Transcript Highlights:

• ...impact or affect them and impact their representation?
• Districts in small rural areas, especially. It is.
• So the districts became elongated to include the rural areas.
• It's very different from where I grew up in a rural area.
• This political maneuver to back blue urban areas into rural districts hurts rural communities too.

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Alliance is made up of of 42 rural Alliance is made up of of 42 rural Broadband<00:31:10.960><c>
• </c> to find a way to incentivize the rural to find a way to incentivize the rural Broadband<00:40:14.040
• </c><00:42:49.280><c> communities</c> TV services to a few rural communities TV services to a few rural
• </c> and voice services in dozens of rural and voice services in dozens of rural communities<00:42:56.160
• </c> chaired the egg housing rural chaired the egg housing rural development<01:43:25.840><c> policy<

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> On line 40 for the Center for Rural On line 40 for the Center for Rural Policy<00:25:25.679><c>
• So for a total general fund impact FY25.
• This doesn't have a direct impact on the egg fund.
• Management Practices Program updates, but those don't have direct impacts on the egg fund.
• Uh note that we're rural development.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These cuts impact my classroom in harmful ways that leave students with unmet needs.
• Money directed away from investment will impact job growth.
• District in a rural county, we've never had after-school programs.
• The fiscal note indicates an over $100 million a year impact in 2013.
• I'm in a rural community. We need up-north dollars from visitors.

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> a technical change relating to rural a technical change relating to rural emergency<00:08:32.599
• </c> rural clinical training grant programs. rural clinical training grant programs.
• </c><01:03:38.640><c> affordability</c> options directly impacting affordability options directly impacting
• Counties. and also the Minnesota Rural Counties.
• </c> rural EMS. rural EMS.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the life of their son. how it impacted the life of their son.
• It's a small ask today, but it has a massive impact.
• They have broad state impact across the state, and it's focused on individual outcomes.
• It also impacts water quality downstream.
• The City of Palisade is a rural community located in Aitkin County.

Bills: HF568 , HF433 , HF1689 , HF3135 , HF3137 , HF3145 , HF2887 , HF2819 , HF2802 , HF2664 , HF2267 , HF799 , HF800 , HF3049 , HF296 , HF580 , HF1438 , HF1237

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction

Transcript Highlights:

• These impacts include reduced property values, increased environmental hazards, and disparities in health
• And that has a domino impact on, you know, if you start losing licensees, that impacts what happens.
• ...a domino impact on, you know, if you start losing licensees, that impacts what happens to the department
• But I do want to make sure that we're mindful about potential impacts.
• I would just add also, as one that actually does rural lending in rural communities in Central California

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met to hear several bills, beginning with a consent calendar that included AB 665 and AB 866, both adopted on a do pass basis and referred to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 801, which would create a California Community Reinvestment Act to require covered financial institutions, including state-chartered banks, credit unions, residential mortgage lenders, and money transmitters, to meet the financial needs of low- and moderate-income communities and communities of color. The author and supporters argued the bill would close gaps left by the federal CRA, address redlining and discriminatory lending, and expand investment in housing, small business, and community development. Support came from community groups, CDFIs, labor, and housing advocates, while opposition from mortgage bankers and credit unions argued the bill would impose costly new reporting and regulatory burdens, especially on institutions they said already serve underserved borrowers well. Committee members discussed the scope of the bill, the experience of other states with state CRA laws, and possible carve-outs or tiered treatment for smaller credit unions. AB 801 was passed as amended and referred to Appropriations, with the roll left open and later completed; one member voted no and others were not voting or voted aye as the roll was finalized. The committee also heard AB 743, which would require licensing and surety bonds for commercial lawsuit financing and bring those transactions under DFPI oversight. The author said the bill was aimed at a largely unregulated, multi-billion-dollar industry and was intended to increase transparency and address concerns about foreign interests, fraud, and abusive litigation funding practices, while not affecting consumer legal funding. Supporters, including Unified Patents, the Civil Justice Association of California, the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Trucking Association, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, said the bill was an important first step toward disclosure and regulation. There was no opposition testimony. AB 743 passed unanimously as amended and was referred to Appropriations, with the roll held open briefly for absent members before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, it has generated measurable employment impact over time.
• Oh, and actually one more that I’ll note is just touching on rural access.
• and highly rural areas.
• impact loan forgiveness programs.
• Thank you. utilize or consider how this works with the career impact grants and the career impact loan

