Transcript Highlights:

• significant upward revisions in the forecasts for inflation in both 2025 and 2026 in all of the major price
• :18:37.000> on policies could put upward pressure on policies could put upward pressure on prices
• > and<00:18:37.960> wages<00:18:38.760> threatening<00:18:39.280> the prices
• and wages threatening the prices and wages threatening the forecasted<00:18:40.159> monetary<
• This increase is due directly to a higher forecast of the Consumer Price Index.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget presented the February 2025 budget and economic forecast, with Commissioner Aon Campbell, State Economist Anthony Becker, and Budget Director Anam Mingi outlining updated revenue, spending, and long-term balance projections. The state’s FY 2026-27 general fund outlook remains positive but weaker than in November, with an ending balance of $456 million, down $160 million from the prior forecast. Looking ahead, the planning years FY 2028-29 show a projected deficit of just under $6 billion, driven largely by spending growth outpacing revenues. Officials emphasized that discretionary inflation is a major factor in the forecast, but also noted that those amounts are not automatically appropriated and would require legislative action. Becker said the national outlook has changed since November, with higher expected inflation, higher interest rates for longer, and slower growth in later years. He highlighted uncertainty around tariffs, trade policy, immigration policy, federal spending, and possible changes to tax and debt-ceiling policy, all of which could affect Minnesota’s economy and revenues. Minnesota’s labor market remains tight, with low unemployment and rising wages, and the revenue forecast was revised upward overall for FY 2026-27, including higher income and sales tax receipts, though corporate tax revenue was slightly lower than previously projected. Mingi said projected general fund spending is up $79 million in FY 2026-27 and $960 million in FY 2028-29 compared with November. The largest increases are in education and health and human services, especially due to inflation, higher pupil counts, special education costs, long-term care, and higher Medical Assistance spending. She noted that higher utilization of weight-loss drugs also raises Medicaid costs, and that a smaller assumed bonding bill helps offset some debt service costs. The commissioner and staff repeatedly warned that federal policy changes, especially possible Medicaid reductions, pose a major risk; they said Minnesota could face billions in lost federal funding, including a potential $2.4 billion hit if the enhanced Medicaid match for adults without children were eliminated. No votes or legislative actions were taken in the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, of course, we've seen this tremendous increase in price.
• And at the very bottom of the page there during those months when the prices were really high.
• Some of it relates to federal policies. of its, some of it correlates a bit with oil price.
• high price of oil, we've been below forecast, obviously, in that type.
• We're waiting on project pricing, hoping that that should be coming back in about mid-July.

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• reaching a breaking point in our price reaching a breaking point in our price point,<00:44:46.000
• destinations and possibly pricing destinations and possibly pricing ourselves<00:44:52.400> out
• I want to note that, you know, we cannot put a price on our natural beauty.
• I want to note that we cannot put a price on our natural beauty.
• note that you know we cannot put a price note that you know we cannot put a price on<00:47:00.640

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For have price change from $25 for three months, now you're going from $25 a month.
• For have price change from $25 for three months, now you're going from $25 a month.
• For have price change from $25 for three months, now you're going from $25 a month.
• For have price change from $25 for three months, now you're going from $25 a month.
• For have price change from $25 for three months, now you're going from $25 a month.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It can artificially inflate the prices, it can create a boon to these manufacturers, but really be a
• So I... ...reduced and will more than offset, I believe, the prescription drug price.
• and potentially offer the lowest price across the country to help keep costs down.
• So if we get a new drug that could be 10 times the price, we would get the maximum rebate in the most
• So government... ...price-setting is not access policy, and it increases costs.

