Transcript Highlights:

• As noted in the daily file, the suspense file hearing is a vote-only hearing with no testimony.
• The motion is do pass as amended to remove provisions restricting fee revenue usage.
• SB 1341, beverage container processing fees.
• The motion is do pass as amended to replace the floor for processing fees.
• SB 1062, Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act Fees. The motion is due pass.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee met for a suspense-file hearing, which the chair noted was vote-only with no public testimony. The committee moved quickly through a large number of bills, mostly Senate bills with a few Assembly measures at the end, and repeatedly announced amendments that narrowed scope, made bills contingent on appropriation, removed certain provisions, or otherwise reduced fiscal impact. Topics covered included wildfire resilience and recovery, housing and homelessness, energy and utilities, health care and Medi-Cal, education, criminal justice, elections, labor and workforce issues, transportation, environmental regulation, insurance, privacy and technology, and several public safety measures. Most bills were approved, many on unanimous 7-0 votes or 5-0/6-0 votes, while a substantial number passed on 5-2 or 5-1 votes with Republicans generally voting no. A few measures drew more specific discussion: Senator Richardson said he would vote for SB 1203 on security services but expressed concern that it would impose different and doubled training requirements compared with last year’s law; SB 904 on wildfire recovery passed 6-1; SB 1135 on the California Wildfire Coexistence Act passed 6-1; and SB 1241 on skilled and trained workforce requirements passed 6-1 after amendments. The committee also took a reconsideration vote on one previously favorable action, which passed 5-0. No testimony was taken and no bills were held for further discussion during the hearing; the chair repeatedly noted that items not called were held under submission. At the end of the meeting, the committee announced that results would be posted online and that addendum analyses would follow for amended bills, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when we initially filed these, these bills in the past, we had a very prescriptive bill.
• Yes, uh, we, we visited at length, I think back in February after the bill was filed.
• This time the chair lays out House Bill 3355, uh, the bill, uh, filed by Chair, Vice Chair Cole, but
• We really appreciate her and Cheryl Cole or Representative Cole, for filing this.
• public records fees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Consumers file complaints with the AGO after being scammed.
• Consumers file complaints with the it?
• He took tens of thousands of dollars in upfront fees, millions of dollars in upfront fees is what it
• It's our file a complaint and buried.
• File a it's kind of right up there.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard an update on the Consumer Protection Restitution Account, also called SPRA, from the Minnesota Attorney General’s office and AARP Minnesota. AARP described the fund as a first-of-its-kind consumer fraud restitution program that should encourage scam reporting, give the AG’s office more incentive to pursue cases, and provide financial recovery to victims, especially older adults. The AG’s office explained that the fund is financed by 50% of consumer enforcement recoveries up to $5 million per year, plus unclaimed or undistributable restitution, and said about $4.6 million had been deposited since July 1, 2025, largely from a Johnson & Johnson settlement. Jessica Whitney outlined how claims are processed: consumers file complaints, the office obtains a court order, then determines whether defendants have collectible assets before distributing funds in chronological order based on the date of the court order. She said the first major case is Woodbury Dental Arts, a defunct dental clinic whose patients filed more than 300 claims; the office estimates about 75% are likely valid, is reviewing them, and hopes to issue checks within a month. She also described upcoming cases involving High Road Builders and another home remodeling contractor, along with more than 100 individual fraud complaints, including nine claims totaling more than $5.2 million. Committee members raised concerns about delays, communication with constituents, and whether victims know if their cases are being processed. Whitney said the office is trying to improve outreach through press releases, community visits, senior centers, AARP, and Commerce senior outreach. She also flagged two possible legislative issues: restitution that cannot be distributed may not be subject to the $5 million cap, and the statute’s prohibition on pro rata payments may need reconsideration because available funds appear insufficient to pay all claims in full. The office said it would provide a fuller report in October and continue processing claims this fiscal year.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh removing a licensing fee increase. uh removing a licensing fee increase.
• So, Senate File 2651, Senate File 3246, Senate File 1916, and Senate File 2972 are all included within
• So, Senate<01:11:53.440> File Senate File Senate File 2651,<01:11:55.360> Senate<01:11:
• 55.760> File 2651, Senate File 2651, Senate File 3246,<01:11:57.520> Senate<01:11:57.920
• > File 3246, Senate File 1916, and Senate File 3246, Senate File 1916, and Senate File 2972 2972

