Video & Transcript Research : 'paramedic authority'
Page 149 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 4/28/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:27.960>
to <00:10:28.120>impose has the authority to impose has the authority - We would no longer have the authority to We would no longer have the authority to decide<00:36:22.160
- Uh, I have different authority.
- My investigators different authority.
- investigative authority. investigative authority.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Compliment the author. Good bill. Thank you.
- Yeah, so I want to thank the author for accepting the committee amendment.
- I also just wanted to thank the author.
- Thank you very much to Assemblymembers Zuber for authoring AB 478.
- Speak for the author, but we believe that OES already has this capacity.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Does the division have any, first of all, do you have any supervising authority?
- with current spending needs, and $704,910 in general revenue personal service authority.
- But on FY 25, there was $150 million in authority, but there were zero actual expenditures.
- I suppose that's possible, or you might need all of that authority or maybe even more.
- It includes a $6 million reduction due to decreasing authority that is no longer needed.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, TCEQ is the principal author of the report.
- And most of them were created with taxing authority.
- Passage of Senate Bill 1477 created the Edwards Aquifer Authority and authorized the EAA with the powers
- They're not going to have taxation authority.
- Aquifer Authority Act.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- facilities Authority facilities Authority board<00:30:31.840>
superintendent testify<00:30 - <00:31:10.440>
thank the school facilities Authority thank the school facilities Authority - You can authorize somebody; you can't me, but you can authorize somebody.
- <01:18:50.639>
in with the school facilities Authority in with the school facilities Authority - drafted when the governor authorizes drafted when the governor authorizes transfer<01:20:41.719>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Number one, the bill clearly defines which contractors are authorized to perform debris removal.
- We're in agreement with the author. We've had conversations with the author's staff on language.
- In fact, the California Public Utilities Commission has acknowledged that its authority over hydrogen
- And we look forward to continuing that work and that conversation with the author and the committee.
- And we look forward to continuing that work and that conversation with the author and the committee.
Summary:
The Assembly Emergency Management Committee met late in the evening and first approved a consent calendar containing SB 837, SB 894, SB 973, and SB 1079, sending those bills to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 904, which would codify coordinated state response and permitting review efforts for wildfire recovery, and SB 1263, which would limit post-disaster debris removal work to properly licensed contractors with required hazardous-materials training. Both bills drew support from the authors and industry/public-safety witnesses, with SB 1263 also drawing an opposed-unless-amended position from contractors who said they were working toward agreement on final language. Both measures passed to Appropriations on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The committee next heard SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, which would designate the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator for interstate hydrogen pipelines and require hydrogen-specific safety standards. The author and supporters from building trades and pipe trades argued the bill would provide clear safety rules before hydrogen infrastructure expands, while one industry witness said the correct agency had been identified but that some concerns remained. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations, with Assemblymember DeMaio voting no.
Finally, the committee considered SB 883, which would impose additional oversight on facilities storing methyl methacrylate and other reactive chemicals after a recent Orange County evacuation tied to a potential explosion risk. Supporters, including community, environmental, and public-health groups, said the bill would improve transparency, emergency planning, and safety protections near homes and schools. Chemical and manufacturing groups opposed the bill in its current form, citing undefined terms, concerns about mandated cooling systems, and possible conflicts with existing regulatory frameworks, but said they were willing to continue working on the measure. The bill passed to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials on a 4-2 vote, with Assemblymembers Hadwick and DeMaio voting no.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, this is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.
- And that the first roll be open to co-authors. Go Dodgers.
- Members, this is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.
- I would like to ask that the first roll be open for the full authors.
- The clerk will close the roll, there are 59 co-authors.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM-HOU, HOU Public Hearings 04-10-2025
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- public housing authority is telling you?
- In the public housing authority, we have not built one unit. How are we leading the nation?
- Figure out is the board doing the things to keep the public housing authority on track.
- In the public housing authority, we have not built one unit. How are we leading the nation?
- In the public housing authority, we have not built one unit. How are we leading the nation?