Bills: SB1052, SB1115, SB1118, SB1120, SB1121, SB1124, SB1171, SB1172, SB1174, SB1175, SB1214, SB1233, SB1235, SB1316, SB1345, SB1372, SB1399, SB1458, SB1494, SB1496, SB1564, SB1602, SB1621, SB1628, SB1630, SB1631, SB1668, SB1672, SB1814, SB1821

Keywords: assisted living, health care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physician orders, informed consent, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, radiation protection

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1121, which would prohibit hospitals from requiring lead aprons for cardiac catheterization staff when a radiation protection system is in place, while still allowing hospitals to require aprons outside the designated safety zone or when exposure levels warrant additional protection. An amendment added flexibility for radiation safety officers to require lead or other PPE if exposures approach occupational limits and removed expedited rulemaking language. Supporters, including the sponsor and interventional cardiologists, argued the devices reduce radiation and orthopedic injuries and improve recruitment and retention; hospital groups shifted to neutral after the amendment. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1121 on a 9-2 vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1120, which would require hospitals performing cardiac catheterization procedures to equip at least 50% of those rooms with radiation protection systems by 2027. Supporters said the systems protect clinicians from radiation and long-term injury, while opponents, including hospital and radiology groups, argued the bill was overly prescriptive, could create a captive market, and might not fit all rooms or procedures. After adopting a children’s hospital exemption amendment, the committee passed SB 1120 on a 6-6 vote, with the chair breaking the tie in favor of the bill. Senate Bill 1118, an appropriation measure tied to the radiation protection system proposal, was also advanced after brief discussion, passing 6-5. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1214, which would create guardrails for non-FDA-approved stem cell and regenerative therapies, including provider standards, informed consent, advertising limits, reporting requirements, and a private right of action for violations. Supporters described it as a patient-protection and access bill, while testimony emphasized concerns about unregulated “bad actors” and patients traveling out of state for treatment. The committee adopted an amendment removing a reference to the National Law and passed SB 1214 on a 9-3 vote. The transcript then began discussion of SB 1630, which would create a Medicaid-funded home and community-based service benefit for adults with serious mental illness, with AHCCCS taking a neutral position and estimating a significant fiscal impact.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alone, the price per square foot on a lake has grown significantly.
• High egg prices are also holding strong.
• <00:15:33.600> per<00:15:33.759> square 2014 a square foot a price per square 2014
• <00:16:02.920> are bag just holding High egg prices are bag just holding High egg prices are
• Egg prices are still staying relatively high.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, shall we talk about pricing?
• 39.080> price<01:39:39.560> collusion,<01:39:40.480> that then uh so, price collusion
• Why do they need price of the battery. Why do they need this?
• There's no price setting here.
• no price setting here. And um actually, no price setting here.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Eighty years later, his name remains a symbol of the price of our freedom.
• As we all know, these costs would be passed on to consumers, increasing food and beverage prices.
• beverage prices beverage prices Nationwide<04:14:36.319> beyond<04:14:36.640> the<
• Time and time again, the Biden-Harris administration imposed new standards with high price tags.
• Time and time again, the Biden-Harris administration imposed new standards with high price tags.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the limit of 12 is met, and the licenses could not be resold for more than their original purchase price
• , so we would be preventing price spikes in the secondary market that have become such a problem for
• the limit of 12 is met, and the licenses could not be resold for more than their original purchase price
• , so we would be preventing price spikes in the secondary market that have become such a problem for

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Government Organization Committee heard several Assembly bills, beginning with AB 2294, which would designate April 14 as Sylvia Mendez Day in honor of Sylvia Mendez and the Mendez v. Westminster case. The author and supporters described the case as a landmark civil rights victory that helped end school segregation in California and influenced Brown v. Board of Education. Witnesses from the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and HACU supported the bill, and committee members spoke in favor and asked to coauthor it. The committee also heard AB 2412, which would require state agencies to disclose when generative AI is used in public announcements and provide a human contact option. Supporters said the bill is a transparency measure that would protect public trust and help people who rely on government communications. AB 2663, a sunset extension for the law allowing cocktails-to-go, was presented as a support measure for restaurants and small businesses, with the author and industry witnesses citing pandemic-era changes and ongoing economic pressures. AB 2731 would expand the number of Type 47 liquor licenses available in Santa Cruz County, reserving licenses for Watsonville and southern county communities to address population disparities and high secondary-market prices. AB 2751 would standardize the personal importation limit for alcohol brought into California from outside the United States, allowing travelers entering by land the same six-liter limit as other travelers, which the author said would correct an inconsistency affecting border communities. There was no opposition testimony on any of the bills. The committee initially lacked a quorum and took some items on call, but later established a quorum, took roll-call votes, and advanced the measures. AB 2294, AB 2663, AB 2731, and AB 2751 all passed with unanimous or near-unanimous support, while AB 2412 passed 12-1. The consent calendar items were also approved, and the meeting adjourned after all votes were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• At least for affordability, their entire industry is based upon pricing and what's affordable and what
• And I believe that that is the mission of the Public Service Commission: to set the right price, an affordable
• price, for electricity.
• snatch up our utilities, and I don't think that would be good for the state or for customers or for prices

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight met with a quorum present and heard an update from Public Counsel Walt Trierweiler on the work of the Office of Public Counsel. Trierweiler described the office’s role in representing Florida utility customers in rate cases and related proceedings, including investor-owned electric, water, and wastewater matters. He emphasized the office’s use of depositions, expert witnesses, customer correspondence, and service hearings to challenge unsupported utility costs while seeking outcomes that are “fair, just, reasonable, and affordable.” A major focus of the presentation was the office’s work on large utility dockets, especially the Florida Power & Light rate case, as well as other recent cases involving Duke, TECO, Sunshine, and St. Joe. Trierweiler said the office had settled some cases but not others, had two appeals pending, and had filed motions for reconsideration where required. He also discussed storm cost recovery, affordability concerns, and the new challenge of data center tariffs and related energy and water demands. He said the office brought in new experts on affordability and data centers and was trying to get ahead of those issues through workshops and settlement efforts. Members asked questions about how customer input is gathered, how the office evaluates a fair profit for utilities, the role of settlements and counterproposals, and the impact of data centers on energy and water use. Trierweiler said customer voices come in through hearings and correspondence, that utilities are entitled to a fair return but not imprudent costs, and that the office is concerned about data center growth and its resource demands. No votes were taken, and the committee concluded its agenda and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The fiscal note is also based on the January 25 BRE which had oil prices at $71 a barrel for 26 and $76
• however, I would like to add that, you know, when you're looking at here today, uh, our year to date price
• That our natural gas price was assumed 2.45 and right now it's 3.7.
• So assuming that we'll continue on the trend, we can be balanced between natural gas and oil prices.

Bills: SJR 4

Keywords: term limits, state offices, constitutional amendment, governor, lieutenant governor, election reform

Transcript Highlights:

• Likewise, on our grain fees that we had talked about, those changes and that fee structure—pricing has
• This will especially help grantees in the face of soaring land prices.
• since the new year in January, putting together cash flows and projections on acreage, crops, and price
• farmers face in the year ahead in terms of high input costs, a lot of uncertainty, and low commodity prices

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Price, here. Senator Price, here. Senator Singleton, here. Senator Stewart, here.
• If they charge what they're charging on Lake Perie up in Birmingham, they're going to price the blue-collar
• Now we're on the bill, and Senator Price had a question. Senator Kelly is here.

Bills: HB352, HB366, SB272, SB296

Keywords: HB352, cotton, cotton bale assessment, cotton levy, cotton producers, agriculture, forestry, Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, per bale fee, commodity assessment, producer referendum, cotton sales tax, Alabama Code 2-8-199, cotton commission, agricultural funding, HB366, Lakyn Canine Act, police dog, K9, K-9

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Price? Here. Vice Chairman Owen? Here. Chairman Price? Here. Present. Vice Chairman Owen?
• Chairman Price, we need further clarification, sir, on just making sure that, in concept, what we're

Bills: HB41

Keywords: Firefighters' Retirement System, FRS, retirement board, board of trustees, firefighter pension, public pension, retirement system governance, active members, service credit, Professional Fire Fighters Association, PFFA, Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association, fire chiefs, retirees, beneficiaries, DROP, Deferred Retirement Option Plan, board elections, vacancies, Louisiana retirement law

Transcript Highlights:

• PERS has our actuary price what the cost...
• PERS has our actuary, price what the cost. the PERS pilot.
• PERS has our actuary price what the cost is going to be for PERS, and that's what's used in the fiscal

