Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:28.760> of without evidence because Rules of without evidence because Rules of Evidence
• of the evidence and you can't have Rules of the evidence and you can't have Rules of<00:33:51.600
• decides to get in a car and drive decides to get in a car and drive somewhere<04:34:22.520> across
• written notorized consent for the drive written notorized consent for the drive to<04:56:57.798>
• She could drive her sister to an abortion.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that should find support on to that rule that should find support on both<00:20:32.880> sides
• You know, I drive by McDonald's or fast food all the time and it's not a public health problem.
• It's a health problem if I consume that product, but just simply driving by it, it's not a problem.
• <00:48:42.400> So, driving by it, it's not a problem.
• So, driving by it, it's not a problem.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3117, which would impose an excise tax on social media companies based on Minnesota monthly users and data-mining activity, and adopted an A1 amendment that added clarifying language identifying social media platforms. Chair Gomez described the bill as a way to tax companies profiting from data mining and social media use, citing concerns about child bullying, misinformation, and wealth concentration. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill. Supporters testified that the measure would help raise revenue from a highly profitable industry and better align the tax code with the social costs of data collection and social media use. Pastor Julie Thompson, MAPE representative Tanner Fritzinger, Council Member Sue Bud, and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota all backed the bill, arguing that social media companies extract value from users’ data, contribute to mental health and social harms, and should pay more toward public needs. Bernstein also framed the tax as a way to broaden the tax base and fund schools and other services. Opponents warned that the bill could sweep in local broadcasters, newspapers, and other businesses that use digital platforms and collect some user data, and that costs would likely be passed on to consumers. Wendy Pollson of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association said the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally include local media. Deb Peters, speaking for Americans for Digital Opportunity, argued the tax would raise costs for small businesses and consumers, create legal risks, and amount to double taxation. Several members echoed concerns about regressivity, administration, and whether the bill actually addresses online bullying or data privacy, while supporters said it is a first step toward taxing a new, lightly taxed industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• meats to be served in our schools for our National School Lunch Program, we have to follow federal rules
• We'll go over the court ruling, funding sources.
• So, the court ruling again was that districts should not be having to use their general funds to provide
• Um Um, there's also challenges around the rules that are required for the federal meal programs, and
• I don't see in this ruling that it says the state needs to step in and fill in a gap.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Companies are held accountable by rules and regulations.
• This rule led to an all-out brawl in the courtroom as ISS fought tooth and nail.
• As a result, it's impossible to tell what is driving those recommendations.
• How much the driver is driving? An insurance company insures. What's its gas mileage?
• How much is the driver driving it? You know, how does that change over time?

