Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:17.039> with and stay in conversation with and stay in conversation with legislative
• <00:32:28.559> and be hosting regional conversations and be hosting regional conversations
• of that in the conversation? of that in the conversation? >> Diver. >> Diver.
• conversation about that. conversation about that. >> Thank<00:39:34.079> you.
• visited the capitals, had conversations visited the capitals, had conversations with<01:35:23.120

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Select Subcommittee first took up adoption of three previously prepared nonpartisan committee summary reports dated October 15, November 13, and November 21. Senator Rasmusson objected to the lack of advance notice about the day’s testifiers and criticized the practice of having nonpartisan staff summarize what he described as a partisan agenda. The chair responded that the committee’s purpose is to gather information, not hear bills, and that the summaries were intended as neutral resources for the Senate. Senator Coopek moved adoption, the motion was opposed by Rasmusson and another member, and the motion passed. The committee then turned to the day’s hearing on federal impacts on Minnesota, with the chair focusing on federal funding threats and the effect of congressional budget actions on health care, especially in greater Minnesota. The first presentation came from the Minnesota Department of Health on the state’s rural health transformation work. Assistant Commissioner Carol Broom introduced the team and described the rural hospital transformation program as a major opportunity to invest in rural health, while acknowledging longstanding challenges such as demographics, transportation barriers, and the financing of care. Nitha Moibi outlined the state’s rural health chart book and data showing an aging population, workforce shortages, and many health professional shortage areas, and described proposed strategies including workforce pipelines, bridge payments for low-volume birth hospitals, telehealth access points, mental health urgent care, and chronic disease prevention. Acting Assistant Commissioner Anna Ashby of the Minnesota Management and Budget office explained the state’s application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created in federal law and awarded Minnesota just over $193 million for federal fiscal year 2026. She said the application was shaped by public comments, stakeholder meetings, and legislative outreach, and included initiatives on preventive care, workforce, care access, behavioral health, and provider financial stability. She also reviewed implementation constraints, including a January 30 revised budget deadline, limits on administrative spending, restrictions on using funds to offset Medicaid losses, and the need to show measurable progress to remain eligible for future funding. The presentation noted that most year-one funding would go to rural hospitals, with additional support for federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, tribal partners, and technical assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• The conversations we had with the Senate in reaching a negotiated agreement on the physician compact.
• Conversation with the Interstate Medical Licensure Act and just gratitude from us as a committee, but
• That's not been a factor in our conversations. It's not like it's millions of dollars or anything.
• One, do you know if any organizations representing social workers were part of the conversations with
• I would love to have a conversation with you afterwards to make sure that that will continue to be the

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The conversations we had with the Senate in reaching a negotiated agreement on the physician compact.
• This is a conversation about the Interstate Medical Licensing Act, and I want to express gratitude from
• That's not been a factor in our conversations. It's not like it's millions of dollars or anything.
• One, do you know if any organizations representing social workers were part of the conversations with
• I would love to have a conversation with you afterwards to make sure that that will continue to be the

Transcript Highlights:

• IT TOOK THE HUMAN ELEMENT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR.
• WHEN IT COMES TO THE WORKER'S COMPENSATION, CONVERSATION THAT TOOK PLACE, I HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH
• SO, I AM REALLY EXCITED TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION WITH MY COLLEAGUES AND ALSO REPRESENTATIVE WOODSON
• FOR THE CONVERSATIONS AND KEEPING THE DIALOGUE. HAPPY AI WEEK. THANK YOU MR.
• NOW, THERE IS A LOT OF CONVERSATIONS ABOUT AI AND MOVING FORWARD AND ALL THAT.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we'd love to have a conversation about how we can assist our, uh, more rural and unincorporated communities
• Um, so I'd like to see us, um, really have some strong conversations around we, how we can help bolster
• , to find holistic solutions and making sure that everybody is, when we're having these, these conversations
• when those, uh, agencies come in, I think it's, it's, um, an opportunity for us to have those conversations
• But, um, along with that site visit, that's going to hold all of the conversations that we are thinking

Transcript Highlights:

• I really like things like this to be more of a conversation than, you know, presenting at and, and back
• And I can say we have regular conversations internally both about that, but also about why we do the
• , part of that whole child conversation.
• So those kinds of large scale conversations.
• It was a good conversation, I think, for everyone to have.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, that's a conversation that we could potentially have as a separate type of bill.
• bill analysis, it gives you the different components of how we are grading our kids, and this conversation
• One more small question in this big conversation, because I understand your intention here, I think,
• If I were to add level two to this, this would be a whole different conversation because there's going
• That's going to determine that that's going to be a conversation for another time because we would have

Summary: The Pre-K Through 12 Budget Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up three bills, along with a brief budget conference-prep presentation. The first bill, CS/HB 1483 on school grading and student supports, would gradually align Florida’s school grading scale with the familiar A-F student grading scale over a 10-year glide path, add school report card transparency on the percentage of students reading at grade level, expand interventions for students with substantial reading and math deficiencies through VPK through grade 8, and create a competitive grant for diverse books in K-5 classrooms and libraries. Supporters argued the current school-grade scale is misleading and that the bill would improve transparency and supports; some members raised concerns about impacts on turnaround schools, community perception, and whether the bill adequately captures student gains. The bill passed 12-2 and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/HB 859 on the School Readiness Program, which revises the definition of “economically disadvantaged” for eligibility purposes. The bill originally moved from 150% of the federal poverty level to 65% of state median income, but three amendments were adopted to create a glide path and reduce fiscal impact by using 50% of state median income or 150% of poverty, whichever is greater, and by deleting an obsolete section. Public testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, emphasizing child care as workforce infrastructure and a lifeline for working families. The bill passed unanimously, 14-0, and was reported favorably. Finally, CS/HB 1607 on cardiac emergencies in schools would require AEDs in every Florida school, including charter schools, require CPR/AED training, and create a pulse-saving plan with rulemaking authority for the State Board of Education. Proponents cited alarming statistics about sudden cardiac arrest on campuses and argued that rapid AED access can save lives; supporters from the American Heart Association, PTA, and cardiology groups backed the measure. Members spoke in strong support, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0, and was reported favorably. The meeting ended with a budget presentation explaining that House and Senate FY 2025-26 budget, appropriations project, and proviso side-by-sides had been distributed ahead of conference, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we'll just want to try to address that a little bit as this conversation continues.
• For conversations on this bill, I look forward to continuing them as the conversation moves forward.
• And Representative Nash and I have had probably more than one conversation about that aspect as well.
• I'm willing to continue to have conversations about that.
• We just heard in the previous conversation. that the nature of the contract with the developer can't

Transcript Highlights:

• I've had extensive conversations with employers in my district and around the state, with the Chamber
• And we would have a conversation because we didn't have a chance to talk.
• I will support you on the bill, but we need to continue that conversation. Thank you so much.
• Keep it up, and, you know, enjoyed the conversation about your bill last night. Thanks.
• Thank you, members, for this conversation today, and I look forward to your support and continuing conversations

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee began with a roll call confirming a quorum, then heard a presentation of the proposed health care budget. The chair said the overall health care budget would total $46.7 billion, a 2.1% decrease in total spending and a 3% increase in general revenue, while reducing 3,585 state FTE. He highlighted funding for Medicaid, KidCare, developmental disabilities services, opioid settlement spending, mental health facilities, senior services, school health nurses, veterans’ dental care, and veterans nursing home improvements. The chair also presented PCB HCB 25-01, a conforming bill that eliminates the Health Care Innovation Program, the Health Care Innovation Council, and the revolving loan program; makes changes to cancer research and graduate medical education provisions; and adjusts Medicaid rebate-related language. The conforming bill passed favorably after no questions, public testimony, or debate. The committee then considered CS/HB 47 on child care. The bill, as explained by Rep. McFarland, would reduce regulation for child care providers in good standing, speed background screening for child care workers, allow provisional hiring status in some cases, create license-exempt status for certain employer-provided child care facilities and DOD child care facilities, and remove outdated paperwork requirements such as the flu brochure. An amendment restored language protecting large family child care homes from being dropped by residential insurers and cleaned up statutory language; it was adopted. Members debated the bill at length, with supporters emphasizing common-sense deregulation and helping working parents, while some members raised concerns about safety, early learning quality, and the loss of informational reminders to parents. The bill was reported favorably. The subcommittee also heard HB 1553 on a uterine fibroid research database. Rep. Dunkley explained that the bill would require health care providers to submit identified fibroid data to DOH so it can be de-identified for a research database, after the department had been unable to use prior de-identified submissions reliably. An amendment removed the current appropriation and was adopted. Members spoke in strong support, noting the prevalence of fibroids and the value of better diagnosis and treatment data. The bill passed favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 1529, which addresses the home health aide program for medically fragile children. Rep. Tremont said the bill would direct AHCA to seek a federal waiver so parents’ earnings from caring for their children would not count against Medicaid eligibility, and would revise training requirements and remove mandated annual program assessments. The bill drew supportive public testimony from home care stakeholders, had no debate, and was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your willingness on the conversations.
• I don't know that that was added to the committee substitute or conversation, that's right.
• 00:07:18.319> willness<00:07:18.800> on<00:07:18.960> the<00:07:19.080> conversations
• <00:07:19.840> I your willness on the conversations I your willness on the conversations I
• <00:07:24.680> that's committee sub or conversation that's committee sub or conversation that's

