Transcript Highlights:

• I as a taxpayer, not as a legislator I as a taxpayer, not as a legislator only,<01:37:01.199>
• They don't fall under this particular legislation, gentlemen.
• They don't fall under this particular legislation, gentlemen.
• piece of legislation? piece of legislation?
• legislation, gentlemen. legislation, gentlemen.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum, dispensed with the journal reading, and moved into the calendar. Members also introduced several visitors and groups in the galleries, including AFL-CIO representatives, Volunteer Mississippi, the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, New England College students on a civil rights tour, and other guests and constituents. The chamber then proceeded through a series of motions to reconsider, table, or advance bills on the calendar. On the appropriations calendar, the House passed several Senate bills after adopting strike-off or amendment language. Senate Bill 2896, described as a potential trooper pay raise measure, was amended and passed 128-0. Senate Bill 2898 increased the MIMA disaster assistance trust fund from $20 million to $40 million and passed 128-0, and Senate Bill 2924 authorized spending from that fund and passed 119-0. Other appropriations measures included Senate Bill 2825 on the healthcare industry zone act, Senate Bill 2832 extending a repealer for the short-line railroad tax credit, Senate Bill 2834 on motor vehicle specialty tags, Senate Bill 2835 allowing banks to use third-party vendors to check liens, and Senate Bill 2846 on conduit bonds; each was explained as largely conforming to House language or adding reverse repealers, and each passed overwhelmingly. The Ways and Means calendar included Senate Bill 2850, which removed a reverse repealer and updated the Advantage Jobs Act to align incentives with prior commitments and future tax changes; it passed 119-0. Senate Bill 2873 expanded administrative forfeiture procedures to products on the cigarette and ends registry and passed 117-1. Senate Bill 2882 clarified that tax assessors cannot require settlement statements for homestead exemptions and passed 118-0. Senate Bill 3111, which would exempt up to 10 cases of wine donated annually to nonprofits from alcohol taxes, drew some concern and passed 97-13 after a reverse repealer was added. Senate Bill 316 added energy storage facilities such as batteries to the definition of alternative energy for local ad valorem tax purposes and passed 114-1. Senate Bill 3124 revised the Pregnancy Resource Act to allow individuals as well as businesses to participate in the tax credit, adjust reporting and in-state requirements, and incorporate House language; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:13.760> over<00:40:14.599> have things we legislate over have things we legislate
• Inspector General the Minnesota Bureau Inspector General the Minnesota Bureau of<00:48:50.280>
• What is new legislation that you're hoping to bring forth to us, specific legislation that you're hoping
• that forth to us specific legislation that forth to us specific legislation that you're<01:13:35.800
• oig to call in and to um requ refer oig to call in and to um requ refer things<01:21:01.239>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Education Policy Committee met to hear a delayed presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on MDE’s oversight of Feeding Our Future, a report released in June 2024. The chair framed the hearing as an oversight review of how the Minnesota Department of Education handled the nonprofit’s participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program, emphasizing that the hearing was not about criminal charges against agency staff. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall and Director of Special Reviews Katherine Tyson explained that their review focused on state oversight, not the underlying federal fraud case, which involved an alleged $250 million scheme and ongoing criminal proceedings. The auditors concluded that MDE’s oversight was inadequate and created opportunities for fraud. They said MDE failed to act on warning signs before the pandemic, did not effectively use its authority to hold Feeding Our Future accountable, and was ill prepared to respond to problems. Examples included approving applications despite concerns about internal controls and staffing, failing to follow up on earlier review findings, not adequately investigating at least 30 complaints, and in one case referring a complaint back to Feeding Our Future for resolution rather than conducting an independent investigation. They also said MDE deferred serious deficiencies without enough evidence that problems had been fully corrected and approved meal claims despite records showing major inconsistencies. Tyson said MDE had made progress on all eight recommendations in the report, though one recommendation to the legislature had not yet been addressed because the session had not convened since the report’s release. The auditors recommended that the legislature establish clearer statutory criteria or give MDE rulemaking authority for sponsor applications, and that MDE strengthen verification of sponsor information, focus more on high-risk sponsors, improve complaint procedures, and emphasize program integrity if waivers reduce oversight in the future. In response to member questions, the auditors said MDE’s reported progress was partial in some areas and that further review would be needed to fully confirm implementation. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• :18:03.760> sure introduced legislation to make sure introduced legislation to make sure survivors
• <00:31:56.480> of veteran of the Federal Bureau of veteran of the Federal Bureau of Prisons
• This legislation does not violated.
• body<02:43:20.560> is But the legislation this body is But the legislation this body is
• organizations opposing this legislation. organizations opposing this legislation.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1059, Archuleta, do pass and re-refer to Committee on Appropriations.
• Good afternoon, Brian Little, California Farm Bureau, in opposition.
• Motion is do pass and re-refer to Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. Chen?
• Motion is do pass and re-refer... Item number eight, SB 1185, Cortese.
• Motion is do pass and re-refer to Committee on Appropriations. Ward? Aye. Ward, aye.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on worker protections, AI in the workplace, bereavement leave, and construction labor standards. SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would increase public works contractor registration fees, raise prevailing wage and related penalties, and direct half of collected penalties back into the Public Works Enforcement Fund. Supporters said the bill would help combat wage theft and misclassification and strengthen enforcement; opponents argued the higher fees and penalties would burden contractors without fixing enforcement backlogs. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to Appropriations. The committee also approved SB 951 by Senator Reyes, which would require 60-day notice when 25 or more workers are displaced by technology and require reporting on AI-related job impacts. Supporters framed it as a response to rapid AI-driven layoffs and a way to gather real-time data; opponents raised concerns about small employers, proprietary information, and litigation. SB 947 by Senator McNerney, the “No Robo Bosses Act,” would require human review of automated discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and restrict predictive behavior analysis. Supporters said it would prevent biased or mistaken automated decisions; opponents objected to the inclusion of independent contractors, private rights of action, and other provisions. Both bills were advanced to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also passed SB 1149 by Senator Durazo, which would expand bereavement leave to cover a “designated person,” including chosen family relationships. Supporters, including AARP and a witness who described losing a long-term partner, said the bill reflects modern family structures; there was no opposition. In addition, SB 1185 by Senator Cortese, applying skilled and trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction, was approved despite opposition from business and construction groups who said there was no demonstrated safety problem and that the mandate could raise costs and reduce competition. Several other bills on the consent calendar were also approved, and all measures were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• " to "adjudication of infractions division" and "adjudication of infractions bureaus."
• " to "adjudication of infractions division" and "adjudication of infractions bureaus."
• " to "adjudication of infractions division" and "adjudication of infractions bureaus."
• " to "adjudication of infractions division" and "adjudication of infractions bureaus."
• " to "adjudication of infractions division" and "adjudication of infractions bureaus."

