Transcript Highlights:

• We asked the agency to reach out to the Department of Retirement, or retirement division, and find out
• >> Uh, this had been moving forward as a select... Hold on. Can I have a caucus, please, Mr.
• <02:46:21.600> forward<02:46:22.160> as<02:46:22.640> a<02:46:23.040> select
• been moving forward as a select Hold on. been moving forward as a select Hold on.
• of the state is and enforcement division of the state is and the<05:12:54.080> attorney<05:12

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first adopted amendment 2026-2021S to correct a drafting issue in the budget language so that the $2.5 million appropriation for Medicaid per diem rate stabilization at county nursing homes can be spent during the biennium rather than lapsing at the end of the fiscal year. Senator Lang explained that the funds are matched with federal dollars for a total of $5 million and are intended to prevent rate reductions that could shift costs to county property taxpayers. The amendment was adopted unanimously by both chambers, and the committee proceeded on the bill as amended by the Senate. The main discussion then focused on HB 155 and a proposed amendment to the business enterprise tax. The House proposal would lower the BET rate in stages when combined business tax revenues exceed certain thresholds, while the Senate opposed an immediate rate reduction and argued that tax changes should be handled in a budget year. Senators emphasized that raising the filing threshold to $375,000 had already removed about 3,500 small businesses from filing requirements, and they preferred further relief through threshold changes rather than rate cuts. House members argued that the trigger-based reduction was a reasonable, tested mechanism and would provide future tax relief without taking effect unless revenues rose enough. Members debated whether the trigger could be distorted by one-time revenue spikes, such as the recent tax amnesty receipts and prior federal repatriation-related revenue, and Representative Sweeney said he was willing to adjust the effective date or carve out amnesty revenue. The committee did not reach agreement on the BET reduction, and the chair called a break and then continued the meeting later with a new proposal to delay the trigger’s effective date to January 1, 2028. Senator Lang rejected that version but offered a counterproposal to raise the filing threshold to $400,000, and the parties ultimately agreed to continue discussions and reconvene later. The meeting also took up HB 1102, concerning the research and development tax credit and state park fees. The House position was to support the R&D tax credit but remove the park-fee provisions, citing testimony from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that it did not need the increase and concerns about discouraging tourism, especially at border parks. Supporters of the park-fee language argued that the department had not raised rates in years, could set its own rates, and should be able to charge nonresidents more while keeping New Hampshire residents’ fees lower. The discussion remained unresolved, with members debating the likely effect on tourism and fairness to residents versus the need for additional revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:21:38.440> or<00:21:38.679> political<00:21:39.120> subd<00:21:39.880> division
• <00:21:40.799> such agency or political subd division such agency or political subd division
• She said she was curious how the 11 holidays were selected because the federal holidays are different
• <01:18:49.840> on<01:18:50.000> how<01:18:50.159> they<01:18:50.320> selected
• Employee Engagement on how they selected Employee Engagement on how they selected that<01:18:51.880

Bills: HF23, HF1355

Keywords: whistleblower, whistleblower protections, public employees, state employees, retaliation, reporting fraud, misuse of authority, personal gain, state government, state services, state programs, legislative auditor, constitutional officer, public corruption, fraud reporting, government accountability, employee rights, labor law, Minnesota Statutes 181.931, Minnesota Statutes 181.932

Transcript Highlights:

• , such actions must be brought within 8 years after the original judgment and filed in the civil division
• Under section 5, the family division has exclusive jurisdiction if it issued the original order.
• or property in the family division. or property in the family division.
• <00:26:26.800> which services for victims to select which services for victims to select which
• This will allow the Division of Animal Welfare to gather information about animals in the state.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I made a recommendation in select water earlier this year that highly recommend the passage of Senate
• I made a recommendation in select water earlier this year that highly recommend the passage of Senate
• I made a recommendation in select water earlier this year that highly recommend the passage of Senate
• I made a recommendation in select water earlier this year that highly recommend the passage of Senate
• I made a recommendation in select water earlier this year that highly recommend the passage of Senate

