Transcript Highlights:

• So it surprised me that in the assessment, social media was not... ...was not listed as a prominent way
• I know it also makes me skeptical when I see... ...I’m so skeptical when I see something on social media

Transcript Highlights:

• Phelan relating to the required disclosures of certain political advertising that contains altered media
• Zewail-Passo, relating to criminal offense for the creation or distribution of certain artificially generated media

Transcript Highlights:

• Because as I seen from the media reports, a lot of patients showed up for their appointments and were
• </c><00:39:35.599><c> And</c><00:39:35.760><c> in</c><00:39:35.920><c> the</c><00:39:36.079><c> media
• And in the media Boyan Dental School.
• And in the media reports,<00:39:36.800><c> we're</c><00:39:37.040><c> seeing</c><00:39:37.200><c> that
• reports are the seeing in the media reports are the patients<00:42:27.119><c> are</c><00:42:27.280><

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 356 is the ethnic media grants for $500,000.
• 29.279><c> grants</c><00:12:30.000><c> for</c> is the ethnic media grants for is the ethnic media grants
• Shannon Slatton is the executive director for CCX Media.
• </c> director for CCX Media. director for CCX Media.
• I'm the executive director of CCX Media.

Bills: HF2563

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I think House Democrats are interested in looking at these massive tech companies and social media companies
• media companies media companies who,<00:14:30.200><c> you</c><00:14:30.320><c> know,</c><00:14:30.800

Summary: House DFL leaders held a press event outlining an affordability agenda focused on housing, child care, health care, groceries, energy, and taxes. Speakers argued that Minnesota families are being squeezed by rising costs and income inequality, and said the caucus would pursue policies aimed at lowering everyday expenses and shifting more costs onto corporations and wealthy residents. Representative Bierman said health care costs are pushing people to skip care and called for system reforms, including moving toward a more universal model and reducing the role of insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. Representative Kotiza-Wazhushk said the caucus is pushing for universal or low-cost child care, expanded pre-K and community-based care, and a bill to stop grocery surveillance price gouging. Representative Acomb and other energy leaders said the House DFL wants to lower utility bills through more energy assistance, weatherization, renewable energy support, limits on utility cost recovery for lobbying and executive pay, and stronger PUC authority to prevent shutoffs and limit rate increases. Representative Agbaje described housing as unaffordable for many renters and homeowners, cited a shortage of housing units, and said the caucus supports restricting private equity and corporate purchases of single-family homes. Leader Stevenson framed the agenda as a response to a budget picture that he said reflects gains for corporations and wealthy Minnesotans, and he criticized federal tax policy and Medicaid cuts. In response to questions about cost, he said several proposals would not require state spending, while others could be funded by looking at new revenue and at those who benefited most from recent tax changes. The event also included a detailed explanation of the grocery surveillance pricing proposal, which would restrict the use of personal data and AI to set individualized prices and limit rapid electronic shelf price changes. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• do, because just like anything else we do, why we advertise in different ways, whether it's social media
• ... ...just like anything else we do, why we advertise in different ways, whether it's social media,
• Oh, no, I totally disagree because, just like I said, the different forms of media we use to reach someone

Bills: HB4248 , HB3194 , HB3849 , HB4095 , HB4302 , HB3342 , HB3344 , HB3287 , HB3645 , HB3647 , HB3930 , HB3931 , HB1818 , HB4454 , HB4336

Committee: House Health and Human Services Oversight

Summary: The committee took up a series of health and human services bills, beginning with House Bill 4248, which was reported due pass on a 9-0 vote after an unclear procedural vote call. The next major item was House Bill 3194, a bill to prevent pregnancy resource centers from being singled out for discrimination. The author said the measure was intended to protect private nonprofit pregnancy centers from lawsuits and government interference, including in staffing and mission-related decisions. Members questioned the bill’s impact on counseling, contraception referrals, ectopic pregnancy treatment, employment practices, and whether it was necessary given existing law. The bill was reported due pass on a 10-2 vote. The committee then advanced House Bill 3849, a request bill from the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth to update language and broaden mentoring program credentialing, and House Bill 4095, which reaffirms the state role in the 211 collaborative and clarifies that it applies to hotline services for needs such as food, housing, clothing, transportation, and medical assistance. House Bill 4302 would allow the Office of Juvenile System Oversight to disclose a complainant’s identity to law enforcement if the complainant threatens harm. All three were reported due pass unanimously. Members also approved House Bill 3342, described as a Medicaid audit reform bill intended to curb punitive audits of providers; the author said the bill arose from cases where providers were penalized over reporting issues rather than fraud. House Bill 3344, aimed at improving foster care standards and home placements, passed 10-2 after questions about income thresholds, letters of recommendation, and whether the bill would apply to guardianship placements; the author said the goal was to raise standards and improve outcomes for children. House Bill 3287, requiring hospitals to post information and develop protocols for domestic violence and human trafficking victims, passed 12-0. House Bill 3645 created an alternate pathway for hospice referrals when a patient lacks next of kin or power of attorney, and House Bill 3647 established an all-payer claims database while emphasizing that the data could not be sold; both passed 12-0 after members raised concerns about federal consistency and privacy. Later, House Bill 3930, which defines “service animal” and requires sellers of emotional support animals to disclose that they are not service animals, passed 10-2. House Bill 3931 corrected a prior death-certificate change deadline and was reported due pass unanimously. House Bill 1818, a social work licensing cleanup bill, was amended to extend a sunset date to 2028 and then reported due pass 12-0. House Bill 4336 clarified pain-management definitions, including acute pain, and was reported due pass 12-0 after questions about labor and epidural care. House Bill 4454, an untimely PCS on medical marijuana edibles, would require clearer THC labeling and prohibit child-attractive shapes; the author cited pediatric ingestion incidents, and the bill passed 11-1. The committee then revisited House Bill 1818 to change the effective date to November 1, 2026, by unanimous consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Charles County, a lot of uncertainty in the media that this lawsuit and injunction was... ...had collusion
• Charles County, a lot of uncertainty in the media that this lawsuit and injunction was... ...of uncertainty
• in the media that this lawsuit and injunction was filed before the St.

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• There's There's increased loneliness due to social media.
• And the research shows us that since the impact of social media, there has been a decline in mental health
• And keeping them from social media and having face-to-face interaction is much better for their mental

Bills: SB23 , SB221 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• There's increased loneliness due to social media, and the research shows us that since the impact of
• social media, there has been a decline in mental health.
• And keeping them from the social media and having the face-to-face interaction is much better for their

Bills: HB294 , SB40 , SB43 , SB35

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first briefly discussed House Bill 95, which would create an additional judgeship in the Second Judicial District. Members noted it was being aligned with the Senate version so the House and Senate bills would match. An amendment was adopted to also include the new First Judicial District judgeship that had been added earlier in the session, and the bill then received a do pass recommendation as amended. The committee then heard Senate Bill 23, which would require school districts and charter schools to adopt and implement policies banning wireless communication devices during the school day, with exceptions for educational purposes, emergencies, and health care needs. The sponsors and Public Education Department officials said the bill was intended to reduce classroom distractions, improve student focus and mental health, and support teachers, and the Office of Broadband explained that $1 million from an existing education technology fund would help schools implement storage solutions such as lockers or pouches. Supporters included representatives from New Mexico Kids Can, Albuquerque Public Schools, and the Higher Education Department; there was no opposition testimony. Committee members raised concerns about the bill’s definition of “school day,” the three-year phase-in, local control, and whether the funding and storage requirements were necessary. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to strike Section 4, which contained the phase-in schedule, and then voted to report the bill do pass as amended. Members also discussed whether the bill should be more direct and immediate, but sponsors said the phased approach and funding were intended to improve chances of passage and implementation. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 246, which would add licensure and inspection requirements for massage therapy establishments to address safety, sanitation, and concerns about illegal activity such as prostitution and human trafficking. The sponsor and Regulation and Licensing Department said the bill would close a regulatory gap and allow inspections of establishments, while the massage therapy industry supported the rulemaking being left to the board. Members questioned the breadth of the bill, including inspection timing, the impact on legitimate businesses, and language that could unintentionally bar people from licensure for past conduct. The committee worked through amendments to narrow those provisions, including adding “for compensation” and limiting certain denial language to conduct after the bill’s effective date, and the sponsor accepted those changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• , biologic weapons; HB 2979, credit unions; HB 298, home community-based services; HB 2991, social media
• , biologic weapons; HB 2979, credit unions; HB 298, home community-based services; HB 2991, social media
• HB 457 — social media platform requirement. Science and Technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• R&E, we're getting close to $240 million, which is one of the numbers you've probably heard in the media
• We're getting close to $240 million, which is one of the numbers you've probably heard in the media.
• to, but I've seen numbers another $400 million, maybe $500 million, so when you hear numbers in the media

Committee: Senate Local Government and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• But Age, she was very successful in stalking everyone on the internet and social media to at least get
• after year, the numbers demonstrate that the New Mexico legislature, despite bipartisan rancor and media
• However, their claims regarding the use of social media turned out to be unfulfilled.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Counties are currently faced with difficulties concerning the disposal of sensitive media devices.
• All those sensitive media devices may be destroyed if they do not sell under the current law.
• Counties have expressed concern that sensitive media devices should be able to be destroyed so that the

