Transcript Highlights:

• Most other states of our Medicaid budget size have two, sometimes three times as many staff.
• <00:03:00.640> with<00:03:00.800> other fraud prison time in line with other fraud
• prison time in line with other state<00:03:01.440> theft<00:03:01.800> laws<00:03:02.600
• , sometimes three times as many have two, sometimes three times as many staff.<00:03:31.440> So,
• with expectations for our size in line with expectations for our Medicaid<00:03:43.480> budget.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 2354, a bill by Representative Norris to strengthen Minnesota’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and combat medical assistance fraud. Norris explained that the bill, previously part of a broader Human Services program integrity package, was being converted into a standalone measure through the A9 amendment. The amendment made conforming changes and shifted the appropriation to ongoing funding from a special revenue fund, which Norris said was important to secure a three-to-one federal match for additional staff. As amended, the bill would increase investigative and prosecutorial capacity, create new penalties for Medicaid fraud over $100,000 and over $1 million, align prison time with other theft laws, extend the statute of limitations, and include medical assistance fraud under the state racketeering law. Norris and supportive members emphasized that Minnesota’s fraud unit is smaller than comparable states and that the added funding would help hire more staff. Members Pinto and Cleborne, along with Representative Koznick, offered supportive comments about the importance of the bill and broader legislative efforts to address fraud. The A9 amendment was adopted by voice vote, and after discussion the committee voted to refer House File 2354, as amended, to the General Register. The motion passed by voice vote, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:16.319> different supplemented it with uh two different supplemented it with uh two
• So, we will two-year time frame.
• And based on those the two details.
• Um, but the blue line is harvest by vertical bow and the green line is harvest by crossbow.
• So, uh we still have two about one hour. So, uh we still have two more<00:32:03.279> agenda.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rule ten deals with if there are two nominees remaining after two rounds of voting.
• nominees require the support of two nominees require the support of two senators<00:02:05.399>
• <00:03:27.680> nominees Committee can call those two nominees Committee can call those two
• 10 um deals with if there are two 10 um deals with if there are two nominees<00:03:36.879> remaining
• of nominees remaining after two rounds of nominees remaining after two rounds of voting<00:03:39.480

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Two to three.
• Two of them are built, and two of them are under construction right now.
• If in each of our regions we had one or two engines, one or two brush trucks, and one or two ambulances
• They share a building together, but two different coordinators and two different plans.
• We have two panels left.

Keywords: flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also are adding cyber finish line.
• c> single<00:03:57.480> appropriation single line, every single appropriation single line,
• c> proactive The last two ambitious, proactive The last two ambitious, proactive immigration<00:20
• The most recent data shows that line."
• I come from a long line of poverty.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• underststaffed um, in the salary line underststaffed um, in the salary line item.<00:13:16.480><
• Those two items were not part of that $50,000.
• Those two items were not part of that $50,000.
• supervisor to now one supervisor to two supervisor to now one supervisor to two apprentices.<00:
• in increase to the contractual line in increase to the contractual line budget.<00:30:58.640>

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 5 February, 2026; 8:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Board of Registration for Foresters, which said it is self-funded through applications and renewals and receives no general fund support. The board requested a budget increase from $62,755 to $77,035, mainly for technology upgrades to its database and website, a social media presence, and about $3,000 more for board travel. Members asked about contractual expenses, staffing, renewals, reserves, and office location; the witness said most renewals are now online, the board has a reserve but he did not know the exact amount, and the board is leased space in the Robert E. Lee Building. No vote was taken, and the chair moved on to the next agency. The Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists then presented its budget and operational needs. The board described its 10-member structure, three employees, and oversight of about 4,450 social workers and 210 marriage and family therapists. It explained that a prior $50,000 deficit appropriation was approved too late to spend, and asked to include that amount in the current budget for technology upgrades and equipment. The board also requested salary increases, additional travel funds, money for out-of-state compact participation, more contractual funds for database enhancements and digitizing records, and one additional computer. Members questioned the board about its large cash balance, staffing, office location, and the social work compact; the board said it has about $1 million in cash, is in leased space at Old River Place, and needs database changes to support the compact. No action or vote was taken. Finally, the Cosmetology and Barbering Board discussed major licensing and regulatory changes and its budget request. The board said it had already adopted a passing score for the licensure exam, ended the practical exam, extended testing approval periods, removed barriers to temporary work permits, and opened a path for apprenticeships, mobile establishments, and online licensing software. It also described recommendations in SB 2566, including a low-income first-license fee waiver, sanitation warnings, reduced education and instructor-hour requirements, and removal of some display requirements. The board said these changes had already led to new applications and test signups. On the budget side, it said it was withdrawing a prior request for $6,340 for practical-exam contractors because that exam was eliminated, but still sought $120,000 for certified mail, $49,000 for recruitment and retention salaries, and continued flexibility for possible live-streaming requirements under pending legislation. Senators asked whether the practical exam had been eliminated and whether the board could still ensure competency and inspections; the board said skills are still assessed through program completion and theory testing, and it asked to retain inspector positions because it oversees roughly 6,000 to 6,500 licensed shops and salons with only two inspectors.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was there with my own two ears.
• I actually have two questions.
• Oh, I have two tabs. One of them...
• Two minutes. Thank you, Chair.
• I believe it's line 64 of the original text of the bill and line 77 of the amendment that says a state

