Transcript Highlights:

• Papich asked whether it would be possible to have some analysis, not by individual student, but aggregated
• of them are in their first year here, many are in their second year, and so on, and that if you aggregate

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of School Finance provided an adequacy-funding training for Division II, led by Mark Mello. He walked the committee through the adequacy formula using Albany, Allenstown, and Alton as examples, explaining average daily membership, base adequacy aid, and differential aid for free/reduced-price meals, special education, and English language learners. He also noted a recent change requiring home-education differential aid and emphasized that these aid streams are generally unrestricted district funding rather than money tied to specific students or programs. A major focus was the ongoing litigation over the adequacy base amount and the statewide education property tax, or SWEPT. Mello explained the historical basis of the current base amount, the 2008 legislative report that set the original methodology, and the later court ruling that the adequacy amount should be $7,356, which is now before the Supreme Court. He also described how SWEPT currently raises a fixed statewide amount of $363 million and how that revenue is used to offset the state’s adequacy obligation. For the example towns, Albany and Allenstown receive state adequacy grants because their SWEPT revenue is below their calculated adequacy cost, while Alton is an excess SWEPT community because its local SWEPT revenue exceeds the cost of adequate education. The discussion then turned to the pending “excess SWEPT” issue in the Supreme Court and what would happen if excess collections had to be remitted to the state. Mello said the Department is preparing a hypothetical walkthrough and explained that, if the court upholds the Superior Court ruling, DRA would likely be directed to collect excess SWEPT. Members raised concerns about whether SWEPT must be used for educational purposes and about the cash-flow burden on towns if money had to move from municipalities to the state and then back to districts. Mello and members discussed possible administrative workarounds, such as credits against other state aid distributions, and noted that the committee would continue reviewing the mechanics if the court decision comes down during budget work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oftentimes, especially in a community like mine, they also are the first responders.
• some amazing, talented, and distinguished people, and some of whom have very different politics than mine
• remember the deaths of a number of young people in my district, including the child of a friend of mine
• remember the deaths of a number of young people in my district, including the child of a friend of mine
• The child of a friend of mine in the last year and a half, on the Caltrain tracks in my district, who

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayers, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the opening period on floor privileges and guest recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia and Spain marking the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Representative Justin Jones, with several senators speaking in support of voting rights and democracy. The body then moved to business and confirmed two gubernatorial and State Bar appointments: Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as executive director of the State Bar. Senators also adopted SCR 163, recognizing May as California Tourism Month, with remarks emphasizing tourism’s economic impact and the work of Visit California and destination marketing organizations. The Senate next adopted SCR 170, declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, after extensive testimony from senators and firefighters about the trauma first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support services. The Senate also adopted SCR 174, marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers and highlighting the state’s community-based developmental services system. It then adopted SR 111, recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia, after strong floor statements about discrimination, safety, and the need to oppose silence in the face of hate. The consent calendar was approved, SCR 116 was moved to the inactive file, reconsideration was granted on SR 111 for a later session, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella, with the next meeting set for Monday, May 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So not only do we create jobs here, but we also buy from our local mines here in Hibbing.
• So not only do we create jobs here, but we also buy from our local mines here in Hibbing.
• /c><00:08:18.080> from<00:08:18.400> our<00:08:18.639> local<00:08:18.879> mines
• <00:08:19.199> here<00:08:19.280> in also buy from our local mines here in also buy
• from our local mines here in Hibbing.<00:08:20.879> How<00:08:21.039> are<00:08:21.120

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2360, as amended by H.F. 2360A1, which would create a state-level New Markets Tax Credit-style program modeled on the federal program. Chair Swedzinski explained that the bill is intended to drive investment across Minnesota, including a requirement that at least 50% of the $200 million allocation be directed to greater Minnesota, and noted that the program would run for 12 months with state oversight to help guide investments. Testimony in support came from Alex Stuponic of Advantage Capital and Jason Wabama of Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions in Hibbing. Stuponic described the federal New Markets program as a tool for directing capital to low-income and underserved communities, cited Minnesota projects that have already benefited from federal funding, and argued that state programs in other states have successfully attracted more investment. Wabama said the credit could help rural businesses like his expand, noting that his Hibbing company has grown from one employee in 2021 to 22 employees and hopes to reach 50 employees while eventually becoming an ESOP. Chair Gomez raised concerns about the bill’s changes, especially the set-aside of half the funds for one region and the five-year carryforward, saying the proposal seemed arbitrary and more permissive and that there was likely not room in the budget for the $100 million cost this year. In response, Swedzinski said the fiscal note pushes costs into future years, with the first costs beginning in 2028-2029, and emphasized that the structure would allow the investment benefits to occur upfront. The amendment was adopted, and the bill, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And while ammonia's primary use may be agriculture, it also has applications in the iron mining industry
• significantly greater private capital, generating returns statewide and lowering input costs for agriculture, mining
• > agriculture, lowering input costs for agriculture, lowering input costs for agriculture, mining
• mining, and potentially more industries. mining, and potentially more industries.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's easily mined.
• They're going to mine and process that mineral a lot cheaper than we ever could.
• So I guess, is there a reason that a mining company can't spend that money?
• And if a mining company is going to be the one that's ultimately mining this and selling it, it really
• It's a passion project of mine.

Bills: HB2056, HB2202, HB2207, HB2224, HB2303, HB2344, HB2532, HB2759, HB2798

Keywords: brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met on January 28 and heard several bills, beginning with member and staff introductions and a reminder about amendment deadlines. HB 2056 would appropriate $100,000 to the Arizona Department of Water Resources for a feasibility study of brackish groundwater desalination sites; the sponsor said Arizona should explore potential water supplies amid Colorado River concerns. A witness opposed the bill, and members debated whether brackish groundwater should be treated as a resource or a threat to aquifers. The committee approved HB 2056 on an 11-6 vote, with one member not voting. The committee then considered HB 2798, as amended, which would provide $100,000 to the University of Arizona/Arizona Geological Survey to compile data on materials related to nuclear energy, including thorium and other non-uranium fuels. The sponsor framed the bill as an economic development and national security effort, while opponents questioned whether Arizona has enough of the material to justify public spending. The University of Arizona supported the work as within the Geological Survey’s mission. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 11-5, with one member present and one not voting. HB 2303 would codify investment rules for the State Treasurer, requiring safety and principal preservation ahead of return and prohibiting speculative investments and insider-benefit conduct. The Treasurer’s Office said the bill reflects current policy and ethics rules already in place, and members asked about how “speculative” would be defined and whether the bill would affect other investment-related statutes. The committee passed the bill 15-0, with two members present and one not voting. HB 2344 would require the Treasurer to manage the local government investment pool and allow a third-party backup only in emergencies; the Treasurer’s Office argued this preserves a low-cost, high-liquidity service for local governments, while some members questioned whether it limited future Treasurers’ discretion. The committee passed HB 2344 12-2, with three present and one not voting. Later, the committee heard HB 2759, which would appropriate $500,000 to the Department of Veterans’ Services to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County for veteran programs. A retired Navy SEAL and campus veterans coordinator described emergency housing, equipment, and professional-development needs for student veterans at Embry-Riddle, while several members supported the effort and others objected to using state funds for a private institution or a county-specific program. The bill passed 11-6, with one not voting. The committee also passed HB 2207, appropriating $300,000 for the prison Braille transcription program, after testimony that the program trains inmates in a skilled trade and has had no recidivism among released participants; it passed 17-0, with one not voting. Finally, HB 2224, as amended to reduce the appropriation from $2 million to $1 million, would fund the Double Up Food Bucks produce incentive program through SNAP. Supporters said it helps families, farmers, and local economies and can improve health outcomes, while members discussed budget constraints; the committee approved the amended bill after testimony from program advocates and farmers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where's mine? I did a little... All right, we'll jump right into it. Ms. Gaswan, thank you so much.
• I take his phone calls; he takes mine. I think that's the measure.
• So the first question is, what is your office doing to support responsible mining in New Mexico as both
• We have some legacy mines that are already existing on state land in terms of any prospective mines going
• will say that I think that your office could really be a national leader in terms of responsible mining

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:37.679> For<00:23:37.840> for city, for example, mine? Yeah.
• For for city, for example, mine? Yeah. For for Nashville. Nashville. Nashville.
• Brick: Open enrollment is for a school like mine that’s trying not to close, that’s trying to sustain
• Brick: Open enrollment is for a school like mine that’s trying not to close, that’s trying to sustain
• Brick: Open enrollment is for a school like mine that’s trying not to close, that’s trying to sustain

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That does not mean in every state; that was just in the aggregate, looking at 25 years of history.
• That does not mean in every state; that was just in the aggregate, looking at 25 years of history.
• That does not mean in every state; that was just in the aggregate, looking at 25 years of history.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't recall the response, but I'm sure if your memory may be better than mine.
• sure if you your memory may be better sure if you your memory may be better than<00:08:37.919> mine
• 38.320> I<00:08:38.479> will<00:08:38.640> ask<00:08:38.880> Director than mine
• So, I will ask Director than mine.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Committee to Study Long-Term Managed Care met to approve the prior minutes and then focused on its final report. The chair reviewed the committee’s earlier options—maintaining the status quo, adopting DNIP, adopting an HCBS carveout model, or moving fully to managed care for the aging population—and noted that ABD and developmental disabilities had already been excluded from consideration. He proposed a final recommendation that New Hampshire consider adopting DNIP as a voluntary option to better coordinate Medicare and Medicaid for dual eligibles, reduce duplication, and create a possible pathway toward future managed care, while acknowledging that a majority and minority report could be issued if needed. Members generally supported the draft recommendation and asked questions about whether federal budget changes would incentivize states to move in that direction, how the proposal would align with current department efforts, and whether the program would remain voluntary. Director Henry Litman said he did not see a specific federal mandate in OB3, but noted incentives in rural health transformation funding and said the proposal aligned with existing managed care contract direction. He and others emphasized that DNIP should be voluntary and that implementation timing would need to account for federal deadlines and broader changes facing the department. Members also discussed PACE, with one member saying it appeared feasible mainly in more populous areas and expressing neutrality, while another raised concerns about county risk and the need to preserve patient choice and maintain three MCOs. After discussion, members indicated agreement with the majority report approach and no further changes were proposed. The committee then moved to accept the draft language as presented and issue it as its report; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge all committee members to oppose HF 2113 and allow small businesses such as mine to continue to
• I urge all committee members to oppose HF 2113 and allow small businesses such as mine to continue to
• Businesses like mine suffer.
• It allows small businesses like mine to remain in business and not be forced to submit payments to a
• The mines closed down.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• chestnut's Amendment s it wasn't mine chestnut's Amendment s it wasn't mine okay sorry it wasn't mine
• because again I've it but it wasn't mine because again I've it but it wasn't mine because again I've
• is bothered and if he know if mine is bothered and if he know if mine is bothered and if he haven't
• and your family for member of mine and your family for member of mine and your family for instance to
• I'm sorry tell me what you know mine I'm sorry tell me what you know mine I'm sorry tell me what this

Bills: HCR 21, HCR 22, HCR 23, HCR 24, HCR 25, HCR 26, HCR 27, HCR 31, HCR 41, HCR 42, HCR 43, HCR 44, HCR 45, HCR 52, HCR 53, HCR 66, HCR 67, HCR 73, HR 8, HR 10, HR 13, HR 20, HR 21, HR 50, HR 59, HR 61, HR 71, HR 74, HR 79, HR 84, HR 86, HR 90, HR 91, HR 102, HR 103, HR 107, HR 113, HR 125, HR 126, HR 132, HR 142, HR 145, HR 149, HR 150, HR 152, HR 167, HR 179, HR 181, HR 183, HR 186, HR 192, HR 196, HR 199, HR 207, HR 211, HR 212, HR 213, HR 216, HR 249, HR 256, HR 259, HR 261, HR 263, HR 272, HR 281, HR 285, HR 294, HR 295, HR 300, HR 305, HR 311, HR 313, HR 315, HR 316, HR 323, HR 331, HR 339, HR 340, HR 346, HR 349, HR 352, HR 357, HR 358, HR 360, HR 363, HR 374, HR 377, HCR 20, HCR 28, HCR 30, HCR 32, HCR 49, HR 14, HR 15, HR 19, HR 23, HR 24, HR 25, HR 26, HR 27, HR 29, HR 47, HR 48, HR 55, HR 56, HR 66, HR 85, HR 92, HR 93, HR 95, HR 96, HR 140, HR 155, HR 164, HR 204, HR 241, HR 242, HR 250, HR 253, HR 260, HR 262, HR 265, HR 279, HR 310, HR 312, HR 328, HR 332, HR 359, HR 362, HR 367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award

Transcript Highlights:

• They're often times in Greater Minnesota communities like mine and the surrounding Mankato area.
• They're often times in Greater Minnesota communities like mine and the surrounding Mankato area.
• They're often times in Greater Minnesota communities like mine and the surrounding Mankato area.
• They're often times in Greater Minnesota communities like mine and the surrounding Mankato area.
• And patients like mine suffer as a result. Increased rates will also advance health equity.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I will say this: if you want to help us get more money, then take the lid off of the copper mines
• Why would you keep a lid on the copper mines when the money is there? The copper's in the ground.
• We need to open those copper mines, and then we could all spend just a little bit more money.
• We need to open those copper mines, and then we could all spend just a little bit more money.
• And then when we talk about copper, raising the lid on copper, that's extractive mining.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I will say when I do mine it takes me less than five minutes certainly to complete that form.
• Um, I will say when I do mine it takes me less than five minutes certainly to complete that form.
• Um, I will say when I do mine it takes me less than five minutes certainly to complete that form.
• I am here today in an individual capacity talking about a past life of mine.
• I am here today in an individual capacity talking about a past life of mine.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I got up this morning and a friend of mine, former Major League Baseball player and manager Clint
• /c><00:16:17.759> former<00:16:18.160> Major<00:16:18.560> League a friend of mine
• , former Major League a friend of mine, former Major League Baseball<00:16:19.279> player<00:16
• Kurt, that was their words, not mine.
• Kurt, that was their words, not mine. Kurt, that was their words, not mine.

Bills: HCR1, HCR2, SB2001, SB2002, SB2003, SB2004, SB2005, SB2006, SB2007, SB2008, SB2009, SB2010, SB2011, SB2012, SB2013, SB2014, SB2015, SB2016, SB2017, SB2018, SB2019, SB2020, SB2021, SB2022, SB2023, SB2024, SB2025, SB2026, SB2027, SB2028, SB2029, SB2030, SB2031, SB2032, SB2033, SB2034, SB2035, SB2036, SB2037, SB2038, SB2039, SB2040, SB2041, SB2042, SB2043, SB2044, SB2045, SB2046, SB2047, SB2048, SB2049, SB2050, SB2051, SB2052, SB2053, SB2054, SB2055, SB2056, SB2057, SB2058, SB2059, SB2060, SB2061, SB2062, SB2063, SB2064, SB2065, SB2066, SB2067, SB2068, SB2069, SB2070, SB2071, SB2072, SB2073, SB2074, SB2075, SB2076, SB2077, SB2078, SB2079, SB2080, SB2081, SB2082, SB2083, SB2084, SB2085, SB2086, SB2087, SB2088, SB2089, SB2090, SB2091, SB2092, SB2093, SB2094, SB2095, SB2096, SB2097, SB2098, SB2099, SB2100

Keywords: recess, legislative session, Hawaii State Legislature, 2026, Governor address, joint session, legislature, Hawaii, state of the state, Banyan Drive, Waiakea peninsula, Makaokū, Hilo, Hawaii Island, HCDA, Hawaii Community Development Authority, community development district, redevelopment, urban renewal, blight

Transcript Highlights:

• And on page four, Senate Bill Number 54 by Senators Gavan and others regarding the Alabama Surface Mining
• Senate Bill 54 by Senators Gavan and others regarding the Alabama Surface Mining Commission.
• Senate Bill 54 by Senator Givhan and others regarding the Alabama Surface Mining Commission. >> Senator
• :26.160> Surface others regarding the Alabama Surface others regarding the Alabama Surface Mining
• Mining Commission Bending. Mining Commission Bending. >> Senator<01:02:29.680> Gavan.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 29 senators present. The chamber adopted the previous day’s journal, allowed bill introductions throughout the day, and received multiple House messages referring local bills and proposed constitutional amendments to the Committee on Local Legislation, along with a lieutenant governor’s confirmation referral to the Committee on Confirmations. Committee reports were then received from several standing committees. The Senate confirmed a series of gubernatorial and other appointments, including Michael Kulovitz and Barbara Maul to the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Board of Trustees, Logan Glass to the Educational Television Commission, Ed Croll and James Harris to the Alabama Committee on Monument Protection, Matt Barnes to the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, Scott Moes and Jeffrey Wilson to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Jeffrey L. Cameman to the Tuscaloosa County Civil Service Board. The Senate also received favorable committee reports on numerous bills from Judiciary, State Governmental Affairs, Education Policy, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Health Care, Veterans and Military Affairs, and Local Legislation, with several bills amended or substituted and placed on the next day’s calendar. On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar from the Rules Committee and passed several bills. Senate Bill 101 extended the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors to October 1, 2028. Senate Bill 93, as amended, allowed certain municipalities with populations of 12,000 or more and even-numbered councils to authorize a mayoral tie-breaking vote by council resolution. Senate Bill 115 created a competitive-bidding exemption for certain expenditures of $15,000 or less involving rolling stock, with quote and approval requirements. Senate Bill 131 on county subdivisions was amended and passed. Senate Bill 30, known as “Trey’s Law,” would make certain nondisclosure provisions unenforceable in cases involving sexual abuse victims; the sponsor described it as protecting survivors from being silenced, while Senator Albritton cautioned about the broader effects on settlements and institutions. The Senate also adopted two resolutions: Senate Joint Resolution 19 honoring the life and legacy of Anna Smith Bedsole Holmes, and Senate Joint Resolution 20 commending the Alabama Birth Equity Initiative. The Rules Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and the listed bills were taken up and passed or advanced by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• is Disa, and for Wyoming in mining is Disa, and they actually started as a Kickstart program.
• but during that boom, there was also a lot of additional employment in the state, both in the coal mines
• both<00:46:29.160> in<00:46:29.440> the<00:46:29.560> coal<00:46:29.800> mines
• <00:46:30.680> as<00:46:30.880> well<00:46:31.120> as state, both in the coal mines
• as well as state, both in the coal mines as well as in<00:46:31.360> the<00:46:31.480> natural

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As her only child, that responsibility is mine to bear.
• It was awful—nearly $85,000 of mine. I worked three jobs, so y'all know me as a legislator.
• Without permanent and sustainable support, child care programs like mine struggle to thrive.
• This program changes lives; it changed mine, and every student who went through the program will tell
• This program changes lives, it changed mine, and every student who went through the program will tell

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing focused largely on tax-credit proposals tied to children, families, caregivers, child care, health care workforce development, and public health. A major portion of the hearing concerned bills to expand the state earned income tax credit and child and family tax credit, including H. 3073/S. 1957 and S. 1975. Testimony from advocacy groups, legal services, tax assistance organizations, and health providers supported increasing the EITC match from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to immigrant and mixed-status ITIN filers, larger families, younger and older workers, and SSI recipients, and raising the child and family tax credit to $600 per child with inflation adjustments and possible advance payments. Witnesses said these changes would reduce poverty, improve health and educational outcomes, and help families meet basic expenses; committee members asked questions about ITIN filers and expressed support for the policy goals. The committee also heard extensive testimony on S. 1938/H. 3159, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers. Speakers described the scale of unpaid caregiving in Massachusetts and supported a package that would create a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace and housing protections, unemployment insurance access for those who leave work to care for relatives, a permanent advisory council, and a provision allowing spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth. Several witnesses shared personal caregiving experiences, and committee members responded favorably, noting the emotional and financial strain on caregivers and the importance of supporting them as Medicaid and long-term care systems face pressure. Additional bills discussed included H. 3174 on a child and dependent care tax credit, which was presented as a way to offset the high cost of child care; H. 3197/S. 2019 to improve the financial security of family child care providers through a tax credit; H. 3218/S. 1960 to create tax credits for health care preceptors to address workforce shortages; S. 2064 to establish a living organ donor tax credit; S. 2034 to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks through a tiered tax; H. 3015 to create a tax-return checkoff for the YMCA Youth and Government Program; and several public testimony ideas including vaccination, literacy, and grade-improvement tax credits. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing, which ended after all testimony was heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we can do both because we are working on a method to clean up abandoned uranium mine waste
• The mining is messy.
• If the objection is upstream mining, which none of this is required to get this bill through, we have
• to all technologies, because if you look at solar, wind, batteries, all the transmission, all the mining
• Because if you look at solar, wind, batteries, all the transmission, all the mining land impacts, we

Bills: SB47, SB195, SB196, SB197, SB198, SB78

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, soil conservation, water resources, training services, outreach programs, environmental protection, animal care, veterinary services, spay and neuter, Las Vegas, community funding, animal welfare, animal shelter

Transcript Highlights:

• At Los Alamos National Labs, Uranium Mills and Mines, White Sands Test Facility, and we have now begun
• And so, of course, the one I'd like to talk about most is the Gold King Mine Settlement that the state
• that are focused on either natural resources or economic sectors that were injured by the Gold King Mine
• have this brochure that actually outlines what our mission is, what our process is, and the Gold King Mine
• Y'all remember watching your television and you saw when they cut the dike, when the Gold King Mine just