Transcript Highlights:

• Public utilities, municipal utilities, and cooperative electric associations have exclusive rights to
• A public utility commission or city or cooperative electric association has no authority over an RV park
• A public utility commission or city or cooperative electric association has no authority over an RV park
• A public utility commission or city or cooperative electric association has no authority over an RV park
• commerce over the regulate interstate commerce over the internet. internet. internet.

Bills: HF1606, HF3733, HF743, HF2627, HF4071

Keywords: nudification technology, image rights, privacy protection, sexual exploitation, cybersecurity, recreational camping, utility fees, electricity charges, consumer protection, energy policy, health insurance, insulin, step therapy, diabetes, patient care, prescription drugs, pet shops, animal welfare, dog sales, cat sales

Transcript Highlights:

• Has brought forward an initiative to the Western Interstate Energy Board. And this is going to.
• We're in year four of the cooperative agreement between DOE and MNERD. $1.5 million was requested for
• Four funded state agencies, we're closing, okay, four-year, a five-year cooperative agreement.
• Is this the cooperative agreement that funds emergency training in New Mexico? Mr.
• And get that approved and signed before the end of this five-year cooperative agreement.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 628 is an athletic trainer interstate compact bill.
• <00:39:28.800> Athletic<00:39:29.359> trainers interstate compact.
• Athletic trainers interstate compact.
• They're on the second floor of their Cooperative Extension building at 400 East Main Street.
• <02:50:33.279> Dental act relating to the Interstate Dental act relating to the Interstate

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The clerk reported Senate Bills 156, 173, and 193 had passed the Senate and requested concurrence. Committee reports were then read, advancing a number of bills on banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing/occupations, and primary/secondary education, including measures on insurance, fraudulent practices, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, legal representation, costs and fees, barbering, fire protection, licensing background checks, dentistry, school reporting, teacher certification, and educator placement. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The chamber then took up House Bill 307, the “My Kentucky Future Act,” on proactive post-secondary admission. Sponsors explained that the bill would send opt-in letters from public universities to eligible high school juniors, include a common application for the state’s public institutions, and share data with KY Stats to track outcomes. Members asked about scholarships, the target student group, and privacy; the sponsor clarified that participation is voluntary, the letters do not guarantee admission, and the program is meant to streamline college access. House Committee Substitute 2 and House Floor Amendment 2 were adopted, and HB 307 passed 97-0. House Bill 418 on domestic violence was then considered. The sponsor said the bill prioritizes the non-offending parent, requires abusive parents to address violent behavior before unsupervised visitation, and gives courts more tools to consider false abuse allegations and victim advocates’ testimony. House Committee Substitute 1 was adopted, and after brief discussion the bill passed 96-1. House Bill 593 on data centers followed; its sponsor said the measure is intended to support data center development while protecting ratepayers from subsidizing infrastructure risk, requiring companies to bring their own generation, buy power on the open market, or prepay certain costs. After adopting House Committee Substitute 1, the bill passed 90-8. The House also passed House Bill 5 on prison educational programs, with a committee substitute and a floor amendment adding data collection on post-release employment; it passed 99-0. Finally, House Bill 584 on licenses for prescribing or dispensing controlled substances was debated. The sponsor said the bill removes a permanent ban so a physician who has regained licensure may apply for DEA registration, while opponents raised concerns about repeated misconduct and the ability to practice without DEA authority. The transcript cuts off before final disposition on HB 584.

Transcript Highlights:

• So all this interstate travel, tourism, people coming through would probably be less affected by this
• , lost revenue when they do toll by plate, because for those of you who don't know, there is no interstate
• commerce, interstate agreement, interstate cooperation agreement for us to enforce tolls when they do

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Infrastructure Committee first returned to engrossed House Bill 4419, which would require the West Virginia Parkways Authority to hold public hearings and give notice before increasing tolls, rents, fees, or charges, and would allow legislative auditing of related revenues and sinking funds. The committee debated two amendments related to E-ZPass transponders: one from the Senator from Jefferson to clarify that the Parkway Authority would not be required to read every plate failed on a 4-4 tie, and one from the Senator from Wetzel to codify a restriction on transferring single-fee transponders between vehicles was rejected after discussion with counsel and the Parkways Authority about current policy, convenience for users, and possible effects on the bill. The committee then approved a motion to send HB 4419 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to Finance, and a separate motion to send it to Finance passed. The committee also considered engrossed House Bill 4563, on which Senator Randolph moved for a second reference to Finance because of fiscal concerns. After discussion of the newly filed fiscal note and the bill’s potential revenue impact, that motion failed by a 4-5 division vote. The committee then voted to report HB 4563 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 4538, which increases fines and penalties for failing to obey traffic control instructions or speeding in construction and work zones, and also references penalties tied to distracted driving provisions. Counsel noted the bill’s possible overlap with existing vehicular homicide penalties and that it had no fiscal note. Jason Pizzitella of the Contractors Association testified in support, emphasizing work-zone safety and recent fatalities, while senators from Fayette, Randolph, and Jefferson also supported the bill and discussed the need to protect workers and drivers. The committee adopted a motion to report HB 4538 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so all this interstate travel, tourism, people coming through would probably be less affected by
• , lost revenue when they do toll-by-plate, because for those of you who don't know, there is no interstate
• commerce, interstate agreement, interstate cooperation agreement, for us to enforce tolls when they