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section’s Commerce and Legal Services Division met to review the Department of Commerce base budget for the 2027-29 biennium and to receive an update on Commerce programs. Legislative Council staff first walked the committee through the “blue sheet” base budget summary, explaining the major line items, the large share of federal grant authority in Commerce’s budget, and the continuing appropriations that support several Commerce funds. Members asked how grant funding is coordinated across agencies, and staff said collaboration varies by program but is strong in areas like UAS and LIHEAP. Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken then presented on current activities, focusing heavily on grant administration, transparency, and economic development programs. Members questioned how grant applicants are selected, whether Commerce tracks applications and return on investment, and how long grant awards take to reach recipients. The commissioner said Commerce uses scoring criteria, outside reviewers, a minimum 30-day application window, and typically completes awards within two to three months. A lengthy exchange followed over whether Commerce should open some grants only to intended recipients versus running competitive application processes; Commerce said it follows best-practice grantmaking and that its attorney in the Attorney General’s office approved that approach. Commerce also highlighted the North Dakota Development Fund, citing long-term investment and job creation results, examples such as Red Trail Energy, Packet Digital, Valiance, Corvent Medical, child care loans, and the Automate ND program. Members asked about acceptable failures, lessons learned, regional economic development coordination, and the expansion of the fund into non-primary sectors. Workforce Director Katie Ralston Howell then outlined a statewide workforce ecosystem review, a new governor’s workforce sub-cabinet, and three task forces focused on simplifying entry, warm handoffs, and data integration. She discussed the in-demand occupations list, Workforce Pell, apprenticeships, and efforts to better connect students with employers and higher education. Commerce also briefly reviewed housing programs and a new housing sub-cabinet. No votes were taken; the committee simply received testimony, asked questions, and adjourned after setting up the next meeting to hear the Attorney General budget in June.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm in a rural part of the state.
• I'm in a rural part of the state.
• I'm in a rural part of the state.
• </c><00:12:32.760><c> areas</c> we've spoken about this in rural areas we've spoken about this in rural
• </c><00:16:01.199><c> veterinarian</c> concerned about the rural veterinarian concerned about the rural

Keywords: 00:00 – Introduction 00:17 – Attendance Roll Call 02:09-- Discussion of SB 69 26:57 – Roll Call Vote, 958, all

Summary: The House Agriculture Committee met briefly and took up Senate Bill 69, a measure creating a certification path for non-veterinarians who perform equine dental work, especially floating teeth. Sponsor Sen. Robin Webb and supporters said the bill was the product of about two years of open meetings and stakeholder discussions, and that it would provide accountability, insurance access, and a way to grandfather in long-time practitioners with additional training. They framed it as a rural access and affordability issue, arguing that many horse owners, especially in remote areas, cannot easily reach or afford large-animal veterinarians and that the bill would preserve a long-standing husbandry practice while setting limits so certified providers could not perform surgery. Opposition came from equine veterinarians Dr. Brad Tanner and Dr. William Rainbow, who agreed there is a shortage of large-animal veterinarians and that floating teeth is necessary, but argued the bill’s scope goes beyond simple husbandry. They said the proposed authority would include procedures such as tooth removal and other work they consider surgery, which should remain within veterinary practice because of the need for sedation, pain management, and broader oral and physical exams. They also objected to the title “equine dental provider,” saying it could mislead owners into thinking the person has dentist-like training, and suggested a term like “equine teeth floater” would be clearer. Tanner cited a KVMA survey he said showed only 14 of 214 respondents supported indirect veterinary supervision in the bill. Members asked about continuing education, the “good moral character” licensing language, and whether people with past criminal records could be excluded. Supporters said continuing education would be required through certification programs and that character determinations would be handled case by case, with reference to broader second-chance licensing efforts moving through the legislature. Rep. Stalker asked for clearer terminology and educational guidance for consumers; the witnesses reiterated that the public should understand the difference between floating teeth and a full dental exam. After discussion, the committee moved to a roll call vote on the bill, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote result is fully shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, middle-income housing and also rural housing, permanent housing, not just voucher programs, not
• We meet twice a year in rural places; it was in Las Vegas, New Mexico, last fall.
• The biggest issue they mentioned for rural schools is transportation.
• When we're really talking about our rural schools and our school districts, what are those needs?
• Rural families are affected by the opioid crisis.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• This operation impacted several families.
• This delay meant a delay and impact for the communities we serve. ...a delay and impact for the communities
• Community Investment, the California Coalition for Rural Housing, and the California Rural Legal Assistance
• such severe impact.
• It's a continuing impact.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on child safety, immigrant community transparency, agricultural land security, consumer protection, estate transfers, detention commissary pricing, and public works wage enforcement. SB 1234 would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; the author said it was a narrow child-safety measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1257 would require the Attorney General to publish annual reports on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations; supporters said it would improve accountability and document fear in immigrant communities, while questions centered on how the data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 would bar foreign adversary entities from buying or controlling California agricultural land; supporters framed it as a national security measure, while committee members pressed the author on enforcement, who would verify buyers, and possible discriminatory application. The bill was moved on a 2-4 vote and placed on call after the author said he would work on clarifying responsibility and nondiscrimination concerns. The committee also heard SB 1146, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would curb deceptive deepfake ads and protect consumers; it passed unanimously, 7-0. SB 988 would restrict assignment of benefits in auto glass claims, require claim numbers and itemized estimates, and update repair disclosure rules to curb overbilling and steering; supporters said it would protect consumers and stabilize insurance costs, while independent glass shop concerns about steering and market concentration were discussed. The bill passed 7-0, with one member abstaining because of a conflict. SB 1288, presented on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make good-faith efforts to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would simplify access requirements, especially for nonprofits. Supporters described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements; SIFMA and the California Bankers Association opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactive burdens. The bill passed 8-0. SB 941 would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; supporters said detainees often pay excessive prices for basic necessities, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, SB 909 would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors warned of uncapped costs and reduced transparency. The discussion continued with questions about enforcement and whether stronger penalties or license restrictions would better deter repeat violators.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're saying that 30% is going to rural, as your commitment is to rural.
• impact that we had last year.
• impact that we had last year.
• community and not impact mine.
• your community and you not impact mine.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What it does now, though, is take away the notary part of it because we found out in some of our rural
• So as a member who lives in a rural community, I appreciate this bill.
• And nowadays in rural hospitals, we don't have resident doctors.
• This bill only impacts district and municipal hospitals and is a much-needed update.
• But outside of that, the bulk are going to be rural hospitals.

Committee: House Health and Mental Health

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This update supports our small and rural providers.
• </c> update supports our small and rural update supports our small and rural providers.<01:04:47.039>
• </c> board of the Minnesota Alliance of Rural board of the Minnesota Alliance of Rural Treatment<01:16
• I'm going to try and emphasize more on the rural aspect of the concern.
• <c> the</c> rural rural communities where the rural rural communities where the overwhelming<01:17:23.199

Bills: HF2216 , HF1978 , HF2354 , HF1963 , HF1994 , HF1995 , HF1894

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: assisted living, nursing home, long-term care, guardian, conservator, resident rights, arbitration, mandatory arbitration, consumer protection, fee increase, rate increase, price hike, private pay, public funds, Medicaid, waiver services, elderly, seniors, older adults, disability rights

Transcript Highlights:

• changes to the CLCPA, regardless of the report that came out from NYSERDA as to how it's going to impact
• changes to the CLCPA, regardless of the report that came out from NYSERDA as to how it's going to impact
• We must also confront the real-world impacts of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act,
• I believe a combination of extreme overreliance on digital devices and the impact of A.I. technology
• I believe a combination of extreme overreliance on digital devices and the impact of A.I. technology

