Transcript Highlights:

• They've written a letter supporting Mr.
• Do you support the large-scale divestment of our public lands?
• As a matter of policy, do you support that or do you oppose it?
• My question is, do you support the actions by the President?
• I'm an outspoken, I guess I'd say, supporter of bipartisanship.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would allow TEA officers to support local law enforcement.
• Senate Bill 2252 is a policy support... ...support.
• Senate Bill 2252 is a policy support, a policy solution that supports early literacy outcomes, and I
• schools' ability to support early learners.
• I also appreciate you bringing up the parent support.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met with a quorum and announced a full agenda, including combined public testimony for two bills related to student personal communication devices. The committee first took up Senate Bill 1262 by Senator Nichols, a school safety cleanup bill following House Bill 3. The bill would allow TEA to commission peace officers for school safety purposes, require annual renewal of good-cause exceptions to armed guard requirements, create a new report based on intruder detection audits and vulnerability assessments, and require behavioral threat assessment teams to include someone with specific knowledge of a special education student’s disability. Committee members asked about the difference between TCOLE licensing and TEA commissioning, the scope of the officers’ authority, and how the good-cause exception would work. The committee substitute was adopted, and public testimony included support from school safety and drone-response advocates, Disability Rights Texas in favor of the special education provisions, and a student witness raising concerns about the mental health impact of repeated lockdowns and the need for immediate, reliable school safety responses. The bill was left pending after testimony, then the committee briefly recessed and later reopened testimony to hear the student witness. The committee then laid out Senate Bill 2252 by Senator Creighton, a major early literacy and numeracy bill for kindergarten through third grade. Creighton said the bill builds on prior literacy efforts by funding teacher stipends for literacy and math academies, providing free and clearly administered screeners and assessments, expanding screening options, clarifying how results are used, supporting high-quality pre-K, and increasing the early education allotment. He emphasized low reading performance and the need for early intervention. Members discussed how the bill differs from earlier academy models and whether the assessments are diagnostic or high-stakes; Creighton and witnesses said the tools are intended to identify students needing support, not to serve as punitive testing. The committee adopted the substitute. Witnesses for SB 2252 largely supported the bill. A Uplift Education representative described strong gains from small-group literacy tutoring and said students receiving targeted support can make more than a year of growth in a year. An education specialist explained that the bill aligns general education screening with existing dyslexia and special education practices and helps districts identify students who need intervention before a disability evaluation is required. A Commit Partnership witness cited statewide reading data, the importance of high-quality pre-K, and the need for transparent, consistent progress monitoring and parent engagement. Members asked about the meaning of the growth data, how dyslexia screening works, and how the bill would help identify struggling students earlier. Before finishing all questions, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair after the floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• we’re going to support that.
• we’re going to support that.
• we’re going to support that.
• we’re going to support that.
• we’re going to support that.

Bills: HF3458, HF3777, HF3778, HF3912

Keywords: electric utilities, service areas, Tribal lands, Minnesota statute, energy regulation, utility rates, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, ratepayer, consumer protection, affordable energy, energy affordability, ability to pay, just and reasonable rates, rate regulation, electric rates, natural gas rates, energy conservation, renewable energy

Transcript Highlights:

• These include service technicians, remote support and delivery personnel, and data collection specialists
• Chairman, just very quickly, I would just say the industry strongly supports uniform standards.
• We are also beginning to see how autonomous systems can support public safety operations.
• California police chiefs recognize these benefits and support reasonable innovation.
• First, robotaxi companies should be required to adequately staff and support their fleet so that they

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Logan and southern Illinois communities that support its work, and I'm proud to support this measure.
• Logan and southern Illinois communities that support its work, and I'm proud to support this measure.
• Logan and southern Illinois communities that support its work, and I'm proud to support this measure.
• I support the National Women's Relief Corps' work, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation
• SUPPORT THIS BILL TODAY AND SUPPORT OUR NATION'S VETERANS AND THEIR I have no further speakers.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill before you today would help support and solve this problem.
• We also support variation in organizational capacity and potential applicants.
• I would ask for support. to get the bill in the shape I would prefer.
• We do support that bill, putting on my EQB hat here.
• HF 8, heard in this body earlier this session, does just that, and we support it.

Bills: HF1587, HF2293, HF2218, HF1208, HF1482

Keywords: HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• He is very familiar with the legislation and supportive.
• I’m here in support of H 561.
• I’m here to support H 561.
• I feel that respect for our American flag can be demonstrated.
• With communist flags at the last demonstration.