Bills: SB312, SB945, SB946, SB1367, SB1861, SB2044, SB2337, SB2403, SB2819, SJR54

Keywords: public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 945, 946, 2044, 2819, 2403, 2337, and 312, with all bills left pending after testimony. SB 945 would restrict insurance companies from denying or limiting coverage based on oil and gas activity or ESG-related goals, and supporters argued it would protect Texas energy producers from politically motivated shareholder activism and insurance discrimination. SB 946 would bar creditors from using social credit, ESG, DEI, or religious/political affiliation as a basis for denying or limiting credit; witnesses said it would prevent viewpoint-based financial discrimination and protect access to capital for Texas businesses. SB 2337 would require proxy advisory firms to disclose when recommendations are based on non-financial factors or when they give conflicting advice to different clients; supporters said the measure would increase transparency and curb ESG-driven influence over shareholder voting. SB 312 would direct public retirement systems to focus on financial returns rather than social or political objectives, with the author saying the bill responds to activist pressure on pensions and would reinforce fiduciary duty. The committee also took up election and ethics measures. SB 2044 would strengthen electioneering restrictions for publicly funded education institutions and personnel, prohibiting use of official resources to promote political agendas; testimony focused on alleged school district electioneering in bond and tax elections. SB 2819 would prohibit county elections administrators from holding certain officer positions appointed by elected officials, addressing potential conflicts of interest. SB 2403, the Texas Ethics Commission sunset bill, would restructure complaint handling with a three-tier violation system, risk-based complaint prioritization, longer response times, bipartisan preliminary review panels, and expanded hearing options; members discussed amendments aimed at dismissing minor complaints, clarifying categories, and adjusting lobbying and penalty provisions, but the amendments were withdrawn during committee consideration. Across the ESG and finance bills, invited witnesses from the American Energy Institute, Heartland Impact, Consumers Research, ADF Action, Texas Civil Justice League, and related groups generally supported the measures, arguing that banks, insurers, proxy advisors, and asset managers have used ESG or reputational-risk standards to discriminate against energy, agriculture, firearms, and religious organizations. No opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt, and the committee closed public testimony on each bill and left them pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, hoping that the federal rule... Closed this particular loophole.
• And so there already is an amalgamation of labeling which drives more confusion... ...an amalgamation
• of labeling which drives more confusion to the consumer.
• And so there already is an amalgamation of labeling which drives more confusion... ...an amalgamation
• of labeling which drives more confusion to the consumer.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture Committee met for its first 2026 meeting and took up a full agenda of bills focused on food safety, agricultural programs, consumer transparency, and farm-related policy. Early measures included S.592 on a youth and agriculture entrepreneurship summer employment program, which was reported to finance without opposition, and S.1239E, the Food Safety and Technical Disclosure Act, which would require disclosure of certain food ingredients to the state and public and also ban three substances outright. Senator Kavanaugh described the bill as closing a loophole in federal food safety law; Senator Borrello opposed it as a state-by-state approach that could raise costs and disrupt the supply chain, while Senator O’Rourke supported it as a science-based measure with available substitutes. The bill was reported back to the board with one no vote and one without recommendation. The committee also advanced S.1783A on liquefied petroleum/propane fee disclosures, with supporters saying it would prevent consumers from being charged for improper or hidden fees and opponents arguing it should not single out state-related charges; the bill moved to the board. S.4041, creating a sanitary retail food store grant program, was reported to finance. S.4162, relating to the Fresh Connect program and local produce purchases, prompted discussion about whether state resources should instead be concentrated on the Double Up Food Bucks program; sponsors said both programs are needed and that Double Up has capacity limits, and the bill was moved to finance. Later, the committee advanced S.6286A, establishing an agricultural tax viability pilot program tied to agrivoltaics; supporters said it would address a need raised in recent hearings and work with farm groups, while Senator Borrello voted no. The final bill, S.7618 on food safety and quality date label requirements, drew debate over whether New York should act without a federal standard and whether the bill could create confusion or unintended costs, especially for dairy and other perishables. Supporters said the bill would reduce food waste and simplify the many existing date labels without forcing new labeling on those who do not already use it; members also discussed refrigeration references in the bill, and the sponsor said the language could be adjusted. The committee then adjourned and announced that future meetings will be held on the third floor in the new location.

Transcript Highlights:

• got issues that we struggle with that are sometimes behavioral in nature whether that is distracted driving
• , impaired driving, are really big contributors.
• the driving surface up, and then on the foundational elements of the bridge.
• They instructed the department to promulgate rules on what it would take to administer that program.
• So again, that's upcoming and that will be ongoing through that program in accordance with the rules

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DATA CENTERS ENABLE ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY THAT DRIVE THE 21st CENTURY ECONOMY
• IT'S A HIGH LEVEL RULE OF THUMB THAT IS APPROXIMATELY ABOUT HALF OF YOUR CAPITAL INVESTMENT.
• THE CUSTOMERS DRIVING THE NEW LOAD ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INVESTMENT REQUIRED TO SERVE THEM.
• WE RELENTLESSLY DRIVE COSTS OUT OF THE BUSINESS BY EMBRACING INNOVATION AND OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE.
• THE CORE CAPABILITIES AND ARCHITECTURES DRIVE THESE MAIN CAPABILITIES OUT OF AI THAT WE LEVERAGE WITH

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the ones that drives me crazy are unfunded mandates.
• Changing the rules midstream also hurts.
• Last year, we implemented a rule to enact that law.
• We didn't enact that through rule.
• We didn't enact that through rule.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and I government that rules best.
• , America of the majority rules, America of the majority rules, but<01:52:10.400> that<01:
• can't that's too far they can't drive can't that's too far they can't drive there.<02:02:41.520>
• ,<02:09:20.320> tyranny<02:09:20.880> rules majority rules, tyranny rules majority
• rules, tyranny rules kind<02:09:23.119> of<02:09:23.280> an<02:09:23.520> attitude.

