Transcript Highlights:

• to health care or lose access. access to food in this case.
• It means that that vital component of health and learning is harder to access. Mr.
• And I know the importance of access to health care and healthy food in a rural area.
• Would we have access to that study that was conducted? Mr.
• How would an individual go about getting access to this newly enacted piece of this bill?

Transcript Highlights:

• And how are most of the students gaining access to the program?
• Well, that's not accessible to most of the students in HISD, for example.
• And some of these kids don't have cars, don't have access to a vehicle.
• So every student who accesses this program is going to cost the school district.
• A virtual program is only as effective as a student's ability to access it.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledges, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Wilson County Day, San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day, and Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, along with acknowledgments of visiting groups and a birthday greeting. The chamber also announced committee meetings and then moved into floor business, including conference committee action on Senate Bill 1, the state budget. A series of motions to instruct House conferees on SB 1 were debated and voted on. One motion sought to restore salary for Attorney General Ken Paxton after his impeachment-related suspension; it passed 88-56. Another, from Rep. Olcott, directed conferees to support amendments requiring data collection on the costs of undocumented immigrants in hospitals and prisons; after extended debate and a failed amendment from Rep. Martinez Fischer to also study immigrants’ economic contributions, the motion passed 86-61. The House also adopted instructions to eliminate Texas Lottery Commission funding, to support amendments restricting public education institutions from affirming gender identities inconsistent with biological sex, and to seek an additional $4 billion in property tax relief, with each motion passing on recorded votes. The House then took up a supplemental calendar and passed several bills, including HB 39 on veteran death data, HB 102 on priority registration for certain students entering military service, HB 126 on student-athlete compensation and representation, HB 290 on tuition and fee assistance for members of the Texas military forces, HB 300 on Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program updates, and HB 2143 naming a highway in honor of Army Specialist Joey Lins. The chamber also postponed consideration of HJR 2 and HJR 6. Later, the House considered HB 120 on career and technology education pathways and HB 20 on applied science pathway programs for high school students. HB 120 received a perfecting amendment and was advanced after discussion about workforce preparation. HB 20 prompted extensive questioning about transportation, costs, and how students would access partner campuses such as community colleges and TSTC sites; debate continued as the transcript ended, with members examining how the program would operate and whether approval authority would rest with TEA.

Transcript Highlights:

• These changes ensure compliance, improve access based on location and equity, and...
• These changes ensure compliance, improve access based on location and equity, and... County.
• These changes ensure compliance, improve access based on location and equity, and...
• I'm not questioning the value and the greatness of being able to have accessible rescue animals.
• <00:43:14.480> rescue of being able to have accessible rescue of being able to have accessible

Bills: HF2543, HF2566, HF2627

Keywords: garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings levy, bank levy, execution, judgment debtor, judgment creditor, exemption notice, exempt property, bank account freeze, financial institution levy, employer disclosure, garnishee, writ of execution, debt collection, consumer debt, collections, bankruptcy exemptions, public benefits, means-tested benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• working on a new justice partner access working on a new justice partner access and<00:01:40.799
• Uh we don't disagree that motans access Uh we don't disagree that motans access information<00:48
• access to. access to. it<01:19:15.040> it<01:19:15.440> really<01:19:15.600> is
• 4.26. 26 uh that they will have access 4.26. 26 uh that they will have access to<02:49:01.040>
• to access data of any classifications. to access data of any classifications.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Easy access, no matter where you live in this state. Defend capitalism.
• This isn't just about efficient access to alcohol.
• It looks like an excellent question, and we don't have access to the sales data.
• So from our concern is that you have open access to alcohol.
• So from our concern is that you have open access to alcohol.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 452, a right-to-repair bill for agricultural equipment. Farm Bureau and several manufacturers’ representatives opposed the bill, arguing that existing memorandums of understanding already provide farmers access to parts, diagnostics, and repair information, and warning that broader software access could increase emissions tampering and safety risks. Supporters, including repair advocates, a legislator, and a farmer representative, argued that the MOUs are not binding, that farmers need enforceable repair rights to avoid costly delays during critical harvest periods, and that owners should be able to repair equipment they bought without dealer lock-in. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on bills to limit or eliminate “grab-and-go” alcohol sales at large venues, including House Bill 325 and Senate Bill 225. Union workers from Fenway Park and the TD Garden described self-checkout alcohol kiosks as creating public safety and compliance problems, including underage access, over-serving, theft, and difficulty monitoring intoxication in crowded settings. They said workers are often understaffed and bear discipline when violations occur. In contrast, the Boston Red Sox and Aramark defended the supervised self-checkout model, saying it speeds service, is widely used, and operates with multiple layers of supervision, training, and regulatory oversight; they said they had not received violation notices and that any incidents are isolated. Senator Edwards also testified in support of House Bill 369, aimed at restricting marketing of certain harsh cosmetic products to children, and in support of the grab-and-go bill. She argued that children should not be targeted with products containing toxic chemicals and that alcohol service should remain supervised by trained staff to protect consumers and jobs. Senator Collins and other legislators also spoke in favor of restricting grab-and-go alcohol service, citing concerns about underage drinking and overconsumption. The hearing additionally included a separate bill on Sunday morning alcohol service, with Representatives Scanlon and Lewis arguing for allowing sales beginning at 8 a.m. on Sundays rather than 10 a.m., but that bill was only discussed briefly and no action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:55.760> We access them when concerns arise. We access them when concerns arise.
• Some of our youth have disclosed their access to health care was turned off.
• was disclosed their access to healthcare was turned<00:17:28.799> off.
• They couldn't access turned off.
• policies into one accessible document. policies into one accessible document.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I have readily accessible all conditions. of their bail.
• Castro had difficulty accessing information.
• And I felt that I should have access to this.
• For one, my understanding, or what I see, these perpetrators, they have access. access to the internet
• Access Advocacy Project.