Summary:
The joint committees heard HCR 66, which asks the State Building Code Council to update the state building code to allow point access block construction for residential buildings up to six stories. Testimony was generally in support, including from Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and OPSD, with one registered opponent. No questions were raised, and the joint committee later adopted a recommendation to pass the resolution as is. Because the housing committee lacked quorum at that time, final action on the resolution was deferred to the housing-only agenda.
On the housing-only agenda, the committee first heard HTR 78, which states the intent that housing projects qualifying for credits under Act 31 remain eligible for those credits after the act’s repeal. Testimony was in support from HHFTC and the DIY chapter, and there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee then took up Governor’s Message 592, confirming Lisa Darcy to the HPHA board. Support came from HPHA board members and several individuals, and Darcy said she accepted the nomination and emphasized her experience and interest in HPHA’s work. Members questioned her about the HPHA board’s oversight role, the 10,000-unit RFQ, and media coverage of Kuhio Park Terrace relocations; she said she supports the project, values transparency, and would push for better context and accountability, though some members felt she had not directly answered concerns about on-the-ground oversight.
The committee also heard Governor’s Message 736, confirming Grant Chun to the HHFDC board. Support testimony highlighted his experience in nonprofit housing, real estate, and leadership roles, and Chun said he was pleased to serve the state. Members asked about his residence and his perspective on senior care at Hali Makua, where he said his family found the care compassionate and thorough, while noting staffing shortages. The transcript ends before any final vote on the housing-only items is shown.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 31st, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Hours from East Texas to support a bill that's authored by a Democrat.
- Senator Hall asks the author to explain the bill.
- Author, good shape. Appreciate you being here. Thank you for laying out.
- As the chairman mentioned, under authority, this bill would create some new authority for TBVME to require
- These screening areas are not authorized or posted.
Bills:
SB34, SB119, SB261, SB532, SB1035, SB1245, SB1247, SB1267, SB1442, SB1930, SB1948, SB2078, SB2112, SB2143, SB2155
Keywords:
wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department, Texas A&M Forest Service, West Texas A&M University, prescribed burning, fuel loading, fuel reduction, firefighting equipment database, emergency communications, disaster preparedness, rural fire protection, asset hardening, natural resource management, emergency management, large wildfire risk, fire grant funding, fire suppression, Texas Legislature
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And I do see that we have two authors in the audience.
- Thanks to the author and the witnesses. A couple of questions.
- So thanks to the author. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- And I think the author should continue to work on this.
- I thank the author for bringing this bill forward.
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 402, which would increase Cal Grant award amounts for students attending private nonprofit colleges and allow community college transfer entitlement awards to be used at those institutions. The author and supporters said the bill would restore award levels to their 2001 value and improve access for low- and middle-income, working, military, and transfer students. Several witnesses from private nonprofit universities, community college districts, and advocacy groups supported the measure. Senators raised concerns about the prior Cal Grant agreement tied to Associate Degree for Transfer participation and about the need to fund broader Cal Grant reforms, but the bill advanced on a unanimous due-pass vote to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call.
The committee then took up AB 2067, a sunset extension for lease-lease-back authority for TK-12 school construction through July 1, 2032. The author and supporters from school housing and contractor groups said the method provides flexibility, early collaboration, cost control, and legal certainty for school construction projects. Senators asked how often lease-lease-back and other alternative delivery methods are used, and whether the skilled-and-trained workforce provisions limit competition. Some members objected to the skilled-and-trained requirement, while others said the bill simply preserves an existing tool without changing labor rules. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, with Senator Ochoa Bogh voting no, and was placed on call.
AB 1204, which would revise the Local Control Funding Formula by increasing supplemental and concentration grants, lowering the concentration threshold, adding regional cost adjustments, and setting a minimum annual COLA floor, drew extensive testimony on both sides. Supporters said the bill better reflects regional costs, inflation, and student need, especially for low-income, multilingual, and unhoused students. Opponents, including several school district leaders, argued it would widen funding disparities and divert money from the LCFF base grant, which they said should be the priority. Committee members also questioned the fiscal impact, the proposed 4% COLA floor, and whether the bill had enough research and stakeholder consensus. Despite those concerns, the bill was advanced to Appropriations on a due-pass vote and placed on call.