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Interstate Stream Commission with Jonathan Martinez and Manuel Luna from the Office of the State
• Chief with the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission.
• Stream Commission to facilitate these interstate transfers.
• Our Interstate Stream Commission and New Mexico Department of Justice have been amazing.
• Why do we think that they will cooperate?

Transcript Highlights:

• in that report I want to highlight that Hawaii is not, or excuse me, it's important to maintain interstate
• 41.240> important<00:25:41.679> to<00:25:41.760> maintain<00:25:42.360> interstate
• it's important to maintain interstate it's important to maintain interstate reciprocity<00:25:43.840
• ,<01:27:51.640> Kona<01:27:51.880> Coffee<01:27:52.360> Farmers Cooperative, Kona
• Coffee Farmers Cooperative, Kona Coffee Farmers Association,<01:27:53.680> Rusty's<01:27:54.080

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Labor met on February 19, 2026, and heard a series of bills largely focused on public employment, staffing, and professional licensing. Early measures included HB 2276 and HB 2472, both relating to Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund staff salaries, which were supported by trust fund representatives and received no opposition or questions. The committee also heard HB 1714 HD1 on housing, where the Hawaii Public Housing Authority testified with comments and the Deputy Attorney General raised concerns about the scope of autonomy, civil service, collective bargaining, and a possible separation-of-powers issue involving legislative approval of long-term contracts. The committee then considered several personnel and civil service bills. HB 2325 HD1, relating to civil service exempt positions at DLNR, drew support from DLNR and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, but HGEA opposed it and urged the department to seek other recruitment and retention solutions while keeping employees in civil service. HB 1541, relating to Department of Health positions, was supported by DOH on the grounds that the positions serve vulnerable populations and require specialized expertise, while HGEA opposed. HB 2140 HD1, relating to essential permanent positions, received support from OPSD, HGEA, and the Chamber of Commerce, with written comments from the city Department of Budget and Fiscal Services. HB 2315 HD1, relating to state employment benefits, was strongly supported by DOH, UPW, and HGEA as a recruitment and retention incentive; members questioned the pilot program, and DOH explained it would allow employees to cash out vacation leave earlier than current policy allows. The committee also heard HB 2295 on government contracting, with DOE support not present and IBEW 1186 in opposition. HB 1720, relating to professional engineers, drew strong support from the City and County of Honolulu’s planning department, which argued the bill would help with affordable housing review and only affect eligibility to sit for the licensure exam, but strong opposition from engineering industry and licensing board representatives, who warned it would lower licensing standards and harm reciprocity; members questioned both sides about plan review experience and licensure requirements. HB 2367, relating to employment earnings and pay transparency, received strong support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, AAUW, the Commission on the Status of Women, and others, who said transparency helps small businesses and retention, while written opposition came from the Maui Chamber of Commerce and NFIB. Finally, HB 1935, relating to personal information, drew comments from the Attorney General and the Campaign Spending Commission about implementation burdens and disclosure requirements, with UPW supporting the home-address redaction portion but opposing the broader disclosure process; additional written testimony was noted from OIP, the League of Women Voters, Public Press Law Center, HGEA, and DCCA.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not familiar with the Cooperative School process.
• and not necessarily in The Cooperative and not necessarily in The Cooperative statute<04:01:13.760
• <04:06:50.399> School law rather than a Cooperative School law rather than a Cooperative School
• necessarily specific to Cooperative necessarily specific to Cooperative school<04:07:15.640>
• <04:12:15.399> school budget for the Cooperative school budget for the Cooperative school

