based on pricing and offered to follow up with more information. The committee then moved to a follow-up discussion on energy policy and data centers, hearing from Bartley Cleland of NetChoice. He explained that AI runs largely in data centers and that cloud computing shifts processing and storage away from individual devices, which he argued improves efficiency and can reduce costs. He said electricity demand has been rising over time and that AI will increase compute-related electricity use, but framed electricity as a normal input to economic growth. No votes or formal actions were taken after these presentations.