Finally, the committee heard AB 1235, which would require a skilled-and-trained workforce process for CSU design-build projects to align CSU with UC and community college construction rules. Supporters said it would improve training and project quality, while opponents from contractor groups argued it would reduce competition, increase costs, and impose mandates without evidence of better outcomes. Several senators objected to the skilled-and-trained requirement as limiting opportunities for contractors who comply with state law, while others noted the issue was already common in higher education construction. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final vote on AB 1235 was captured.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance (12-17-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- department does not have any authority department does not have any authority over<00:08:44.360>
- any authority over that. any authority over that.
- again, the department has no authority again, the department has no authority to<00:09:27.160>
prior authorization. prior authorization. - prior authorization. prior authorization.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:38
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 00:01:34
Proposed Legislation for the 2026 Session 00:10:14
Basic and Added Reparation (PIP) Benefits 00:10:41
Prior Authorization 00:46:15
Measures to Strengthen Kentucky’s Economic Infrastructure 00:59:46, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met in a special-called session of the Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance and first took up three Department of Insurance regulations tied to House Bill 256, the Strengthen Kentucky Homes program: 806 KAR 22:00, 22:10, and 22:20. Commissioner Sharon Clark said the program would provide $5 million in grants to help homeowners strengthen roofs, with regulations covering eligibility and operations, contractors and evaluators, and reinspections in cases of suspected fraud. A committee substitute to 806 KAR 22:10 was explained as a technical correction to conform to the statutory preference for in-state contractors and evaluators. Representative Hampton moved and Representative Rudy seconded approval of the substitute, and it was adopted by voice vote; the amended regulations were then reviewed. Clark also said the grant money would be distributed statewide rather than targeted to storm-prone areas.
The committee then heard an update from Commissioner Clark on mental health parity in response to questions from Representative Pollock. Clark said the department reviews insurer filings and conducts market conduct examinations, but does not have authority over provider reimbursement rates or to require providers to join insurer networks. She said complaints are investigated and, when needed, teams review claims and data on site to check compliance with parity requirements. No action was taken on that discussion.
After approving the November 4 meeting minutes, the committee heard testimony on a proposed PIP reform package from Representative Josh Bray, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Justice Association, and State Farm. Supporters said the bill would apply the workers’ compensation fee schedule to most PIP medical claims, keep the $10,000 PIP limit in place while stretching benefits further, reduce balance billing, modernize benefit amounts, and address fraud and delayed billing. They noted hospitals would be exempt from the fee schedule, while hospital-based physical therapy would be included, and said the compromise reflected negotiations among stakeholders. Some members questioned whether exempting hospitals undercut the bill’s purpose and asked about possible rate effects; proponents said they had not done a rate analysis and that the bill could lead to more treatments within the existing PIP limit. No vote was taken on the PIP proposal during this meeting.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 20, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- may be killed and authorizing may be killed and authorizing feral<00:53:37.000>
chickens < - definition of enterprise to authorize definition of enterprise to authorize the<00:55:35.480>
- that we do have the you know authority that we do have the you know authority to<01:09:56.760>
- Well, we've never done it before, so it is perhaps within our authority.
- I note that it's a discretion; it's an authorized, not a mandating.
Summary:
The committee heard a series of transportation and public safety bills, beginning with HB 706, which would require skateboard users under age 16 to wear helmets. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, and the chair noted written support from AAA Hawaii, Kulani Medical Center for Women and Children, and several individuals. No opposition was mentioned, and the bill appeared to draw no questions.
Members then heard HB 860, which would grant immunity to the state or county that repairs or maintains a street when ownership or jurisdiction is disputed. DOT and DLNR supported the bill, with county support from Maui and a Hawaii Island county representative, while the Hawaii Association for Justice opposed it. The committee also heard HB 1162, requiring applicants for a motorcycle instruction permit to complete an approved basic rider course, with DOT support and a recommended amendment to exempt motorcycles used for training; the Public Defender asked about the current process, and DOT explained the bill was intended to improve safety given motorcycle fatalities. HB 1259, allowing speed-limit reductions within 10 mph of the current limit without an engineering study, also drew DOT support and support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and individuals.
The committee next considered HB 1158, a governor’s package bill limiting civil liability for people who provide firefighting services with vessels at commercial harbors or roadsteads to gross negligence or wanton conduct. DOT Harbors said the bill was prompted by lessons from the Lahaina fires and was intended to encourage privately owned firefighting-equipped vessels to assist without hesitation; the Hawaii Harbor Users Group and an individual supported it. HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture, drew DOT support but strong opposition from the Public Defender, who argued the bill was overly harsh, would force jury trials, and could create sentencing problems; the Public Defender also said existing penalties were already significant. The committee then heard HB 1334, which would exempt donations of wild game meat, including axis deer, to charitable and nonprofit organizations from certain meat inspection and transportation laws; DLNR and multiple community and food-related groups supported it, and no opposition was noted.
Finally, the committee took up HB 698 on animal cruelty, which would increase criminal penalties for various offenses. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the cases are rare, enforcement is limited, and the proposed penalties—up to Class A felony treatment in some cases—were too severe; animal welfare advocates strongly supported the measure, saying cruelty cases are widespread, underreported, and under-enforced, and that stronger penalties are needed as a deterrent. No votes or final actions were taken on any of the bills in the portion of the hearing provided.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government. (2-4-26)
State & Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- But fairly quickly after bringing it to the attention of the local authorities, it appeared that there
- But fairly quickly after bringing it to the attention of the local authorities, it appeared that there
- But fairly quickly after bringing it to the attention of the local authorities, it appeared that there
- <00:04:10.400>
and <00:04:10.720>enforce authorizes cities to adopt and enforce authorizes - It restores appropriate local authority, and it strengthens enforcement tools.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Attendance Roll Call: 00:01
SB 132 Discussion 00:44
SB 132 Vote 07:10
SB 33 Discussion 08:30
SB 33 Vote 17:24
SB 85 Discussion 18:08
SB 85 Vote 25:58
Adjournment: 26:38, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 132, which would clarify that state law does not limit local governments’ authority to regulate businesses affiliated with licensed massage therapists. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a police chief and the Kentucky League of Cities said the bill is aimed at helping cities respond to complaints about suspected illegal activity, including possible human trafficking, by expressly allowing local ordinances on zoning, licensing, inspections, advertising, hours, and sanitation. The bill also increases the penalty for practicing massage therapy without a license from a class B to a class A misdemeanor and makes each unlicensed session a separate offense, while preserving existing protections for trafficking victims.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 33, which addresses recovery residence centers. Senator Thomas said the bill responds to fraudulent or noncompliant recovery homes operating without proper certification and creating neighborhood problems. The measure would require recovery residences to notify cities when they apply for and receive certification, report certain ownership and contact information, and allow cities to keep a registry so they can identify certified facilities. Testimony from the Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences supported the bill’s enforcement goals but objected to making addresses public, citing safety concerns for vulnerable residents; the sponsor agreed to remove the public-record language through a floor amendment. The committee passed the bill favorably 8-0.
Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 85, which would allow state retirement benefits to be directed to a special needs trust. The sponsor and co-sponsor said the bill is intended to help state employees provide for a dependent with special needs after the employee’s death without affecting eligibility for waiver or other benefits. A witness from the Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences supported the concept and noted the importance of clear language, while Senator McDaniel raised a technical concern about whether the bill could allow benefits to be directed to an unintended beneficiary. The sponsor said the language would be reviewed and clarified if needed. The committee approved the bill 8-0 with favorable expression and adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Before we start, of course, you have probably heard from Health Care Authority before.
- Not so much the state, not so much Health Care Authority saying, 'These are your problems.
- We worked very closely with the Health Care Authority on some of these initial deliverables.
- One of the first ones is the partnership that we have with AOC, Health Care Authority, and Dr.
- Based on the priority of our partners and Health Care Authority and with the courts.
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
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- . through three from claim filing through those medical treatment authorizations.
- They authorize the treatment.
- So this gets into authorization versus non-authorization, the next several slides.
- And all authorizations have to come from the department or the self-insured employer.
- Okay, so the administrative authority to enforce successorship accountability.
Summary:
The committee first received an update from the Attorney General’s office on a new workers’ rights unit and two request bills. The office said the unit will focus on wage theft and civil rights enforcement, using existing resources for a small staff. It also described a bill to expand civil investigative demand authority for labor, wage theft, prevailing wage, and discrimination investigations, and an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that would require employer notice when federal immigration authorities request employee records, limit access to nonpublic work areas without a warrant, and restrict disclosure of employee data without proper legal process. Senators asked about costs, funding sources, and the scope of the proposed authority, and the office said it would follow up with more detail.
The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Washington’s workers’ compensation system from Labor and Industries, including how claims are filed, how the medical provider network works, and how treatment authorizations and utilization review are handled. L&I said the network was created to improve care quality and return workers to work, and explained that most routine care is automatically authorized while certain procedures require prior approval or review. A question from Senator Conway focused on the role of the medical director and the appeals process; L&I said decisions can be protested and reconsidered, with exceptions reviewed through a complex treatment unit and medical staff.
An experience panel followed with testimony from labor representatives, physicians, and an injured-worker attorney, who argued that the medical provider network and treatment guidelines can delay or deny needed care, especially in complex cases such as PTSD, brain injuries, and serious orthopedic injuries. They described long appeals, utilization review barriers, provider shortages, and the impact on injured workers and families, while L&I’s presentation emphasized the system’s structure and review safeguards. The committee then heard a report from the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I summarized the task force’s findings on worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums, and outlined consensus and majority recommendations, including better interagency communication, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, more authority to address successorship, possible contractor notice requirements, and further study of cash payments. The Attorney General’s office, labor, and business representatives generally supported the report’s goals but differed on some recommendations, especially those affecting independent contractors, contractor liability, and administrative burdens. The chair and Senator Conway thanked participants and said the report would inform future legislation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to thank the author for bringing this bill forward.
- But I would love to be added as co-author as well if you'll have me. Thank you.
- And we're awaiting an author.
- And if you agree, I would love to be added as a principal co-author.
- Roll is out; we're going to leave it open for other authors to add on.
Summary:
The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard three bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would reduce uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for transportation network companies from $1 million to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, with committee amendments adding findings and declarations, higher limits than originally proposed, and a joint study on UM/UIM impacts. Supporters, including Uber, Lyft, business groups, and some consumer advocates, argued the bill would lower fares and increase driver earnings by reducing insurance costs. Opponents, including consumer attorneys, labor groups, and consumer watchdog organizations, warned it would cut protections for riders and drivers and might not guarantee savings would be passed through. The committee approved SB 371 on a due-pass basis and re-referred it to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote.
The committee then heard SB 716 by Senator Durazo, which would create a Home Internet Lifeline Program to let eligible low-income households apply Lifeline subsidies to home broadband service. Proponents said the bill addresses broadband affordability after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program expired, and that it would help students, workers, and families access reliable internet. Opponents from the wireless industry objected to the funding mechanism, arguing the surcharge would fall unfairly on wireless consumers, while one broadband group moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved on a due-pass basis and sent to Appropriations, but the roll was held open and later completed with the bill passing 7-1.
The committee also took up SB 480 by Senator Archuleta relating to autonomous vehicles as a consent item, with no presentation or debate. It was approved on a due-pass basis and re-referred to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly focused on affordability, consumer protection, and whether savings from the bills would actually reach riders, drivers, or households.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Capital Investment Bill - 06/09/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:05.599>
Paul <00:03:05.840>Port <00:03:06.080>Authority 325,000 and uh - Paul Port Authority 325,000 and uh St.
- Paul Port Authority Capital<00:03:06.959>
Area <00:03:07.280>Economic <00:03:07.680> - uh housing finance authority and the go uh 26<00:07:22.720>
million <00:07:22.960>for < - <00:23:04.000>
the Capitol Mall and um also authorizes the Capitol Mall and um also authorizes
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Item number four, Assembly Bill 710 by Irwin has been pulled by the author.
- Chair, I'd just like to thank the author for bringing this bill.
- And thank you to the author.
- And thank you to the author.
- This statute, its existing practice, the TRO authority has existed.
Summary:
The Assembly Public Safety Committee met to consider several bills, with six measures approved on consent, including bills on background checks, female offender prison facilities, a juvenile justice hunger survey, protective orders and firearms, a youth offender camp pilot, and peace officer behavioral health training. AB 710 and AB 848 were pulled by the authors. The committee also took up AB 458, AB 394, AB 1094, AB 1092, and AB 1036, with extensive testimony on each.
AB 458, by Assembly Member Stephanie, would require state agencies purchasing firearms, ammunition, or accessories to vet vendors for compliance with firearms laws and procurement standards. Supporters, including Brady and the California Police Chiefs Association, said taxpayer funds should not go to dealers with serious violations; opponents argued the bill added burdens and vague standards. The committee approved the bill as amended and sent it to Appropriations. AB 394, by Assembly Member Wilson, would expand protections for transit workers and riders by broadening enhanced battery penalties, clarifying who may seek temporary restraining orders in the transit context, and making those orders system-wide. Transit agencies, labor groups, and law enforcement supported the bill, while public defender and civil liberties groups raised concerns about vagueness, duration, and impacts on access to transit. The committee passed AB 394 to Judiciary as amended.
AB 1094, by Assembly Member Baines, would raise the minimum parole eligibility term for child torture convictions involving a child under 14 in the perpetrator’s care or custody from seven years to 20 years. Prosecutors, sheriffs, and police groups supported the bill, citing the severity of the abuse and the need to protect child victims; opponents argued the parole system already screens for risk and that harsher sentences do not improve public safety. The committee approved the bill as amended to Appropriations. AB 1092, by Assembly Member Castillo, would extend concealed carry weapon license renewals from two years to four years; supporters said it would reduce costs and administrative burdens, while the chair and others opposed it as unnecessary. The committee ultimately voted the bill down. AB 1036, by Assembly Member Schultz, would expand post-conviction discovery access for people convicted of felonies with sentences of one year or more, including Brady materials and jury selection notes. Innocence organizations and defense groups supported it, while district attorneys opposed the broader discovery obligations; the committee passed it to Appropriations as amended.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, the author has the A1. Questions to the A1? Seeing none, all in favor? Aye. Opposed?
- However, states do not have the authority to go to daylight saving time permanently.
- Um so, this bill authorizes permanent standard time until Congress gives us authority to adopt permanent
- <00:01:46.440>
states effect once Congress authorizes states effect once Congress authorizes - Um, so, if the chair would if the author would like, we can send it on to somewhere else.
Summary:
House File 1944, authored by Representative Freiberg, was heard and then laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would move Minnesota to permanent standard time until Congress authorizes states to adopt permanent daylight saving time, at which point the state would make a one-time switch. An A1 amendment updating the years was adopted without opposition. Freiberg said his broader goal is to eliminate the clock change, and he noted the proposal has bipartisan support.
Testimony was strongly in favor of the bill. Dr. Roxanne Pritchard, a University of St. Thomas psychology professor and neuroscientist, said permanent standard time better aligns with human biology, supports sleep and mental health, and could reduce insomnia, heart attacks, and car accidents associated with the spring time change. J.P., president of Save Standard Time and a co-chair of the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time, argued that daylight saving time causes chronic sleep deprivation, increases accidents and illness, and does not actually save energy or improve productivity. He said standard time provides a more balanced and honest clock, especially for children, commuters, outdoor workers, and service personnel.
Members asked a few brief questions, including whether the bill would be laid over for inclusion in another bill and whether it would align Minnesota with other places to avoid travel oddities. The chair confirmed it would be laid over, and no votes were taken beyond approval of the A1 amendment. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Transportation Bill - 06/06/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:32.240>
for fund and that's spending authority for fund and that's spending authority - Section 57 authorizes flexible instruction for purposes of driver's education, authorizing a student
- Section 57 authorizes standards.
- Section 97 relates to a authority.
- existing authority to meet their needs. existing authority to meet their needs.