Transcript Highlights:

• But, Senator Sparks, you've said before, if the math don't math, what are we doing?
• > math, don't math, don't math, what<03:12:45.400> are<03:12:45.440> we<03:12:45.560
• How do you get the math? How do you get the math?
• I'd love to see the math.
• I'd love to see the math.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 10 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and then dispensed with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests and pages were introduced, including junior pages, a doctor of the day, Farm Bureau representatives, and other visitors in the galleries. The chamber also recognized a birthday and welcomed a House member to the Senate. On the calendar, the Senate took up several bills and mostly adopted strike-all amendments before passing them, often by morning roll call. These included HB 1646, which increased disaster trust fund transfer limits for declared and non-declared disasters; HB 1649, which authorized additional state fund transfers for Main Street revitalization projects and increased the total authorized expenditure; HB 1653, which kept a local improvements project fund bill alive for possible repurposing of funds, including a Mississippi Valley State residence hall project; and HB 669, which allowed patrons to bring wine into licensed premises with a corkage fee and changed wine shipment reporting from quarterly to semiannual. HB 1620 created an economic zone around the Chevron refinery in Jackson County, and HB 2787 changed school district gas-piping inspection requirements from annual testing to a two-year cycle, with funding support from gas companies. The Senate also handled several concurrence and conference motions on House and Senate bills, including SB 2263 on probable-cause requirements for Marine Resources officers boarding or stopping vessels, SB 2524 establishing the Postsecondary Attainment Council, and SB 2597 involving the ABC warehouse transfer in Madison County, with the chamber choosing not to concur and to invite conference on those items. SB 2368 made technical changes to the higher education legislative plan grant program, and SB 2526 on the Rural Water Oversight Committee returned with changes removing a reverse repealer and shifting administration of some duties to a nonprofit using rural water revolving loan funds. The Senate also tabled motions to reconsider on some items, and one nomination-related motion drew extended remarks about the role of the capital post-conviction counsel office and respect for crime victims.

Transcript Highlights:

• English teachers now to the Math English teachers now to the Math teachers<00:29:40.880> in
• Students had an average English language arts and math proficiency rate of 51% and 41%, respectively.
• students are well educated in math students are well educated in math reading<01:52:32.679> grammar
• If they can't do basic budgeting and math, how can I trust them to educate my child?
• The education freedom account has helped me advance my knowledge in reading, writing, and math.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 115-FN, which would remove the income cap from New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account eligibility rules. Representative Valerie McDonnell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to fund students rather than systems and to expand educational choice regardless of income or zip code. She described the change as a small statutory edit but argued it would have significant benefits, including helping families afford alternative education settings and testing costs such as AP exams. She also cited testimony from families who said EFAs helped children with special needs or difficult circumstances, and she argued the program is popular and cost-effective. Committee members questioned McDonnell about the bill’s fiscal impact and administration. One member asked whether removing the income cap would extend vouchers to families above the statewide median income and whether the change could cost more than $100 million annually; McDonnell said she did not agree with that estimate and pointed to Arizona as a comparison. Representative Wendy Thomas asked whether the bill should require stronger data-sharing from the Children’s Scholarship Fund, which administers the program, so the Department of Education and taxpayers could better track spending; McDonnell said the program already uses ClassWallet and regulated expenditures, and that the question was better directed to the administrator. Several members testified in opposition. Representative Wendy Thomas said the bill would increase costs for public schools, raise local property taxes, and worsen oversight problems. Representative Heath Howard argued the proposal would function as a subsidy for wealthy families already paying private tuition and said public education and special education should be funded first. Representative Megan Murray also opposed the bill, emphasizing the lack of a legal reporting requirement for EFA spending and the need for transparency, accountability, and attention to special education needs. Representative Sam Farrington supported expansion, sharing a constituent story about a student who left public school after harassment and benefited from private school placement. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• car was exempt from execution under the law, it was only through Greater Boston Legal Services' intervention
• the car was exempt from execution under the law, it was only through greater boss legal services intervention