Summary: The committee first heard RS 33206, a proposal by Representative Gannon to allow “plug-in solar” or portable solar generators for homes and small businesses. He described it as a limited, UL-approved option capped at 1,200 watts, modeled on Utah legislation, and argued it could give consumers more flexibility and reduce utility controversy. Members questioned whether the devices are currently prohibited under utility rules and whether the bill was needed; Gannon said existing regulations likely require utility permission. The committee voted to introduce RS 33206. The committee then heard RS 3321 C1 from Representative Raibald, which would address county clerk concerns about liability and indemnification for private properties used as polling places. He said the measure would extend liability protections to polling-place properties and allow clerks to request coverage through the Secretary of State’s self-insured policy so long-used voting locations could remain available. The committee voted to introduce the RS. The bulk of the meeting focused on House Bill 561, a bill restricting flags displayed by government entities. Representative Hill said the bill was a response to Boise’s flag policy and was intended to keep government spaces neutral, with exceptions for certain official flags; he acknowledged some “collateral damage” to community banners and other displays. Supporters argued the bill was needed to prevent government endorsement of divisive symbols and to preserve a neutral public sphere. Opponents, including Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, city counsel Eric Stidham, clergy, LGBTQ advocates, Basque community members, and others, said the bill was an overreach that targeted Boise’s pride flag, limited local control, and would chill expression and harm community inclusion. Testimony also raised concerns about the bill’s penalties and possible unintended effects on other flags and community events. After testimony, the committee debated motions to advance the bill, hold it, or send it to general orders; the transcript ends amid that discussion without a final recorded disposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• We worked with them to get them in support of this legislation.
• We worked with them to get them in support of this legislation.
• We're in support of Senate Bill 1359.
• Our office isn't here supporting or opposing the bill.
• With that, I'd appreciate your support. Thank you.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 25 and March 27, then took up Senate Bill 1359 as amended, which would regulate virtual currency kiosks/crypto ATMs. The sponsor and supporters from AARP, law enforcement, and the Attorney General’s office said the bill was aimed at reducing scams that target older adults by requiring operator registration, money transmitter licensing, fee and exchange-rate disclosures, fraud warnings, transaction records, and cooperation with the Department of Finance. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass recommendation, though one member noted possible Fourth Amendment concerns about blockchain analytics and data retention. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1353 as amended, a housing bill allowing twin homes and duplexes in single-family residential zones in cities over 10,000 people, with limits on local bans, lot-size restrictions, fees, and parking requirements. Supporters argued it would expand affordable “missing middle” housing, help families and older adults stay in their communities, and restore property rights; opponents, including an Eagle city council member, argued it would override local control and worsen density and traffic concerns. After testimony from residents, housing advocates, and local officials, the motion for a due-pass recommendation failed on a 7-7 tie, so the bill was held in committee. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 1254, which would clarify that certain chiropractors with clinical nutrition training may prescribe the limited vitamins, minerals, fluids, epinephrine, needles, and related products they are already authorized to obtain and administer. The sponsor said the change would fix a technical problem that prevents chiropractors from buying these items from pharmacies, while some members raised concerns about scope of practice and noted opposition from the Idaho Association of Chiropractic Physicians. The committee passed the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1313 was heard, expanding Idaho’s dual-licensure naturopathic doctor provisions to include pharmacists who also meet the existing naturopathic licensing requirements. The sponsor said the bill would let pharmacists with the proper additional training practice under dual licensure without violating scope-of-practice or insurance rules, and the committee approved it for the floor with a due-pass recommendation before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It supports our economy, it supports our families, and it's what the school truly wants.
• And so that is why we are supporting this bill.
• So I'm probably supportive of the substitute motion, though I am supportive of exploring this idea of
• I will not support the amended substitute motion.
• We support it. We support it. Thank you. Sure. I'm not so much. I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 12 and 13, then recognized page Ethan Cowell for his service before moving into legislation. House Bill 599 was explained as a technical change to how funding for digital curriculum grants is awarded, shifting from first-come, first-served to a need-based application process using a rubric from the State Department of Education. The committee voted to send HB 599 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then introduced RS 33436, a proposal related to the state endowment fund. The sponsor said the measure would not change the amount of money distributed to schools, but would send endowment dollars directly to schools as a separate line item rather than blending them into the general school funding formula. After a brief question about average daily attendance, the committee voted to introduce the RS. House Bill 710, which would set a statewide public school start date of the Tuesday after Labor Day, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor argued for a uniform start date for predictability and said schools could adjust by shortening breaks, while opponents—including superintendents, the Idaho PTA, and the Idaho School Boards Association—said the bill would override local control, disrupt harvest schedules, and create problems for districts with four-day weeks or calendars built around community needs. The Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association supported the bill, saying later starts would help tourism businesses. After debate, a motion to send the bill to the floor without recommendation failed, and the committee then voted 9-5 to hold HB 710 in committee. Finally, the committee considered RS 33230C1, which would create a performance-based funding flexibility model for charter schools. The sponsor said it would reward strong academic, financial, and governance performance with greater spending flexibility. Members discussed whether similar flexibility should also be available to traditional school districts, but the sponsor did not agree to broaden the RS. An amended motion failed, and the committee then voted to introduce RS 33230C1.

