Transcript Highlights:

• to reduce in health care costs in the State Employees Group Benefits Program.
• Well, is this about a cap-and-trade program?
• Carbon tax programs. and regulations that are either a direct carbon tax or a cap-and-trade. trade program
• They're the ones who can't afford it.
• I do know about that program.

Bills: HJR34, HB 113, HB184, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB1778, HB514, HB576, HB632, HB1395, HB2225, HB2582, HB2494, HB766, HB2715, HB2712, HB3069, HB3505, HB 1269, HB4224, HB3609, HB5032, HB2240, HB5180, HB3348, HB4668, HB4909, HB4665, HB4895, HB3395, HB3157, HB4762, HB4395, HB4325, HB4952, HB4386, HB4273, HB2760, HB2697, HB2820, HB1828, HB1768, HB1579, HB1773, HB1871, HB2035, HB2448, HB2492, HB1411, HB4753, HB4666, HB4529, HB1499, HB1610, HB2028, HB1506, HB886, HB3546, HB796, HB223, HB1475, HB3556, HB4638, HCR126, HB38, HB 104, SB1008, SB1106, SB1172, SB2629, SB2964, SB616, HB2214, SB552, HB3181, HB3628, HB589, HB3529, HB3354, HB333, HB2914, HB4130, HB4131, HB24, HB 1160, HB3962, HB4115, HB2295, HB5398, HB1407, HB3800, HB2613, HJR138, HB42, HJR34, HB 129, HB677, HB426, HB668, HB1699, HB2017, HB2128, HB2038, HB3783, HB3717, HB2316, HB3686, HB2563, HB3883, HB4021, HB2788, HB2663, HB3305, HB3173, HB3474, HB 1105, HB3531, HB3490, HB3597, HB 1295, HB3512, HB3010, HB3112, HB4215, HB3223, HB3464, HB3120, HB4214, HB4511, HB3704, HB4081, HB4783, HB4063, HB2783, HB4937, HB5085, HB2510, HB3426, HB4361, HB 1169, HB2516, HB2347, HB4034, HB4700, HB3560, HB5150, HB3860, HB3146, HB3924, HB 113, HB184, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB1778, HB514, HB576, HB632, HB1395, HB2225, HB2582, HB2494, HB766, HB2715, HB2712, HB3069, HB3505, HB 1269, HB4224, HB3609, HB5032, HB2240, HB5180, HB3348, HB4668, HB4909, HB4665, HB4895, HB3395, HB3157, HB4762, HB4395, HB4325, HB4952, HB4386, HB4273, HB2760, HB2697, HB2820, HB1828, HB1768, HB1579, HB1773, HB1871, HB2035, HB2448, HB2492, HB1411, HB4753, HB4666, HB4529, HB1499, HB1610, HB2028, HB1506, HB886, HB3546, HB796, HB223, HB1475, HB3556, HB4638, HCR98, HCR92, HCR126

Keywords: HJR 34, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, real property, border counties, U.S.-Mexico border, United Mexican States, border security, border security infrastructure, landowner, county tax base, local government, tax relief, property value increase, infrastructure improvements, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, statutory construction

Transcript Highlights:

• It is an amazing program in CCMR.
• through the R-PEP program. program in many other ways in many other districts and happy to take any
• , P-TECH and R-PEP programs.
• One is, tell me how the program is anticipated.
• Some of it will be the foundation school program.

Bills: HB20, HB 120, HB20, HB120

Keywords: applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Transcript Highlights:

• > for struggling to fund the CTE program for struggling to fund the CTE program for the<00:45:
• Yes, I think that's absolutely program.
• And um and I hope that um the program.
• We need CTE programs four-year college.
• The affordability and with right now.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 771, the open enrollment bill, which had returned from the Senate with language clarifying that districts should list both tuition expenses and offsetting revenue estimates from sending districts. The chair and Representative McGuire supported concurring with the Senate changes, while Representative Luno raised broader concerns about the bill’s structure and equity, arguing that tuition based on 80% of the sending district’s average cost could be unfair and could create problems for receiving districts with different cost structures. After a show of hands, the committee voted to concur and send that recommendation to the House floor, with Luno indicating he would speak against it there. The committee then took up SB 9 in executive session. An amendment, 1920H, was offered to clarify that the tuition calculation should use the sending district’s average cost and to support access to CTE programs, including allowing students to take academic courses at the receiving school and, in some cases, attend the nearest CTE center. Supporters said the bill would help more students participate in career and technical education and noted bipartisan sponsorship in the Senate. Opponents argued the amendment would increase district costs, strain property taxpayers, and could reduce CTE participation or create logistical problems. The committee adopted the amendment 10-8, then voted 10-8 to recommend OTPA as amended; Representative Lad was assigned the majority report and Representative Luno the minority ITL report. After closing the SB 9 executive session, the chair reminded members that committee reports were due immediately and announced retained-bill subcommittees. One subcommittee will address adequacy and school funding issues arising from HB 651, HB 772, HB 491, and HB 434, chaired by Representative Spillsbury. Another will address school building aid issues from HB 295 and HB 366, including whether to keep the current formula or revise it, and how to handle renovations, new construction, and lease arrangements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota has a severe shortage of affordable housing, and research finds 80% of older adults are either
• Um, and the person looking for affordable housing could find a room in a home with another senior.
• Sounds like a really nice program. rent a room from you. So, you can uh rent a room from you.
• Sounds like a really<00:04:54.320> nice<00:04:54.680> program.
• Um you mentioned really nice program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It protects access to affordable care with transparent flat monthly pricing.
• Makes life more affordable for Minnesotans, is what it does.
• It protects access to affordable laws.
• <00:43:58.480> option a it's just a private um program option a it's just a private um program
• guardrails they want for this program. guardrails they want for this program.

Bills: HF2400, HF1724, HF3437, HF4333, HF2874, HF4052

Keywords: real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, direct primary care, healthcare agreements, medical services, patient care, health insurance, mortgage fees, residential loans, commercial loans, finance regulations, investment properties, insurance, supplemental health insurance, short-term care, home health care, nursing care

Transcript Highlights:

• But there are many things we cannot afford to buy on our own.
• Families will never be able to afford the true cost of care.
• , Minnesota is becoming less affordable, Minnesota is becoming less affordable, and<00:58:58.080>
• Like, the reason people can't afford their lives is because they are being taxed to death.
• Like, the reason people can't afford their lives is because they are being taxed to death.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard presentations on two tax bills: House File 4123, by Representative Agbaje, would expand Minnesota’s net investment income tax to include certain business income, especially income from S corporations and LLCs not subject to federal self-employment taxes, while keeping the current rate and million-dollar threshold; she said it would raise an estimated $88.7 million next year. House File 4616, by Chair Gomez, would impose a 1% annual tax on fortunes above $10 million. Gomez framed the bill as a response to growing wealth inequality and argued that wealthy households and large fortunes should contribute more to public services, while Agbaje said her bill would broaden the tax base and help meet state needs. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project, Erica Mominee of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees, Lauren Richards, and teacher Kristen Sinicariello, said the bills would help address wealth and income inequality and provide needed revenue for public health, education, and other public services. They pointed to federal tax cuts for high-income households, cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and strains on state agencies and schools. Richards said small businesses already pay more than large corporations like Amazon, and Sinicariello argued that higher revenue would support classrooms and help equalize opportunity. Opponents, including Brian Cook of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Dalton Danielson of the Minnesota Business Partnership, and John Beschi of NFIB Minnesota, warned that both bills would hurt business competitiveness and investment. They argued that HF 4123 would effectively create a new higher tax tier for pass-through businesses and that HF 4616 would be difficult to administer, could force sales of illiquid assets, and could discourage entrepreneurship and capital investment. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee moved through bill presentations and public testimony before member discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• recognize my constituent, affordable recognize my constituent, affordable housing<00:11:17.120><
• <00:11:25.600> housing Apartments, a Wheaten affordable housing Apartments, a Wheaten affordable
• Who can afford that?
• <03:10:10.880> that Medicaid and SNAP, programs that Medicaid and SNAP, programs that hundreds
• protection and for justice cannot afford protection and for justice cannot afford to<08:54:42.120

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't automatically flow to state programs unless the program has a specific statutory formula that
• federal funds supporting this program. federal funds supporting this program.
• That means tax affordability.
• would be to make things more affordable would be to make things more affordable for<01:16:22.800
• <01:42:18.000> Now, can afford? Now, can afford?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a regulatory scheme that does not fit for lab integrity programs.
• for lab integrity programs.
• My company provides lab integrity programs for over 30 health plans across the US, uh.
• So Chairman, uh, the chair calls Beaman Floyd, Texas Coalition of Affordable of Affordable Insurance
• Affordable for people.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, so, yeah, this is my bill that we had talked about last time, creating a Minnesota SNAP program.
• Creating a Minnesota SNAP program that would be a bridge program to try to catch folks that would be
• Um, how do we attempt to create a program that serves adults and children when there is no money tied
• Um, but I think we fundamentally disagree on the concept of creating a program to provide assistance
• <00:04:11.960> that<00:04:12.440> to concept of creating a program that to concept

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• committed on the K through2 program committed on the K through2 program Senator<00:37:40.560>
• But that says we're committed to get the affordable housing.
• <00:55:43.200> and four-year night law school program and four-year night law school program
• health insurance but still can't afford health insurance but still can't afford to<01:07:24.279>
• program for the AHA punan Leo program program for the AHA punan Leo program she<01:19:00.920>

Keywords: Order of the Day: PENDING, 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the primary metric there is the program funded ratios and tracking that over time.
• You'll note that on a combined basis, the program... ...has a funded ratio of 100%.
• So both of those programs are right around 90% funded in 2024.
• OSA also plays a role in supporting these programs and even risk management.
• These programs and even risk management.

Summary: The committee approved the July minutes and then received an informational presentation from the Office of the State Actuary on the financial condition of the state retirement systems. The actuary reported that employer contribution rates are generally declining, helped by strong investment returns and reduced funding for PERS 1 and TERS 1, while funded ratios have continued to improve; on a combined basis the plans were reported at 100% funded in 2024, with open plans above 95% and legacy plans varying by system. The presentation also reviewed projected rates and funded ratios under current assumptions, noted that pension costs are taking a smaller share of the state general fund, and discussed risks from investment volatility, policy changes, and demographic experience. Committee members asked about savings from lower rates, deferred asset smoothing, and how Washington compares with other states. The committee then considered the state actuary’s recommendation on long-term economic assumptions and adopted all four recommendations by roll call votes: inflation at 3.0%, general salary growth at 3.5%, membership growth for Plan 1 funding at 1.0%, and investment rate of return at 7.25%. The actuaries explained that the inflation and salary growth increases were driven largely by higher long-term inflation expectations, while the investment return recommendation matched the current statutory assumption. Members discussed the timing of the Pension Funding Council’s decision, the effect of tariffs and inflation uncertainty, and how assumption changes would affect future contribution rates and budgets, particularly for open plans. Staff then gave an update on the LEOFF 1 study, explaining the difference between being “ahead of schedule” and truly overfunded, and summarizing responses received from DRS, the State Treasurer, and the State Investment Board on the merger and restatement proposals. DRS said both bills could be administered, though the merger bill’s COLA banking provision would be challenging until its new system is ready; the Treasurer urged caution, especially about the restatement bill and the use of one-time funds; and the Investment Board said removing assets from the trust would have some transaction costs but likely small impacts. The committee discussed whether to invite additional agencies and local government groups to testify, and staff said more responses, including from Ice Miller and the State Actuary, were expected for the October meeting. Finally, the committee heard a briefing on PERS 1/TERS 1 COLA policy and related bills from the last session. Staff reviewed the committee’s prior ongoing COLA recommendation, the SCPP-endorsed bills that would have created a one-time 3% COLA followed by an ongoing COLA, the Senate merger bill, and a separate ad hoc COLA bill. Public testimony largely supported Plan 1 COLAs and stable contribution rates, while several speakers urged caution about transferring LEOFF 1 surplus assets or merging legacy plans, and others raised concerns about climate risk and the pension fund’s investments. No further committee action was taken on the COLA item during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:26:00.639> now be transferred into our program now be transferred into our program now
• lands that make sense in our program lands that make sense in our program because<01:27:19.800><
• scattered Lots development program scattered Lots development program something<01:30:43.159>
• We also have, uh, program requests in for the supporting the sex traffic victim support program.
• 250 units, elderly affordable.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:03.599> I so to say and uh this this uh program I so to say and uh this this uh program
• used to be a quite an expensive program used to be a quite an expensive program and<00:43:24.680
• pre-existing CNA training program pre-existing CNA training program because<00:52:10.319> I'm
• <00:53:00.839> to community are saying I can't afford to community are saying I can't afford
• <00:56:47.640> and the EMS locally as a pilot program and the EMS locally as a pilot program

Bills: HF110, HF111, HF263, HF105

Keywords: HF110, Adrian Independent School District, Independent School District No. 511, school construction, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, refundable exemption, construction materials, capital improvements, school roofing, playground remodel, retaining walls, plumbing, bathroom remodel, locker room remodel, window replacements, local tax relief, general fund appropriation, Minnesota chapter 297A, retroactive tax refund

Transcript Highlights:

• At a time that so many Minnesotans are struggling to afford the basics, I thank...
• But there are many things we cannot afford to buy on our own.
• theater program is being cut. theater program is being cut.
• Minnesota's becoming less affordable, and people are leaving our state and our businesses.
• <01:09:14.560> and Minnesota's becoming less affordable and Minnesota's becoming less affordable

Bills: HF4621, HF4123, HF4616, HF1183

Keywords: child tax credit, financial assistance, low-income families, state revenue, tax policy, net investment income, taxation, business income, self-employment, tax increase, wealth tax, fairness, public services, high-income earners, economic equity, Internal Revenue Code, employee classification, federal law, Minnesota statutes, 1183

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's progress that our community cannot afford to lose.
• And it's progress that our community cannot afford to lose.
• And it's progress that our community cannot afford to lose.
• > Lexington<00:17:08.240> that have programs like one Lexington that have programs like
• <00:17:22.240> Gun community cannot afford to lose. Gun community cannot afford to lose.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:41 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:37 Orders of the Day 06:14 HB 312 06:41 Interrupted Stream 38:41, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation focused on the approaching storm and the need to check on neighbors, first responders, hospitals, and vulnerable residents. A quorum was established, absent members were excused, the rules were suspended for co-sponsorship and vote modification filings, and the journal from Thursday, January 22, 2026 was approved. The clerk also reported Senate passage of SB 13, 22, 46, 51, and 90 and requested concurrence. Under orders of the day, HB 258 was recommitted to the Transportation Committee. The chamber then took up HB 312, an act relating to concealed firearms and deadly weapons, which would create a provisional concealed carry license for law-abiding 18- to 20-year-olds. The sponsor argued the bill restores equal treatment for adults, aligns Kentucky with other states, and imposes training and background-check requirements. Supporters said the Second Amendment applies to this age group, that military service and other adult responsibilities are already entrusted to them, and that the bill would not change prohibited locations for firearms. Opponents argued the measure would increase gun violence and public safety risks, citing concerns from school district police, SROs, and empirical research about firearm-related assaults, homicides, and brain development in young adults. They emphasized that concealed weapons reduce visibility for parents, schools, and law enforcement and pointed to local youth-violence prevention efforts in Lexington as progress that could be undermined. Supporters countered that defensive gun use is common, that the CDC and other studies overstate gun harms, and that the bill is about constitutional rights rather than hunting or alcohol analogies. The transcript provided does not include the final vote on HB 312.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator King, and I appreciate all your work on this wonderful program.
• I think it's important that we have a program and it continues.
• It's an affront to everything that we should be doing for affordable housing.
• We don’t want good programs to go under.
• This is a terribly complex area, and we need the affordable housing multifamily units.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions. The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees. On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you want to expand the teacup program, allow a minimum of 5,000 new licenses and make the fees affordable
• My gas station does carry hemp products. and when I cannot, I can't afford the teacup program. in 1505
• , the people who come to us to feel better at an affordable rate because they cannot afford it. afford
• , the medical marijuana program.
• It is not an accessible program.

Bills: SB3, SB810, SB965, SB1073, SB1119, SB1505, SB 3

Keywords: Texas Education Code, public schools, school district, open-enrollment charter school, teacher speech, employee speech, biological sex, pronouns, gender identity, retaliation, discipline, workplace protections, school personnel, education policy, LGBTQ, transgender, charter schools, SB 965, religious speech, prayer

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:17.360> and development including affordable and development including affordable and
• , skills-based certificate programs, skills-based certificate programs, publicly<00:04:08.000>
• ,<00:04:27.919> or events, public programming, or events, public programming, or educational
• We can't afford it the welfare state.
• <01:37:56.320> in allow greater access to our programs in allow greater access to our programs

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This would keep it affordable for those affected by underwriting.
• This would keep it affordable for those affected by underwriting.
• This would keep it affordable for those affected by underwriting.
• <01:16:57.480> generics reflect the affordability generics reflect the affordability generics
• <01:17:14.600> still the 2020 fiscal note the program still the 2020 fiscal note the program

Keywords: 1187, senate, all