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 662, which would require public schools to include discussion of abortion procedures and show specified videos in health education classes. The prime sponsor argued the bill would ensure students receive medically accurate, age-appropriate, and nonpolitical information about abortion, saying the topic is important for informed decision-making and should be taught consistently statewide. He said the videos were intended for grades 9-12, that parents could opt out, and that the requirement was meant to supplement, not sway, students’ views. He also acknowledged the bill could be seen as limiting local control over curriculum and said the intent was to prevent the topic from being missed due to scheduling disruptions. Committee members questioned the sponsor about local control, the need for a video mandate, the source of his statistics, whether the bill could be biased or inflammatory, and whether the requirement should apply every year in high school. The sponsor said the videos were only a starting point, could be replaced by others, and were meant to be informational. He also said the bill was not intended to influence students’ decisions about abortion. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives of New Hampshire Right to Life and others who said students should be told the “truth” about abortion and its consequences. They emphasized graphic or emotionally difficult aspects of abortion and argued that young people need this information to make informed choices. Opponents and skeptical witnesses raised concerns about prescribing curriculum, eroding local control, and the appropriateness of the material for younger high school students. The New Hampshire School Administrators Association said the bill was overly prescriptive, that health education standards are already set by the State Board of Education, and that the topics in the bill are not part of the current standards. That witness recommended the committee consider retaining the bill for further work or making it less prescriptive. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, as the Bureau of the Interstate Stream Commission evaluates the projects.
• The funds will go to the Interstate Stream Commission.
• And the Interstate Stream Commission, the Secure Bureau has managed these funds.
• We have the Interstate Stream Commission. We have a lot of different moving parts here now.
• Since then, the Interstate Stream Commission has managed to approve more projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• H. 757, an act relating to manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives.
• homes and limited equity cooperatives. homes and limited equity cooperatives.
• I believe that's an interstate district, and we can't dictate how much money goes to New Hampshire for
• So it's an interstate district and our finance laws don't apply.
• Because it's interstate? I would love to learn more about that.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• BNSF Railway, a major interstate commerce route, is inundated.
• It goes to the interstate commerce that it's significant.
• A lot of interstate commerce. I appreciate those. I am the one that is not a dollar figure.
• A lot of interstate commerce. I appreciate those. I am the one that is not a dollar figure.
• The refuge has been very cooperative in the conversations.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our cooperation with IC, we've got all troopers, all commission members of the Highway patrol are
• but it's on interstate or state right of way property.
• Yes, so now you just want an interstate number for state highways. Yeah, I can't.
• OK, so I've got 9 that are on motorcycles and they work the interstate and the turnpikes.
• They're on the interstates. They don't necessarily work crashes as their full-time duty.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've always had a very trusting and cooperative relationship with the organization, which is kind of
• I've always had a very trusting and cooperative relationship with the organization, which is kind of
• <01:23:23.280> relationship trusting and cooperative relationship trusting and cooperative
• coast, the elimination of an interstate coast, the elimination of an interstate market<01:27:14.560
• So it is quite devastating to see an interstate market just completely collapse like this, especially

Bills: HF3642, HF2700, HF3615

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, prohibition, customer payouts, cryptocurrency regulation, consumer privacy, data privacy, health data, sensitive data, Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, personal data, data broker, targeted advertising, geofencing, location tracking, health care privacy, patient privacy, consent, minor privacy, children's privacy

Summary: The Commerce Finance and Policy Committee met on House File 3642, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. The bill was laid over, and the committee adopted a DE1 author’s amendment. Chair Kaggel and Representative Perryman described the measure as a response to widespread scams using crypto kiosks, especially against older adults and other vulnerable people, and said they would continue working with the Department of Commerce and other stakeholders. Testimony from law enforcement and advocates strongly supported the ban. A St. Cloud police sergeant and a Woodbury detective described cases in which victims lost large sums, said the current safeguards and refund rules are being bypassed, and argued that the kiosks are difficult to investigate because funds move quickly and often overseas. An AARP Minnesota volunteer also supported the bill, saying kiosks are a preferred tool for scammers and that existing protections have not kept pace with the problem. The Department of Commerce said it strongly supports the bill and reported that it has received 120 complaints over three years involving nearly $1 million in reported losses, with 2025 the worst year so far. The main opposition came from CoinFlip’s general counsel, who argued that the problem is fraud generally, not kiosks themselves, and said Minnesota already has consumer protections, including refunds for eligible victims. He urged stronger regulation rather than a ban, citing blockchain analytics, hold periods, and 24-hour customer service as alternatives. Committee members then asked questions about how long kiosks have operated in Minnesota, how many there are, who owns them, and the scale of losses; Commerce said there are hundreds statewide, operated by a variety of companies, and that reported losses are likely undercounts.

