Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just wondering how Minnesota compares to other states and meeting the guidelines to meet the needs
• </c><01:04:39.640><c> the</c><01:04:39.760><c> needs</c> meeting the guidelines to meet the needs meeting
• </c> bipartisanly for open bipartisanly for open government<01:37:35.040><c> for</c><01:37:35.560><c>
• We'll open it up for discussion.
• The meeting is adjourned. [Music]

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been distributed, and I will be open for any questions. What is your amendment?
• This just opens that up.
• So with that, we’ll open it up for questions. Any questions by the committee? Representative Loy?
• Okay, because I'd like to be open for business. I'd like people to move to Missouri.
• I was at a meeting with the gentleman from Dent County, and I were at a meeting about compacts.

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Summary: The committee first met in executive session on Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 1233. Members adopted several amendments, including language allowing the Boards of Therapeutic Massage and Chiropractors to seek emergency suspension of licenses when there are criminal indictments or charges that could harm citizens; extending the RX CARES for Missouri prescription drug abuse prevention program by removing its sunset; updating pharmacy distributor licensing language to reflect national licensing practices; clarifying pharmacist immunization authority, including RSV immunizations and board oversight for future immunizations; allowing certain long-term care facility employees to administer additional subcutaneous medications; and adopting agreed-upon language related to interior designers. The committee then rolled those amendments into a committee substitute and voted the bill do pass by a 16-1 roll call vote. The committee then heard House Bills 2618 and 2644, which would join Missouri to the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. The bill sponsors said the compact would improve licensure portability for respiratory therapists, help address workforce shortages, and allow Missouri to be among the first states shaping the compact’s commission. Supporters, including respiratory therapists, a hospital association representative, a student and military spouse, and a nursing association representative, said the compact would speed access to qualified therapists, aid rural and hospital care, help during emergencies like COVID-19, and benefit military families. Several witnesses emphasized that participating states would still retain their own licensing standards and scope-of-practice authority. Opponents argued that the compact would surrender state sovereignty to an unformed commission, create a “blank check” before the rules are written, and potentially allow rules to supersede state law. They also raised constitutional concerns about interstate compacts and questioned whether a reciprocal licensing approach would be preferable. Committee members asked about sovereignty, the legal basis for compacts, and whether Missouri could preserve its standards; sponsors and supporters responded that the compact would not remove state authority and that Missouri could still require its own standards. The hearing concluded without a vote on the respiratory compact bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Open to that. Great. I’ve got Representative Defoe and then Connors.” “Thank you, Mr.
• That is something that we're very open to talk about.
• Frustration built, and we did finally have town meetings.
• I still have all the notes that Talia wrote from those town meetings.
• Like I said, those meetings could not continue.

Bills: HB2299 , HB2118 , HB2236

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: seniors, independent living, ombudsman, elderly support, continuing care retirement communities, common interest communities, restrictions, property rights, homeowners association, community governance, housing finance, affordable housing, housing commission, state agency, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a new situation in Florida where we allow open carry.
• Forty-five states have open carry. A number of states have campus carry.
• open carry very recently became law of the land in the state of Florida.
• If there's no further business, that concludes our agenda for today's meeting.
• Upon the motion of this representative, the meeting is adjourned.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 133, which would lower the minimum age to purchase a long gun from 21 to 18. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores the rights of adults 18 and older, emphasizing constitutional rights, military service, voting, jury duty, and parental responsibility. Opponents, including gun violence prevention advocates and several members, cited Parkland and the recent FSU shooting, argued that people under 21 are still developing and more impulsive, and said the current law helps protect public safety. After extensive debate and public testimony on both sides, the committee voted 11-5 to report HB 133 favorably. The committee then considered PCS for HB 35, which adds driving without a valid license to the offenses that can lead to habitual traffic offender designation and is named Isaiah’s Law in memory of a child killed by an unlicensed driver. Supporters said it addresses repeat dangerous conduct and should help prevent similar tragedies. One member questioned whether it was a knee-jerk response, while others said it was a reasonable accountability measure. The PCS passed unanimously, 16-0, and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HB 245, which updates Florida law to use more accurate terminology for child sexual abuse material rather than “child pornography,” and includes related technical corrections. The sponsor said the change better reflects the seriousness of the crime and asked whether the bill also covered AI-generated material; the sponsor said the statute already addresses such references. After a technical amendment was adopted, the bill passed unanimously, 16-0, and was reported favorably. The chair also reminded members to maintain respect toward public witnesses and each other before adjourning the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please indicate your presence when the machine is open. Thank you. All the members, roll.
• That was my first meeting.
• I've had countless meetings since then, and many of them with all of you.
• When the machine is open, all those in favor vote aye; those opposed vote no.
• Roll call has been requested, and when the machine is open on the committee report...

