Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, Representative Cheney, you're recognized to close on the amendment. Wave close.
• And with that, I close.
• Seeing no further debate, Representatives Hunschofsky and Koster are recognized to close.
• Seeing none, Representative Hunschofsky, you're recognized to close.
• Seeing none, Representative Hochoski, you're recognized to close. Wave close.

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee heard and advanced three bills. HB 21 would create a new licensed profession of dental therapy under the Department of Health and Board of Dentistry, allowing trained dental therapists to provide a limited scope of care under a supervising Florida-licensed dentist through a collaborative management agreement. Sponsor Rep. Cheney argued the bill would help address severe dental shortages and improve access in underserved areas; opponents from the Florida Dental Association and oral surgery groups warned that the bill would allow irreversible procedures by less-educated providers and could compromise patient safety. Supporters, including dentists, hygienists, and community health center leaders, said dental therapists would expand access and free dentists to handle more complex care. An amendment was adopted to require proof of local anesthesia training, adverse-incident reporting, and updated background screening language. The bill was reported favorably as amended by a 14-1 vote. The committee then considered HB 27, which creates the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact to allow licensed social workers to practice across member states, including through telehealth, and to help military families and address workforce shortages. Supporters from the National Association of Social Workers and other advocates said the compact would improve mobility, reduce administrative burdens, and expand access to mental health services, especially in underserved and rural areas. A technical amendment restoring model language and setting an effective date of July 1, 2025 was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as amended on a 15-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 29, the public-records companion to the social work compact, which creates exemptions needed for compact compliance and allows the compact commission or its committees to meet in closed session when discussing information exempt under law. After a technical amendment authorizing closed meetings for exempt matters was adopted, the bill was reported favorably as amended on a 15-0 vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:55.919><c> It's</c> about close to 90,000 children. It's about close to 90,000 children.
• </c><01:29:55.600><c> Care</c> Stoddard from Bystate Primary Care Stoddard from Bystate Primary Care
• </c> disruption in his care when his primary disruption in his care when his primary care<01:35:55.440
• /c><02:02:01.280><c> its</c> Community Health Services closed its Community Health Services closed its
• </c> &gt;&gt; Okay, seeing no one, I'm going to close &gt;&gt; Okay, seeing no one, I'm going to close

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• successful in getting that additional 600 million, we'd add probably another 2,300, so a total of close
• you know the more um uh helpful than you know the waiver<00:26:47.640><c> of</c><00:26:48.080><c> close
• c> over</c><00:26:49.440><c> 12</c><00:26:49.720><c> million</c><00:26:50.039><c> in</c> waiver of close
• to over 12 million in waiver of close to over 12 million in infrastructure<00:26:51.000><c> cost</c>
• are in the first position, and to clarify that 201-C for the deed restriction applies to both the primary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes. During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision. The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:34:16.520><c> differences</c> Minnesota one of the primary differences Minnesota one of the primary
• first and primary goal is to<00:37:45.800><c> support</c><00:37:46.319><c> retain</c><00:37:46.880><
• That connected again closely with our support of businesses and communities.
• But please make sure that you try to get here as close to on time as possible so we can have a quorum
• to un time you try to get here as close to un time as<00:51:00.240><c> possible</c><00:51:00.599><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, would you not close the comments? Thank you.
• A closing comment? You need a closing comment? I want one? Yeah, just on that, Mr.
• I'll give him closing comments.
• I'm sorry, sort of the primary care providers.
• Yes, you're here to close. Closing up now. Mr.

