Transcript Highlights:

• Kelly Klint, Legislative Finance Committee, and with me today is Secretary Gorginsky of the Early Childhood
• As you see here, the legislative. Finance committee has recommended a little under $77 million.
• Kelly will be on that as well, and other legislative committee staff focused on four key areas.
• Our colleagues had There's a caucus event tonight.
• This doesn't happen but for caucus sort of caucus events, which are very rare, but dinners in that are

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a question within our caucus that you are deployed from time to time.
• member of a board we could go forward with that ma'am okay great there was a question within our caucus
• that you you are deployed from time to time in fact within our caucus that you are deployed from time

Bills: SB1026, SB1126, SB1143, SB1166

Keywords: alternative education, school funding, student accountability, education reform, school district governance, educational records, student privacy, FERPA, family educational rights and privacy act, Department of Child Safety, DCS caseworker, child welfare, abuse or neglect, juvenile justice, juvenile court, juvenile corrections, school records, discipline records, attendance records, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, so talk to me: how does it feel to have been chosen by your caucus for this responsibility
• Well, let me first start by saying it was an honor when my caucus and the rest of the Senate elected
• So when you asked me earlier how did I feel about my caucus asking me to step to the plate and be the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on Minnesota Senate power-sharing after the chamber split evenly between DFLers and Republicans, leading to a temporary arrangement with two co-presiding officers instead of a single Senate President. Senator Bobby Joe Champion described the arrangement as historic but practical, noting that he and Senator Jeremy Miller both have prior leadership experience and mutual respect, which helps the Senate operate smoothly at the start of session. He said the agreement is intended to keep the Senate functioning while the seat in Senate District 60 remains vacant and until the 34th vote is restored. Champion said the power-sharing agreement will end once the tie is broken and the Senate regains a majority, after which one of the co-presiding officers will become Senate President. He expressed hope that he would hold that role, but emphasized that the broader goal is to keep the chamber focused on people-centered policymaking rather than partisan numbers. He also said some elements of the agreement, especially those that encourage closer collaboration, may continue even after the tie is resolved. The senator highlighted bipartisanship, committee balance, and working relationships across party lines as key features of the arrangement. He pointed to his role as co-chair of jobs and economic development and said he expects continued cooperation with Republican lead Senator Draheim on issues affecting Minnesotans. Throughout the interview, Champion framed the moment as an opportunity to “meet the moment” with leadership, citing the importance of how the Senate handles challenge and controversy.

Transcript Highlights:

• nonpartisan office in the legislative nonpartisan office in the legislative branch<00:08:12.759>
• <00:10:11.480> um unlike all the other legislative um unlike all the other legislative um
• staff they are not in the legislative staff they are not in the legislative plan<00:10:13.480>
• auditor and the deputy legislative auditor and the deputy legislative<00:10:20.160> Auditors<
• <01:41:22.400> recommendations legislative recommendations legislative recommendations legislatively

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate File 563, a bill to change the board makeup of the Northern Koochiching Area Sanitary District. Senator Hild said the proposal had been heard the previous year and had broad support from local officials and stakeholders. Cali Briggs, the district’s executive director, explained that the board structure no longer reflected current populations and sewer service patterns: International Falls now holds six of eight seats after earlier consolidations, while East Koochiching has grown through sewer expansions and should receive additional representation. The bill would reduce the board to seven members, with International Falls having three seats, East Koochiching two, Rainier one, and one at-large member chosen by the board. The committee raised no substantive objections, and Senator Gustafson moved the bill to pass and go to general orders; the motion prevailed. Members then briefly joked about the topic and moved on to an overview from the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall described the office as a nonpartisan legislative branch agency serving both chambers, with a mission of strengthening oversight, promoting accountability, and producing objective, useful reports. She outlined the office’s structure, including financial audits, program evaluations, and a growing special reviews unit, and explained the Legislative Audit Commission’s role in appointing the auditor and selecting program evaluation topics. Randall also emphasized the office’s broad access to records and data, its independence, and its responsibility to protect nonpublic information. Randall answered questions about the office’s authority over entities such as the University of Minnesota, explaining that OLA has audit authority there but often relies on the university’s internal audit function and can also conduct special reviews and program evaluations. She noted that public employees are required to cooperate and that subpoenas are available if needed, though the office prefers to maintain cooperative relationships. Special Reviews Director Katherine Tyson then described how her unit handles complaints and allegations involving misuse of public funds, data, or noncompliance with law, including preliminary assessments, communications with complainants and agencies, and deeper reviews when warranted. She said allegations and reports have increased steadily, with 481 received from 2020 through 2024 and nearly 10 per week on average last year, contributing to a heavier workload for her small team.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to thank the committee and the Legislative Women's Caucus for their tireless support on this
• We want to thank the committee and the Legislative Women's Caucus for their tireless support on this
• s Caucus for their support.
• Angela Short with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• LAO: Angela Short, Legislative Analyst's Office.

Summary: The hearing began with opening remarks on the Governor’s May Revision for child care and human services, with committee members and advocates stressing that the budget should not be balanced on the backs of low-income families, children, and providers. Legislative members and public witnesses strongly opposed the proposed suspension of the child care COLA, reductions to the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program, and the lack of codified rate reform tied to the alternative methodology. Several speakers also urged more support for providers affected by the Eaton fire and other disasters, and called for child care to be funded at the true cost of care and for additional slots to be restored. Administration, LAO, and Department of Education staff described the child care proposal as maintaining existing funding levels while adding administrative resources to prepare for federally required prospective payment changes and single-rate reform. The administration said the May Revision would suspend the 2025–26 COLA and reduce Bridge Program funding to align with utilization, while the LAO raised questions about the size and purpose of the proposed rate-reform and prospective-payment funding and recommended rejecting a Department of Technology exemption. CDE supported continued early education investments but said it would need additional resources if prospective pay were extended to state preschool, and it objected to a proposed reallocation of preschool funds for inclusive education grants. The committee then moved to the IHSS portion of the May Revision. DSS outlined five major proposals: capping provider work hours at 50 per week, eliminating IHSS for undocumented adults age 19 and older, shifting certain Community First Choice reassessment penalties to counties, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test as a conforming IHSS reduction, and automating the termination of IHSS when Medi-Cal eligibility ends. DSS also discussed funding to implement a federal HCBS access rule and a separate reassessment of IHSS administrative methodology that found counties would need additional administrative funding. Finance said the proposals were intended to slow program growth and improve sustainability, while the LAO said it was still analyzing the package and raised concerns about implementation, county workload, and the potential loss of services. Committee members and public commenters criticized the IHSS cuts, especially the overtime cap and the elimination of services for undocumented adults and people affected by the asset test. Advocates argued that IHSS workers and recipients depend on these services, that county administration is already underfunded, and that the proposals could destabilize vulnerable consumers. The chair closed by saying the committee would continue to fight for child care and would not pause on child care, and the meeting recessed before moving on to the remaining May Revision items.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, we do also have a new caucus. I'm from the Republican caucus, Mr. Alex. Mr.
• And maybe there's going to need further legislation and maybe doing some additional carve-outs for, you
• members, I'm Brett Barrow with the National Electrical Contractors Association, the California Legislative

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also necessary to the rule of law is an independent legislating body.
• <00:16:40.880> Each independent legislating body. Each independent legislating body.
• is the president, the legislative is the president, the legislative branch,<00:22:36.640> which
• <00:45:54.480> during inside the Democratic uh caucus during inside the Democratic uh caucus
• And I think I came to your caucus, what, in November or something like that.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the rule of law with U.S. Representative Ed Case. Chair Carl Rhodes opened by explaining the purpose of the briefing, noting it was being livestreamed and that public testimony would not be taken in the usual way. He described the rule of law as central to democracy and introduced Case, who was invited to discuss the concept and its relevance to recent federal actions affecting Hawaii. Case framed the rule of law as a durable system grounded in the Constitution, federal laws, separation of powers, and checks and balances, with each branch of government and the public itself playing a role. He emphasized that Congress makes the laws, the president executes them, and the courts decide whether the Constitution and laws are being followed. He also stressed that elected officials swear to uphold this structure and that the rule of law is distinct from ordinary policy disagreements. Case then argued that the Trump administration has undermined the rule of law through actions such as dismantling or weakening agencies created and funded by law, withholding appropriated funds, removing inspectors general and other independent officials, ignoring or challenging court orders, weakening the independence of agencies like the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve, and intimidating dissenting voices, the press, and other opponents. He said these actions have harmed Hawaii and reflect a coordinated effort to concentrate power in the executive branch. He noted that Congress has not been serving as an effective check, while federal courts have been the main remaining check through more than 46 lawsuits, and he identified voters as the ultimate check and balance, briefly correcting the timing of the next midterm election to 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this really a problem that we as an industry need to be addressing, whether it be legislatively or
• The reason why this is a Jewish caucus priority is simple. Our community is under threat.
• If you can believe this, we had a legislator come to one of our Save Girls sports press conferences and
• I'm Anna Yokomizu, legislative advocate on behalf of Los Angeles Unified.
• It's crucial legislation that will ensure equitable pay for construction workers across California.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She's on her way to Washington to present in front of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus tomorrow.
• It's common sense legislation. There's two other costs that we anticipate. One is the tracking.
• In 2024, this legislation passed the House 115 to 1. Thank you for your sponsorship.
• In 2024, this legislation passed the House 115 to 1.
• Twenty states have already passed this legislation with zero adverse impacts on hospital operations.

Bills: S0162, S0254, S0688, S0794, S1110, S1574

Keywords: surgical smoke, health standards, hospital safety, patient protection, medical regulations, nursing education, licensure, remedial courses, temporary license, graduate nursing preceptorship, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, background screening, support coordination services, developmental disabilities, Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, public hearings, orthotics, prosthetics, healthcare, Medicaid

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics was heard first. The bill would require coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics without lifetime or continuous-use caps, direct AHCA to seek federal approval and update contracts, and require annual reporting. Testimony from a child using prosthetic “gymnastics blades,” his mother, and another young person with a prosthetic leg emphasized the high cost of activity-specific devices and the impact on children’s mobility, sports participation, and quality of life. Senators voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” which adds newborn screening for biliary atresia using the existing blood specimen collected at birth. The sponsor and the child’s father described the condition as time-sensitive and potentially fatal without early detection, and argued the screening could prevent transplants and save money. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 794 on background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, training, and access issues. Parents and a support coordinator testified that strong support coordination is essential for families and that the bill would help standardize expectations and improve services. An amendment aligning the bill with the House companion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members next heard SB 162, which requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Supporters, including nurses and the Florida Nurses Association, described surgical smoke as a workplace hazard with toxic chemicals and potential cancer risks; hospital representatives said they support the intent but argued existing federal and state standards already regulate the issue and the bill is too prescriptive. A late-filed amendment clarifying the smoke must be “effectively captured and filtered” was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 254, a major nursing education bill that tightens oversight of low-performing nursing programs, creates a temporary provisional license and preceptorship pathway for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, requires remediation for delayed testing, and increases transparency by posting passage rates. Nursing groups supported stronger standards, while private nursing schools warned the bill could reduce capacity and discourage program directors; the amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 688, which would reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida, create a board of naturopathic medicine, set licensure and renewal requirements, and define the scope of practice while excluding most prescription authority. Supporters said it would expand health care choices and allow naturopathic doctors to practice openly, while opponents from the medical community warned the bill could authorize diagnosis and treatment without sufficient training and rely on unproven therapies. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after members thanked staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Although I'm new to the legislative process, I'm not even a staff.
• Although I'm new to the legislative process, I'm not even a staff member.
• Although I'm new to the legislative process, I'm not even a staff member.
• Although I'm new to the legislative process, I'm not even a staff member.
• Although I'm new to the legislative process, I'm not even a staff member.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard several gubernatorial nominations and appointments, beginning with Sunshine Cho and Barbara Tom for the Language Access Advisory Council. Both nominees said they stood on their written testimony and expressed interest in continuing to serve, and multiple organizations testified in strong support. No opposition or questions were raised on either nomination, and the committee moved on after hearing the testimony. The bulk of the meeting focused on GM 642, the nomination of Ryan Yamane to be Director of the Department of Human Services. Yamane gave an extensive opening statement describing his social work background, long public service career, and philosophy of compassionate, balanced leadership. He emphasized DHS’s role in helping people from keiki to kūpuna with dignity and support, and shared personal stories from disaster response and family-service work to illustrate his approach. Support testimony came from a wide range of state officials, agency directors, community organizations, health systems, advocacy groups, and former colleagues, who praised his leadership, problem-solving, communication skills, and empathy. One witness, Moani Kiala Katherine Tu Alun, testified in opposition, raising concerns about retaliation and safety issues affecting foster youth and alleging harmful treatment within Child Welfare Services. Another witness, Angela Melody Young, supported the nomination and said Yamane could help overcome barriers for vulnerable communities and improve DHS programs such as financial assistance, SNAP, and disability services. The committee also heard from DHS staff and related officials about the uncertainty surrounding possible federal funding and staffing cuts; Yamane said the department is gathering information, coordinating with Budget and Finance and federal partners, and preparing to prioritize services and adjust if federal changes affect programs. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will come to order. A quorum is present.
• I move the concurrent resolution on legislative adjournment.
• It's my understanding that date has been discussed by all of the caucus leaders of both chambers.