Bills: SF0099, SF0116, SJ0006

Keywords: easement, electricity delivery, public utility, prescriptive easement, landowner rights, surface water, drainage utilities, municipality, elections, environmental management, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• writing skills and really kind of think about what your pet, your stuffed animal pets, you could select
• writing skills and really kind of think about what your pet, your stuffed animal pets, you could select
• I'm the executive director of the Community Development Division at the Metropolitan Council, and I'm
• My name is Laura PR with the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division.
• Laura PR with the Minnesota DNR Parks and Trails Division.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:21:44.480> if Sammons, director of the division, if Sammons, director of the division
• Misty Sammons, director for the division Misty Sammons, director for the division of<00:21:56.480
• Misty Sammons, director of the division Misty Sammons, director of the division of<00:22:02.799>
• I'm Eric Pelffrey with our Division of Professional Services.
• Good Division of Professional Services.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Government Contract Committee met with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for Representative McCool after the death of his sister, and approved the April 14 minutes. The committee then reviewed a large agenda of contracts and amendments, beginning with a deferred Office of the Controller procurement involving broker services. Members questioned why a contract that had previously been handled for about $300,000 annually was now priced at about $1 million, and why the procurement was limited to one year. Office of the Controller staff said the prior vendor had held the work for more than 20 years, the work had previously been treated as not practical to bid, and the new RFP was intended to increase competition. They said the technical evaluation was scored before cost was considered, that past performance was not scored because it was seen as unreliable, and that AON received the highest technical score despite not being the lowest bidder. After discussion, the committee voted to take no action and let the contract proceed to the Finance Cabinet, with members noting continuing concerns about the pricing and process. The committee next considered a DCBS memorandum of agreement amendment for language services. DCBS representatives said the additional funding did not come from a new cut elsewhere, but from reduced spending on interpreter services because commonly used forms had been translated into other languages, freeing up funds for the contract. The committee approved the item unanimously. The final major item discussed was an initial contract for the Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists for legal services. Board staff said the board had been without a permanent general counsel since March 2024 and had relied on special and conflict counsel because of unusually heavy litigation, including 11 active cases, plus broader disciplinary and licensing changes tied to recent legislation and an oversight report. They said the contract was a not-to-exceed amount funded entirely by agency fees and that the board was currently running a surplus. Senator Thomas urged support, citing prior legislation and oversight findings about problems at the board and saying the contract was needed to help the board address ongoing litigation and corrective work. The committee approved the contract and then approved the remaining agenda items without objection, sending them forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, following this presentation, I will discuss the final A&M Agency, which is the Texas Division of
• So now I'll be presenting the Texas Division of Emergency Management, or TETEM, and I'll be using the
• The, uh, selective contracting, but we would still use the federal aviation resources which you all as
• The chair calls Chief Nim Kidd of the Texas Division of Emergency Management and vice chancellor for
• We, the Division of Emergency Management does not do border enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• So now I'll be presenting the Texas Division of Emergency Management, or TDM, and I'll be using the full
• Texas Division of Emergency Management, or TDEM, was transferred from the Department of Public Safety
• Then we can cut back on the selective contracting, but we would still...
• Thank you. of the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Vice Chancellor for Disaster and Emergency
• We, the Division of Emergency Management does not do border. enforcement.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the overall SCFF apportionments, there's also a cost-of-living adjustment that is proposed for select
• for the overall SCFF apportionments, there's also a cost-of-living adjustment that is proposed for select
• for the overall SCFF apportionments, there's also a cost-of-living adjustment that is proposed for select
• What's the process for selecting applicants, or what happens with the funding that was anticipated to
• have a general question for Justin, Department of Finance: How are all of the other departments and divisions

