Bills: SB216, SB225, SB248

Keywords: Native American, language certification, cultural education, appropriation, education funding, tribal liaison, voter education, electoral access, translation services, Indian Affairs, communication, consultation, New Mexico, tribes, federal government, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is one of the concerns that the Pueblo's tribes and nations have had: having tribal liaisons.
• Many departments don't have tribal liaisons, and that is the concern of the Pueblo, especially as we
• We need more tribal liaisons. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• Many departments don't have tribal liaisons and that is the concern of the Pueblo, especially as we move
• We need more tribal liaisons. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Bills: SB201, SB226, SB242, SB249

Keywords: rural libraries, education, cultural funding, library services, community resources, contaminated sites, environmental cleanup, uranium mining, state funding, abandoned sites, tribal affairs, Indian Child Welfare Act, appropriation, children, youth, compliance, field liaison, Indigenous rights, missing persons, law enforcement

Bills: HF3653, HF2717, HF3451, HF3857

Keywords: education finance, safe schools revenue, school safety, charter schools, funding, safe schools, school security, school levy, pupil units, safe schools aid, cooperative units, intermediate school district, school resource officer, peace officer liaison, sheriff liaison, drug abuse prevention, gang resistance education, violence prevention, suicide prevention, mental health services

Summary: The committee first adopted the March 3rd minutes by voice vote after Representative Lee moved them and there was no discussion. Members then reviewed hearing rules on decorum, safety, and participation before taking testimony from Dr. James Densley and Dr. Jillian Peterson of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University. The presenters summarized research on mass shootings and K-12 school shootings, drawing on a database of homicides in school settings from 2000 to 2025 and a smaller set of 15 K-12 mass shooting cases. They said school shooters are usually insiders, most often current or former students, and typically young males. They described common patterns including a noticeable crisis before attacks, perpetrators viewing the shooting as a final act, studying prior shooters online, and “leakage” in which most tell someone in advance. They also emphasized that many perpetrators use unsecured firearms from family members and argued that prevention should combine reporting systems, behavioral threat assessment, counseling, mentoring, secure storage, and other layered interventions rather than rely on a single solution. The presenters also discussed broader violence trends in the Twin Cities, saying much school violence is spillover from community violence and that pandemic-era disruptions and weakened trust in institutions contributed to serious violence. They cited a national survey finding that exposure to gun violence is associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces, especially among young people. During member questions, Representative Wam asked for clarification on the data set and the rural/small-town share of the survey sample.

Bills: HB1455

Keywords: tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up House Bill 1489, and Victoria Christian from Legislative Council reviewed the latest 3003 version. She explained that the bill was revised to clarify language about individuals who are or were in a dating relationship, to incorporate provisions from related Senate bills, and to narrow confidentiality and hearing provisions to domestic violence and sexual assault protection order cases. She also noted a clarification on page 12 regarding certification of certain individuals under Supreme Court rules rather than by the Supreme Court itself. Members discussed the consolidation of multiple related bills into one measure. Senator Myrdal moved Amendment 3.03 to engross House Bill 1489, and the motion passed. Senator Myrdal then moved a do pass recommendation on House Bill 1489 as amended, seconded by Senator Luick. The committee voted in favor of the amended bill by roll call, with all members present voting yes, and the motion carried. Chair Larson then asked for a member to carry the bill to the floor, and it was agreed that the bill would be carried. The committee also discussed its remaining workload and planned to clear the rest of its calendar the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• At its core, this bill is about tribal consultation.
• Tribal consultation is more than just a procedural step.
• Tribal consultation is more than just a procedural step.
• and tribal neighbors. ...can inadvertently harm or exclude our tribal members and tribal neighbors.
• This could include how tribal lands are managed, policies affecting health care access for tribal members

Bills: HB1455

Keywords: tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first heard House Bill 1455, which would require the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications and conduct consultation with affected tribes. Rep. Collette Brown said the bill was intended to formalize and strengthen tribal consultation, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe representative Ross Bell testified in support. Brad Hawk, executive director of the Indian Affairs Commission, testified neutrally, saying the office already does much of this work but that the bill would add structure; several senators raised concerns about duplication, possible future staffing costs, and whether the bill was necessary. The committee amended the bill to replace “each measure” with “all legislation,” then passed a do-not-pass recommendation on HB 1455 by recorded vote, with Sen. Luick designated as carrier. The committee then took up House Bill 1032, dealing with municipal courts, appeals, and judge qualifications. Legislative Council and court staff walked through proposed amendments, including making municipal courts courts of record on a delayed effective date, clarifying appeal procedures, and adding standards for municipal judges. Members discussed whether to use the term “ethical standards” or “judicial conduct”; after questions about definitions and enforcement, the committee settled on replacing the language with “judicial conduct” in the amended bill. The committee adopted the amendments and then passed HB 1032 as amended on a do-pass vote, with Sen. Cory to carry. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1263, which would make it easier for people with criminal records to seek sealing after a denial by allowing an appeal and reducing the waiting period for a new petition from three years to one year. Rep. Nels Christensen, Christopher Davis, Travis Fink, and Brad Peterson all supported the bill’s goal of giving people a better path to rehabilitation and employment. The main point of disagreement was whether to keep the statutory presumption that the benefit to the petitioner must outweigh the presumption of openness of criminal records; several witnesses urged removing that language, while others said it was part of the compromise that created the current law. The committee closed the hearing without taking final action and said it would review the House discussion before deciding later.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:03:11.039><c> governments</c><01:03:11.359><c> that</c><01:03:11.440><c> share</c> The tribal
• It just adds to this other list of entities that have to consult with tribal entities.
• It just adds to this other list of entities that have to consult with tribal entities.
• </c> that um uh have to consult with tribal that um uh have to consult with tribal entities<01:04:11.440
• governments and brings it in line tribal governments and brings it in line with<01:08:52.799><c> every

Bills: HF1470, HF1310, HF1837

Keywords: opioids, substance use, addiction recovery, mental health, state cabinet, HF1310, Office of Cannabis Management, cannabis, marijuana, tribal consultation, government-to-government relationship, Minnesota tribes, Tribal governments, state government, consultation, rulemaking, Indian affairs, cannabis regulation, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations

Bills: HB567, HB776, HB2, HB568, HB619

Keywords: open records, public access, transparency, government accountability, public agency, dental practice, licensing, administrative regulations, dental assistants, supervision, Medicaid, community engagement, healthcare, managed care, eligibility, public assistance, insurance, public adjuster, claim process, contract requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Eventually, state and tribal leaders struck a more cooperative tone and began working together on the
• I'm the Director of Tribal Affairs for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• I'm also a tribal citizen. The department has signed pro on this bill.
• previously proposed this legislation along with Representative Lekinoff to repeal the unenforceable anti-tribal
• Farms' support of this bill, as it offers a multi-tiered benefit for food producers, particularly tribal

Bills: HB2104, HB2554, HB2619

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, tribal rights, fishing rights, salmon management, state-tribal agreements, natural resources, agriculture, regulations, farming, compliance, economic impact, 904, all

Summary: The committee took up six House bills for public hearing, with staff explaining each measure and sponsors describing their purposes. ESHB 2238 on statewide food security was presented as a broad strategy for WSDA to coordinate food access, agricultural viability, and supply chain resilience, including annual data monitoring and reporting on regulatory costs; supporters from agriculture, food banks, school nutrition, counties, and advocacy groups said it would improve coordination and strengthen the food system, while some asked for broader representation in the advisory process. HB 2199 would expand the derelict vessel removal program by broadening the definition of derelict vessel and allowing earlier intervention on unregistered or hazardous vessels; ports, local officials, and environmental advocates supported it as a way to reduce pollution, safety risks, and cleanup costs. HB 2104 would remove the sunset from the Aviation Assurance Funding Program for wildland fire response, and the sponsor and fire officials said the program has been effective at enabling rapid initial attack and preventing more expensive state mobilization. HB 2554 would repeal statutory language from Initiative 456 relating to treaty fishing rights; the sponsor, Attorney General’s Office, and Department of Fish and Wildlife supported repeal as removing unconstitutional and unenforceable provisions and correcting a historical wrong. HB 2619 would create a legislative task force to review regulatory stressors in agriculture and recommend changes, with the sponsor tying it to agricultural mental health and suicide prevention; no public testimony was offered. HB 2343 would require permits and water-quality controls for publicly owned game farms, with staff noting it appears to apply to a Fish and Wildlife facility and that the fiscal note estimates about $13,000 annually for compliance. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive on the bills that drew testimony, and the chair announced all six bills would be listed for possible executive session at the committee’s next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• announcing the grant opportunity publicly on our own site, we used relationships with Orias Small Business Liaison

Bills: HB2104, HB2223, HB2348, HB2554, HB2619

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, irrigation, district director, contracts, beneficial interests, agriculture, timber sales, land sales, process efficiency, legislation, department language, tribal rights, fishing rights, salmon management, state-tribal agreements, natural resources

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held its final meeting of the 2026 session, first briefing several bills before taking executive action on most of them. Staff summarized House Bill 2104 on aviation assurances for wildland fire response, Substitute House Bill 2199 on derelict vessels, House Bill 2223 on irrigation district director spouse employment, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2238 on statewide food security, Substitute House Bill 2343 on water quality and game farms, House Bill 2348 on timber sales efficiencies, House Bill 2554 on treaty reserve fishing rights, and House Bill 2619 creating a task force on reducing regulatory stress in agriculture. The committee also noted fiscal impacts where applicable and that several bills had passed the House with strong bipartisan support. No amendments were offered on most of the bills, though HB 2223 had a proposed amendment limiting the exemption to smaller irrigation districts. In executive session, the committee voted to advance HB 2104 to Ways and Means, SHB 2199 to Rules, ESHB 2238 to Ways and Means, HB 2348 to Rules, HB 2554 to Rules, and HB 2619 to Rules. The committee took no action on HB 2223 or SHB 2343. Members briefly thanked committee staff and acknowledged the contributions of Senators Shewmake and Saldaña as they concluded their service on the committee. The committee then held a work session with the Washington State Department of Agriculture on the local farms, workers, and food grant proviso. WSDA described its one-time overtime reimbursement grant for eligible vegetable farms, saying 24 farms received about $213,000 total and that the agency used targeted outreach, cross-agency coordination, and a simplified application process to administer the program. Members asked about lessons learned and whether the approach could inform future grant programs; WSDA said the experience reinforced the value of targeted outreach, clearer eligibility data, and streamlined administration. The meeting ended with adjournment for the 2026 session.

Transcript Highlights:

• :31.759><c> schools,</c><00:05:32.000><c> including</c> ...schools, non-public schools, including tribal
• </c><00:10:08.240><c> contract</c> serving students, tribal contract serving students, tribal contract
• Whether<00:34:35.359><c> it's</c><00:34:35.599><c> on</c><00:34:35.839><c> tribal</c><00:34:36.320><c
• lands or it's a Whether it's on tribal lands or it's a cooperative<00:34:38.240><c> between</c><00:34
• </c> religious school or a tribally religious school or a tribally affiliated<01:06:24.319><c> school

Bills: HF3492, HF3493, HF3494, HF3495, HF3602

Keywords: school safety, grants, education funding, Northern Lights Express, security improvements, rural schools, safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, safe schools aid, school security, mental health support, Tribal schools, cybersecurity, funding, mental health, evidence-based plans, public safety

Bills: HB567, HB776, HB2, HB568, HB619

Keywords: open records, public access, transparency, government accountability, public agency, dental practice, licensing, administrative regulations, dental assistants, supervision, Medicaid, community engagement, healthcare, managed care, eligibility, public assistance, insurance, public adjuster, claim process, contract requirements

Bills: HB567, HB776, HB2, HB568, HB619

Keywords: open records, public access, transparency, government accountability, public agency, dental practice, licensing, administrative regulations, dental assistants, supervision, Medicaid, community engagement, healthcare, managed care, eligibility, public assistance, insurance, public adjuster, claim process, contract requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• One was an FTE for an exhibition preparator position, and then the other one was for an FTE tribal liaison
• Again, the other one was the tribal liaison. That's meant to work with NAGPRA.