Keywords: This meeting was pulled from backups and loaded back into YouTube after the previous live stream failed part way through., 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met with a quorum, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, and recognized guests before taking up legislation. The committee first heard Senate Bill 61 from Sen. Craig Richardson, who described it as a private property rights bill addressing swimming pools rented through platforms like Airbnb or Swimply. He said current law can cause a privately owned pool to be treated as a public swimming pool, and the bill would correct that definition. The committee moved and seconded the bill, then approved it unanimously for favorable passage to the House floor. The committee then considered Senate Bill 237 from Sen. Jason Hall. Hall said the bill would waive Kentucky’s physical agility requirement for certain out-of-state police officers in good standing with at least 10 years of service, while a committee substitute also updated 911 dispatching laws and adjusted training requirements for part-time public safety telecommunicators. Representative Blandon said he would offer a friendly floor amendment requiring proof that an applicant passed a physical agility test in their state of origin to address KLC concerns. Representative Sharp raised a concern about how federal certifications would fit into the bill’s state-of-origin language. After discussion, the committee approved the committee substitute and passed the bill favorably, with several members explaining their votes or recording votes afterward. The meeting ended with thanks to members and staff and a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:07.399> with<00:12:07.680> the and I'll have that conversation with the and
• I'll have that conversation with the chair<00:12:08.120> of<00:12:08.240> Public<00:12:
• I'm sure those conversations could happen offline, and for that I would oppose this motion.
• I spoke to Chair O'Driscoll and then I had a riveting conversation with myself, and both of us agree
• with myself and riveting conversation with myself and both<00:15:16.639> of<00:15:16.759>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• forward to those conversations forward to those conversations to<01:36:21.600> seek<01:36
• <03:09:55.840> because really important conversation because really important conversation
• formula and there's been conversations formula and there's been conversations about<03:16:10.720
• it It's an interesting conversation it It's an interesting conversation because<03:17:51.240>
• And in the conversations conversations conversations we<03:28:50.560> had,<03:28:51.440> the

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I know there's conversation on that. Um, so, I think it's a different conversation.
• But, I a different conversation.
• <00:21:52.480> and hand-in-hand in this conversation and hand-in-hand in this conversation
• <01:24:59.360> The conversation when it started. The conversation when it started.
• conversations. Eyes 27, Nos four. conversations. Eyes 27, Nos four.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul and have conversations with them.
• in St. call and and have conversations in St. call and and have conversations with<01:05:42.559>
• Members, please take your conversations Members, please take your conversations to<01:14:48.719> the
• But with that, thank you, Madam Speaker. vibrant and strong conversation here at vibrant and strong conversation
• Thank you, Madam to a good conversation.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The other thing I will give you a little bit of an update on, as you know, conversations with our Democrat
• Those conversations with our Democrat colleagues were happening today.
• As you said, the fact that they are actually willing to have conversations about what it would actually
• It's not that we haven't been available to have additional conversations, but we are in additional conversations
• Two days of expanded teams—if that's what it took for Democrats to be motivated to have conversations

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: A House Republican spokesperson gave an update on the ongoing Minnesota House standoff, saying Republicans continue to seek formal recognition from the Secretary of State and objecting to what they described as the executive branch blocking duly elected members from being recognized on the House floor. They said the Minnesota Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments Thursday in a case filed against the Secretary of State over that issue, and they argued that motions had been placed at the desk for several days and that the Secretary’s court filings mischaracterized the parties’ communications. The spokesperson also said negotiations with Democratic colleagues over starting the session were continuing, describing Democrats as showing increased motivation to reach a deal and attributing that, in part, to public pressure. They said House Republicans have been present and working each day, while criticizing absent Democratic members and noting that more than $200,000 in taxpayer funds has been paid to members who have not shown up. They said another meeting was planned for that evening, with no meeting scheduled yet for the next day. Questions also touched on recall efforts and the status of Representative Brad Tab. The spokesperson said recall petitions are a separate process handled by the state party and, once initiated, cannot be stopped by House leaders. On seating Representative Brad Tab, they said the House retains authority to judge the eligibility of its own membership and that their position had not changed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Senator Fincham, we're happy to have that conversation.
• If that is a conversation that you would like to have, I'm happy to meet up with you and we can discuss
• If that is a conversation that you would like to have, I'm happy to meet up with you and we can discuss
• They're willing to engage in that conversation, give as much information as has been requested by JLBC
• So we've had this conversation for at least six months, I would say. It started in the fall.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But many times there's indirect conversations that take place.
• But many times there's indirect conversations that we take place.
• And I've had this conversation with many others.
• And in my conversations with the leaders in the school about it...
• I've had conversations with Megan Stanford about this and folks in the administration.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:33:37.679> All conversations that are going on. All conversations that are going on.
• conversations about the dedicated fees. conversations about the dedicated fees.
• So, my conversation it. So, thank you.
• So this bill, uh, does again to the conversation around booking revenue.
• <01:29:49.920> around does again to the conversation around does again to the conversation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Madam Chair, public conversation.
• 00:15:31.199> Mandot, been in conversations with Mandot, been in conversations with Mandot, Office
• We've also had conversations.
• <01:05:17.119> Wilshire conversations with Miss Joan Wilshire conversations with Miss Joan
• I just more conversation about it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would the one concern I conversation I would the one concern I would<00:32:30.080> have<00:
• So I'm always happy to have ongoing conversations.
• happy to have further conversations happy to have further conversations thank<00:34:06.720> you
• <00:37:24.240> and urge those conversations and urge those conversations and considerations
• Good conversation.

Bills: HF1439, HF1004, HF498, HF1326

Keywords: HF1439, Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation, Carts to Careers, workforce development fund, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, grocery industry, food industry, food retail, retail workforce, job training, career pathways, scholarships, certifications, workforce pipeline, one-time appropriation, industry training, labor shortage, youth employment, apprenticeship