Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want to characterize the evidence or comment on that policy decision, but I think one of the
• So it went to interim study for the concern that there was something that they had not heard, and so
• So it went to interim study for the concern that there was something that they had not heard, and so
• So it went to interim study for the concern that there was something that they had not heard, and so
• So it went to interim study for the concern that there was something that they had not heard, and so

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met for its first meeting of the new session with opening remarks, member introductions, and a discussion of committee logistics. Members described their backgrounds and priorities, including criminal justice, right-to-know and privacy issues, domestic violence, death-with-dignity legislation, abortion, firearms, landlord-tenant policy, housing, and technology/privacy concerns. The chair noted there were already 34 bills assigned to the committee and expected more, and said the committee would likely continue to have a heavy workload this session. The chair also outlined how the committee would operate: meetings would generally be on Wednesdays, with possible Mondays as needed; hearings would not require a quorum, but executive sessions would; and members were asked to provide updated phone numbers and email addresses, especially cell numbers. He explained that the committee would continue its practice of seating members in a mixed partisan arrangement to encourage communication, and that the new clerk had joined the committee. A significant portion of the meeting focused on procedures for executive sessions and meeting times. The chair said the committee would follow the traditional rule allowing executive sessions on bills heard that day if proper notice was given, but he would avoid taking up controversial matters without full attendance. Members then discussed whether meetings should start at 9, 9:30, or 10 a.m., with concerns raised about long commutes, evening obligations, and winter driving after dark. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the chair indicated he would try to accommodate the committee’s preference while balancing the workload.

Transcript Highlights:

• operation of state government to appropriate interim committees of the General Assembly for continuing study
• operation of state government to appropriate interim committees of the General Assembly for continuing study
• $350 million wasted.
• Almost $150 million. $350 million wasted, almost $1 million spent by veneer for what?

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's one California study that found that cigarettes can cost up to $1.19 less in retail pharmacies
• You know, a study from 2012 to 2017 found that they failed 8% of the time in inspections to minors.
• This will go a long ways to reduce medical waste in emergency departments and also help patients walk
• This isn't just wasteful, it's wrong.
• reducing those unnecessary spending, straining the health care system, and cutting down on medical waste

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're still doing a study, so I don't—I have not heard a rumor, a hair, about any site selection for
• You're failing yourself, you're failing the system, and we're wasting money with almost 6. 000 plus projects
• But in terms of labeling it as hazardous waste, I think the answer to your question is no, they haven't
• waste yet? Yeah, Mr.
• But certainly, as the expert has said, they can be disposed of in hazardous waste landfills.

Transcript Highlights:

• 56.000> public I also know information or public awareness campaigns, education campaigns, and studies
• 20:21.880> what<01:20:22.480> others<01:20:22.760> would<01:20:22.880> characterize
• <01:20:23.560> as from what others would characterize as from what others would characterize
• 45:41.080> mental Um, clinical trainees today deliver essential care as they conclude their studies