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held a hearing focused on California Community College budget proposals. Chair Alvarez opened by emphasizing the system’s role in access, transfer, workforce training, and serving more than 2 million students, while also noting persistent challenges in enrollment, persistence, transfer, and graduation. Public commenters and system representatives broadly supported COLA, enrollment growth funding, deferred maintenance, student support block grants, and additional flexibility for districts facing uncertainty. The first major panel covered the student-centered funding formula, COLA, and enrollment growth. The Department of Finance said the Governor proposes a 2.43% COLA ($230.4 million) and 0.5% enrollment growth funding ($30.4 million). The LAO said the COLA was reasonable and recommended funding at least the proposed growth amount, citing uneven enrollment recovery and regional differences. The Chancellor’s Office supported both proposals and asked for additional changes, including using the greater of current-year or three-year average for apportionments and lifting the 10% local enrollment cap, arguing these would better fund growing districts. Members questioned how the formula works, whether SCFF is improving outcomes, and how much additional funding would be needed under different growth scenarios. The committee then reviewed categorical program COLAs, Rising Scholars, career education proposals, IT proposals, and student housing. The Governor proposed a 2.43% COLA for selected categorical programs ($31.9 million). For Rising Scholars, the Governor proposed $30 million ongoing and removal of the cap on participating colleges; the LAO urged waiting for outcome data before doubling funding, while the Chancellor’s Office said the program is serving more students and supports equity for justice-impacted students. On career education, the Governor proposed $50 million for credit for prior learning and $50 million for a career passport; the LAO supported more reporting on credit for prior learning but recommended rejecting the career passport as too undefined, while the Chancellor’s Office supported both. On technology, the Governor proposed $162.5 million for a common cloud data platform and $168 million for a common ERP system; the LAO said both were premature or lacked sufficient planning and recommended rejection, while the Chancellor’s Office argued they would improve real-time data, security, and systemwide efficiency. The committee also heard an update on student housing: the administration said the 2024 shift to a lease-revenue bond model remains in progress for 13 approved projects, with 11 still active, and members asked about withdrawn projects and possible use of any returned funds. No votes were taken, and several items were held open for further discussion and May Revision updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Krista Freming, and I am with the Medical Services Division.
• My name is Krista Freming, and I am with the Medical Services Division.
• My name is Krista Freming, and I am with the Medical Services Division.
• Good afternoon, Krista Freming with the Medical Services Division.
• Members of the committee, I'm Krista Frumming with the Medical Services Division.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2401, which would require physicians to complete continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health as part of the state’s rural health transformation effort. HHS supported the bill, saying it would help physicians better address chronic disease and preserve federal grant points tied to the state’s application. A member of the public also testified in favor, arguing that better nutrition education could improve diabetes outcomes and reduce costs. The committee then adopted an amendment to add the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice to the background-check statute so the occupational therapy compact could proceed, and it passed the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee next heard House Bill 1621, which would require the Presidential Fitness Physical Fitness Test in elementary, middle, and high school physical education courses. HHS said the bill was part of the rural health transformation application and could help preserve federal funding, but members raised many questions about the test’s criteria, adaptive options for students with disabilities, equipment needs, and whether the bill should apply to non-public schools. Senator Clemens offered an amendment to limit the requirement to public schools, but it failed. Senator Hogan then offered an amendment to clarify exemptions and allow DPI to align implementation with federal guidance; that amendment passed. A further amendment adding language allowing DPI to establish criteria for and exceptions to the test also passed. The committee then approved the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee also considered House Bill 1622, which joins North Dakota to the physician assistant licensure compact. HHS said the compact would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, support military families, and help preserve rural health transformation funding. Members noted the compact had been discussed in a prior session and that many earlier concerns had been resolved. After brief discussion about the compact process and its consistency with other interstate compacts, the committee voted to do pass the bill. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 2402, which expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution powers. HHS and the Board of Pharmacy supported the bill as a way to improve access to care and maintain rural health transformation funding. Senator Roers introduced a detailed amendment negotiated with the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to narrow and clarify the bill, including notification requirements, limits on certain drug categories, and patient-protection language for therapeutic substitution. The Board of Pharmacy then testified in support of the broader bill and explained the CLIA-waived testing provisions and the repeal of the older, narrower pharmacist-testing language. The hearing and amendment discussion were still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been with the division for 23 years, with a main focus in vehicle records.
• I’ve been with the division for 23 years, with my main focus in vehicle records.
• inconsistent enforcement, selective inconsistent enforcement, selective enforcement,<01:00:26.079
• I've been with the division for 23 years, with a main focus in vehicle records.
• >> No, the division does not interpret it that way. It is for use on the roads.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Should you select to waive your speaking time, your position will be included in the committee meeting
• the bill to ensure consistency with SB 180 from our own Chair, Senator DeSigley, and his bill for Division

