Transcript Highlights:

• student loan, if you owe medical debt, if you use virtual currency, or you even have an account with a big
• stand up for consumers against unelected billionaires who are trying to remove any safeguards from big
• banks, corporate finance giants, and tech industries.
• So they're regulated, but the big banks are not.
• <00:04:00.000> banks so they're regulated but the big banks so they're regulated but the big

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So turnover is a big issue. Housing is a big issue. We work on that constantly.
• fit into the big box as easily.
• I know that this is big—that's a big because there's so many different components to that: safety of
• I know that this is big, that's a big, because there's so many different components to that, safety of
• So you can see the big difference.

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee held an introductory meeting focused largely on member introductions and “homework” reports about education issues in each district. Members raised a wide range of concerns and priorities, including early childhood care and VPK access, school choice and school closures, teacher recruitment and retention, conflict resolution and school safety, early literacy and preparedness, technology and AI/STEM instruction, attendance and mental health, ESE services, dual enrollment and career/technical education, caregiving youth, and real-time student enrollment/funding tracking. Several members also emphasized local challenges such as housing-driven teacher turnover, disaster-related attendance problems, and funding inequities across counties. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Florida’s early learning system from Chancellor Carrie Miller of the Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning. She outlined the structure and funding of School Readiness, VPK, and the Gold Seal Quality Care program, the role of early learning coalitions and DCF, and the state’s quality and accountability measures. She highlighted the importance of kindergarten readiness, teacher quality, and the new School Readiness Plus program, which helps families transition off subsidy more gradually. Additional panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, and a Tallahassee child care provider discussed workforce shortages, low wages, provider turnover, the TEACH scholarship program, Help Me Grow, local coalition operations, and the need for more providers and more consistent regulation. During questions, members asked about wait lists, special needs services, teacher retention, provider onboarding, and DCF regulation. The panel said Miami-Dade’s wait list was about 4,000 children and described priority categories for service; they also said children with disabilities are screened and referred for support, though not given a separate priority category. Panelists reported that TEACH has helped reduce turnover through education support and service commitments, but said wages and career pathways remain major issues. Members also pressed for clearer, more consistent licensing standards and more support for new providers entering the field. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a very big deal, everybody.
• And I'm learning that LCFS has a big function, but I'm in the inside. I'm not like everybody else.
• This is a big topic of conversation for us as well that we are continuously bringing into our Democratic
• It's to say, well, how big is that little area down at the bottom?
• We have made big investments in this state.

Summary: The hearing was a select committee discussion on the transportation costs and impacts of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with opening remarks from the co-chairs and members emphasizing affordability, climate goals, and the need to explain the program’s benefits to the public. The first panel from CARB and the California Energy Commission described how LCFS works as a market-based, declining carbon-intensity program that rewards lower-carbon fuels, supports zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gases and local air pollution. They argued the program has driven billions in private investment, increased alternative fuel use, and that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of retail gasoline prices, which they said are dominated by crude oil, refining, and distribution costs. Members questioned the panel on the gap between the regulatory target and actual carbon-intensity performance, the role of credit banking, which fuels are generating the most credits, how the 2025 amendments affected the program, and whether LCFS credits are truly additional. CARB explained that banking helps cost-effectiveness and investment certainty, that ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel currently provide the largest volumes while electricity is expected to grow, and that the updated targets were informed by the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goals and the 2030 scoping plan. The Energy Commission said its data show environmental programs add some cost to gasoline but do not drive price volatility, which is mainly tied to crude oil and refinery margins. The second panel, featuring academic and research experts, focused on program design, out-of-state credit generation, and broader economic effects. Speakers said LCFS is successful because it ties incentives to emissions benefit, uses life-cycle analysis, and allows flexible compliance that lowers costs compared with more direct regulation. They also said the program’s benefits generally outweigh costs, that it can reduce air pollution disparities and support equity, but that some issues—especially indirect land use change, additionality, and older program assumptions—need more research and may warrant future rulemaking. One researcher noted that while LCFS likely raises gasoline prices somewhat, the effect is uncertain by design and usually smaller than normal market fluctuations, and another warned that limiting credit generation too narrowly could create legal and efficiency problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Y'all are screwing up big time. I'm sorry to say. Not you individually; I'm not saying that.
• I'm sure you're wondering what this big stack of papers is right here. This is just one copy.
• I had no big donors to begin with. I had no political connections.
• We had something passed called a "big, beautiful bill," as it was touted by Trump.
• This farce is nothing but a cover for a high-tech political lynching.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a very big effort.
• The Texas Water Development Board is a smaller agency with very big responsibilities.
• Either through expenditures that necessitate big supplementals. For 26.
• And lastly, I'll just say that overall, there's a big opportunity for conservation.
• So again, this is a bargain investment that can leverage. some big returns.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, next big sections here, all this group two stuff obviously is still under big discussion, so we will
• So it's on page 174 of the big book.
• 174 of the big book. 174 of the big book.
• is the big one for us. Uh, inspections. is the big one for us. Uh, inspections.
• It's a big number.

