Transcript Highlights:

• So in Arkansas, we are one of, I believe, 12 states that is a disclosure state.
• Been here 12 years, still haven't figured out the system. Maybe it's time to go.
• Thank you. ...that a report would come out in January of every year.
• So in this January, we got a report saying that the fund would support the $75 increase.
• Then you come in January and move forward for the next year.

Summary: The committee first considered House Resolution 1016, which would have allowed introduction of a bill by Representative Richmond addressing disclosure and restrictions for certain real-estate arrangements where buyers purchase interests in entities rather than direct ownership of property. Richmond said the measure was aimed at transparency, consumer protection, and preventing private tribunals or discriminatory practices, while several members questioned whether it would affect homeowners associations, hunting clubs, arbitration clauses, or duplicate existing law. After discussion, the committee voted down the resolution. House Resolution 1006, sponsored by Representative Schultz, proposed increasing the Homestead Tax Credit by $75, from $600 to $675, using a fund created by Amendment 79 and supported by sales tax revenue. Schultz argued the fund could support the increase now and that families needed relief amid high prices. The committee approved the resolution. The committee then heard House Resolution 1007, presented by Senator King and Representative Eaton, which sought to change how turnback funds are distributed to counties, with a focus on giving counties more predictable annual funding for roads, jails, water, sewer, public safety, and other infrastructure. Members raised concerns about taking $150 million off the top of sales tax revenue and about whether the bill should be handled through budget language instead; the resolution failed. House Resolution 1008, by Representative Wooten and Senator King, would have amended the LEARNS education program to reduce costs, limit or change eligibility, and add performance-based requirements and reporting for certain school-choice funding. Supporters said the program was financially unsustainable and needed accountability, while opponents argued the proposal would create larger problems and that the issue should be handled in the regular session. The resolution failed after a point of order prevented reading a supporting letter into the record. Finally, House Resolution 1009 and House Resolution 1013, both tied to Senator Bryant’s proposals on local control over crypto mines and data centers, were discussed together with testimony about water use, energy demand, and local opposition; both failed. House Resolution 1015, which would have amended the IDEA economic-development bill to remove eminent domain authority and address board accountability, also failed after members said more concerns remained to be worked out.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in Arkansas, we are one of, I believe, 12 states that is a disclosure state.
• Been here 12 years, still haven't figured out the system. Maybe it's time to go.
• Thank you. ...that a report would come out in January of every year.
• So in this January, we got a report saying that the fund would support the $75 increase.
• Then you come in January and move forward for the next year.

Summary: The committee first considered House Resolution 1016, presented by Rep. Marcus Richmond, which sought permission to file a bill aimed at consumer protection in certain housing arrangements where buyers purchase an interest in an entity rather than the property itself. Richmond said the measure was intended to improve transparency, prevent deceptive real estate practices, and ensure disputes would be handled in Arkansas or federal courts rather than private tribunals. Members raised concerns about overlap with existing law, possible effects on homeowners associations, arbitration clauses, hunting clubs, religious organizations, and the bill’s 25-acre exemption. After discussion, the committee voted down the resolution. House Resolution 1006, by Rep. Bart Schultz, proposed increasing the homestead tax credit by $75, from $600 to $675, using a fund created for property tax relief. Schultz argued the increase was supported by the annual report on the fund and was timely because of higher costs for gas and groceries. Members asked about using special language instead, whether the increase could be made retroactive later, and whether the governor had included it on the call. The committee approved the resolution. The committee then heard House Resolution 1007, presented by Sen. Brian King and Rep. James Eaton, which would have changed how turnback sales tax revenue is distributed to counties, with the first $150 million of sales tax revenue going into a fund for county infrastructure and each county receiving an equal share. Supporters said it would help counties with roads, jails, water, sewer, and other critical needs, while opponents questioned whether taking revenue off the top would harm other state services and whether the issue was urgent enough for a fiscal session. The resolution failed. House Resolution 1008, by Rep. Jim Wooten and Sen. King, sought changes to the LEARNS Act and school choice funding, including performance-based eligibility and reporting requirements. Wooten argued the program was financially unsustainable and that accountability was needed; members questioned whether the proposal would create a larger emergency and whether it should instead be handled through budget language. The resolution failed after a point of order interrupted the closing remarks. Finally, House Resolution 1009, presented by Rep. Ron McNair and Sen. King, aimed to restore local control over crypto mines and data centers, citing concerns about water use, electricity demand, Chinese ownership, and litigation tied to prior legislation. Members questioned whether the issue was truly emergent and whether the resolution was the right vehicle. The resolution failed. House Resolution 1015, by Rep. Howard Beatty, proposed amending the prior IDA bill to address concerns raised by constituents, including board accountability and removing eminent domain authority. Supporters said it would improve the bill before next session, but the resolution also failed. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:54.959> Thank<00:12:55.120> you. their age. Thank you. their age.
• >> Thank<00:12:55.920> you<00:12:56.079> so<00:12:56.240> much<00:12:56.320
• > for<00:12:56.560> your<00:12:56.720> testimony.
• Let's<00:12:58.160> see.
• <00:12:58.480> We<00:12:58.720> have<00:12:59.040> written<00:12:59.360>

Bills: SB2421, SB2690, SB3103, SB3137, SB3164, SB3206, SB2933, SB3133, SB3315

Keywords: cannabis, marijuana, Hawaii Cannabis Law, legalization, decriminalization, adult use, hemp, taxation, social equity, public health, primary care, health insurance, health carrier, insurance commissioner, Med-QUEST, Medicaid managed care, provider reimbursement, downcoding, prior authorization, utilization review

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1864, which would require health insurance coverage for standard fertility preservation services for people undergoing medically necessary treatment, drew broad support from SHIPA, the Department of Health, HMSA, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, and others. Testifiers emphasized that fertility preservation is routine coverage on the mainland and important for patients facing infertility from cancer or other treatment; one patient described incurring more than $20,000 in costs. The Insurance Division flagged possible Affordable Care Act issues, a potential conflict in the bill’s language about using patient history to determine limits, and a mismatch with state medical-necessity standards. Committee discussion also focused on whether the bill should apply to all women of childbearing age rather than a narrower age-based category. HB 2305 would require nutrition and metabolic education as part of physicians’ continuing medical education. The Hawaii Medical Board opposed the measure, arguing that CME should remain flexible and tailored to each physician’s specialty and warning that topic-specific mandates can expand over time. The Office of the Governor supported the bill, saying it would help the state’s rural health transformation application and could improve federal funding prospects, though the exact impact was unclear. Members questioned whether nutrition is already covered in medical training and whether the requirement should be limited to primary care physicians; the board said Hawaii currently has no topic-specific CME mandates and that physicians can already choose relevant courses. The committee also heard strong support for HB 1597, which would establish an Alzheimer’s disease research center at the University of Hawaii. Supporters from the university, the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and others said the center could attract federal research dollars, expand clinical trials, and help address the state’s high Alzheimer’s-related health costs. HB 2159, which appropriates funds for health care workforce development, also received broad support from the University of Hawaii, health systems, and advocacy groups, with no opposition noted. Finally, HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale and distribution of disposable electronic smoking devices, drew support from the Department of Health, youth advocates, and public health groups citing youth addiction, environmental waste, and fire hazards; the department said a separate bill, HB 1573, would be more comprehensive and better defined for enforcement and penalties. The committee ended with HB 1913, creating a veteran services mental health coordinator position at Tripler Army Medical Center, which was supported by veteran services officials and others who said veterans need better navigation and coordination for behavioral health care.

Transcript Highlights:

• It jumped to 24, another 12 million dollars, and then it's the same for 25.
• We could have five or six school districts come on in January.
• When them big air tankers start dropping that stuff, we're 10 to 12 to one.
• Fast forward to January, right as the...
• And then several of you also serve on the K-12 recalibration meeting.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment number four adds language establishing that the act becomes operative on January 1, 2027.
• Amendments 11 and 12 are technical in nature as well. Thank you. And again, Mr.
• On page 12, line 10, we are deleting 'shall,' and staff does reserve the right to make any additional
• , 2028, and requiring existing plans to comply by renewal no later than January 1, 2029.
• plans to comply by renewal no later than January 1, 2029.