Transcript Highlights:

• The vast majority of riders are very involved in a lot of those, whether it's supporting disadvantaged
• President, resounding in support.
• I urge that you support this motion. Thank you. Further remarks, Senator McEwen. Thank you, Mr.
• President, rising in strong support of this resolution.
• I distinctly remember that day in 2022 and House of Senate... ...rising in strong support of this resolution

Summary: The Senate approved the previous day’s Journal and referred committee reports and newly introduced measures as designated. Among the introductions, Senate Bill 6354 was read and sent to the Committee on Ways and Means. The chamber then moved to resolutions. Senate Resolution 8692, recognizing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week/Month, was adopted after remarks emphasizing motorcycle safety, the charitable work of riders, and the need for drivers to watch for motorcycles and use caution. Senate Resolution 8675, recognizing the shared democratic values of Washington State and Ukraine, was also adopted. Supportive remarks highlighted Ukraine’s endurance, the impact of the war on civilians and soldiers, and solidarity with Ukrainian Americans and the people of Ukraine. After adopting the Ukraine resolution, the Senate welcomed members and representatives of the United Ukrainian community in the gallery. The session then adjourned without objection until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons with Disabilities, the Department of Elder Affairs, and the Department of Revenue's Child Support
• But Ricardo demonstrated remarkable determination.
• With the continued support of transitional child care services, Ricardo's success...
• So I think... ...who's coming behind you to continue to receive support long term.
• And just overall support at the state level—is that what you're asking? You're recognized.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive implementation briefings on House Bill 1267, which was enacted to address benefit cliffs and help public assistance recipients move toward economic self-sufficiency. The Department of Children and Families reviewed SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and Medicaid-related eligibility and work requirements, including who must participate in work activities, the role of Florida Commerce and CareerSource Florida, and the new standardized intake and exit surveys required by the law. Members also discussed the TCA program’s household-based structure, the 48-month adult limit, and how work requirements differ for SNAP and TCA participants. Florida Commerce and CareerSource Florida then reported on implementation of HB 1267, including the CLIFF financial forecasting tool, case management changes, and survey data collected from welfare transition participants. They said intake surveys showed common barriers such as child care, transportation, and flexible work schedules, while exit surveys showed many participants were employed or had gained credentials, though response rates were low because the surveys are voluntary. A local workforce board, CareerSource Tampa Bay, described using CLIFF in case management and shared a success story about a participant who completed training, earned certifications, and moved into employment. The committee also heard a separate DCF briefing on the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its impact on SNAP. DCF said the law expands able-bodied adult without dependents requirements, changes non-citizen eligibility, ends future SNAP-Ed funding, increases state administrative cost sharing, and may require states to share in benefit costs if payment error rates remain above federal thresholds. Members focused heavily on Florida’s SNAP payment error rate, which DCF said was 15.13% for federal fiscal year 2024 and 12.60% for 2023, with the state currently on a corrective action plan. DCF described steps to reduce errors, including more verification of rent and utility expenses, improved income matching, staff training, and system modernization. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I encourage this body to support this with their aye vote. Thank you.
• I support the concept, but I'm not going to support it. So my thoughts— So my thoughts.
• So we do encourage you to support House Bill 1162 with your aye vote.
• And that is, I also support what he's suggesting.
• So I support the bill.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum call, then took up House amendments to Senate Bills 2009, 2147, and 2113. On motion, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments and appointed conference committees for each bill. The chamber then considered several House bills, adopting amendments and passing House Bill 1556, which creates a Children's Cabinet work group to study out-of-home placement and treatment for children with behavioral health issues, and House Bill 1363, which directs development of a customizable cardiac emergency response plan template for schools and athletic events. House Bill 1533, requiring students to complete a half-unit of financial literacy for graduation, also passed after amendment. House Bill 1226, dealing with masks in public places and protest-related identification concerns, passed after the Judiciary Committee removed language about complying with law enforcement requests to unmask.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd urge my fellow members to support it.
• I hope that members will support the floor amendment and support the underlying bill.
• We should all be able to support this measure.
• So I implore you members to support this measure.
• We have the support of the medical community, and we have the support of ADOT, and also, as conjecture

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a series of guest introductions and recognitions, including Doctor of the Day Dr. Eric Osowski, State Farm visitors, Donate Life Day participants, and representatives from Ganado and Chinle Unified School Districts. The chamber also read proclamations honoring Ganado Unified for the ASBA Golden Bell Promise Program Award and Chinle Unified for multiple academic and cultural achievements, including national recognition for Chinle Elementary School and district leadership. The body then moved through committee and floor business, including consent for the Senate to adjourn, first and second readings of several bills, and a motion to reconsider HB 2429. In Committee of the Whole, HB 2093 was amended to restore mental health instruction while removing social emotional learning, HB 2229 advanced after debate over reproductive health and abortion-related provisions, HB 2429 and HB 2950 were amended and recommended do pass, and HB 4136 also advanced as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred the measures to engrossing. The chamber then considered HB 4001, a bill regulating alternative nicotine products, with amendments and debate focused on licensing, enforcement, youth access, and whether to add a tax or education provisions; the bill was recommended do pass as amended. It also debated HB 4030 and the related HCR 2052, both aimed at limiting municipal tax and fee increases and allowing increases tied to inflation or new water-source costs. Amendments offered by Democrats to redirect the measures toward affordability, housing, and health insurance claims were ruled out of order or defeated on roll-call votes, while the Olson substitute amendments prevailed. The House ultimately adopted the Committee of the Whole report, sending HB 4001, HB 4030, and HCR 2052 forward as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm grateful for our Board of Regents in supporting this and supporting our university all the way
• You have our support. We continue to pray for Eric and those little ones, and you have our support.
• And you have our support.
• No, I think in many of the demonstrations that were taking place...
• It can't be supported.

Summary: The joint Senate and House Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education convened for its first public hearing, adopted its proposed rules without objection, and framed the hearing as an organizational, invited-testimony-only session. Members repeatedly condemned political violence and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying the committee was created in response to concerns about civil discourse, intimidation, and hostility on college campuses. Several members emphasized that the goal was not to suppress speech but to protect open expression while maintaining order, due process, and institutional accountability. The first witness, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Wyn Rosser, outlined implementation of Senate Bill 37. He described the General Education Advisory Committee, which is reviewing broad core-curriculum knowledge and skills and may recommend reducing the current 42-hour core, while leaving review of specific courses to individual institutions. He also explained the new Office of the Ombudsman, the board’s role in supporting it, and existing training and certification requirements for governing board members. Members asked about enforcement tools, transparency, and whether the ombudsman would investigate complaints involving censorship, retaliation, or political bias; Rosser said some enforcement exists in certain laws, but he deferred on the exact scope of the ombudsman’s investigatory authority and on issues outside the agency’s role. University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis testified that UT Austin supports free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse, and he described three areas of focus: speech on campus grounds, classroom discourse, and how people treat one another. He said the university enforces time, place, and manner rules, expects professors to present alternative views on controversial topics, and has created internal reporting and appeal processes for students and faculty. Members questioned him about heckler’s veto incidents, protests, off-campus participants, complaints about professors, hate speech, and whether the university would protect speakers and students from disruption or unfair targeting. Davis said the university would not tolerate disruptions, would use due process and factual review, and is working to align campus practices with the new law and regents’ expectations. Ricky Adam Jr. of Turning Point USA’s Club America described the group’s campus and high-school organizing, praised Charlie Kirk’s approach to open debate, and said the organization is expanding in Texas. He raised concerns about school administrators and a counselor at an Early College High School in Killeen allegedly interfering with a student club and withholding footage, and committee members said they would seek information and, if necessary, use legislative process to investigate. Members from both chambers reiterated support for free speech, criticized political violence and campus suppression of viewpoints, and stressed that future hearings would continue examining implementation and enforcement issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• These include service technicians, remote support and delivery personnel, and data collection specialists
• Chairman, just very quickly, I would just say the industry strongly supports uniform standards.
• We are also beginning to see how autonomous systems can support public safety operations.
• California police chiefs recognize these benefits and support reasonable innovation.
• So we want to make sure that supporting bills create a legal framework.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, with testimony from industry, safety advocates, first responders, drivers, and state regulators. The chair framed the hearing as an overview of AV deployment, safety, first responder interactions, and current and future regulation. Witnesses from the AV industry argued that autonomous vehicles can reduce crashes and injuries, create jobs, and support California’s leadership in innovation, while critics and crash survivors described serious safety failures, including phantom braking, inadequate transparency, and crashes involving Tesla’s Autopilot/Full Self-Driving systems. Several witnesses urged stronger disclosure, data preservation, independent safety validation, and clearer accountability for companies deploying these systems. First responder and labor witnesses described operational problems in San Francisco and elsewhere, saying AVs have blocked fire engines, ambulances, and police responses, shut down in emergency scenes, and caused major delays during outages. They asked for faster and more reliable remote support, a public safety manual override, clearer enforcement authority, and limits on deployment in complex conditions. A police chief representative said law enforcement supports innovation but needs standardized protocols, training, and clear statutory authority. A Teamsters representative criticized proposed DMV rules for heavy-duty autonomous trucks, arguing they rely too heavily on manufacturer self-certification and do not impose enough independent safety review or geographic limits. State regulators from the DMV and CPUC defended California’s existing AV framework, saying the state has regulated AVs since 2014 and now has an end-to-end system with permits, reporting requirements, enforcement tools, and first responder coordination. DMV officials said the new rulemaking would add more reporting, address heavy-duty AVs, and require compliance with emergency geofence messages and law enforcement direction. CPUC testimony emphasized that its role is limited to passenger service and ride-hail operations. Committee members asked about crash data, remote operations, liability, response times, and whether California should adopt more uniform standards and stronger guardrails. No votes or formal actions were taken, as the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this visit of course demonstrates how crucial water infrastructure funding is for improving water
• ><00:03:04.560><c> of</c><00:03:04.800><c> course</c><00:03:05.200><c> uh</c><00:03:05.280><c> demonstrates
• </c><00:03:05.760><c> how</c> this visit of course uh demonstrates how this visit of course uh demonstrates
• This funding would support those communities in addressing water needs.
• This project will provide additional space and resources to support increased demand for investigatory

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I came in February to testify in support of House Bill 2230, and that is a bill that we have no senators
• And as a result, there is solid science to show that cursive supports diverse learners.
• Demonstrate how data is transmitted through multiple methods of encryption.
• Demonstrate how data is transmitted through multiple methods of encryption.
• We very strongly support the approach of that bill.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony focused on the effects of educational technology and screen time on K-12 students, with particular attention to House Bill 2230 and related policy changes. Dr. Mariam Mohamed Connie argued that one-to-one devices, digital instruction, and early screen exposure harm children’s learning, attention, physical development, and mental health, and that schools should return to more analog methods such as paper, handwriting, cursive, phonics, and print-based materials. She cited international and national assessments, research on handwriting versus typing, and her experience on the Springfield Public Schools board, saying the district saw improved MAP scores after scaling back Chromebook use in elementary grades and reintroducing books and cursive. Several witnesses and committee members discussed the practical and budgetary implications of reducing screen use. A Springfield administrator said many teachers were trained in technology-heavy environments and would need support to teach without relying on devices, and she estimated Chromebooks and related infrastructure cost more per student than textbooks, manipulatives, and paper. Another witness from the Missouri National Education Association supported the bill’s direction, saying elementary years are critical and that the state should signal a move away from overuse of screens while allowing districts time to adjust. Committee members emphasized local control, the need for a task force, and the importance of involving DESE because state testing and standards currently drive much of the digital use in schools. The discussion also covered Missouri Learning Standards, computer science requirements, and the tension between digital testing and classroom instruction. Speakers criticized the fact that MAP testing is digital and adaptive, arguing it forces schools to keep devices in elementary grades just to prepare students for state assessments. The chair and other members said the bill was intentionally nonprescriptive, aiming instead to create a task force and encourage local districts to develop screen-time policies, especially for elementary students. The hearing ended without a vote, and the committee adjourned after public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please support AB 100, particularly around the Medi-Cal budget.
• care costs are a challenge across the country, which is why Health Access is working to support the
• We also support this important work in AB-100, just noting, as was noted during the hearing, work and
• We would just note that this helps support our FFA resource families, and there's an ongoing crisis for
• So we're here today in support of the provisions of SB and AB 100 that allow for the backfill of the

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on SB 100/AB 100, the early action budget bills, with a focus on Medi-Cal funding, wildfire recovery, and several smaller budget adjustments. The Department of Finance explained that the bill would add $2.8 billion General Fund and $8.3 billion federal funds for Medi-Cal, along with other items including wildfire-related local assistance for Los Angeles County, property tax backfills for fire-damaged local agencies, Cal OES wildfire monitoring authority, nonprofit security grants, the Property Tax Postponement Fund, FARMER and Clean Cars for All funding, foster family home insurance claims, Proposition 98 technical assistance for LA wildfire-impacted schools, teacher credentialing authority, and Proposition 4 climate bond appropriations for wildfire and forest resilience projects. Much of the member discussion centered on rising Medi-Cal costs, the recent $3.4 billion cash-flow loan, and whether the new appropriation would cover payments through June. Finance said the new funds were for program costs and cash flow, not repayment of the loan, and that no additional loan authority remained. Members also debated the causes of higher Medi-Cal spending, including expanded eligibility, higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, and federal policy changes. The LAO noted that forecasting errors are not unusual but that current revisions are somewhat higher than typical, though not unprecedented. Several members emphasized that Medi-Cal supports access to care and hospital stability, while others raised concerns about sustainability and future federal cuts. Public commenters largely supported the bill, especially the Medi-Cal funding and wildfire-related provisions. Health and labor advocates argued that the program is functioning as intended by covering more low-income Californians and preventing uncompensated care. Representatives of special districts and the Altadena Library District supported the property tax backfill provisions tied to the Eaton fire. The hearing ended without a vote, with the chair noting that the committee would adjourn for floor session and that the Assembly would vote on one of the early action bills later that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The FCC and what happens is they have to demonstrate that provider has to demonstrate that there are
• The FCC and what happens is they have to demonstrate that provider has to demonstrate that there are
• I speak in support of House Bill 860.
• If it's not amended, I don't know that I can support it at 10%.
• If it's not amended, I don't know that I can support it at 10%.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee heard several print hearings and took action on a number of RS drafts and bills. It introduced RS 33743, the Idaho Student Safety and Educator Disclosure Act, which would require schools to obtain disclosure of prior investigations or disciplinary actions when hiring educators; RS 33744, moving certain federally qualified and rural health center scope-of-practice changes from administrative rule into code; RS 33721, extending certain commercial leases on state endowment lands from 49 to 99 years; and RS 33660, expanding disclosure requirements for paid petition circulators and paid candidate advocates. The committee also held gubernatorial appointment hearings, including Jerry L. Doppie for the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board, Skip Smeiser for the Idaho Lottery Commission, and Nicaela Black Abrams for the Idaho State Racing Commission, but deferred votes on those appointments to a later meeting. The committee then took up House Bill 674 on telecommunications service discontinuance. Sponsor Sen. Den Hartog said the bill would remove a duplicative state review process and rely on FCC procedures when providers discontinue service, while opponents from rural Idaho and telecom labor warned that shifting authority away from the Idaho PUC could leave rural copper customers, emergency services, and small towns without adequate protection. After questions about whether the bill could reverse existing protections, the sponsor and a telecom representative said FCC rules still require comparable service and that the bill was intended only to streamline review. The committee ultimately voted to hold HB 674 in committee subject to the call of the chair for further clarification. The committee advanced Senate Bill 1391, which corrects an oversight in prior law so publicly employed land surveyors can continue to perform essential boundary and right-of-way work with notice requirements intact. It also advanced Senate Bill 1389, granting premises-liability protection to churches, grange halls, and similar property owners who voluntarily serve as polling places, over testimony from the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association that the bill could reduce protections for voters. House Bill 860, revising the 2024 medical parental rights law, was sent to the 14th order for possible amendment after testimony from the Idaho Medical Association, a teen suicide prevention advocate, and the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline supporting clarifications to allow emergency and mental health care for minors. Finally, House Bill 549, which would remove property-owner signatures from petitions to dissolve hospital taxing districts and rely only on qualified electors, was also sent to the 14th order for possible amendment amid disagreement over whether the 10% threshold was too low or simply made the process workable.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:58:22.080><c> It</c> commitment to supporting the RPS. It commitment to supporting the RPS.
• And I hope you will continue to demonstrate that support going forward. Thank you.
• </c> So, I hope you will support this bill. So, I hope you will support this bill.
• </c> task and we hope that you will support task and we hope that you will support it<02:19:30.760><c
• </c> So, I hope you will support the bill. So, I hope you will support the bill.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all