Transcript Highlights:

• And lastly, the main reason why we opened the youth farm is civic engagement.
• But thanks to help and talk that we've opened up more spots for more teens to work there, and we've opened
• We want to open up the youth farm cafe.
• And we're all open for your questions. Well, thank you very much, Ms. Bristol.
• The community began having meetings about, you know, how do we address this? I held a meeting.

Summary: The committee first considered and unanimously recommended confirmation of Melanie Ressler to the Florida Citrus Commission. It then took up SPB 7020, a Department of Agriculture bill to reenact an expiring public records exemption for certain aquaculture production records held by the department. The department supported the measure, and the committee adopted a motion to submit it as a committee bill and reported it favorably. Next, the committee heard SB 534, which would create a Hunger-Free Campus Pilot Program in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Senator Bernard explained that the program would target campuses with high percentages of Pell-eligible students, require a survey and SNAP-related assistance, provide at least one food pantry on participating campuses, and direct a report to the Governor and House Speaker by December 1, 2028. A supporter waived in, there was no debate, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then received a lengthy presentation from Carla Bristol and youth ambassadors from the St. Pete Youth Farm. They described the farm as a youth-led response to local food access problems after grocery store closures, and outlined programs in leadership, financial literacy, career readiness, mental wellness, composting, aquaponics, community education, and food production. Members praised the program and asked about expansion, including a culinary kitchen or food truck, partnerships with schools and colleges, and how the initiative began. Bristol said the farm is funded mainly through local redevelopment dollars and that future plans include a food truck, more youth opportunities, and a possible culinary kitchen. The committee concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• . than five applicants each time that position comes open.
• So I think I hear you saying that you do meet the statutory timelines.
• We do have to meet statutory deadlines, and we try very hard to meet those.
• I would say in the high 90s, 98% meeting those deadlines.
• We'd be glad to go over those with you next meeting. But in general...

Summary: The subcommittee first heard a lengthy Auditor General presentation on the Department of Management Services’ fleet management operations. The audit found major problems with oversight, recordkeeping, policies, fee-setting, purchase and disposal approvals, public auction controls, and FleetWave system access and processing. Key findings included that 2,279 vehicles valued at more than $57 million could not be matched between FleetWave and FLAIR, disposal records were missing or incomplete, user access remained active long after employees separated, and the department had not documented a reasonable basis for its $1.75 per-vehicle monthly fee. Members expressed strong concern about the accuracy of the state’s fleet inventory and the risk of waste or misuse. DMS Secretary Allende said the department concurred with the findings, was working with the Auditor General, and planned corrective actions, including better training, clearer guidance, improved reconciliation, and possible centralization or pilot programs for fleet purchasing and management. The committee then returned to vacancy discussions with several agencies. The Division of Administrative Hearings said its two long-vacant judges of compensation claims positions had been hard to fill because of low pay and short reappointment terms, but the chief judge said the division could operate without them and offered those positions up as part of a reduction exercise. The Public Service Commission reported 42 vacancies but said statutory deadlines were still being met, though staff workloads and depth of analysis were affected. The commission also said vacancies help it manage salaries within its trust-fund budget. Members questioned whether some of those positions were truly needed given the lack of delays. The Florida Gaming Control Commission reported 29 vacancies, including a vacant chair that prevented appointment of an inspector general, and said the chair vacancy was a gubernatorial appointment issue. The acting executive director also said the commission’s compulsive gambling prevention program had lapsed after no responsive bids were received for a new contract, but an invitation to negotiate was nearly complete and a new provider was expected soon. The Public Employee Relations Commission reported that its caseload had more than doubled after Senate Bill 256, which increased union recertification work; it said it was meeting deadlines only with overtime and that the workload had not fallen despite decertifications. Members asked for follow-up data on union cases, vacancy needs, and whether some positions across agencies could be reallocated to better match workload.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this would open up and provide a little more flexibility by having cities limit the amount of
• That said, the bill does not meet the scale of the harms that we are seeing.
• That said, the bill does not meet the scale of the harms that we are seeing.
• The Speaker is about to open the roll call machine.
• The Speaker is about to open the roll call machine. The Speaker has opened the roll call machine.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB5831 , SB6134 , SB6136 , SB6137 , HB2689 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5957 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6011 , SB6065 , SB6103 , SB6151 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002 , HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6137 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Transcript Highlights:

• The nearest pediatrician was hours away, and no clinic had any openings for days.
• With that, we'll go ahead and open it up for questions. Yes, ma'am.
• It's so nice to meet you. We appreciate it. Powerful story.
• With that, we'll go ahead and open it up for questions. Yes, ma'am.
• It's so nice to meet you. Anything I can do?

Bills: SB2 , SJR36 , SB2 , SB2 , SR29 , SB2

Transcript Highlights:

• other needs. 4 were reinvested to meet other needs.
• Uh so we actually opened over 600,000.
• So meet a certain quotion of diversity.
• </c><00:21:48.240><c> our</c> But what we continue to do is open our But what we continue to do is open
• </c><00:24:32.480><c> in</c> opportunity uh at their last meeting in opportunity uh at their last meeting

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met to hear updates from Kentucky public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System on compliance with House Bill 4, which restricts DEI-related activities and requires institutional and viewpoint neutrality. The chair emphasized that the hearing should focus on both compliance and the financial effects of the law. Eastern Kentucky University said its board adopted a House Bill 4 compliance resolution and an institutional neutrality policy. KCTCS reported systemwide reviews of programs, websites, scholarships, personnel, and admissions language, along with board actions removing a cultural competency course requirement, adopting institutional neutrality, and certifying compliance. KCTCS said about $2.5 million annually had been reallocated to other needs, and that no personnel were eliminated, though some roles were reassigned and DEI-related offices closed. Kentucky State University said it had already dissolved DEI offices before the bill passed, ended DEI-specific training, revised policies and gift acceptance rules, adopted a viewpoint neutrality policy, and was conducting ongoing reviews of programs, job descriptions, and web content. KSU said it had achieved substantial compliance, expected full operational integration by August 1, and had not terminated staff or closed academic programs because of the law. In response to questions, KSU said it was broadening outreach to all students rather than targeting specific populations and that its prior diversity finding was tied to not meeting a diversity quota. Morehead State University said it had no DEI office before House Bill 4, amended its non-discrimination statement to include political and social viewpoint neutrality and condemnation of religious and ethnic discrimination, and remained focused on serving its largely low-income student body. Murray State University reported reviewing scholarships, expenditures, training, and academic programs to ensure no differential treatment or indoctrination, revising its neutrality policy, and updating non-discrimination posters and training. When asked about a statement that DEI would “look different,” the university said it meant student support services would continue in a different form. Northern Kentucky University said it dissolved its diversity office and chief diversity officer position in 2024, reviewed programs, events, scholarships, and employee affinity groups, adopted a statement on intellectual diversity and viewpoint neutrality, and reviewed about 2,000 courses for compliance. NKU also said its new Center for Belonging would focus on first-generation and commuter students rather than rebrand prior DEI efforts. The University of Kentucky began its presentation by describing earlier changes made in August 2024, including disbanding its office of institutional diversity, removing diversity statements and mandatory training, adopting institutional neutrality, and ending race-based consideration in admissions and scholarships; the transcript cuts off before the rest of UK’s testimony and any committee votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Construction and repair projects require workers to repeatedly open doors, driveway gates, and other
• gates and propped-open doors.
• So are you concerned about existing building maintenance and repairs, and then doors propped open?
• And so when we talk about open meetings... It's not like that either, but it's much more like that.
• And so when we talk about open meetings and closed session and behind closed doors, like, virtually all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard several bills related to school nutrition, campus safety, college financial aid, and UC contracting ethics. SB 1058 by Senator McNerney would remove price as the primary factor in school nutrition procurement grants, allowing districts more flexibility to prioritize quality, local sourcing, cultural responsiveness, and healthier meals. Supporters from school nutrition and education groups said it would help districts better serve students and local farmers without increasing state costs. After questions about vendor selection and safeguards against favoritism, the bill was moved do pass and later approved 7-0. SB 1140 by Senator Ashby, sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, would require school safety plans to address access control during construction, maintenance, and repair projects. Supporters said the bill closes a gap that can leave gates or doors unsecured and could help prevent unauthorized access to campuses. There was no opposition, and the committee approved the bill unanimously. SB 959 was also taken up on consent and passed. SB 1006 by Senator Padilla would raise the Cal Grant B Access Award and tie future increases to inflation using the California Consumer Price Index. Supporters said the current award has lost most of its value and does not cover basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and books, affecting hundreds of thousands of students. Members discussed the fiscal impact and the need to keep aid aligned with rising costs; the bill was moved forward and later approved 7-0. SB 1141 by Senator Wahab would bar UC contracts with businesses that pay UC executives or where executives serve in paid roles, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest. UC and the Chamber of Commerce opposed the bill as too broad and potentially disruptive to operations, while supporters argued existing rules are insufficient because many contracting decisions happen outside public view. After extended debate over recusal, transparency, and the scope of the restrictions, the committee passed the bill 4-2 and then finalized all bills on the agenda before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• But 180 days does seem reasonable, and the board already tries to meet that.
• complaints a year, opens around 3,500 complaints.
• we've received fewer complaints, we are able to meet that timeline more efficiently.
• With that, I open it up for questions. Members, any questions? Appreciate that. All right.
• All right, well, since we opened testimony, I see one more signed in.

Bills: HB2408 , HB2434 , HB2725 , HB2728 , HB2729 , HB2730 , HB2731 , HB2732 , HB2733

Committees: House Health & Human Services , House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Keywords: nursing board, regulatory actions, disciplinary actions, expungement, healthcare professionalism, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, prescription drugs, opioids, healthcare, pain management, utilization controls, AHCCCS, Department of Economic Security, social services, welfare programs, vocational rehabilitation

Transcript Highlights:

• The meeting was called to order. Lisa, please call the roll.
• Senator Burton is excused from today's meeting.
• At this time, I will recognize Senator Leak to chair the meeting.
• I'd be open to that, but I want to give just a word of caution.
• But I'm open to the conversation. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part; supporters said it would expand provider options amid a shortage of certified programs, while opponents raised concerns about government speech and mixing religion with court-ordered programming. After debate, the bill was reported favorably 7-2. The committee also considered CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction preventing licensed insurance agents from marketing or selling health care sharing ministries; supporters framed it as restoring choice and free speech, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, commissions, and lack of insurance protections. It was reported favorably 8-2. The committee next approved CS/SB 502, via a strike-all amendment, to give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in state juvenile court rather than federal court; the amendment and bill both passed unanimously. CS/SB 52 also passed unanimously after testimony from church leaders and security personnel supporting an exemption from Class D/G licensing for unpaid armed security volunteers at places of worship. Supporters said the bill would clarify legal gray areas and help churches afford security, while members noted the broader concern that houses of worship need armed protection at all. Finally, the committee reported favorably SB 840, which revises last year’s emergency/local planning law by narrowing its application after storms from 100 miles to 50 miles of the storm track and exempting certain water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; local government representatives supported the clarification, and the bill passed 9-0. CS/SB 758, as amended, updated the membership of the Justice Administration Commission to better reflect the entities it oversees, and it also passed 9-0. The meeting ended with a recorded affirmative vote from Senator DeSigley on SB 624.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman McQueen mentioned in his opening statement.
• Okay, Madam Chair, Senator, I'm certainly open to other suggestions.
• And so the game commission could not even meet and take action.
• Secretary of State, as long as it has a bank account that's also open.
• We want to meet ratepayers and businesses because they expect more.

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• When the machine is open, please indicate your presence. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• It simply said, you didn't meet the criteria, here's your score, and you fail.
• Well, and the chair is open vote. Chair sees none.
• The chair is open vote. Aye. Those opposed, vote now.
• House Rules Committee will meet in... Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill kind of opens it up a little bit.
• But I'm concerned about opening up information.
• You know, so again, how— and somebody opened, let me say this too, somebody opened a line of credit in
• You know, so again, how— and somebody opened, let me say this too, somebody opened a line of credit in
• Hearing objection, meeting adjourned.

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1071, which creates a public records exception for certain aerospace facility and activity records, including blueprints, plans, technical data, operational documents, and security information tied to federally regulated work and contracts with the U.S. Department of War or intelligence agencies. The sponsor and several members emphasized protecting Louisiana aerospace and defense-related work, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then took up HB 181, as amended, which authorizes the legislative auditor to review confidential income tax records to help LDH verify Medicaid eligibility, and, after amendment, SNAP eligibility as well. Supporters said the bill would help identify ineligible recipients, reduce fraud, and improve the state’s error rate to avoid federal penalties; opponents argued tax returns are outdated and unreliable for current eligibility, could create false flags, and might burden or discourage eligible low-income residents. After extensive debate, the committee adopted Amendment Set 2633 and reported HB 181 favorably by a 10-6 vote. Later, the committee considered HB 250, which removes the requirement that immediate family members of appointed board or commission members disclose certain employment information, while leaving existing ethics prohibitions in place. The Ethics Board said the bill would not change substantive conflict-of-interest rules, only the disclosure requirement, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 544, authorizing a citizen’s advisory referendum election, was briefly explained as a nonbinding, petition-driven local ballot question process, but the sponsor deferred it for further consideration and the committee deferred the bill. The committee also heard HB 1036, which clarifies when a group is considered a “committee” for campaign finance purposes by using a more objective spending threshold rather than the current “primary purpose” standard. Ethics officials said the change would give clearer investigative guidance without changing other disclosure rules, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, HB 210 was amended to address retroactivity concerns in a prior ethics-related provision affecting school board and local governing authority members employed by entities with contracts or business before June 5, 2024; the amendment grandfathered earlier situations while requiring disclosures going forward, and the bill was reported favorably as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to call this meeting to order.
• We'll go ahead and leave it open for additional votes. And to some comments, Ms.
• We'll leave it open for additional votes. Okay, thank you.
• We'll leave it open for additional votes. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Okay.
• Meeting adjourned. Meeting adjourned. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:09.840><c> in</c> Minnesota's veterans homes are open in Minnesota's veterans homes are open
• </c><00:33:15.679><c> Uh</c> we've opened those three new homes.
• Uh we've opened those three new homes.
• ><c> National</c><01:03:49.119><c> Cemetery</c> opening of the Fargo National Cemetery opening of the
• And I'm open to any questions foremost.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:37.440><c> these</c> objects to and says doesn't meet these objects to and says doesn't meet
• </c><00:22:49.200><c> these</c> that someone says doesn't meet these that someone says doesn't meet these
• </c> club meetings or in school displays. club meetings or in school displays.
• </c> you see here uh is language that meets you see here uh is language that meets with<01:14:15.920>
• Um, meeting the first responders needs.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• However, because we may already have an open investigation or an open case, the information received
• Slide seven shows the open cases.
• </c> numbers of Juvenile Justice case open numbers of Juvenile Justice case open and<00:45:03.960><c>
• Families feel open to our involvement, open to our engagement with them, open to our ability to understand
• </c><00:49:27.640><c> to</c> open to our engagement with them open to open to our engagement with them

Summary: The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1. The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families. Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.