Keywords: 10am HB 1 & HB 2, 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed comparison documents and worked through a long list of House and Senate positions, agreeing on some technical or already-enacted items while setting aside others for later discussion. Early on, members agreed to delete a House Bill 2 section tied to a bill already passed into law, and a representative explained a technical amendment to the EFA provisions clarifying enrollment-cap repeal language and compulsory attendance rules for EFA students. That amendment was discussed but a vote was postponed because not all members were present. The committee also noted that the overall EFA budget numbers had already been settled separately. Several items were either agreed to or held for further negotiation. Members agreed to delete sections already covered by other enacted bills, including BTLA-related language, and to accept a technical amendment changing "municipalities" to "political subdivisions" in a section affecting funding eligibility. They also agreed on some items involving workers’ compensation second injuries, certain pilot-program language, and some sections related to state loan repayment and other technical corrections. In contrast, they set aside or disputed items involving site evaluation, lottery-related provisions, opioid abatement, the Commission on Aging, Granite Advantage premium costs, renewable energy/offshore wind funding, special education funding, and several education trust fund and unique-fund provisions. The committee spent substantial time on policy disputes. The House side argued against keeping money in dedicated Fish and Game funds rather than increasing the main Fish and Game fund, while the Senate side defended its approach and raised concerns about fee impacts, including one tied to the fishing license. The members also discussed a housing appeals board proposal, with one member suggesting a possible compromise that would preserve some function while shifting duties and possibly sunsetting the arrangement later; the contracts for the positions were noted as running through June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029. Another extended discussion concerned the child advocate records-access section, which one side wanted removed as policy that should go through the normal bill process, while another member asked to hold it and suggested a possible middle-ground, time-limited approach. Later, the committee agreed to remove sections already handled in other bills, including House sections 254 and 255, and discussed but did not resolve disputes over liquor licensing functions, cannabis-related language, cost containment, special education, and several fee and fund provisions. The Senate explained its position on the governor’s commission language, saying opioid abatement trust funds could not be used for that purpose and that the commission should continue to be funded through 5% of gross liquor profits; it also described renaming the body the Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention and expanding its scope to include problem gambling. The meeting ended with several major items still open for later negotiation.

Transcript Highlights:

• In this particular amendment, Neighbor Health has offered a pharmaceutical tech program for local high
• school students to come and learn how to become a tech assistant at a local pharmacy.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments focused on education, health, transportation, tax administration, and oversight. Senator Kennedy spoke in support of increasing funding for DTA caseworkers to improve SNAP access and reduce delays, but then withdrew the amendment by unanimous consent. Senator O’Connor’s amendment adding $500,000 for Free Period to provide free menstrual products in public schools was adopted, as was Senator Miranda’s $1 million METCO transportation and student support amendment. Senator Collins briefly proposed extending paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance coverage to graduate student workers, but withdrew that amendment for later discussion. Several amendments were debated and either adopted or rejected. Senator Tarr’s proposal to create oversight of the Group Insurance Commission and fund an Inspector General review was defeated after opposition argued existing oversight was sufficient. Tarr also offered amendments on MBTA deficiency fund withdrawals and on requiring 90 days’ notice before state tax code decoupling changes; both were rejected after standing votes. Senator Driscoll’s amendment for Randolph Public Schools restroom improvements was adopted, while his veterans student loan forgiveness amendment was withdrawn. Additional amendments were adopted for Bridgewater Middle School water filtration, Uffum’s Corner Health Center, and NeighborHealth’s pharmacy technician training program for local high school students. A major discussion centered on school funding and enrollment declines. Senator DiDomenico withdrew an amendment that would have provided $100 million to address Chapter 70 funding losses tied to enrollment drops, but he and Senator Collins used the floor to argue that districts facing declining enrollment and rising costs need a broader state response. The Senate also adopted a new draft of the supplemental budget and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote, with 35 members in the affirmative and 4 in the negative. The chamber then adjourned to meet again Monday, and did so in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, a former Quincy mayor, state legislator, and clerk magistrate.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the unlikely event that it abruptly ends due to tech difficulties, we will reconvene to discuss any