Bills: HB47, HB1552, HB1686, HB1953, HB2151, HB2355, HB2582, HB2697, HB2895, HB3073, HB3418, HB47

Keywords: sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, digital services, reporting requirements, children's protection, sex offender registration, indecent assault, educator-student relationship, criminal justice, legislation, crime victims, compensation fund, information disclosure

Transcript Highlights:

• The undocumented community does not have the same level of access to health care that is required to
• Access to medical professionals, including following critical incidents, is key.
• State authorities are blocked from accessing the crime scene by Homeland Security officials.
• When lawful dealers disappear, criminals do not lose access to firearms.
• Law-abiding citizens lose access to lawful businesses.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They know how to access apps such as Blackboard.
• They know how to access those apps such as Blackboard.
• And I think we can increase access and affordability by focusing in on I think we can increase access
• Right now, they're limiting access based on geography.
• They would then basically get access to the items.

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That did increase students' access to student support personnel.
• That did increase students access aid.
• In 2011, ICE access to education.
• <01:04:46.400> to hospitals because children's access to hospitals because children's access
• But today, That access changed my life.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's getting us access, and after this contract is done, if the state of Minnesota says we don't have
• It's getting us access, and after this contract is done, if the state of Minnesota says we don't have
• It's getting us access, and after this contract is done, if the state of Minnesota says we don't have
• <01:03:40.039> or<01:03:40.200> leaked be accessed or leaked be accessed or leaked
• <01:25:14.800> that about who needs to access that about who needs to access that information

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:15.480> and focus on increasing access and focus on increasing access and supporting
• <00:21:27.919> and<00:21:28.080> affordable accessible and affordable accessible and affordable
• We also wanted to mention supporting access to high-quality early care and education.
• We also wanted to mention supporting access to high-quality early care and education.
• <00:25:29.279> to variety of programs family access to variety of programs family access to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Access to federal pass-through funding is retrospective and it's based on the actual amount of federal
• tax credits that people are accessing.
• <00:08:29.199> to issues in our market so access to issues in our market so access to Federal
• In the past, some of the money was taken care of through the health care access fund.
• taken care of all the healthcare access taken care of all the healthcare access fund fund fund which

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a reinsurance overview from Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer of the Minnesota Department of Commerce on the Minnesota Premium Security Plan. She explained that reinsurance helps stabilize premiums in the individual market by reimbursing insurers for high-cost claims, and said Minnesota’s program has lowered premiums, preserved carrier participation, and helped maintain consumer choice. She warned that without continued funding, the program would be depleted and individual-market premiums could rise by about 25%, with potential losses in coverage and access to care. She also described the program’s structure under a federal 1332 waiver, the role of MCHA in administering the program, and the state’s receipt of more than $650 million in federal pass-through funds to date. Dryer said the current program is funded through the end of 2025, though the federal waiver authority runs through 2027. The governor’s proposal would create a new assessment on insurers, estimated at roughly 2% to 3%, to fund the state share of the program and avoid another full waiver submission. She noted that the proposal assumes MinnesotaCare funding would be held harmless and that the program would be reduced if federal basic health plan funding were negatively affected. She also said projected costs changed because individual-market enrollment has grown and enhanced federal subsidies were removed from the estimate. Members raised concerns about the proposal’s impact on premiums and the history of the fund. Senator Rasmusson argued the new assessment amounts to a large tax increase on health insurance and questioned who would be assessed and whether the surcharge would be capped. Dryer responded that the assessment would be based on annual claims experience and market conditions, with final amounts determined at the end of each year, not monthly. Senator Duckworth and Senator Frentz supported reinsurance as a way to keep premiums lower, while also questioning how the program should be financed. Senator Green asked about the mechanics of the assessment and the role of the department in setting it, and Senator H questioned why the fiscal note assumed 12% annual growth for program costs when general premium growth was lower. No vote or formal action was taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• How did this youth get access to materials to ignite a fire?
• Further inspection revealed fencing around the burn site did not effectively restrict access.
• working on to make it affordable and accessible for all of us.
• It's an access issue. One day we'll get it right.
• Every foster youth deserves access to their own belongings and deserves to be treated with respect.

Summary: The hearing covered several child welfare, human services, tribal housing, child care, and long-term care bills. SB 1099 would clarify local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA; SB 1190 would regulate private youth transport services by requiring permits, background checks, training, and bans on blindfolds, hoods, restraints, and overnight pickups; SB 1322 would streamline tribal access to Community Care Expansion housing grants and better align the process with tribal sovereignty; SB 1109 would require an annual license renewal review for STRTPs with five or more Type A citations in a year; SB 1234 would require fentanyl testing in juvenile dependency cases when a court finds a risk of fentanyl use; SB 991 would require DSS to identify the specific type of abuse on its public licensing database; SB 1200 would redefine “infant” for family child care ratio purposes as under 18 months; and SB 1345 would strengthen foster youth rights regarding access to and dignified transport of personal belongings. The committee also approved a consent calendar including SB 534, SB 1410, and SB 1421. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, often from authors, advocates, county officials, and people with lived experience. Supporters of SB 1190 described traumatic youth transport practices and argued for basic safety standards. SB 1322 supporters said tribal grantees face unnecessary delays and collateral demands that conflict with sovereignty. SB 1109 drew support from county probation officers who cited repeated serious violations and public safety concerns at STRTPs, while the chair ultimately opposed the bill as duplicative of existing CDSS authority. SB 1234 drew emotional support from a grandparent who lost a child to fentanyl, but also opposition from the Drug Policy Alliance and a dependency attorney, who argued the bill was redundant, vague, and could create biased or unnecessary testing; amendments were accepted to narrow the standard. SB 991 supporters said the public needs more specific information about abuse findings, SB 1200 supporters said the change would expand infant care capacity and help working families, and SB 1345 supporters said foster youth deserve dignity rather than having belongings packed in trash bags. Votes were taken after quorum was established. SB 991, SB 1200, SB 1345, SB 1190, SB 1234, SB 1322, and SB 1099 were all reported out of committee, most on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 1234 passed 6-0 as amended to Appropriations, and SB 1099 later had a vote change recorded, ending 5-1. SB 1109 did not advance after the motion failed for lack of a second, and it was held in committee. The committee then adjourned and transitioned into an oversight hearing reviewing the outcomes of AB 2247 (placement stability and notice protections for foster youth) and AB 2496, with presenters discussing how the earlier foster youth placement law has changed practice and the importance of dignity, notice, and youth voice in placement decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Commerce, the Access Florida System, $47.8 million.
• There's no entrance gate, no trail map, and unless you have personal access from the owners, no access
• Access their lands.
• There's no entrance gate, no trail map, and unless you have personal access from the owners, no access
• Families are seeking access to health care and mental health services.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Donnell C. Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. A quorum was announced, the journal was approved, and the Speaker said the chamber would take up 11 budget conference reports, with debate and final votes on each report. The first report considered was HB 7031E, the tax package, followed by HB 501E, the state budget appropriations bill. On HB 7031E, Chair Duggan explained that the conference report included a range of tax reductions and tax-related changes, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related provisions, reductions in certain taxes and fees, and new exemptions or administrative clarifications. He said the package also added items such as sales tax relief for certain university construction projects, a tennis admissions exemption, and changes to agricultural property tax treatment, and that the amendment reduced state and local tax revenues by $272.2 million. Members questioned the bill about the child care tax credit reduction from three years to one, the homestead exemption provision for certain diplomats and foreign service personnel, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the inclusion of firearm accessories and tennis tickets in sales tax holidays. After structured debate, the House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11. The House then began the conference report on HB 501E, the $114.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, which was described as below the prior year’s spending level and leaving more than $14 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major allocations across education, higher education, IT, health care, transportation and economic development, justice, state administration, and agriculture/natural resources. Highlights included increased FEFP funding and veteran teacher raises, full funding for Bright Futures, major IT modernization projects, Medicaid and behavioral health funding, transportation and local infrastructure spending, correctional and law enforcement investments, fire station and emergency response funding, and large environmental and water-quality appropriations. Members asked detailed questions about school voucher fraud oversight, scholarship funding, teacher raises, preeminence funding, ADAP changes, SNAP data tools and error rates, Medicaid rate changes, prison wastewater monitoring, and other budget items, but the transcript ends during the budget questions before final action on HB 501E is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when it comes to enrolled members, historically enrolled members have access to all the areas within
• We've seen a 266% increase in members accessing residential SUD treatment services.
• We've seen a 266% increase in members accessing residential SUD treatment services and a 56% increase
• in members accessing outpatient services in that time frame.
• North Dakota has access to rural health transformation funds that can help address some of these gaps

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and first heard welcoming remarks and introductions from tribal leaders and program directors. Chairwoman Street and other tribal representatives outlined a range of concerns and requests for state action, including taxation of reservation lands, support for non-beneficiary students at the tribal school, homelessness funding, Indian-managed health care, gaming and e-tabs, Feather Alert improvements, industrial farming near waterways, tourism, and better state-tribal consultation. Committee members responded that the meeting was intended to improve understanding and communication, and several members suggested future legislation or resolutions could be used to advance some of the issues. The tribe also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to legislators and staff. A major portion of the discussion focused on Spirit Lake fish and wildlife jurisdiction and the lake boundary. Tribal representatives asked for an MOU or co-stewardship agreement with the state to clarify hunting and fishing rights, recognize tribal licenses, and reduce recurring disputes over “gray areas” on the reservation and lake. Committee members discussed whether to draft a bill or resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and asked that North Dakota Game and Fish be invited to a future meeting. Related concerns included aquatic nuisance species prevention, with both sides agreeing that more aggressive boat inspection and cleaning measures would be beneficial. The committee also discussed taxation and county relations. Tribal leaders raised concerns about county resistance to fee-to-trust transfers and about property and vehicle taxation affecting members living on or near reservation lands. Committee members and tribal counsel reviewed federal treaty principles and court cases, and one member noted that the committee had previously taken no formal action on similar issues. Later, Benson County’s tax equalization director explained how the county values taxable land, handles inundated land applications, and tracks land coming off the tax rolls when the tribe repurchases acreage. The discussion ended with a presentation from the president of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, followed by an HHS presentation on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion as the committee moved to its next topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judges have access to so much more information than the doctors do.”
• You get penalized for seeking access to the courts under the Constitution?
• You get penalized for seeking access to the courts under the Constitution?
• So all it is is simply access to the courts. So it's a form.
• You talk about access to care and Delays, the denials, and the access to care.

Bills: HB282, HB293, HB390, HB456, HB460, HB561, HB819, HB1023, HB1047, HB1101

Keywords: employment discrimination, criminal history, rehabilitation, hiring process, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, workplace equality, labor rights, domestic abuse, unpaid leave, employee rights, workplace protection, mental health, survivor support, workers' compensation, employment benefits, claims process, fraud prevention, legal petition

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this coming year, the federal government will require anybody who accesses federal tax information
• They state that it is too broad of a definition to allow access to their database.
• to allow access to their database. database. database.
• And what's most important is we gain access to those records to complement our investigations.
• And what's most important is we gain access to those records to complement our investigations.

Bills: HF4371, HF4317, HF2817, HF3496, HF4151, HF3826, HF4425, HF3990

Keywords: HF4371, Minnesota background checks, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Office of the Legislative Auditor, Legislative Auditor, criminal history records, national criminal history record information, public safety, statutory amendment, section 299C.76, requesting agency, state audit, oversight, background screening, criminal records, county agencies, MNsure, Department of Revenue, Department of Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Our goal is to accomplish this through a combination of awareness, access, action, and assurance.
• Our goal is to accomplish this through a combination of awareness, access, action, and assurance.
• our mission is to bring uh public access our mission is to bring uh public access to<00:26:41.799
• , as well as lake access for millions of Minnesotans.
• as well as Emergency Services access as well as Lake<00:43:19.480> access<00:43:19.920> for

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Parents often recognize these mental challenges in their children, but report limited access in accessing
• report limited but report limited access report limited but report limited access in<00:02:10.320
• in accessing the the appropriate in accessing the the appropriate support." support." support."
• School supports remove most of these barriers and allow students in need to gain access.
• <00:26:07.240> And access to counselors? And access to counselors?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all