Summary: The committee opened by announcing a heavy agenda and noting that Senate Bill 1176 would be held. It then took up several Senate bills, beginning with SB 1272, which appropriates $5 million for the City of Douglas as a state match for the Douglas Port of Entry project. The bill was amended to draw the money from the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund instead of the General Fund. Senator Gowen, the Douglas mayor, and city staff described the project as a $678 million federal investment opportunity that would support water, wastewater, and broadband infrastructure, create jobs, and improve border security. The committee approved SB 1272 as amended on a 15-0 vote with three present and one not voting. The committee next approved SB 1503, as amended, which expands the state death benefit to include civilian pilots employed by law enforcement agencies and applies the change retroactively to January 1, 2026. Senator Gowen and DPS leadership testified that the change was needed so the family of a pilot killed in a February helicopter crash would qualify for the benefit. The bill passed 18-0 with one not voting. SB 1274, as amended, created a separate timeshare salesperson license and training path; supporters said it would streamline licensing for people who only sell timeshares, while one member objected to the added rulemaking discretion. It passed 17-1 with one not voting. The committee also approved SB 1286, which expands veterinary telemedicine by allowing longer prescription periods for certain medications after an electronic exam, with shorter limits for antimicrobials. Supporters said it would help rural and disabled pet owners and had been negotiated to the satisfaction of veterinarians and telemedicine advocates. The bill passed 18-0 with one not voting. SB 1519, as amended, raised the off-highway vehicle weight threshold from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds and revised related registration and funding provisions; supporters argued it would reflect newer enclosed-cab vehicles and better align Arizona with neighboring states, while opponents warned of trail damage and said the study process was not complete. It passed 10-7 with one present and one not voting. Finally, the committee approved SB 1618, which restructures the Military Affairs Commission, adds members with defense and aerospace expertise, requires more frequent meetings and reporting, and updates the Military Installation Fund and related duties to better attract and retain defense missions. Supporters said the changes would help Arizona compete for military and defense investment, while some members questioned whether the commission’s mission was being broadened too far and whether the existing structure should instead be handled through other agencies. The bill passed 10-6 with one present and one not voting. The committee then considered SCR 1020, which would index legislative salaries to inflation or deflation starting with future officeholders if approved by voters. Supporters argued the current $24,000 salary had eroded significantly since 1998 and limited who could serve, while opponents objected to legislators voting on their own pay or preferred reducing session time instead. The resolution was approved and sent forward for voter consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have the situation where you do today, where I think in closings there can't be closings that require
• </c><00:23:54.559><c> there</c> today where I think in closings there today where I think in closings
• Um, there's three primary ways of setting up an office uh that we've seen thus far, and there may be
• some others that pop up down the road, but the three primaries are part of an existing agency.
• </c> down the road, but the three primaries down the road, but the three primaries are<00:50:58.960><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The interim task force on disaster prevention and resiliency met for its fourth meeting and focused heavily on insurance markets, affordability, and mitigation. Cochairs noted they are working toward recommendations for a later fall meeting. The main presentation came from David Snyder of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, who said the insurance industry sees itself as part of the problem and part of the solution because it ultimately pays for losses created by natural conditions, development choices, and construction practices. Snyder described rising losses from natural catastrophes, inflation-driven increases in rebuilding and repair costs, more development in disaster-prone areas, wildfire exposure, severe convective storms, hail, and roof damage. He argued that Kentucky should avoid the mistakes he attributed to California, where regulatory responses contributed to a strained insurance market and greater reliance on the FAIR Plan. He said Kentucky’s private market appears to be functioning better, with relatively few FAIR Plan policies, and urged lawmakers to preserve that market through risk-based rates and policies that do not worsen availability. He recommended a broad mitigation strategy involving stronger building codes, land-use decisions, stormwater infrastructure, public access to risk data, and incentives for resilient construction. He highlighted programs such as the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, fortified-home standards, wildfire-prepared community practices, and examples from Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida showing that mitigation can produce quick returns and insurance discounts. He also suggested catastrophe savings accounts, flexible coverage options, and a whole-of-government approach that includes the insurance department, building-code agencies, first responders, FEMA, NFIP, and NOAA. In questions, a legislator asked about the prognosis if carriers continue exiting markets and if nothing is done to address affordability and accessibility. Snyder said he could not predict market exits but stressed that regulators should monitor the market closely, use available data, and focus on loss prevention and mitigation. He said insurers want to do business in Kentucky and that the long-term solution is coordinated action among public and private stakeholders to reduce risk and keep coverage available.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, I'll invite the author to close, then.
• Any primary witness in opposition?
• Well, we're very close here.
• As a parent, you look for child care close to home or close to work.
• As a parent, you look for child care close to home or close to work.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, finally, I'll close with a promise regarding accountability.
• So I just wanted to close and see daily.
• And this is an obligation the state has under the clean closed landfill program.
• </c><01:03:51.440><c> So,</c> called the closed landfill program.
• So, called the closed landfill program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• an infant's or toddler's room because they can't fill the position, which means these rooms stay closed
• By way of background, in its 2026 report, the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group's primary
• The SECC has been working closely with regional environmental groups, the City of Spokane, the bill's
• It's not perfect, may never be perfect, but I believe we're getting close to a solution.
• It's not perfect, may never be perfect, but I believe we're getting close to a solution.