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a ceremonial welcome for the Duxbury Bay Maritime School crew team, which was congratulated for winning the 2025 Massachusetts Public School Rowing Association spring championship. The chamber also adopted several congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Henry Skolsky, Gregory de Rochman, Colin Bauker, and Gabriel Bennett. The Senate then took up and passed two sick leave bank bills for Massachusetts Department of Transportation employees: House No. 4104 for Daniel Yender and House No. 4161 for Mark Kratman. It also ordered a series of other calendar items to third reading without debate. The chamber later considered Senate No. 2550, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, with Senator Preen explaining that the bill would align Massachusetts with other states, reduce forum shopping, and better protect left-behind parents; the bill was amended by Ways and Means, ordered to a third reading, and passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. The Senate next took up Senate No. 2551, the Debt Collection Fairness Act. Senator Eldridge described provisions to raise garnishment protections, lower post-judgment interest rates, prohibit imprisonment for consumer debt, and shorten the statute of limitations on debt collection, while noting support from consumer advocates and the Attorney General. After adopting a technical Ways and Means amendment, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote. The chamber also adopted committee reports placing Senate Bills 137 and 1034 on the Orders of the Day and advanced a Ways and Means-recommended substitute draft for a bill on police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder. The session adjourned in memory of Mark Sullivan.

Transcript Highlights:

• is very near and dear to my heart, and I know to the Chair of Ways and Means as well, is early intervention
• Early intervention and care. We all know this.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up debate on the FY2026 general appropriations bill, with several members speaking in support of the Ways and Means budget. Senators Comerford, O’Connor, Feeney, and DiDomenico emphasized the budget as a values-driven response to federal uncertainty, highlighting investments in MassHealth, education, housing, food security, local aid, libraries, transit, mental and behavioral health, and support for vulnerable residents. They also praised the budget’s lack of new taxes and its focus on spending within available revenues, while noting major cost pressures from health care and federal policy instability. Specific programs and items repeatedly cited included universal free community college, expanded financial aid, rural and minimum school aid, TAFDC/EAEDC increases, the Healthy Incentives Program, universal school meals, housing supports, Home and Healthy for Good, and funding for Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital. Speakers framed these investments as both fiscally responsible and morally necessary, and several noted that amendments would be considered during the debate. No votes on the budget itself were taken in the excerpt. After the budget remarks, Senator Miranda spoke in recognition of Haitian Flag Day and the history of Haiti, including foreign interference and the importance of protecting Haitian immigrants in Massachusetts. Another senator then honored Malcolm X on the 100th anniversary of his birth, connecting his legacy to the budget process and calling for investments in equity, education, housing, and health care. The Senate then adopted an order to meet the next day at 10 a.m. with the general appropriations bill as the only item on the calendar, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot say for sure that just because you give... ...certain interventions, it is the reason why you
• fundamentals when it comes to data infrastructure to truly be able to ascertain whether a lot of our interventions

Transcript Highlights:

• There are so many different interventions that we could consider as a committee to prevent those acts
• Violent crime and particularly violent gun crime, there are so many different interventions that we could

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum present and heard a presentation from FDLE Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard on homicide investigations, blood evidence, toxicology, medical records, and mental health records. Pollard explained that autopsy toxicology and medical examiner records are often critical in death investigations, but access to hospital blood tests, medical records, Baker Act records, and substance abuse treatment records is restricted by Florida law, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2, usually requiring subpoenas, court orders, or consent. He also noted that autopsy reports are generally public, while photographs are confidential, and that medical examiners can access relevant prior medical history of decedents. Members questioned Pollard about what toxicology panels include, whether medications can be tested for, and whether medical examiner reviews can help determine if a deceased person had stopped taking prescribed psychiatric medication. Pollard said toxicology can include alcohol, drugs, and specific medications when relevant, but routine access to living suspects’ medical information is limited. He also discussed FDLE’s behavioral threat assessment work and said investigators may follow leads involving mental health treatment or facility releases when relevant to a case, though he could not speak to regulatory follow-up. The committee also discussed risk protection orders, with Pollard saying FDLE has used them effectively and that they can help prevent violence and connect individuals to services. The discussion then shifted to FDLE laboratory turnaround times and public safety impacts. Pollard said the average DNA turnaround time was 208 days for some cases, while sex assault kits are prioritized and generally remain under 90 days, with rush cases sometimes completed within 24 hours. He said backlog is tied to staffing and analyst capacity, and that faster processing is especially important in unsolved violent and sexual assault cases because delays can leave offenders on the street. The committee also noted that increased toxicology demands would affect toxicology staffing and workload, though not DNA processing. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is an area that my husband practices as an interventional radiologist, so it's a relatively
• And this is an area that my husband practices as an interventional radiologist, so it's a relatively

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

Transcript Highlights:

• HB2756 by Thompson relating to training on de-escalation, crisis intervention, and behavioral health
• requires all correctional officers and supervisors within TDCJ to receive de-escalation crisis... ...intervention
• It's simple math. It's actually going to go down in this bill. That's the amendment.

Bills: HB1500, HJR7, HJR112, HB34, HB133, HB 112, HB 119, HB 128, HB 130, HB132, HB2756, HB166, HB406, HB186, HB271, HB331, HB380, HB1583, HB1584, HB1819, HB621, HB303, HB552, HB366, HB463, HB 1211, HB1327, HB1461, HB923, HB1760, HB2043, HB2467, HB5333, HB5265, HB1592, HB1576, HB1552, HB2018, HB3511, HB1781, HB2013, HB2340, HB2349, HB2508, HB2970, HB2520, HB865, HB2851, HB3385, HB3336, HB3529, HB3309, HB 1127, HB 1232, HB1397, HB4236, HB1804, HB1926, HB4041, HB1965, HB1964, HB2679, HB2730, HB3698, HB3699, HCR77, HB3354, HB163, HB201, HB272, HB333, HB405, HB519, HB569, HB654, HB694, HB791, HB 1006, HB 1136, HB 1240, HB 1266, HB 1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1842, HB1868, HB1888, HB1894, HB1943, HB1990, HB2029, HB2061, HB2286, HB2523, HB2622, HB2626, HB2652, HB2692, HB2842, HB2885, HB2914, HB3016, HB3096, HB3129, HB3248, HB3251, HB3255, HB3479, HB3611, HB3623, HB3701, HB3724, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3810, HB3816, HB3832, HB3887, HB4127, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131, HB4163, HB4187, HB4229, HB4238, HB4454, HB4588, HB4643, HB4736, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HB5616, SB767, SB1619, SB1738, HJR5, HJR2, HB1399, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1672, HB1722, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB1445, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2558, HB2742, HB1695, HB33, HB144, HB 109, HB 103, HB148, HB3809, HB2217, HB220, HB2421, HB2363, HB421, HB2455, HB3711, HB2559, HB2775, HB3126, HB3666, HB3595, HB3260, HB3376, HB3826, HB3770, HB1831, HB2614, HB3113, HB322, HB431, HB869, HB 1203, HB 1244, HB1875, HB1950, HB2152, HB2341, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, SB1415, SB1058, SB487, SB1499, SB513, SB1697, SB1197, SB1437, SB1809, SB836, SB1879, SB1145, SB963, SB1038, SB1147, SB914, SB711, SB1409, HB3707, HB589, HB1360, HB2337, HB2391, HB718, HB23, HB2436, HB1500, HJR7, HJR112, HB34, HB133, HB 112, HB 119, HB 128, HB 130, HB132, HB2756, HB166, HB406, HB186, HB271, HB331, HB380, HB1583, HB1584, HB1819, HB621, HB303, HB552, HB366, HB463, HB 1211, HB1327, HB1461, HB923, HB1760, HB2043, HB2467, HB5333, HB5265, HB1592, HB1576, HB1552, HB2018, HB3511, HB1781, HB2013, HB2340, HB2349, HB2508, HB2970, HB2520, HB865, HB2851, HB3385, HB3336, HB3529, HB3309, HB 1127, HB 1232, HB1397, HB4236, HB1804, HB1926, HB4041, HB1965, HB1964, HB2679, HB2730, HB3698, HB3699, HB3354, HB163, HB201, HB272, HB333, HB405, HB519, HB569, HB654, HB694, HB791, HB 1006, HB 1136, HB 1240, HB 1266, HB 1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1842, HB1868, HB1888, HB1894, HB1943, HB1990, HB2029, HB2061, HB2286, HB2523, HB2622, HB2626, HB2652, HB2692, HB2842, HB2885, HB2914, HB3016, HB3096, HB3129, HB3248, HB3251, HB3255, HB3479, HB3611, HB3623, HB3701, HB3724, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3810, HB3816, HB3832, HB3887, HB4127, HB4129, HB4130, HB4131, HB4163, HB4187, HB4229, HB4238, HB4454, HB4588, HB4643, HB4736, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HB5616, SB767, SB1619, SB1738, HCR77

Keywords: Information Resources, Department governance, cybersecurity, state assistance, procurement training, technology resources, advisory committees, water fund, Texas water supply, constitutional amendment, state revenue, infrastructure, parental rights, child upbringing, government interference, Texas legislation, science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration

Transcript Highlights:

• It's designed to provide interventions to assist students to avoid them needing more intensive services
• It's designed to provide interventions to assist students to avoid them needing more intensive services
• It's designed to provide interventions to assist students to avoid them needing more intensive services
• It's designed to provide interventions to assist students to avoid them needing more intensive services
• It's designed to provide interventions to assist students to avoid them needing more intensive services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach, and Senate Bill 667 utilizes just one intervention
• 10:48.079> utilizes<02:10:48.719> just<02:10:49.040> one<02:10:49.360> intervention
• <02:10:50.079> to 667 utilizes just one intervention to 667 utilizes just one intervention
• c><02:14:10.560> that officers to make that to do that officers to make that to do that intervention
• So, is that not being are intervention.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• once we get good data on the clinician side, we can actually start to come up with meaningful interventions
• once we get good data on the clinician side, we can actually start to come up with meaningful interventions
• interventions to hopefully help<00:24:23.520> our<00:24:23.760> families<00:24:24.159>
• <00:28:27.679> to<00:28:28.000> prevent coming up with interventions to prevent coming
• up with interventions to prevent this<00:28:28.640> in<00:28:28.880> the<00:28:29.039>

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers. The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation. For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• step of going to CEP, where they'd be then required to provide meals to all their students when the math
• I just threw a lot of math. Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, please. Yeah, one quick question if I may.
• So, in my math, that 30% number that we've been talking about is what it costs for people in our state
• We did the math and, similar to others who have testified before, discovered that it would actually cost
• If we do the math and divide that out, If we do the math and divide that out, what is your actual labor

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The math is simple: as more Californians drive more fuel-efficient and zero-mission vehicles, fewer drivers
• And before you guys think, I don't know how to do math, I promise you I do—someone else check my numbers
• And before you guys think, I don't know how to do math, I promise you I do, someone else check my numbers
• And the general analysis that folks are talking about in rural communities... ...if you look at the math
• Then it's just math: that average vehicle buys 489 gallons of gasoline.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support. The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance. Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use. Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh, ELA, which is English language arts, um, math and science.
• So, uh, in my hometown of where, uh, the ELA is 34%, the math is 28%, and the science proficiency is
• :13:49.600> to<00:13:49.680> be<00:13:49.839> across<00:13:50.240> all math
• is that going to be across all math is that going to be across all grade<00:13:50.800> levels
• districts and then try to do the math. districts and then try to do the math.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the copy I have unfortunately doesn't have page two, which I believe is where the math is. >> Yeah
• . >> Could you run us through the math?
• > Yeah. >> Representative Qualey, uh, to answer your question, my computer doesn't show the voodoo math
• is<02:13:46.800> not<02:13:47.040> a<02:13:47.199> simple<02:13:47.520> math
• Um, redistricting is not a simple math Um, redistricting is not a simple math problem.<02:13:49.280

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I will be calling you to find out how you did that math, because I was trying to figure it out as
• >> So, you have that math you can show me.
• >> So, you have that math you can show me. Okay.<01:00:52.977> [laughter] Okay.
• So<01:15:37.600> the<01:15:37.760> math<01:15:38.000> math<01:15:38.320> is
• There's one more little math equation, though.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The working group approved the prior meeting minutes with one correction to reflect Laura Ziggler’s attendance. Staff then outlined the report due February 13, 2026, which must summarize the group’s activities and include findings and recommendations adopted by the group; the report will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. The chair emphasized that the group’s charge is broad and includes analyzing electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, developing policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding, and reviewing other states’ laws and policies. Discussion focused heavily on how to replace declining gas tax revenue as more vehicles become electric. The chair framed the issue as a fairness and implementation challenge, noting that EVs are a growing share of the fleet and that the group should consider both policy and funding, not just one or the other. Members and guests raised several ideas already submitted, including a road user charge, changes to the EV charging tax, ending or modifying the EV surcharge, broadening the tax to publicly owned charging stations, reducing the charging level threshold to level 2, ending sales tax on electricity, addressing off-road use, and expanding the definition of auto parts to include charging equipment. Representative Elkins argued that charging based on electricity used at home is impractical for most vehicles, that public charging is already much more expensive than home charging, and that the current sales tax plus surcharge amounts to double taxation for public-charging users. He said a mileage-based user charge modeled on Utah’s approach is workable, could be phased in, and could preserve privacy by allowing a voluntary or alternative method for home charging estimates. Senator Howe responded that home electricity use can be estimated similarly to mileage deductions on taxes and said the state should tax all electricity used as fuel, regardless of charger level, if it can be identified. Other speakers echoed that all road users should pay a fair share and that the main challenge is implementation. Tony Kis of Quick Trip asked that a late letter be included in the record and urged clarification of the sales, use, excise tax, and collection rules to avoid double taxation and reduce administrative burden, noting the current monthly collection date and suggesting the group should streamline collection methods. No final policy decisions or votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Computer science leads to higher scores in reading and math, equips students with problem-solving and
• Computer science leads to higher scores in reading and math, equips students with problem-solving and
• This money is crucial for hiring reading and math interventionists, social workers, and adults who help
• crucial for hiring reading and math crucial for hiring reading and math interventionists,<01:18:
• <01:21:06.640> and Starbase to meet required math and Starbase to meet required math and science

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, if you had a premium that was just doing easy math, $1,000 a month, and you had a 36% increase, that
• Um, if you had a premium that was just doing easy math, $1,000 a month, and you had a 36% increase, that
• Um, if you had a premium that was just doing easy math, $1,000 a month, and you had a 36% increase, that
• Um, if you had a premium that was just doing easy math, $1,000 a month, and you had a 36% increase, that
• Um, if you had a premium that was just doing easy math, $1,000 a month, and you had a 36% increase, that

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3388, and an A1 amendment was adopted by voice vote. The bill, as amended, would direct the Department of Commerce to seek another federal waiver to continue Minnesota’s reinsurance program and preserve the assessment-and-tax-credit funding model adopted last session. Chair O’Driscoll said the measure is intended to give future legislators options before the current reinsurance structure ends, warning that without it individual-market premiums could rise substantially and more people could lose coverage. Testimony was largely supportive. Dan Andre of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans said reinsurance has been a success since 2018, has lowered premiums by covering a portion of high-cost claims, and helped subsidize care for more than 5,000 Minnesotans in 2024. Ann New Brindley of the Minnesota Business Partnership and Steven Rubis of the Health Plan Partnership of Minnesota also backed the bill, saying market stability is important amid the loss of federal premium tax credits and that continued reinsurance would help prevent further premium increases and cost shifting. Jonathan Carter of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce likewise supported the bill, citing the program’s role in keeping Minnesota’s individual-market premiums among the lowest in the country. Members also discussed how the assessment and tax-credit mechanism works, with Chair O’Driscoll describing it as an assessment on plans followed by a tax credit against state liability. Representative Elkins questioned how insurers self-assess, and Representative Smith said the assessment model is preferable to a general-fund approach if the program continues. Representative Kaggel raised concerns about taxpayer costs and the broader health care system, while also saying the current system is unsustainable and in need of more fundamental change. The committee then renewed the motion to lay House File 3388, as amended, over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• School may add an additional hour of instruction in the partner language for content areas such as math
• An optional third hour may include a content area course taught in the partner language, such as math
• a second language for English learners, and an optional third hour of content instruction, such as math
• tell us about what we've done right in New Mexico in investing in Reading, the need to do that in math
• You just finished not long ago in the education program at UNM, specializing in special education, math

Transcript Highlights:

• multiple times: if supply is going down and demand is going up, you're going to run right smack into a math
• you're going to run right smack<00:04:27.800> into<00:04:28.040> a<00:04:28.199> math
• > so<00:04:30.440> my<00:04:30.639> goal<00:04:30.919> is smack into a math
• problem so my goal is smack into a math problem so my goal is to<00:04:31.280> find<00:04:31.560
• 37.199> generation<00:04:38.199> to<00:04:38.400> have Yes, please save us from a math

Keywords: 1187, senate, all