Transcript Highlights:

• Al and Carmen left a tremendous mark for good in our community.
• <00:19:21.440> in<00:19:21.760> our tremendous mark for good in our tremendous mark
• It marks the conclusion of four years of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth.
• And this year we will mark an important milestone, the temple's 25-year anniversary.
• And this year we will mark our region.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first on the agenda is Mark Foster with Housing First Minnesota. Mr.
• My name is Mark Foster.
• My name is Mark Foster.
• my<00:01:10.439> name<00:01:10.560> is<00:01:10.840> uh<00:01:10.920> Mark
• join you here today my name is uh Mark join you here today my name is uh Mark Foster<00:01:11.960

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard informational presentations from Housing First Minnesota and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on the state of housing in Minnesota. Mark Foster of Housing First Minnesota said the state has a severe housing shortage, with demand outpacing supply since the 2007-09 housing crash, and argued that Minnesota is nearly 100,000 units short of a healthy market. He said new homes are increasingly unaffordable, citing a median new single-family price above $530,000 and declining affordability in the Twin Cities metro, and he urged lawmakers to remove exclusionary zoning and other regulatory barriers that he said make starter homes and smaller-lot housing difficult or illegal to build in many growing cities. He also highlighted the group’s Housing for Heroes projects, including transitional housing for veterans and other crisis housing projects around the state. Members asked Foster about starter-home examples and his view that the committee’s top priority should be reforming residential development approvals. He said most new housing is negotiated through planned unit developments rather than built under base zoning, which he argued adds cost and reduces supply. The committee then heard from Elizabeth Wael of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, who said housing challenges outside the metro are different but equally serious. She said many Greater Minnesota cities face a lack of developers, inadequate infrastructure such as roads and utilities, and gaps in the housing continuum, especially starter workforce housing and senior housing. She thanked the committee for 2023 housing funding and said cities are contributing their own resources, updating zoning, reducing parking requirements, allowing ADUs, and partnering with developers and nonprofits. Wael also urged faster rollout of the Greater Minnesota infrastructure grant program and said the state should consider changes to the housing tax credit and housing TIF rules to make them easier to use. In response, senators said they shared frustration with the slow implementation of the infrastructure program and emphasized the need for state investment and locally tailored zoning reforms. No bills were heard and no votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on stakeholder testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I like to give this visual cue as you approach the 32nd mark so they can finish their final thought
• Mark Gonzalez. Haney. Mark Gonzalez, Haney, Harabedian, Lackey, here, Wen, Ramos, Sharp Collins.
• With me today is Mark Miller with CalSAGA. Thank you. Hi, Mr. Chair and committee members.
• My name is Mark Miller, and I represent CalSAGA, the statewide association for more than 300 licensed
• Thank you, Mark. Item 20, SB 1365 by Senator Allen. Gonzalez... Thank you, Mark.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, though no final votes were taken because a quorum had not yet been established. SB 493 by Senator Becker would add war or armed conflict to California’s price-gouging emergency triggers, with the author and supporters arguing it would protect consumers from gas-price spikes tied to international conflict. Opponents, including business and housing groups, warned the bill could over-trigger emergency powers and create broad, ongoing price controls. The chair indicated support for an aye-as-amended recommendation once quorum was reached. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require protective orders for disclosure of sexually explicit material involving adult victims in specified criminal cases. Denise Huskins-Quinn and Aaron Quinn testified in support, describing how sensitive evidence in their case was copied and handled without adequate safeguards; supporters said the bill would extend privacy protections similar to those already used for child sexual abuse material. Criminal defense attorneys supported the goal but raised concerns about notice procedures and how the bill would apply when material is in the public domain. The chair said the bill filled a gap in existing law and would receive an aye recommendation. SB 1208 by Senator Grayson would let law enforcement seize and return crypto assets used in scams and fraud to victims. The Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the bill as a tool to recover losses from transnational crypto fraud, while the ACLU and public defenders argued it lowered the burden of proof, raised constitutional concerns, and could be misused against unbanked or low-level defendants. The chair nevertheless said the bill aligned with existing law for stolen property and would be recommended aye. SB 874 by Senator Weber-Pearson would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including requiring background checks for employees of providers and convening a stakeholder workgroup; it drew support from the California Association for Behavior Analysis and no opposition was heard. Later, SB 1266 by Senator Stern would change how the value of stolen copper and related infrastructure damage is calculated, aiming to address copper theft and its costs to cities and utilities. Supporters said the bill would better capture the real harm from thefts that disrupt streetlights, telecom, and emergency services, while opponents argued it would inflate charges, turn many misdemeanors into felonies, and increase court and incarceration costs. The author said he would continue discussions and accept the amendments. Senator Cervantes presented SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County sheriff and coroner offices and create an independent medical examiner; supporters cited in-custody death concerns and conflicts of interest, while opponents said the problem was not unique to Riverside and that the bill would override local control. Cervantes also presented SB 1418 to extend ballot-custody protections to other election records and equipment after a Riverside County ballot seizure, with support from the Attorney General’s office. Finally, Senator Blakespear began presenting SB 936 on nitrous oxide misuse, describing public health, impaired-driving, and disposal concerns, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have Mark Warman, who’s a Deputy Commissioner for Property and Casualty.
• I do have Mark Warman, who’s Deputy Commissioner for Property and Casualty.
• Mark Warman, Deputy Commissioner, Property and Casualty Division, Texas Department of Insurance.
• I do have Mark Warman, who’s Deputy Commissioner for Property and Casualty.
• Is that correct, Mark? Yes, ma’am. We’re looking at December of this year.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we've done a good job of Honoring our late colleague Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and
• We lost Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.
• We lost Speaker Meira to Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.
• There's no marking on these licenses. If you're a...
• When a voter is marked, when a voter is deceased, when they die, they are marked as... inactive in our

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 3432, a public safety bill requiring identifying equipment and insignia to be removed from emergency vehicles sold to the public. The chamber first adopted a House language amendment, then debated a broader security package that would fund judicial and courthouse security, Capitol security measures, short-term protection for legislators facing credible threats, State Patrol deficiency funding, and additional BCA analysts and investigators to assess threats statewide. Supporters framed the bill as necessary to protect public safety, democracy, and First Amendment activity at the Capitol and courthouses; they also said the package was pared down from larger requests and based on security reviews. The House adopted an A-1 amendment clarifying that BCA staff could investigate threats statewide, and later rejected a Schultz A-3 amendment that would have eliminated all appropriations in the bill. The A-3 was defeated on a 37-94 vote after the House upheld the Speaker’s ruling that a proposed school-safety secondary amendment was not germane, with that appeal decided 69-62. A major theme of debate was whether the Legislature should prioritize security for members and the Capitol before passing school safety funding. Several members argued they could not support spending tens of millions on Capitol and legislative security without first funding school safety for all students, including public, charter, private, and tribal schools. Others defended the bill as necessary because of recent threats and violence, including the June 14 tragedy, and said the Capitol security changes were based on professional recommendations. Some members also criticized the new security setup as overly restrictive or “security theater,” while supporters said the measures were needed to keep the public, staff, and lawmakers safe. After the A-3 was defeated, the bill was read for third time and members continued floor debate. The discussion remained split between those emphasizing immediate Capitol and legislative security needs and those insisting school safety should come first. Representative Agbaje then moved to table the bill, and the clerk began a roll call on that motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stone's testimony hit the mark. And then, of course, Brian Cappelen with having it come stay local.
• Stone's testimony testimony testimony hit<00:56:38.960> the<00:56:39.080> mark.
• c> then<00:56:40.080> of<00:56:40.240> course<00:56:40.520> Brian hit the mark
• And then of course Brian hit the mark.
• Deputy Attorney General Mark Tom, for the department.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing either support or comments rather than opposition. HB 2395, relating to taking marine deposits for research, education, management, or propagation, received support from the University of Hawaii and DLNR. HB 2585, relating to agricultural tourism, drew broad support for its intent to keep agritourism secondary to farming, but agencies and farm groups raised concerns about enforcement, county authority, and the rebuttable presumption language. Testifiers included OPSD, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, a small farm operator, and others, with some urging clearer definitions, simpler registration, and protections for bona fide farms and hosted farm stays. HB 1728, on rainwater catchment systems, was supported in principle by DLNR, which cited drought conditions and said it deferred to counties and the Department of Health on safety and regulation. HB 1881, which would prohibit passenger ropeways on mountain lands, drew strong support from community testifiers who said it would help prevent development disguised as agritourism and protect forests and country lands. HB 1990, establishing penalties and possible foreclosure for unresolved zoning violations, received comments from the Attorney General recommending removal of AG references and more county-centered enforcement, while the Hawaii Association of Realtors warned the 30-day timeline could create problems for absent or unaware homeowners. The committee also heard HB 1712, which would expand and make permanent certain seats on the State Building Code Council. The Plumbers and Fitters union supported the bill, but BIA Hawaii requested amendments to add “licensed contractor” language, and architects and other professionals opposed the measure, arguing that increasing the council from 12 to 15 voting members would make it less efficient and harder to reach quorum. Finally, HB 2151, relating to hempcrete, was supported by a Kauai workforce development advocate and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who said hempcrete could support agriculture, manufacturing, and affordable housing while reducing carbon and reliance on imported materials. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Requirements for dedicated expedited lines, clearly marked signage indicating availability of expedited
• <01:10:26.159> signage<01:10:26.560> indicated lines clearly marked signage indicated
• lines clearly marked signage indicated availability<01:10:27.760> of<01:10:28.080> expedited
• The drop-off location should be marked for these buses where someone can go to accessible lane and get
• location should be marked for these buses<01:13:22.960> where<01:13:23.360> someone<01

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, confirmed a quorum, and heard several ceremonial recognitions, including an invocation by seminarian Benjamin Oler and a resolution honoring Taiwan’s ambassador, Alexander Ui Tore, for strengthening Maryland’s partnership with Taiwan. Senators also welcomed the day’s doctor, Dr. Larry Green, AFCEA Central Maryland chapter members, Chesapeake Bay Foundation student leaders, and Salisbury University students visiting for committee work. On legislation, the chamber referred Senate Bill 995 on cannabis licensing, labor peace agreements, and collective bargaining rules to the Rules Committee, and a bond initiative for New Market Town Hall to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 241, which would automatically restore voter registration for individuals released from state correctional facilities; the committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 323, the Juvenile Court Jurisdiction Youth Charging Reform Act. One amendment to keep first-degree assault in automatic adult charging was offered and debated at length, with supporters arguing the offense is extremely serious and should begin in adult court, and opponents saying the bill allows judges to make individualized decisions and aligns Maryland with other states and federal juvenile practice. The amendment failed by a 27-vote negative roll call. A second amendment from the minority whip sought to exclude firearm-in-drug-crime offenses and firearm use with felony drug convictions from automatic juvenile court treatment; the sponsor argued these offenses involve serious armed drug activity and should remain in adult court, while the bill’s supporters emphasized juvenile services and judicial discretion. The transcript cuts off before the vote on that second amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next on our order of business is Pastor Mark Ma, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
• Next on our uh order of business<00:03:07.360> is<00:03:07.680> Pastor<00:03:08.080> Mark
• <00:03:08.400> Ma,<00:03:09.120> King<00:03:09.360> of business is Pastor Mark
• Ma, King of business is Pastor Mark Ma, King of Glory<00:03:10.000> Lutheran<00:03:10.400>
• that hey we just can't hit that 80% mark that hey we just can't hit that 80% mark then<01:02:54.960

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, I will yield the floor back to Mark." "I have on several occasions, and it is very important.
• Okay, I will yield the floor back to Mark." "The only thing that I will add, and Mr.
• Okay, I will yield the floor back to Mark." "The only thing that I will add, and Mr.
• .<01:37:35.840> The Mark.
• The Mark.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 13 January, 2026; 1:45 PM, 925, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard first from the Office of State Public Defender, which said its core budget request was essentially level funding, with attorney and investigator pay raises already included because of the DA pay raise linkage. The main discussion focused on two initiatives: a rural public defense pilot in four counties and a Hinds County/Jackson public defense expansion. The pilot, funded last year with capital expense money, has formed a nonprofit, hired a director and staff, opened an office in Kosciusko, and began taking cases on October 1; most of its 44 cases involved day-one jail visits. The office said the project is intended to improve early representation, reduce jail time, and generate data, while not displacing local public defenders. For Hinds County, the office said new data show about 31% of cases originate from state-agency arrests, and it is seeking roughly $525,000 more to fully fund positions, bringing the total request to about $952,972 for five lawyers, an investigator, a legal secretary, and office expenses. Senators asked about funding sources and workload standards; the office said the pilot request had been submitted as general funds rather than capital expense, and that it is using weighted workload measures rather than strict national caseload standards. The committee then heard from the Attorney General’s office, represented by Deputy Attorney General Doug Miracle, who presented the FY 2027 budget request. The office requested $45.48 million total, including $35.31 million in general funds, which is a reduction from the prior year’s appropriation, but also requested a $1.58 million increase in salary funding. Miracle said the office is losing attorneys to other state agencies and district attorney offices because of salary caps and pay disparities, noting the Attorney General’s statutory salary cap of $150,000 and that more than 18 attorneys left last year. He said HB 1509 created higher pay levels for district attorneys and assistant district attorneys, making retention harder for the Attorney General’s office, and asked for either the salary increase or authority to move funds between budget lines. Miracle also highlighted the office’s work on child welfare and human trafficking, noting that federal HHS officials were visiting Jackson to discuss foster children and that the office administers the state’s human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation fund. He said the office is working to reduce time children spend in state custody and support services for trafficking victims and foster youth. The committee discussed statewide youth court reform as well, with Miracle explaining that the office supports expert recommendations and a plan that could create 25 youth court positions in 20 chancery districts at an estimated $10 million, based on DHS and AOC data and a model using state-employed and contract lawyers. No votes were taken during the excerpted meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do think it misses the mark a little bit, and my question is: you know, a supplier-retailer relationship
• think<01:23:57.159> it<01:23:57.280> misses<01:23:57.560> the<01:23:57.679> mark
• c><01:23:58.159> a<01:23:58.280> little<01:23:58.480> bit think it misses the mark
• a little bit think it misses the mark a little bit and<01:23:58.800> my<01:23:59.000> question
• received my insurance renewal, and I was excited because I had made that three-year no-moving-violations mark

Bills: HF2228, HF46, HF856, HF2149, HF2215

Keywords: homeowners insurance, property insurance, commercial property insurance, insurance affordability, insurance market stabilization, reinsurance, catastrophic reinsurance fund, self-insured pool, premium costs, coverage notice, liability reform, climate risk, climate change, housing affordability, multifamily housing, rental housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, small business insurance, Minnesota Commerce Department

Transcript Highlights:

• The mayor, Hollis Winston, and city engineer Mark Cver were introduced.
• <01:25:07.800> cver<01:25:08.159> city Hollis Wiston and Mark cver city Hollis Wiston
• So this water tower is incredibly important, and City Engineer Mark Culver is going to talk more about
• So this water tower is incredibly important, and City Engineer Mark Culver is going to talk more about
• My name is Mark Culver, City Engineer with the City of Brooklyn Park.

Bills: HF343, HF446, HF448, HF674, HF811, HF832, HF1661, HF1528, HF1536, HF1541, HF1670, HF1438, HF1714, HF1748, HF1835, HF1904, HF1929, HF1942

Keywords: HF343, Chisago County, Shorewood Park Sanitary Sewer District, Rush Lake, sewer extension, wastewater infrastructure, sanitary sewer, treatment pond, sewage treatment, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, local infrastructure, municipal utilities, water quality, sanitation, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, HF446

Transcript Highlights:

• from my days working on recounts that there are any number of things we could consider identifying marks
• from my days working on recounts that there are any number of things we could consider identifying marks
• from my days working on recounts that there are any number of things we could consider identifying marks
• <00:54:12.119> when<00:54:12.240> you're<00:54:12.440> going identifying marks
• when you're going identifying marks when you're going through<00:54:12.920> and<00:54:13.160>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's important to figure out how many kids just missed the mark, right, are just on the other side of
• It's important to figure out how many kids just missed the mark, right, are just on the other side of
• It's important to figure out how many kids just missed the mark, right, are just on the other side of
• It's important to figure out how many kids just missed the mark, right, are just on the other side of
• right are just kids just missed the mark right are just on<00:15:24.360> the<00:15:24.480>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I was one of the audit directors on the audit, along with Mark Mat.
• the slide here, which we'll dive into in detail on the next couple slides, and then following that Mark
• I can pause if there's any questions; otherwise, we can continue on with the IT portion that Mark Mat
• I can pause if there's any questions; otherwise, we can continue on with the IT portion that Mark Mat
• All right, with that, I'll turn it over to Mark.

Bills: HF1060, HF1062

Keywords: sports facilities, Minnesota, legislative commission, financial oversight, accountability, HF1062, driver and vehicle systems oversight committee, MNLARS, VTRS, vehicle title and registration system, driver's license system, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, MN.IT, legislative oversight, transportation finance, state government, committee repeal, sunset provision, information technology audit, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• asked if there were any additional questions, and seeing none, moved to the next name on the list, Mark
• Mark thanked Senator Gray and Senator Enis for presenting the bill.
• bill<01:42:40.760> my<01:42:40.880> name<01:42:41.000> is<01:42:41.119> Mark
• uh presenting this bill my name is Mark uh presenting this bill my name is Mark mlan<01:42:41.840
• Mark replied that the evaluation of effectiveness would be anecdotal because it is connected to ongoing

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At that time, I commented, mark my words, that ultimately she will be approving these measures.
• Mark my words, that ultimately she will be approving these measures.
• Senate conferees: Wendy Rogers, Mark Finchem, and Lisa Ortiz.
• House conferees: Senate conferees: Wendy Rogers, Mark Finchem, and Lisa Ortiz.
• Senate conferees: Mark Finchem, Shawnna Bolick, and Analise Ortiz.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to endure, and then maybe start to wonder if the data that test is collecting is really hitting the mark
• to endure, and then maybe start to wonder if the data that test is collecting is really hitting the mark
• to endure, and then maybe start to wonder if the data that test is collecting is really hitting the mark
• provides property casualty coverage for most of the cities in this state, are seeing on the ground is a marked
• provides property casualty coverage for most of the cities in this state, is seeing on the ground a marked

Bills: HF550, HF412, HF796, HF140

Keywords: redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, HF412, Minnesota legislature, education committee, K-12 education, school observation, teacher observation, administrator observation, legislative transparency, legislator accountability, House rules, Senate rules, Legislative Reference Library, public reporting, education finance, education policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Gonzalez. Heaney. Harbidian. Lackie. Ramos. Sharp Collins. Outstanding. We now have a quorum.
• Mark Gonzalez. Aye. Mark Gonzalez, aye. Haney. Paribidian. Lackie? No. Lackie? No. When? When? Aye.
• Just days ago marked the anniversary of their passing.
• With me to testify and support the bill are Mark Veles, the policy director for the Latino Coalition

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Mark Vuxovich, on behalf of Streets for All, one of the sponsors of the bill.
• enables us to catch those quick violators, but more importantly, as our witness testified, and thanks, Mark
• enables to catch those quick violators, but more importantly, as our witness testified, and thanks, Mark
• According to the Challenger Jobs Report, 2023 marked the first time companies cited artificial intelligence
• require substantial burdens, including affirmative proof that any asserted benefit that strengthens the mark

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator DeCorte, Deputy Attorney General Mark Tom for this department.
• Our Hawaii Mark Inoi or representative sends communication with comments.
• <00:55:02.240> Our<00:55:02.480> Hawaii<00:55:03.599> Mark<00:55:04.079>
• Our Hawaii Mark Inoi or >> Thank you.
• Our Hawaii Mark Inoi or representative representative representative uh<00:55:08.480> sends<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard several bills, beginning with SB 2010, which would authorize impoundment of motor vehicles for certain alleged or committed traffic violations. The Department of Transportation supported the bill, while the Department of the Attorney General asked for clarification in section 4 on who could seek remedies and what remedies would be available. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, citing unclear officer-initiated impound criteria, potential strain on judicial or administrative resources, and concerns about hardship for families and indigent owners; the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill with amendments, saying it should be limited to traffic offenses and could serve as an alternative to fines or imprisonment. The chair then recessed before moving to the next items. The committee next heard SB 2527 on commercial driver licensing, which would require state and county firefighters exempt from CDL requirements to be subject to an alcohol and substance abuse policy equivalent to or stronger than federal DOT standards. DOT, the Department of Human Resources Development, county officials, and the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association all indicated support. SB 2697, which would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, also drew DOT support, with the Attorney General, judiciary, and others submitting comments. SB 2812, requiring driver license applicants to be tested on the dangers larger vehicles pose to pedestrians and bicyclists, was supported by DOT but opposed by the Public Defender, who argued the excessive-speeding portion was too broad for first offenses and that the DUI-related language was unnecessary because DUI relicensing already requires re-examination. SB 291, clarifying that drivers whose licenses were revoked for certain alcohol-related offenses must undergo re-examination before relicensing, received DOT support. The committee then took up SB 3044, which would remove references to pedestrian countdown timers and the requirement that pedestrians begin crossing before the timer starts. DOT opposed the bill, but Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported it, arguing the current rule is confusing and can lead to citations even when pedestrians can safely cross. The Department of Health submitted late comments emphasizing the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and physical activity, and the chair noted the split in testimony. Finally, SB 2995 proposed a zero-emissions rideshare rebate program funded by a rideshare fee and administered by DOT. Earthjustice strongly supported the bill, describing it as a fee-and-rebate structure to help rideshare drivers transition to zero-emissions vehicles. A witness for Tom Yamachika suggested that if the state wants to tax ridesharing, it should amend existing tax law instead of creating a new chapter, but the bill’s supporters said DOT was better suited to administer the rebate program and that similar models exist in California and Washington. The committee also heard SB 3153, which would authorize DOT to designate airport special district zones at airports statewide to improve security and enforcement; DOT’s airports deputy director supported the measure, saying it would clarify jurisdiction and help address trespassing and hazards, and senators asked about boundaries, mapping, and coordination with the Attorney General. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.