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Conference Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Housing opened budget negotiations for the 2026-2027 enacted budget, with Senate and Assembly leaders outlining their one-house proposals and committee members giving brief remarks. The discussion covered environment, agriculture, housing, parks, and energy, with repeated emphasis on affordability, climate resilience, and support for rural and urban communities. Senate and Assembly chairs described the process and noted the agencies present, while minority members criticized the overall size of the budgets and urged more attention to housing affordability, building stakeholders, and energy costs. On the environment and energy side, the Senate highlighted proposals for $138 million in additional clean water infrastructure funding, a $75 million increase to the Environmental Protection Fund, $95 million in restored parks capital, $200 million for the Energy Affordability Program, and $1 billion for Sustainable Futures 2.0, including a proposed revival of the NY STUN program. The Assembly said it increased the EPF to $500 million, raised clean water infrastructure funding to $800 million, and included targeted amounts for cities, rural housing-related water projects, Cornell Ag Tech, and the Center for Sustainable Materials Management. Democrats argued that high utility bills are driven by natural gas costs rather than clean energy, while Senate and Assembly Republicans said the CLCPA and other energy mandates are increasing costs and should be reconsidered. Agriculture remarks focused on research, farm support, and resilience. Senator Hinchey described funding for Cornell’s COWS program, Farm to School amendments, $7 million for farm worker housing, and a new $20 million Farm Weather Resiliency Grant Program. Chair Lupardo said the Assembly added $16 million over the Governor’s proposal for educational research and outreach, restored support for beginning and disadvantaged farmers, and backed dairy, livestock, hemp fiber, and natural fibers initiatives, while also accepting $30 million in farmer tariff relief if guidelines are set. Minority Assembly Member Tague supported dairy infrastructure funding but criticized the farm labor overtime phase-down and the CLCPA’s impacts on farms. Housing discussion centered on major capital and assistance programs. The Assembly proposed $200 million more for the Housing Access Voucher Program, $100 million for Mitchell-Lama and NYCHA, $50 million for down payment assistance, $4 million for fair housing testing, land banks, and $40 million for the Homeowner Protection Program. The Senate outlined similar priorities, including $500 million for NYCHA, $100 million for Mitchell-Lama preservation, $250 million total for HAVP, and additional funding for mixed-income rental development, vacant rentals, senior housing, and block-by-block infill. Chair Rosenthal said rent stabilization was not being changed in the budget, while Republican members argued that affordability requires lower taxes, lower utility costs, and fewer regulatory burdens. No votes were taken; the meeting was an opening round of budget negotiations and ended with closing remarks from both sides.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rest of the state is a rural district.
• Somebody in a rural market will run... in the current environment.
• The rest of the state is a rural district.
• How would that impact your operations? Mr.
• I know Mohave County doesn't—we know that they get impacted.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2957, which would prohibit cities, towns, counties, and districts from requiring a digital or mobile driver license for government identification purposes and would require physical licenses to be accepted. The sponsor argued the bill preserves choice, privacy, and state control over identification, and several supporters said it protects informed consent and limits biometric data use. Some members raised concerns about travel requirements and proof of legal status, but the sponsor said the bill would not eliminate Real ID or change federal travel rules. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 4-3 vote. The committee then heard HB 2941, which would make certain unsafe motorcycle lane-splitting or lane-sharing behavior subject to reckless driving penalties. The sponsor said the bill is intended to address dangerous conduct and close a gap in enforcement, while a motorcycle rights advocate explained the difference between lane filtering, which is legal under Arizona law in limited circumstances, and lane splitting, which is not. Testimony emphasized public safety and education for riders. The committee approved the bill with a do pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. Next, the committee considered HB 2305, as amended, dealing with private property towing. The bill would make towing rates a matter of statewide concern, tie charges to DPS tow service agreements, require documentation and notice requirements, and standardize rules for private towing carriers. Supporters said the measure would reduce confusion and predatory towing by creating uniform statewide standards, while opponents from the trucking industry argued the DPS rate structure was designed for emergency towing and that more stakeholder work was needed. After adopting an amendment clarifying the bill applies only to motor vehicles towed from private property, the committee passed the bill 7-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 2257, a strike-everything amendment changing how watercraft fee revenue is distributed between the watercraft licensing fund, the State Lake Improvement Fund, and boating safety/law enforcement purposes, while also requiring an annual expenditure report. Supporters said the change would help Mohave County and other local agencies that are covering more water patrol duties as Game and Fish resources are stretched, but Game and Fish warned the shift would create a significant fiscal impact and said the department is already operating with tight budgets. The committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, can you expand a little bit more on the FAST program and how it truly does impact these rural communities
• And what we've seen, uh, is the impact, uh, with those students.
• We have campuses in large urban centers and rural communities.
• So it will have an impact on, um.
• health, rural, focus on that and on primary care.

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no fiscal impact to the general fund or local schools.
• These potential administration risks may be felt most strongly in rural school districts.
• The fund reserves 60% for non-rural school districts and 40% for rural school districts.
• If that's not utilized, then for B then allows more of that to flow to the non-rural.
• else that's not rural.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On our estimated impact of federal funding changes, we don't anticipate any changes at this time.
• The following year we had an increase in our funding for the rural economic action plan from 15 to30
• The rural community support positions, we hired two FTE late in fiscal year 2025, so those funds have
• areas, is very impactful.
• With that said, I come from a very small rural school, and I know an individual came out of that rural

Committee: House A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on its FY26 priorities, recent performance, and budget requests. Commerce said it had helped announce about 8,000 direct jobs and nearly $14 billion in investment year-to-date, while noting challenges such as tariffs, workforce recruitment, staffing/FTE management, and the condition of its 100-year-old office building. The agency highlighted projects and initiatives including a new Taiwan trade office, Route 66 Centennial planning, the National Main Street conference in Tulsa, Olympic-related coordination, census outreach, and continued improvements to its grants and CRM systems. Requested funding included $8.3 million for building repairs or relocation planning, census support, $300,000 for EDGE, $135,000 for IT/cybersecurity upgrades, $250,000 for the Taiwan office, and additional support for Head Start, senior nutrition, and the Strategic Air and Space Commission. Members asked about the meaning of the investment totals, the building condition, delays in senior nutrition distributions, and staffing vacancies; Commerce said the investment figures reflected formal company capital announcements, the building had significant facade and roof damage, delays were due to multiple contracting layers, and several open positions were expected to be filled soon. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department then presented its FY26 budget and goals. New director Amy Blackburn and special advisor Sterling Zearley said the department oversees 38 state parks, six lodges, seven golf courses, and nine travel information centers, and emphasized tourism’s economic importance. They reported savings from bringing marketing and tracking functions in-house and from shared services, but said the department faces more than $271 million in deferred maintenance needs, staffing shortages, and connectivity problems at parks. Their goals include increasing park visitation to 10.2 million, raising occupancy to 36%, and growing travel to Oklahoma, with major marketing tied to the Route 66 Centennial, America 250, the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and other events. The department also discussed a request to raise its purchasing exemption cap from $25,000 to $75,000, a possible TravelOK.com redesign, and efforts to improve restaurant operations at lodges through a new RFP structure. Members questioned the apportionment cap, the size and timing of deferred maintenance requests, park revenue, and the use of parking pass funds; tourism said annual park-related revenue is about $32 million to $34 million and parking pass revenue is about $2.5 million. Finally, the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority presented its budget request and program updates. The authority said it supports the veterinary teaching hospital and related student training, and that its FY26 budget is entirely state-appropriated. It requested continued support for hospital operations, the large animal scholarship program, and a new $12.5 million annual payment tied to the $250 million Legacy Capital Fund authorization for the veterinary teaching hospital, along with additional funding to expand in-state enrollment. Officials said in-state enrollment had increased from 58 to 69 students after prior funding, with a goal of reaching 90 of 106 total seats, and that there were 195 in-state applicants this year. Members asked whether standards would be lowered; the authority said academic standards would not change and noted strong board-pass rates and retention outcomes. It also said accreditation concerns tied to faculty shortages and off-site teaching had been addressed by bringing students back to the main campus and improving staffing. The committee ended by thanking the presenters and announcing its next meeting date.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a tentative list here that will be adversely impacted by this freeze on funding.
• For rural and underserved areas, community care should act as a force multiplier and not a replacement
• Telehealth is also a powerful tool for bridging these service gaps in these rural and underserved areas
• In closing, Congress and VA must work together to resolve existing issues impacting veterans' health
• Am I somewhere in the ballpark of a possible solution in a very, very rural place? Yes, sir.

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs