Transcript Highlights:

• Through generations, this community has preserved its rich tradition.
• Surgeon General to review Louisiana informed consent laws. Health and welfare.
• It's a leading driver of homicide, system cost, and generational harm.
• It adds Part 91 and Part 141, which means flight schools and general aviation flying.
• Not elected by the general public, no. Right.

Bills: HR244, HR245, HR246, HR247, HR248, HR249, HR250, HR251, HCR101, HCR102, HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, SCR31, SCR33, SCR35, SCR37, SCR56, SCR57, SB171, SB251, SB252, SB353, SB367, SB433, SB461, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HB66, HB153, HB165, HB326, HB387, HB454, HB455, HB484, HB513, HB603, HB660, HB719, HB762, HB766, HB793, HB802, HB816, HB833, HB940, HB947, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1039, HB1051, HB1053, HB1080, HB1201, HB1215, HB1228, HB1251, HB1252, SCR2, SB26, SB28, SB29, SB30, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB233, SB326, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1191, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, HCR32, HB955, HB284, HB617, HB730, HB926, HB1125, HB1194, HB1203, HB798, HB998, HB1084, HB1223, HB646, HB824, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB911, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240, SB89, SB68, SB149

Keywords: disclosure, local law, public notice, legislative transparency, Artists at the Capitol Day, art education, Louisiana Art Education Association, recognition, community engagement, House Resolution 247, HR247, Laura Lewis, birthday commendation, 104th birthday, centenarian, longevity, St. James Parish, Louisiana House of Representatives, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, ceremonial resolution

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard a prayer from Pastor Neil Bernard of New Wine Christian Center, and recognized a number of visiting groups and observances, including AMI Kids, Mother’s Day, the Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association, Pro-Life Day at the Capitol, the American Cancer Society and Cancer Action Network, Municipal Day for the Louisiana Municipal Association, Recreation and Parks Association Day, St. John Day, Hoopla basketball activities, Main Street program participants, Leadership North Shore, the Lack of Seeing High School basketball team, Literacy Champion recognition, Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodford, and LACE Day for chamber executives. Majority Leader Steve Scalise also addressed the chamber, praising recent economic investment in Louisiana, coastal restoration funding, and the state’s improved national reputation. The House received Senate messages and Legislative Bureau reports on numerous Senate bills, many of which were referred to committee or laid over, and several House and Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, largely commemorative or study-related measures. The chamber then took up several House bills in regular order. HB 89, concerning district attorney retiree health insurance coverage in the Third Judicial District, was amended and passed 87-5. HB 451, dealing with ATC notice procedures, passed 98-0 after technical amendments. HB 456, revising workers’ compensation petition requirements and allowing employers broader access to disputed claims, drew extended debate over whether it would burden injured workers; it passed 67-30. HB 579, expanding the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights and related confidentiality and complaint provisions, passed 98-0. HB 595, requiring local authorities to respond timely to permit-related matters affecting natural resource development, passed 92-3. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy components and updating waste rules, passed 99-0. HB 818, requiring school systems to publish annual assessment schedules and related testing information, passed 98-0. Additional bills considered included HB 841, creating a code of conduct for landmen negotiating pipeline easements and authorizing penalties for bad-faith conduct, which passed 98-0; HB 1060, establishing a two-year domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District with coordinated services and data collection, which passed 86-13; and HB 1101, a workers’ compensation measure defining maximum medical improvement, adjusting benefit durations, and addressing misrepresentation and fraud, which was under debate at the end of the excerpt. Throughout the floor session, members repeatedly emphasized that the bills were intended to clarify procedures, improve transparency, or address public safety and economic development, while opponents of some measures raised concerns about added burdens on workers or injured claimants.

