Transcript Highlights:

• Again, this is a program that helps Craig to forecast natural gas prices.
• The bill directs see pricing in advance.
• It's about price transparency, I guess. Um, let's say we both pass them and they cross over.
• Members, you are voting on House Bill 179, hospital pricing transparency.
• Chief clerk please pricing transparency.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we brought them on full price for the next year with all of our schools.
• And then we brought them on full price for the next year with all of our schools.
• First of all, the initial price is $80,000 a year, so if you consider three years of...
• The initial price is $80,000 a year.
• We can do that on an a la carte price.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:47:56.640> to field and raising the prices to field and raising the prices to consumers
• And I think to be clear for everybody listening, it only sets the ceiling of the price.
• The market will dictate the actual price for every raffle out there in every bar and restaurant, but
• <01:47:06.920> The<01:47:07.040> market the ceiling of the price.
• The market the ceiling of the price.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the way the current process works, uh, this inflates housing prices for the average people.
• ><00:51:43.200> for<00:51:43.440> the<00:51:43.680> average inflates housing prices
• for the average inflates housing prices for the average for<00:51:44.880> average<00:51:45.200
• ><01:31:50.080> out<01:31:50.239> of<01:31:50.400> their residents are being priced
• out of their residents are being priced out of their homes<01:31:51.199> because<01:31:51.520

Bills: HF3403, HF2687, HF2381

Keywords: HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, HF2687, single-family homes, corporate landlords

Transcript Highlights:

• Also missing are consumer prices from October 2025. continues to cloud the economic outlook. continues
• Also missing are consumer<00:08:52.399> prices<00:08:52.880> from<00:08:53.279> October
• consumer prices from October of 2025. consumer prices from October of 2025.
• Rather, it is a guide for policymakers about the cost of maintaining current services as prices grow.
• If there's a price tag that we won't.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• just not a system that works, a system where competition is going to provide better care or lower prices
• , it's just not a system that works, and competition is not going to provide better care or lower prices
• The cash price could be $250, and with GoodRx it's $9.99.
• because the insurance on the pricing because the insurance weren't<00:51:03.280> reimbursing<
• could be $250 discount um the cash price could be $250 and<00:51:14.799> with<00:51:15.079>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be an allowance for premium interest rate, where we go back and review the reasonableness of the pricing
• <00:26:00.200> and the reasonableness of the pricing and the reasonableness of the pricing
• <01:09:42.960> and<01:09:43.120> use<01:09:43.440> graduate much reduced price
• and use graduate much reduced price and use graduate students<01:09:44.239> to<01:09:44.359><
• <01:09:52.319> and um for a fraction of that price and um for a fraction of that price and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Marissa Hagerman with Tratton Price Consulting, registering support on behalf of the Center for Responsible
• Marissa Hagerman with Tratton Price Consulting, registering support on behalf of the Center for Responsible
• Good afternoon, Marissa Hagerman with Tratton Price Consulting, registering support on behalf of the
• Marissa Hagerman with Tratton Price Consulting, registering strong support on behalf of the Center for

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And medically fragile children and their families are paying the price.
• /c><00:04:36.200> are<00:04:36.320> paying<00:04:36.640> the<00:04:36.720> price
• their families are paying the price. their families are paying the price.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senators and House members held a press event in support of HF 4188, a bill addressing commercial insurance coverage for home care nursing for medically complex children who also receive medical assistance. Speakers said the issue arose after Medica and HealthPartners began imposing caps on coverage that had been provided for years under Minnesota law, and argued that the change would shift costs to Medicaid and taxpayers, create budget pressure, and force families to reduce other needed services. They emphasized that home care nursing is distinct from short-term home health visits and said the bill would prohibit quantity limits and clarify that insurers must continue covering authorized nursing care. Parents and family members described the impact on children who depend on continuous skilled nursing to remain safely at home, including one family whose child Nash has spent extensive time hospitalized and another speaker who said her niece Isabel’s care showed how many nurses, aides, and hospice workers are involved in these cases. Testimony stressed that the coverage caps could lead to more hospitalizations, ICU stays, and trauma for children and families, while costing more overall than home care. Several lawmakers, including Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Robert Bierman, said the statute’s original intent was clear in 2010 and that the plans’ reinterpretation and the Commerce Department’s response should be corrected. Lawmakers said the Commerce and Consumer Protection Conference Committee has completed its work but is being kept open for the remaining days of session in hopes of resolving the issue this year. In response to questions, supporters said the bill is intended as a clarification rather than a new mandate, that it would simply bar caps on already-authorized home care nursing, and that they believe there is support to move it through the House and Senate before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prices at every business in Minnesota are high because of mandates that have been put on specifically
• Prices<00:01:38.040> at<00:01:38.320> every<00:01:38.600> business<00:01:39.760>
• in<00:01:39.920> Minnesota Prices at every business in Minnesota Prices at every business

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Republican legislative leaders reacted critically to Governor Walz’s speech, saying it was divisive and focused too heavily on Democratic priorities rather than unity or bipartisan work. Speaker Daudt and Majority Leader Liska argued the governor ignored the state’s affordability problems, including high property taxes, rising business costs, and what they described as mandates imposed under full Democratic control. They also said the speech downplayed poor educational outcomes and failed to offer a unifying vision for the final weeks of session. A major theme was fraud and accountability. Leaders said the governor waited too long to address the state’s large fraud scandal and then deflected blame to other states. They said Minnesotans want accountability and affordability, and they pointed to the House Fraud Committee and the Senate’s OIG bill as examples of anti-fraud work Republicans say Democrats have blocked. They also criticized the governor’s tax proposals as a “bait and switch,” arguing that promised tax cuts would be offset by new taxes on services and banking fees. The discussion also touched on school safety, gun policy, child care credits, and the HCMC bailout. Republicans said they were willing to work on bipartisan school safety measures, including mental health supports and funding for public, private, and charter schools, but believed gun-control proposals lacked the votes. On the child care credit, leaders said they would keep evaluating it but were concerned about future deficits and the need for a pay-for. In response to questions, they said they were not surprised HCMC was not mentioned and said conversations were continuing. One leader also objected to the governor’s comments about voting access for people of color, calling them disrespectful.

Transcript Highlights:

• Inflation, grocery prices were rising, gas prices were rising.
• Inflation, grocery prices were rising, gas prices were rising.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Republicans announced the formation of the Minnesota Latino Caucus as a sub-caucus of the House Republican Caucus. Chair John Koznick said the group is intended to give Latino conservatives a voice, promote “common sense” and right-of-center policies, and reach Latino communities across Minnesota, especially around affordability, lower taxes, less regulation, and government accountability. Representatives Bedell Duran and Erica Schwartz joined Koznick as founding members and described the caucus as a response to the diversity of Latino communities and the need for representation beyond a single political viewpoint. The members emphasized personal backgrounds and constituent outreach. Koznick discussed his adoption from Colombia and his long involvement with Latino advocacy groups, while Duran and Schwartz spoke about their districts, family histories, and experiences that shaped their politics. They said Latino Minnesotans live throughout the state, work in many fields, and should not be viewed as a monolithic voting bloc. They also highlighted issues such as education, postsecondary achievement, entrepreneurship, public safety, and the economic impact of immigrants and Latinos. In response to questions, the lawmakers said the caucus was not created solely because of recent Latino voting patterns, but they acknowledged Republican gains among Latino voters and said they want to continue competing for Latino support. They also said immigration policy should be clearer and more transparent, while supporting secure borders and reform. Koznick said he has bipartisan relationships with Latino legislators and pointed to support for a Hispanic or Latino art museum in St. Paul as an example of possible cross-party cooperation. No formal votes were taken; the event was a caucus launch and press availability, and the members said they would hold a celebratory kickoff later that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the committee would kind of, kind of since 2020, used car prices are up by 40%.
• scale, those who are a little more disproportionate out, the ability to seek justice at a much lower price
• The average inflation rate of 2.52 per year between 2004 and today produced a cumulative price increase
• Louisiana. ...a judgment of possession to obtain title to a vehicle in the state of Louisiana are now priced

Bills: HR2, HR37, HR61, HCR11, HCR64, HB89, HB183, HB341, HB371, HB451, HB480, HB520, HB541, HB579, HB597, HB816, HB1004, HB1064, HB1165, SB44

Keywords: transparency, accountability, Justice Department, FBI, Jeffrey Epstein, victim protection, investigation, public trust, HR37, House Resolution 37, Honduras veterans, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, military medal, veteran recognition, Congress memorialization, U.S. veterans, foreign deployment, 1981 to 1992, military service awards, combat support

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of judiciary-related bills and resolutions. It first considered HB 1165, which was substantially rewritten by substitute to create the City Courts of Marksville and Bunkie and expand their jurisdiction parishwide in Avoyelles Parish, including small claims and certain misdemeanor, civil, and juvenile matters. Supporters, including judges, said the change would improve access to justice and better use existing courts; the district attorney opposed it, arguing it would not help the criminal docket and raised constitutional, staffing, and election concerns. After questions about voting districts, appeals, and minority vote dilution, the substitute was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably HB 1064, creating a domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th JDC, and HB 341, clarifying that law-enforcement officer interrogations under the bill of rights are administrative rather than criminal matters; both drew supportive testimony from court, advocacy, and law-enforcement representatives. The committee then approved HCR 64, as amended, to study behavioral health courts and expand the study to Ouachita, East Baton Rouge, and Orleans parishes, with a report due by January 1, 2027. It also reported favorably HB 579, which strengthens the sexual assault survivor bill of rights and related protections, with testimony emphasizing survivor services and access to funding. HB 1004, which would have raised the jurisdictional limit for justice of the peace courts from $5,000 to $7,500, drew substantial opposition from city court judges and others who warned of unintended consequences, including inconsistent procedures, possible attorney-representation requirements for entities, and more appeals; after debate the bill failed on a roll call vote, 5 yeas to 11 nays. Later, the committee reported favorably HB 451, allowing the Alcohol and Tobacco Control commissioner to send hearing notices electronically and removing the 30-day mailing constraint; HB 541, as a substitute, allowing in-state microdistillers producing under 100 gallons to obtain a permit for a $100 fee; HB 183, prohibiting courthouse cellphone bans in areas where fines, fees, or court costs are paid, though it faced concerns about legislative authority over local courthouses and ultimately failed on a 7-8 vote; SB 44, requiring agency approval for firearms and ammunition carried by tactical medical professionals; HR 37, memorializing Congress to award the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to veterans who served in Honduras from 1981 to 1992; and HB 89, requiring the Third Judicial District DA’s office to pay health insurance premiums for eligible retired employees from its own funds. Several other items were voluntarily deferred, and the meeting ended after the committee completed its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• closed the maintenance and repair capital fund and sold the 46 trailers to the vendor for a total sales price
• The total sales price was $4,600.
• second vendor included a box truck, forklift, ramps, and a shrink-wrap turntable for a total sales price
• Detailed descriptions and purchase prices were not available for the items in this sale.

Summary: The committee approved the February 12 minutes and received updates on delinquent municipal water and sewer reports for 2022 and 2023, noting continued progress toward compliance and reinstatement of turnback funds for several cities. It also deferred several matters to the June 4 meeting, including Fargo’s municipal accounting noncompliance report, Jericho’s street-fund misuse issue, Biggers and Holly Grove deferred reports, and a group of private water and sewer reports lacking proper responses. Members then heard and filed a detailed report on the City of Strong, which involved repeat findings on undeposited receipts, improper use of solid waste funds, unsupported spending, late payroll tax payments, accounting control problems, and fund balance issues. Mayor Darrell Howell described corrective steps, including new internal controls, outside CPA assistance, repayment of misapplied funds, budget amendments, and efforts to address the findings; the committee commended the city’s efforts and filed the report. The committee also filed reports on Thornton Waterworks, Calhoun County, Salem, Briarcliffe, Compton Water Association, Montgomery County Regional Public Water Authority, Camden, Johnson County, and Sparkman, while deferring several private water reports and other unresolved items. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District and other regional solid waste districts. The audit found issues in Pulaski County involving unapproved payroll items, missing credit card documentation, unapproved contracts, vehicle and cell phone documentation problems, lack of competitive bidding, and weak internal controls; members questioned the district’s practices and deferred the report to June while requesting district representatives appear. The committee also reviewed a statewide report on six regional solid waste management districts, with findings in Pulaski, Faulkner, and Benton counties and no findings in three others; that report was likewise deferred for Pulaski County questions. The meeting ended after a lengthy discussion with Cross County Rural Water System about overdue audit posting, water quality problems, grant-funded improvements, board notice practices, and the broader challenges facing rural water systems, after which the committee filed the report and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have seen what has happened with the escalating prices of materials and construction, and then
• The price tag on that is $35 million. The letting date is August of '27.
• But this price tag would be $50 million, excuse me. ...price tag would be $50 million, excuse me.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard TRIP’s annual New Mexico transportation report from Carolyn Boniface Kelly, which described deteriorating roads and bridges, congestion, safety concerns, and a large transportation funding gap. The report said more than half of major roads statewide are in poor or mediocre condition, over 170 bridges are rated poor, congestion costs drivers significant time and money, and traffic crashes and road conditions impose billions in annual costs. Members broadly agreed the report underscored the need for more stable transportation funding, with several noting the state’s recurring underinvestment and the safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2, a transportation bonding and revenue package. Senator Gonzales and Governor’s office and NMDOT representatives said the bill would authorize about $1.5 billion in additional bond debt for ready-to-go highway projects, while also increasing certain motor vehicle excise, registration, weight-distance, and EV-related fees to help support debt service and transportation funding. Supporters, including contractors, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber, the Department of Finance and Administration, and transportation officials, argued the bill would improve safety, economic development, project delivery, and funding stability, and help preserve federal dollars. Opponents, including the Rio Grande Foundation and some committee members, objected to the tax and fee increases, argued the state should use existing surpluses or other funds instead, and raised concerns about impacts on families, businesses, and local governments. Committee members questioned how projects would be selected, how the new fees were calculated, how EV surcharges would work, and whether local government distributions would be affected. NMDOT said the projects would be reported to the legislature annually, selected using crash data, asset management, and project readiness, but bond approval would remain with the State Transportation Commission. After debate, Representative Romero moved do pass on SB 2 as amended, Representative Hochman-Vigil seconded, and the committee approved the bill 7-2, with Representatives Brown and Dow voting no and several members expressing reservations despite supporting the need for transportation investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we found a price that, thanks to that, thankfully, it was also less than the current contract that
• initially, if you go back to our agency LBR in the fall, we had an LBR for this item when we secured a price
• So there is no LBR in the governor's recommendations for this, but we ultimately got a price that's a
• reduction in price.

Transcript Highlights:

• And she got not only that, she had priced it and had everything ready for me to go.
• And she got not only that, she had priced<00:24:37.360> it<00:24:37.520> and<00:24:37.679
• > had<00:24:37.840> everything<00:24:38.080> ready<00:24:38.240> for priced
• it and had everything ready for priced it and had everything ready for me<00:24:38.480> to<00

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, then established a quorum and approved the journal from January 13, 2026. Committee reports were received and several bills were advanced on first reading, including Senate Bills 38, 29, 49, 10, 51, 7, 28, and 30, along with Senate Concurrent Resolution 9. New measures were introduced covering credit union financial services (SB 87), protection from extreme weather (SB 88), and resolutions recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day (SR 38), Kentucky member mentorship month (SR 39), and Burn Awareness Week (SR 40). The chamber then recessed for committee meetings and later received a Committee on Committees report referring bills to Education, Judiciary, Veterans/Military Affairs/Public Protection, and placing Senate Resolutions 33 and 34 on the floor calendar. Members also made several announcements and co-sponsorship requests. Senator from Shelby highlighted Transportation Committee approval of Senate Bill 7 by a unanimous 9-0 vote and described it as priority legislation to return driver’s license renewals to local county offices. The Senate also heard that the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee would meet the next morning, the Economic Development Committee would not meet that week, and legislators were invited to a breakfast reception hosted by Kentucky credit unions. Additional co-sponsorships were requested for various bills, including SB 7, SB 38, SB 39, SB 46, SB 51, SB 57, SB 76, SB 77, SB 86, SB 101, and SB 3851. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 32, honoring the life of Tatum Elizabeth Dale, a Kentucky public servant and congressional staff member, after several senators spoke in support and shared personal remembrances. The resolution expressed sympathy to her family and directed that a copy be delivered to them. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 28, honoring Charles William Kennedy. No floor amendments were introduced, and the Senate adjourned until 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• He told us that drug prices have come down a minimum of 500%.
• <00:04:14.239> us<00:04:14.400> that<00:04:14.640> drug<00:04:15.040> prices
• <00:04:15.360> have<00:04:15.599> come He told us that drug prices have come He told
• us that drug prices have come down<00:04:16.639> minimum<00:04:17.040> of<00:04:17.440

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting centered on Minnesota’s budget outlook, with the governor and budget officials saying the state remains in a stronger fiscal position than expected despite national economic uncertainty. He emphasized that Minnesota has a surplus, historic rainy-day funds, and continued economic growth, and said the administration plans to continue budgeting over the horizon, using inflation assumptions and long-term planning to avoid abrupt cuts. He also defended last year’s budget compromises and said another budget proposal would be released early next year. A major theme was the governor’s criticism of President Trump and federal actions, which he said were creating economic chaos and harming Minnesotans. He condemned Trump’s comments about Somali Minnesotans and the state, called them racist and dangerous, and argued that elected officials should denounce such rhetoric. He also raised concerns about federal immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota, saying masked agents were causing fear and confusion and that state and local law enforcement lacked communication from federal authorities. The governor and commissioners also discussed fraud in state programs, saying the state has paused certain programs for 90 days and brought in independent forensic auditors to determine the scope of losses. He said the administration is using new stop-payment authority and referrals to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to prevent and prosecute fraud, while avoiding broad cuts to programs that help children, families, and vulnerable Minnesotans. In response to questions, he said the fraud total is not yet known, the audit should conclude around the end of January, and the state will use the findings to add safeguards and address program growth and health care cost pressures in the upcoming session.

Transcript Highlights:

• volition, but we needed to balance the budget and we needed to fund the government, and it was the price
• and<00:03:52.720> it<00:03:52.879> was<00:03:53.040> the<00:03:53.280> price
• <00:03:53.440> that the government and it was the price that the government and it was the
• price that the<00:03:53.840> Republicans<00:03:54.400> sought<00:03:55.040> in<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On top of the Trump tariffs, we're seeing Minnesotans be squeezed more and more with higher prices on
• On top of the Trump tariffs, we're seeing Minnesotans be squeezed more and more with higher prices on
• On top of the Trump tariffs, we're seeing Minnesotans be squeezed more and more with higher prices on
• On top of the Trump tariffs, we're seeing Minnesotans be squeezed more and more with higher prices on

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Where do you stand on the increased search prices for HMOs?
• do you stand on the increased<00:13:21.120> uh<00:13:21.279> search<00:13:21.600> prices
• <00:13:23.279> Um increased uh search prices for HMOs?
• Um increased uh search prices for HMOs?

Keywords: 1183, house