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 29 with a quorum present and took up several insurance and health care-related bills. SB 192, a dental reimbursement bill, was amended to allow dentists to opt in electronically to credit-card payment methods and to clarify applicability and effective date; it was reported as amended. SB 84 would require prostate cancer screening coverage for men over 40 under current clinical guidelines and prohibit cost-sharing; supporters from the American Cancer Society said Louisiana has a high incidence of prostate cancer and that out-of-pocket costs deter early screening. The committee adopted amendments and reported the bill as amended. SB 275, dealing with reimbursement and network participation for certified registered nurse anesthetists, drew support from nursing and hospital groups and was reported favorably. SB 169, a cleanup bill on biomarker testing, was also amended and reported. The committee spent substantial time on SB 401, which creates a temporary prescription drug affordability board to review pricing data on selected drugs and report findings to the legislature. Supporters said the board would improve transparency and help lawmakers understand drug pricing trends; opponents raised concerns about confidentiality, market effects, and the lack of a defined policy outcome beyond reporting. Amendments narrowed the scope, added confidentiality protections, and removed opposition cards, and the bill was reported as amended. SB 387, a major PBM reform bill tied to SB 401, would change PBM compensation, rebate handling, formulary practices, audits, and appeals, while excluding ERISA plans after discussion and amendment. Supporters argued it would curb spread pricing and other practices that raise costs, while opponents from the Pelican Institute and PCMA warned it would interfere with private contracts, reduce flexibility, and could raise premiums or disrupt city, school board, and small-group plans. After extensive debate and a roll call, SB 387 was reported with amendments by a 10-4 vote. The committee also considered SB 241, which requires certain insurance adjusters and public adjusters to include license numbers in written communications. After amendments limiting the requirement to individual licenses and removing one statutory reference, the bill was reported as amended. Throughout the meeting, members and witnesses repeatedly discussed the need for transparency in drug pricing and PBM practices, the role of ERISA and non-ERISA plans, and potential impacts on public employers and consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.C.R. 69 by Representative Wilder to urge and request DOTD to implement improvements to Interstate 12
• H.C.R. 69 by Representative Wilder to urge and request DOTD to implement improvements to Interstate 12
• As of January 2025, we had 51,000 in the state, plus the alumni over at least the past 40 years.
• As of January 2025, we had 51,000 in the state, plus the alumni over at least the past 40 years.
• I'm clarifying how the prior to January 1, 2026, sales are handled.

Bills: HR210, HR211, HR212, HR213, HR214, HR215, HR216, HR217, HR196, HR197, HR198, HR199, HR200, HR201, HR203, HR204, HR205, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR209, HCR87, HCR88, HCR89, HCR90, HR118, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, SCR6, SCR18, HB79, HB165, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB603, HB646, HB763, HB902, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1099, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1245, HB1246, HB1247, HB1248, HB1249, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, SCR19, SCR3, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1244, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB624, HB689, HB708, HB804, HB906, HB926, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1187, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, SB66, SB68, SB76, SB139, SB336, SB475, HCR32, HB181, HB1118, HB1082, HB225, HB864, HB1166, HB1189, HB59, HB617, HB897, HB911, HB1223, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: renewable energy, job creation, veteran employment, economic development, energy security, asthma, allergy, awareness, healthcare, public health, Louisiana, St. Bernard Parish, special recognition, parish day, state capitol, Louisiana resolution, ceremonial resolution, honorary resolution, community celebration, local heritage

Summary: The House met on April 27, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of personal privileges recognizing Domestic Violence Prevention and Advocacy Day, Guarantee Corporation’s 100th anniversary, Delta Waterfowl, FFA and 4-H students, St. Bernard Parish Day, the Louisiana Notary Association, and New Orleans Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced several resolutions, including measures on Gulf States renewable energy, asthma and allergy awareness, St. Bernard Parish Day, and other commemorations. The floor then took up a long series of bills and resolutions. Among the notable measures were House Bill 316 on literacy and tutoring, House Bill 578 changing statutory references from gender to sex, House Bill 748 expanding toll exemptions for school board vehicles, House Bill 101 redesignating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway, House Bill 1032 cleaning up DWI terminology, House Bill 1081 transferring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission, House Bill 1108 creating a homeschool pride prestige plate, House Bill 1129 giving in-state auctioneers preference for selling surplus state property, House Bill 1157 creating a Louisiana State Infrastructure Bank, House Bill 1192 creating a dental hygienist prestige plate, House Bill 1195 revising athletic commission rules and NIL-related provisions, House Bill 1198 barring arbitration in child custody and visitation matters, House Bill 181 allowing limited tax-data sharing for Medicaid/SNAP integrity, House Bill 1118 requiring disclosure of hospital ownership by real estate investment trusts, House Bill 1082 changing venue rules in suits involving municipal police employees’ retirement systems, House Bill 225 proposing a lifetime two-term limit for governor, House Bill 864 on municipal fire limits and storage of flammables, House Bill 1189 requiring captain’s licenses for certain freshwater charter guides, and House Bill 549 creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program. Most measures passed, often after brief debate and technical amendments. Several bills were recommitted or returned to the calendar, including House Bill 902, House Bill 1245, and House Bill 1247, while House Bill 225 failed on final passage. The House also considered and passed multiple Senate bills dealing with tax administration, child custody testimony, Supreme Court disciplinary jurisdiction over out-of-state lawyers, civil investigation demands in Medicaid fraud cases, service of process fees and notice, and permanent homestead exemption registration. The session ended with the House in recess after completing its bill agenda for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• But anyway, that's another reason why I do have this CPI in here starting January 26. Great.
• Appraised values went from $2 billion to $12 billion, a six times increase.
• And then just my other question is, you said the values went from $2 billion to $12 billion? Yes.
• That waitlist is often 12 to 16 years long.
• But since January 1st...

Bills: HB511, HB972, HB 1035, HB2481, HB2723, HB2742, HB2894, HB2962, HB3077, HB3093, HB3307, HB3684, HJR67, HJR72

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, caregiver exemption, Medicaid, long-term services, tax relief, assisted living, housing support, property tax exemption, caregiver support, residence homestead, tax exemption, unpaid caregiver, state tax code, property tax, caregiver, waiting list, intellectual disability, developmental disability, ad valorem tax, family support

Transcript Highlights:

• c> a<01:12:05.199> shop<01:12:05.440> to<01:12:05.600> replace<01:12:05.840>
• a worn barrel<01:12:06.640> on<01:12:06.800> a<01:12:06.960> hunting<01:12:07.280
• A<01:12:15.600> retired<01:12:16.000> peace<01:12:16.320> officer<01:12:16.640><
• <01:12:50.400> I'm<01:12:50.640> not<01:12:50.800> sure<01:12:51.199> that
• /c><01:12:58.480> sponsors<01:12:58.880> have<01:12:59.120> done<01:12:59.600>