Transcript Highlights:

• delighted to welcome guests of Representative Gomez and Representative Sabadosa, the Hilltown Charter Cooperative
• Please welcome the Hilltown Charter Cooperative Public School in East Hampton.
• Hilltown Charter Cooperative Public School in East Hampton.
• Please welcome the Hilltown Charter Cooperative Public School in East Hampton. Thank you.
• This includes $2.3 billion for projects on interstates and other federally aided highways, $800 million

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House received a Governor’s message on fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee on Rules reported several resolutions, including honors for Abby Goodman, a resolution reaffirming Massachusetts-Taiwan friendship, recognition of the Cambodian-American community’s Khmer New Year celebration, and Elks National Youth Week; the House suspended the rules and approved them. The House also concurred with Senate petitions on assisted living residences and medication administration in rest homes, sending them to the Committee on Aging and Independence. The main legislative business was House Bill 5279/5375, the transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. Ways and Means recommended a substitute bill, House 5375, with a $2.737 billion general obligation bond authorization, and the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading. Later, the House took up House 5375 directly, heard support from members emphasizing Chapter 90 road funding, municipal flexibility, rural road mileage distribution, and broader transportation investments, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by roll call vote, 155-0. The House also passed House Bill 5371, authorizing grants of easements or takings of certain parcels of land to the city of Boston, to be engrossed. In addition, the chamber received and filed the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s report on the March 31, 2026 special election for the 5th Essex District, adopted an order to escort the Governor and Executive Council into the chamber, and administered the oaths of office to Representative-elect Andrew Tarr. The session ended with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota has joined interstate licensure compacts for some of these health occupations, and those have
• Minnesota has joined interstate licensure compacts for some of these health occupations, and those have
• Minnesota has joined interstate licensure compacts for some of these health occupations, and those have
• It surveys nursing homes under a cooperative agreement with the federal government to ensure they meet
• agreement with um the Cooperative agreement with um the federal<00:39:56.200> government<00:39

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The meeting was an informational walkthrough for the Health Finance and Policy Working Group, focused on committee structure, budget basics, and major health-related accounts and programs. Staff explained the roles of House Research and House Fiscal, then reviewed key funds used by the committee, including the general fund, government special revenue fund, federal funds, the health care access fund, remediation account, and drinking water revolving fund. They also outlined the committee’s main budget areas, noting that medical assistance is the largest general fund item and that the Department of Health is a substantial agency funded by a mix of federal, general fund, and special revenue dollars. A major portion of the presentation covered subsidized health coverage programs. Staff described Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) as an entitlement for eligible Minnesotans, with no premiums or cost sharing, and explained its managed care and fee-for-service delivery systems. MinnesotaCare was presented as a separate federal-state basic health program for people who are not eligible for MA, with income limits, premiums for adults age 21 and older, and cost-sharing requirements; staff noted that federal premium tax credit changes affect MinnesotaCare premium ranges. The presentation also summarized MNsure’s role in the individual market and in determining eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, MinnesotaCare, and MA. The committee also received an overview of health-related licensing boards and occupational regulation. Staff said Minnesota has 16 health-related licensing boards, funded mainly through the state government special revenue fund and subject to legislative appropriation, and explained that health occupations may be regulated by the Department of Health, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or the boards under chapter 214. Interstate licensure compacts were briefly noted as a way to ease practice across states. No bills were debated and no votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last slide is interstate compact. I'll quickly cover.
• Interstate Compact is an agreement among states.
• We're in agreement with the Interstate Commission. for Adult Offender Supervision which sets standards
• So the Pearl Board has board-voted programs that we- cooperatively discuss and agree to with the Texas
• It's a cooperation, but we feel like it's coming from good decisions. and good programs and good re-entry

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I thank the chair and Senate staff for their cooperation and accepted committee amendments.
• and interstate supply chain, including goods and trade. ...cargo theft moving through the interstate
• and interstate supply chain, including goods in transit, warehouses, distribution centers, and other
• Again, from Long Beach, Los Angeles, through the century... cargo theft moving through the interstate
• John Seido, on behalf of Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper, in support.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• BNSF Railway, a major interstate commerce, is inundated.
• Give you an idea of the interstate grade raises.
• I've got two interstate commerce corridors here. To me, this is more than rural flood control.
• A lot of interstate commerce. I appreciate those. I am the one that is not a dollar figure.
• The refuge has been very cooperative in the conversations.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you try to route us off of the interstate, around the state highway, numerous miles, we're probably
• We have a hub in each location, fairly adjacent to the interstate, where we drive from one hub to the
• They're broken down by our program, county cooperative; we'll use acronyms.
• So there's actually no interstates in District 2.
• One of the major challenges for District 2 is, although we don't have interstates, we do have the most

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, they, a lot of times they cooperate with our troopers and they're open and honest in what they're
• That's, uh, we've gotten them off route on the interstate going from Brownsville all the way to far,
• Began to notice that our enforcement patterns changed and, and we're getting cooperation from the ports
• And, and the reason being is because that is standard in our interstates to move at 80,000 pounds and