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then lastly, I'd like to highlight a public lab feasibility study of approximately $5.7 million in
• They're very efficient, and it prevents waste, actually.
• Senator Rusin help champion that study, the bed capacity study, and it did point us to the need for
• It takes into account that bed study, but from a phased approach, so we make sure we deliver well.
• It takes into account that bed study, but from a phased approach, so we make sure we deliver well.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard a presentation on the governor’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget for the health and human services silo, which totals $48.5 billion. Agency leaders outlined major requests for AHCA, APD, DCF, DOEA, DOH, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including behavioral health redesign, Medicaid rate changes, developmental disability services, child welfare and opioid programs, senior services, cancer research, public health initiatives, and veterans’ facility and technology needs. The committee also received an overview of the overall state budget, which was described as $117.4 billion, up 1.1% from the current year. AHCA’s presentation focused on $71.6 million for a Medicaid behavioral health redesign, including funding for residential treatment, a serious mental illness waiver, and higher inpatient psychiatric rates for youth, plus $7.1 million to raise private duty nursing reimbursement in fee-for-service Medicaid, $2.5 million for the background screening clearinghouse, and $124.4 million for the Health Care Connection System (FX). APD requested funding to continue moving people off the pre-enrollment list and to support developmental disability centers, a new forensic facility, an electronic health record system, and higher operating costs. DCF highlighted $81.9 million for eligibility and system integrity, $187.5 million for opioid prevention and treatment, $35.5 million for community-based care lead agencies, and $72.7 million to expand behavioral health bed capacity, including 474 new beds at state hospitals. DOEA sought additional funding for Alzheimer’s services, home care, and community care for the elderly. DOH emphasized $278 million for cancer research and innovation, $5 million for food and product safety testing, $5 million for the Florida FIRST blood-on-ambulance initiative, and $5.7 million for a public lab feasibility study. Veterans Affairs requested funds for facility improvements, cybersecurity, and medication management equipment. Members asked detailed questions about several items, especially the proposed changes to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which would reduce eligibility and the number of people served. Senators and public witnesses criticized the lack of transparency and urged the department to pause the changes and work with stakeholders; the Surgeon General said the issue was driven by funding constraints and federal changes, not a legal barrier, and that the agency was exploring alternatives. Questions also addressed the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, the Kids Care/CHIP expansion implementation, the cancer research funding structure, and the timeline and cost of the FX system. Public testimony focused heavily on ADAP, with speakers warning that thousands could lose medication access and calling for community involvement and a review of the program’s finances. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions, with no votes taken on the budget items during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I couldn't agree with you more and I am glad you brought that study up. It's going to grow.
• But a Creighton pointed out, it's been studied and studied by a lot of people, that there's not much
• So I don't want to waste a lot lot of agencies work in time. I really don't need alternatives.
• There are national studies that show that up to 10% of the spend in any given state is lost due to waste
• We ext, like, I don't know, urine samples in our waste water.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:40.720> That<00:22:41.039> study do a study on the impacts.
• That study do a study on the impacts.
• That study and<00:22:41.679> report<00:22:42.240> was<00:22:42.640> presented<00
• This is a study titled Slam the Scam.
• waste of state money. waste of state money.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, pledge, and roll call, confirmed a quorum, and then moved through routine business including first reading and referral of Senate File 5019 to the Health and Human Services Committee, along with referral of Senate resolutions 73 to 75 to Rules and Administration. Senator Westrom’s motion to withdraw Senate File 3893 from Finance, give it a second reading, and place it on general orders was adopted. The chamber then took up House File 3556, which renames Minnesota’s Community Solar Garden Program as the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. Senator Hoffman presented the bill as a tribute to Speaker Melissa Hortman’s role in creating and advancing community solar in Minnesota, with Senator Marty and others supporting the recognition. The bill was read a third time and passed on final passage by a vote of 59-7, with the title agreed to. Senate File 1251 followed, a bipartisan bill to remove the June 2026 sunset on crossbow use during archery season and make the allowance permanent. Senator Pa and supporters cited a DNR study showing no negative impact on deer or turkey populations and argued the change would improve participation among women, youth, and older hunters. An A3 technical amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 67-0. The Senate then considered Senate File 3868, a bill to ban cryptocurrency kiosks in Minnesota due to fraud concerns. The author and supporters described widespread scams targeting seniors and others, citing losses in Minnesota and national fraud data. An A2 amendment requiring lawful-presence verification for foreign remittance transfers was ruled not germane, and the chair’s ruling was upheld on a 34-33 appeal. Debate then began on an A3 amendment related to cash transfers through airports, with members arguing over germaneness and the scope of the fraud-prevention bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would really strongly suggest an interim study and try to get some of the election people that run
• You mentioned an interim study, so a lot of those are a part of the discussion. So thank you.
• The study should be done only during an odd-year election, so a November constitutional amendment or
• I'm curious what do you think about making this a study versus the pilot?
• Maybe our resource, but maybe they've studied this. Yeah, maybe. Okay, thank you. Thank you.

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills. SB 447 would let the City of Mission in Hidalgo County permanently move its municipal elections from May to the uniform November election date if it chooses. The bill was described as permissive and intended to increase turnout and reduce costs. Mission’s mayor testified in support, saying voters had already approved the change by a wide margin in a charter amendment election. The bill was left pending after no objection. SB 2217 focused on standardizing election data reporting and reconciliation across counties to improve transparency and comparability. Testimony was generally supportive of the goal, but Dr. Laura Presley and others flagged technical issues, including a discrepancy between a three-ballot mismatch threshold in existing law and a 1% threshold in part of the bill, plus a definition issue involving central accumulators. Supporters said consistent auditing and reconciliation would help election integrity, while the bill was also left pending. The committee then took up SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period that would combine early voting and Election Day into one uninterrupted process, with precinct consolidation and other changes. Supporters said it could simplify administration, reduce equipment changes, and improve security by using one set of machines. Opponents and neutral witnesses raised concerns about cost, staffing, ballot security, reporting changes, weekend voting, and whether the bill was ready for implementation; several urged a pilot or study instead. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. SB 505 would create a process for election workers, candidates, party officials, and measure proponents or opponents to request explanations of election irregularities, with escalation to the Secretary of State for audit or enforcement if responses were unsatisfactory. Supporters said it would provide a way to resolve irregularities and restore confidence, while opponents argued it was too broad, lacked guardrails against abuse, and could be used by partisan actors to pressure counties. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 311 would expand Texas’s online voter registration system to first-time registrants and others, with supporters citing efficiency, lower costs, and broader access, and opponents raising concerns about signature verification and implementation details. Testimony was cut short because of the session deadline, and the bill had not been disposed of in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's characterized a little wrongly to say that we're presuming that the board's acting correctly
• According to a study by Redfin, only 28% of Arizona home sales netted a capital gain of over $250,000

Bills: SB1090, SB1293, SB1414, SB1429, SB1503, SB1536, SB1633, SB1724, SB1764

Keywords: savings and loan, technical correction, Arizona Revised Statutes, financial institutions, prohibitions, GPLET, abatement, tax incentives, local government, property improvement, central business district, insurance, settlement demands, time limits, third-party claims, regulatory compliance, initiative, referendum, ballot measures, petition circulators

Summary: The committee first approved the February 2, 2026 minutes and held Senate Bill 1090. It then heard Senate Bill 1503, which would require pension fiduciaries and proxy advisory firms to act solely in the economic interest of plan participants and beneficiaries, prohibit ESG- or ideology-based voting, require disclosures and economic analyses in certain cases, and authorize attorney general enforcement. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect investors and align with federal action. Testimony was mixed: a policy witness supported the bill, while representatives of ASRS and PSPRS said they were neutral but raised concerns about added costs, operational burdens, reporting requirements, possible conflicts with existing fiduciary duties, and increased litigation risk. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1503 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1293, which would prohibit GPLET school-district revenues from being abated during the eight-year abatement period. Supporters argued the bill would protect school funding and reduce state aid backfill costs, and a Goldwater Institute witness said it would also reduce gift-clause concerns by limiting subsidies that shift costs to other taxpayers. City and economic development representatives from Phoenix, Mesa, and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council opposed the bill, saying GPLET is an important redevelopment tool that helps finance projects in urban cores and that the change would reduce its effectiveness and slow revitalization. The committee adopted an amendment and then passed SB 1293 on a 4-3 vote. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 1414, which gives insurers 30 days to review and respond to third-party settlement demands in bodily injury claims. Insurance representatives supported the bill as a commercially reasonable timeframe, while the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association opposed it, arguing that 30 days would become a minimum and could delay settlements for injured claimants; members discussed a possible 15-day compromise. The committee passed SB 1414 by a 5-2 vote. It also passed Senate Bill 1633, which creates an income tax subtraction for capital gains from the sale of a primary residence after a five-year residency; opponents warned it would mainly benefit wealthy homeowners and cost the state tens of millions annually, while the sponsor said it could help housing turnover. Finally, the committee passed SB 1429, as amended, allowing Senate and House leaders to designate board members for the Arizona Commerce Authority, SB 1536, which lets municipalities consolidate multiple street-light improvement districts, and heard SB 1724, which clarifies when property splits or consolidations trigger a limited property value recalculation to prevent tax-base manipulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The academic research studying elections is incredibly complex even for the nation's foremost researchers
• Um I want to talk a little bit about our concerns about the report's characterization of obligating sort

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know that I would characterize Senate Bill 42 as a small band-aid to a very large problem.
• While anecdotal evidence suggests they provide a secure option for surrender, empirical studies evaluating

Transcript Highlights:

• , To be clear, HR1 is injurious, wasteful, To be clear, HR1 is injurious, wasteful, and<00:02:40.800
• veterans. uh they they did this study veterans. uh they they did this study and<00:24:36.000>
• It's waste. Maybe we should send our waste bureau after that when it comes into effect.
• <01:46:43.760> It's<01:46:44.000> waste. that you just it's waste.
• It's waste. that you just it's waste. It's waste.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Senate File 4612, a state government bill affecting the Department of Health, Human Services, and Children, Youth, and Families, was taken up with a House language amendment adopted at the outset. The bill’s authors gave sharply different perspectives: one described it as a limited, reactive measure tied to federal Medicaid changes and said it fell short of needed health care improvements, while the other argued it would avoid large federal penalties, add Medicaid work requirements, save taxpayer money, and help certain rural and disability-related services. Members then debated several amendments. A technical House research amendment was offered, followed by a contested amendment on the all-payer claims database. Supporters of that change argued the bill expanded data access and could allow sensitive health data to be sold or used outside the United States, raising privacy and jurisdiction concerns; opponents said the data would remain deidentified, access would be limited to researchers, and the fee structure was a cost-recovery mechanism rather than a sale. The amendment to the amendment failed on a 67-67 tie, and the underlying amendment was not adopted. The committee also adopted an amendment updating mortuary science rules for natural organic reduction and another that would automatically enroll certain people into medical assistance if they did not choose a program themselves. A later amendment creating a therapeutic psilocybin pilot program for mental health and PTSD treatment drew strong bipartisan support, especially from members citing veteran suicide, trauma, and promising research; it was adopted after discussion. The transcript ended while discussion continued on how the program would be administered, including questions about using the Office of Cannabis Management rather than the Department of Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• That didn't pass, but instead we turned that into a study implementation.
• There was a plan that was due on that study on the 15th of this year. In 2024, we augmented that.
• That didn't pass, but instead we turned that into a study implementation.
• There was a plan that was due on that study on the 15th of this year. In 2024, we augmented that.
• So it is not only a waste of resources for the state and the provider; it's an enormous waste of resources

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House File 3939, a bill to support a Helping Paws service-dog litter named in honor of Gilbert and the Hortman family. Testimony from Helping Paws and service-dog graduate Angie Foley described the organization’s work, the significance of the “Guided by Gilbert” litter, and how the funding would help train dogs that provide independence and support to people with disabilities, veterans, and others. Members from both parties spoke warmly about Speaker Hortman’s connection to the organization and Gilbert, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee then considered House File 3769, the Department of Corrections’ technical omnibus bill, with an A1 amendment adopted to clarify tuberculosis testing language. The bill updates TB screening procedures in correctional facilities, including how refusals are handled, and adds Quantiferon Gold Plus testing as an option alongside existing methods. Members discussed whether the bill would create costs for counties and jails, with some noting added testing and segregation costs and others arguing the changes would improve accuracy and reduce time in restrictive housing. The bill, as amended, was recommended to the general register. House File 3978 was next, a technical cleanup bill for a provider wellness program created last year. The bill expands eligibility and confidentiality protections from physicians to all health care providers, while supporters said the program is meant to address burnout and mental health strain in the workforce and does not require new money. Some members questioned whether the change was redundant or would broaden the program without additional funding, but the Minnesota Medical Association testified that the program is separate from insurance and was intended to serve all providers. The bill was recommended to the general register. Finally, the committee began House File 3476, which Rep. Liebling described as a cleanup bill related to Minnesota’s Medicaid managed care system and public program oversight. She argued that the state spends billions through managed care organizations and that the system has never been proven better than direct payment, setting up a broader discussion of the bill’s purpose and the state’s oversight of public health care spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI TOOLS WILL HELP STRENGTHEN FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE DETECTION.
• RECENTLY READ A STUDY CONDUCTED AT HARVARD CALLED THE GORILLA IN RADIOLOGY.
• THEY WILL POINT OUT SPOTS PROACTIVELY AND PRIORITIZE STUDIES.
• ARE DOING 100 PERCENT READ AT THAT STUDY.
• >> WE ARE NOT USING IT TO MAKE TREATMENTS ONLY ON THE CLINICIAN READING THE STUDY.

Transcript Highlights:

• When she grows up, she wants to study architecture in New York City, and I know she's going to do it
• generated in-state when issuing, renewing, or modifying hazardous waste permits.
• generated in state when issuing, renewing, or modifying hazardous waste permits.
• And it's ripe for fraud, waste, and abuse?
• Well, the only thing that was ripe for fraud, waste, and abuse was the prior substitute bill.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are like solid waste sites sites.
• waste uh locations. waste uh locations.
• So, the social studies standards are under review.
• So, the social studies standards years.
• So, we are doing a more social studies.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• waste site evaluation committee. waste site evaluation committee.
• representative on that study committee. representative on that study committee.
• Energy to study the RPS every 5 years. Energy to study the RPS every 5 years.
• cost of this study. cost of this study.
• to cover the cost of this study. to cover the cost of this study.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:13:34.239> taxpayer the governor is now wasting taxpayer the governor is now wasting taxpayer
• The days of waste, fraud, and abuse are over.
• Conduct a study followed by a rulemaking consistent with the results of such study every five years,
• The study required by Mr.
• The study required by Mr.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to inform them how to get in contact with and be a part of a study or trial that they choose
• to participate in. ...study or trial that they choose to participate in and what all was involved.
• zero in Alabama; we have a lot going on in research, not only at UAB but also Auburn is doing a drug study
• I do a lot of good work in a lot of different areas, and that's not waste; that's not...
• That's not waste; that's not for all the Coalition.

Keywords: 1136, house, all