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum present, approved the February 27, 2026 journal, and then moved out of order to consider resolutions. Senate Resolution 003, designating March as Arts Education Month in Colorado, was read at length and supported by Senators Snyder and Basley, who emphasized the educational, social, and economic value of arts instruction and noted concerns about unequal access across the state. Senator Coleman and Senator Danielson also spoke in support, highlighting personal experiences with the arts and the importance of preserving arts programs in schools. The resolution passed unanimously, 35-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The chamber then adopted House Joint Resolution 1019, recognizing Caregiving Youth Day. Senator Judah described caregiving youth as children and teens who provide substantial care for family members while balancing school and other responsibilities, citing statewide and national data on the prevalence of youth caregivers and the risks they face. Senator Gonzales also spoke in support, urging the legislature to recognize and support this often invisible work. The resolution passed 35-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors. The Senate next took up third-reading consent calendar House Bill 1035, which enacts the 2025 Colorado Revised Statutes as positive and statutory law; it passed 32-3, with Senators Baisley, Lynda Zamora Wilson, and Long voting no. Senate Bill 53, expanding eligible borrowers for Colorado Housing and Finance Authority mortgages, then passed 29-6 after no-vote requests from Senators Zamora Wilson, Amabile, Sullivan, Hinrichsen, Baisley, and R. Pelton. House Bill 1064, concerning modifications to the youthful offender system, passed 23-12 after several no-vote requests, and Senate Bill 43, concerning regulation of firearm barrel transfers and related criminal penalties, was introduced for final passage with Senator Zamora Wilson delivering extended opposition focused on Second Amendment and fiscal concerns; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• :39.800> and<00:12:40.480> um<00:12:41.040> the<00:12:41.839> predominant
• curriculum that<00:12:49.839> is<00:12:50.440> widely<00:12:50.839> used<00:12:
• 51.199> is<00:12:51.639> the<00:12:52.000> uly<00:12:52.680> which<00:12:
• :53.199> of<00:12:53.399> University<00:12:54.000> of<00:12:54.680> Florida
• of Florida and the partially<00:12:57.600> align<00:12:58.120> curriculum<00:12:58.639

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A second 5.4 earthquake struck on January 1, creating further damage.
• A second 5.4 earthquake struck on January 1st, creating further damage.
• , a month that is about as far from what we used to call our... particularly in Los Angeles in January
• They go, oh, it's going to take us—this actually happened in Ventura—it's going to take us 12 hours to
• A lithium battery fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant led to its evacuation in January.

Summary: The Emergency Management Committee met to adopt its rules and hear a series of disaster- and public safety-related bills. Several measures were placed on consent and approved, including bills sending items to Appropriations, Natural Resources, Judiciary, Labor and Employment, and Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. AB 262, by Assembly Member Caloza, proposed a California Individual Assistance Act to create a state grant program for disaster-related costs when federal aid is unavailable; supporters cited Rio Dell’s earthquake recovery as an example, while some members raised concerns about eligibility, cost, and whether the bill could aid undocumented residents. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 4-2 vote. AB 549, by Assembly Member Gabriel, would create an interagency coordination framework for major sporting events such as the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics, with supporters emphasizing public safety and anti-trafficking planning. An opposition witness argued the bill could be used to justify prostitution arrests and misuse trafficking funds, but the committee members largely supported the coordination concept, and the bill passed 6-0 to Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 270, by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris, would establish a three-year pilot for autonomous aerial firefighting helicopters overseen by the Orange County Fire Authority; supporters described it as a way to extend wildfire response into conditions where crewed aircraft are limited, and the bill passed 6-0 to Privacy and Consumer Protection. Later, AB 367, by Assembly Member Bennett, sought to require Ventura County water districts in high fire-risk areas to top off tanks during red flag warnings, maintain backup generators, and harden critical water infrastructure. Water agencies opposed the bill unless amended, citing cost, flexibility, and liability concerns, while the author argued the requirements were necessary after failures during the Thomas Fire; it passed 6-1 to Utilities and Energy. AB 615, by Assembly Member Davies, required emergency response plans to be submitted with initial applications for battery energy storage and other energy facilities and to be reviewed with local responders; it passed 7-0 to Utilities and Energy. AB 1075, concerning privately contracted firefighters, also passed on consent to Natural Resources. Finally, AB 1143, by Assembly Member Bennett, would create a voluntary statewide home hardening certification program through the State Fire Marshal; supporters called it a best-practices approach to reduce wildfire losses and insurance risk, and it passed to Natural Resources. The committee then completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned after all bills were moved out.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:12:07.679> of<02:12:07.840> federal<02:12:08.159> law<02:12:08.560> to
• to to cover,<02:12:10.320> if<02:12:10.480> you<02:12:10.560> ever<02:12:10.719
• > heard<02:12:10.800> of<02:12:10.960> a<02:12:11.199> a<02:12:11.360>
• > a<02:12:14.000> ghost<02:12:14.239> gun<02:12:14.480> made<02:12:14.719
• <02:12:16.639> And<02:12:16.960> the<02:12:17.840> Supreme<02:12:18.159>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it would be approximately a $10 to $12 million increase in total.
• So it would be approximately a $10 to $12 million increase in totality.
• And I do realize $10 to $12 million is a lot more.
• Yes, that would be $10 to $12 million. I'm estimating about $32 million.
• Hearing none, we will file the January 1 monthly written updates.

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed several agency rules and requests. The Insurance Department’s amendment to its holding company system rule was reviewed and approved, as were two State Board of Election Commissioners rules: one clarifying poll watcher conduct, vote challenges, and provisional voting, and another increasing pay for certified election monitors and defining training, observation, and report-writing compensation. The Arkansas Financial Education Commission also had its rule reviewed and approved after removing membership requirements tied to DEI language to comply with Act 938. The committee held over the Department of Education’s request to be excluded from reporting requirements for one month to allow further discussion about who should write or implement the rules. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Human Services’ request to be excluded from reporting requirements for Acts 567, 568, 967, and 1025. DHS said CMS had raised comparability and other federal approval concerns, especially for the dental and diagnostic lab provisions, and that it might not be able to meet the acts’ effective dates. DHS described several possible paths forward, including broader benefit changes, waivers, or splitting the dental provisions so the pediatric rate increase could move separately from the special-needs adult cap increase. The Arkansas State Dental Association disputed DHS’s conclusion that the acts could not be implemented as written, argued that Act 1025 is workable, and urged DHS to continue pursuing implementation and preserve the September 1 effective date where possible. Public testimony also supported expanded dental access for adults with disabilities and special needs. After discussion, the committee voted not to exclude DHS from reporting requirements for those acts. The committee then reviewed the Division of Higher Education’s Act 781 report. The division said it has 32 rules in effect, asked to repeal three rules—two replaced by new rules and one no longer supported by authority or current law—and to continue the remaining 29 rules. The committee approved that request, with the repeals effective upon adjournment of the Legislative Council meeting on January 16, 2026. The meeting concluded with no questions on the remaining written rulemaking updates from prior and current sessions, which were filed without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:33.919> 6, the journal from Tuesday, January 6, the journal from Tuesday, January 6
• Thursday, January 8th.
• Thursday, January 8th.
• Thursday, January 8th, in the year of our Lord 2026. >> Without objection.
• Thursday, January 8th, in the year of our Lord 2026. 14.

Keywords: Video Starts 00:00 Convene 01:02 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 07:51 Stand at Ease 11:46 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 26:33 Adjournment 46:41, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 98 members present. The chamber approved the journal from January 6, excused absent members, and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. No committee reports, second readings, or orders of the day were needed. During announcements, a member invited colleagues to a Welcome Back to Frankfurt reception and the House adopted a citation honoring Michael Dean Hilton, with remarks noting his long career in Kentucky politics and lobbying. The House also adopted a citation recognizing Hank Parker. The clerk reported a large number of new filings, including House Bills 35 through 230 and several resolutions and constitutional amendments covering topics such as education, taxes, health care, firearms, housing, labor, elections, agriculture, public safety, and retirement systems. Among the measures introduced were bills on scholarship eligibility, respiratory care, retirement benefits, alcohol licensure, public notices, school curriculum, privacy protection, medical billing, housing, firearms-related issues, Medicaid expansion, cannabis, wage transparency, and healthcare price transparency. Resolutions included one recognizing election principles in Kentucky, one honoring victims of UPS Airlines Flight 2976 and responders, and others on political violence, memorial highways, law enforcement support, and ALS awareness. No substantive votes on legislation occurred beyond the citation adoptions and routine procedural approvals, and the House adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So to get to 8.7 gigawatts over the course of 140 years, and now to see that grow to 12 gigawatts by
• Right now, with what we are building to serve in 2035, we anticipate that will grow to 12 gigawatts.
• So to get to 8.7 gigawatts over the course of 140 years, and now to see that grow to 12 gigawatts by
• Right now, with what we are building to serve in 2035, we anticipate that will grow to 12 gigawatts.
• As the mother of a 7-minute, 12-year-old, I totally understand where these bills come from.

Bills: HB2133, HB2592

Keywords: sexual material, consent, synthetic depiction, privacy, internet regulation, rights protection, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all

Summary: The House AI and Innovation Committee first heard an informational presentation from Arizona Public Service (APS) on the rapid growth of data centers and AI-related electricity demand in Arizona. APS said Phoenix now ranks near the top in North America for data center development and projected its peak load could rise from 8.7 gigawatts to 12 gigawatts by 2035, with about 19 gigawatts of potential data center demand in its queue. APS emphasized three principles for serving this growth: maintaining reliability for existing customers, preventing data center costs from being shifted to residential and small business customers, and preserving capacity for other growth. APS described its proposed approach as a combination of a pending Corporation Commission rate case and bilateral contracts, including minimum bill requirements, queue management, long-term financial commitments, and direct cost assignment to data center customers. Committee members asked about rate impacts, self-generation, behind-the-meter power, seasonal load, and possible future nuclear or other generation options; APS said it is pursuing an all-of-the-above resource strategy and that the proposed data center rate increase is 45 percent, though not yet approved. The committee then considered House Bill 2133, which would require commercial entities that knowingly distribute or publish sexual material online to obtain reasonable consent and age verification, including for synthetic or AI-generated altered images, and would impose civil penalties for violations. A five-page amendment narrowed the bill by excluding internet service providers, affiliates, search engines, and cloud providers from liability for content they do not create or directly host. The sponsor said the bill is intended to protect people in adult content from exploitation and non-consensual use, including revenge porn and trafficking-related material, and to extend protections to synthetic media. Members discussed the penalty structure, with the sponsor explaining it was modeled on similar penalties in related laws and set at $10,000 per day of violation. After no public opposition was presented, the committee adopted the amendment and voted 5-0, with 2 members present, to return HB 2133 as amended with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:22.559> 6<00:27:22.880> of step in in January 6 of step in in January 6 of 2025
• :53.000> incidents<01:12:54.000> where<01:12:54.960> um<01:12:55.280> um<
• where um um people are impacted<01:12:57.239> and<01:12:57.360> that<01:12:57.480>
• you're<01:12:57.719> able<01:12:57.960> to<01:12:58.239> point impacted and
• that you're able to point impacted and that you're able to point to<01:12:59.320> a<01:12:59.560

