Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:02.000> provision,<00:45:03.040> the<00:45:03.520> um<00:45:04.400>
• There's<00:45:06.160> a<00:45:06.400> reason<00:45:06.560> why<00:45:06.800>
• > out<00:45:09.599> to<00:45:10.079> July<00:45:10.480> 1st<00:45:11.440>
• > measures<00:45:25.760> and<00:45:26.000> revenue<00:45:26.720> uh<00:45
• <00:45:28.160> It's<00:45:28.560> uh<00:45:29.040> to<00:45:29.440> you

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Electricity as a Vehicle Fuel Working Group. Commissioner Nancy Doenberger opened with introductions from members representing state agencies, legislators, utilities, local governments, industry groups, advocacy organizations, and others. The group then elected its leadership: Senator Anne Johnson Stewart was nominated and unanimously elected chair, and Representative Steve Elkins was nominated and unanimously elected vice chair. Senator Johnson Stewart said she would ensure all viewpoints are heard and asked MnDOT to continue running the meeting for practical reasons. Austin Turman of the Legislative Coordinating Commission reviewed the authorizing legislation. He explained that the working group must analyze electricity used as vehicle fuel infrastructure opportunities and barriers, develop a roadmap with policy and funding recommendations for sustainable transportation funding consistent with the Minnesota Constitution, and study other states’ approaches to equitable fuel assessment methods for electric vehicles. The group’s report is due February 13 and will go to the governor and legislative transportation leaders. Turman also briefly reviewed open meeting law requirements, noting the group must operate publicly when a quorum discusses official business, though public comment is not required. Members then discussed the purpose of the group and the need to find a fair replacement or supplement for declining gas tax revenue as EVs increase. Senator Johnson Stewart emphasized balancing system funding needs with user-based fairness, including differences in vehicle weight and road use. Representative Murphy stressed the need to consider rural Minnesota, taxpayer impacts, and current science, including climate and CO2 issues. Drive Electric Minnesota said EV drivers should pay their fair share and not be overburdened, while the Department of Revenue said it wants to administer the new EV charging-station tax fairly. A trucking representative highlighted that passenger vehicles and freight vehicles have very different operating and charging needs, suggesting the group consider those differences in any fee structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2970, amending Section 45-437, Arizona Revised Statutes, and Section 145, Chapter 2, Article
• House Bill 2970, amending Section 45-437, Arizona Revised Statutes, and Section 145, Chapter 2, Article
• Chapter 1, Article 1, and Section 15-120.08, relating to public educational institutions.
• House Bill 2210, amending Title 28, Chapter 25, Article 1, A.R.S., relating to aviation.
• House Bill 2401, amending Title 49, Chapter 3, Article 5, relating to air quality.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and several guest groups, including families affected by pediatric cancer, Arizona Bleeding Disorders, and charter school representatives. Members also read a proclamation honoring Dr. Joseph Charles Torkelson for his long career in pediatric hematology/oncology and military service. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering many bills and resolutions. On the first calendar, members adopted floor amendments and advanced HB 2117, HB 2744, HB 2751, HB 2917, HB 2939, HB 2957, HB 2970, and HCR 2038, with amendments generally described as technical fixes or clarifications. Notable discussion included HB 2957, which would protect non-Real ID data from sharing and preserve the choice between Real ID and non-Real ID, and HCR 2038, which addressed Colorado River conservation and expanded references to tribal communities and major population centers. All items on that calendar received due-pass recommendations. On later calendars, the House advanced additional measures including HB 2015, HB 2129, HB 2327, HB 2352, HB 2439, HB 2533, HB 2667, HB 2793, HB 2873, HB 2876, HCR 2044, HB 2014, HB 2055, HB 2145, HB 2185, HB 2267, HB 2413, HB 2418, HB 2440, HB 2661, HB 2665, HB 2763, and HB 2771, with several bills amended on the floor. Debate centered on housing assistance and corporate homeownership in HB 2667, homelessness coordination in HB 2533, school safety and firearms in HB 2076, parental rights in HB 2661, teen suicide prevention in HB 2665, and energy policy in HB 2267. HCR 2044, sent to voters, was defended as closing loopholes against discrimination and criticized by opponents as targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Most measures were approved by voice vote, but HB 2667’s proposed Villegas floor amendment was rejected on a recorded division vote of 23 ayes to 32 nays. Later, a motion to amend the Committee of the Whole report to include that rejected amendment also failed on a roll call vote of 22 ayes, 32 nays, and 6 not voting. HB 2267 also drew a division vote; after the final count, it was reported as passing as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, ordered the approved bills engrossed, and retained HB 2876 and HB 2720 on the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's 45 more. Do you want to? There's only 40 more. Representative Wiley. Hello, brother, Ken?
• Senate Bill 100 by Senator Jenkins, Title 45, relative to proof of insurance by transportation network
• Thomas: What chapter? Rep. Henry: Beta Psi.
• The Beta Psi chapter at Southern University A&M College. Rep.
• Henry: The Beta Psi chapter at Southern University A&M College. Rep. Velley: Rep.

Bills: HR218, HR219, HR220, HR221, HR222, HCR91, HCR92, HCR93, HR210, HR211, HR212, HR213, HR214, HR215, HR216, SCR29, SCR38, SB100, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, SCR23, HB276, HB508, HB512, HB599, HB632, HB656, HB998, HB1052, HB1084, HB1171, HB1193, HB1194, HB1204, HB1209, HB1250, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, 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, HB730, HB225, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB646, HB763, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1246, HB1248, HB1249, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, HCR32, HB59, HB617, HB897, HB911, HB1223, HB798, HB824, HB989, HB1140, HB1166, HB1244, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240, SB89

Keywords: EJ Fields, Shreveport, Louisiana, gospel music, commendation, resolution, honorary resolution, Billboard Gospel Airplay, Mediabase Gospel Airplay, Mercy Endureth, music award, ministry, artist recognition, cultural heritage, spiritual heritage, African American gospel, local hero, state commendation, St. Charles Parish, parish day

Summary: The House met with 89 members present and began with prayer, the pledge, and routine journal and leave requests. The early part of the session was largely ceremonial, with multiple personal privilege remarks recognizing visiting groups and special days at the Capitol, including St. Bernard Parish Day, Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association Day, ARPEC members, retired public servant Barney Arsenault, Deaf History Month, Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, Young Farmers and Ranchers, Louisiana Housing Corporation participants, and Louisiana Hospital Day. The chamber also received Senate messages, including concurrence in several House concurrent resolutions, Senate passage of a number of bills, and a list of Senate resolutions lying over. The House then moved through a long series of resolutions and bills, many of them adopted without objection. Among the measures approved were resolutions designating or commending various observances and groups, and bills addressing inmate documentation upon release, court filings on letter-sized paper, safe harbor protections for trafficking victims, public benefits verification, travel meal reimbursement limits for state employees, the Governor’s Task Force on Impaired Driving, school emergency operation plans, justice of the peace jurisdiction in East Baton Rouge Parish, unaffiliated voter participation in party primaries, electronic monitoring rules, crime victims’ compensation terminology, the indigent defender fund threshold for small municipalities, sex offender identification procedures, the Office of State Public Defender, microbrewery special-event permits, alternative power sources for nursing facilities, relay attack device penalties, and a capital-case intellectual disability bill. Several of these passed overwhelmingly; some were temporarily returned to the calendar or tabled after passage. A few bills drew more discussion. HB 335 on citizenship verification for public benefits passed 77-17. HB 398, limiting meal reimbursements for state travel to GSA rates with an exception process, passed 62-32 after questions about scope and lodging. HB 906 on presidential preference primary qualification and party rules for unaffiliated voters passed 68-19. HB 897, protecting health data collected by pregnancy centers and imposing fines for unauthorized disclosure, passed 94-0 after an amendment and questions about its application. HB 1107 on intellectual disabilities in capital cases passed 75-11 after amendments informed by disability advocates. HB 1187, allowing Citizens Property Insurance to direct certain emergency assessment overages to the Fortify Homes Program or reserves, passed 87-9. HB 1220 on the State Board of Medical Examiners passed 95-0. The House also reconsidered and successfully revived HB 225 after suspending the rules, and several bills were returned to the calendar for later consideration, including HB 689 before it was later brought back and passed 84-7 after amendment. The session concluded with notice of additional Senate messages and upcoming floor scheduling.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:45:04.240> um<00:45:04.440> patient<00:45:04.760> but<00:45:04.880> I'm<
• just curious<00:45:06.640> do<00:45:06.800> you<00:45:06.880> have<00:45:07.000
• > any<00:45:07.200> data<00:45:07.480> on<00:45:07.640> how<00:45:07.760>
• by their<00:45:10.200> loved<00:45:10.520> ones<00:45:10.839> and<00:45:11.000>
• <03:45:51.439> so<03:45:52.159> um<03:45:52.640> I<03:45:52.800> I<03:45:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> That's<01:45:19.440> what<01:45:19.520> I<01:45:19.760> was<01:45:19.840
• >> Okay.<01:45:22.080> Any<01:45:22.400> other<01:45:22.719> question<01:45
• <01:45:28.960> I<01:45:29.199> have<01:45:29.280> a<01:45:29.440> lot
• I have a lot to say,<01:45:30.080> but<01:45:30.320> I<01:45:30.480> won't<01:45
• Um I think<01:45:32.639> everybody<01:45:32.960> knows<01:45:33.119> where<01:45

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:45:14.599> way<00:45:14.920> to<00:45:15.319> any<00:45:15.599><
• <00:45:17.280> an<00:45:17.520> ambulance<00:45:18.040> at<00:45:18.200> all<
• > King<00:45:19.079> doesn't<00:45:19.400> go<00:45:19.640> out<00:45:19.960
• :45:22.720> um<00:45:23.520> right<00:45:23.800> I'm<00:45:24.000> I'm<00
• 45:11.680> a<02:45:11.840> check<02:45:12.080> to<02:45:12.319> DHS<02:45

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:04.880> that<00:14:05.120> they<00:14:05.440> received<00:14:05.920> 45
• office reports that they received 45 office reports that they received 45 complaints<00:14:06.880
• Section one amends 7 V.S.A. chapter 40 to update the definition of tobacco substitute.
• The bill extends that to 7VSA chapter 9.
• Just a reminder to members of House Commerce and Economic Development that we will be meeting at 2:45

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading by Theo Novak, a student and Vermont Poetry Out Loud finalist, followed by several announcements, including a welcome for the guest speaker and a reminder about a freshman legislator gathering and the day’s corporate cup road closures. The House then postponed action for one legislative day on Senate Bill 208, relating to law enforcement identification; Senate Bill 212, relating to portable water supply and wastewater system connections; and House Bill 639, relating to genetic data privacy. The main floor action centered on House Bill 648, banking, insurance, and securities. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee presented Senate amendments and its own further amendments, including clarifications to consumer reinvestment reporting and a proposal to extend and then effectively end the moratorium on new cryptocurrency kiosks in Vermont. The committee described extensive testimony and data on crypto kiosk fraud, money laundering, and consumer losses, and also added a new licensing framework for merchant cash advance providers. Ways and Means reported the fiscal impact would be very small. After a brief question about the $1 million exemption threshold for commercial financing, the House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with further amendment thereto. The House also passed Senate Bill 243, distributing funds to the Vermont Language Justice Project, in concurrence with proposal of amendment. It then took up Senate Bill 198, regulating tobacco products and tobacco substitutes. The Commerce and Economic Development Committee described updates to the definition of tobacco substitutes, creation of a wholesale licensing system under the Department of Liquor and Lottery, tighter controls on online sales, and bans on deceptive products that resemble school supplies, food, smartphones, inhalers, or video games. The committee heard testimony from health, enforcement, industry, and advocacy witnesses and voted 11-0 in favor. Human Services then proposed a strike-all amendment to the committee report, with further consideration to continue.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has passed this House once and is back with technical and chaptering amendments.
• This bill was recently amended to address chaptering conflicts. I ask for your aye vote.
• This bill was recently amended to address chaptering conflicts. I ask for your aye vote.
• Ayes 45, noes 16. The measure passes. We will pass and retain on item 271.