Bills: HB1603

Keywords: Native American, grave protection, repatriation, cultural heritage, tribal compliance, 908, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and announced it would begin meeting at 8 a.m. for the rest of the week to work through a growing bill list. The committee first approved House Bill 1603, a companion to the Historical Society budget dealing with NAGPRA, including a $500,000 matching grant to be divided among North Dakota’s five tribes and a committee to address repatriation of human remains and cultural items. The vote was unanimous, 15-0. The committee then considered House Bill 1225, which would increase penalties for reckless endangerment involving a firearm and create a mandatory prison term. After debate over public safety concerns versus the bill’s fiscal note and prison costs, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation by a 9-6-1 vote. Members also discussed House Bill 1018, the State Historical Society budget, and approved an amendment that adjusted one-time funding items, including NAGPRA compliance, museum exhibits, military gallery funding, local historic grants, and line-of-credit repayment. The amended bill then received a due pass recommendation by a 14-2 vote. The committee next approved House Bill 1468, a behavioral health facility grant for St. Hayes, which supporters said would expand in-state access to acute and adolescent behavioral health care and reduce the need to send patients out of state. The bill passed 14-1. It then amended and passed House Bill 1485, increasing the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients by $15 and indexing it to inflation; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 14-2. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 1016, the Adjutant General/National Guard budget, after adopting an amendment that funded disaster relief, response equipment, IT and website costs, and staffing changes for the watch center; the amended bill passed 14-2. The committee adjourned after completing six bills and planned to resume the next morning at 8 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• nations, including establishing the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee and the Tribal Affairs Office
• This has benefited tribal nations, and it is also very to Minnesota and I think it's also helped the
• Senator, I was the Treasury point of contact for tribal consultations in the first Trump administration
• I in fact attended a tribal event in Minnesota and I was present at the initial meeting of the Treasury
• I think it's important that that Office of Tribal Affairs stays in place.

Keywords: nomination, Deputy Secretary of Treasury, economic policy, inflation, tariffs, tribal nations, government relations

Summary: The meeting convened to consider the nomination of Mike Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During the session, multiple members voiced concerns regarding current economic policies under the Trump administration, particularly around inflation, tariffs, and the impact on small businesses. Discussions frequently centered on the administration's approach to tariffs and taxation, and how these factors contribute to the rising cost of living and potential job losses. Additionally, the importance of bolstering government-to-government relationships with tribal nations was emphasized, highlighting the need for specialized offices focused on tribal affairs within the Treasury Department.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Alicia Carese, and today I'm speaking as an enrolled tribal member of the Pavlovkiwa.
• I support the Microgrid Oversight Act because it protects our energy future, especially in our tribal

Bills: SB251, SB150, SB154, SB73, SB111, SB172, SB76, SB181, SB235

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Bills: SB251, SB150, SB154, SB73, SB111, SB172, SB76, SB181, SB235

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Bills: SB251, SB150, SB154, SB73, SB111, SB172, SB76, SB181, SB235

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Bills: SB240

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• These are projects that would benefit tribal communities, low income homes where it is hard to keep the

Bills: SB240

Keywords: capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding

Bills: HB2325, HB2521, HB2720, HB1960, HB2073, HB2675, HB2681

Keywords: tourism, tourism promotion, Washington Tourism Marketing Authority, assessment, self-supported assessment, visitor economy, destination marketing, statewide marketing, lodging, hotels, restaurants, travel services, attractions, recreation, retail, beverage producers, arts and culture, tribal nations, tribal businesses, rural communities

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer asking members to serve with humility, justice, and attention to the poor and unseen. The chamber approved the prior day’s minutes, moved House Bill 273 (Health Carrier Surpluses) and House Bill 2681 (Cannabis License Fees) to the second reading calendar, and welcomed several honored guests and caucus announcements before proceeding to floor action on bills. The House first considered Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2325, establishing a tourism self-support program. Representative Santos offered and the House adopted Amendment 1709, described as a clarifying change. Supporters said the bill would let the tourism industry assess itself to fund statewide marketing and help attract visitors year-round without using general taxpayer dollars. The bill passed final vote 84-5. The House then took up Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 on renewable energy. Members discussed replacing property tax treatment for wind, solar, and battery storage projects with an excise tax to reduce tax shifts onto other local taxpayers and provide more stable community benefits. After adopting Amendment 2073 and Amendment 2071 as amended, the bill passed 74-15. The House next debated House Bill 2521 on firearms background checks. Two amendments were offered and rejected: Amendment 1979 would have raised the fee cap from $18 to $33, and Amendment 1989 would have set the fee at zero, with opponents arguing the fee should cover program costs and supporters arguing any fee on firearm transfers burdens constitutional rights. The bill itself passed 53-36. Finally, House Bill 2675, the annual accounts bill, was advanced without amendment and passed unanimously 89-0. The House then adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, February 24.