Transcript Highlights:

• And that kind of focus will create the momentum we need to drive scale.
• Nearly 80% of our riders do not drive or own a car.
• data centers, industrial uses—anything that gets the molecules flowing through the economy helps us drive
• There was no product, or the pumps weren't working, one or the other, and we had to drive to Pasadena
• I drive by most of the time and I'm driving to EV, but it's telling, you know, why wouldn't there be

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That means if you're in a 30 mile an hour zone, you're driving, you know, 60 miles an hour through a
• Um, extinguishing exterior lights, that means shutting off your lights, driving in the dark so that the
• , 30 mile an hour zone, you're driving, 30 mile an hour zone, you're driving, you<01:11:28.720>
• means shutting off your lights driving means shutting off your lights driving in<01:11:39.600>
• That's the person who's actually driving. Who's actually driving? The operator?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• driving.
• So we have seen an increase in instances of impairment in driving with kratom.
• <00:43:07.440> or pulled over for drunk driving or pulled over for drunk driving or marijuana
• somebody's driving impaired with cratom? somebody's driving impaired with cratom?
• People are going to just drive to go get it across state lines.

Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• that when it's time for this program to come back, it can be done so with the legislature as the driving
• can be done so with the legislature as can be done so with the legislature as the<00:01:28.320> driving
• <00:01:30.240> Thank the driving force behind that. Thank the driving force behind that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• drive those underlying costs. drive those underlying costs.
• And so, what is driving that?
• tomorrow, to understand what's driving tomorrow, to understand what's driving that<01:01:21.680>
• <01:08:03.000> those cost that's that really is driving those cost that's that really is driving
• only goes to drive up costs. only goes to drive up costs.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• license, they're legal to drive.
• Driving under the influence is not covered.
• drive.
• Driving under the influence is not covered.
• Driving under the influence is not covered.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's really sets us apart and kind of drives that recruiting and retention train.
• Because we want to be sure that we’re driving as much efficiency as we can.
• It also drives the Oklahoma economy. The current structure.
• And then you have to come back to our location to actually have to drive the license issued.
• We have a place where we're currently doing drive tests.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to drive to a metro or something like that.
• up costs or driving up that demand.
• Yes, minimum wage does drive price increases, but these prices aren't huge.
• If you just turn around and hand it to them, what's the drive to want to get any better?
• That's what's going to drive their pay. It's not going to be the need for...

Summary: The committee held a study on the potential effects of living wage or minimum wage laws in Oklahoma, with the chair emphasizing that the discussion was not intended to advocate for or against State Question 832. The first panel focused on economic and workforce impacts. An Oklahoma Department of Commerce representative argued that living wage calculations vary by region and household type, that Oklahoma’s average wages are already near or above many living-wage estimates, and that higher mandated wages could lead employers to cut hours, reduce hiring, automate, or avoid expansion, especially in rural areas where childcare, healthcare, broadband, and infrastructure constraints also affect labor participation. Committee members asked about wage distributions, rural cost differences, training pathways, and whether higher wages might draw workers or businesses out of state; the witness said many low-wage workers move up over time and that Oklahoma has seen net in-migration. A State Chamber Research Foundation witness then testified that a $15 statewide wage floor would raise payroll costs substantially, especially for small rural employers, and cited examples from California and Seattle to argue that higher wages can reduce hours, jobs, and benefits while increasing consumer prices. She suggested alternatives such as expanding the state earned income tax credit and promoting upskilling through existing education and training programs. A Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry representative described Missouri’s recent voter-approved minimum wage increase to $13.75, rising to $15, along with paid sick leave provisions. She said the chamber opposed the measure because it would raise business costs, hurt rural communities and youth employment, and force some employers to cut hours, reduce hiring, or close. She cited examples from Missouri businesses facing significant added costs and warned that a future ballot initiative could create a patchwork of local minimum wages. In response to questions, she said Missouri’s law did not distinguish by age or industry, that businesses had raised concerns about union contracts and compliance, and that the chamber viewed the measure as harmful to competitiveness. Peter Hansen of NFIB presented the final major testimony, summarizing an NFIB study projecting that a higher Oklahoma minimum wage would produce some short-term GDP gains but longer-term losses, with GDP turning negative by the early 2030s and job losses growing over time. He said businesses respond to higher wage mandates by raising prices, trimming jobs, converting full-time positions to part-time, reducing benefits, and shifting investment toward automation or other capital. He argued that the burden falls most heavily on vulnerable workers such as young or marginal employees, who are less likely to be hired when labor costs rise. In questioning, he acknowledged that higher wages can improve pay for some workers and may have some short-term positive effects, but maintained that the long-term employment and investment effects are negative. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another point where we're, you know, not protecting our vulnerable people, our people that can't drive
• people that can't drive, our people that<00:03:37.200> are<00:03:37.519> unable<00:03:
• 37.920> to<00:03:38.159> drive,<00:03:38.640> and<00:03:39.120> um<00:03:
• 39.599> missing that are unable to drive, and um missing that are unable to drive, and um missing
• For the teenagers looking to drive.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it driving development?
• Is it driving generation outside of our borders so that we can say on paper that we're carbon-free?
• Is it driving development? Is ad cost? Is it driving development?
• Is it<00:12:11.760> driving<00:12:12.839> generation<00:12:13.839> outside<00:12
• :14.320> of<00:12:14.480> our it driving generation outside of our it driving generation

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Driving without a license is the most common charge in the State of Hawaii.
• You don’t want to say driving without a license. Thank you.
• without a license it charges of driving without a license it driving<00:19:05.200> without<00
• without a license is the most driving without a license is the most common<00:19:06.320> charge
• you in for you don't want to say driving you in for you don't want to say driving without<00:19:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 540, which would make the most recent state building codes supersede county codes beginning in 2028 and limit county changes without State Building Code Council approval. Grassroot Institute testified in support, while IBEW Local 1260 strongly opposed the bill as written, warning it could let counties weaken state minimum standards and create problems for fire code and sprinkler requirements. Members discussed the need for consistency in building codes and the impact of the State Building Code Council’s status, and the chair said the measure would be deferred indefinitely. The committee also heard SB 626 on disaster preparedness, which would prohibit planting large trees along evacuation routes and require HEMA to identify and remove obstructive trees. Testimony included comments from DLNR, HEMA, and others, with HEMA opposing the measure. The chair said more coordination was needed between DLNR and HEMA and deferred the bill. SB 692, regulating retail and wholesale spray paint sales and assigning jurisdiction to the Department of Law Enforcement, drew opposition from the Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi, which said the bill would impose costly storage and reporting burdens on small retailers and raise identity-theft concerns. The committee deferred that measure as well. In a separate decision-making segment, the committee considered SB 9 on fireworks and recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed or removed several sections, increased certain penalties from $500 to $1,000, adjusted forfeiture allocations, accepted an Attorney General amendment, added an appropriation for community safety education programs, and changed the effective date to July 1, 2077. The motion to pass with amendments was adopted by a vote of 2-1. Later, in a joint hearing, SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit drew support from DOT but opposition from the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association, which asked that the bill be held. SB 41, establishing Hawaiʻi Disaster Drill Day on August 8, received support from HEMA and a public testifier. SB 1570, addressing Molokaʻi air service disruptions and a possible runway expansion, drew strong public support from Molokaʻi residents and service providers, while the Attorney General raised separation-of-powers concerns about the emergency declaration language and DOT noted the high cost and feasibility issues of runway expansion.

Transcript Highlights:

• people to write in, sign a petition, and then you actually go and you're like, "Yeah, people could drive
• safer on the "Yeah, people could drive safer on the street<00:10:45.440> compared<00:10:45.920
• And then also, you know, the driver had some expired licensing on driving that truck, too.
• licensing on driving that truck, too.<00:13:17.920> And<00:13:18.079> I<00:13:18.160><
• And selfishly for me, so that when I drive that freeway or that highway, I get to see Melissa's name

Bills: HF3418, HF3739, HF3791, HF3356, HF3695, HF3430

Keywords: pedestrian safety, traffic safety, roadway improvements, nonmotorized transportation, crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, complete streets, Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, MnDOT, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, local road authority, county roads, city streets, tribal transportation, capital improvements, safety design solutions, grant program

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, and the chair noted the absence of Representative Katie Jones due to the birth of her baby. The chair also acknowledged that the committee would be discussing difficult topics related to the June 14 killing of Mark and Melissa Hortman and Gilbert. The main business began with House File 3418, which Chair Tabke moved for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill, and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment. The bill was described as a pedestrian safety measure prompted by a fatal Moorhead crash involving a young boy; it would create an opt-in program for communities to use pre-made traffic safety templates, with the state covering 80% of project costs to speed implementation of measures like lane narrowing, rumble strips, and bollards. A Moorhead testifier said the city could have acted faster with such funding, and members generally supported the goal while raising concerns about overlap with existing Safe Routes to School and active transportation programs, the bill’s fiscal note, and how communities would be selected. MDOT testified that it already supports similar community demonstration projects and has funded about 30 such projects since 2019. HF 3418 was laid over. The committee then took up House File 3739, a memorial highway bill for Mark and Melissa Hortman. An A1 amendment to shift funding away from trunk highway funds and toward legislative budgets was moved but not adopted after members argued memorial signage should continue to be paid for with private funds, as in prior memorial highway designations. The bill author explained the memorial was intended to honor Melissa Hortman’s service and connection to Highway 610, and members discussed the length of the proposed memorial stretch and whether it should be narrowed to the area she represented. Several members supported the tribute but expressed concern about using public funds and about setting a precedent for future memorial highways. The committee indicated the bill would move on to Ways and Means with other issues still to be worked out.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is it that's driving that up that much?
• commissioner and put it on autod drive commissioner and put it on autod drive to<01:08:47.839>
• Senator James, with what you've just said, I think you drive my point home.
• But I've never claimed that reinsurance drives down the cost of the care.
• Senator Dames said, “But I've never claimed that reinsurance drives down the cost of the care.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a reinsurance overview from Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer of the Minnesota Department of Commerce on the Minnesota Premium Security Plan. She explained that reinsurance helps stabilize premiums in the individual market by reimbursing insurers for high-cost claims, and said Minnesota’s program has lowered premiums, preserved carrier participation, and helped maintain consumer choice. She warned that without continued funding, the program would be depleted and individual-market premiums could rise by about 25%, with potential losses in coverage and access to care. She also described the program’s structure under a federal 1332 waiver, the role of MCHA in administering the program, and the state’s receipt of more than $650 million in federal pass-through funds to date. Dryer said the current program is funded through the end of 2025, though the federal waiver authority runs through 2027. The governor’s proposal would create a new assessment on insurers, estimated at roughly 2% to 3%, to fund the state share of the program and avoid another full waiver submission. She noted that the proposal assumes MinnesotaCare funding would be held harmless and that the program would be reduced if federal basic health plan funding were negatively affected. She also said projected costs changed because individual-market enrollment has grown and enhanced federal subsidies were removed from the estimate. Members raised concerns about the proposal’s impact on premiums and the history of the fund. Senator Rasmusson argued the new assessment amounts to a large tax increase on health insurance and questioned who would be assessed and whether the surcharge would be capped. Dryer responded that the assessment would be based on annual claims experience and market conditions, with final amounts determined at the end of each year, not monthly. Senator Duckworth and Senator Frentz supported reinsurance as a way to keep premiums lower, while also questioning how the program should be financed. Senator Green asked about the mechanics of the assessment and the role of the department in setting it, and Senator H questioned why the fiscal note assumed 12% annual growth for program costs when general premium growth was lower. No vote or formal action was taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• disciplinary programs and really drive disciplinary programs and really drive that<00:10:29.079>
• trying to impact uh and and drive trying to impact uh and and drive economic<00:33:40.279> growth
• So it's that talent pipeline at UMR that helps drive our innovations forward.
• So it's that talent pipeline at UMR that helps drive our innovations forward.
• So it's that talent pipeline at UMR that helps drive our innovations forward.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee met and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The chair noted that agency overviews from the Office of Higher Education and other state agencies were not available, so the committee proceeded with University of Minnesota presentations instead. The committee also reviewed posted committee rules. University of Minnesota representatives gave an overview of the university’s research enterprise, describing it as a system of five campuses with a possible expansion to St. Cloud, and highlighting research strengths across campuses in agriculture, energy, natural resources, health, and the Twin Cities flagship campus. They said the university has more than $1.3 billion in annual research expenditures, receives most of its research funding from federal sources, and is ranked highly for both overall research and interdisciplinary research. Examples discussed included the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the Forever Green initiative, and research tied to sustainable crops, health, and commercialization. Members asked questions about specific research areas, including biodegradable or renewable plastics, wheat research, food dyes, health and environmental toxins, and the market for winter camelina and winter pennycress. University staff said they could follow up with more detailed information and explained that the winter crop work is intended to become market-driven over time, while also improving soil health and creating new revenue streams for farmers. They also clarified that the university’s federal research funding includes money from NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, and other agencies, and that the “other” funding category includes foundations, subawards, and internal university seed funding. The committee then heard a second University of Minnesota presentation focused on partnerships, commercialization, and workforce development. Testimony highlighted collaborations with industry and government partners such as U.S. Steel, 3M, Medtronic, Cisco, and defense-related industry leaders, as well as programs supporting microelectronics, AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable aviation fuels. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and the committee ended the segment by moving on to the next testifier.

Transcript Highlights:

• A 50-cent tax could drive down demand, as 70% of Massachusetts residents say they'd order less often,
• Point of reference, driving in from Worcester, I didn't touch the Big Dig.
• Point of reference, driving in from Worcester, I didn't touch the Big Dig.
• Mandating PLAs also will reduce competition among bidders, and competition helps drive down costs.
• And I thank you very much for your time and consideration. ...competition helps drive down costs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation. There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers. Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• THINGS MOST OF US THINK ABOUT GETTING IN YOUR VEHICLE DRIVING.
• CORRECT. >> FOLLOW UP. >> DO YOU ALSO MONITOR EVERYTHING ELSE THAT COMES WITH IT HOW FAST THEY CAN DRIVE
• SOMEONE TAKES THE TRUCKER OFF BECAUSE THEY WANT TO GO DRIVE SOMEWHERE IT BRINGS UP A FLAG.
• SAFE, THEY ARE DRIVING BAD, BAD STOPS.
• DAILY OPERATIONAL DATA SUCH AS SHE WAS DRIVING IT, HOW FAST THEY ARE GOING, DOES IT MEET THE AGENCY'S

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not just benefit McAllen; it drives consumers into Texas and leverages local potential
• state-of-the-art multi-sport complex in collaboration with the Dallas Stars, which is expected to drive
• They want to host events without driving to Austin, although we love Austin.
• Right now, people drive to Austin for conferences. and events, spending time in traffic and money on
• A walkable, mixed-use design encourages visitors to linger. driving up revenue for surrounding small

Bills: SB1071, SB1444, SB1483, SB1556, SB1703, SB1756, SB1854, SB2036, SB2133, SB2297, SB2622, SB2779, SB2955, SB2979

Keywords: municipality, tax revenue, hotel project, convention center, economic development, hotel tax, municipal authority, local governments, local authority, convention centers, hotel occupancy tax, municipal finance, local tax revenue, tourism, hotel and convention center project, Tax Code Chapter 351, city revenue, special district, Texas municipalities, venue financing

Transcript Highlights:

• The crops we grow, the livestock we raise, and the innovations that we drive in sustainable farming practices
• They woke up really early and drove that four- or five-hour drive all the way up from Shafter to be here
• They woke up really early and drove that four- or five-hour drive all the way up from Shafter to be here
• had my first nomination for an honorary street naming afforded to him by establishing Leon Williams Drive
• He was a driving force behind the development of public transportation, He was a driving force behind

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then handled several procedural matters before moving to the daily file. Members approved a motion to withdraw Assembly Bills 100 through 219 to the second reading file by a roll call vote of 42-15, and unanimously approved re-referrals of AB 440 and AB 1265 to different committees. The chamber also welcomed international visitors, student and community guests, and later heard a series of guest introductions tied to agriculture, immigration, and Irish heritage. The main floor action centered on two resolutions. H.R. 19, recognizing California Agriculture Day, drew strong support from members representing agricultural districts, who highlighted the state’s farm production, exports, and the role of farmworkers and ranchers; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. ACR 51, honoring Irish American Heritage Month, was also adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added, with members speaking about Irish immigration, labor history, California-Ireland ties, and St. Patrick’s Day. The Assembly also held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for the Honorable Leon Lawson Williams, a pioneering Black civic leader in San Diego who served on the City Council and County Board of Supervisors and helped expand public transit and advance civil rights. Members from San Diego and others described his barriers-breaking career and lasting influence on local government and community leadership. The House then received announcements about upcoming committee hearings and adjourned until Thursday, March 20, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Smart Driving Club. Y'all stand up. They're up here in the Northeast Gallery.
• Today they're advocating and visiting our offices to encourage safe practices. while driving.
• Very sadly, both Jamie and Karen have lost daughters to distracted driving, and we accompany you. you
• Let me tell you, I hope you had a safe drive up.
• Since its founding in 1946, the Plano Chamber has been a driving force across Texas.

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB26, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• If it is legal, then it's okay for a 15-year-old in South Carolina to drive up and go get that?
• And my 17-year-old daughter can go get in the car, drive to a convenience store.
• She can drive there, get it, and there's nothing that anyone can do.
• We know that the FDA has said that 0.5 milligrams is too much to drive.
• It's not safe to take this and drive. This is what we're going to do in South Carolina.

Keywords: 977, all