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill codifies many of the provisions and the current rules of the TCEQ and the PUC to make clear
• This just puts PUC and TCEQ rules expressly into statute, so they stand with clear legal authority to
• And the only new things that this adds beyond current rules at the two agencies is that the PUC will
• Groundwater conservation district rules or actions. With that, I'll take any questions. Thank you.
• What are your members doing to conserve water and make sure they're staying within the rules?

Bills: HB4530, HB4931, HB5559, HB5560

Keywords: water rights, Texas Water Trust, water bank, environmental conservation, water quality, instream flows, aquifer, water injection, Edwards Aquifer, environmental regulation, groundwater, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water conservation, drought, utility regulation, water use restrictions, Public Utility Commission, civil penalties, drought contingency, environmental protection

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum present and first took up several pending bills for reconsideration and committee substitute adoption. House Bill 2692, relating to codification and clarification of local laws concerning the San Antonio River Authority, was reported favorably to the full House and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars by an 11-0 vote. House Bills 1407, 1520, 1535, 2970, 4153, 291, 3663, and 3915 were also reconsidered or laid out as pending business, with committee substitutes adopted where needed and each bill reported favorably, generally by unanimous vote, to the full House and then to Calendars or Calendars/Calendars-related referral as applicable. The committee then heard House Bill 4530, which would expand the Texas Water Trust framework to include groundwater rights, require Texas Water Development Board review and approval of groundwater dedications, and notify local groundwater districts when groundwater rights are placed in the trust. The bill’s author and witnesses from the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Chispa Texas supported the measure as a conservation tool and a way to create a clear process for voluntary donations; a Texas Water Development Board witness testified neutrally. The bill was left pending. House Bill 4931, relating to an aquifer storage and recovery project in Medina County, drew support from the author, the Medina County judge, and a regional water alliance witness, who described severe stress on the Edwards Aquifer, low levels at Medina Lake, and the need for a local water-supply tool. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5559, which would clarify enforcement of drought contingency plans for investor-owned water utilities and involve the PUC in model plan development, received support from groundwater district representatives but also concerns from water company and utility witnesses about enforcement authority, approval procedures, and potential conflicts with existing obligations to provide continuous service; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5560, which would raise the maximum civil penalty for certain groundwater conservation district enforcement actions from $10,000 to $25,000 per violation, prompted debate over whether current law is already sufficient; supporters said the higher cap would better deter overpumping, while opponents argued existing penalties are already severe. That bill was also left pending, and the committee adjourned subject to call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rules of conduct for members of the public include no engaging in conduct that disrupts, disturbs
• Please be aware that violations of these rules may subject you to removal or other enforcement processes
• Ordering them at restaurants or drive-thrus.
• And in fact, my children, we have a rule that we don't have phones at the table.
• At a restaurant, and in fact, my children, we have a rule that we don't have phones at the table.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But so, to the budget rules, the number that shows up in your spreadsheet, Mr.
• right data collection would drive right data collection would drive significant<00:58:42.559>
• We ask that you enable families, your constituents, to drive the change.
• We ask that you enable families, your constituents, to drive the change. Mr.
• <01:01:42.559> the constituents to drive the constituents to drive the change<01:01:44.319