Bills: SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1579 , SB1708 , SB1844 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB1921 , SB1951 , SB2237 , SB2238 , SB2406 , SB2407

Committee: Senate Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• And we saw the proliferation of this through social media, craigslist and other ads where this became
• the victims of the ones that I truly thought that they were renting a property through either social media
• And we see a lawyer was arrested or we see some other news media report about a lawyer engaging in this

Transcript Highlights:

• charged with governance of the entity, applicable legislative committee staff, and members of the media
• charged with governance of the entity, applicable legislative committee staff, and members of the media
• . of the entity, applicable legislative committee staff, and members of the media who have requested

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to receive annual overviews of its oversight responsibilities and the work of the Auditor General and OPAGA. Committee staff reviewed the committee’s authority over state and local governments, enforcement of audit-report filing requirements, repeated audit findings, Transparency Florida reporting, and lobbying compensation audits. Auditor General Cheryl Norman described her office’s independence, audit standards, quality control, and major audit areas, including the state’s annual financial and single audits, school district and university audits, operational and performance audits, and attestation work. She also noted staffing shortages, recruitment efforts, and a request for carry-forward funds to study salaries. Members asked about whether audits can quantify recoverable dollars, how school district spending comparisons are handled, and how to raise concerns about DCF-related audits or a local city audit that has been pending for years. Norman said her office can quantify findings when possible, sometimes compares costs across districts in operational audits, and that members can bring specific concerns to the appropriate deputy auditor general or the committee. She also explained that citizen or local-government audit requests may require payment of audit costs. OPAGA Coordinator Kara Collins-Gomez outlined OPAGA’s role as a legislative research unit that conducts studies directed by law, the presiding officers, or the committee, and described its policy areas, methodologies, contract monitoring, and recurring statutory reports. Deputy Auditor General Matthew Tracy explained how to read operational audit reports, including findings, criteria, condition, cause, effect, recommendations, and management responses. Deputy Auditor General Greg Senators explained financial audit reports, including audit opinions, required supplementary information, internal control and compliance findings, federal program compliance, and management letters. The meeting concluded with thanks to the presenters and a motion to adjourn, which passed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• etc. using social media Instagram reels etc. using social media as<01:08:44.159><c> a</c><01:08:44.319
• Um, and it comes with all of this: media, social media, all of those assets, those marketing assets to
• </c> comes with all of this with the media comes with all of this with the media um<03:19:53.920><c>
• media,</c><03:19:54.800><c> social</c><03:19:55.120><c> media,</c><03:19:56.000><c> all</c><03:19:56.160
• ><c> of</c><03:19:56.319><c> those</c> um media, social media, all of those um media, social media, all

Summary: The joint House and Senate tourism briefing focused on the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s interim action plans, current projects, contract oversight, destination management action plans (DMAPs), and the impact of recent legislation and audit findings. Interim CEO Caroline Anderson said she accepted the temporary role to help address agency challenges, emphasized rebuilding trust, and said HTA is reviewing the state auditor’s concerns and posting its response publicly. She also described HTA’s mission and organizational structure under SB 1571, including reporting lines to the governor, the director, and the board, and outlined staff additions in finance, brand marketing, destination stewardship, and planning. A major topic was the permanent CEO search. HTA board chair Tata Po said the goal is to select a CEO within about four months, with the search firm still engaged, the position description being revised to reflect the new law and compensation changes, and approvals still needed before the job can be reposted. Members expressed frustration that the recruitment had been paused and questioned whether HTA has sufficient qualified leadership and staff during the interim period. Board leadership said the current staff is limited by vacancies but that they have confidence in the team and will add resources if needed. Members also pressed HTA on the role of the destination stewardship team and the CNHA/Kilohana contract, asking how staff oversight works and whether staff members were effectively wearing multiple hats. HTA explained that the stewardship team provides direction to contractors and that the work is divided among specialists overseeing projects such as tour guide certification, technical assistance, community tourism collaboratives, and a destination app. The committee also discussed whether the board can still vote on budgets under the new structure; the Attorney General’s office was cited as confirming that the board may advise, but the department director retains budget authority. HTA said it is working with CNHA and HVCB on contract and budget timing, with a goal of shifting to a calendar-year process so recipients know funding earlier.