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee met on March 31, 2026, to consider Governor’s Message 791, which concerned confirmation of Virgilio Viernes to the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants for a term ending June 30, 2029. The Department of Health’s Wastewater Branch testified in support and stood on its written testimony. No other testimony was offered, and no members asked questions of the department. The committee then noted that Mr. Viernes was not present in the room or on Zoom to answer questions. Because the nominee was unavailable, the chair and members agreed to defer the measure rather than take action that day. The committee said it would post a reconvene notice so the matter could be taken up later when the nominee could attend. The meeting was then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, that coming out of the pandemic, we had a big, uh, takeoff in the rate of inflation.
• And those two factors together resulted in a big imbalance between demand and supply. Prices rose.
• Another item that's big to households, of course, is the cost of food.
• When I talk about going big, I hope the legislature will seek a higher measure of tax relief.
• So, uh, what you're proposing is saying the state is the big daddy and big daddy is telling everybody

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a big cost-of-living adjustment; it's a big category.
• So going back about 15-plus years ago, there was a big ice storm in the city of Oklahoma in the late
• But I would say funding is essential, and that's a big part of the conversation.
• House Bill 3031 requires SDE, in consultation with higher ed and career tech, to develop and implement
• We've got a lot of big issues, important issues. I appreciate the questions, even on my own bill.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that a big we have a situation, quite frankly, we're becomes unfair for an individual who
• I I've got a big stack. >> Yes, hello, everyone.
• With that, you're recognized to close a big thank you, Mister Chairman. >> I believe in the fundamental
• We have a big role to play.
• We we can speak loudly because we are a big state.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have also managed programming to provide tech training and technical assistance to elections officials
• Good morning, - Big chair.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several nominations and bills. It first recommended advise and consent for Governor’s Message 573, confirming Luann Blake to the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee after she described her experience as a blind voter and her goals of improving outreach and accessibility for voters with print disabilities. The committee then took up the judiciary supplemental budget bill, HB 2095, with testimony from the courts and several supportive organizations. The courts requested funding for security, cybersecurity, substance use treatment contracts, public guardian services, staffing, and capital projects; members questioned the lump-sum CIP request, the substance use contract funding, and the Kamanu Hale elevator project. The committee later voted to pass HB 2095 with amendments, including changes to cybersecurity funding, security-related report language, and other committee-report notes. The committee also heard HB 1520, which changes the five-year statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of campaign finance violations to begin upon discovery by the Campaign Spending Commission. The commission supported the bill, saying it would prevent delayed reporting from avoiding prosecution, while one senator raised concerns about due diligence, tolling, and the difference between administrative and criminal enforcement. The bill drew broad support from advocacy groups and was advanced with an amendment clarifying “criminal prosecution.” HB 1548, which reduces the maximum sentence for misdemeanors and other offenses punishable by up to one year to 364 days, received strong support from the Public Defender, immigrant-rights groups, OHA, and others, who said the change would reduce immigration consequences for noncitizens. The committee later amended and passed the bill, limiting it to non-violent offenses. HB 2050, increasing partial public financing limits and available public funds, was supported by the Campaign Spending Commission and good-government groups, while OHA asked for parity with lieutenant governor races. The committee passed it with amendments increasing the public-fund match and funding levels, and requested additional appropriations in the committee report. HB 2494, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require documentation of the justification, drew strong support from the Public Defender and civil-liberties advocates but opposition from the Attorney General’s office, prosecutors, police, and some business groups, who warned it would restrict officer discretion and trigger litigation. The committee nevertheless passed it with amendments. In a final decision-making agenda, the committee also passed HB 2250 with amendments, adding blank appropriations and committee-report language related to claims against the state, including claims involving exonerees and a disputed USEPA-related claim.

