Transcript Highlights:

• 21st uh next is the expand the research 21st uh next is the expand the research and<00:04:19.600
• uh the revenue Department of research uh the revenue research<00:19:51.039> look<00:19:51.240
• <00:36:49.760> and leadership and research and leadership and research and development<00:
• <00:38:00.560> and effectively as investing in research and effectively as investing in research
• <01:11:33.560> in National Bureau of economic research in National Bureau of economic research

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2437, the governor’s proposed tax bill, and first adopted the A25-Z42 amendment to put the bill in the desired shape. Commissioner Paul Marquardt of the Department of Revenue then presented the bill as part of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s budget, describing it as a response to budget pressures that would make the tax system more fair and stable while supporting economic development and jobs. Marquardt walked through the bill’s major provisions. These included sustainable aviation fuel policy, repeal of K-12 education credit assignment, elimination of the political contribution refund, expansion of the research and development credit, short-line railroad infrastructure modernization, changes to the state airport fund levy, replacement of attachments and appearances with distribution systems, a narrow personal property tax exception for low-income housing tenants, reduced aquatic invasive species aid, and a 34% reduction in PILT payments. He then focused on the sales tax article, saying it would lower the statewide rate by 0.75% while expanding the base to selected professional services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services, with business-to-business transactions exempt. He said the proposal would be effective for sales and purchases after September 30, 2025, and estimated a first-year rate-cut impact of about $99 million versus $215 million from the service expansion, while arguing that most households would see a net tax cut. He also noted other changes such as landlord penalty adjustments, a 30% reduction in sustainable aviation fuel incentive payments, repeal of local government cannabis aid, and repeal of the tax filing modernization account. Public testimony began with Kyle Playford of the Financial Planning Association of Minnesota, who strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on professional services, especially financial planning. He argued that financial planning is an essential service for retirement, investment, and long-term financial security, and said the tax would raise costs for consumers, reduce access for middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees, and put Minnesota firms at a competitive disadvantage. The chair then indicated that additional public testimony would continue before member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I kind of did a little research on it in this, my other pro bono job. Yeah.
• I kind of did a little research on it in this, my other pro bono job, and I didn't find anything.
• I studied, I read law, and I try to help other people.
• And I could say, as a social studies teacher, we had a lot of activities and projects.
• Yet during the Senate floor debate, it was admitted that no study exists.

Bills: SB256

Keywords: court consolidation, judicial administrative, Orleans Parish, civil district court, criminal district court, court clerk, judicial funding, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Research also shows us that the tobacco industry targets black Americans, women and girls to expand their
• One more note, recent research done by University Health Systems also shows that the use of whole blood
• A recent study showed that University Hospital was able to save almost $1 million by utilizing or by
• Yes, sir, actually, research actually shows that patients who receive blood products in the field before
• UT San Antonio Health and uh Texas A&M and through that, I've done a lot of the research and since it

Transcript Highlights:

• Research also shows us that the tobacco industry targets black...
• The research shows that use of blood products, and particularly whole blood, leads to significantly improved
• A recent study showed that university. hospital was able to save almost one million dollars by utilizing
• I've done a lot of the research and since it was asked I'll lead with this that we have a publication
• so it actually does, I'm kind of going backwards, but since this was asked, it does decrease. in my study