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is especially true in the of rules.
• court already rule that, um, these<00:42:23.040> types<00:42:23.200> of<00:42:23.359><
• <00:48:16.800> out use that to rule out use that to rule out um<00:48:18.480> or<00
• :48:20.079> shouldn't<00:48:20.400> be um or to rule out what shouldn't be um or to rule
• If I was driving a car at a high injury.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• long way to drive. long way to drive.
• penalties for distracted driving. penalties for distracted driving.
• And then I met Anne Rest in her rule And then I met Anne Rest in her rule book. book. book.
• your rulings. your rulings.
• But, also I'm helps with that drive.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The meeting was a Senate retirement recognition session held after adjournment sine die, with the presiding officer relaxing decorum so members could speak, applaud, and interact more freely. The chair explained the order of speakers and noted that retiring members would be recognized from their desks, with a plaque presented by Senate leaders and photos taken afterward. The session was framed as a celebration of service for retiring senators and a tribute to staff, families, and colleagues. Senator Mann spoke first, thanking constituents, family, staff, colleagues, and advocates, and highlighting policy accomplishments such as banning non-compete clauses, wage transparency, breast cancer screening coverage, protections for students, expanded health coverage, pharmacy benefit manager reforms, physician workforce changes, the medication repository program, and paid leave. She also used her remarks to criticize racism, sexism, and broader threats to women’s and people of color’s freedoms, urging civic engagement and warning against erosion of democracy. Senator Tou Xiong followed with a personal farewell centered on his mother’s refugee experience, his family’s sacrifices, and gratitude to mentors and colleagues; he emphasized the value of public service, bipartisan cooperation, and the idea that Minnesota should be a model for the country. Senator Howe gave a faith-centered retirement speech reflecting on his path from humble beginnings, his family, military and public service, and the importance of humility, justice, mercy, and listening to constituents. Senator Klein looked back on a decade in the chamber, including the pandemic and the George Floyd unrest, and said the Senate’s decorum and relationships endured through difficult times; he cited a bill he helped pass for a child needing a prosthetic blade as an example of the legislature’s best work. Senator Draheim began his remarks by thanking his wife and children and joking about his discomfort with speeches, then described being recruited to run for office despite never seeing himself as a politician.

Transcript Highlights:

• thereof pursuant to Clause one of rule thereof pursuant to Clause one of rule one<02:05:37.280><
• <04:06:48.479> will itself estimates the final rule will itself estimates the final rule will
• <04:07:23.800> is compliance with the D's final rule is compliance with the D's final rule
• energy estimates implementing this rule energy estimates implementing this rule would<04:14:09.880
• are ordered pursuant to Clause 8 of rule are ordered pursuant to Clause 8 of rule 20<04:41:25.718

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul's lot coverage rules render development practically infeasible, even if legal on paper.
• Paul's lot coverage rules render development practically infeasible, even if legal on paper.
• Paul's lot coverage rules render development practically infeasible, even if legal on paper.
• Competition for the existing stock of starter homes is driving up home prices.
• starter homes is driving up home prices. starter homes is driving up home prices.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, is that a rule? Chase looks nervous, let's do it.
• Can you pull the House rule? Can you pull the House rule? Does it?
• Okay, can you pull the House rule?
• We'll do the roll call vote, but I'd like to see the House rule for that and the committee rule.
• I don't think it is the carrot that drives putting things in place.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, I move to suspend the intent calendar rule and the Senate regular order of business to
• He was leaving an Astros game, driving down...
• The rule is suspended in the regular order of business. Charlie's on second reading, SJR 5.
• You're now recognized to suspend the constitutional three-day rule. So moved, Mr. President.
• That's one no vote, the bill passes, the rules are suspended.

Bills: SJR 5, SJR 36, SJR 5, SJR 5, SR 105, SR 121, SB 17, SB 19, SB 25, SB 28, SB 17, SB 19, SB 25, SB 28

Keywords: bail, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, public safety, constitutional amendment, school safety, mental health, emergency response, education policy, law enforcement, SR 121, Senate Resolution 121, Pete Alfaro, Pedro Cuellar Alfaro, Pedro Alfaro, Baytown, Texas Senate tribute, in memory, memorial resolution, condolence resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• eliminated coverage, and programmatic oversight requirements beyond what is required by the state, driving
• eliminated coverage, and programmatic oversight requirements beyond what is required by the state, driving
• Without finding a solution to the what is required by the state, driving up operational costs.
• Supreme Court ruled against Gloria Johnson and other people experiencing homelessness in City of Grants
• So I ask you, do we have enough courage to bring light into one system where secret seas still rules,

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered a wide range of child welfare, family support, and human services bills. Testimony strongly supported a guaranteed cash stipend for young adults aging out of foster care (S.161), with the Attorney General’s Office, youth advocates, and foster care providers describing high rates of homelessness and poverty after exit from care. Providers also urged action on a resolve to study the foster care liability insurance crisis (H.197/S.1280), saying premiums and coverage losses are forcing program cutbacks and could reduce foster care capacity statewide. Another major topic was a direct care worker medication administration program registry (H.237/S.162), which supporters said would help recruit and train workers, especially bilingual staff, to address workforce shortages in human services. Several bills focused on child protection and child welfare system practices. Supporters of H.267/S.145 called for advance notice to children’s attorneys when placements or other major events change, arguing that timely communication is essential to prevent unnecessary disruption and improve advocacy. Testimony also backed legislation to formally recognize and strengthen children’s advocacy centers and the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance (H.233/S.112), with prosecutors and CAC leaders describing the trauma-informed model as a longstanding, effective response to child abuse and trafficking. A bill to establish a Massachusetts children’s cabinet (S.115) drew support from advocates who said cross-agency coordination is needed to align policy and funding for children’s well-being. The committee also heard testimony on bills addressing safety, equity, and family support. Senator Lovely and survivors supported S.152, which would create a civil cause of action for sexual abuse by adults in positions of authority or trust, with witnesses describing grooming and power imbalances in schools and youth-serving settings. H.274, a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, was supported by advocates who said it would add anti-discrimination protections and voting and privacy rights amid rising criminalization of homelessness. H.272/S.171 to protect maternal health received support from Rep. Montaño, MLRI, and a physician, who said the bills would make cash assistance available earlier in pregnancy and remove the medical-verification barrier. H.4216 on equitable hair care for children in state custody was supported by social workers and advocates who said hair care is tied to identity, dignity, and mental health. H.255 on empowering early educators drew testimony about barriers faced by renters and condo owners trying to open home-based child care programs. H.217, concerning resources and support for pregnant and parenting families, drew testimony from anti-abortion pregnancy resource center advocates. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several bills had no one signed up to testify or were deferred when witnesses were unavailable.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we warned that Trump and Republicans were going to slash SNAP food support and Medicaid and drive
• slash SNAP food support and<00:03:03.080> Medicaid<00:03:03.840> and<00:03:03.959> drive
• <00:03:04.280> Minnesotans<00:03:05.040> into and Medicaid and drive Minnesotans into
• and Medicaid and drive Minnesotans into despair. despair. despair.
• <00:13:21.000> that and configuring to the new rules that and configuring to the new rules

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate DFL senators discussed the Health and Human Services supplemental budget on the floor, framing it as a response to federal HR 1 and related Trump administration policies that they said shift costs to states, counties, hospitals, and families. Senators Liz Bolden, Lindsey Port, Erin Murphy, Alice Mann, and Rob Kupec argued the bill is needed to backfill cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, stabilize hospitals, and prevent property tax increases and service disruptions. They said the package totals about $700 million, with more than $250 million aimed at hospital support and roughly $300 million to help counties absorb food-support cost shifts. Members described the federal changes as adding red tape and work-reporting requirements that would cause eligible people to lose coverage, with estimates cited of more than 150,000 Minnesotans losing Medicaid and about 62,000 losing individual-market coverage due to higher premiums. They also said counties would face new administrative burdens and hiring needs, and that rural hospitals, safety-net providers, and EMS systems would see more uncompensated care. One senator noted Dakota County could face an additional $11 million next year and property tax increases, while another said Minnesota hospitals could see charity care rise by more than $269 million next year. The discussion also covered specific funding in the bill, including $300 million for hospital stabilization, with $150 million for HCMC, nearly $115 million for other hospital stabilization grants, almost $18 million for community safety-net providers, and $15 million for rural EMS uncompensated care. Senators said these funds are short-term measures, not long-term fixes, and that if the state did nothing, the health care system and SNAP administration could collapse. They said they do not expect Republican support in the Senate and suggested longer-term options could include federal changes after the next election or state-level tax changes on the ultra-wealthy. No vote outcome was stated in the excerpt, but the senators indicated the bill would move forward with DFL support.