• Ayes 45, noes 12. The Senate amendments are concurred in.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a long floor file with many Senate bills. Early procedural actions included unanimous-consent motions, a successful roll-call to rescind prior action on SB 351, and a 54-vote suspension of Joint Rule 61(a)(3) to allow floor amendments on SBs 80, 351, and 415. The chamber also made several referrals, moved one item to the inactive file, and welcomed new Assembly Member Natasha Johnson and other guests. The bulk of the meeting consisted of concurrence and third-reading votes on a wide range of measures, many of them passing with little or no opposition. Topics included tribal gaming grants (AB 221), State Bar fee and bar exam changes (SB 253), AI guardrails in community colleges (SB 241), consumer arbitration clauses (SB 82), due process for law enforcement in Racial Justice Act cases (SB 734), dental payment fee disclosures (SB 386), HOA balcony inspection reports (SB 410), farmland protection and EIFD rules (SB 5 and SB 516), emergency shelter zoning (SB 340), HIV confidentiality (SB 504), election signature-cure reforms (SB 3), contractor workers’ compensation compliance (SB 291), fire training funding (SB 345), wage theft enforcement (SB 355 and SB 261), food allergen disclosures (SB 68), ride-share insurance coverage (SB 371), housing and disaster recovery measures (SB 233, SB 625, SB 21), midwifery education (SB 520), mobile home insurance access (SB 525), epinephrine in schools (SB 568), health facility emergency licensing (SB 582), hair relaxer enforcement (SB 236), wastewater surveillance (SB 317), and several tax, transportation, and public health bills. A number of bills drew brief policy debate or opposition. SB 388, creating a California Latino Commission, prompted criticism from some members who argued the money should go directly to community needs rather than a new commission; it still passed. SB 50 on digital safety for victims of abuse, SB 20 on silicosis prevention, SB 306 on prior authorization reform, SB 373 on oversight of out-of-state special education placements, and SB 437 on reparations descendant-status verification were among the more substantive and discussed measures. Most bills passed by wide margins, often unanimously, and several urgency or tax-levy measures required 54 votes and were approved. The session ended with continued passage of remaining file items and multiple items retained or passed temporarily for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:45:22.240> in<00:45:22.400> closing,<00:45:22.880> I<00:45:23.119> just
• <00:45:28.400> to<00:45:28.640> compete<00:45:29.680> uh<00:45:29.839> for
• <00:45:45.760> Uh<00:45:46.079> Antonio<00:45:46.560> Cardona,<00:45:47.040>
• c><00:45:47.599> way<00:45:47.680> up<00:45:47.839> front<00:45:48.000> and
• then Michelle<00:45:48.480> Dryer,<00:45:48.880> welcome<00:45:49.040> to<00:45

Bills: HF3228, HF2441

Keywords: workers' compensation, insurance programs, employee protection, Minnesota statutes, safety regulations, prevailing wage, certified payroll, payroll reporting, construction contracts, public works, project registration, labor standards, contractor compliance, subcontractor reporting, state government, Department of Administration, Commissioner of Labor and Industry, Metropolitan Council, highway construction, public construction

Transcript Highlights:

• > so<00:45:22.240> that<00:45:22.480> only<00:45:22.720> the<00:45:22.960
• <00:45:24.880> Um,<00:45:25.200> so<00:45:25.359> what<00:45:25.599> the<
• 45:28.880> uh,<00:45:29.280> incentive<00:45:29.760> in<00:45:30.079> place
• city<00:45:31.200> employees<00:45:31.599> use<00:45:31.760> their<00:45
• :45:33.520> to<00:45:33.680> the<00:45:33.839> bus<00:45:34.240> andor<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work. The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:23.000> medicine,<00:45:24.000> forced<00:45:24.319> to<00:45:24.480> leave
• <00:45:25.920> Can<00:45:26.160> you<00:45:26.319> imagine<00:45:27.040>
• <00:45:34.079> Minnesota<00:45:34.720> has<00:45:35.040> been<00:45:35.200> a
• c> co<00:45:37.760> being<00:45:38.000> one<00:45:38.160> of<00:45:38.240>
• on longco,<00:45:41.599> ME/CFS<00:45:42.480> and<00:45:42.720> associated<00:45

Bills: HF2435

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:45:07.200> exemption<00:45:08.200> for<00:45:08.559> that<00:45:08.960>
• 45:26.520> said<00:45:27.000> sen orang<00:45:31.920> so<00:45:32.200> I<
• 00:45:32.280> don't<00:45:32.440> know<00:45:32.599> if<00:45:32.680> you
• :45:36.040> the<00:45:36.400> church<00:45:37.400> uh<00:45:37.559> we<00
• :00.080> it<01:45:00.400> it<01:45:00.520> said<01:45:00.800> well<01:45:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing and then an executive session on HB 650, a housekeeping-style bill from the Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds. Testimony explained that the bill would remove references to two already-repealed dedicated funds, split the state parks dedicated fund so Cannon Mountain winter activities would be tracked separately from the rest of the parks system, and place a $1 million cap on the robotics education fund so excess money would revert to the general fund. Supporters said the changes were mainly administrative but would improve accounting and avoid timing issues; committee members asked about a typographical error in the bill text and whether the measure was more than housekeeping. The committee later voted 16-0 to recommend HB 650 ought to pass, and then placed it on the consent calendar. The committee also opened a public hearing on HB 585, which would revise the property tax exemption for religious organizations. Representative John Janigian, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to help small churches and other religious groups that own parsonages or worship buildings but no longer have a resident pastor, allowing them to rent space or use property for church purposes without losing the exemption so long as the money is used for church operations, maintenance, or outreach. He described his Salem church’s parsonage being taxed after it was no longer occupied by a pastor, and said the bill would prevent similar burdens on small congregations. Former Representative Betty Gay testified in support, describing prior assessor actions in Salem that taxed church land and buildings very aggressively, while a Municipal Association representative testified in opposition. Committee members raised questions about how terms such as “regularly recognized and constituted denomination” would be defined, whether the bill could be applied consistently to larger denominations with multiple parishes, and whether legislative research should review past treatment of similar cases.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.719> But<01:45:00.880> we<01:45:01.040> don't<01:45:01.199> have<01:45
• And we're<01:45:03.760> not<01:45:03.920> going<01:45:04.000> to<01:45:04.159>
• Kids deserve<01:45:10.000> to<01:45:10.080> go<01:45:10.239> to<01:45:10.400>
• <01:45:11.840> even<01:45:12.159> big<01:45:12.320> ones,<01:45:12.800> and
• <01:45:17.520> rest<01:45:17.600> of<01:45:17.679> their<01:45:17.880> lives

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> more<00:45:00.319> than<00:45:00.520> one<00:45:00.800> day<00:45
• /c><00:45:05.000> the<00:45:05.200> various<00:45:05.599> things<00:45:06.359>
• > time<00:45:07.880> on<00:45:08.040> the<00:45:08.200> ground<00:45:08.960
• would not be able<00:45:26.359> to<00:45:26.520> order<00:45:27.200> money<00:45
• <01:45:21.639> for<01:45:21.880> this<01:45:21.960> is<01:45:22.080> for<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee met on January 28, 2025, and first heard House Bill 322, which would give a parent paying child support the exclusive right to claim the child as a dependent on taxes. Representative Barton, the sponsor, argued that because child support is no longer tax-deductible, the paying parent should at least receive the child tax credit. Committee members and later testimony from New Hampshire Legal Assistance raised concerns that the bill would override court discretion, could disadvantage low-income custodial parents, and would not account for cases where child support payments are small or where parents share support unevenly. Several members noted that judges already allocate dependency claims in divorce orders and can modify those orders when circumstances change. After testimony, the committee moved to ITL (inexpedient to legislate) HB 322. The motion was seconded, discussion continued, and the roll call was unanimous in favor of ITL. The committee then placed the bill on consent and ended the executive session on HB 322. The committee next took up House Bill 325, which would eliminate term and reimbursement alimony in no-fault divorces. Representative Barton testified that alimony in those cases was akin to involuntary servitude and should not survive dissolution of the marriage contract. The hearing then moved into questions about whether alimony is meant to compensate a spouse for sacrifices made during the marriage, such as supporting a partner through school or staying home with children, and the sponsor maintained that post-divorce support should not continue as a marital obligation. The transcript cuts off before any vote or further action on HB 325 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are helping families in 45 communities across Colorado.
• I am so lucky to have many chapters working so hard in the district that I'm lucky to represent.
• They are helping families in 45 communities across Colorado.
• I am so lucky to have many chapters working so hard in the district that I'm lucky to represent.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and approved the March 3, 2026 journal as corrected. Committee reports were then read, including finance recommendations to amend and advance Senate Bill 117 to Appropriations and House Bill 1115 to the Committee of the Whole with a consent-calendar recommendation, while Senate Bill 86 was postponed indefinitely. The State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee reported several appointments for placement on the consent calendar and confirmation, including members of the Board of Commissioners of Veterans Community Living Centers and the State Personnel Board. The chamber also received committee recommendations to advance Senate Bill 87 and House Bill 1068 with favorable recommendations. Senate Resolution 004, concerning recognition of October 26 as Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado, was introduced and laid over until Friday, March 6, 2026. The general order second reading calendar was also laid over until Thursday, March 5, 2026. Several members made announcements about upcoming committee hearings, including Education, Health and Human Services, Transportation and Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Judiciary, Joint Budget Committee, and Capital Development. The Senate welcomed visiting groups and honored First Tee Colorado and Faith Miller, Miss Southern Colorado, during personal privilege remarks. The body then adopted a motion to recess until 11:00 a.m. later that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:07.839> are<00:45:08.359> GD<00:45:08.680> interactive<00:45:09.359> sorry
• <00:45:11.319> okay<00:45:12.319> okay<00:45:12.480> hang<00:45:12.640> on
• on hang on<00:45:13.599> well<00:45:14.280> anyway<00:45:14.599> so<00:45:14.920
• > but<00:45:15.040> there<00:45:15.160> may<00:45:15.319> be<00:45:15.520
• > we'll<00:45:42.960> follow<00:45:43.160> up<00:45:43.960> um<00:45:44.160

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• 01:45:05.840> there's<01:45:06.080> a<01:45:06.159> a<01:45:06.400> paper
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• 01:45:17.520> found<01:45:17.679> that<01:45:17.840> if<01:45:18.320> you

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm 45 years old right now.
• I'm 45 years old right now. We celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary on August 19th.
• We were married 45 years and he got called home 2020, but he was an ordained minister.
• The committee developed this model policy by starting with Chapter 143 civil service.
• Again, the adoption of Chapter 143 civil service is extremely cumbersome.

Bills: SB7, SB14

Keywords: gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on Senate Bill 7, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, with the author and committee substitute explaining that the bill would require public facilities to designate multi-use private spaces by biological sex, restrict access to women’s restrooms, locker rooms, showers, sleeping quarters, shelters, and correctional facilities, and create civil penalties and enforcement mechanisms. Members asked about how the bill would apply to family violence shelters, children in mixed-family settings, venue layout, and venue for lawsuits; the author said the bill was similar to prior legislation but with stronger penalties and the 15th Court of Appeals as the exclusive intermediate appellate court for challenges, while clarifying that trial venue should generally be local except for state agencies. The committee also heard that the bill would be amended to better address local venue concerns and shelter-related issues. Invited testimony was largely in support of the bill from witnesses who described personal experiences in women’s sports, prisons, shelters, and public facilities, arguing that single-sex spaces are necessary for privacy and safety. Supporters included parents, former incarcerated women, a Republican county chair, a legal advocate, and a prison educator, who cited incidents involving transgender-identifying individuals in locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and restrooms, and said the bill would restore sex-based boundaries and protect vulnerable women and girls. One witness from Texas Values said the bill was needed despite the recently enacted Women’s Bill of Rights, and another ADF witness said the measure would protect privacy in schools and shelters. Opponents testified that the bill would harm transgender and intersex Texans, create harassment and “gender policing,” and expose cisgender women and children to invasive enforcement. Several witnesses argued there is no evidence that transgender women pose a restroom safety threat, while others said the bill would worsen mental health, employment, and school conditions for trans people and could conflict with prison standards and federal law. Family violence advocates urged changes to protect shelter operations and clarify that children can stay with parents, while other witnesses said the bill would create barriers for victims seeking help. The hearing featured extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the number of days required for public bodies to publish minutes for open meetings from 20 days to 45
• So SB 21 simply changes the time period from 20 to 45 days for the official of a municipal corporation
• We just picked 45, but like I said earlier, I like to defer the bill where we can sit down.
• what the last meeting was before the next meeting because you can see where there would be a... if 45
• A lot of these different boards and entities, they do have some are 45, some are 30, some are 15.

Bills: HB398, HB906, HB1201, SB41, SB47, SB106, SB210, SB218, SB220, SB248, SB289, SB397

Keywords: travel expenses, reimbursement, state officials, US General Services Administration, disaster management, nominating petitions, unaffiliated voters, party primaries, political participation, elections, public meeting minutes, transparency, government accountability, publication deadlines, open meetings, boards and commissions, public records, contact information, email addresses, phone numbers

Summary: The House and Governmental Affairs Committee met on April 23 and advanced several bills related to judicial appointments, travel reimbursement, elections, public records, and board transparency. Senate Bill 397 by Chairman Reese was reported favorably without objection after discussion clarifying that it would allow retired or resigned judges to be reappointed ad hoc to finish cases or provide temporary coverage, without changing existing limits on returning to the vacated seat. House Bill 398 by Representative Zerang was amended to remove lodging from the reimbursement cap and instead tie meal reimbursements for state officials and employees to the federal General Services Administration rate; it was then reported as amended. House Bill 1201 by Representative Ilk, which would create per diem for legislative business outside session and adjust salaries for statewide elected officials using a formula tied to university president pay, was also reported favorably without objection. Senate Bill 41 by Senator Allen, which would have extended the deadline for local public bodies to publish meeting minutes from 20 to 45 days, drew concerns about delayed public access and was voluntarily deferred in committee for further work. Senate Bill 289 by Senator Abraham, proposing confidentiality exceptions for university presidential searches, research records, and certain donor information, was heavily debated; opponents argued the donor provisions were unnecessary and could reduce transparency, and the bill was held in committee for further work. Senate Bill 248 by Chairman Miller, allowing precincts with fewer than 20 voters to be consolidated with another precinct at the same polling place and same ballot, was supported by the Secretary of State as a privacy and efficiency measure and was reported favorably as amended. The committee also reported favorably Senate Bill 47 by Senator Mizell, as amended, requiring public boards and commissions to provide contact information, including email and phone access, for members and designated contacts. Senate Bill 210 by Senator Klein-Peter, increasing the number of election commissioners for closed party primaries, was reported favorably. Senate Bill 106 by Senator Klein-Peter, restricting public release of certain crime scene photos, audio, video, and digital images except by court order or clerk of court, was reported favorably after a roll-call vote of 8 yeas and 2 nays. Finally, House Bill 906 by Representative Billings, revising presidential nominating petitions and rules for unaffiliated voters in party primaries, was amended and reported favorably; the committee then deferred Senate Bills 218 and 220 to the following week and adjourned.