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Mher and Representative Mohler's motion is going to be that House File 1354 be re-referred
• I am Drew Evans, Superintendent at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
• encountering as we've been working to try to comply with this law is there's a lot of what we're referring
• Um, so Representative Muller renews her motion that House File 1354 be re-referred to the Public Safety

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1354, which was moved with a DE1 amendment. The amendment was adopted without opposition. The bill, as explained by the author and BCA Superintendent Drew Evans, would narrow the BCA’s website-posting requirement for officer-involved death investigations so that the agency must post the video of the incident showing the events leading up to, during, and shortly after the incident, rather than all body-camera footage. Other materials would still be available through normal data requests, and the change was described as intended to reduce the burden of redacting and posting large amounts of extraneous video while preserving transparency. Evans said the BCA supports public access and transparency but is struggling to meet the current 30-day posting deadline because of the volume of video and the time required to redact private information. He noted that the BCA has nine full-time staff working on data practices requests and that the Senate amendment clarifies what must be posted while preserving Chapter 13 and the Minnesota Data Practices Act. A public testifier, Rich Newmeister, thanked the bill authors and said the amendment helps ensure data remains available to the public and supports transparency following George Floyd’s death. Members offered supportive comments, including appreciation for the BCA’s cooperation and willingness to work on the issue. No opposition was recorded. The committee then approved the motion to re-refer House File 1354, as amended, to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's a first for California SBDCs to actually support legislation.
• And maybe from the legislators' legislative perspective, what are some of those things that the legislators
• And our Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO, Ryan Jacobson, if you guys can all come to the table.
• And again, I'm not here to bash the regulatory legislative side. Regulation can be good.
• Brian Vanneberg, executive director, Merced County Farm Bureau.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and Agriculture, held at Fresno State, focused on cost pressures in California’s food system, household affordability, and the Central Valley’s role in agriculture. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s regional importance, the Central Valley’s outsized contribution to food production, and the connection between agricultural health, food security, and the broader economy. Members also noted the impact of the federal shutdown on CalFresh benefits and the state’s efforts to respond with food assistance funding and National Guard support for food banks. The first panel featured academic and policy experts who described agriculture’s economic importance in the San Joaquin Valley and the rising pressures on farms and households. Dr. Conduro highlighted agriculture’s large share of regional GDP, farm receipts, jobs, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market volatility, invasive pests, and production cost inflation as major barriers. Caroline Danielson of PPIC said food prices remain about 30% above 2019 levels, food insecurity affects about 1.8 million California households, and nutrition programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and school meals are essential in reducing poverty, especially in the Central Valley. Susie Pryor of the Central California Small Business Development Center described technical assistance, capital access, and training for small food and farm businesses, while warning that reduced funding limits support for rural and immigrant entrepreneurs. The second panel brought testimony from a small produce business owner, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau. They said input costs for fertilizer, fuel, irrigation, labor, land leases, and compliance have risen sharply while commodity prices have remained flat or fallen, squeezing small farms and food businesses. Panelists stressed the need for small-batch processing facilities, local supply chains, education on food manufacturing compliance, land access for small farmers, and more pathways into agriculture through trade programs, community colleges, and FFA. Ryan Jacobson said California agriculture is facing a prolonged downturn, with farm bankruptcies, weak commodity prices, export-market uncertainty, water reliability problems, and costly ag-burning rules all contributing to financial strain. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible policy solutions and continued engagement with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the committee, we do have a committee substitute, and all the substitute is, is a Legislative
• This legislation simply corrects this minor discrepancy. to ensure uniformity in the treatment of all
• When he refers to excess, you have the operational and there are occasionally some money is dispersed
• It amends and really expands the definition of that. related commerce, and in reference to a list, you
• Beyond their role and responsibility to maintain and promote navigable commerce, we oppose legislation

Bills: SB682, SB1013, SB1369, SB1422, SB2001, SB2080, SB2366, SB2705, SB2841

Keywords: memorial highway, Captain Kevin Williams, Firefighter Austin Cheek, Smith County, transportation, pedestrian right-of-way, sidewalk users, bicycle safety, micromobility, electric scooter, motor-assisted scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, skateboard, roller skates, driveway crossing, alley crossing, traffic safety, yield law, Texas Transportation Code, vehicle-pedestrian collision

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m understanding that the governor is still asking the commissioners to not participate in the legislative
• Commissioners to not participate<00:00:54.520> in<00:00:54.680> the<00:00:54.920> legislative
• <00:00:55.920> work<00:00:56.199> of participate in the legislative work of participate
• to has been around for 25 was referring to has been around for 25 years<00:04:24.199> but<00:
• Walz, Ellison, and all these outstate legislators need to shut the F...

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the January 21 minutes and then heard an overview from the University of Minnesota’s Office for Public Engagement on its community engagement awards program. Amber Cameron explained that the office supports partnerships across the university’s campuses and that nominations for the Outstanding Community Service Awards were evaluated by faculty and staff selection committees using criteria such as positive societal impact, innovation, extraordinary results, and overall application quality. She said the community partner award was based only on the nomination materials and described the award process, including that nominations could come from individuals, grassroots groups, or organizations and that the award carried a $5,000 prize. The main discussion focused on the 2024 community partner award given to Communities United Against Police Brutality. Cameron said the nomination documented a long-standing relationship with the university through the Center for Community-Engaged Learning, including work in 130 course offerings over 24 years across 17 academic departments and participation by about 1,000 students. She cited examples from the nomination such as student research and policy work that contributed to Travis’s Law. Committee members questioned the organization’s age, its letterhead and public activism, the meaning of its relationship with the university, and whether the work was appropriate for an award. Cameron responded that the award did not require formal tax status and that her office facilitated the process rather than judging the organization’s broader views. Members also asked for additional information on the vetting process, the courses involved, the award funding source, the ceremony, and related materials. Cameron said the awards were funded through OMN funding, that the program was being sunset and replaced with a new internal engaged-scholar awards structure, and that she would follow up on requests for documents, speaking notes, and other details. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the committee moved on after the testimony and questions.

Bills: HR42, HR43, HR44, HR45, HCR22, HCR23, HCR24, HCR25, HCR26, HCR27, HCR28, HCR29, HCR30, HB894, HB983, HB984, HR39, HR40, HR41, HCR19, HCR20, HCR21, HB2, HB3, HB15, HB441, HB976, HB977, HB978, HB979, HB980, HB981, HB982, HB129, HB130, HB287, HB489, HB521, HB545, HB553, HB555, HB570, HB670, HB672, HB797, HB854, HB952, HB207, HB300, HB331, HB428, HB464, HB587, HB618, HB629, HB801, HB853, HB891, HB474, HB487, HB503, HB606, HB633, HB707, HB720, HB728, HB733, HB846, HB852, HB856, HB868, HB875, HB112, HB657, HB221, HB149, HB901, HB148, HB354

Keywords: women, chemistry industry, Louisiana, recognition, workforce, commendation, leadership, faith, community service, Bishop Weidner, log truck drivers, transportation safety, log industry, pastor, Church of Pentecost, forestry, tree farming, W.H. Ward Properties, community support, Louisiana Forestry Association

Transcript Highlights:

• Once the roll is established, we will adopt our rules for the legislative session. Here. Irwin.
• Aye. for the 2025-2026 legislative session. So we have a motion and a second.
• Chair and members, Stephen Feneroli with the California Farm Bureau in support. Anyone else?
• Steven Feneroli with the Farm Bureau.
• We heard some of these critical pieces of legislation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• know, knee-jerk reactions to legislation know, knee-jerk reactions to legislation that<00:07:33.680
• Next up, Brian Miamoto, Farm Bureau, in support. Uh, Stephanie Sakamoto. Thank you.
• <00:21:59.200> Uh<00:21:59.520> Stephanie Bureau in support.
• Uh Stephanie Bureau in support. Uh Stephanie Sakamoto. Thank<00:22:03.520> you.
• Next up, Brian Miiamoto for Hawaii Farm Bureau in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism heard three measures. HB 450, which would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, drew support from DBEDT, the State Foundation, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, DAGs, and individuals. Members asked about the bill’s purpose and the relationship between arts administration and international/cultural considerations. The committees voted to pass HB 450 with amendments, including a housekeeping change allowing specific legislative direction in narrow cases; the measure was adopted with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 437, relating to out-of-state offices, received testimony in support from DBEDT and representatives of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and another individual. The discussion focused on whether an overseas office in the Philippines was the best use of funds, given existing offices and trade relationships in places like Beijing and Taiwan. Members questioned the return on investment, fiscal priorities, and whether DBEDT had a broader strategic plan for selecting markets. The committees ultimately passed HB 437 with a Senate Draft 1 and technical amendments, with some members voting with reservations. HB 1391, relating to trade and creating a Hawaii-Ireland trade commission, also advanced after a lengthy discussion. DBEDT said it offered comments rather than a firm recommendation and explained that the bill appeared intended to build economic ties with Europe through Ireland, but members questioned why a commission was needed, how it would be structured, and whether similar efforts should focus on other countries. DBEDT said it would provide reports on sister-state relationships and office performance, and noted that trade initiatives would likely require private-sector participation. The committees passed HB 1391 with amendments and reservations from some members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 45: recognize Jack and Jill of America Inc. legislative day at the Capitol."
• recognize Jack and Jill of America Inc. recognize Jack and Jill of America Inc. legislative<00:26
• And all the bill does is encourages Congress to pass legislation prohibiting implementation of European
• :27:45.840> endorsement<00:27:46.559> of<00:27:47.039> Farm<00:27:47.360> Bureau
• uh with the endorsement of Farm Bureau uh with the endorsement of Farm Bureau and<00:27:48.080><

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 17 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and approved motions to dispense with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including the Richland Mayor’s Youth Council, a doctor of the day, visitors connected to Alcorn State University, the Mississippi Railroad Association, and junior pages. Senators also shared a health update on Senator Warren Barnett, noting he was hospitalized but stable and asking for prayers. The chamber then took up a special resolution commemorating the 155th anniversary of Alcorn State University, recognizing it as America’s first historically Black land-grant university and Mississippi’s second oldest institution of higher learning. Alcorn’s president, Dr. Tracy Cook, and student leaders addressed the Senate to thank members for their support. The Senate also considered a block of commending resolutions, including measures honoring the Rockabilly district, Donna Jill Johnson, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Taiwan economic ties, Jack and Jill of America, South Panola cheer and JROTC drone teams, Alcorn State’s anniversary, Bishop William Thomas Bill Malilly, and Three Doors Down. Senate Resolution 3, concerning European Union deforestation regulations, was explained as a request—backed by Farm Bureau and the Forestry Association—to urge Congress to prohibit implementation of the regulations because of their potential cost to farmers. After questions were waived, the resolution passed by use of the morning roll call. The remaining commending resolutions in the block also passed by morning roll call. During announcements, committees were scheduled to meet after adjournment and on the following day, including Judiciary A, Public Health, Highways and Transportation, and Appropriations. Members also noted a pancake dinner to support repairs for Beth Israel synagogue after arson damage and an Ash Wednesday observance with ashes available before the next day’s session. The Senate then adopted a motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 4282 amends the E-12 education appropriation that was enacted in the 2025 legislative session
• /c><00:01:54.840> in<00:01:55.240> the<00:01:55.480> 2025<00:01:56.440> legislative
• I'm to share with you a very pivotal piece of legislation, Minnesota Senate File 3593, that stands to
• What types of capital gains are you referring to?
• When we're referring to the fund, we are referring to a pool of investable assets that has been funded

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• Introduction and reference of bills will be deferred.
• For illness, Assemblymember- Assemblymember Castillo for Legislative Business, Assemblymember Harbidian
• I'd like to introduce Gay Won Sun, who is the Director of the Planning and Strategy Bureau and Senior
• And I was proud to advance legislation focused on maximizing CalFresh benefits.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Woodward with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, could I have you restate the question so we make
• This is the issue we currently are having with dentists that are working for what we now refer to as
• Additionally, on line 11, it references public-private partnerships.
• Oklahoma has active legislation. Tennessee has active legislation.
• They would coordinate with the state of Texas and those others that are passing this legislation.

Bills: HB3767, HB3934, HB4199, HB4336, HB2947, HB3834, HB4302, HB4095, HB3287, HB3649, HB4430, HB4431, HB2059, HB3647

Keywords: dentistry, licensing, dental hygiene, foreign-trained dentists, temporary license, public health, emergency response, child care, workforce, pilot program, affordable care, income eligibility, interventional pain management, pain management clinic, chronic pain, acute pain, spinal injections, epidural steroid injection, peripheral nerve block, nerve ablation

Transcript Highlights:

• 53.920> and introducing the legislation and introducing the legislation and answering<00:08:54.640
• So now I'm trying to of legislation.
• After the Claremont legislators.
• It's not legislative defiance.
• That assumes legislative power.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Census Bureau measures both, and we are going to talk about both a little bit.
• I'm trying to think about specifically which programs you are referring to.
• Have we supported this through our Legislative Lottery and Opportunity Scholarship?
• And so that's why it's not really referred to as fraud. So, um, Mr.
• And the only reason I know that is some of the legislation that I've carried.

Transcript Highlights:

• across the nation, and for this reason, Senator Kennedy and I are working together to introduce legislation
• And I'm referring specifically to their proposals to cut back FEMA programs and specifically their termination
• And heard reports of terminated employees at agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and U.S.
• I've heard reports of the Bureau of Land Management and U.S.

Keywords: homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions

Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our CEO was no longer with us as well, and so we were heading into legislative sessions.
• But on that, how can you think that requires legislation?
• I don't know that it did require legislation, but she drafted legislation, so we're happy to follow it
• And what would be some of your other legislative priorities from a policy perspective?
• I am a legislative guy.

Summary: The Committee on Director Nominations met with four members present and approved the prior minutes without objection. Chair Jay Kaufman outlined the committee’s role in reviewing executive nominations and explained the hearing process for three nominees: Mary Foote for the Office of Economic Opportunity, Debbie Johnston for the Department of Health Services, and Chuck Bassett. Foote did not appear for her hearing, and members discussed her absence and alleged omissions in her disclosure materials, including prior service with Planned Parenthood-related organizations. The committee then moved to reject her nomination, and the motion passed 3-2, recommending that the full Senate reject Mary Foote. Debbie Johnston, nominee to lead the Department of Health Services, appeared and gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior Senate staff work, and more than 20 years with the Arizona Hospital and Health Care Association. She said her priorities at ADHS include rebuilding trust in public health licensing, improving stakeholder engagement, standardizing rulemaking communication, addressing alleged religious discrimination and retaliation concerns in licensing, and using technology and AI to improve efficiency. In questioning, senators pressed her on her management style, conflict-of-interest safeguards given her prior industry role, enforcement priorities, budget pressures, behavioral health and assisted living oversight, and the department’s response to COVID-19. Johnston said she would follow statutes, recuse herself from enforcement matters involving former contacts, and resign if directed to carry out an unlawful policy. She also said the department does not regulate therapy itself, only facilities, and that it would rely on legal counsel regarding the governor’s conversion-therapy executive order and related federal civil-rights allegations. Several senators focused on public health trust and the department’s pandemic response, with Johnston acknowledging concerns about closures, data collection, and communication during COVID-19 while saying she would review past after-action materials and be better prepared in the future. Public testimony from stakeholders in aging services and health care strongly supported her confirmation, praising her accessibility, responsiveness, and collaborative approach. After testimony, the vice chair moved to recommend Johnston’s confirmation to the full Senate. The roll call was underway when the transcript ended, with several members voting aye and one member expressing reservations about her not reviewing the pandemic after-action report before another crisis occurs.