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on HB 1248 met to review differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, which concerns the PERS pilot program and insurance mandate process. Rebecca Frickie, executive director of PERS, explained that the Senate version removed the House provisions repealing the insurance mandate process, kept the two-year PERS pilot intact, and preserved the requirement for a report at the end of the pilot while removing language that would have required PERS to submit a bill to expand coverage to the commercial market. Members discussed the bill’s cost-benefit analysis requirements. Frickie said the current law triggers a cost-benefit analysis at the start of the pilot and again when a bill is introduced to roll coverage out commercially, but the Senate draft would change that to only one analysis at the end of the pilot if a rollout bill is introduced. Legislative Council indicated that if the committee wants that simplified approach, additional conforming changes are needed elsewhere in the code. Senators also asked about the purpose of the initial analysis and whether it is used beyond being attached to the bill packet; Frickie said PERS relies primarily on its own actuary and was not aware of broader use. The committee discussed whether the revised process would still require legislative sponsorship for any future rollout, and Frickie confirmed that a legislator or other sponsor would need to introduce such a bill. Examples mentioned included insulin caps and breast exams as possible future pilot items. The committee agreed to request Legislative Council draft the needed language changes and planned to reconvene after receiving the updated draft; no final vote was taken and the meeting was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• we suggest setting this based on the we suggest setting this based on the purchase<00:16:14.720> price
• > the<00:16:15.600> land<00:16:16.399> um<00:16:17.040> total purchase price
• of the land um total purchase price of the land um total considering<00:16:18.160> you<00:16:
• if the entire grant covered the asked if if the entire grant covered the purchase<00:29:40.720> price
• of<00:29:41.039> these<00:29:41.279> really<00:29:41.520> small purchase price

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A 20-year eligibility term is simply what allows lenders and bidders to price projects responsibly.
• A 20-year eligibility term is simply what allows lenders and bidders to price projects responsibly.
• allows lenders and biders to price allows lenders and biders to price projects<00:30:20.480>
• As you well know, energy prices are one of the primary concerns for businesses throughout the state,
• >> Local generation necessarily acts as a hedge against price volatility and reduces transmission costs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They just have to pay the same price as everyone else from the country they're from.
• Shouldn't we be asking what that does to the price of goods?
• We talk about how expensive home prices are. The Miami Herald called me about this.
• I said, well, today you guys wrote a story about how expensive home prices are.
• It's the price we want to pay for goods and services.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then read an amended joint proclamation expanding the special session call to include financial penalties for government officials, criminal penalties for offenses committed by illegal aliens, and programs and appropriations to support law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. No committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk before the chamber moved to the special order calendar. The main item was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 2B, the immigration bill, along with a late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Gruters. Gruters said the amendment aligned terminology with federal law, increased penalties for crimes by unauthorized aliens, added transnational crime organizations to gang definitions, required stronger participation in the federal 287(g) program, created financial penalties for noncompliance, offered a $1,000 bonus for officers assisting ICE in large operations, directed more information-sharing with federal agencies, and barred DHSMV from issuing licenses or IDs to unauthorized aliens. He framed the bill as supporting President Trump’s immigration agenda and focusing on criminal illegal aliens rather than street-level enforcement. A long question-and-answer period followed, with Senators Polsky, Pizzo, Smith, Jones, Roscoe, Berman, and others pressing the sponsor on scope, legality, costs, and implementation. Questions focused on whether the bill would require participation beyond jails and detention centers, whether schools or churches could be affected, liability and immunity for local agencies, the size and purpose of the proposed appropriations, and the impact on undocumented students receiving in-state tuition waivers. Gruters and Senator Fine said the 287(g) provisions were intended to apply to jails and detention facilities, that green-card holders and lawful residents would not be affected, and that the tuition waiver repeal would end discounted tuition for students in the country illegally while not affecting their ability to attend. Fine also defended the mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses committed by illegal immigrants, acknowledging it would likely be challenged in court but arguing the bill was designed to test and advance the policy. No final vote or other action on the bill is reflected in the excerpt.