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and fairly substantial research and fairly substantial research and development<00:03:04.319>
• visual library for uh disaster research. visual library for uh disaster research.
• provides, but also some of that research provides, but also some of that research that<00:17:54.640
• :40:54.720> international<00:40:55.680> uh July study from the international uh July study
• researchers in the state and Kentucky. researchers in the state and Kentucky.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the August meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Dr. Jerry Brosky of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center. He described the Mesonet’s statewide weather network, now with 84 stations in 78 counties, real-time data used by the National Weather Service, mobile apps, and more than a billion observations. He said recent legislative funding has allowed upgrades such as soil temperature and moisture sensors, cameras at every site, and improved communications and power systems, and has enabled expansion into new counties. He also highlighted products used for flooding, drought, and heat safety, including a wet bulb globe temperature tool being developed with the Department of Public Health. In response to questions, he said counties interested in a station should contact his center, that a station typically costs about $50,000, and that the program is already considering a second Pike County site. The committee then heard from Ryan Drain of Blue Skies and Chris McGee of the American Red Cross on long-term disaster recovery and a software platform called Darcy, short for Disaster Aware and Ready Communities Initiative. McGee explained the Red Cross’s long-term recovery work, including support for recovery groups, direct financial assistance, grantmaking, and coordination with local and federal partners. He emphasized that disasters are occurring more frequently and with repeated impacts, and shared examples from Kentucky and other states showing the need for organized recovery and storm shelter support. Drain said Darcy was developed after the 2021 Mayfield-Graves tornado recovery to replace fragmented spreadsheets and PDFs with a centralized, survivor-led system for preparedness, response, and recovery, designed to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and shorten recovery time. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would set up a study commission.
• would make sense to have a study would make sense to have a study commission<00:15:50.160> and
• You can do the research, or I can show you my research, and I don't have a problem if we do it and we
• department to commission the cost study department to commission the cost study um<04:19:42.920>
• hire, does a cost study.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Commerce Committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 310, sponsored by Representative Keith Ammon, which would create a study commission to develop a legal framework for stable tokens and tokenized real-world assets. Ammon described stable tokens as blockchain-based digital tokens backed by U.S. dollars or treasuries, and tokenized real-world assets as representations of ownership in items such as gold, real estate, or artwork. He said the bill is intended to help New Hampshire get ahead of emerging financial markets while waiting to see how federal legislation develops. Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, the difference between this proposal and Bitcoin, whether state regulation could be preempted by federal law, and whether the commission could be balanced and avoid becoming a vehicle for fraud or money laundering. Ammon said the proposal is blockchain-agnostic, could apply to multiple networks, and is meant to regulate asset-backed tokens rather than create a state-issued coin. He emphasized that the state would not be guaranteeing the underlying assets, but would set rules requiring audits, proof of reserves, and honest representation of backing, with the Secretary of State’s securities office involved in oversight. Several members raised concerns about the risks of stablecoins, including money laundering, tax evasion, and possible harm to the dollar or confusion about whether the state was endorsing a new currency. Ammon responded that the bill would not undermine the dollar and argued that tokenization could actually expand demand for U.S. currency by making it easier to use globally. He also said the state would not be in the business of weighing assets or directly valuing them, only ensuring a valid audit trail and one-to-one backing. The discussion ended with general agreement that the subject is complex and that a commission could help develop future legislation, but no vote or final action was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> journalism,<00:15:22.560> I As someone now studying journalism, I As someone now studying
• study study um<01:58:01.719> is<01:58:02.360> uh<01:58:02.560> you<01:58:02.640
• What exactly is the study going to study?
• What exactly is the study going to study?
• What exactly is the study going to study? Yeah.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this particular committee did a study, and what's fascinating about their study is they concluded
• > study<00:16:58.160> is<00:16:59.040> they fascinating about their study is they
• , is based in adequately researched, is based in adequately researched, vetted<00:40:13.440> proposal
• <00:45:43.359> Study >> Yes, you're right. Yep. Study >> Yes, you're right.
• putting this in a New Hampshire study putting this in a New Hampshire study committee<01:02:59.280

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on reviewing and amending draft minutes and then discussing a draft report on SAU consolidation and school administration efficiency. Members first corrected a disputed statement in the minutes about who starts charter schools, and agreed to mark it as disputed. They also noted a donation figure mentioned in the meeting but not reflected in the notes, and then approved the minutes as amended. The committee then reviewed supporting materials, including a Census Bureau education spending table and a 1993 report on eliminating SAUs. The chair argued New Hampshire ranks very high in administrative spending and used that as evidence for reducing administrative costs. Other members pushed back, noting that education costs are largely borne locally and that the committee should stay focused on its charge. Several members also objected to characterizations of SAU boards and to relying heavily on an old report or on the School District Governance Association’s proposal. The draft report itself drew repeated edits. Members objected to language suggesting the testimony from associations was simply that change was not needed, and proposed more neutral wording about concerns over the impacts of changes. There was also disagreement over a proposed model in which a county-level school administrator would be elected; some members said that would be inappropriate and premature, while others argued the committee had not yet fully developed a consolidation model. The discussion ended with a call from some members for more time and for a future joint legislative committee to continue refining any proposal before legislation is introduced.