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development heard three bills after temporarily postponing SB 1524. The committee first took up CS for SB 1264, a broad economic development bill covering law enforcement recruitment bonuses, venture capital tax credits, data center tax exemptions, military land transfers, Space Florida procurement exemptions, and changes to regional planning councils. An amendment was adopted to remove sections tied to emergency management shelter plans so the bill would align with another measure. The main debate centered on the proposal to repeal regional planning council statutes; supporters argued the councils are duplicative and bureaucratic, while opponents said they provide valuable regional coordination, technical assistance, and grant support, especially for rural communities. The bill was reported favorably 13-1, with Senator Sharif voting no. The committee then considered CS for SB 1348, which streamlines motor vehicle services by expanding the role of tax collectors as DHSMV agents. Three amendments were adopted: one making the scalping of driver and motor vehicle appointment slots a misdemeanor, one increasing penalties for texting while driving and requiring a new distracted-driving course to remove points, and one allowing veterans with DV plates to use a sticker instead of a stencil or imprint. The bill received supportive testimony from tax collectors and law enforcement-related groups and was reported favorably without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 936, which directs the Department of Commerce’s workforce research bureau to conduct a recurring statewide study every three years on the effects of automation, robotics, and AI on Florida’s workforce. The sponsor said the study would have minimal fiscal impact and would help guide policy recommendations. With no opposition or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking staff and members.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we'll move on to DPS, Department of Public Safety Transportation Divisions. that is uh 600,000
• /c><01:10:40.719> Uh,<01:10:41.040> similar<01:10:41.440> to Transportation Divisions
• Uh, similar to Transportation Divisions.
• current condition or output of the roadway rather than expected outcomes or other practical base selection
• other practical base selection criteria. other practical base selection criteria. and<01:39:31.679

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I can tell you, if we select a conservatorship...
• They manage everything in the state cash management division.
• Division, April Elliott. We have our Director of Facilities, Bobby Diaglos.
• We have our Director of Loyalty Management Division.
• We have our Director of Commercial Resources Division.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this topic came back in like 2023, and I think there was some problems happening in that division
• She’s the director of Division of Long-Term Supports and Services.
• I think both your points are very well taken, and as far as selection of where you go, you obviously
• I think both your points are very well taken, and as far as selection of where you go, you obviously
• As division. >> I agree. Start at time. >> I agree. Start at time.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee met to accept prior minutes and receive updates on ongoing audits. Audit staff reported progress on three education-related reviews: special education (34 of 71 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), education freedom accounts (22 of 41 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), and the doorway program (5 of 13 observations completed, draft expected by the end of February and final by April or May). No committee questions were raised on the audit status update. The committee then discussed possible future oversight topics, beginning with SNAP and concerns about fraud and work requirements. Members suggested inviting DHS officials and contract administrators to explain program operations and compliance, and also discussed whether the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit or other experienced officials could provide useful context. Members noted New Hampshire’s existing oversight layers, including the Executive Council and the joint HHS oversight committee, while also expressing interest in hearing more directly from department staff about staffing and contract management capacity. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on whether to pursue an audit of special education at the local school level. Members debated whether to wait for the ongoing statewide special education review and a legislative study commission report, or to begin scoping a local audit now so work could start sooner. Supporters argued that local-level spending, identification rates, and effectiveness vary widely by district and that an audit should examine both costs and outcomes; others cautioned that the scope would need to be manageable given limited audit staff and that the statewide report may help narrow the focus. The committee also briefly discussed a potential audit of the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, but no decision was made on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is why we continue to invest in prevention, education, and treatment through our division of
• The remaining 12% goes to selected cities, towns, and counties for community services and public safety
• Just yesterday, our Division of Problem Gambling awarded the state of Arizona's first-ever contract for
• Our goal is to create a consistent, unified intake and tracking approach across all of our divisions.
• Our goal is to create a consistent, unified intake and tracking approach across all of our divisions

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard the Arizona Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board. The audit found some strengths, including timely licensing and complaint resolution in the sample reviewed and rules that matched statutory curriculum requirements, but it also identified a major finding that the board had imposed inconsistent discipline for similar violations and lacked documentation for deviations from its disciplinary guidelines. Other issues included missing reciprocity education requirements, weak application quality control, incomplete school and establishment oversight, and compliance concerns involving open meeting law, public records, and conflicts of interest. The report made 25 recommendations total, including two tied to the disciplinary finding and three suggested statutory changes on esthetics scope of practice, cease-and-desist authority, and eyelash technician training. The board’s executive director said the board agreed with the findings, had already implemented several recommendations, updated disciplinary policies and conflict-of-interest procedures, and was working on legislation and rule changes. After questions about enforcement consistency, licensing verification, cash handling, complaint volume, and conflict disclosures, the committee voted 7-0 to recommend the board be continued for six years, until July 1, 2032. The committee then took up the Arizona Department of Gaming, the Arizona Racing Commission, and the Arizona Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission together. The Auditor General reported that the department correctly distributed more than $158 million in tribal contributions in fiscal year 2024 and issued event wagering licenses to reviewed applicants, but found several problems: the department did not consistently obtain and review independent audit reports for event wagering and fantasy sports operators, did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements, and lacked comprehensive complaint-handling processes. The review also found delays in distributing Compact Trust Fund payments to some tribes, gaps in IT security and horse-racing license checks, and incomplete fee-setting and public-records practices. The report made 36 recommendations to the department, six to the Racing Commission, and 13 to the Boxing and MMA Commission, and all three entities said they agreed and would implement them. In response, the Department of Gaming director said the agency was already making changes, including a historical look-back on operator audits, updated guidance to operators, a new constituent services unit and complaint-tracking process, and improved conflict-of-interest training and forms. She also explained the Compact Trust Fund dispute, saying the department administers the fund but the beneficiary tribes must agree on the revenue baseline formula, which has been complicated by COVID-era closures; no Category Three distributions had yet been made. Committee members asked about possible revenue losses, penalties, and the status of 2024-2025 audits, as well as prediction markets and whether they are legal under Arizona’s event wagering framework. The director said the department had issued cease-and-desist letters to unlicensed prediction-market operators, would review licensed operators for suitability if needed, and would continue to enforce Arizona law. The transcript ends while questioning on prediction markets is still underway, before any vote on the gaming-related reviews is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Division. Division.
• So we won't worry about that division. So we won't worry about that division.
• Division.<00:25:53.920> Division<00:25:54.240> being<00:25:54.480> called.
• <00:25:54.960> All Division. Division being called. All Division. Division being called.
• <02:53:40.360> classes come and take selective classes come and take selective classes uh<

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Courses such as building codes, sustainability, safety, egress design, and selecting materials with health
• It authorizes the Division of Occupational Licensing to handle federal fees under Dodd-Frank and cleans
• It authorizes the Division of Occupational Licensing to handle federal fees under Dodd-Frank and cleans
• up redundant language, all without reducing the authority of the Division of Professional Occupational

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure heard testimony on several real estate, housing, and consumer protection bills. A major portion of the hearing focused on bills to create licensure for commercial interior designers (H.324/S.254), with supporters from the architecture and interior design fields arguing the measure would recognize a distinct profession, expand permitting authority for qualified designers, improve public safety, and remove barriers to firm ownership and public contracting. Witnesses said the proposal had been redrafted through collaboration among interior designers, architects, engineers, and building officials, and Senator Gomez said the Senate had passed the bill previously and hoped to advance it again. The committee also heard support for H.450 on solar customer protections, with solar companies backing standardized disclosures, a consumer brochure, a longer rescission period, and sales registration requirements as consumer safeguards that would not materially disrupt business operations. The committee then took testimony on H.431/S.245, a bill to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth. Senator Gomez, fair housing advocates, and several renters described alleged discrimination against Black renters and voucher holders, citing testing data and personal experiences. They said the bill would strengthen enforcement by linking court findings to temporary license suspensions, require fair housing training, increase public reporting, and add board representation with fair housing or voucher-holder experience. A real estate appraisers representative also supported S.196, which would make appraisal licensure mandatory in Massachusetts, arguing that home valuation should be done by licensed professionals. A substantial part of the hearing addressed broker-fee and rental-timing bills, including H.335, H.336, H.374, H.224, and H.449. Supporters of the broker-fee changes argued that tenants should not be charged fees when the landlord hired the broker, while opponents warned the language could restrict tenant representation and harm small landlords, students, and the rental market. Several witnesses opposed the 90-day lease-signing window in H.336, saying it would compress the September rental cycle, worsen competition, and make it harder for students and out-of-state renters to secure housing. The chairs noted that broker fees had already been addressed in the state budget, and the hearing concluded with no votes on the bills, only the close of testimony and an announcement that the committee would not hold another hearing until later in the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Antonio was selected as an ENLACE intern taking place this February.
• Amber Gallup, who's Director of Adult Education Division; I think up in the gallery is Carrie Canella
• Representatives Anita Gonzales and Representative Lord, an act making an appropriation to the Local Government Division
• An act making an appropriation to the Local Government Division of the Department of Finance and Administration

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by my colleague Wesley Billingsley, Director of the DFA Infrastructure Planning and Development Division
• if you're looking just for projects by agency, if you just want to look for the local government division
• The creation of the infrastructure division was. One strategy to address that.
• That one, how are the projects selected in that one? Mr.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting