Transcript Highlights:

• And I want to be able to continue that work.
• I'd like to be able to continue that kind of work.
• And it seems to be working reasonably well.
• So we need to track that.
• So we absolutely work very closely with OLES.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will continue to be worked on. This bill will continue to be worked on.
• So if you could just one location.
• So, thank you, Representative West, for your hard work on this bill. Um, definitely need some work.
• So, thank you, Representative West, for your hard work on this bill. Um, definitely need some work.
• enthusiastic about working on this bill. enthusiastic about working on this bill.

Bills: HF1545, HF2426, HF1615, HF2403

Keywords: medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Kelly Curry, and I am here on behalf of an organization called State Armor that works with
• This bill would continue Florida's excellent work in terms of doing this.
• So we have been working with states across the country to develop foreign agent registration acts that
• I've worked on this issue for the last five years, starting with the foreign influence in our higher
• I've worked on this issue for the last five years, starting with the foreign influence in our higher

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1178, the Foreign Interference Restriction and Enforcement Act. Senator Grohl explained that the bill expands state restrictions and disclosure requirements related to foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations, including foreign-agent registration, gift bans for public officials, ethics training, procurement limits for IT and critical infrastructure, restrictions on sister-city/sister-state affiliations, changes to linkage institutes and in-state tuition provisions, and new criminal penalties for certain offenses committed to benefit foreign governments or terrorist organizations. Senator Polsky raised questions about higher education, election technology, federal FARA overlap, and whether the bill would affect candidates or events involving CARE; the sponsor responded that the bill focuses on foreign countries of concern, ownership/control, and gifts, and does not prohibit speaking at events. An amendment clarifying definitions, willful violations, and ethics-training content was adopted, and after supportive testimony from Kelly Curry and Robert Pierce, the committee reported CS for SB 1178 favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1622, which provides a one-time waiver of the automatic fine for a late-filed financial disclosure if the filing is made before the maximum fine accrues and the filer has not previously received such a waiver or accrued the maximum fine in prior years. Carrie Stillman of the Commission on Ethics testified that the bill supports transparency and makes the fine and appeals process more efficient, noting it was a commission recommendation. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee held confirmation hearings on appointments in Tabs 3 through 26. No senator requested separate votes on any appointee, no public testimony was offered, and the block of appointments was approved and recommended favorably to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've worked with LDH. We've worked with several stakeholders to try to adjust concerns about...
• We've worked with LDH.
• If you're willing to work, I'm willing to work. Yes. We'll fix it.
• We love it when our authors go and work and do what they say. So that's great. Good work.
• We’re working. We’re hard working. A lot of waiting, right?

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How does that work?
• I hope she's home resting, but you probably were at work. Yeah, you were at work.
• We're all working.
• That's how it would work.
• That's how it would work.

Bills: LB815A, LB838A, LB912A, LB972A, LB1126A, LB962A, LB1114, LB921, LB937, LB803, LB803A, LB1032, LB1032A, LB1075, LB1075A, LB889, LB878, LB933, LB304, LB304A, LB1096, LB1096A, LB1165, LB1165A, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787

Keywords: LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill, Nebraska Department of Revenue, Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement and Collection Cash Fund, motor fuel tax, gas tax, fuel tax, tax enforcement, tax collection, cash fund, budget, state spending, per diem, salaries, fiscal year, enrollment and review, final reading, Nebraska

Transcript Highlights:

• We've also developed a data sharing work group, and the goal is that work group will work itself out
• We've also developed a data sharing work group, and the goal is that work group will work itself out
• We've also developed a data sharing work group, and the goal is that work group will work itself out
• We've also developed a data sharing work group, and the goal is that work group will work itself out
• We've also developed a data sharing work group, and the goal is that work group will work itself out

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just going to try to locate him.
• other states in order to bring uh work other states in order to bring uh work here<00:26:46.320>
• She worked with me daily.
• <01:48:22.239> Statewide locations Statewide locations Statewide we<01:48:23.400> want<
• What works best is actually the industry itself working to help develop the workers that are needed.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• work.
• not working in New Mexico.
• how to work on cats.
• They work too hard and they want relief from having to work that hard. Thank you, Mr.
• That ain't going to work. No, sir, you know the way I see this working.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the money doesn't work. So the money doesn't work, and the energy economics yet doesn't work.
• Okay, we can work on... oh, thank you. Working on another chair. Good morning.
• I think we're working together.
• We don't own a tractor; we use four work horses to do all the work on the farm.
• We've also worked very closely with the Massachusetts Water Works Association, who I believe will be

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of climate, energy, and environmental justice proposals. Early testimony strongly supported the Climate Change Superfund or “Polluter Pays” bill (H.1014/S.58), which would assess the largest fossil fuel emitters for a one-time fee based on historic emissions to fund climate adaptation. Sponsors argued the bill is modeled on Superfund cleanup principles, would target only the largest multinational polluters, would not be passed on to consumers, and would direct a significant share of funds to environmental justice communities. Committee members asked about the number of companies covered, consumer impacts, and whether the bill would address other forms of environmental destruction; sponsors said it was limited to major fossil fuel companies with a Massachusetts footprint and did not cover other pollution sources. The committee also heard testimony on a fusion energy compact proposal (S.673) that would direct the administration to develop a framework for a New England regional compact to accelerate fusion research, workforce development, and supply-chain growth. Supporters from MIT and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities said fusion could become a major clean-energy and economic opportunity, but acknowledged the technology is not yet commercially viable and still has unresolved technical, cost, and waste-management questions. Members pressed on environmental impacts, siting, waste, costs, and whether the bill would create a compact or only a framework; sponsors said it would only create the framework and that the administration would need to negotiate with other states. Another major topic was a pilot program for nature-based climate solutions (H.971/S.??), backed by legislators, Boston Harbor Now, and UMass Boston’s Stone Living Lab. Witnesses said the bill would help speed permits for research and demonstration projects such as living shorelines, marsh restoration, and hybrid “green-to-gray” flood protections, while maintaining safeguards and protecting Indigenous and historic resources. Committee members asked how the proposal would interact with other permitting reforms and whether it could conflict with housing or wetland-related streamlining; supporters said it was complementary and aimed at making projects faster, more affordable, and more data-driven. The hearing also covered climate-safe buildings and climate adaptation funding bills. Supporters of H.1004/S.583 said current building codes do not adequately account for future flooding, heat, and wind, and the bill would add climate expertise to the building board, allow stretch resilience codes, expand floodplain standards, and create a retrofit program. Related testimony backed H.938/S.572, which would create a dedicated climate and community resilience fund financed by a small fee on property insurance premiums; advocates said it would provide stable long-term revenue for adaptation, especially in environmental justice communities, and help replace unreliable federal funding. One witness from CLF supported the climate-safe buildings and funding bills but opposed S.560/H.939 as too broad. The committee also heard testimony on airport air-quality legislation (H.997) calling for more monitoring and mitigation of ultra-fine particulate pollution around Logan Airport and Massport communities. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do a lot to bring employers in and show the work that we can do and show the quality of work for the
• But we can't staff in West Texas where a lot of those locations are, so we're actually having to work
• The negative with a lot of those beds are where they're located. OK.
• Uh, we do work closely with Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
• working on it.

Transcript Highlights:

• We may consider state employees' work to be free, but state employees don't do this work.
• We may consider state employees' work to be free, but state employees don't do this work.
• we do to oversee that work.
• <01:32:00.280> we<01:32:00.440> do<01:32:00.800> with locations um the work that
• we do with locations um the work that we do with local<01:32:01.360> governments<01:32:01.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I learned what works, and I learned what does not.
• with many agencies with work that they do all around the world.
• And he and I have done a lot of work on the labs and the research work. that they do, Oak Ridge in my
• And that we ought to protect these sensitive locations.
• And we have some legislation we work with Congress.

Keywords: Customs and Border Protection, Rodney Scott, border security, asylum, transparency, Hernandez Rojas, migrant treatment, public testimony

Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of Rodney Scott to serve as the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Throughout the session, various senators expressed concerns regarding CBP's recent practices, including issues related to border security and the treatment of migrants. Questions were raised about Scott's involvement in previous incidents, particularly surrounding the controversial death of Mr. Hernandez Rojas while in custody, which sparked a heated discussion about accountability and transparency in current border policies. Senators emphasized the importance of balancing efficient border security with humane treatment of individuals seeking asylum.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the last 15 years working in APS and working around the state with this committee, how schools organize
• Chair, of what I say because my wife works at LESC.
• So how does this formula work in that regard? In regard to that, Mr.
• And I know from 32 years of working in public schools the hard work that's been put out in New Mexico
• And when you try to work with us as a legislature, we move slow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, if it Doesn't work, we'll accommodate and continue to move as it best works for all of us.
• If you have anything that you want to let us know about how it works or how it's not working, feel free
• We'll continue to work through all of this.
• Is it still working with the system?
• professors or tenure-track positions are...

Transcript Highlights:

• Our association helps our members develop people, win work, and deliver that work ethically, safely,
• <01:38:01.520> with<01:38:01.679> some work in this space working with some work in
• I kind of go back to working with some of the different entities that work in this space.
• I kind of go back to working with some of the different entities that work in this space.
• Happy to work with you on that.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and what wouldn't work.
• We're working on language.
• You’re doing all the work, so just share your results with the solid waste working group.
• About $11.5 million goes directly to actual remediation work, groundwater monitoring work, or work to
• It's a lot of hard work, and nobody likes your work when you're done.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee met in work session on several bills, beginning with HB 153, which would require two or more law enforcement officers in each county to receive animal cruelty training. Members said the bill had been sent to the Animal Protection and Licensing Subcommittee, where Representative Kuttab is expected to schedule a meeting soon to consider possible amendments based on testimony and other ideas. The committee later returned to HB 153 and confirmed a work session was planned for February 14, with discussion also including whether to explore a task force concept raised in testimony. The committee also discussed HB 215 and HB 566, both related to landfill permitting and leachate or harm/benefit reporting. Representative Gerana said he had met with the DES director and was working on amendments that would add a preliminary screening phase for determining net public benefit and expand the list of benefits beyond capacity need to include items such as economic and infrastructure benefits. HB 566 was said to be in the same posture as HB 215, and both were slated for subcommittee review the following Tuesday morning. HB 171 was also added for subcommittee discussion, with members saying the changes would be technical rather than substantive. HB 240, which removes forfeiture penalties for non-payment of dog licenses, drew support for a simple amendment changing a statutory “shall” to “may” so municipal officials would have discretion about issuing a warrant. Representative Bixby said OLS advised that this was the cleanest way to provide flexibility, and he reported that the sponsor was agreeable to the change. The committee also discussed HB 179, concerning hazardous waste accident fees, where the sponsor proposed a revised amendment imposing a $1,000-per-day penalty after 90 days of non-payment. Members raised concerns about homeowners, hobby farmers, and whether the bill could unfairly burden people who were not negligent or whose insurance claims were delayed. The sponsor and others said the intent was to recover costs from responsible parties, especially businesses, and to protect local taxpayers and fire departments from bearing the cost of damaged hazardous materials equipment. No votes were taken; the bills were left for further subcommittee work and amendment drafting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But that's only one part of our work.
• We also operate a statewide our work.
• We work as detailed in that report.
• And so both are critical to our work. And so both are critical to our work.
• We work closely with the Minnesota Council on Disability in this work.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 28 locations. Since 2011, we have 28 locations.
• Just work with the T-Cup program. Well, it doesn't seem to be working very well. It doesn't work.
• Just work with me.
• Just work with me.
• I work at Forever Faded, and we have four locations, as Israel stated.

Bills: SB 3, HB28, SB3

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, hemp regulation, consumable products

Transcript Highlights:

• Um worked with the uh board of time.
• Minnesota appreciate the work on that.
• um, that's one thing we're also working um, that's one thing we're also working on<00:16:03.279>
• <00:38:00.400> with promoter and trying to work with promoter and trying to work with agriculture
• <00:38:02.000> to agriculture you know we're working to agriculture you know we're working

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture presented an overview of its budget, staffing, and major program areas, including protection services, marketing, and administration. Commissioners also highlighted concerns about federal funding uncertainty after a January letter suspending active and future USDA awards to the department. They said the issue affected about 13% of the agency’s budget, created confusion for farmers, and briefly disrupted poultry lab testing and HPAI-related work, though they later received assurances from USDA leadership that existing programs would continue processing. The department also described its anti-fraud efforts, including internal controls, a compliance coordinator, a grants administrator, review committees, site visits, and participation in the state’s Inspector General Coordinating Council. The committee then discussed several agriculture support programs. For dairy margin coverage, the department said Minnesota’s sign-up is open and supported a bill to extend assistance to farmers who began operations in 2023-2025 and were not covered under the earlier production-based formula. The renamed Farm to Food Security program, formerly LFPA, was described as a state-created local food purchasing effort funded at $700,000 per year. The down payment assistance grant for first-time farm buyers was also reviewed; the department said it has supported 112 farmers so far, with additional awards pending, but noted timing problems when purchase agreements fall through. Members asked whether priority should be given to applicants with signed purchase agreements, and the department said that was under consideration. The grain indemnity account update focused on the Hansen-Mueller facility failure and related claims. The department said the account holds about $10.7 million, has received 19 claims totaling $1.1 million, and that $842,000 of those claims were tied specifically to Minnesota transactions. It explained the difference by noting that some claims involved Minnesota farmers selling in North Dakota and Wisconsin, and that the indemnity account covers grains sold in Minnesota. The committee also heard updates on elk and wolf depredation payments, with the department projecting shortfalls in both funds and noting that payments are being delayed into later months. The agriculture response fund balance was said to be about $2.5 million. Finally, the Rural Finance Authority and the East Grand Forks potato facility were discussed. The RFA reported strong demand for low-interest loans, about $26 million remaining from the prior $50 million authorization, and a new $50 million bonding request in the governor’s proposal to avoid a funding gap. The department said the program has issued 3,951 loans totaling about $390.3 million with very low defaults. It also requested $1.38 million in bonding for building improvements at the East Grand Forks potato facility, which it said is the department’s only owned building and supports a significant potato industry. In response to a question from Rep. Bang, the commissioner said recent ICE activity had affected farms, processing plants, immigrant workers, and some rural food businesses, and that the department had relayed those concerns to the governor’s office and congressional delegation.

Transcript Highlights:

• For over 28 years, our office, which is located in Redondo Beach, has been working with disadvantaged
• We need this conservation program to work and make it work.
• These programs work.
• After 10 years of this work, I have built up my clients and work in Pasadena.
• Generally, the legislation of work has not applied to private utility scope of work.

Summary: The committee heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 2026 on groundwater recharge. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting for recharge projects, codify long-standing CEQA exemptions for flood diversions to recharge, and add tribal consultation and other guardrails. Water agencies and local districts supported the measure as a way to capture high-flow water and reduce groundwater subsidence, while environmental groups and some irrigation districts opposed it, warning that the bill’s exemptions and broader diversion authority could harm rivers, Delta resources, and public trust values. The bill was discussed but not voted on because the committee lacked a quorum at that point. The committee then took up AB 1577 on data center energy accountability, which would require monthly reporting of energy-use data and permit-related estimates of energy and water demand. The author and the Little Hoover Commission argued the bill would improve transparency, help protect ratepayers, and give regulators better information for grid planning. Data center industry representatives opposed it as duplicative, burdensome, and uniquely targeted, while local governments, environmental groups, and some utilities supported it or supported it if amended. The bill was later reported out with a due pass recommendation once a quorum was established. Members also heard AB 2245 on a producer responsibility program for lubricant products and containers, AB 2170 on CEQA language-access and environmental review protections for overburdened communities, AB 2059 on rural transportation and VMT mitigation, AB 1808 on Western Joshua tree permitting and fee relief, AB 2182 on industrial energy efficiency program changes, and AB 2231 on streamlining two hospital projects. Testimony was mixed on most of these bills: supporters emphasized affordability, local control, environmental justice, or project urgency, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA scope, regulatory duplication, costs, and environmental impacts. Several measures received due pass recommendations and roll-call votes, including AB 2170, AB 2059, AB 1808, AB 2182, and AB 2231, with some members voting no or not voting and some bills left open for absent members.