Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Resolution 121'
Page 121 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Fraud with Employee Training – Senator Mark Koran Feb 28th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator, thank you for being here. >> My pleasure. >> All right, let's talk about fraud.
- Um, I didn't use my one line that it would—I did it after the committee, but, uh, Senator Holly, you
- Holly, you know, the bane of the Senator Holly, you know, the bane of the existence<00:08:36.479>
- >> Senator, thank you for sharing that experience.
- >> Senator, thank you for sharing that experience.
Summary:
The discussion focused on fraud in Minnesota public assistance and human services programs, with an emphasis on the harm done to vulnerable recipients rather than just the dollar amounts. The senator described cases involving childcare, PCA, adult daycare, autism, housing support, and food programs, arguing that fraud and poor oversight leave children, disabled people, nursing home residents, and others in neglect or unsafe conditions. He said many of the programs are Medicaid-related or state-funded entitlements intended to address social needs, and that stolen funds directly worsen outcomes for those they are meant to help.
He traced the problem to weak state oversight and agency inaction, citing the creation of the DHS Office of Inspector General after earlier childcare fraud concerns, whistleblower reports, and alleged failures by agency leadership to pursue larger, organized schemes. He pointed to the Feeding Our Future case as a major example, saying federal investigators uncovered broader fraud patterns across multiple programs and that state agencies failed to act despite warning signs. He also said recent audits, including one involving DHS Behavioral Health Administration, showed inadequate site visits and other serious deficiencies.
The senator said he recently met with federal officials in Washington, D.C., because a large share of Minnesota spending includes federal dollars and federal partners have a stake in preventing misuse. He argued that federal action is necessary but not sufficient, and that Minnesota also needs stronger internal controls, standardized eligibility verification, identity and residency checks, site visits, and better use of data tools. He supported creating an independent Office of Inspector General passed last session, but said it is only a partial solution and that agencies themselves must be retrained and held accountable. No formal votes were taken in the exchange, but the senator described ongoing legislative efforts and said he was pessimistic about the governor’s willingness to act.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Studying Seclusion in Schools – Senator Judy Seeberger Feb 28th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator, it's great to see you. Thank you for being here. >> Thanks for inviting me. >> Absolutely.
- It passed in the Senate. It didn't pass in the House. So where do we stand now?
- <00:04:10.879>
So Senate. It didn't pass in the House. So Senate. - <00:09:27.839>
Senator, keeping it front and center. - Senator, keeping it front and center.
HI
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Fraud with Training / Studying Seclusion in Schools / Lowering Costs for Communities Feb 27th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's all coming up. >> Senate Spotlight is produced by the Minnesota Senate and Senate Media Services
- after the committee, but uh, Senator after the committee, but uh, Senator Holly,<00:09:34.240>
- The reform was kickstarted by Senator John Jasinski's bill, Senate File 285.
- Senator Judy state's youngest students.
- Senator, keeping it front and center.
Summary:
The program focused first on Minnesota Republicans’ efforts to combat fraud and improve government accountability, featuring Sen. Mark Koran. He argued that fraud in programs such as Medicaid, childcare assistance, PCA, autism services, housing support, and food aid harms both taxpayers and vulnerable recipients, and he cited cases where people in need were left without services. Koran said the problem stems from weak agency oversight, overreliance on self-attestation, and poor use of available data and site visits. He described a bill and related work to strengthen an independent inspector general structure, standardize eligibility checks, require better verification and external data use, and improve agency accountability; he also said federal involvement is necessary because many programs include federal dollars. No vote was taken in the interview, but he said the Senate had already passed an inspector general-related measure and that broader reform is still needed.
The second major topic was the Senate DFL’s “ICE accountability agenda” in response to federal immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota. The package includes bills to protect sensitive spaces such as schools and hospitals, ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks while on duty, and allow Minnesotans to sue the federal government in state court. DFL members framed the issue as one of constitutional enforcement tactics rather than immigration policy, and said the measures are intended to prepare the state if ICE returns. No committee vote or final action was described.
The final segment covered school seclusion policy. Sen. Judy Seeberger explained that seclusion is intended as an emergency safety tool, not discipline, but said the 2023 law banning it through grade 3 removed a resource without replacing it. She said supporters of the ban point to misuse and trauma, while she and a working group sought a compromise with tighter safeguards: extending the policy through grade 12, requiring explicit parental consent and access to the room, interpreter services when needed, and reporting if seclusion is used repeatedly. She said the working group’s recommendations were largely reached by consensus, but the issue remains unresolved and it is unclear whether further legislation will advance this session.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
February 2026 State Budget and Economic Forecast Presentation - 2/27/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So now I'll turn it over to Senate Leader Mark Johnson. Well, good afternoon.
- Senator Champion [member_8011] also working on a small business-oriented package.
- <01:39:16.400>
Rest this week with my colleague Senator Rest this week with my colleague Senator - >
last <01:39:25.840>year <01:39:26.080>a Senate DFL did introduce last year a Senate - Senator Champion also working example.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-02-27 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of the resolution by title only. of the resolution by title only.
- Senator<00:10:27.519>
from <00:10:28.000>Windham. Senator from Windham. - Senator from Orange.
- as offered by the senator from Windham? as offered by the senator from Windham?
- Senator from Rutland. for the question? Senator from Rutland.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/26/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Gianaris. >> Good morning, Madam President. >> Good morning. >> We'll take up two resolutions
- simultaneously, both by Senator Tedisco, previously adopted Resolution 1488 and previously adopted Resolution
- Senate Resolution No. 1525 by Senator Tedisco: Congratulating Jolie Chichak of Shenendehowa High School
- [Applause] The resolutions were adopted on January 28 and February 4. Senator Gianaris.
- THE RESOLUTION WERE ADOPTED ON JANUARY 28, AND FEBRUARY 4. SENATOR GIANARIS.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and then recognized several guest groups, including the Shenendehowa High School girls varsity cross country team and tennis champion Jolie Chichak, as well as the Downsville Central School Student Council. Senator Tedisco introduced the Shenendehowa athletes, highlighting their state and federation championships and strong academic records, and Senator Oberacker introduced the Downsville students. The chamber extended courtesies to the guests.
The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills and resolutions. Among the measures approved were a bill designating Overdose Awareness Day, a real property tax bill, a public authorities bill, several education-related bills, a private housing finance bill, a workers’ compensation bill, and a labor law bill. Some items were laid aside before later being taken up, including the cannabis bill and the environmental conservation bill. Votes were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, with a few recorded negatives on certain bills.
The most extensive debate centered on Calendar 261, Senator May’s environmental conservation bill concerning renewable energy installations and transmission on state reforestation lands. Senator Walczyk and others questioned whether the bill would allow solar, wind, battery storage, tree cutting, herbicide use, and reduced environmental review, while supporters argued the bill was mainly about transmission corridors, climate goals, and preserving flexibility for DEC oversight and mitigation. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed 42-13.
The Senate also passed Calendar 353, Senator Ramos’s labor law bill addressing class action wage recovery and statutory damages. Supporters said it would clarify the law so workers can recover full wages in class actions, while opponents warned it could encourage litigation against small businesses over technical payroll errors. The bill passed 47-8. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until March 4, 2026, with intervening days as legislative days.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN, CPN, CPN Public Hearings 02-25-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Lamas. Senator McKelby is excused. Senator A. Hi. Recommendation is adopted.
- Senator<00:01:33.280>
Lamas. Senator Lamas. Senator Lamas. - <00:01:36.159>
Senator <00:01:36.479>A. >> Senator McKelby is excused. - Senator A. >> Senator McKelby is excused. Senator A. Hi. Hi. Hi.
- last session on Senate Bill 1038. last session on Senate Bill 1038. um<00:45:11.040>
Senate
Summary:
The committee first took up a short-form administrative licensing measure requested by the administration to correct and clarify renewal provisions in a prior bill. Members raised no questions, and the committee voted to adopt the proposed Senate draft and recommit the bill back to the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee for a further public hearing.
The committee then heard SB 2876 on natural hair braiding, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing under certain conditions. The Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it views hair braiding as within the broader scope of cosmetology, but agreed that people who only braid hair should not need a license because the training and exam requirements are minimal. The board warned, however, that exempting braiders could create consumer protection gaps involving sanitation, training, and enforcement, and noted that related services such as waxing, cutting, coloring, shampooing, and relaxing would still require licensure. Supporters included the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and the Institute for Justice.
The committee also heard SB 2950 on captive insurance and SB 2951 on insurance proceeds. On SB 2950, the Insurance Division opposed the bill, saying captive insurance is designed for formal self-insurance for companies and that allowing captives to insure the public would not fit the existing regulatory framework; a fire survivor advocate supported the measure as a way to expand disaster-related insurance options. On SB 2951, which would require mortgage servicers to follow certain rules for disbursing insurance proceeds after residential damage or destruction, United Policy Holders strongly supported the bill, citing delays in releasing funds and the need to help survivors rebuild, while banking and financial industry groups submitted opposition or comments.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2952, SB 2960, and SB 2964, all related to property insurance and disaster recovery. SB 2952 and SB 2960 would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to submit documentation and recover replacement cost value, with supporters arguing that rebuilding after major disasters takes far longer than standard policy deadlines allow and that the bills would improve consumer protection and transparency; the Insurance Division, the Insurance Council, and national insurance groups opposed the measures. SB 2964 would require annual disclosures of replacement cost value and coverage sufficiency; the Insurance Council opposed it as costly and unnecessary because policies already include inflation-related adjustments, while United Policy Holders and fire survivors supported it, saying many homeowners are underinsured and do not understand their coverage.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM, WAM, WAM, WAM Public Hearings 02-25-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Coin? >> Aye. Senator Elefante? >> With reservations. Okay. Senator Hashimoto? >> Aye.
- Senator Inoe? >> Aye. Senator [snorts] Kua? >> Aye. Senator Kidani excused. Senator McKim excused.
- Senator Lee? >> Aye. Senator Richards? >> Aye. Senator Wai? >> Reservations. And Senator Favlla?
- >> Uh Senator McKim excused. Senator Lee. >> Uh Senator McKim excused. Senator Lee.
- >> Senator Richards.
Summary:
The committee opened with the 10:54 agenda and took up SB 2656, a short-form bill relating to taxation. The chair explained the intent was to insert the provisions of proposed SD1, then recommit the bill to the Committee on Ways and Means so the process could start over and a full hearing could be held later. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass SB 2656 proposed SD1 with amendments and recommit it, with aye votes from the chair, vice chair, and several senators, and reservations from Senators Elefante, Wai, and Favlla; Senators Kidani and McKim were excused.
For the remaining three agendas on that meeting block, no oral testimony was taken. The chair said there was a large volume of written testimony, so the committee would review it and defer decision-making to a later date on all three measures.
The meeting then moved through the 10:55, 10:56, and 10:57 agendas. On the 10:55 agenda, the committee said it would defer decision-making to Monday, March 2, except for SB 334, which would be deferred and then reposted as proposed SD2 for a full hearing, with testimony to be submitted on the proposed SD2 rather than the current version. On the 10:56 and 10:57 agendas, the committee deferred decision-making to Tuesday, March 3, at 10:15 a.m. in conference room 211, and then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Senator<00:04:23.360>
Kavilla >> Senator Kavilla >> Senator Kavilla >& - >> Senator<00:48:36.720>
Morwaukee >> Senator Morwaukee >> Senator Morwaukee - Senator Ihara voted aye. Senator Moriwaki is excused. Senator Fevella voted aye.
- Senator<01:15:20.320>
Ihara Senator Ihara Senator Ihara >> I. >> I. >> I. - Senator >> Senator Mory Walke is excused. Senator Favlla. Favlla. Favlla. >> Hi.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters.
For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways.
For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Eric Botcher, representing the 47th Senate District on the West Side of Manhattan, which spans
- Yes, Senator, thank you. So we have Senate Bill 70, sponsored by Senator Kavana.
- Senate Bill 2027, sponsored by Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Banking Law in relation to creating
- Senate Bill 3177, sponsored by Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Banking Law and Administrative Code
- Senate Bill 3615, sponsored by Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Banking Law in relation to minority
Summary:
The Senate Banks Committee met with Chair James Sanders Jr. and members including Senators Brisport, Borrello, and newly introduced Senator Eric Botcher. The chair emphasized the committee’s willingness to debate and revise bills, with several members noting the value of open dialogue and bipartisan cooperation on banking issues affecting unbanked and underbanked New Yorkers.
The committee considered five bills. S.70 (mortgage loan services) drew opposition from one member over its private right of action, with concerns that litigation would raise costs and make mortgages less affordable; it was nevertheless moved and reported out. S.2027 would create a banking development district working group; supporters said the program needs an overhaul and more funding, and the bill was moved and referred to finance. S.2327 would dedicate 10% of fines and penalties imposed by the Department of Financial Services to a community development financial institution fund; it was reported out and referred to finance. S.3177 would regulate commercial finance licenses and was also voted out and referred to finance.
The final bill, S.3615, would support minority depository institutions establishing home or branch offices in unbanked or underbanked communities. A co-sponsor highlighted that rural areas also face banking access problems and praised the bill as a nonpartisan effort. The committee approved the bill and referred it to finance. The meeting concluded with adjournment after all listed bills were acted on.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:25:55.320>
Rasmussen. Senator Rasmussen. Senator Rasmussen. - Senator Nelson. Thank up, thank you. Senator Nelson.
- Senator Jasinski. continue flowing. Senator Jasinski.
- Senator<00:37:20.880>
Kroon. Senator Kroon. Senator Kroon. - Senator Rasmusson. Okay, thank you. Senator Rasmusson.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/26/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Senator Senator Koop. >> Senator Senator Koop.
- Senator<00:55:13.280>
Karan. Senator Karan. Senator Karan. - >> Senator<01:09:07.440>
Koop, >> Senator Koop, >> Senator Koop, >> Senator - Any other final comments, Senator<02:00:28.320>
Key? Senator Key? Senator Key? - Senator<02:04:14.639>
Balden. Senator Balden. Senator Balden.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Thank you Senator Senator Utki. >> Thank you Senator Senator Utki.
- And thank you, Senator<00:27:17.919>
Coop. Senator Coop. Senator Coop. - >
then <00:52:58.400>Senator Uh, Senator Ariki and then Senator Uh, Senator Ariki and then - Senator Senator, Senator, Senator, >> you<00:53:00.960>
were <00:53:01.119>just < - Uh Senator Senator >> Thank you so much.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we have Senator Lindsey Port, Senator Carlson, Senator Marty, and it sounds like Senator Bahr will
- /c><00:02:44.400>
Carlson, Senator Lindseay Port, Senator Carlson, Senator Lindseay Port, Senator - Senator Wesland. point. Senator Wesland.
- Senator Westlin. >> Senator Koran. >> Yes. >> Senator Carlson. >> I. >> Senator Bahr. >> No. >> Senator
- Senator<01:16:20.640>
Dreheim. Senator Dreheim. Senator Dreheim.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/26/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:04.560>
PA hunting Senate file 1251 and Senator PA hunting Senate file 1251 and Senator - Senator P. Back to you. Senator P. Back to you.
- Pa, Senator Her, this bill, Senator Pa, Senator Her, Senator<00:08:00.000>
um <00:08:00.400>- >> Senator<01:43:02.000>
Green. >> Senator Green. >> Senator Green.- Uh Senator Dowski. Okay. Uh Senator Dowski.
- >> Senator<01:43:02.000>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- First bill on the agenda is Senate File 3552, Senator Kunes.
- Senator<00:14:02.480>
Dibble. Senator Dibble. Senator Dibble. - Senators Dibble and Senator Weber Senators Dibble and Senator Weber regarding<00:17:40.559>
these - Thank you, Senator Rest. Moving on to Senate File 3597. Thank you so much. Senator Rest.
- Senator<00:41:17.599>
Rest. Senator Rest. Senator Rest.
VT
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL Legislators Introduce Bill to Support School Counselors - 02/25/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, as the senator stated, we're 48th in the country for school counselors to student ratio.
- The bill, as it is presented now, which we are thankful to Representative Berg and Senator P for coauthoring
Summary:
Legislators and school counselors discussed a bill aimed at strengthening school counseling services in Minnesota. Supporters said the proposal would clarify counselors’ roles in state policy, require at least one school counselor in every school, and ensure counselors spend 80% of their time in direct services to students rather than being assigned to duties like hall monitoring or substitute teaching. The bill was described as building on prior efforts to expand student mental health supports after COVID and responding to Minnesota’s low student-to-counselor ratio, which speakers said ranks 48th nationally.
Several counselors testified about the pressures facing students and schools, especially in communities affected by ICE enforcement and broader trauma. A St. Paul counselor described students displaced by enforcement actions, a child whose father was detained, and schools serving as food distribution centers. Another counselor from Minneapolis said students were experiencing chronic stress, fear, and difficulty focusing on school, with staff organizing mutual aid, delivering supplies, and helping students continue learning from home. Speakers said these conditions are statewide and that counselors are providing trauma support, family crisis navigation, and basic needs assistance.
In response to questions, a Minnesota School Counselor Association advocate said the bill is intended to give counselors a clearer state framework and support their professional training and responsibilities. No vote or formal committee action was described in the transcript.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Internet and Technology - 02/25/2026
Internet And Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- I am Senator Gonzalez, the committee chair, and I'm joined today by Senator Stec, who is our incredible
- The next bill is Senate Bill 3699, not by yours truly, but by Senator Sanders: Senate Bill 3699, an act
- The next bill on today's agenda is Senate Bill 5609 by Senator Salazar: Senate Bill 5609, an act to amend
- The next bill on today's agenda is Senate Bill 6954A by Senator Gounardes: Senate Bill 6954A, an act
- The next bill is Senate Bill 6955A by Senator Gounardes: Senate Bill 6955A, an act to amend the General
Summary:
The Internet Technology Committee met on February 25 at 12:10 with Senator Gonzalez chairing and Senator Stec as ranking member. The committee considered a series of bills focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biometric surveillance, and related technology issues, including measures to create a Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, require notices for generative AI systems, direct a state agency telework report, require multi-factor authentication for governmental entities, establish a Secure Our Data Act, study facial recognition technology, restrict biometric surveillance by law enforcement, and increase transparency for synthetic content and AI training data.
Most bills were moved and reported out of committee, with several sent to the floor and others referred onward to the Finance Committee, Codes Committee, or reported without recommendation or with opposition noted. SB 933, SB 934A, SB 936A, SB 3699, SB 6954A, SB 6955A, SB 7263, and SB 9051 were reported to the floor; SB 1139, SB 1961A, and SB 9051 were sent to Finance; and SB 5609 was sent to Codes. Votes varied by bill, with some receiving no opposition and others drawing one or more nays or without-recommendation votes.
Senator Gonzalez also briefly highlighted SB 9051, which would prohibit AI chatbots from using features considered unsafe for minors, describing it as a response to concerns about harm from companion bots and chatbot interactions with children. The chair noted work with the Attorney General’s office and Common Sense Media and said the bill was intended to promote regulation and accountability for companies deploying such systems. The meeting concluded with thanks to the ranking member and staff, and the committee adjourned.