Summary: The committee heard and acted on a long agenda of local, housing, education, construction, and claims bills. It first took up SB 1730 on affordable housing/Live Local changes, adopting an amendment that narrowed and clarified several provisions, including density, height, parking, attorney fees, and exclusions for certain protected areas, then reported the bill favorably. It also approved SB 1674, which clarifies that local investment restrictions cannot block Israel bonds, after a clarifying amendment. SB 140 on charter schools was reported favorably after significant debate over school conversion, teacher contracts, local control, and the use of surplus school property for housing or other public purposes; several speakers opposed it as harmful to public schools, while the sponsor said it preserved district authority and added options for municipalities and job creation. The committee also passed SB 96 and SB 4, two local claims bills, and SB 1714, which allows SHIP funds to help mobile home owners with lot rent and requires local housing plans to address mobile home park closures.

Transcript Highlights:

• In section two of the bill, starting on line 98, the revenues generated by the fines collected on speeding
• Uh, starting on line 40, it enforcement.
• In section two of address that issue.
• ><00:05:21.440> line<00:05:21.680> 98, the bill, starting on line 98, the bill, starting
• Line<00:11:26.000> 45<00:11:26.399> is Line 45 is Line 45 is No,<00:11:28.320>

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2269, the Mississippi Fully Autonomous Vehicle Enabling Act. The bill was described as simply extending the repealer date to July 1, 2029. A motion was made that the title was sufficient and the bill do pass, and it passed without opposition. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2614, which would authorize county sheriffs and deputies to use radar on county roads, subject to county board approval and population-based limits on the number of radar units. Senator Thompson said the measure was intended to reduce Mississippi’s high rate of speed-related highway fatalities, not to create revenue or speed traps. He explained that fines would be directed to the Mississippi Department of Education to support driver’s education programs, and that the bill includes a 1,000-foot buffer from municipal limits and a definition prohibiting speed traps. Members asked about engineering reviews of speed limits, opt-in/opt-out authority for supervisors, quotas, body cameras, and how the bill would affect counties that already use radar. Thompson said the bill does not require roadway reassessments, that county boards must approve radar use, that he would not oppose a quota-related amendment, and that a body-camera requirement would be beyond the bill’s scope and could burden departments that cannot afford it. Several senators spoke in support, citing public safety and sheriff support, while one senator raised concerns about transparency and public trust. The committee then voted that the title was sufficient and the bill do pass, and the motion carried.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the steam lines kept the water lines from freezing in the winter.
• , and we have water have steam lines, and we have water lines. lines. lines.
• the<00:25:10.880> water<00:25:11.160> lines the steam lines kept the water lines
• <00:26:42.880> Uh two project. Uh two project.
• Bottom<00:45:48.120> line, Bottom line, Bottom line, town<00:45:49.560> halls,<00:45:49.960

Bills: HF4710, HF4055, HF3848, HF3989, HF4599, HF3767, HF3592, HF3575, HF3574, HF3543, HF4606, HF4489, HF3891, HF3438, HF3811, HF3400

Keywords: capital investment, water infrastructure, sewer systems, public funding, municipal development, Eveleth, wastewater treatment, state bonds, environmental compliance, infrastructure, bonds, economic development, local government, transportation, intersection improvements, Lake Elmo, HF4599, St. Joseph, Minnesota bonding bill, bond proceeds fund

Transcript Highlights:

• But what about the question of connecting two dwellings to a septic? You mean more than two?
• Yeah, so our current rules allow for two, and then this bill is asking for more than two.
• On page two, lines 14 to 15, ... lines six through n we're going to add lines six through n we're going
• > on<01:58:44.000> page<01:58:44.199> two<01:58:44.440> lines<01:58:44.719><
• c> 14<01:58:45.040> to<01:58:45.239> 15 On page two, lines 14 to 15, we'll remove the

Keywords: 910, house, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• I want two and a only want two acres.
• Lines 19 to 24. Nothing in point it out. Lines 19 to 24.
• the true biological sex of two people. the true biological sex of two people.
• person or two people on a class 6 road. person or two people on a class 6 road.
• be have two stairways. So you've got a be have two stairways.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to try to do it in two hours.
• It used to be more split between the two regions.
• But my question after that long statement is two things.
• And that causes a flat line, as you see with that pink line.
• But the way that this works is they add those two dotted lines together, and that gives them a line.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Massachusetts sea scallop fishery, especially the economic importance of the industry, federal scallop management, and two policy questions: reopening the Northern Edge area on Georges Bank and allowing permit stacking/permit consolidation. Chairing senators emphasized their interest in hearing both sides, their frustration with federal bureaucracy, and their view that the issue should be guided by science while protecting the long-term resource and local communities. Dr. Kate O’Keefe of the New England Fishery Management Council and Kevin Stokesbury of UMass Dartmouth described the Magnuson-Stevens framework, annual catch limits, rotational area management, and the role of industry-funded surveys and the research set-aside program. They said scallops remain the most lucrative council-managed commercial fishery on the East Coast, but recent changes include more small scallops, lower biomass in some areas, higher natural mortality, and shifting abundance toward Georges Bank. On the Northern Edge, they explained that the council previously considered opening the area through a framework/joint action with habitat management, but discontinued the action in 2024 because of conflicting objectives involving scallop yield, habitat protection, and other species. They said the issue could be revisited through future council priority-setting. Representatives of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund argued that the fishery needs modernization to remain economically viable. They supported reopening the Northern Edge and strongly backed permit stacking, saying it would allow two permits on one vessel while keeping ownership caps in place, reducing costs, improving safety, and helping family-owned fleets avoid financial distress and outside investment. Port of New Bedford representative John Regan stressed the port’s central role in the state economy, the need to protect working waterfront infrastructure, and the importance of any permit changes preserving local ownership and participation. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members asked that the witnesses keep the committee informed as the council and federal agencies consider next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• So on line 1.2, strike the border. On line 1.3, strike city. On line 1.8, strike border city.
• Strike line 4.6. On line 4.7, strike everything before 4.8, delete the new language.
• So on line statewide.
• Strike line city.
• On line 4.7, strike everything 4.6.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Page two, lines 13-16: In this section, we are amending in order to draw a clear distinction in what
• Um, page two, lines 13- point by point.
• Um, page two, lines 13- 16.<00:16:32.480> In<00:16:32.720> this<00:16:32.880> section
• <00:16:50.720> This<00:16:50.880> is<00:16:51.040> a two lines 17 through 26
• This is a two lines 17 through 26.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to point out to my colleagues line two that says have three years acute or chronic care current
• to point out to um my colleagues uh line to point out to um my colleagues uh line two<01:24:15.199
• two uh line<03:35:20.520> five<03:35:20.880> go<03:35:21.720> uh<03:35:21.960><
• On lines, on page two, lines for all the way through the end, you're talking about the survey.
• question on lines uh the on page two question on lines uh the on page two lines<03:45:22.479>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first addressed House Bill 415, which would remove the requirement that schools provide menstrual products. Members supporting an ITL said the mandate was unfunded, had been in place since 2019, and was already working without complaints from districts. Other members opposed the bill, arguing menstrual products are essential and that the requirement helps students, especially those with fewer resources. The committee voted ITL on HB 415 by a roll call of 17 yeas, 0 nays. The committee then took up House Bill 388, concerning public reports on special education. Supporters of ITL said they agreed with the goal of transparency but were concerned about student privacy, especially in small districts, and thought the bill’s information requests went too far. They noted that related issues could potentially be addressed in another bill, HB 557. The committee voted ITL on HB 388, 17-0. House Bill 730, which would require schools and some colleges to provide information on adoption, was also moved ITL. The sponsor said adoption is personally important to him but that the bill was not the right vehicle and involved entities such as colleges and the Attorney General unnecessarily; he said related ideas might be folded into other bills later. The committee agreed and voted ITL, 17-0. The committee then discussed House Bill 671, a preschool/early literacy proposal involving a statewide nonprofit digital program, likely Waterford. Members raised questions about who would be covered, data privacy, prior use of federal ESSER funds, whether the program had measurable results, and whether the bill’s nonprofit requirement was too restrictive. Department of Education witness Melissa White said the state had spent $400,000 in FY22 and $600,000 in FY23 on a Waterford contract using ARP ESSER funds, but she did not have participant counts and said the department could not measure literacy gains for that population. She also said the bill’s funding level would likely require an RFP and that, if enacted as written, the program would probably still be Waterford-based. The discussion continued without a final vote in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And moving on to two. I've got one, two, three, four, five, and six. All on hold. Mr.
• Item number two, hold.
• I've got one, two, three, four, two.
• Item two. Senator Pearl, Senator Lang. On item number two, further discussion.
• Item<00:38:51.760> two.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• difference when you upgrade the lines difference when you upgrade the lines and<00:26:58.560>
• <00:35:46.840> motions these two bills uh so I have two motions these two bills uh so I have
• This is the second of the two bills. This is the second of the two bills.
• Two<01:21:24.840> days<01:21:25.120> later Two days later Two days later a<01:21:26.800
• two years ago. two years ago.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You're mixing these, these two pools together now.
• ALS has two nicknames. Lou Gehrites.
• Give him two copies.
• It is, uh, all the more important in this line of insurance because title insurance. is the only line
• You're talking about their top line, um, and that does fluctuate, but the reason their loss line is down

Transcript Highlights:

• It does two things. It does two things.
• that is lines 4.31 messed up, but that is lines 4.31 through<00:30:39.440> lines<00:30:39.720
• through lines 5.2. through lines 5.2. Chair<00:30:41.320> Scott.
• and lines 4.31 through lines 5.2. and lines 4.31 through lines 5.2.
• First, two questions.

Bills: HF1234, HF3528, HF3672, HF3679, HF3680, HF1944

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, data transparency, Legislative Budget Office, state agencies, fiscal notes, public data, standard time, federal law, time zone

Transcript Highlights:

• The 21-line Warner amendment dated January 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
• There are several devices being manufactured, but the device does two things.
• But the lines from the gate can back up through our town.
• That traveling, it's just getting to be too much for a two-lane highway.
• Then you need to get your employment in line and stuff like that.

Bills: SB1063, SB1118, SB1153, SB1154, SB1209, SCM1001

Keywords: appropriation, transportation, safety improvements, Route 70, infrastructure, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, special license plate, special plate, license plate, vanity plate

Summary: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee heard and advanced six measures. SB 1118, as amended, appropriates $3 million to the Department of Health Services for grants to rural hospitals to install radiation protection systems in cardiac catheterization rooms; testimony focused on protecting health care workers from ionizing radiation, with the amendment narrowing the bill from an unspecified appropriation to a specific amount and room type. The committee also approved SB 1154, a $500,000 General Fund appropriation for an ADOT traffic and safety study on SR 64 between Williams and the Grand Canyon, after testimony from local officials, law enforcement, and fire personnel describing heavy tourism traffic, crashes, and fatalities. SB 1063, which appropriates $10.4 million for safety improvements on U.S. Route 70, also received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from the San Carlos Apache Tribe, sheriffs, and tribal law enforcement describing a high number of fatalities and dangerous roadway conditions. The committee then passed SB 1153, which creates a Grand Canyon National Park specialty license plate and fund; the Grand Canyon Conservancy testified that proceeds would support park conservation, research, education, and preservation work. SCM 1001, as amended, urging the renaming of State Route 260 as the Donald J. Trump Highway, was approved after a contentious debate over the symbolism of the memorial. Finally, SB 1209, which exempts people without a residence address or whose address is a homeless shelter from non-operating ID license fees and extends the validity period for those IDs, received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from homeless services providers that IDs are essential for housing, employment, and access to services. Votes were 10-0 for SB 1118, 6-4 for SB 1154, 6-4 for SB 1063, 10-0 for SB 1153, 6-4 for SCM 1001, and 9-0 with one not voting for SB 1209.