Transcript Highlights:

• Please join me in giving Jacob a big round of applause for his outstanding achievements. science.
• And Jacob is a student at science. And Jacob is a student at Plymouth<00:11:41.640> State.
• <00:11:51.120> honor the national political science honor the national political science honor
• <00:12:11.240> Please<00:12:11.560> join<00:12:11.840> me political science
• Please join me political science major.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• matters less than the time that we invest in getting people to and from testing sites or on and off computers
• matters less than the time that we invest in getting people to and from testing sites or on and off computers
• matters less than the time that we invest in getting people to and from testing sites or on and off computers
• matters less than the time that we invest in getting people to and from testing sites or on and off computers
• matters less than the time that we invest in getting people to and from testing sites or on and off computers

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and consent calendar, then took up several rule items. For Department of Safety rule 2611, DMV leadership explained the rule had been under development since January but needed to be updated to reflect a new statutory change and to align the rule with RSA 266. Members discussed narrowing the rule to road-safety items rather than automobile inspection provisions, and the department said it would issue a new public notice and hold another hearing. The committee voted to grant a waiver and postpone the item until the October 15, 2026 meeting. The Board of Active Puncture Licensing item 26-47 was postponed one month at the agency’s request so it could incorporate OS feedback, with no waiver needed. The Insurance Department’s claim settlement rule 25-234 and related item 26-78 drew more extensive discussion over waiver language. Committee members objected that the proposed language gave the commissioner broad discretion to set waiver periods without clear criteria, while agency counsel argued the rule already contained standards and that the language allowed temporary waivers. After discussion about consistency, permanency, and the need for clearer documentation, the committee voted to postpone 25-234 with a waiver and to postpone 26-78. Finally, the committee considered Health and Human Services rule 2690, which sets SNAP certification periods for a pilot demonstration authorized by SB 499. Staff explained that federal changes now require the age threshold for the 36-month certification period to be 65 instead of 60, and that the agency had been directed to make the change by August 12. Agency staff said the rule needed to be updated to match federal direction, and members generally agreed. The committee discussed whether the federal citation was sufficient and whether the rule should reference the law change directly, but no final objection was raised in the portion shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• They can literally go on their phone or their computer and see all the details of their mortgage, uh
• They can literally go on their phone or their computer and see all the details of their mortgage, uh
• They can literally go on their phone or their computer and see all the details of their mortgage, uh
• <01:48:16.239> and<01:48:16.560> see their phone or their computer and see their phone
• or their computer and see all<01:48:17.360> the<01:48:17.600> details<01:48:18.000>

Bills: SF1750, HF704, HF3479

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, shuffling papers and typing on things and talking to each other, and they ran to another computer
• you know, shuffling papers and typing on things and talking to each other, and they ran to another computer
• you know, shuffling papers and typing on things and talking to each other, and they ran to another computer
• you know, shuffling papers and typing on things and talking to each other, and they ran to another computer
• you know, shuffling papers and typing on things and talking to each other, and they ran to another computer

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was all computer-generated. Okay.
• It was kind of the computer, and I squawk about it, but I can't say it's a material squawk.
• It was kind of the computer, and I squawk about it, but I can't say it's a material squawk.
• It was kind of the computer, and I squawk about it, but I can't say it's a material squawk.
• the parties to do a good due diligence of the on-site evaluations of the property, not just the computer

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• probably be no longer a need to when you immediately sit at your desk in the morning, sit down at your computer
• The state, for example, years ago before... computer and and punch a bunch of keys computer and and punch
• So the default in the computer system was essentially, you're going to get paid, and what HR and your
• different ways to do it, and we would do whatever one was simplest for both the employee and our computer
• because I was an exempt employee my whole career as well, right, I would not clock in, but in the computer

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 74, which would require state agencies, especially the Department of Environmental Services and other permitting agencies, to report more detailed data on permit applications, approvals, denials, pending applications, and permits taking longer than 90 days. The sponsor’s representative and a lawyer who helped draft the bill argued that the legislature needs comprehensive permitting data to evaluate whether current timelines are reasonable and whether regulatory delays are burdening property owners and economic activity. They said the information should already be tracked within existing budgets, despite a fiscal note claiming additional staff would be needed. A Business and Industry Association representative supported the bill, saying better data is needed to understand actual permitting timelines and to help streamline the process, especially in light of housing and development concerns. Members asked whether the bill was simply collecting data without a clear next step, and the response was that the data would allow lawmakers to judge whether existing deadlines, extensions, and exemptions are justified and whether changes to permit timelines are needed. Several members agreed the information would be useful and that agencies should already be tracking it. The committee then voted to pass Senate Bill 74 on a roll call, with the motion approved and the bill placed on consent for further consideration, with a note that it would go to finance for review of the fiscal note. The committee then took up Senate Bill 196, which would raise the threshold for certain in-house construction projects handled by the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services and two other departments from $500,000 to $1 million, described as an inflationary update. The sponsor said the department’s existing staff can handle these smaller renovation-type projects and that the bill should not require new positions; the deputy adjutant general later confirmed the department does not need additional staff and said the projects are typically roof, boiler, and similar repairs. Members asked about a fiscal note suggesting new positions and about revenue/expenditure impacts, and the sponsor explained that the fiscal note language appeared to reflect an earlier draft and that the budget effect is largely a shift in where the work is performed. The committee recessed briefly for the deputy adjutant general’s arrival, then continued discussion of the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Your computer doesn't work until you do something else.
• /c><00:18:09.840> doesn't<00:18:10.080> work<00:18:10.280> until right your computer
• doesn't work until right your computer doesn't work until you<00:18:11.000> do<00:18:11.159><
• to connect it on the actual screen so that it runs through the room sound system instead of your computer
• Instead of your computer, you can try the keyboard that has been... You have your audio up.

Bills: HF1367, HF2732, HF1897, HF1424, HF1383, HF2728, HF2863, HF1685, HF2929

Keywords: child maltreatment, child abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, human trafficking, child protection, local welfare agency, county social services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, judicial review, district court appeal, venue, out-of-state abuse, cross-border investigation, Minnesota child welfare, family assessment, maltreatment determination

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, um, it doesn't really compute in the concept of vaccines and what they're meant to do, uh, and
• I mean, um, it doesn't really compute in the concept of vaccines and what they're meant to do, uh, and
• I mean, um, it doesn't really compute in the concept of vaccines and what they're meant to do, uh, and
• I mean, um, it doesn't really compute in the concept of vaccines and what they're meant to do, uh, and
• I mean, um, it doesn't really compute in the concept of vaccines and what they're meant to do, uh, and

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the main things that we keep coming up against is there are over 2,800 different computer systems
• One of the main things that we keep coming up against is there are over 2,800 different computer systems
• One of the main things that we keep coming up against is there are over 2,800 different computer systems
• <01:30:15.600> systems<01:30:16.080> in different uh Systems computer systems in different
• uh Systems computer systems in state<01:30:16.800> government<01:30:17.800> and<01:30:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate File 563, a bill to change the board makeup of the Northern Koochiching Area Sanitary District. Senator Hild said the proposal had been heard the previous year and had broad support from local officials and stakeholders. Cali Briggs, the district’s executive director, explained that the board structure no longer reflected current populations and sewer service patterns: International Falls now holds six of eight seats after earlier consolidations, while East Koochiching has grown through sewer expansions and should receive additional representation. The bill would reduce the board to seven members, with International Falls having three seats, East Koochiching two, Rainier one, and one at-large member chosen by the board. The committee raised no substantive objections, and Senator Gustafson moved the bill to pass and go to general orders; the motion prevailed. Members then briefly joked about the topic and moved on to an overview from the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall described the office as a nonpartisan legislative branch agency serving both chambers, with a mission of strengthening oversight, promoting accountability, and producing objective, useful reports. She outlined the office’s structure, including financial audits, program evaluations, and a growing special reviews unit, and explained the Legislative Audit Commission’s role in appointing the auditor and selecting program evaluation topics. Randall also emphasized the office’s broad access to records and data, its independence, and its responsibility to protect nonpublic information. Randall answered questions about the office’s authority over entities such as the University of Minnesota, explaining that OLA has audit authority there but often relies on the university’s internal audit function and can also conduct special reviews and program evaluations. She noted that public employees are required to cooperate and that subpoenas are available if needed, though the office prefers to maintain cooperative relationships. Special Reviews Director Katherine Tyson then described how her unit handles complaints and allegations involving misuse of public funds, data, or noncompliance with law, including preliminary assessments, communications with complainants and agencies, and deeper reviews when warranted. She said allegations and reports have increased steadily, with 481 received from 2020 through 2024 and nearly 10 per week on average last year, contributing to a heavier workload for her small team.

Transcript Highlights:

• One has to do with the inoperable computers regarding benefits that our counties need to put out.
• One has to do with the inoperable computers regarding benefits that our counties need to put out.
• One has to do with the inoperable computers regarding benefits that our counties need to put out.
• inoperable with one has to do with the inoperable with one has to do with the inoperable computers
• uh regarding um regarding computers uh regarding um regarding benefits<00:36:42.920> that<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee met to hear a presentation from the Commissioner of Revenue on Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s tax proposal, with members told no public testimony would be taken because bill language was not yet available. The commissioner said the proposal would lower the statewide sales tax rate by 0.75 percentage points while expanding sales tax to selected professional services such as legal, brokerage, banking, and accounting, with several carve-outs. He emphasized that the plan would not add business-to-business sales taxes, arguing that taxing business inputs leads to tax pyramiding and higher hidden consumer costs. The commissioner said the rate cut would be the first sales tax rate cut in state history and estimated it at about $95 million annually, while the service expansions would raise about $203 million to $205 million annually, for a net increase of roughly $110 million per year. He said the proposal is part of the governor’s broader budget, which he described as addressing long-term structural deficits and funding other priorities such as an R&D credit, an expanded sustainable aviation fuel credit, fraud prevention, and service-member retention bonuses. He also said the carve-outs and exemptions would be reflected in the revenue estimate. Members questioned whether the proposal was truly a tax cut or instead a tax increase, and several asked for a revenue-neutral rate if all or more services were taxed. One member raised concerns about how pro bono legal work with a fee would be treated, and another asked about possible streamlining issues and whether fees are treated as taxes in statute. The commissioner said a fee would be taxable depending on the arrangement and that the department would review the language carefully once drafted. He also said the department would provide more detailed estimates later, including what the rate would be if the tax were made revenue neutral. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was really a once-in-a-generation experience based on some technical and computer changes that came
• It was really a once-in-a-generation experience based on some technical and computer changes that came
• It was really a once-in-a-generation experience based on some technical and computer changes that came
• It was really a once-in-a-generation experience based on some technical and computer changes that came
• It was really a once-in-a-generation experience based on some technical and computer changes that came

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• useful for us, and we continue that front, making sure we have the resources available, looking at the science
• The science is now in the record.
• Science was not in the legislative of record back in 2023 when this was first promulgated.
• The MPCA has not come forward with any contrary or contradictory science to the conclusions and tested
• I would request that this committee lean into the science, as is the case.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also earned a master's degree in political science from these for University of Alabama and my law
• I think it's I think it's important that we continue that trend in nursing and health sciences due to
• So life sciences and allied health. And it's very important to me.
• That kind of rely on my doctoral expertise in the behavioral sciences to help them do their job better
• She's in our square associate in science crea or it rate certification.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not all management methods for the grasslands of Kansas mirror what the science tells us should be conducted
• We are a nonpartisan professional and science-based organization comprising over 900 Forest Service retirees
• on judicial review, and limitations. on consultations under the ESA that would be harmful to the science-based
• We think that that piece of legislation is crucial on the wildfire side of the wildfire science side
• A single hurricane hunter cost more than a decade of wildfire science research at the federal level,

Bills: HB471

Keywords: forest management, wildfire prevention, public lands, Tribal jurisdiction, Fix Our Forests Act, wildfire, forest health, hazardous fuels reduction, fuels treatment, prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, mastication, fuel breaks, fire breaks, wildland-urban interface, WUI, fireshed, fireshed management area, fireshed registry, Fireshed Center

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, which aims to address the ongoing crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change and the need for updated forest management practices. Various committee members voiced concerns about past federal management failures and emphasized the necessity for collaborative approaches involving local communities and stakeholders in forest management. As discussions unfolded, there were varying perspectives on the implications of certain provisions in the bill, particularly around regulatory changes and their likely impacts on public participation and environmental reviews.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas science suggests that being born outside of session leads to a chronic deficiency in State
• It's a lot of work to handle all the bills and paper and the computer, especially when it's possessed
• c><01:10:45.440> paper<01:10:46.000> and<01:10:46.159> the<01:10:46.400> computer
• bills and paper and the computer bills and paper and the computer especially<01:10:47.360> when

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, April 11, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 122 members present, heard a prayer, and the Speaker urged members to remain respectful as difficult bills were expected later in the day. The chamber then moved through several ceremonial floor presentations honoring retiring members, including Delegate Barry S. Celebrity and Delegate Pam Queen, with resolutions read congratulating each on their years of service and lasting impact. The House also recognized an “interim birthday caucus” with a lighthearted resolution celebrating members born outside the session, followed by remarks and thanks from the Speaker and members. After the presentations, the House turned to business, including concurrence and nonconcurrence actions on Senate amendments. The chamber refused to concur in Senate amendments to House Bill 339 and House Bill 512, while House Bill 512 was then concurred in, read for final passage, and passed with 118 votes in favor and none opposed. The House also received messages indicating conference committees for several bills, including House Bills 107, 153, 769, 1063, and 1118. The House adopted favorable committee reports on a series of bills, sending many to third reading. These included measures on earned wage access, security guard certification renewal, county board and alcohol licensing matters, animal regulation, veteran status notation, procurement transparency, Public Information Act divorce records, election board qualifications, and a local sourcing database. During discussion of the local sourcing database bill, the minority whip asked whether business groups that had opposed the bill remained opposed after amendments; the floor leader explained the amended bill would require the Department of Commerce to create a searchable Maryland Local Sourcing Portal to connect businesses with local sources of tariff-impacted goods and services.

Transcript Highlights:

• > to<02:33:06.880> make the true review of the science to make the true review of the science
• <04:28:27.760> Center so think like Squam Lake Science Center so think like Squam Lake Science
• So, for example, that deer is now at Squam Lake Science Center.
• So, for example, that deer is now at Squam Lake Science Center.
• So, for example, that deer is now at Squam Lake Science Center.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first held a work session on HB 505, which would allow the sale of freeze-dried foods produced in homestead food operations. Members raised concerns about the bill’s broad language, especially the provision stating freeze-dried food would not be considered potentially hazardous. Several suggested narrowing the bill to specific products such as processed foods, berries, fruit, dairy products, ice cream, or vegetables, and requiring use of commercial freeze-drying equipment rather than dehydrators. There was also discussion of oxygen absorbers, moisture control, sanitation, and whether the issue should be handled in statute or rules. By the end of the discussion, members generally agreed the topic should be treated in a separate section of law rather than folded into the existing homestead food license, and the chair said the matter would be sent to the food safety subcommittee, with the possibility of a study committee if more time was needed. The committee then moved to HB 277, a technical correction to the animal cruelty statutes. Representative Bixby explained that current law refers to a “colt,” which applies only to male baby horses, leaving fillies unaddressed; the bill would replace “colt” with “foal” and make related wording changes so the restriction applies to any horse under 90 days old not being nursed by its dam. The New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the change was requested to clarify and modernize the statute and that the issue had been identified during work on related animal cruelty legislation. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The chair recessed the work session until 11:00 a.m. and announced that Representative Ktoa would take over the hearing on HB 277.

Transcript Highlights:

• that year, the inaugural cohort was announced, including 14 fellows working in climate tech, life sciences
• In life sciences, the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Mass Life Sciences Center also expanded
• a proven model that we can apply within health care, within financial services, within the life sciences
• Thank you. ages and career pathways from healthcare to life sciences, to clean energy, to education,
• For the health and biomedical law concentration and a Master of Science in Law, life sciences program

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held a hearing on the impact of federal policy on the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts, the fourth in a series on federal impacts on racial equity. Chair Bud Williams and Chair Miranda opened by emphasizing that no bills were being heard and that the committee would instead take testimony from invited witnesses; public written testimony was also accepted. The chairs and witnesses repeatedly cited long-standing wealth disparities affecting Black and brown communities, including homeownership, wages, business ownership, and access to capital, and linked those disparities to federal policy changes, housing, education, health care, and workforce development. Administration officials testified first. Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones described persistent labor market disparities, including higher unemployment for Black and Latino residents, lower median hourly wages, and underemployment among degree holders, and highlighted state efforts such as ESOL-for-work funding, workforce training grants, MassHire career centers, skills-based hiring, and the state equity dashboards. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiami Mahania argued that poverty drives poor health, not the reverse, and said wealth gaps contribute to chronic disease, maternal health inequities, medical debt, and shorter life expectancy; she pointed to the Advancing Health Equity Massachusetts initiative, a health care affordability working group, and the governor’s push to bar medical debt from credit reporting. Assistant Secretary Juan Vega of EOED focused on entrepreneurship and procurement, citing technical assistance grants, founder support programs, place-based investment, the Business Front Door, and the need to broaden access to contracts, capital, and business growth opportunities. Committee members pressed the panel on the effects of the federal “big beautiful bill” on households, especially single-parent and Black women-led households, and on whether the state could develop more timely data systems instead of relying on federal numbers. Officials said the impacts were still being monitored, but warned that Medicaid and SNAP changes would likely hit lower-income households and community institutions hard. Members also asked about unions and apprenticeships, microbusiness definitions, supplier diversity, pay equity, and degree inflation; the administration said registered apprenticeships and skills-based hiring are key tools, and noted that wage equity reporting is still in its early stages. Later testimony from BECMA’s Nicole O’Bean stressed that tariffs, DEI rollbacks, immigration enforcement, capital gaps, and federal funding cuts are constraining Black-owned businesses and inclusive procurement, while Gastón Institute researchers described severe Latino homeownership and rent burdens, educational inequities, and the need for housing, labor, and education policy changes to close the wealth gap.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:52.480> and around the measurement um science and around the measurement um science
• I think that some parts are important, like the science and reading.
• important like the science and reading. important like the science and reading.
• By the time you get to 34% in science.
• If you do a in math, and 6% in science.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 00:13 Approval of Minutes - 4:07 Kentucky Academic Standards for Reading and Writing - 5:18 Math Improvement Committee Report - 21:02 ETS Praxis Exam - 41:47 KDE Performance Review Data - 1:15:04 Adjournment - 1:57:54, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from KDE on the revised Kentucky academic standards for reading and writing. KDE explained the statutory six-year review process, the public comment periods, and the main revisions, including updates tied to the science of reading, decodable text, encoding/decoding, and an updated vision statement. KDE said 308 responses were received on the initial public comment, most respondents favored keeping standards as-is, and about 12% of standards were revised. The department also said the document was streamlined by removing repeated graphics and reducing its size by about 24%, and that a later comment period drew more than 400 responses. No new standards were flagged for review. Members asked about alignment between standards, curriculum, assessments, and NAEP, and KDE said instructional resources should be aligned to standards, KSA assessments are aligned to the standards, and screeners/diagnostics help identify student needs. Representative Truett raised the idea of a textbook-to-standards crosswalk, and KDE said publishers and a future repository partner should provide such crosswalks for local districts. Representative Bojanowski asked why foundational reading skills are not directly assessed on the third-grade KSA; KDE responded that the assessment is designed to measure end-of-grade expectations, while screening and diagnostics are used earlier to identify decoding needs. Representative Gel asked about early childhood supports, and KDE said it is working with early learning and special education offices and promoting LETRS professional learning for both teachers and preschool educators. The committee then received the mathematics improvement committee report. KDE said the mathematics committee unanimously approved a new strategic plan for improving math achievement from pre-K through grade 20 and adult education. The plan centers on six priorities: student empowerment, effective mathematics teaching and learning, continuous educator development and growth, a continuum of learning, community and family partnerships, and teacher recruitment and retention. KDE said the plan is intended as a living document with goals, recommended actions, and evidence bases, and that it aligns with the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act by supporting high-quality instructional resources, professional learning, and family resources. In response to Senator Thomas, KDE explained that the professional learning recommendation means districts should tailor teacher training to classroom needs and instructional materials so math teachers are better equipped to implement standards and support students.

Transcript Highlights:

• um methodology is multiported compute um methodology is better.<00:38:28.720> Um<00:38:29.280
• It has physical hardware computers that are operating the network.
• It has physical hardware computers that are operating the network.
• It has a limited portion on cloud computers.
• It has a limited portion on cloud computers.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met with a quorum, approved the agenda, and approved the November 12 minutes after a motion, second, and unanimous voice/online consent. The chair said the meeting would include two presentations—one from Noah Herman of Fortress Global and one from John Kicko and team from Hedera—followed by discussion of the commission’s next steps and public comment. The chair also noted he was still seeking a clerk for note-taking. Herman’s presentation focused on stablecoins, blockchain use cases, and operational considerations for states and other institutions. He described Fortress as an enterprise crypto-wallet and treasury platform serving corporates, governments, and nonprofits, and used examples such as Save the Children and a large global commodities firm to illustrate custody and treasury management on blockchain rails. He said stablecoins are designed to maintain a U.S. dollar peg, are increasingly backed by treasuries and subject to greater transparency, and are being adopted by major firms and payment companies because they can improve speed, reduce cost, and simplify payments. He also highlighted market growth, including claims that stablecoins now represent a significant share of on-chain activity and are a major holder of U.S. Treasuries. He identified custody as a key issue for state and institutional use, outlining qualified custody, managed custody, and self-custody models. He said the main practical challenge for the commodities client was moving funds safely and quickly across global time zones and that blockchain rails could solve problems that traditional banking rails could not. He framed the broader trend as one of accelerating institutional adoption, citing recent acquisitions and product launches by Visa, Stripe, Citi, and PayPal as evidence that stablecoin infrastructure is becoming mainstream.

Transcript Highlights:

• any details, but I think some examples of hardware and software would be: hardware might include computers
• From a software perspective, I think that could include both software that is used on those computers
• any details, but I think some examples of hardware and software would be: hardware might include computers
• From a software perspective, I think that could include both software that is used on those computers
• as well as um uh could be used computers as well as um uh could be used to<00:58:06.920> pay<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all