Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• The density bonus incentives in current law are extended to provide housing that's affordable for military

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Doctors of the Day. Members then offered several gallery introductions and Capitol Day recognitions, including St. Johns County Day, Florida Space Day, Florida State Parks Day, AMIkids Day, Manatee County Days, New College of Florida Day, and Florida Keys Day. The chamber received and adopted a committee report on 65 executive appointments. Debate focused on the confirmation of Tina Vidal-Douart, with one senator opposing her appointment over concerns about contracts tied to detention facilities and political contributions, while another senator spoke in support based on her assistance during COVID testing efforts. The report was adopted by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays. On the special order calendar, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units under specified conditions and extends certain density bonus incentives for military families. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 578, creating a statewide Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs. Both bills passed 38-0. Appropriations Chair Hooper gave a budget update, saying the Senate budget rollout would move to February 12 in committee and February 18 in full appropriations. The Senate then waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, for committee meetings and other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT
• ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS TOUTED AS BEING THE KEY TO CURING CANCER AND EXPANDING AMERICA'S MILITARY

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a military wife and daughter, we have a large veteran population. wife and daughter.
• So I'm just flagging that for you that this is the first part of this. Thank you. Thank you.
• I'm just flagging that for you that this is the first part of this. Thank you.
• Expenditures within the Military Department are not expected to change with the updated fiscal note.
• I just wanted to flag that piece. I see I'm out of time. Thank you.

Bills: SB6346 , SB6347 , SB6147 , SB6246 , SB5940 , SB5882 , SB6223 , SJR8206 , SB5762 , SB5828

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: millionaires tax, wealth tax, income tax, state revenue, tax reform, Washington estate tax, estate tax, inheritance tax, death tax, probate, decedent, gross estate, taxable estate, exclusion amount, tax rate, estate planning, heirs, beneficiaries, RCW 83.100, Department of Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• Then they changed how to determine the boundaries around those military impact zones from what we had
• impact zones and military compatibility committees.
• Better to offset anybody from doing nefarious things around those military bases.
• Continue. better offset anybody from doing nefarious things around those military bases.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes. On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it. On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask our guests and visitors to remain standing and join us in the flag salute.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible
• California, from tremendous sacrifices to help build the Transcontinental Railroads, to serving in our military
• California, from tremendous sacrifices to help build the Transcontinental Railroads, to serving in our military
• Last year I put forth a bill that dealt with this specific issue with military families, and it was signed

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a ceremonial observance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support of House Resolution 107, which designates May as AAPI Heritage Month, emphasizing the community’s contributions, resilience, and the need to confront discrimination and hate. The resolution was adopted, and the chamber then recognized 13 honorees for the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month celebration, highlighting leaders in education, business, labor, media, cultural preservation, and public service. After guest introductions, the Assembly took up a series of bills. Measures discussed included HOA reserve funding for common interest developments (AB 2050), professional review requirements for lawsuits against design professionals (AB 2106), direct home delivery of enteral formula (AB 1794), expanded CalWORKs-related support for student parents (AB 1829), longer insurance moratoriums for wildfire survivors (AB 2038), election cybersecurity (AB 2281), medical privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (AB 2448), water district board compensation (AB 2568), county public contract change-order authority (AB 1658), and several other education, health, and licensing bills. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 2050 passed 44-6, AB 2038 passed 45-8, AB 2448 passed 49-13, and AB 1658 passed 61-2, while several others passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Assembly also adopted AJR 29, a resolution opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail and affirming California’s mail voting system. The resolution prompted extended debate over election integrity, voter access, and federal versus state authority, with supporters arguing mail voting is secure and accessible and opponents calling for stronger voter list maintenance and verification. The resolution passed 47-13. In addition, ACR 141 and ACR 123 were adopted by voice vote after co-author roll calls, and the chamber continued or passed on numerous other file items as it worked through the daily file.

Transcript Highlights:

• If they have military preparation and they haven't sat for that national licensing...
• So what they do is any military personnel that has their military transcripts or their experiential credit
• Military personnel that has their military transcripts or their experiential credit will bring it to
• On this side of the room, there was a talk of military.
• We do want to flag issue number 13 regarding APRN delegation authority to our ends.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with committee chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and economic mobility. BRN leaders reported improvements since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, higher consumer satisfaction, growth in pre-licensure enrollment, and expanded data collection. Members questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international and military pathways to licensure, online nursing education and clinical requirements, rural workforce shortages, and the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option. BRN staff explained California’s tiered advanced practice system, the NCLEX and certification requirements, English proficiency rules, clinical hour standards, and the board’s role in approving programs and supporting schools through nursing education consultants. Several members and the board president also discussed the need to retain new graduates, improve diversity in the workforce, and better support nontraditional students and rural placements. Public comment on the BRN sunset review was extensive and largely supportive of the board, while also urging policy changes. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nursing education groups generally supported the BRN report and especially backed clarification of APRN-to-RN delegation authority under issue 13. Other commenters asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, more flexibility for clinical nurse specialists, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and changes to federal loan limits affecting graduate nursing education. Higher education representatives and private nursing schools raised concerns about duplicative BRN documentation, clinical placement bottlenecks, and barriers faced by out-of-state and online programs seeking to serve California students. The California Medical Association and some physician groups opposed easing transition-to-practice requirements for out-of-state nurse practitioners and cautioned against changes to specialty and delegation rules, while the California Nurses Association and others stressed the importance of community college pathways, new graduate support, and workforce retention. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Board leadership reported that the board oversees more than 41,000 active licensees, has seen about 15% growth since 2021, and continues to maintain high exam pass rates among California physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. The board described its mission as consumer protection through licensing, enforcement, continuing competency oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The vice president’s remote testimony encountered technical problems, so the executive officer continued with a brief overview of the board’s work and its commitment to efficient service and public protection. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• University students enrolled in military programs often face challenges when registering for classes
• University students enrolled in military programs often face challenges when registering for classes
• These heroes embodied the very best of the military: courage, duty, and selflessness.
• This is at our military installations.
• House Bill 2513 is a firefighter military leave clarification.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, heard an invocation, dispensed with the previous journal, and received a House message. Members also recognized Dr. Namita Bardwaj as doctor of the day. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 554 honoring Christopher “Chris” Jake Stone of Santa Fe for his heroism during the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, with several senators and the lieutenant governor offering remarks about his sacrifice and the ongoing impact on his family and community. The Senate also signed a number of bills and resolutions and adopted Senate Resolution 533 recognizing the Texas Legislative Internship Program class, with multiple senators highlighting individual interns and the program’s role in developing future public servants. The floor then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order and the three-day rule. These included HB 1639 on a study of cancer incidence among female firefighters; HB 102 granting early registration for students in military-related programs; HB 4325 increasing civil penalties for barratry; HB 5342 creating a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline trust fund and related funding study; HB 3370 allowing late timberland appraisal applications after an owner’s death; HB 3376 requiring certain guardians to complete dementia/Alzheimer’s training; HB 132 extending confidentiality protections to information about hostile acts by foreign adversaries; and HB 1978, which sought to restrict ERCOT interconnections, but its motion to pass to engrossment failed on a 20-11 vote. Additional measures passed included HB 511 on unsolicited voter registration mailings, HB 2187 on nurse staffing, retaliation, and overtime protections, HB 2510 creating offenses for unlicensed assisted living operations, HB 694 on DFPS notification timelines, HB 1893 making license plates in law-enforcement video nonconfidential for public information requests, HB 2733 updating barratry and solicitation laws for digital communications, HB 4506 allowing opt-in electronic zoning notices, HB 3751 transferring a TxDOT property to DPS, HB 3033 creating a grant program for nonprofits supporting injured or killed DPS employees, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud prevention and eligibility verification, HB 3211 on vision care benefits, HB 4529 exempting certain DoD-certified child care facilities from state licensure, HB 2522 easing fingerprinting requirements for certain vehicle dealers, HB 4219 tightening public information request response requirements, and HB 4783 requiring a report on opioid antagonist programs. The Senate also received a House message noting passage of SB 9, and a nominations committee report was announced for future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests are asked to remain standing and join me in pledging allegiance to the flag of the
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Thank you.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• As a military police officer with the United States Navy, Jaden was remembered as a hard worker committed

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several procedural matters, including adopting a resolution recognizing the work of Ukraine Forward and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a number of petitions. The chamber also scheduled several bills for later consideration, including measures on unemployment insurance for fluctuating work schedules, the Medical Society mission statement, a youth training wage, bridge and intersection namings, handicapped parking fines, public-way safety, excavation restoration, motor vehicle safety, and a Newton police age requirement. Two engrossed local bills were passed to be enacted: one authorizing retired police officers as special police in Plainville and another allowing Orange to increase its Board of Selectmen membership. The main policy debate centered on House No. 5151, An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power, and economic competitiveness. Supporters described it as a broad affordability and clean-energy package that would cut costs for ratepayers, reform Mass Save, speed clean-energy procurement and interconnection, return a portion of alternative compliance payments to customers, and address biomass and other energy issues. Opponents argued the bill relied too heavily on long-term programs and new administrative structures while offering little immediate relief, and raised concerns about costs being shifted to consumers, impacts on natural gas, and the pace of implementation. Several amendments were debated and rejected, including proposals to shift public benefit charges away from peak hours, pause public benefit charges for a year, require greater utility disclosure before rate increases, and add a forest-clearing penalty for solar development. One amendment to the energy bill was adopted: a consolidated amendment that included budget-billing consumer protections for gas customers, requiring notice and conservation recommendations when usage rises significantly. The House also adopted an amendment to a separate conservation-restriction bill for Hanson, changing a figure in the underlying law, and passed that bill to be engrossed as amended. The energy bill’s consolidated amendment passed by roll call, while several other amendments failed by roll call votes. The House observed multiple moments of silence honoring Jaden Booker, Thomas Skip Karam, former Freetown Police Chief Carlton Abbott, and former Representative and Senator William Q. “Biff” McLean, Jr.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask our guests and visitors to remain standing to join us in the flag salute.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• I pledge allegiance to the flag.
• engineering degree and three master's degrees in flight test engineering, systems engineering, and military

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved procedural motions, and recognized several guests and honorees, including CAUSE leadership academy participants, retiring FCMAT CEO Michael Fine, a Capitol intern, environmental leaders celebrating Black Conservation Week, family members of members, and NASA astronaut Captain Victor Glover Jr. The body also took up a number of routine file items and committee referral requests, with several bills referred to committees by unanimous consent and multiple items passed or retained on file. The main floor debate centered on ACR 214, the Juneteenth resolution. Members from the Black Caucus and other caucuses spoke in support, describing Juneteenth as both a celebration of emancipation and a reminder that freedom and equality remain unfinished work. Speakers emphasized Black history, civil rights, solidarity across communities, and ongoing issues such as education, housing, health, incarceration, and economic inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 coauthors were added. The Assembly also considered AB 2285 on blockchain staking and crypto regulation. The author argued the bill would provide consumer protections and clear rules for banks, credit unions, and crypto exchanges, while an opponent warned it could weaken securities oversight and consumer safeguards. The bill passed 45-1, and the author requested immediate transmission to the Senate. Later, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment passed 55-0 after brief support for clarifying fee rules and reducing duplicative costs. The chamber then adopted the second-day consent calendar, including resolutions for Women’s Equality Day and the International Day of Yoga, along with several Senate bills, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Assembly announced it would not meet on Friday, June 19, would reconvene Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests are asked to remain standing and join with me in pledging allegiance to the flag of
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Thank you.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• As a military police officer with the United States Navy, Jaden was remembered as a hard worker committed

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The pledge in Spanish to be given today by Senator Linda Lopez, and the salute to the New Mexico flag
• To be given today by Senator Linda Lopez and the salute to the New Mexico flag to be led today by Senator
• I know he's made a lot of his life's work on this very topic, and he continues to carry that flag and
• A community-scale microgrid would be 100 kilowatts to one megawatt: neighborhoods, military bases, small

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum on Valentine’s Day and spent much of the opening portion on ceremonial remarks, guest introductions, and announcements tied to Early Childhood Day, the New Mexico State Bar’s anniversary, and other Valentine’s-themed recognitions. Senators also approved several unanimous-consent requests excusing members from the chamber. The body then received House messages announcing passage of House Joint Resolution 6, House Bill 166, House Bill 295 as amended, House Joint Memorials 2 and 3, and House Joint Resolution 5 as amended. Committee reports were adopted on several measures, including Senate Memorial 27, Senate Memorial 21, House bills 10, 12, 34, and 63, Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 261, Senate Finance Committee substitute for Senate Bill 151, and Senate Memorials 3 and 16, which were reported as duly enrolled and signed in open session. The Senate also introduced and referred House Bill 166 to Judiciary, House Bill 295 to Finance, House Joint Resolution 6 and House Joint Memorials 2 and 3 to Rules. The main floor action was final passage of Senate Bill 306, which updates New Mexico’s private post-secondary authorization framework to align with federal accreditation terminology and standards; it passed 42-0 after brief questions about tribal colleges and online institutions. The Senate then debated Senate Conservation Committee substitute for Senate Bill 235, the Microgrid Oversight Act, which would require large microgrids over 20 megawatts to meet renewable-energy standards, file annual energy and water reports with the PRC, and address utility cost-shifting concerns. Supporters said it would add oversight and protect air, water, and consumers, while opponents argued it would create uncertainty, discourage major economic development, and undercut a recent policy change allowing microgrids. The debate was ongoing in the excerpt, with no final vote shown for SB 235.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• They served in our military.
• THEY SURVIVED IN OUR MILITARY, THEY SERVED IN OUR MILITARY, THEY PROTECTED OUR COMMUNITIES AS POLICE

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a budget extender. Senator Serrano’s appropriation bill was recalled from the Assembly, reconsidered, amended, and sent through Rules to the floor. During debate, senators discussed the ongoing delay in finalizing the state budget, the 13th extender, school aid payments, the Yonkers school district payment, and unresolved issues such as Tier 6 retirement changes and other budget policy items. The extender was passed 57-2 after debate, with senators pressing for more transparency about the budget negotiations and the majority responding that those issues were not germane to the extender. The chamber then recognized several resolutions and guests. Senators spoke in support of Resolution 1948 honoring New York State 4-H and its Capital Days participants, Resolution 2054 commemorating Italian American Day, and Resolution 1620 mourning Denis Michael Troy of Rockland County. The Italian American Day resolution drew extensive remarks from many senators about family histories, immigration, cultural contributions, scholarships, and community traditions, and the Senate welcomed honored guests from the Italian American community. The Rosalyn Yalow Charter School fencing team was also introduced, along with the family of Denis Troy. The Senate then moved through a long calendar of bills, passing measures on public service, city administrative code, municipal law, correction law, criminal procedure, real property tax, education, social services, public health, executive law, parks, judiciary, and alcoholic beverage control, among others. Several members explained votes on bills related to ratepayer protection, hip-hop lyrics in criminal cases, sovereign nations and gaming compacts, and the Traveling with Dignity Act requiring adult changing stations in public facilities. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew notable negative votes. The Senate completed the calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, May 19, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
• Madam Chair, your Committee on Federalism, Military Affairs, and Elections recommends Senate Bill 1060
• In my view, Senate Bill 1060 is the Military Families Disenfranchisement Act.
• I think we should be supporting our military families, and I think we should be making sure that every

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and then spent much of the opening portion of the session recognizing administrative assistants and other guests in the gallery, including a doctor of the day and a visiting robotics team. Members repeatedly thanked their staff for keeping offices and the chamber running, and one member also welcomed civic leaders from Buckeye and a foreign delegation connected to a circular economy forum. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole on a series of Senate bills. SB 1060, concerning voting eligibility for certain overseas-born children of service members, drew opposition from one member who argued it would disenfranchise military families; the bill still received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1093, described by opponents as an anti-protest bill, also received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1162 and SB 1270 were both advanced as amended after committee and floor/subfloor amendments, and SB 1814, dealing with substance use disorder-related issues, was amended with a friendly change and advanced with comments about the need for broader study and bipartisan work on fraud, waste, and abuse in that area. The House then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1345 and SB 1401. SB 1345 was amended to focus on licensure timing and DHS collaboration, then advanced. SB 1401, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act, was amended after debate over affordability standards and public benefit; supporters said it would speed permitting and reduce housing costs, while critics wanted stronger affordability requirements. The bill was ultimately advanced as amended. The House also took up third reading on SB 1041, a health care institutions bill, where members explained yes votes by citing a recent abuse case in assisted living and arguing the measure would help protect vulnerable adults. The transcript ends during vote explanations on SB 1041.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know, with the current war going on, that drones are the next battlefield that many of our military
• a Cessna 172 or a... ...not run into a commercial airliner or a Cessna 172 or a crop duster or a military
• Obviously, those engines hang over beyond the taxiway edge, especially on the larger aircraft, military
• sample or the ones that are known to be either overweight or out of compliance are the ones that get flagged

Summary: The committee met for an oversight update on how one-time and recurring transportation-related appropriations are being implemented. Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Director Grayson Artees reviewed ARPA and PREP-funded airport and aerospace projects, including completed or nearing-completion work at Will Rogers, Woodward, Ardmore, Tulsa’s air traffic control tower, and multiple hangar, terminal, taxiway, utility, and UAS infrastructure projects statewide. He also discussed one-time FY25 and FY26 appropriations for airport development, the repurposing of an unneeded Lufthansa project allocation into other aerospace projects, and the department’s aerospace education grants, classroom labs, aircraft-build programs, and internship support. Members asked for lists of participating schools and for a clearer overall accounting of the funding; Artees said the department would provide those materials and estimated roughly $400 million has been invested in aerospace and defense since PREP and ARPA, with about $250 million directed to airport infrastructure. The committee then heard from ODOT Secretary Tim Gatz on the Retro Fund, lake and industrial access roads, ports of entry, and the PACT Fund. Gatz said Retro, created in statute and funded with $200 million in both 2024 and FY25, is helping accelerate rural high-impact road and bridge projects; he reported $249 million awarded so far, supporting about $1.4 billion in construction, with most projects expected to be awarded by September 2027. He also described lake and industrial access projects, including work at the Port of Inola, and updated members on ports of entry, internal way stations, and the replacement of the aging OkiPROS permitting system with ProMiles. On PACT, he said the county road and bridge allocations are being administered, but the Tax Commission’s role in distributing the county road share has created unnecessary bureaucracy; he urged a statutory fix so the money can go directly to counties. Members asked for lists of approved lake/recreational projects and for clarification on the Tax Commission issue; Gatz said ODOT would provide the project list and that he would welcome Tax Commission input on a legislative remedy. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the updates and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• PURPOSES OF THE ACT OR MEMORIAL MUST BE A PERMANENT STATUTE MARKER OR FLAG OR BANNER PAINTING TOMBSTONE
• WE WANTED TO SEPARATE THE DUTIES OF THE HISTORIC COMMISSION VERSUS WHAT THE VETERANS AFFAIRS OR MILITARY
• >> IF IT HAD TO DO WITH MILITARY DONE THE FLORIDA FDA WOULD BE INVOLVED IN VETERANS AFFAIRS OF THE INVOLVED
• WERE A STATUTE OF SIGNIFICANT, OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE THAT OF BEEN UP FOR 25 YEARS, IF IT WAS MILITARY

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• now there's another committee looking at all the same issue—that was the issue of the seal and the flag
• We have the Cape Verdeans in the military. So, you know, The Cape Verdeans in the military.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission approved the minutes from its March 11 meeting after a motion by Jeannie Costa and a second by Senator Michael Brady, with members noting a few possible corrections to attendance and wording. The meeting then focused on updates about the commission’s timeline and funding. Staff reported that an amendment to extend the commission’s deadline from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 was filed in the Fair Share budget but was not accepted, and members discussed pursuing the extension through other budget vehicles, including the regular budget, a supplemental budget, or other legislation. Commissioners also discussed the need to fill a vacancy left by Julius Brito and to potentially extend the deadline for appointing new commissioners. A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to brainstorming the commission’s community engagement plan for the proposed Cape Verdean Culture Center. Members revisited a three-part approach involving site visits, traditional listening sessions, and outreach at existing Cape Verdean events, while also emphasizing historical accuracy, youth engagement, visibility, and regional collaboration. Commissioners suggested using surveys, canvassing, social media, a website, and other digital tools to reach people across the diaspora, including those unable to attend in person. Several members recommended specific locations and institutions for engagement, including New Bedford, Brockton, Boston, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island, with references to museums, historical societies, clubs, and cultural organizations already doing related work. Testimony and comments also addressed funding and organizational structure for the future center. Legislators described possible funding sources such as House and Senate earmarks, a bond bill, and a nonprofit structure that could later support fundraising and operations. Members discussed examples from other cultural institutions, including the Holocaust Museum, the African American History Museum, and the Haitian Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center, as models for governance and public support. The group also raised the possibility of future collaboration with the Cape Verdean government and institutions in Cabo Verde, though one member urged waiting until after upcoming elections there before making formal contacts. No additional votes were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re hoping to have that big American flag out front and make it look very inviting and like a celebration
• displays featuring history on the Founding Fathers, and a wall of over 50 heroes, including both military
• There will be a military appreciation day.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The America 250 in Idaho Advisory Council met to review progress on statewide America 250 celebrations and preparations for July 4th events. Members approved the May 11, 2026 minutes and received a financial update showing about $54,967.53 currently available to spend, roughly $474,000 in total expenditures to date, and about $17,500 left to disperse in grants. Treasurer Ellsworth reported strong fundraising and broad participation, including 1,900 volunteer ambassadors and co-branding by cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups across the state. The council heard updates on numerous commemorative activities, including Liberty Bell-related programming, the Liberty Grove tree-planting effort, the “acts of service” challenge, and local events and exhibits around Idaho. Jesse Barcroft outlined the July 4th Capitol celebration, which will combine a pancake breakfast, parade, flyover, booths, concerts, and Capitol tours, with Josh Ritter as headliner and several food vendors and community booths confirmed. Questions focused on booth participation and ensuring performers’ messaging aligns with the America 250 theme. Additional reports highlighted statewide and national partner efforts. Hannah Lori Hine described federal America 250 programs such as the “Our American Story” oral history trailer in Boise, the “America’s Block Party” listing for Idaho events, the Freedom Truck visit June 7-10, the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., and student contests including the American Heroes art contest and 1776 Presidential Award. Stephen Hatcher of the Idaho Commission on the Arts previewed Cowgirl Congress in the Wood River Valley and the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo, both tied to traditional arts and cultural heritage. Idaho Public Television also reported on America 250 programming, including educational materials, statewide event coverage, and an upcoming hour-long special on how Idahoans are celebrating the semiquincentennial. The committee agreed to meet again on June 10 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• now there's another committee looking at all the same issue—that was the issue of the seal and the flag
• We have the Cape Verdeans in the military. So, you know, The Cape Verdeans in the military.

Summary: The commission met to approve prior minutes, hear updates on funding and deadline extensions, and continue planning for a Cape Verdean Culture Center/Museum in Boston. Members reviewed the commission’s charge, including developing an organizational structure, governance model, feasibility study, community engagement plan, and possible nonprofit structure. The minutes from the March 11 meeting were approved after a motion and second, with one noted correction about duplicate section numbering. A major discussion focused on legislative and budget options to extend the commission’s deadline from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 and to preserve or secure funding for a feasibility study and related work. Legislators said an amendment to the fair share budget was not accepted, but they would continue looking for a vehicle such as the regular budget, supplemental budget, or another bill. Members also discussed the possibility of future earmarks or bond funding, and the need to fill a current vacancy on the commission. The bulk of the meeting was a brainstorming session on community engagement. Commissioners supported a three-part approach involving site visits, listening sessions, and outreach at existing Cape Verdean events, with added emphasis on social media, a website, surveys, canvassing, and other tools to reach people across the diaspora. Members suggested prioritizing locations such as New Bedford, Cape Cod, Boston, Brockton, and possibly Pawtucket, and discussed working with existing Cape Verdean organizations, museums, and historical groups. There was also discussion of best practices from other cultural institutions, the importance of historical accuracy and youth engagement, and whether to involve the Cape Verdean government after upcoming elections. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• We're grateful for those men and women who have served in the past and served today in the military that
• He served two years in the United States Military Police Corps, and in 1980 he was appointed as the first

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

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
• We're grateful for those men and women who have served in the past and served today in the military that
• He served two years in the United States Military Police Corps, and in 1980, he was appointed as the

Keywords: 989, all