Transcript Highlights:

• create a real-world teaching, research, and outreach farm in southern Minnesota to help farmers and
• The studies we are requesting will be focused on the Stillwater Prison.
• A handout summarizing the results of the study is in your materials.
• It's a large undertaking to get through those studies.
• Members, if I may, I just want to emphasize that this request is for a study and that as the study continues

Bills: HF3220

Keywords: school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a research data specialist with the Department of Social Services and a member of SEIU Local 1000
• Hi, Brendan Darcy, research scientist and epidemiologist with the Department of Pesticide Regulation,
• Hello, my name is Tina Riley, and I'm a maternal mortality research scientist staff with CDPH, and I
• Hi, Jason VanCourt, research scientist supervisor, Department of Health Care Services.
• We actually have a study that was published by Dr.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And a researcher for 15 years, I was a professor of psychology for 20 years.
• And again, I call that urgent because that’s what suicide research indicates.
• So allowing them to investigate a feasibility study is allowing them to continue violating the law.
• So they're not targeting high-quality treatments by building off of research recommendations.
• And quite often for many disorders, the research-supported approaches...

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on Kaiser Permanente’s behavioral health care system, focusing on Department of Managed Health Care enforcement actions, Kaiser’s corrective action work plan, and testimony from patients, advocates, and union representatives. DMHC officials reviewed a long history of complaints, surveys, fines, and settlements involving Kaiser’s access to behavioral health services, including deficiencies found in 2012 and 2016, a 2022 non-routine survey, and a 2023 settlement that imposed a $50 million penalty and required $150 million in community investments over five years. DMHC said it continues to monitor Kaiser through quarterly meetings, complaint review, follow-up surveys, and a reimbursement process for members who could not obtain timely in-network care. Committee members pressed DMHC on what “timely access” and continuity of care mean in practice, how virtual care and group therapy fit into the standards, and what triggers a non-routine survey. DMHC said initial behavioral health appointments generally should not take more than two weeks, urgent care should be within days, and follow-up care within 10 days, with out-of-network care required when plans cannot meet standards. Officials also said Kaiser’s initial corrective action work plan lacked detail, but the revised plan was accepted and will be tracked through quarterly reporting and possible additional enforcement if Kaiser fails to comply. The second panel featured testimony from a Kaiser enrollee, a behavioral health policy expert, a Kaiser therapist, and the NUHW president. The enrollee described serious delays and inadequate treatment for his daughter after a suicide attempt, while the therapist and union leader said Kaiser’s behavioral health system is understaffed, relies too heavily on short appointments, group therapy, and webinars, and treats behavioral health as less important than medical-surgical care. They argued Kaiser’s one-appointment-at-a-time scheduling rule and limited treatment time violate parity requirements and harm continuity of care. Several members criticized Kaiser for not appearing at the hearing and said the testimony underscored the need for stronger oversight, clearer metrics, and faster remedies for patients.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that a motion for interim study? So, Senator Murphy's made a motion for interim study.
• So, Is that a motion for interim study?
• interim study signify by saying I. I. interim study signify by saying I. I.
• and low regulatory burden for research. and low regulatory burden for research.
• <01:21:52.240> after<01:21:52.480> study,<01:21:53.080> Tax Study after study

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission on court costs interim study Commission on court costs interim study Commission on court
• Pharmacy outside consultant to study Pharmacy outside consultant to study Pharmacy benefits managers
• for us to be able to have those research for us to be able to have those research for us to be able
• and and get dollars to do a study and and get dollars to do a study and and get prepared for Medicaid
• did we we no we didn't did we do a study did we we no we didn't did we do a study did we done that's

Bills: HB 9, HB 22, HB 908, HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• education regarding that study? education regarding that study?
• <02:12:32.719> uh of research, uh data are neutral. uh of research, uh data are neutral. uh
• <03:10:05.840> and standards and utilizes research and standards and utilizes research and
• I studied in Germany.'
• I studied in Germany." I studied in Germany."

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for Family Studies, 30 years of research has shown that only infrequently do both parties want the divorce
• Greater Than is a coalition of parents, students, researchers, think tanks, influencers, and citizens
• has shown that states with some research has shown that states with longer<00:11:56.720> waiting<
• for Family Studies, 30 years of<00:12:20.160> research<00:12:20.560> has<00:12:20.800>
• <00:12:42.399> that on to to note in his vast research that on to to note in his vast research

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:13 - Discussion of 26RS HB 109 26:47 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 109 32:30 - Discussion of 26RS HB 190 36:15 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 190 37:30 - Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Families and Children Committee met in the 2026 regular session and heard House Bill 109, which would amend Kentucky divorce law to waive the current 60-day waiting period for couples with minor children when the parties have already completed mediation or collaborative family law and are ready to finalize their decree. The bill sponsor, Representative Deetsz, argued the measure would reward families who have already done the work to resolve custody, parenting time, and property issues outside of court, and said it would not affect traditional litigation cases. She also explained that delays can be especially burdensome when retirement-account division requires a QDRO after the decree. Committee members discussed how long collaborative cases typically take, with the sponsor estimating about six months on average and longer in complex cases, and noted that some judges already require parenting classes or allow reconciliation conferences in certain circuits. David Walls of the Family Foundation testified in opposition, saying the bill would make divorce easier for parents with children and move Kentucky in the wrong direction. He argued waiting periods can encourage reconciliation, protect marriage commitments, and reduce harms to children and public costs associated with family fragmentation. He urged lawmakers to preserve or even lengthen the waiting period rather than eliminate it, and framed the issue as protecting children and strengthening marriage. During questions, Representative Bojanowski strongly objected to Mr. Walls’ characterization of divorce, saying her own divorce was necessary for her children’s well-being and that the bill simply shortens the process after mediation. Representative Elliott asked about typical timelines in collaborative cases and noted that some courts require parental education. Representative Moser asked whether counseling is required; the sponsor said it is not, though reconciliation conferences may be requested at a judge’s discretion. The transcript ends after discussion of the bill and before any recorded vote or final committee action.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE BUILDINGS THAT ARE BEING REPLACED THERE, WE KNOW IN THE NEXT 30 YEARS, THE STUDY SHOWS $70 MILLION
• THIS LEGISLATURE HAS SPENT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN RESEARCH, HOW DO WE WITHSTAND THE GREENING?
• FAM-U HAS A MAJOR RESEARCH DEPARTMENT THAT WE VISITED SEVERAL TIMES.
• IT'S DAMAGE TO THE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER. ADDITIONAL COST FOR TREE DEBRIS REMOVAL.
• LOSSES INCURRED ON ACTIVE RESEARCH PRODUCT.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That happens through ethnic studies, which is something that we still need to fund here at the state
• You see, you do research and graduate education, and undergraduate education all the way down the line
• UCs have primarily been research-based universities.
• Yeah, you studied all of us. Well, yeah, why would you do that?
• If you're a student right now and you want to study advanced manufacturing or some workforce-related