Bills: HB1316, HB2401, HB2557, HB2720, HB1073, HB2685, HB2640, HB2403

Keywords: postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, special education, parental rights, educational access, evaluation reports, disability services, behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access

Transcript Highlights:

• I may be misspeaking, but I'm close.
• I fundamentally have two primary concerns and questions to go along with them.
• The primary concerns are alignment and timing.
• I fundamentally have two primary concerns and questions to go along with them.
• The primary concerns are alignment and timing.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2896, sponsored by Rep. Brown, which would change how boards of governors for state universities are selected. Brown said the bill, developed with input from the governor’s office, would simplify appointment rules by removing service-area and congressional-district requirements and instead limiting board membership so no more than half of the voting members come from the county where the institution is located, with a St. Louis exception. Members asked about Missouri residency requirements, the effect on Missouri State University and Southeast Missouri State University, and whether university presidents would recommend candidates to the governor. Brown said he would follow up on questions and was open to discussing possible adjustments, especially regarding geographic representation. One witness spoke in favor, arguing that boards should reflect a cross-section of the state. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on HB 2896 was closed. The committee then took up House Bill 1659, the Missouri Defense and Energy Independence Act, sponsored by Rep. Steinmeyer. The bill would create a grant program to help Missouri manufacturers convert facilities to produce strategic materials tied to national defense and energy resilience. Steinmeyer described it as a private-capital-first program requiring at least $500,000 in private investment, with grants capped at $1 million per project per year, subject to appropriation, annual reporting, and repayment provisions if projects fail. He said the bill is intended to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen supply chains while keeping taxpayer risk limited. Members raised concerns about environmental and public safety risks, the bill’s placement in the higher education committee, whether it should instead be funded federally, and whether the program would mainly benefit large companies rather than small businesses. Questions also focused on the bill’s workforce-development component, the lack of detail on training and public-health protections, and the budget impact of creating a dedicated fund that would retain money and interest rather than sweep it to general revenue. Steinmeyer said the bill is meant to support existing Missouri companies or companies establishing headquarters in Missouri, and that universities had been involved in discussions about workforce needs. A representative from the API Innovation Center testified in favor, saying the bill could help develop key starting materials for pharmaceuticals and support reshoring. One witness testified in opposition, arguing the state should not subsidize private industry and warning about fiscal strain and environmental oversight. No vote was taken, and the hearing concluded without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I may be misspeaking, but I'm close.
• I fundamentally have two primary concerns and questions to go along with them.
• The primary concerns are alignment and timing.
• The primary concerns are alignment and timing.
• You're close to the financial district. So thank you for what you're doing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Close? Sharalta. Good. Terrence Cole is easy.
• Marshal, he worked closely, like I stated, with local law enforcement, and they were able to accomplish
• I'm aware of press reports, I'm sure you are, too, that the DEA actually closed two of four field offices
• That is our top priority in our primary mission and role.
• is... enshrined in law, and it is clear and unambiguous, the law states that the Marshals Service primary

Keywords: fentanyl crisis, DEA, drug trafficking, public safety, Judea Serrata, Terrence Cole, judicial security, social media, drug prevention

Summary: The committee meeting centered on the urgent crisis of fentanyl abuse and the government’s response to the drug trafficking epidemic. Key discussions revolved around the nomination of Terrence Cole as the Administrator of the DEA and Judea Serrata as Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. Cole emphasized his commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis, highlighting the rising number of overdose deaths and the necessity of bipartisan efforts to dismantle drug cartels. Members engaged in dialogue on the effectiveness of various strategies and the importance of education aimed at preventing drug-related deaths among youth. Additionally, the challenges of social media in drug trafficking were highlighted, indicating a need for greater accountability in how platforms handle such issues. Senators voiced concerns about the impact of administration policies on judicial security and the resources available for marshals to perform their critical roles.

Transcript Highlights:

• In closing, CSU accepts the urgency reflected in the auditor's findings.
• It is the primary pathway. It is the point of access.
• In closing, CSU accepts the urgency reflected in the auditor's findings.
• It is the primary pathway. It is the point of access.
• Any closing remarks? Thank you. And I see no further public comment. Bring it back.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee held an oversight hearing on a state audit of California’s community college transfer process, with members and witnesses broadly agreeing that transfer pathways remain too complex and inconsistent. Opening remarks emphasized that community colleges serve a large, diverse, often first-generation and low-income student population, but only about one in five transfer-intending students move to a UC, CSU, or other university within four years. Members highlighted disparities by race, region, campus, and major, and pointed to the Associate Degree for Transfer, TAG, and Cal-GETC as helpful but incomplete tools because requirements still vary across campuses and systems. State Auditor’s Office staff said the audit found that while UC and CSU overall enroll substantial numbers of transfer students, individual campuses and high-demand programs often do not, especially in STEM fields. They described barriers including missing prerequisite courses, unclear information, limited counseling, and inconsistent articulation between campuses. The audit used a computer science example to show how different UC and CSU campuses require different courses for the same major. The audit issued 22 recommendations, with 10 fully implemented and four partially implemented; remaining work centers on articulation, counseling, data sharing, and better use of ASSIST. UC, CSU, and the Community Colleges each said they support transfer and are taking steps to improve it. UC cited a new public dashboard, data-sharing agreements, new transfer pathways, and an ADT pilot at UCLA, while saying campus capacity and program differences limit systemwide mandates. CSU pointed to its strategic plan goals, the Transfer Success Pathway program, direct admissions outreach, and efforts to expand ADT alignment and credit applicability, while acknowledging that many students never reach the application stage. Community Colleges emphasized that transfer reform is central to equity and baccalaureate access, and called for stronger common course numbering, broader ADT acceptance, and more student-centered articulation. Members pressed the systems on why more uniform requirements and better coordination have not been achieved, and on how to reduce barriers for placebound and working students.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like to close? Oh, sure.
• Would you like to close? Oh, sure.
• This bill seeks to close that gap.
• That is not our primary concern.
• Would you like to close? Yes. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard SB 1422, which would restore Medi-Cal access for income-eligible undocumented adults beginning January 1, 2027. Senator Durazo and county, labor, health, immigrant-rights, and provider supporters argued the current enrollment freeze shifts costs to counties and hospitals, worsens preventive care, and increases expensive emergency treatment. No opposition testified. Several senators voiced support but also raised concerns about funding and the need for new revenue sources; the chair said she supported the concept and would continue working on financing, but the bill was not voted on because quorum was lost. The committee also heard SB 1023 on PrEP access, SB 1071 on amending death certificates after a homicide finding, SB 1057 on conviction-history review for CNA and home health aide certification, and SB 1088 on advance care planning and POLST/DNR updates. SB 1023’s author and supporters said requiring pharmacy-benefit coverage for injectable PrEP would reduce administrative barriers and improve access, while health plans opposed it as an improper benefit-design mandate; members sought clarification about how the billing pathway would work. SB 1071 drew strong support from victims’ families, law enforcement, and prosecutors who said death certificates should reflect later legal homicide findings, while coroners opposed it as blurring medical and legal determinations and risking data integrity. SB 1057 was presented as a fair-chance workforce measure to expand caregiving jobs for rehabilitated people with records, with no opposition heard. SB 1088 would modernize POLST/DNR rules, including electronic signatures, out-of-state recognition, and clearer signer authority; supporters backed the changes, while clinical nurse specialists opposed the bill for not including them as authorized signers. After quorum was established, the committee took up SB 869, which would require large chain restaurants to display an added-sugar icon next to beverages exceeding half the daily recommended sugar limit. Senator Weber Pierson and supporters from the American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association framed the bill as a transparency measure to help consumers make informed choices and reduce chronic disease risk. The senator responded to opposition concerns by saying existing nutrition information is often hard to find and that the icon would not unduly crowd menus. The hearing continued with testimony on the bill after quorum was reached, but no final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as a reminder, primary witnesses and support must be those accompanying the author or who otherwise
• have a registered support position with the committee, and the primary witnesses and opposition must
• All right, Senator Sanchez, would you like to close on your bill?
• And Assemblymember Rubio, would you like to close? I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on April 21 and heard three bills. AB 1819 by Assemblymember Sanchez would require buildings serving 50 or more people to have an automated external defibrillator on site. Sanchez said the bill is intended to protect older adults and other community members by improving access to life-saving emergency equipment; supporters included recreation and park districts and respiratory care professionals. The committee members present voted in favor, and the bill was passed as amended and re-referred to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members. AB 1983 by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio would create an optional sequential repayment method for continuing care retirement communities, allowing entrance fee repayments to be made in the order residents leave rather than waiting for a specific unit to be reoccupied. Rubio and Erickson Senior Living argued the change would make repayments more predictable and equitable while preserving consumer protections. Support also came from LeadingAge California and the California Assisted Living Association. The committee approved the bill and sent it to Human Services, again holding the roll open for later votes. AB 2037 by Assemblymember Patterson would establish a pilot grant program to help seniors and people with disabilities harden their homes against wildfire risk, with Patterson describing it as a way to support property maintenance and reduce wildfire spread. The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, AARP California, and local officials testified in support, and committee members accepted amendments to add another county to the pilot. The committee voted to pass the bill as amended and re-refer it to Appropriations. After the initial votes, add-on votes were recorded and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jennifer Mayfault is a primary care physician at the University of Arizona, Phoenix.
• As the director of the primary care track at Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, she trains and
• mentors future primary care physicians in Arizona.
• The system is closed. Secretary, record the vote: 16-9-12 and 8-7, 2 not voting.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through introductions of guests and several ceremonial recognitions. Guests included a local justice of the peace, the doctor of the day, McDonald’s representatives visiting for the All-American Games, and AFL-CIO members at the Capitol. Senators also read proclamations recognizing Lobo Week in support of the Mexican gray wolf and McDonald’s All-American Games Week, highlighting the economic and charitable impact of McDonald’s in Arizona and the importance of wolf recovery efforts. During floor business, Senator Gonzalez submitted a statement criticizing Senate rules as undemocratic and unconstitutional, particularly in relation to House Bill 2072 and broader chamber procedures. The Senate then took up a motion by Senator Mesnard to reconsider House Bill 2874, which had previously passed third reading. After a division vote, the motion to reconsider passed 16-12. House Bill 2874, relating to campaign contributions and expenses, was then brought back for third reading. Senator Gonzalez spoke against the emergency clause, arguing there was no emergency and objecting to the bill’s reconsideration process. The Senate voted to pass HB 2874 on reconsideration without the emergency clause and ordered it transmitted to the House. The chamber also noted that Senate Bills 1125 and 1415 had been transmitted to the governor, announced upcoming caucus and committee meetings, and adjourned until Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that Gap was and then options to close that Gap was and then options to close the<00:03:06.879><
• </c> on the screen now from the primary on the screen now from the primary sources<00:15:53.839><c> the
• I think it's close to $10 million is the operating subsidy.
• I think it's close to $10 million is the operating subsidy.
• </c><01:37:38.000><c> I</c> representative Keo wanted to to close I representative Keo wanted to to close

Bills: HF1167, HF1242

Keywords: Northern Lights Express, NLX, Minneapolis-Duluth rail, passenger rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail, Duluth, Minneapolis, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, transportation funding, rail appropriation, general fund, trunk highway fund, rail project cancellation, infrastructure spending, commercial driver training, CDL, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, go ahead and close the key. Thank you. Okay. Go ahead and close the key.
• With that, we'll close the vote. We have four yeas, two nays, zero not voting.
• With that, we'll close the vote. We have four yeas, two nays, zero not voting.
• We'll close the vote. We have 6 ayes, 0 nays, 0 not voting. Motion is passed.
• With that, we'll close the vote. We have six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1540, an education savings account bill. Senator Wobbema presented Amendment 040-003, describing mostly clarifying and reorganizing changes, including eligibility language, administrator duties, school participation standards, assessment provisions, and a correction removing a requirement that the department pay for state assessment materials if a parent selected that option. The committee adopted the amendment 4-2, then advanced HB 1540 as amended on a 4-2 vote and sent it to Appropriations, with Senator Wobbema designated as carrier. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it would divert resources from public schools and conflict with the state’s obligation to provide a free appropriate education while districts still face funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:39:58.599><c> the</c> seeing none I'm going to close the seeing none I'm going to close the public
• p.m. they or close not do that at 5:00 p.m. they or close to<01:39:41.480><c> 5:</c><01:39:41.840><c
• </c> a fear that if it's right at the close a fear that if it's right at the close of<01:40:12.880><c
• Seeing none, Madam Clerk will call the roll. close a loophole and by it Ling it it close a loophole and
• Those are supposed to be a closed system.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> So Representative O'Driscoll called you senator, so I was wondering if I had a primary challenge
• I apologize. >> Close, Howard. >> I think you make a good point about the two-thirds making it difficult
• I apologize. >> Close, Howard. >> I think you make a good point about the two-thirds making it difficult
• I apologize. >> Close, Howard. >> I think you make a good point about the two-thirds making it difficult
• I apologize. >> Close, Howard. >> I think you make a good point about the two-thirds making it difficult

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The conference committee on House File 3900 met with a quorum, introduced members and staff, and received a nonpartisan walkthrough of the bill. Staff explained that the proposal would change the permanent school fund’s distribution formula from interest and dividends to a statutory payout based on 4.5% of the fund’s average value over the previous three fiscal years, with the Commissioner of Management and Budget responsible for determining and transferring the distributable amount. The Senate version differed by adding language requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative house to change the distribution policy or apportionment. Members then debated whether a future legislature could increase the payout and whether the constitutional language would sufficiently protect the fund’s purchasing power. Senator Farnsworth argued that a supermajority requirement would help prevent politicization and lock in the fund’s purpose, while Representative Long, Senator Kunesh, Representative Youakim, and Representative O’Driscoll opposed the supermajority as unnecessary and potentially politicizing, emphasizing existing constitutional protections, fiduciary duties, and the legislature’s track record of stewarding school trust lands for students. Staff indicated the language requiring preservation of purchasing power would be a strong safeguard, though the exact legal remedy was unclear. Senator Kunesh moved to adopt the House File 3900 second engrossment as the conference committee report. The committee took a roll call vote and approved the motion 7-1, with Senator Farnsworth voting no. After the vote, Senator Swedzinski offered brief remarks about the historical importance of school trust funds and public education.