Transcript Highlights:

• And I do truly still believe that to this day.
• They're exactly what we do and why we do it every day.
• Then, with the target audience, we identify what could be a problem they're facing day to day when they're
• So you'll hear more about that in coming days.
• days a week may be in a larger market.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is that 10-day period of public feedback where the whole public will know, and you can have an
• We'll be celebrating our 25th anniversary this year.
• So lots going on these days.
• Chairman, and that is it for the day.
• And that is it for the day. Thank you very much, committee.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1225, which would codify a more standardized, partially public process for university and higher education presidential searches. The bill requires a search committee, periodic public updates, and a 10-business-day public comment period after a sole finalist is named, while aiming to protect applicants’ current employment from being jeopardized by early disclosure. The sponsor said the bill passed the Senate 34-0. The Idaho Press Club testified in opposition, arguing the measure reduces transparency under the Public Records Act, though it acknowledged the search committee structure itself was reasonable. Members discussed whether alternative approaches, such as releasing multiple finalists, might preserve more public input, but the sponsor said that would still deter applicants. The committee then voted to send the bill, as amended, to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee also received an informational update from Dawn Hall, executive director of IDEAL, Idaho’s 529 education savings program. She reviewed the program’s history, tax advantages, investment options, recent app updates, and expanded uses under federal changes, including broader K-12 and credentialing expenses. Hall said IDEAL accounts are growing, new accounts were up 11% over the prior year, and the program is working to increase awareness, employer participation, and contributions statewide. Members asked about the relationship between savings accounts and later educational attainment, and Hall said the accounts help start family conversations about higher education and are especially valued by lower-income families. Finally, Representative Pickett presented RS 33205, a cleanup bill for the public school facilities cooperative fund. He said the proposal would clarify interest calculations, update language about when the state can step in on unsafe school buildings, and ensure any remaining funds are properly returned or redirected. A member asked who would pay a state-appointed district supervisor’s salary and whether the district would have input, but Pickett said he had not researched that specific point and would follow up. The committee voted to introduce the RS.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, H.R. 2003 commemorates the celebration of the centennial of historic Route 66
• That ESA funds could be rolled into 529 accounts back in the day.
• Members, this week is African American Legislative Day.
• So we just invite all members to come and celebrate with us.
• All members are invited to come and celebrate with us.

Summary: The committee worked through a long Minority Caucus calendar covering a wide range of bills, with many items on consent and several pulled for discussion. Early items included resolutions on Judea and Samaria, bullion depository bills, a produce incentive appropriation, a biennial budget proposal, and a veterans services appropriation. Members also heard transportation-related bills on driver permits, citations, boat insurance, English proficiency for commercial drivers and motor carriers, photo enforcement, and a measure restricting incarceration for unpaid fines and fees. Several members raised concerns about constitutional issues, public safety, or whether bills were duplicative or targeted at specific groups. A large portion of the meeting focused on education and school governance bills. These included proposals on school district bond advisors, restrictions on school property leases and purchases, public meeting requirements, term limits and training for school board members, patriotic youth group access to students, computer science proficiency, and a bill requiring fingerprint clearance cards for traffic school instructors. Members repeatedly criticized what they described as inconsistent treatment of public schools versus ESA/private school programs, and several education bills were pulled from consent for further discussion. Other bills addressed child safety and family law, including DCS credit freezes, recorded child interviews, parents’ rights notices, mandatory reporting of threats by minors, sex offender residency and GPS monitoring, and a bill on guardianship rights during DCS investigations. The committee also considered a number of social services, health, and labor/consumer bills. These included SNAP work requirement and verification measures, a SNAP error-rate audit, dementia care telemonitoring funding, a Braille transcription appropriation, court fee limits, a physician assistant compact, pediatric licensure compact, and a kratom regulation bill. Members debated an earned wage access licensing bill at length, with opponents calling it predatory and akin to payday lending, while supporters argued it provided a regulated consumer option. Other measures covered cash acceptance by businesses, 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers, AI rules for state agencies, and a bill on public nuisance actions by the Attorney General. Several of these drew warnings about constitutional problems, preemption, or burdens on vulnerable populations. Energy, water, and tax policy also featured prominently. The committee heard bills on fuel formulations, gas tax relief, data centers and small modular nuclear reactors, utility reporting, and a Commerce Authority mandate to reduce fuel prices. Members criticized some proposals as favoring industry, preempting local control, or lacking a clear funding plan. The meeting ended after additional items on veterans, sample ballot mailing dates, and other miscellaneous measures, with multiple bills noted as pulled from consent or subject to later votes; no final roll-call results were detailed in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to introduce my two shadows of the day.
• Today was a long day. He missed all the disruptors. And we have two more bills to be heard, and Mr.
• Perez, yesterday I celebrated 26 years from alcohol, and this December it'll be 16 years from tobacco
• Representative Travers, I'll never forget the first day I met you when we were celebrating the last survivors
• Joseph the Worker to get a pair of boots when I was doing day labor work.

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee heard two veterans-focused bills. HB 2960 would create a Veterans Specialty Court grant program and fund to help cities and counties start, expand, and improve veterans treatment courts, with the Administrative Office of the Courts overseeing best practices, data collection, and reporting. It would also require the Department of Corrections to identify incarcerated veterans and share monthly information with the Department of Veterans’ Services so veterans do not lose contact with benefits and support services. The sponsor and a veteran testifying in support described the bill as a way to address underlying issues such as PTSD, substance use, and reintegration challenges through diversion and treatment rather than punishment. The committee also heard HB 2620, which would appropriate $300,000 annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services for grants to large emergency shelters serving homeless veterans, including Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). Supporters said the funding would allow shelters to hire dedicated veteran case managers, provide flexible assistance, and move veterans more quickly into permanent housing. A CASS representative and a veteran who had stayed there testified in favor, describing the shelter’s veteran-specific services and the importance of stable, trauma-informed case management. Both bills received strong support from committee members, many of whom spoke personally about veterans treatment courts and homelessness services. HB 2960 was approved on a 6-0 vote with one member not voting, and HB 2620 was also approved 6-0 with one member not voting, each receiving a do-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is probably the easiest thing you're going to do all day, and so you could save your energy for
• very small communities that need to have mail-in ballots, and so this just locks that in at the 45 days
• That's the only time they can do it is at that 45 days. The last item is the canvassing timelines.
• We noticed that there was one section we missed that still said 10 days, and it was supposed to be nine
• days, so it corrects that as well.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we're in the middle of Holy Week, celebrating... ...in the middle of Holy Week, celebrating this week
• after... vote on it within 90 days after it goes into law after the CA.
• A lot of the parents don't because they work seven days a week.
• So, this would... work seven days a week.
• These kids that grew up these days don't understand... that grew up these days don't understand what

Bills: SB278 , HB459 , HB61

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: University of South Alabama, board of trustees, education governance, state appointments, governance reforms, membership changes, home school, career and technical education, public schools, K-12 education, enrollment policy, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as the Senator from Stoughton and the Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Bristol district, we celebrated
• We celebrated just this past weekend a giant block party in Stoughton. Welcome. Thank you.
• So we are celebrating Stoughton's 300th birthday this year.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed visiting dignitaries from the Azores, President Beto Vaz Konsalus and Assembly President Rico Virtue Gomush, who were recognized in connection with the sister-city relationship between Lajes das Flores and Stoughton. The presiding senator also noted Stoughton’s 300th anniversary and referenced legislative support for local projects including the block party, community center, and train depot renovation. The chamber then adopted a resolution congratulating Tri-Valley Incorporated on its 50th anniversary. Senators next approved an act validating certain proceedings of the town of Stowe, which required and received a two-thirds vote. The Senate also enacted several local and special bills, including measures related to police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder, accidental death benefits for a former Boston firefighter’s spouse, the Longmeadow charter, a means-tested senior property tax exemption for Reading, the Falmouth town clerk position, and affordable housing and cultural space in Brighton. The Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committees, adopted an order to meet again on Thursday at 11 a.m. in formal session, and agreed to adjourn in memory of Elaine McGuire-Darland. A moment of silence was observed, and the Senate adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as the Senator from Stoughton and the Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Bristol district, we celebrated
• We celebrated just this past weekend a giant block party in Stoughton. Welcome. Thank you.
• So we are celebrating Stoughton's 300th birthday this year.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that before we begin, this one prayer today does not reflect the prayers that we say for you every day
• And at the end of our day, may our last act not yield to our anxiety over the ever uncertain future.
• </c> day um for the important work you do. day um for the important work you do.
• go by without consider let another day go by without consider considering<00:05:19.039><c> whether</
• So, it's the independence day of Norway, and just as a way of remembering and celebrating, we've got

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You've got 27, count them, 27 days to vote. 27 days to vote.
• And some people just like to go on Election Day.
• And some people just like to go on election day.
• This doesn't stop that and drop it off on election day.
• Maybe it'll speed it up a matter of hours or a day.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• May the dignity of every human being, from the child in the womb to the elderly living in their last days
• Doctor of the Day: Dr. William Thompson, Legislative District 8.
• Members, points of personal privilege at the beginning of the day are for introduction of guests who
• And today it is my great pleasure to announce for legislators that it's Disability Day at the Capitol
• So happy Lent and Ramadan to all those who celebrate. Thank you. Representative Liguori. Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in and day out, whether it be in the prisons or be out on the ...on the line day in and day out, whether
• Whereas International Women's Day, Día Internacional de la Mujer, is celebrated globally on March 8th
• And whereas International Women's Day celebrates the collective power of women, pays tribute to their
• And on the 114th International Women's Day, we celebrate and encourage everyone to take action against
• And we celebrate a day late all the women internationally, the employees, employers, for women, maintaining

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a memorial adoption of HCR 2064 honoring former legislator Barbara Leff, which was unanimously adopted and sent to the Senate. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Eladio Pereira, and numerous student and constituent guests in the gallery. After routine desk business and bill referrals, the House moved into Committee of the Whole to consider a long calendar of measures. Several bills were amended and advanced with do pass recommendations. HB 2170 was narrowed to restrict state purchases of certain electronic and information technology from China/Chinese-controlled entities and to address third-party resellers. HB 2375 dealt with middle housing in historic districts, with amendments limiting demolition of historic structures unless necessary for health and safety and preserving local discretion. HB 2380 focused on school district transparency and meeting location rules, requiring governing board materials online and keeping meetings within district boundaries, with debate over local control and comparisons to legislative caucus retreats. HB 2617, HB 2621, and HB 2671 also moved forward after amendments; HB 2621’s discussion centered on certificates of educational convenience and ensuring special education access for children in unorganized territory and DCS placements. The committee also advanced HB 2720 on anti-human trafficking and prostitution-related reforms, including sealed records for sex trafficking survivors and an anti-human trafficking grant fund; HB 2772, allowing a DNR designation on driver’s licenses, prompted extended questions about emergency care and liability; HB 2784, dealing with school district excess cash refunds, was amended to phase in implementation; HB 2902, affirming support for the Electoral College, drew the most ideological debate, with supporters citing constitutional structure and opponents arguing for a national popular vote; and HB 2950, concerning a tourism/hospitality district, saw a failed attempt to make participation voluntary. The House also considered HB 4025, a study bill on the feasibility of building an oil refinery in Arizona, which sparked extensive debate over fuel prices, refinery capacity, environmental impacts, and whether a study was necessary, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• But at the end of the day, some of the things will get adjudicated in the courts if we're not careful
• some of the things will end of the day some of the things will get<00:21:29.919><c> adjudicated</c><
• You know, imagine going to Japan and saying we're going to celebrate Japanese language for one month.
• </c><00:35:26.720><c> of</c><00:35:26.880><c> the</c><00:35:27.040><c> year</c> honored every day of
• </c><00:35:32.160><c> Japanese</c> saying we're going to celebrate Japanese saying we're going to celebrate

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing covered Senate Bill 1536 and Senate Bill 1571. SB 1536 concerned the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s CEO position and whether the exemption from retirement benefits should be changed. Testimony and committee discussion focused on the estimated cost, the current budgeted amount, whether the change would make the position more competitive, and whether alternatives such as a portable retirement plan had been considered. The witness said the proposal came from HTA’s legislative committee and that the position’s salary and benefits would still likely fit within the budgeted amount. No vote was taken on SB 1536 during the excerpted discussion. The hearing then moved to SB 1571, relating to tourism. Debed and HTA representatives said they supported the bill in written testimony, but HTA’s witness said the measure had not been discussed or voted on by the full board and recommended deferring action until the board could clarify its position. Several members of the public testified both in support and opposition. Opponents raised concerns about changing “Hawaiian sense of place” to “Hawaii sense of place,” warning it could weaken protections for Hawaiian culture and invite broader interpretations that might affect places like the Hawaii Convention Center. Others opposed a provision removing a two-year waiting period for HBCB board members before serving on the HTA board, citing conflict-of-interest concerns. Committee discussion centered on the meaning and practical effect of the bill’s language, especially the distinction between “Hawaiian” and “Hawaii,” the scope of HTA’s tourism and destination-management role, and whether translation and language policy were being applied too broadly or too narrowly. Some members argued the bill could help preserve Hawaiian culture and place, while others worried about exclusionary interpretations, costs, and whether resources would be better spent on programs rather than expanded translation. The hearing ended with the chair announcing a short break and moving toward decision-making, but no final action on the bill was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• in and day out, whether it be in the prisons or be out on the... ...on the line day in and day out,
• Whereas International Women's Day, Día Internacional de la Mujer, is celebrated globally on March 8 by
• And whereas International Women's Day celebrates the collective power of women, pays tribute to their
• And on the 114th International Women's Day, we celebrate and encourage everyone to take action against
• And we celebrate a day late all the women internationally, the employees, employers, for women, maintaining

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Doctor of the Day. From Senate District 30, Dr. Nancy Gegbe. Dr.
• I'll pass that he had early days, you know, in the oil fields. Okay.
• it's not trash day.
• Not every day the governor brings in your trash cans from the curb.
• Every day, every session, we... see the secular world play out.

Bills: SB27 , SB30 , SB293 , HB4 , HB2974 , HB5138 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3045 , SB3071 , HB796 , HB1523 , HB5294 , HB748 , HB3395 , HB180 , HB3171 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB5694 , HB1135 , HB3225 , HB186 , HB1449 , HB3793 , HB112 , HB104 , HB3336 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB5663 , HB2399 , HB111 , HB3483 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB632 , HB4730 , HB5690 , HB5689 , HB3385 , HB4359 , HB5381 , HB123 , HB5606 , HB1057 , HB3664 , HCR141 , HCR40 , HCR59

Keywords: judicial conduct, judges discipline, judicial compensation, retirement benefits, judicial transparency, SJR 50, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, securities tax, transaction tax, occupation tax, financial markets, broker-dealer, stock exchange, securities exchange, trading platform, clearing agency, transfer agent, FINRA

Transcript Highlights:

• the synergy between nitrates and other pesticides in terms of health impacts on people, this is the day
• but</c><00:32:33.919><c> this</c><00:32:34.080><c> is</c><00:32:34.320><c> the</c><00:32:34.519><c> day
• then when the people but this is the day then when the environmental<00:32:36.279><c> groups</c><00:
• our work every every day that uh what<00:43:38.520><c> what</c><00:43:38.640><c> we</c><00:43:38.839
• at The Soil and Water leader celebrated at The Soil and Water Conservation<00:46:23.839><c> District

Bills: HF363 , HF2155 , HF1524 , HF821 , HF1677 , HF1292

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF363, property tax credit, agricultural water quality credit, Minnesota agricultural water quality certification program, clean water fund, class 2a, class 2b, certified acres, conservation incentive, water quality, agricultural property, county assessor, county auditor, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture, property tax reimbursement, school district reimbursement, legacy finance, taxes committee, southeastern Minnesota

Transcript Highlights:

• drastic measures, the mother and her obstetrician do not have the luxury of taking three to seven days
• Anyway, the mother and her obstetrician do not have the luxury of taking three to seven days to resolve
• Members, I know that some of our members in the Christian faith are celebrating Lent, and it's also the
• So happy Lent and Ramadan to all those who celebrate. Thank you. Thank you. Representative Liguori.
• Everyone in the gallery and on the floor, I'd like to do my part in helping celebrate Black History Month

Summary: The House convened on Ash Wednesday with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the journal approved, and a series of guest introductions recognizing Dr. William Thompson, Disability Day at the Capitol participants, Arizona Cattle Growers, a GCU student guest, striking ASU Aramark workers and union supporters, Nurse-Family Partnership nurses, Navajo Nation visitors, and others. Members also made remarks honoring Lent, Ramadan, Black History Month, and various community figures. Attendance was recorded at 54 present, 3 absent, and 3 excused, and the House received committee substitutions and Senate messages without objection. The chamber adopted House Resolution 2006, a death resolution honoring Yvonne Glee Lyme Federson and her work with Childhelp to combat child abuse. The resolution was adopted unanimously, followed by a moment of respectful silence. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole and later an additional Committee of the Whole to consider several bills. Measures receiving do pass recommendations included HB 2089, HB 2177 as amended, HB 2258, HB 2322 as amended, HB 2786, and HB 2825 as amended, with amendments adopted on HB 2177, HB 2322, and HB 2825. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and ordered those bills engrossed or regrossed as appropriate. In the additional Committee of the Whole, members debated HB 2074, HB 2104, and HB 2105, all property- or health-related measures. HB 2074 drew sharp debate over an amendment removing a life-of-the-mother exception in a partial-birth abortion provision; supporters said the change clarified that safer medical alternatives exist, while opponents argued it would criminalize care even to save a mother’s life. HB 2104 and HB 2105 were amended to add taxable improvements as a trigger for assessor review and to make a standardized report optional, with supporters saying the changes improved county property tax administration and opponents warning they could hinder assessors and create litigation. All three bills received do pass as amended recommendations and were ordered engrossed. The House then took up third-reading votes and passed HB 2173, HB 2203, HB 2223, and HB 2501 by 57-0 votes with three not voting. HB 2307, an emergency measure concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and out-of-state treatment options, passed 37-20 with three not voting, but failed to achieve the required two-thirds vote for the emergency clause. Members explained votes in support as a temporary response to a lack of in-state treatment beds, and in opposition as a bill that was too broad or not yet implementable. The House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is probably, I think, one of my favorite days, if not my favorite day of the session: Veterans
• Visibility Day.
• Today is probably, I think, one of my favorite days, if not my favorite day of the session, Veterans
• Visibility Day.
• These hallways, the Capitol, the galleries, each and every day, we celebrate the competition and the

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is especially helpful for larger counties, uh, where day to day oversight may be delegated at
• This Sunday is Mother's Day.
• Happy Mother's Day wish?
• about to celebrate, and so I just wanted to wish her a very happy first Mother's Day.
• So happy Mother's Day to my wife Debbie. Her first Mother's Day of many to come.

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we've had a lot of conversations with everyone on the dais and the Senator included about
• Okay, come to the dais and questions or comments. Senator Seyarto? A couple questions. Sure.
• Come back to the dais. Yes. Senator Arreguín, thank you, Senator Laird, for this bill.
• We wanted to celebrate Senator Laird Day.
• We wanted to celebrate Senator Laird Day.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met, established a quorum, and first approved a consent calendar containing SB 1005, SB 1080, SB 935, and S.J.R. 11 on a 4-0 vote, with those items remaining on call until later. SB 992 had been pulled at the author’s request. The committee then heard SB 922 by Senator Laird, which would clarify that local governments may recover street maintenance and repair costs caused by public service operations, such as waste hauling, through rates, fees, or franchise agreements. Supporters included the League of California Cities, county groups, cities, waste haulers, and legal counsel who argued the bill restores a long-standing practice disrupted by a recent court decision and does not authorize new taxes or development fees. The California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended, warning the bill could inadvertently broaden local fee authority. After discussion about the bill’s scope and whether it would apply only to heavy service vehicles, SB 922 passed the committee 7-0 and was sent to the Senate floor. The committee also heard SB 1078, which would allow Santa Cruz County voters to consider raising the local tax cap to fund essential services, including health care, food assistance, and hospital support, in response to federal funding cuts. The County of Santa Cruz and the Central California Alliance for Health supported the measure, emphasizing Medi-Cal enrollment, CalFresh needs, and budget shortfalls tied to HR1 impacts. Some senators questioned whether the bill was effectively authorizing a tax increase and raised concerns about setting a precedent for other counties, while supporters stressed that the measure only allows voters to decide. SB 1078 passed 5-2 and was sent to the Committee on Revenue and Taxation. The committee then reconfirmed passage of the consent calendar items 7-0 and adjourned after concluding the agenda.