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard SB 998, which would clarify and expand the roles of discrimination prevention coordinators in the new Office of Civil Rights, including adding a disability-focused coordinator and a deputy AAPI coordinator. The author and coauthors said the bill is intended to strengthen school climate, improve training and guidance for staff, and better address discrimination affecting students based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. Supporters, including the Sacramento LGBTQ Community Center, CFT, Equality California, and several legislative caucuses, argued that students cannot learn if they do not feel safe and cited absenteeism and mental health concerns. Some witnesses and members raised concerns about gubernatorial appointments and whether the coordinators should instead be hired through civil service. The committee ultimately moved SB 998 on a due pass basis to the Senate Judiciary Committee and placed it on call. The committee also heard SB 1082, which would streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring quicker district action, concurrent review, and clearer notice when applications are incomplete. The sponsor and supporters said families often face long delays and uncertainty, especially those with language barriers or special needs, and that the bill would improve fairness without changing district authority to approve or deny transfers. The California School Boards Association said it had an oppose-unless-amended position but would re-evaluate after the committee amendments, and other groups expressed support. The bill was moved due pass as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed on call. SB 960, dealing with community college baccalaureate degrees, generated the most extended debate. The author argued the bill would create a statewide framework allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in areas of unmet workforce need when local CSU access is unavailable because of impaction or distance, while preserving limits so colleges do not become four-year institutions. Supporters said the bill responds to workforce demand and place-bound students, while CSU and CFA opposed it, warning about duplication, fiscal impacts, accreditation, faculty jobs, and harm to the CSU transfer pipeline. Members discussed the master plan for higher education, impaction, and state funding, with one senator abstaining over concerns about unintended consequences for CSU. The committee recommended SB 960 for due pass as amended to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed it on call. The committee then heard SB 965, which would make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and her son described barriers created by varying local library rules and argued the bill would improve teen access to educational resources while preserving local control over checkout and liability policies. CFT and other supporters backed the measure, while the California Library Association said it supports the goal but wants alternative language to preserve local flexibility and balance community differences. The transcript cuts off during opposition testimony, and no final vote on SB 965 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• That happens through ethnic studies, which is something that we still need to fund here at the state
• You see, you do research and graduate education and undergraduate education all the way down the line
• UCs have primarily been research-based universities.
• Yeah, you studied all of us. Well, yeah, why would you do that?
• I know that may seem like an anachronism, using physical books, but learning how to research and read

Summary: The committee first heard SB 998, which would clarify and expand school discrimination prevention coordinator roles, including new coordinators focused on disability and anti-AAPI discrimination. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen school climate, provide clearer guidance and training, and help schools address discrimination before it escalates. Support came from education, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ groups, while some witnesses expressed support if amended but raised concerns about gubernatorial appointments and preferred civil service hiring. Several senators debated whether the bill duplicated existing protections and whether it diverted attention from academic priorities, but the chair and coauthors emphasized it as follow-up legislation tied to prior civil rights commitments. The committee voted SB 998 out on a due pass motion to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the bill was placed on call. The committee then took up SB 1082, which would streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring faster district action, concurrent review, and clearer notice when applications are incomplete. The author and sponsor said families often face long delays and inconsistent practices, and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness and reduce administrative burden without changing local approval authority. The California School Boards Association had an oppose-unless-amended position but said it was re-evaluating after amendments, and some other groups said they were removing opposition. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed it on call. Next, the committee heard SB 960 on community college baccalaureate degrees. The author argued the bill would create a statewide framework allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in unmet workforce areas when CSU programs are unavailable or effectively inaccessible because of impaction, while also limiting growth so community colleges do not drift from their core mission. Supporters said the bill would expand access for place-bound students and align with workforce needs, while CSU and faculty opponents warned it could duplicate programs, affect faculty jobs, and worsen pressure on the CSU system. Members debated the master plan, impaction, funding inequities, and whether the bill would siphon students from CSU. The committee ultimately moved SB 960 out on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the bill was placed on call. Finally, Senator Blakespear presented SB 965, which would make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and her son described inconsistent local rules and said the bill would reduce barriers while preserving local library policies on checkout and liability. The transcript ended during testimony on SB 965, before any committee vote or further action was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we worked alongside the Underwriters Laboratory Research Institute.
• research organizations conduct.
• That's what our research has told us: that the bottom six inches is the most vulnerable space.
• But I definitely would defer to my research partners here who can elaborate on that.
• , did a lot of research on fencing.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The response was that they did not want to close the door on that as an option, and that research might
• Representative Bennett continued that she supports the bill, but has been studying why local property
• John Kelly, director of government affairs for MDVA, said he knew research did not have anything to add
• > but<00:08:29.520> we<00:08:29.680> wanted<00:08:29.840> to really for research
• , but we wanted to really for research, but we wanted to just<00:08:30.080> weigh<00:08:30.240

Keywords: 1183, house