Transcript Highlights:

• A big concern right now is operational technology, or OT, specifically in the domain of critical infrastructure
• And then we have a set of 4056 and a vet tech bill and Senate File 23, so cultural food bill up before

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans heard a Department of Military Affairs presentation on bonding, tuition benefits, and cyber response. The department requested $3.5 million in design funding for a new hangar at the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, citing safety problems with the aging 1950s-era hangars and the need to improve the wing’s competitiveness for future federal military construction funding. It also sought $2.5 million for asset preservation at Army facilities statewide, emphasizing that state dollars are often matched by federal funds. A National Guard lieutenant also testified about the State Tuition Reimbursement Program, describing how it helped pay for her undergraduate and doctoral education and reduce student debt. The committee also received an update on Minnesota National Guard cyber operations, including the response to the July 2025 ransomware attack on the City of Saint Paul. Testimony described the cyber coordination cell’s role in planning, interagency coordination, and support during the incident, including helping re-image about 500 computers and assisting with network recovery. Members heard that the Guard’s cyber teams conduct extensive partner engagement and are prepared to support state and local entities when civil resources are exhausted and the incident exceeds local capacity. Three bills were then heard and advanced. Senate File 4075, as amended, would implement recommendations from the task force on Special Guerrilla Unit and regular forces veterans from the Secret War in Laos, including eligibility and benefit changes; the committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill to the full committee. Senate File 3956, as amended, would clarify that the Department of Veterans Affairs may partner with veteran-serving organizations using nonmonetary resources to address food insecurity, homelessness, and suicide prevention; it was also referred onward. Senate File 4056, as amended, would add veteran or military status as a protected class under the Minnesota Human Rights Act; testimony supported the change, including concerns about service members losing educational opportunities while on state active duty, and the bill was passed to the full committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• In one year, a public awareness campaign was part of that, and a big part of it was that they were able
• Now, I am not very tech-savvy, but in my experience. It was easy to use the Portfolio Program.

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• name is Tara Gerari, and I serve as the Director of Economic Analysis at Chamber of Progress, the Tech
• Because the bill presents a pretty big loophole in our recent consumer protection laws that set us at

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not like a big visual reference. It's not like a big 10-wheeler<00:55:34.960> truck.
• That makes a big difference Thank you.
• He said there is a big need for qualified CPAs out there.
• So I'll tell you a big scary story.
• Um, so I'll tell you a big scary doing.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We looked at three big areas for the department.
• However, I'm just curious; that's a pretty big, you know...
• Windows is still a big issue.
• That's becoming pretty big.
• So, I think we owe a big thank you to the staff and a big thank you to the members for really digging

Transcript Highlights:

• But when restrictions ended and everyone started spinning again, you had that big increase.
• She has to file reports with us, and for her that annual filing process is a big deal.
• One, go big. And two, guard the gains. And here's what I mean by both.
• When I talk about going big, I hope the legislature will seek a higher measure of tax relief.
• So, what your proposal... is saying the state is the big daddy and big daddy is telling everybody else

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Office of Science and Technology operated only two grants, the SBIR Matching grant and the Science and Tech

Transcript Highlights:

• The study will be led by Texas Tech University Veterinary Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical School Centers

Bills: SB2031, SB2386, SB2476, SB2801, SB2843, SB2844, SB2846, SB2885

Keywords: deer breeding, chronic wasting disease, wildlife management, release site, landowner rights, TCEQ, environmental quality, administrative actions, public notice, legislative oversight, water supply, Angelina and Neches River Authority, ownership transfer, public utilities, Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, SB 2801, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Parks and Wildlife Code, field trial permit, hunting dog field trial