Transcript Highlights:

• How does that work? How does that bill work with this?
• by the FDA. bill work with this?
• If they're not, we want that seizure authority and forfeiture authority.
• that have been authorized by the FDA. So that have been authorized by the FDA.
• <00:38:04.880> because there is a separate authority because there is a separate authority

Bills: SB2040, SB2248, SB2530, SB2732, SB2871, SB2919, SB3076, SB3300, SB3301

Keywords: freedom of speech, elections, campaign finance, non-natural persons, regulated participation, constitutional amendment, financial disclosures, government transparency, public confidence, Senate confirmation, conflicts of interest, state ethics commission, campaign contributions, state contracts, transparency, conflict of interest, government ethics, pretrial release, bail reform, financial ability

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, the statutory authority. Do they have the statutory authority?
• We're not looking for implied authority; we're looking for specific authority.
• I'm going to be working on that.
• It is a lot of work, but I think it is rewarding work.
• This is an opportunity for you to get to know the work, the inner workings of the government the processes

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of these bills authorize HIBs; others are a type of appropriation bond, while other bills authorize
• uh while other bills authorize uh while other bills authorize traditional<00:01:28.200> go
• fixed income uh or uh or Working fixed income uh or uh or Working Families<00:04:57.600> it
• Thank you to Representative Howard for authoring this bill and for being a partner in this work, and
• > bill Lee for author for authoring the bill Lee for author for authoring the bill and<01:37:31.480

Bills: HF2148, HF2693, HF2542, HF1141, HF1770, HF1489, HF1709, HF244, HF1266, HF807, HF2619, HF1340

Keywords: affordable housing, local control, revolving loan fund, community partnerships, Minnesota housing policy, housing, locally controlled housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, housing infrastructure bonds, state bonds, bonding bill, supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, homelessness, veterans housing, senior housing, manufactured home parks, community land trust, single-family housing, multifamily housing

Transcript Highlights:

• authorized by the appropriate governing body.
• So on those push button and task work order projects, the DOT is authorized to waive some of the contractor's
• It will be the local authorities. Senator Polsky in questions.
• And it's just not working. We're being exploited.
• That belief gave rise to his now famous work days, over 400 of them, where he worked alongside everyday

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests, students, advocates, and a resolution honoring the late USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Senators also observed moments of silence for victims of recent campus violence and for former FSU President John Thrasher. The chamber then moved to special order bills, with several members explaining measures and, in some cases, substituting House companions before final passage. Among the bills passed were measures updating child care and early learning provider regulation; strengthening penalties and cost recovery for false reporting and swatting; extending protections against extraordinary medical debt collection; expanding hazardous walking condition criteria for schoolchildren; creating young adult housing support for foster and homeless students; and requiring private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose which accommodations they will provide. The Senate also passed a bill adjusting interest rules for trust accounts funding legal aid, after extended debate over the impact on legal aid funding and banking practices, and a transportation package that was heavily amended to address issues such as school bus camera hearings, beach vehicle use for equipment removal, flooded-street wake restrictions, expectant mother parking permits, micromobility regulation, and traffic signal modernization. The chamber also approved public-records exemptions for Agency for Health Care Administration investigators, Judicial Qualifications Commission employees, and appellate court clerks; a municipal water and sewer rate bill affecting Miami-Dade residents near a plant; motor vehicle offenses involving impersonating law enforcement and obscured license plates; trespass penalties at law-enforcement-controlled locations and large ticketed venues; refund requirements for patient overpayments; stem cell therapy authorization with source and consent limits; and insulin administration authority for direct support professionals and relatives in group homes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including cardiac emergencies, chemicals and consumer products, and motor vehicle manufacturer/franchise dealer legislation. Most measures passed with strong bipartisan support, though the trust fund interest bill drew notable opposition and passed 28-10, and the Family Empowerment Scholarship bill passed 37-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that, like the preseason, when they were meeting here and working in their work group, now they
• <00:03:41.560> in<00:03:41.680> our<00:03:41.799> work meeting here and working
• in our work meeting here and working in our work group<00:03:42.239> so<00:03:42.439> now<
• forward to working do and um I look forward to working across<00:03:49.080> uh<00:03:49.200><
• is one of the best cases we're working is one of the best cases we're working with<00:36:12.720>

Bills: HF5

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard an overview of the governor’s transportation budget recommendations from fiscal staff Andy Lee. He explained that the spreadsheet showed only proposed changes, not base spending, and highlighted General Fund and trunk highway adjustments for MnDOT and the Department of Public Safety, including operating changes, extensions of prior appropriations, increased state road construction and Blatnik Bridge authority tied to anticipated federal funds, State Patrol hiring and a metro headquarters item, aeronautics changes, and revenue adjustments in the Driver and Vehicle Services special revenue account. The main testimony came from Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle, who outlined three budget-related items: advancing funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway reconstruction with a transitway project, making Metro Mobility riders eligible for free fixed-route transit, and reducing the Metro Transit general fund appropriation by $32.454 million annually. He said the advance would speed delivery and reduce disruption, the free-fare pilot had been successful and could save money if even a small share of Metro Mobility trips shifted to fixed-route service, and the general fund reduction was manageable in the near term because of new revenue streams but could constrain future expansion and capital maintenance. Members questioned the long-term effects of the proposed reduction, possible impacts on safety, service expansion, and capital maintenance, and whether federal funding uncertainty could affect operations and bus procurement. Zelle said the cuts would not affect immediate operations but could limit future BRT, microtransit, and transitway expansion, while also noting that capital maintenance needs include platform rebuilds, track work, rolling stock, and station repairs. He also said the 2023 funding package had accelerated projects and that the council was opening three transit lines this year. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• matches up. uh or the transfer authority matches up.
• Both these sections came from Senate File 2792, authored by Senator Muhammad.
• This is from Senate File 2205, which Senator Port authored. Thank you.
• SF 2298 makes important investments in proven housing production programs while working... work of MHFA
• Is there other work to do? That's my question. Thank you, Senator Port.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And authors, thank you so much for being here, and authors can also sign in at the sergeant's desk in
• In respect of them and the author, please allow the author to complete their opening remarks regarding
• SB 520 builds on the 2021 midwifery work...
• That brings me to SB 640, which does what we know works.
• And thank you for your work and efforts and working with our committee again and for your leadership

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• rule-making authority for skill-based rule-making authority for skill-based amusement<01:03:57.560
• authority for online sports wagering. authority for online sports wagering.
• authority authority under<01:04:13.640> at<01:04:13.760> least<01:04:13.920> that's
• And so this would give the<01:25:55.280> authority the authority the authority for<01:25:56.720
• Lion, who works within their office.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from working-class families. from working-class families.
• <00:11:56.960> with legislator conferences and working with legislator conferences and working
• Is it and it's you two as authors.
• What do we "Okay, this isn't working.
• >> Sure the two that I am not a co-author >> Sure the two that I am not a co-author

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senators Erin Maye Quade, Eric Lucero, Liz Boldon, and Chair Ron Latz discussed a package of bipartisan bills aimed at regulating artificial intelligence and related technology in Minnesota. The speakers argued that AI can be beneficial but has been rolled out without adequate safeguards, citing concerns about consumer surveillance, insurance claim denials, dynamic pricing, chatbot harms to children, and the use of AI in healthcare utilization review. Maye Quade and Boldon emphasized protecting kids, consumers, and constitutional rights, while Lucero framed the issue as keeping law aligned with rapidly changing technology and protecting individual liberties. A major focus was the “reverse warrant” bill, which would restrict law enforcement from using warrants that start with an unknown suspect and sweep up data from everyone in a location or search terms in a broad area. The senators said such warrants are the opposite of the Fourth Amendment’s particularity requirement, though they noted ongoing conversations with the BCA and police chiefs about balancing privacy and public safety. They also discussed a bill to prohibit minors from accessing chatbots, describing chatbots as conversational, addictive, and uniquely harmful to developing brains; Maye Quade cited examples of self-harm, sexual content, and dangerous advice allegedly given to minors. The senators said the package was intentionally heard in Judiciary first so it could be referred to Commerce, and they expressed hope for further hearings there and in the House. Lucero said he did not support all the bills, naming the dynamic pricing bill and the AI utilization review prohibition as measures he had reservations about, while supporting the reverse warrant, disclosure, and minor-access restrictions. The discussion also touched on federal preemption concerns, with the senators saying states are stepping in because federal action has lagged and the harms cross party lines. No formal votes or committee actions were described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is some excess funding authority.
• Budget authority in the third and fourth circuits.
• So I look forward to working with you on this, and hopefully We can work towards somewhere to get clarity
• options just to make pre-K work for us.
• It's not how it works.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know this works. It was working there and then.
• And so it works; it's worked successfully. But so tell me, what lessons are there?
• That's the market at work. It's a fantastic thing.
• The EPA has limitations to its regulatory authority when it's the implementation authority.
• A lot of work on direct air capture.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are clear procedures to ensure workers return to their country of origin. ...and their work authorization
• Now, local authorities don't have the existing experience to do that back-end work, but it's built into
• Many immigrants legally qualify for work authorization, but they need assistance navigating the complex
• But I'm here today to say I'd love to work with the authors.
• I'm happy to work with anyone that'll work with me.

Bills: HB256, HCR19, HB256, HB1308, HB1554, HB1743, HB2308, HB2351, HB2858, HB3676, HB3784, HB4312, HB4552, HB4823, HB4852, HB5007, HB5010, HB5520, HB5524, HCR19

Keywords: severe weather, adaptation plan, vulnerability assessment, environmental protection, state agencies, federal agents, transparency, law enforcement, identification, public trust, immigration enforcement, HCR 19, Texas concurrent resolution, federal immigration enforcement, masked agents, facial coverings, visible identification, uniforms, badges, name tags

Transcript Highlights:

• This does not lessen, uh, their dedication to our work here today.
• What this bill does is, uh, designate the commissioner's court as that authority.
• Your bill says the county commissioner's court has the authority, has the authority to do that.
• that authority and have the money to, to take care of the job.
• I'm happy to have the Bandera County River Authority do it if they want to do it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let us pray. inside these hallowed walls where these elected representatives gather for work of your
• your grace of their forebearers, mothers and fathers, grandparents and Generations before whose hard work
• Her works have won numerous awards. across the state and country.
• You told me, Leo, with authority. Thank you, Leo.
• Authorizing a fee for the Committee on Public Health HB 1504 by Reynolds relating to authorizing the

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• voting works in the Senate? voting works in the Senate?
• the author of the amendment?
• President, I used to work in state, well, I guess I still work in state government, but I used to work
• that's worked for the last 20ome years. that's worked for the last 20ome years.
• <03:28:30.560> Uh, Senator Marty is the one who authored that working group, that task force

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the representative before me said, our work here is not done.
• Their work is an inspiration to us all.
• San Antonio continues to be one of the best places to live and work.
• , authorizing a civil penalty for the Committee on Public Health.
• HB 3846 by Louderback relates to the authority of a reserve.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's working.
• Without that, none of the programs will work. Nothing will work if you don't have that.
• , and we want it to work.
• of what's not working.
• In we work very closely with our sheriff's office and I have really enjoyed working with them because

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and 287G work.
• not working. not working.
• look for more and more work to do. look for more and more work to do.
• They also do work.
• They also do work.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think they did a lot of work. They put a lot of work into this. It was 177 pages.
• When solar works, when wind works, I want all that to happen. I do.
• We were still needed to do some work.
• We're willing to continue to work on.
• And Dustin and Blake, thank you all for working with her and continue to work with her.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of natural resources and environmental measures, mostly local property transfers and Wildlife and Fisheries bills. It reported favorable on Senate Bills 229 and 71, which authorize property transfers in Bossier and Lafayette parishes, and on several department bills dealing with fishing and boating rules: SB 203 on possession of catch during multi-day trips, SB 429 on registration of lapsed or “orphan” boats, SB 204 on commercial fishing gear licenses for nonresidents, SB 205 reducing duplicate registration for federally documented boats, SB 213 on titling certain vessels and outboard motors, SB 257 removing Social Security number requirements from certain tags, and HB 662, a substitute bill setting a hierarchy for handling seized sick, injured, or orphan wildlife. The committee also adopted amendments and reported favorable SB 379, a technical cleanup bill tied to the Department of Conservation and Energy reorganization, though an opposition witness warned it could reduce minimum oil and gas royalties and asked for a fiscal note. Members also advanced several measures aimed at coastal and flood-related concerns. HCR 62, by Rep. Domangue, urges FEMA to review flood maps every five years instead of every ten and to better account for local flood-protection projects; members broadly supported it and discussed the burden of flood insurance in coastal parishes. SB 214 would give the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District authority to stop pumping during immediate flood risk events identified by the National Weather Service or GOSEP, and it was reported favorable. SB 274, as amended, requires lead hazard risk assessments and remediation for certain child care and pre-kindergarten facilities, with DEQ and LDH testimony supporting the update. HCR 78 memorializes Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026, which supporters said would help Louisiana’s seafood industry and access federal loans and grants. The committee also debated broader policy resolutions. HCR 216, by Rep. Owen, sought to repudiate the Louisiana Climate Action Plan of 2022, but after extensive discussion about its purpose, possible effects on existing projects, and whether the legislature should instead hold a hearing, the resolution was voluntarily deferred. Finally, the committee took up SCR 24 on chronic wasting disease rules, adopted amendments raising the prevalence threshold from 1.5% to 2.5% and adjusting zone and baiting provisions, and continued discussion of the bill’s reset of management rules for deer disease control.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would be a spending authority authorization out of the trust fund.
• Authority, please say I. I. Authority, please say I. I.
• <00:03:57.120> authorization<00:03:58.000> out a spending authority authorization out
• this authority energy authority uh uses this authority uh<02:02:35.920> there'll<02:02:36.239
• It works.

Keywords: 916, all