Transcript Highlights:

• People on social media hate that we're friends. Some of our friends hate that we're friends.
• A simple post on social media — would all of those vehicles be encompassed here?
• A simple post on social media — would all of those vehicles be encompassed here?
• &gt;&gt; YOU KNOW, USED TO BE YEARS AGO YOU PUT AN AD IN A NEWSPAPER BUT NOW YOU'VE GOT SOCIAL MEDIA,
• YOU'VE GOT ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT WAYS TO ADVERTISE A JOB, A SIMPLE POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA WOULD ALL OF

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar. The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family. Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've recently engaged with a media company that will manage their social media, and they're going to
• We've recently engaged<00:20:35.919><c> with</c><00:20:36.000><c> a</c><00:20:36.240><c> media</c><00
• that will engaged with a media company that will uh<00:20:38.240><c> manage</c><00:20:38.480><c> their
• </c><00:20:38.799><c> social</c><00:20:39.039><c> media</c><00:20:39.280><c> and</c><00:20:39.520><c>
• they're</c> uh manage their social media and they're uh manage their social media and they're going<

Summary: The subcommittee met with leaders of the First Frontier Appalachian Trail System for an update on trail development, economic impact, and funding needs. Speakers said the system has expanded from 18 to 21 counties over the past year, with interest from additional counties, about 450 miles of trails currently open, and a goal of surpassing 1,000 miles within two years. They described the project as primarily an economic development effort that is already drawing public and private investment, supporting lodging and campground businesses, and creating new enterprises such as guide services, repairs, and recovery services for ATVs. The presentation highlighted permit sales, which began on a soft-launch basis earlier in the year and are now available both physically and online. Permits cost $25 per year for in-state residents and allow riding on First Frontier trails. Officials also discussed landowner agreements, saying the standard license agreement is modeled on Hatfield-McCoy, is favorable to landowners, and can be ended with 60 days’ notice. They said the agreements, along with patrols and cleanup efforts, help address trespassing and illegal dumping while encouraging property owners to participate. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Captain Jason Sloan reported 638 hours of patrols under the memorandum of agreement since January 1 and said the partnership has focused on safety, enforcement of existing laws, emergency planning, and cleanup support. The group also cited partnerships with the National Forest, Onyx Off-Road, ARC, and Yamaha, and said a Jeep Jamboree in Lee County drew 237 registered participants, mostly from out of state. They said a GNCC race in Knox County is being pursued for spring. The authority requested $3.5 million for the next two-year budget cycle and said it needs additional staffing, including two full-time trail development coordinators and part-time office help, to keep up with growth. Members praised the project’s progress and its potential to boost tourism and regional economic development.

Transcript Highlights:

• All of our public updates are on our WIC website, and media inquiries are done through the Department
• All of our public updates are on our WIC website, and media inquiries are done through the Department
• </c><00:58:24.799><c> Uh</c><00:58:25.040><c> and</c><00:58:25.200><c> then</c><00:58:25.440><c> media
• Uh and then media on our WIC website.
• Uh and then media inquiries<00:58:26.400><c> are</c><00:58:26.720><c> done</c><00:58:26.880><c> through

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website. Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years. On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this request is in relationship to the media reports on the snake situation, and if you could just
• </c> this is best not played out in the media this is best not played out in the media that<01:31:10.719
• So, so apply your logic to the situation at hand that was in the media.
• So, so apply your logic to the situation at hand that was in the media.
• So, so apply your logic to the situation at hand that was in the media.

Summary: The subcommittee met on October 14, approved the minutes, and then took up a large group of staff-suggested amendments to multiple regulations. Those staff amendments were approved without objection and were described as technical changes needed to comply with KRS Chapter 13A and other governing law. The committee then moved out of order to consider Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure regulation 2011 KAR 9:270, which governs buprenorphine prescribing and related standards. Board representatives said the regulation has been updated over time since 2015 and that the current amendments are intended to streamline the rule, remove outdated federal references such as the X-waiver, narrow education requirements to addiction-related topics, and create exceptions for settings like emergency rooms and certain pain treatment situations. The agency amendment would also allow buprenorphine monoproduct for up to 30 days when a patient is transitioning from a full opioid agonist, and would add physicians certified in addiction medicine as eligible specialty consultants. Board officials said the regulation was developed through a two-year process with a work group, informal outreach to medical organizations, and multiple comment periods, and they argued the rule is working because overdose deaths have declined and provider numbers have increased. Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the regulation remains too restrictive. Senator Rocky Adams noted that major medical organizations had said the proposed language could restrict access and worsen overdose risk, and he questioned whether the committee was being asked to choose between conflicting expert views. Opponents, including a medical student, a recovery advocate, and Dr. Colleen Ryan of the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine, argued the rule is outdated, creates unnecessary barriers to buprenorphine treatment, and should be repealed or substantially revised to align with federal guidance and evidence-based care. They said rigid requirements can discourage treatment and that addiction should be treated like other chronic illnesses. No final vote on the medical licensure regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, and the discussion ended with the chair preparing to hear from additional opponents.