Transcript Highlights:

• Day, Deputy Attorney General Te, and Yamashiro, DNR, DLD, DL and DL IIR, thank you for housing this temporarily
• We have a CD1 that has been distributed. This defines transit-oriented development.
• have a everybody has a CD1 which has We have a everybody has a CD1 which has been<00:20:54.880> distributed
• <00:20:55.440> Um<00:20:55.760> this<00:20:56.000> defines been distributed.
• Um this defines been distributed.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The conference committees met several times on April 25, 2025, to resolve a number of bills, often delaying items until later in the day because of missing FIN/WAM releases or lack of quorum. Early in the day, SB 382 was discussed briefly but not advanced because finance would not release it. HB 1064, relating to the state fire marshal, was taken up and approved after conferees confirmed a $2,212,000 appropriation for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund eight positions in the Department of Law Enforcement. Members thanked the many agencies, staff, and advocates involved, and the bill passed by unanimous votes of those present. Several other measures were rolled over to later conference-room meetings, including HB 423 on workers’ compensation, HB 214 on government, HB 1036, HB 1037, and HB 1039 on public employment cost items, SB 828 on workers’ compensation medical benefits, SB 717 on collective bargaining, and HB 286 on the individual housing account program, all pending FIN/WAM release or further agreement. A larger housing agenda was also postponed to 4:30 p.m. in Room 225, including bills on housing, transportation, transient accommodations development, rental housing revolving funds, dwelling unit revolving funds, and low-income housing credit. At the later transportation and housing sessions, HB 1231 was adopted as a conference draft establishing a $5 county motor vehicle registration surcharge for the Safe Routes to School special fund and clarifying rules for automated enforcement citations and liability. HB 4209 on transit-oriented development also passed; it defined transit-oriented development, created a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund, and authorized HCDA to use the definition in planning. HB 1298 on housing passed with amendments to support a government employee housing program tied to a transit-oriented development site, including funding for planning and an HHFC position. HB 830 on historic preservation reviews also passed with amendments limiting third-party review to residential or mixed-use development and setting staggered effective dates. Later, SB 662 on transportation passed with amendments authorizing county police officers to enforce the statewide traffic code on public streets, roadways, and highways. Several other bills remained pending and were recessed for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4154, general appropriation. HB 4156, capital outlay. HB 4157, commerce.
• Daniel gave generously of his time and talents, volunteering more than 1,000 hours tutoring and helping
• All amendments which have been distributed will not be read in full. Hearing none, so ordered.
• All amendments which have been distributed will not be read in full. Hearing none, so ordered.
• I do want to say that we do have to, in general, in this body, be conscious of when we eliminate the

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several introductions of guests, including two young mayors visiting the chamber. Members then adopted House Resolution 2008 unanimously, honoring Daniel Cade Blackman, with extended remarks from his family and colleagues about his service, faith, and legacy. The House also took up a motion to reconsider SB 1456 from a prior date and proceeded into Committee of the Whole on multiple Senate bills. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and amended SB 1170, SB 1496, SB 1511, SB 1016, SB 1335, and SB 1683, with each ultimately receiving a do pass recommendation. The discussion included a correction to SB 1170 to remove an unintended section, a municipal improvement district process change in SB 1016, an ag-to-urban water permitting fix in SB 1335, and a land-sale restriction involving China in SB 1683. The committee reports were adopted, and the bills were ordered for third reading as appropriate. On third and final reading, the House passed SB 1188, SB 1560, and SB 1723, with recorded votes of 38-0-10, 48-2-10, and 51-0-9 respectively. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to HB 2265, HB 2404, HB 2950, and HB 2986, then passed those bills on final reading; members speaking in support highlighted court-fee policy, mental health crisis response, tourism improvement areas, and water infrastructure savings. The chamber then announced a Republican caucus meeting and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• In a federal Office of Inspector General review, Access was specifically named for operating ghost networks
• Generally, the American Rescue Plan Act prohibited state Medicaid agencies that received ARPA funding
• To date, how much TIP funding has Access received from CMS, and how much of that has not been distributed
• So, and we're going to go to the Federal Office of Inspector General. Thank you.
• The Federal Office of Inspector General ghost network report recommended that CMS work with the states

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held another oversight hearing on Access, focusing on fee-for-service behavioral health management, prior authorization and claims processing, the Targeted Investment Program (TIP), and network adequacy. The chair and other members criticized Access for repeated transparency failures, including missing records related to the Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide, lack of public comment, unanswered questions about ARPA compliance, and concerns about ghost networks and delayed payments to providers, especially in Native communities and rural areas. Interim Director Roberta Harrison said Access had improved fraud controls after the sober living scheme crisis and acknowledged the need for modernization. She reported faster prior authorization processing, fewer denial codes, real-time dashboards, additional staffing, and claims processing under 30 days. She also said the agency wants more fraud referrals and is working to strengthen internal systems and communication. On the TIP program, Access officials explained that payments are delayed because of complex data validation and allocation across many provider sites; they said year one of TIP 2.0 was paid, but years two and three had not yet been distributed. The committee requested a formal plan within 30 days for paying the estimated $122 million in delayed TIP funds and asked for CMS-related documentation. Committee members also questioned Access about a direct contract with Constellation for claims processing, noting language in the proposal suggesting higher ROI from denying more claims; Access said that language was not part of the contract scope and was verbally rejected. On network adequacy, officials described time-and-distance standards, annual MCO reports, and internal review processes, but could not immediately confirm whether a fiscal year 2025 report had been submitted to CMS or whether any corrective action plans had been imposed. The chair concluded that Access’s improvements appeared to be driven by legislative pressure, said the committee would review the information received, and announced that Access would be sent detailed monthly reporting directions before the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They pass the money, the law is distributed. How are they violating the law?
• And if we can't generate any action of support, I will personally write a letter of support for that
• Hispanic students, first-generation students, underrepresented groups in STEM programs, and that was
• Could you share that information with our staff so it can be distributed to the committee?

Transcript Highlights:

• As you'll see in the charts that were distributed prior to today's hearing, since our new NAGPRA policy
• Together, as you'll see in the charts that I hope you have, we've distributed them...
• Together, as you'll see in the charts that I hope you have, we've distributed them.
• , we are hoping to educate a new generation of repatriation experts for universities and museums across
• The federal Office of Inspector General did an investigation of her, and they found fraud on her part

Summary: The joint hearing of the Select Committee on Native American Affairs and the Joint Legislative Audit Committee focused on the University of California’s compliance with NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA and the return of Native American human remains and cultural items. Senators and Assembly Members opened by emphasizing the sacredness of repatriation, the ongoing trauma caused by delayed returns, and the need for stronger systemwide accountability. The State Auditor presented the third audit of UC’s repatriation efforts, concluding that UC still lacks the urgency, oversight, and clear timelines needed to promptly return remains and belongings. The audit found thousands of remains and hundreds of thousands of cultural items still in UC custody, new undisclosed collections at several campuses, weak budgeting and underspending, and repatriation plans that often lacked concrete deadlines. The auditor recommended stronger UCOP oversight, performance metrics, proactive searches for undiscovered items, and possible legislative action to tie funding to measurable progress. UC officials responded that the system is committed to full compliance and has accelerated its work since adopting a new policy in 2022. UC Provost Catherine Newman said the system repatriated more than 2,800 ancestors and nearly 80,000 funerary belongings in the past year, and that UC now says 80.3% of Native American remains are either repatriated or available for repatriation. UC announced a new systemwide plan to complete repatriation of human remains by the end of 2028, to finish high-risk campus reviews by June 2026, to recall all loans by January 2026, and to require quarterly reporting to UCOP. UC also said it will spend an additional $8.8 million over three years, expand staffing, improve databases, support tribal consultation costs, and identify potential reburial sites on UC land. Berkeley and San Diego described increased staffing, consultations, and repatriation activity, while Santa Barbara said it had corrected earlier omissions, notified tribes about previously unreported ancestors, and was working toward completing repatriations and updated inventories. Committee members pressed UC on why progress has been so slow, why the audit’s timelines differed from UC’s public reporting, and whether the 2028 goal applies only to human remains rather than all cultural items. UC said the 2028 target is for human remains, while cultural items will take longer, and acknowledged that more work remains. Members also asked about the technical expertise needed for repatriation, the role of tribal experts, and whether repatriation should be embedded more permanently in UC governance or statute. Tribal leaders and representatives then testified that remains and belongings were taken without consent and must be returned with tribal consent and leadership. They criticized the repeated delays, stressed that tribes are the experts on their ancestors and cultural heritage, and urged UC to treat repatriation as a top priority and to return all associated items, not just human remains, so ancestors can truly rest.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, correct, that was the intent of the general bill.
• It's not a list of what's admissible just generally; it's generally in litigation.
• Yes, but they're generally there for more of a traffic site.
• My primary focus is on the distribution of the surplus funds.
• When you distribute the funds, when there's a surplus, and that's what the bill's about, distribute the

Bills: SB39, SB2129, SB2141, SB2246, SB2323, SB2439, SB2722, SB 39

Keywords: commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident

Transcript Highlights:

• 26 are approved as distributed electronically. Seeing no objections.
• Chair and members, Senate Bill 1452 requires the Attorney General to establish a cargo theft task force
• Senate Bill 1452 requires the Attorney General to establish a cargo theft task force to combat crimes
• The bill requires the Attorney General to invite federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to
• 2027 to the... $36 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Arizona Department

Bills: SB1048, SB1071, SB1092, SB1314, SB1391, SB1400, SB1401, SB1452

Keywords: juvenile services, Coconino county, rehabilitation, detox center, financial appropriation, Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, probation, dangerous crimes, children, Arizona Revised Statutes, criminal justice, juvenile offenses, appropriations, salary increase, corrections, public safety

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and appropriations-related bills. SB 1452 would create a cargo theft task force in the Attorney General’s Office to coordinate with federal, state, and local law enforcement on cargo and freight theft; the sponsor and trucking industry supporters described cargo theft as a rapidly growing, organized crime problem, and the bill received a 7-0 do pass recommendation. SB 1048 would appropriate $36 million to Coconino County for a new juvenile court services facility and conversion of the existing detention center into a detox/sobriety/crisis recovery center; some members objected to directing a large sum to one county, but it passed 4-3. SB 1092 would prohibit early termination of probation or earned-time/work-time credit for people convicted of dangerous crimes against children, including retroactive application to current lifetime probationers; the sponsor argued it would prevent offenders from being released from supervision, while opponents raised concerns about judicial discretion and overbreadth, and it passed 4-3. The committee also approved SB 1391, which directs AZ POST to create a pilot law enforcement stress management and mental wellness training program with a $950,000 appropriation and a sunset date in 2029. Supporters, including law enforcement trainers and family members, said the program would address cumulative stress, suicide prevention, and resiliency before crises occur; it passed 7-0. SB 1401, a special license plate bill creating a golf tournament charity plate and fund to support youth athletic programs in Tucson, also passed unanimously after testimony from the Tucson Conquistadors. SB 1314 sought unspecified appropriations for salary increases for probation officers, corrections staff, juvenile corrections officers, and DPS employees. Supporters from the Fraternal Order of Police and agency representatives argued that pay raises were needed to address vacancies, turnover, and retention, while some members expressed concern about the open-ended cost and broader budget pressures; it passed 5-1 with one not voting. The committee then took up SB 1071, which would repeal the Arizona Rangers’ statutory framework; testimony sharply divided over accountability, transparency, training, and the organization’s public service role. Rather than vote, the chair held the bill for further discussion and possible amendment. Finally, the committee heard SB 1400, which would allow law enforcement agencies to establish confidential wellness and peer support counseling programs for employees exposed to trauma; supporters said confidentiality is needed to encourage officers to seek help, and the bill was presented for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• So our general appropriation to that we're operating on right now is $175 million.
• You see transportation, distribution, and logistics. That would be the same trend there.
• Do we know the percentage of first-generation students enrolled in Oklahoma colleges?
• And those in first-generation situations, first-generation students, they do have unique...
• Well, I mean, you level that our general population.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The rising generation is called the tool belt generation, and I think for good reason.
• Chairman, I remember in committee a while back thinking about from the perspective of just the general
• They should probably be distributed towards a warehouse, further out in a different part of the city,
• It generates revenue for the village and also new infrastructure, so we are very appreciative of that
• Summary of the general appropriation HB 2 funds. This was from the last two sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you talking general funding for all programs.
• The 2026 Water Trust Fund distribution is 4.4 million.
• And so the net distribution is 165 million.
• Now line 122, a general fund infusion to PERF.
• They've generated more funding in The current year.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been distributed, and I move for its adoption. Any discussion?
• It has been distributed, and I move for its adoption. Any discussion?
• And so now, if they have other income that’s generated within the state, that’s still subject to taxable

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee met in executive session and first took up Senate Bill 1032, a tax deduction bill tied to the birth or adoption of a child. Vice Chair Davis offered a committee amendment to broaden eligibility by changing the trigger from “gives birth or adopts” to “attains legal parentage,” expressly including surrogacy, adoption, and legal parent-child relationships by operation of law, while keeping the $2,400 deduction amount and limiting it to one claim per child. Members discussed the bill’s limited practical tax benefit, with supporters saying it would help families and opponents arguing the deduction would amount to only about $112.80 in reduced taxes and would not meaningfully change behavior. The committee adopted the amendment and substitute, but the final do-pass motion failed on a 4-4 vote, so House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1032 did not advance. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 3294, sponsored by Representative Mayhew, which would eliminate the need for active-duty military personnel to file a Missouri income tax return when their military pay is already exempt from state income tax. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would prevent unnecessary withholding and refund processing, reduce administrative work for the Department of Revenue, and leave service members with the same benefit but without paperwork. Members asked about residency, withholding, retirees, and how the change would work for service members stationed in or out of Missouri; the sponsor explained the bill applied only to active duty and that Missouri residents serving elsewhere would still be governed by residency rules. No vote was taken on House Bill 3294 before the committee adjourned, and the chair noted it was likely the last committee hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Even to this day, it's always someone who comes in, not even for general maintenance.
• To have stuff for the next generation and for the generation that had to leave to be able to come back
• The question is, what would the statutory change look like in a general sense?
• future generations.
• The second way is they can do it based on the income that the property generates.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas the Consulate General of Ireland to the Southwestern United States, Enterprise Ireland, and
• She is joined today by Caitlin Higgins and Nick Caneere, the Consul General of Ireland in Los Angeles
• It was Attorney General Chris Mays who raised the alarm on vapes being sold to minors.
• They've seen that this Attorney General holds them accountable, and they fear their necks.
• When the Attorney General can secure a settlement for nearly half a million dollars...

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jasleen Chatwal. Members then made numerous introductions of guests and visiting groups, including Irish dignitaries and a proclamation recognizing St. Patrick’s Day, AFSCME and CWA members, the Arizona Farm Bureau, the Arizona chapter of the American College of Surgeons for Stop the Bleed training, and advocates for rare skeletal conditions. The chamber also announced committee substitutions and received Senate messages and committee reports. On business from the desk, the House voted to request the Senate return HB 4027 and HB 2444 for reconsideration. The House then moved through first and second readings of a large number of Senate bills and resolutions, placing them on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, HB 2750 and HB 2999 were each amended and recommended do pass; both were reported back and ordered engrossed for further action. On third reading, the House rejected reconsideration of HB 2197, which dealt with water access and camping near water sources, after debate over criminal penalties and conservation concerns. The House then passed HB 2429 on vacation rentals and short-term rentals, HB 2950 creating special districts and tourism improvement areas, and HB 4001 concerning nicotine products and youth access, each after floor debate and recorded votes. The chamber also adopted a proclamation honoring AFSCME Arizona, made committee and caucus announcements, and adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if you have an answer to it yet, but why such large increases from the General Services
• The way that we generate that new revenue is through three provisions.
• So those are the three revenue provisions, revenue-generating provisions.
• The other sections in the bill modify distributions.
• Generally Those STIP projects are high-profile stuff that the feds require them to work on.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB1 by Huffman, General Appropriations Bill, referred to the Committee on Appropriations. Amen.
• He has represented a new generation of golfers who embody both skill and sportsmanship.
• Thank you so much for your influence upon generations. You are what makes Texas great.
• It will inspire generations to come.
• HB 3778 by Waterback relates to the use of geothermal energy as dispatchable generation.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on the general fund spreadsheet.
• on the general fund spreadsheet.
• She said MDE also has a general counsel, a lead general counsel, and an assistant general counsel, and
• She said MDE also has a general counsel, a lead general counsel, and an assistant general counsel, and
• She said MDE also has a general counsel, a lead general counsel, and an assistant general counsel, and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and they actually noted that we are up generally year over year at the UC system.
• Finally, the budget provides $20 million in one-time general fund support.
• The state provided $2.5 million in one-time general fund support to the college in 2024-25.
• There is a $1.9 million one-time General Fund amount for this proposal and a $4 million ongoing General
• The first, as mentioned, is $1.4 million in one-time General Fund in 2025-26 and $3 million ongoing General

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:43:35.599> that report that would be generated that report that would be generated that
• So when you do these recommendations, when you talk to the agency leads, are they generally receptive
• receptive to hear the they generally receptive to hear the comments<00:48:08.920> that<00:48:
• Lead Clerk: I would just like to let our team know, because we have some new members, that generally
• <01:20:31.440> in<01:20:31.760> statute<01:20:32.199> 127 General in statute 127

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met on February 11 and began with introductions from members and staff, who shared brief personal and district facts. Chair Jim Nash then outlined the committee’s goals for the session, emphasizing bipartisan cooperation, the need to address a looming structural deficit, and the committee’s role in moving legislation forward. The committee also reviewed its rules for the year. The main item was House File 3, authored by Chair Nash and referred to Ways and Means. The bill would require the Office of the Legislative Auditor to produce an annual report tracking whether agencies have implemented prior audit and evaluation recommendations, with the goal of improving internal controls, transparency, and accountability and helping legislators make funding decisions. Nash described the bill as a preventative measure to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, and said it was modeled in part on practices used in Colorado. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall testified that the office already produces similar update reports but lacks resources to independently verify many agency responses; she said the bill would provide a framework for more regular reporting and discussion, not a “shame tool.” Ranna Lee of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the bill would increase accountability and transparency for how public agencies manage taxpayer resources. A letter from the Minnesota Council on Nonprofits was also noted in support. Representative Clardy offered the A7 amendment to add an appropriation matching the fiscal note; Nash accepted it, saying savings could be found later in the process. The committee approved the A7 amendment by voice vote. During discussion, Representative Quam supported the bill’s focus on accountability, and Representative Freiberg questioned the Legislative Auditor about the office’s expertise on a specific ambulance-services recommendation in the report. Randall responded that the office’s staff are policy research generalists who use standards, best practices, interviews, surveys, and site visits to develop recommendations, and that the goal is to prompt further discussion rather than require blind acceptance. The transcript ends during that exchange, with no final committee vote on House File 3 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to be co-presenting with Nat Chaker. who's our General Counsel.
• General, I think that's generally the reason.
• So, we have our general funds from our gaming revenue that go towards housing.
• But that is the primary economic generator that they're using to... expands here.
• There is also a desire to at least begin talking to to Grants General, to the Seabury General Hospital