Transcript Highlights:

• We beseech Thee to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled in the legislation
• The House 94 session, 2025, 24 legislative day, St. Paul, Minnesota, Thursday, April 24th, 2025.
• Report from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration.
• Representative Niska from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration, pursuant to Rules 1.21
• Committee members, we will be meeting in G3 upon recess, and Democrats, we will be meeting in our caucus

Transcript Highlights:

• And I appreciate the attention to this piece of legislation.
• I think it's a really important piece of legislation for our state.
• I think it's a really of legislation.
• And that's we get to better legislation.
• The office of legislative their own.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Aubrey Rodriguez, and I'm a legislative advocate with ACLU California Action.
• My name is Aubrey Rodriguez, and I'm a legislative advocate with ACLU California Action.
• You guys know this, you're legislators; no one bill will solve all of our problems.
• And for me, look, I think as a member, and it was mentioned about the LGBT caucus and Latino caucus and
• And for me, look, I think as a member, and it was mentioned about the LGBT caucus and Latino caucus and

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with testimony split between supporters who framed the measures as targeted fixes and opponents who warned about overcriminalization and unintended consequences. SB 701, by Senator Wahab, drew support from law enforcement and local government groups, who said state law lacks a tool to address the conduct at issue; the ACLU opposed it as duplicative of existing law, while public defenders said they may withdraw opposition after amendments. Because there was no quorum at that point, the bill was held open without a vote. SB 834, by Senator DeRazzo, was presented as a technical cleanup bill to improve California’s automatic record clearance system by preventing outdated “pending” charges from blocking relief, requiring local court records to match DOJ records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It received broad support from criminal justice reform and defense organizations, with no opposition, and the chair indicated support, but no final action was taken during the hearing. SB 248, by Senator Rubio, would require DOJ to send new gun purchasers educational materials during the waiting period about safe storage, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and related resources; supporters called it common-sense education, while one opponent argued the information is already available. The committee voted the bill out on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, but it remained on call pending one additional vote. Senator Rubio’s SB 19, the Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act, would create a new offense for credible threats against schools or houses of worship even when no specific individual is named. Supporters, including law enforcement and Jewish community advocates, said current law leaves a loophole and that the bill would help prevent panic and resource-draining lockdowns; opponents from civil liberties and youth justice groups argued existing law already covers threats and that the bill would worsen the school-to-prison pipeline. After a motion and second, the committee voted due pass to Appropriations, with the measure also left on call. Later, SB 759 by Senator Archuleta, prompted by the killing of Whittier Officer Keith Boyer, would require a court hearing after a third supervision violation or new offense for people on post-release community supervision; supporters said it adds accountability, while opponents said it removes probation discretion and could increase jail and court burdens. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was reported as passing. The committee also heard SB 6 by Senator Ashby, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance while preserving veterinary use. Supporters, including veterinarians, law enforcement, and a parent who lost a son to a drug-related death, said the drug is increasingly present in fentanyl mixtures and needs to be controlled; opponents from drug policy and civil liberties groups argued scheduling would criminalize users, hinder research, and repeat failed drug-war policies. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out due pass to Appropriations, and it passed. Finally, SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, was introduced to regulate AI-generated voice, image, and video replicas, with supporters emphasizing protection against deepfakes and nonconsensual images; the California Chamber of Commerce opposed unless amended, seeking narrower definitions and limits on consumer warnings. The hearing ended while SB 11 was still under discussion, with no final vote reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the legislative branch was not a part of that, nor was there any discussion with the legislative branch
• It's the best map that would be accepted overwhelmingly by members of the Legislative Black Caucus, by
• members of the Democratic Caucus, and hopefully the Republican Caucus.
• I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, because y'all fight
• And I couldn't be here today to witness... this gratitude to the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus,

Bills: SB116, SB121, SB130, SB407

Keywords: redistricting, congressional districts, Louisiana, 2020 census, elections, precincts, voting, election, political representation, 2026 precincts, demographics, Louisiana congressional map, U.S. House, election districts, precinct shapefiles, Voting Districts, VTD, 2020 Census, 2026 Precinct Shapefiles, apportionment

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to see legislation directed towards that.
• If we need to have a conversation, it all starts with legislation.
• This is from another former legislator.
• Senator Murdoch is a legislator and a friend that you can count on.
• It was a grand thing to hear from those legislators, those senators.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the House order relative to House rules for the 194th General Court governing the 2025-2026 legislative
• the House order relative to the joint rules for the 194th General Court governing the 2025-2026 legislative
• Canton for the adoption of permanent House rules for the 194th General Court governing the 2025-2026 legislative
• the House order relative to the joint rules for the 194th General Court governing the 2025-2026 legislative
• Court officers will notify the Democratic members of a caucus in Room A1 at 12 noon. At 12 noon.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House met briefly, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and recessed several times while the Temporary Committee on Rules reported out a series of orders. The chamber adopted two commendatory resolutions: one recognizing the AdMe-Tech Foundation’s 16th annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Day and another honoring the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys and Girls Club on its 75th anniversary. Members then took up special procedures for considering House and joint rules for the 194th General Court, governing the 2025-2026 legislative session. The House adopted the special-procedure orders for both the House rules and joint rules. The rules committee also reported that the permanent House rules and permanent joint rules orders ought to be adopted; after suspension of the rules, the House postponed consideration of the permanent rules matters until tomorrow at 1 p.m. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn to meet the next day at 11 a.m., with formal session and roll calls at 1 p.m. The House then adjourned, and members were notified of a Democratic caucus at noon in Room A1.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Gossett-Seidman, if you don't have access to another piece of legislation at this time
• And so I just worry that if legislation like this passes, that my friends may not have gotten the relief
• example, would unfortunately have the unintentional consequence of maybe a College Republicans Jewish caucus
• But unfortunately, we're passing a bill in the same legislative session that we're doing that that does
• We are not, as a legislator, adopting them.

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up two bills. The first, PCS for HB 725 on political activity at public institutions of higher education, would require colleges and universities to notify students and employees about existing campus political activity rules at orientation and on their websites, and to adopt standardized policies through the State Board of Education and Board of Governors. The sponsor said the bill is intended to mirror federal IRS/501(c)(3) guidelines, protect institutions from risking federal funding, and clarify what is and is not allowed; supporters framed it as an awareness and free-expression measure, while opponents warned it could chill speech, create vague enforcement standards, and lead to unintended consequences for students and faculty. Public testimony was largely opposed, with speakers from student, civil liberties, education, and advocacy groups raising free-speech concerns. The committee passed the bill 13-5. The second measure, PCS for HB 1437, addressed disputes under mutual management plans between conversion charter schools and district school boards. The sponsor said the bill fills a gap by providing a clearer dispute-resolution path through mediation by the Department of Education or, ultimately, an administrative law judge at DOAH. Members asked about appeal rights and whether DOE is perceived as favoring charter schools; the sponsor said the bill simply sets the process for the current issue and that the administrative law judge provision serves as the final step. There was no public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably 18-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislative Council support staff are available on the floor if you need assistance. 106 Members, we
• He was my personal hero when I started, not even as a legislator.
• privilege of welcoming the Texas Ambulance Association to the Capitol as they gather for their legislative
• I'm Lauren Ashley Simmons, the chairwoman for the Texas Labor and Workforce Caucus and I have with me
• my vice chair in the house and we're just encouraging everyone to join our caucus so we can get to work

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will come to order.
• The next item on the calendar is the concurrent resolution on legislative adjournment, Concurrent Resolution
• I move the concurrent resolution on legislative adjournment, Concurrent Resolution 2.
• It's my understanding that that date has been discussed by all of the caucus leaders of both chambers

Keywords: 1183, house