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the recipient of some of the fees the recipient of some of the fees associated<01:44:09.520>
• Uh, number one, where are the fees going right now? The fees right now is in the statute.
• Uh, number one, where are the fees going right now? The fees right now is in the statute.
• The fees fees fees >> right<01:47:32.880> now<01:47:33.199> is<01:47:33.440> in
• The $10 fee slows down the whole process. So, we're eliminating that $10 fee.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum, dispensed with the journal reading, and moved into the calendar. Members also introduced several visitors and groups in the galleries, including AFL-CIO representatives, Volunteer Mississippi, the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, New England College students on a civil rights tour, and other guests and constituents. The chamber then proceeded through a series of motions to reconsider, table, or advance bills on the calendar. On the appropriations calendar, the House passed several Senate bills after adopting strike-off or amendment language. Senate Bill 2896, described as a potential trooper pay raise measure, was amended and passed 128-0. Senate Bill 2898 increased the MIMA disaster assistance trust fund from $20 million to $40 million and passed 128-0, and Senate Bill 2924 authorized spending from that fund and passed 119-0. Other appropriations measures included Senate Bill 2825 on the healthcare industry zone act, Senate Bill 2832 extending a repealer for the short-line railroad tax credit, Senate Bill 2834 on motor vehicle specialty tags, Senate Bill 2835 allowing banks to use third-party vendors to check liens, and Senate Bill 2846 on conduit bonds; each was explained as largely conforming to House language or adding reverse repealers, and each passed overwhelmingly. The Ways and Means calendar included Senate Bill 2850, which removed a reverse repealer and updated the Advantage Jobs Act to align incentives with prior commitments and future tax changes; it passed 119-0. Senate Bill 2873 expanded administrative forfeiture procedures to products on the cigarette and ends registry and passed 117-1. Senate Bill 2882 clarified that tax assessors cannot require settlement statements for homestead exemptions and passed 118-0. Senate Bill 3111, which would exempt up to 10 cases of wine donated annually to nonprofits from alcohol taxes, drew some concern and passed 97-13 after a reverse repealer was added. Senate Bill 316 added energy storage facilities such as batteries to the definition of alternative energy for local ad valorem tax purposes and passed 114-1. Senate Bill 3124 revised the Pregnancy Resource Act to allow individuals as well as businesses to participate in the tax credit, adjust reporting and in-state requirements, and incorporate House language; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And uh data if they paid the fee.
• that if people are not enrolled in a fee that if people are not enrolled in a fee per<00:18:26.320
• , fees, fees, and<01:05:39.920> uh and uh and uh pressure<01:05:41.839> on<01:05:42.160
• He asks to please pass House File 3609. He asks to please pass House File 3609.
• deal with foster care are House File deal with foster care are House File 3665 3665 3665 from<02

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Senate File 4612, a state government bill affecting the Department of Health, Human Services, and Children, Youth, and Families, was taken up with a House language amendment adopted at the outset. The bill’s authors gave sharply different perspectives: one described it as a limited, reactive measure tied to federal Medicaid changes and said it fell short of needed health care improvements, while the other argued it would avoid large federal penalties, add Medicaid work requirements, save taxpayer money, and help certain rural and disability-related services. Members then debated several amendments. A technical House research amendment was offered, followed by a contested amendment on the all-payer claims database. Supporters of that change argued the bill expanded data access and could allow sensitive health data to be sold or used outside the United States, raising privacy and jurisdiction concerns; opponents said the data would remain deidentified, access would be limited to researchers, and the fee structure was a cost-recovery mechanism rather than a sale. The amendment to the amendment failed on a 67-67 tie, and the underlying amendment was not adopted. The committee also adopted an amendment updating mortuary science rules for natural organic reduction and another that would automatically enroll certain people into medical assistance if they did not choose a program themselves. A later amendment creating a therapeutic psilocybin pilot program for mental health and PTSD treatment drew strong bipartisan support, especially from members citing veteran suicide, trauma, and promising research; it was adopted after discussion. The transcript ended while discussion continued on how the program would be administered, including questions about using the Office of Cannabis Management rather than the Department of Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• Who asked you to file the bill? No one asked me to file the bill.
• Lawsuits are being filed. We are seeing a troubling new trend in litigation.
• A tool like being able to file lawsuits is one way to try to force some action.
• The next HCR of that file is going to be much more to the point of Senator Kennedy filed a letter, and
• He filed a letter, and we support that letter, and it's very short to the point.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which was presented as a narrowly focused ban on climate-change damages lawsuits rather than a measure affecting emissions claims, pollution claims, or private property rights. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to stop speculative suits targeting energy producers, farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and other businesses for global climate impacts, while preserving claims for actual legal violations under state or federal environmental and safety laws. After a substitute amendment was adopted to clarify and streamline the bill, the committee heard extensive support from oil and gas, chemical, business, port, and legal reform groups, along with a few opposition speakers who argued the bill could still be read to shield industry too broadly or weaken climate accountability. HB 804 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 802, as amended, which creates a watershed conservation fund tied to the Amite River Basin. The author explained that the bill was narrowed from a statewide proposal to a basin-specific program to reduce flood risk and restore watershed areas using existing severance revenue from sand mining, modeled in part on coastal restoration funding. Supporters from the concrete industry, landowners, levee boards, and conservation groups described it as a practical, low-cost, non-government solution to help remediate old sand and gravel pits and improve flood control. With no opposition cards and no objections, HB 802 was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HB 934, as substituted, which would allow licensed wildlife rehabilitators to possess white-tailed deer fawns under specific conditions, including disease monitoring, release only within the same management zone, and other handling requirements. The author said the bill was meant to prevent the euthanizing of orphaned fawns that could be rehabilitated and to create a lawful pathway for licensed care. A supporter described her experience rescuing an orphaned fawn that was later confiscated and killed, while the Louisiana Wildlife Federation opposed the measure, warning it could effectively create a captive deer program, undermine wildlife conservation principles, and lead to dangerous or inhumane facilities. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 934, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• House 2 does not rely on any new taxes or fee increases.
• I know the AG filed something recently, but we'll take a close look at all that.
• Extra fees are eliminated.
• I think they can only get money if the contractor has paid their fee.
• Is there any current bill filed with that at the moment, or? No, no.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint budget hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs, who described the fiscal outlook as challenging because of slow revenue growth, rising health care and other costs, and uncertainty from federal policy changes. Governor Healey and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz then presented House 2, a $62.8 billion budget that they said grows by about 1% and does not raise taxes or fees. They emphasized affordability, fiscal discipline, protection of core services, and continued investment in education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety. The administration also discussed a separate bill to delay and phase in certain federal tax-code changes from the so-called OB3 law, especially research and experimental expense provisions, to reduce immediate budget impacts and preserve competitiveness. A major portion of the hearing focused on education and municipal aid. The administration said House 2 provides about $7.6 billion for Chapter 70 aid, fully funds the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, increases special education circuit breaker funding, and raises rural school aid. Senators and representatives from both parties raised concerns that Chapter 70 and other aid formulas are not equitable for small, rural, and low-wealth communities and are not keeping pace with inflation, and several called for broader review of the formula and related funding streams. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion, pointed to additional support through rural aid, special education, transportation reimbursements, and minimum aid, and said total Student Opportunity Act investment would reach about $2.1 billion over the life of the law. Transportation, housing, and fair share spending were also central topics. The administration said fair share revenues are being used holistically, with education-heavy spending in the operating budget and transportation-heavy spending in the supplemental budget, and estimated the overall split to date at roughly 57% education and 43% transportation. They highlighted MBTA stabilization, regional transit authority support, microtransit, fare-free regional transit, and bridge and commuter rail investments, while noting the MBTA remains a major fiscal concern. On housing, the governor stressed production, permitting reform, ADUs, down-payment assistance, and support for public housing authorities, while lawmakers pressed for more funding for local housing authorities and for ways to address out-migration, energy costs, and affordability. The governor also said the administration will not withhold fire safety grants from communities over MBTA Communities Act noncompliance and will handle such issues case by case. No votes were taken at the hearing; it was an informational presentation and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know that that is a fee that we assessed. That fee was not really based on.
• , increased Tier 2 fee caps.
• What is a Tier 2 fee? Mr. Chair, the Tier 2 fee is the fee that accompanies Tier 2 reporting.
• This fee accompanies that report. Mr.
• These Tier 2 fees go towards that. Interesting.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• files so this there be data files files so this there be data files publicly<04:51:54.280> available
• readable files uh that means files readable files uh that means files posted<04:58:30.240> on
• Then the third file is essentially a prescription drug file, and I don't have to tell anybody on this
• <05:04:39.718> don't these machine readable files don't these machine readable files don't
• together. these big data files to be submitted and these big data files to be submitted and by<05:16

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Financial penties such as fines and fees Financial penties such as fines and fees and<00:15:52.160
• important for the the funds to the fees important for the the funds to the fees to<00:23:12.200>
• 267, and while Washington State is a much larger state and its fee is much steeper than the $500 fee
• 267, and while Washington State is a much larger state and its fee is much steeper than the $500 fee
• 267, and while Washington State is a much larger state and its fee is much steeper than the $500 fee

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This small fix will eliminate redundant filings and unnecessary fees, reduce administrative burdens for
• So a fixture filing perfects a security interest in fixtures.
• A separate document has to be filed to be the fixture filing if the name doesn't match exactly what's
• You have to do two filings instead of one.
• You don't have to do the separate fixture filing.

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met as a subcommittee at first because a quorum was not yet present, then proceeded with bill presentations and later formal votes once enough members arrived. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including how to submit written testimony and rules for witnesses and conduct. The agenda included AB 771, AB 1507 on the consent calendar, and AB 1166. AB 771 by Assemblymember Massetto was presented as a technical fix to California’s Uniform Commercial Code. Supporters said it would allow a mortgage or deed of trust to serve as a fixture filing without requiring an exact match to the debtor’s ID, reducing duplicate filings, fees, and administrative burdens. There was no formal opposition, and the committee voted due pass. AB 1507 was then adopted on the consent calendar with a due pass recommendation. AB 1166 by Chair Valencia addressed debt settlement protections for small business commercial financing recipients by extending existing California debt settlement standards from consumer loans to business loans. Supporters, including the Responsible Business Lending Coalition and several financing providers, said the bill would curb harmful practices and align incentives, while still allowing debt settlement services. Members asked about the private right of action and statutory damages, and the bill was approved due pass. The committee later reopened the rolls for absent members, recorded additional aye votes, and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't really, I guess, relate to the fines and fees because no fines and fees are actually imposed
• <00:37:11.520> and repealing all or most youth fees and repealing all or most youth fees and
• by the way has the same title youth fees by the way has the same title youth fees and<00:38:19.040
• because no fines to the fines and fees because no fines and<00:38:49.119> fees<00:38:49.280><
• <00:45:33.440> So<00:45:33.599> the fees. So it it's very dependent. So the fees.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 1296 HD1, relating to disaster recovery, would exempt reconstruction of lawfully constructed structures damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster from special management area permits under certain conditions. OPSD, DLNR, the County of Maui, Front Street Recovery, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, saying it would speed rebuilding after disasters like the Maui fires; one witness noted the bill would not cover shoreline parcels unless amended, and members asked about the five-year rebuild window, the meaning of “lawfully constructed,” and whether unlawful structures were excluded. Testimony was also heard on SB 1413, which would allow the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to dispose of abandoned property in federal public housing projects after notice and within five days; HPHA said the bill would help address illegal dumping and clarify procedures. SB 31 HD1, concerning discriminatory restrictive covenants, was briefly described and had support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and comments from the Uniform Law Commission, with no in-person testimony. The committee then heard SB 1341, which would add HEMA and the Office of Homeland Security to agencies allowed to review energy industry information and would expand the program’s emergency-management purpose. The Hawaii State Energy Office supported the measure, saying the data is important for emergency response and fuel-supply planning. SB 10008 HD1 would authorize counties to adopt ordinances enforcing accessible parking space requirements and clarify county enforcement of EV-related parking provisions; the Disability and Communication Access Board strongly supported the accessible-parking provisions, saying current enforcement is weak, while noting section three on EV spaces is already largely in statute and could be struck if the committee preferred. Tina Yamaki of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 1028 SD1 HD1, which would eliminate fees, fines, and court costs for offenses committed by minors, discharge existing related debt, limit community service for minors to 72 hours, and repeal certain penalties tied to minors and their parents or guardians. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, Community Alliance on Prisons, and DebtFree Justice Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that youth fines burden families, worsen poverty, and disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian youth. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments, raising possible constitutional title issues because the current draft incorporates material from HB 129 and includes sections that may relate more to restitution or curfew than to fines and fees; supporters responded that the title is sufficient and cited case law. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this year we need to think about whether we raise the per parcel fee.
• days after... ...we're giving them 30 days after they get notice from the Board of Equalization to file
• there’s a non-refundable fee associated with filing that application.
• My understanding is that there is no application fee associated with the letter of intent.
• It’s simply almost a notice of hearing, almost, that we plan to file an application at some future.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE AGENCY TOOK IT SERIOUSLY THAT THESE OBJECTIONS WERE FILED.
• WHAT I’M TRYING TO SAY AT THE END OF THIS A PERSON COULD JUST CHALLENGE THAT LICENSING AUTHORITY AND FEE
• OF DOLLARS IN LICENSE FEES.
• MEMBERS BY YOUR VOTE WE SEE THIS OBJECTION PASSES AND WILL BE FILED IN A TIMELY FASHION.
• THIS IS TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE PUBLIC TO LOCATE FILES ASSOCIATED WITH STATE LAND.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These fees now represent 13.5% of the project's maximum allowable construction costs.
• They provide recommended fees, and these are outlined in table 12.
• Eastern's engineering or architectural fees went from $799,000 to $3.5 million.
• , an application fee to process that to see if it's worthwhile.
• We filed an ERC claim about a year and a half ago.

Transcript Highlights:

• Order of Business 13: General File.
• We are on the first agenda, Order of Business 13, General File. Order of Business 13, General File.
• File for the next legislative day.
• I would move to take the remaining bills on General File and place them on General File for the next
• AB 93 is ordered to the General File.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It creates stricter licensing and higher fees.
• We were challenged on fees.
• Yes, sir, with the fees coming in, if those were to be, and that is an ask that our department The fees
• The county can't file. The parents often...
• what to file in court.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You would have to then now file a lawsuit.
• They file a plea to the jurisdiction.
• fired for filing a false police report against me.
• They chose to file a false police report.
• They chose to file a false police report.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:03.680> 458 presenting on house file 458 presenting on house file 458 representative
• file file 459<00:05:09.000> I<00:05:09.080> believe<00:05:09.360> your<00:05:09.560
• thank you for presenting on house file thank you for presenting on house file 449<00:22:25.880><
• storm water fees or any garbage<00:26:01.080> collection<00:26:01.480> fees<00:26:01.799
• members any questions on house file members any questions on house file 1280<00:48:36.079> all

Bills: HF458, HF459, HF461, HF449, HF450, HF965, HF1280, HF612, HF615, HF616, HF622, HF650, HF651, HF1045, HF972, HF851, HF644, HF1050

Keywords: HF458, Henderson, water treatment facility, drinking water, municipal water, public infrastructure, capital investment, state bonds, bonding bill, Public Facilities Authority, water distribution system, well connection, local government grant, Minnesota capital budget, HF459, Carver levee, City of Carver, levee restoration, flood control, flood mitigation