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :19.160> me<00:12:19.480> but<00:12:19.720> thank<00:12:19.959> you<00:12
• <00:12:22.880> Bill<00:12:23.880> and<00:12:24.360> something<00:12:25.079><
• they can't<00:12:35.760> say<00:12:36.040> no<00:12:36.240> to<00:12:36.519>
• <00:12:38.920> they're<00:12:39.160> so<00:12:39.440> valuable<00:12:39.839>
• <00:12:49.639> thank<00:12:49.800> you<00:12:50.320> thank<00:12:50.440>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate File 285, a bill to shift MnDOT highway project cost participation away from local governments and onto MnDOT. The bill’s author and several city representatives said current cost-share policies force cities to spend local aid, property taxes, or debt on state highway projects they do not control, leaving less money for local streets and maintenance. Testifiers from Richfield, Elk River, Faribault, Minneapolis, and the Minnesota Association of Small Cities all supported the bill, describing the policy as one-size-fits-all, financially burdensome, and especially harmful to smaller cities and cities with major state highways running through them. Witnesses gave examples of large and sometimes changing local cost-share obligations, including Richfield’s spending of most of its MSA funds on projects it does not own and a small-city project where the estimated local share rose from about $2.3 million to over $3 million. Several testifiers said cities often have little practical ability to refuse MnDOT projects because the projects are valuable and MnDOT can move on if a city declines. One witness also raised concerns about money being paid upfront and held in an account during construction, causing cities to lose interest earnings while funds sit unused. Members asked whether cities truly have a say in these projects and whether there are limits on how much the local share can increase. Testifiers said MnDOT does engage cities, but the cost participation policy largely dictates the outcome, and they described the municipal consent statute as too narrow in practice. Senators expressed concern about fairness and the burden on local budgets, while one member noted the bill may not fully address the broader consent issue. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12:16.480> how<00:12:16.800> this<00:12:17.200> bill<00:12:17.519> will<00
• their<00:12:21.680> ownership<00:12:22.079> in<00:12:22.320> our<00:12:22.480><
• Thank you<00:12:23.760> very much.<00:12:28.240> Beer<00:12:28.639> Lab<00:12:28.959
• My<00:12:55.279> name<00:12:55.360> is<00:12:55.440> Kyle<00:12:55.839> Reitner
• Aloha,<01:12:43.920> chair,<01:12:44.239> vice<01:12:44.480> chairs,<01:12:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate committees heard HB 108 HD2, which would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require liquor commissions to adopt rules. Most testimony came from craft brewers and distillers in support, who said the bill would help small and fragile producers reach customers, move limited or specialty products that wholesalers do not carry, and maintain relationships with visitors after they leave Hawaii. Supporters also argued that direct-to-consumer shipping would not meaningfully increase underage access because common carriers age-gate deliveries and require adult signatures, and that the measure would supplement rather than replace the three-tier system. Opposition came from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association, which said the bill could create problems with minor access and tax revenue and would allow out-of-state manufacturers to ship directly to Hawaii households. Supporters responded that similar concerns were raised when wine direct shipping was adopted and said the existing shipping and reporting systems can track and tax these sales. Several witnesses, including Maui Brewing, Ola Brew, Koloa Rum, Hana Rum, Koulana Rumworks, Koval Distillery, and the Brewers Association, described their small-batch operations, limited distribution options, and the potential for direct shipping to expand sales and jobs. Committee members questioned witnesses about underage access, tax collection, and the impact on the three-tier system. One witness discussed efforts to protect and potentially scale the Hawaiian spirit Okolehao through geographic and sourcing rules. The transcript does not show a final vote or disposition on HB 108 HD2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• time<00:12:46.600> that<00:12:46.720> you<00:12:46.880> have the time that you
• > Mr<00:12:49.519> Hansen<00:12:50.279> uh<00:12:50.360> do<00:12:50.480>
• > any<00:12:50.959> questions<00:12:51.320> from<00:12:51.519> committee
• > madam<00:12:56.240> chair<00:12:56.600> and<00:12:57.120> I<00:12:57.279
• 58.320> know<00:12:58.600> coming<00:12:58.839> from<00:12:59.000> that<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Nido<00:12:04.040> on<00:12:04.120> the<00:12:04.240> list<00:12:04.440>
• <00:12:07.240> and<00:12:07.360> move<00:12:07.480> on<00:12:07.600> to
• next<00:12:07.920> bill<00:12:08.120> since<00:12:08.279> this<00:12:08.360
• 12:18.519> with<00:12:19.079> um<00:12:19.320> you<00:12:19.440> know<00:
• <00:12:22.040> an<00:12:22.199> important<00:12:22.600> site<00:12:23.120>

Bills: HF1367, HF2732, HF1897, HF1424, HF1383, HF2728, HF2863, HF1685, HF2929

Keywords: child maltreatment, child abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, human trafficking, child protection, local welfare agency, county social services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, judicial review, district court appeal, venue, out-of-state abuse, cross-border investigation, Minnesota child welfare, family assessment, maltreatment determination

Transcript Highlights:

• Like<00:12:00.160> many<00:12:00.320> health<00:12:00.520> systems,<00:12:00.880
• We<00:12:08.440> have<00:12:08.560> already<00:12:08.800> made<00:12:08.960>
• We<00:12:12.080> have<00:12:12.200> closed<00:12:12.520> programs<00:12:12.960><
• were meaningful<00:12:13.880> to<00:12:14.000> our<00:12:14.120> patients<00:12:
• To<00:12:31.360> be<00:12:31.440> accredited<00:12:32.000> as<00:12:32.120> a

Bills: HF4841, HF4234, HF3697

Keywords: Hennepin County, sales tax, health care facilities, ballpark improvements, tax revenue, HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund