Transcript Highlights:

• We will act on House Bill [questionable: 2379?]. We will act on House Bill 2379.
• The bill has a distributed House Committee substitute with no amendments.
• I now move that House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2379 be voted do pass. Any discussion?
• By your vote of seven ayes and two noes, you have voted do pass House Committee Substitute for House
• By your vote of seven A's and two nos you have voted do pass house committee set for house bill 2379

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee met in executive session and took up House Bill 2379, which had a House Committee Substitute. The sponsor, Rep. Cecily Williams, explained that the substitute was intended to align the bill with a Senate version and to clarify how local early childhood sales tax revenues would be handled. The bill would define key terms, limit application to certain counties, rename the fund the Early Childhood Education Fund, expand eligible uses to include child care services, move fund custody to the county treasurer, broaden the types of eligible providers, and prioritize children with the greatest financial need. Members spent much of the discussion clarifying that the bill does not create a new tax. Instead, it would require that if a city or county already authorized to seek an early childhood sales tax places the measure on the ballot and voters approve it, the revenue would be deposited into a dedicated Children’s Service Fund rather than general revenue. Supporters said this would improve transparency and ensure the money is used for early childhood education and licensed providers, while some members raised questions about whether the bill changed existing tax authority or simply redirected funds. Rep. Taylor and others expressed support for the clarified licensing and dedicated-fund provisions. The committee first adopted the House Committee Substitute by voice vote, then voted on the bill itself. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2379 was reported do pass by a roll call vote of 7 ayes and 2 noes. The committee then adjourned.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Rules Committee met briefly and called the roll, establishing a quorum. The committee noted that SB 73 by Senator Svantez was added to the day’s referral list and double-referred to the Elections Committee and Public Safety Committee. One member requested that item 14 be removed from the consent agenda for separate consideration. The committee then approved the remainder of the consent agenda by roll call vote. Item 14, SCR 152, was also taken up separately and approved by roll call vote, with one member not voting on that item. After the votes, the chair announced the roll would remain open briefly for additional members to add on, and then the committee adjourned.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on Health heard an overview of the California Department of Public Health budget and several budget change proposals, including environmental health, healthcare quality, healthy communities, lab sciences, and family health programs. CDPH said its $5.1 billion budget is split between state operations and local assistance, with major estimates showing WIC participation essentially flat but food costs rising due to inflation, and the Genetic Disease Screening Program remaining relatively stable as birth-related caseloads decline slightly. Members and public commenters raised concerns and support around WIC continuity during federal shutdowns, the California Reducing Disparities Project, lead poisoning prevention, school nutrition implementation, prenatal vitamin testing, vector-borne disease work, and the hospital bed capacity registry. Dr. Erica Pond presented the 2026 State of Public Health report, highlighting improvements such as record-low all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality, an all-time high life expectancy, and the first decline in overdose deaths in 14 years. She also noted continuing problems, including rising behavioral health-related deaths among younger adults, persistent racial disparities in maternal and infant outcomes, and major geographic health gaps. She emphasized the importance of prevention, the Behavioral Health Services Act, and public health preparedness for emergencies, fires, and other environmental threats. Members discussed the need to invest upstream in prevention and to address social drivers of health, environmental hazards, and mental health. In a separate update on California’s response to federal public health actions, CDPH described efforts to preserve vaccine confidence and public health coordination through new partnerships such as the West Coast Health Alliance, the Governor’s Public Health Alliance, and the FACT Coalition. CDPH also explained how it is implementing AB 144 by posting and updating immunization and preventive service recommendations based on evidence and consultation with medical organizations, while declining some federal changes it found unsupported. Members asked about measles outbreaks, vaccine uptake, and how quickly the new initiatives might affect outcomes. The committee also reviewed the AIDS Drug Assistance Program estimate, which CDPH said would decrease because of lower caseloads and the expiration of one-time funds. Public commenters urged reinvestment of ADAP rebate funds into HIV prevention, PrEP, testing, disease intervention staff, and related services. The final and most contentious item was public health information technology systems: CDPH said Sapphire and CalReady are funded, but CalConnect, CARE, and the vaccine management system are not proposed for funding while the administration evaluates utilization and costs. Members and local health officials strongly opposed defunding the systems, arguing they are essential for disease investigation, vaccination tracking, outbreak response, and avoiding a return to manual spreadsheets and phone calls. The hearing ended without votes or formal action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a state worker with Housing and Community Development.
• I'm a state worker with housing and community development.
• We're all going to tackle things like housing costs.
• We provide support of housing for veterans because they can't afford theirs. Thank you.
• I can’t go and find 16 heirs to Grandma’s house that’s dilapidated and gone for 10%.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills, with the chair explaining that measures with significant revenue impacts would be sent to the suspense file. AB 1726, which would create a catastrophe savings account for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs, drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the effect on the General Fund and Prop. 98. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 1768, authorizing Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve a local transaction and use tax to offset federal funding cuts to health and social services, received broad support from county, health care, labor, and community groups. Opposition focused on the bill as a tax increase and on concerns about local spending priorities, while supporters argued it would preserve access to care and essential services. The committee approved the bill on a 5-2 vote and sent it to the Assembly Local Government Committee. AB 1790, which would repeal California’s water’s-edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations, generated extensive testimony. Supporters argued it would close a major corporate tax loophole, raise billions in revenue, and make the tax system fairer; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After lengthy debate, the committee referred the bill to suspense. The committee also heard AB 2020, providing a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069, creating a sales and use tax exemption to spur development on fairgrounds; both drew support but were referred to suspense. Finally, AB 2705, which would cap fees and require disclosures for third parties assisting with claims to excess proceeds from tax sales, was presented as a consumer protection measure and drew support from county officials, while asset-finder companies opposed it as too restrictive and harmful to claimants; the transcript ends during that item’s testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on to motions and resolutions.
• So the only resolution that this body should be bringing forward is a resolution telling the Coastal
• House Resolution 31 by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez and others, relating to sexual assault awareness
• On behalf of Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, today I present House Resolution 31 recognizing April
• The resolution is adopted. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and proceeded through a lengthy floor file with many ceremonial guest introductions before taking up legislation. Members welcomed student groups, interns, sorority and civic organization members, and other visitors, including groups focused on coastal protection, youth tobacco prevention, and disability advocacy. The chamber also observed a birthday acknowledgment and later held an adjournment in memory for Dado Banatao, honoring his life, engineering achievements, philanthropy, and support for Filipino American students. On the floor file, the Assembly considered several measures. AB 2323 by McKinnor, on modernizing public notice, passed 57-0. ACR 149 by Hart, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act and Coastal Conservancy, drew extensive debate over coastal protection, housing, access, and the role of the Coastal Commission; it was adopted by voice vote after 46 co-authors were added. AB 2011 by Hart, codifying federal mental health parity standards in state law, passed 46-5. AB 2691 by Addis, expanding disqualifying felony convictions for elected office to include sexual assault and human trafficking, passed 53-0. The Assembly also adopted HR 31 on Denim Day and sexual assault awareness after emotional testimony from multiple members about personal experiences, survivor support, victim-blaming, and the need for accountability and prevention; 68 co-authors were added before the resolution passed by voice vote. Additional bills passed included AB 1621 by Wilson on housing approval timelines (64-0), AB 1704 by Mark Gonzalez on studying low-embodied-carbon building material costs (58-0), AB 1916 by Lee on including ASL interpreters in the certified interpreter definition (59-2), AB 2559 by Ward on refundable construction and demolition deposits (61-0), AB 2663 by Rogers as an urgency alcoholic beverage sunset extension (64-0), and AB 2731 by Addis expanding on-sale alcohol licenses in Santa Cruz County (63-0). The consent calendar was also adopted 64-0, and the House adjourned until April 30 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we have received a request to read three House Concurrent Resolutions that the House and Senate
• The first is HCR 205, which is a House Concurrent Resolution honoring Maria Blair on her exemplary career
• Next is HCR 244, which is a House Concurrent Resolution recognizing the week of April 11th through 17th
• . resolution. resolution.
• And finally, H.C.R. 253 is a House Concurrent Resolution congratulating the 2025 Green Mountain Council

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with devotional remarks and then handled several procedural items, including referring Senate Bill 223 on Vermont water quality, which carries an appropriation, to the Committee on Appropriations. The chamber also read and recognized three House Concurrent Resolutions: honoring Maria Blair for nearly four decades of service in the Joint Fiscal Office; designating April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Vermont; and congratulating the 2025 Green Mountain Council class of Eagle Scouts. Members offered brief tributes to Blair’s institutional knowledge and service, and to the importance of addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health. Guests connected to the resolutions were recognized in the gallery, and the House also heard announcements introducing visitors and upcoming meetings. The main legislative action was on Senate Bill 255, which would establish a pilot law enforcement governance council in Windham County. Committee members described it as a limited, voluntary pilot intended to improve regional public safety governance and funding without imposing a statewide mandate or new tax. Testimony came from legislative staff, local officials, sheriffs, police, the Vermont State Police, and municipal representatives. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably with a 9-0-1 vote and a small amendment adding an additional report-back requirement; Ways and Means found no fiscal impact to state revenue and reported it favorably 10-0-1. The House then agreed to propose the amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. The final action item was House Bill 956, approving Burlington’s charter amendment to formally establish the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging as a permanent city office. The sponsor explained that Burlington voters had already approved the change and that the bill would codify existing duties, including equity strategy, policy advice, representation of underserved communities, and community engagement, with the director reporting to the mayor. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably 10-0-1, and the House ordered it to third reading. Later, Ways and Means reported favorably with amendment on Senate Bill 327, an economic development bill carrying an appropriation, and it was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The House then adjourned until April 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I was just going to say that when we had this other bill, I think was the House version, and
• <00:24:01.160> version,<00:24:02.200> and the house version, and the house version,
• I move ought to pass on House Bill 667. Second. Seconded by Representative Pruitt.
• I move ought to pass<00:27:24.080> on<00:27:24.400> House<00:27:24.680> Bill<00:
• pass on House Bill 667. pass on House Bill 667. Second. Second. Second.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 409 in executive session, with the chair noting a caucus break to explain amendments to several substitute members. Members discussed a proposed amendment to narrow the bill’s felony provisions by limiting them to specific, knowingly dangerous conduct rather than making the offense too broad. The committee also noted a planned floor amendment to add missing “or” language to clarify that the listed acts were alternatives, not cumulative requirements. The amendment was adopted 13-0, and the bill as amended was then reported OTPA by a 13-0 vote. It was initially said to be headed to consent, but members later agreed it would not go on consent because a floor amendment was anticipated. The committee then opened House Bill 667, which would extend protections for medical personnel into emergency room settings. Supporters said the bill was needed because emergency room staff face increasing assaults and existing protections did not fully cover ER circumstances. Several members described firsthand or secondhand incidents involving nurses, EMTs, and other staff being threatened or injured, and argued that stronger penalties would help deter violence and improve prosecution. Others supported the bill but raised concerns about how it might affect people experiencing mental health crises, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities. A proposed amendment from Representative Sher would exempt people experiencing a mental health crisis who have a mental health diagnosis, and also address dementia and certain developmental disabilities. Supporters said the amendment was narrowly tailored and had backing from the Disability Rights Center, NAMI New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Nurses Association. Opponents argued that the criminal justice system already has safeguards such as prosecutorial discretion, insanity defenses, and competency rules, and warned against creating special exceptions that could weaken equal application of the law. After debate, the committee voted 10-3 to report HB 667 ought to pass, with members noting that minority and majority reports would be prepared.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I was just going to say that when we had this other bill, I think was the house version, and
• we had this other bill, I think was when we had this other bill, I think was the<00:24:00.880> house
• <00:24:01.160> version,<00:24:02.200> and the house version, and the house version,
• I move ought to pass on House Bill 667. Seconded by Representative Pruitt.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The House of Rep. The House of Representatives will now come to order.
• Let all the business of the House be suspended as the Speaker signs House Committee Substitute for House
• Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174 to the end that the
• up and passed Senate Substitute, House Committee Substitute, House Committee Substitute, House Bill
• for House Bill 2593 and House Bill 1758.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal for the prior day by a vote of 131-2, and the Speaker signed several enrolled measures, including HB 1768, HB 1866, HB 1870, HB 2180, and HJR 173 and 174. Members also made a series of guest introductions and personal announcements, including remarks recognizing National Infertility Awareness Week and HCR 28, as well as notices about upcoming themed dress days. The chamber then received Senate messages returning a number of budget bills and other measures with Senate amendments, and the House budget chair moved to refuse the Senate versions and send HB 2002 through HB 2013 to conference. Members discussed major budget differences, including child care subsidies, transportation funding, higher education funding, and the shifting of broadband grant dollars, but all of the motions to go to conference were approved. The House also took up Senate Bill 975, relating to ambulance districts and emergency medical services. An amendment was adopted to restore compromise language on community paramedics and make a minor change to first responder mental health provisions. The bill passed 136-7. Later, the House considered a property tax reform package on Senate Bills 1066 and 1088. Amendments were adopted to correct technical drafting issues, require uniform levy increases across property classes and timely use of voter-approved tax increases, and add assessor training, electronic taxpayer notification, and changes to how disputed assessments are paid. Debate centered on local control, transparency, and the impact on schools and other local taxing districts. The combined bill passed 83-61. The House then adjourned until 4 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is the representative that's carrying the bill on the House side.
• And I move that House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3304 be voted do pass.
• I move that House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3304 be voted do pass.
• in the House.
• By your vote of nine ayes and zero noes, you have voted House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3304

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and moved into executive session. It first considered House Committee Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973, sponsored by Senator Trent, and voted it do pass by 7-1. It then approved Senate Bill 903, sponsored by Senator Henderson and described as a copper wire-related bill, by a 9-0 vote. Next, the committee took up Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 834, sponsored by Senator Crawford, with the senator present and no substantive questions raised; it passed 9-0. Senate Bill 938, sponsored by Senator Bernskelder and carried on the House side by Representative Haley, also passed 9-0. The final item was House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3304, sponsored by Representative Justice. Members discussed changes to the bill, including removing the “serious emotional injury” language, restoring original language on dog-bite liability, and combining it with animal neglect provisions from another bill. The sponsor explained the goal was to address dangerous dog cases without criminalizing minor incidents. The committee voted the bill do pass 9-0, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, not unlike the House when it's so large or this committee when it's so large, you know
• And just exactly like our own House Appropriations caught Mr.
• Seeing none, all those in favor of adopting the House Committee Substitute signify by saying aye.
• You've adopted the House Committee Substitute.
• I now move the House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1470 be voted do pass. Any discussion?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Budget Committee met in executive session and considered Senate Bill 1470, as amended by a House Committee Substitute. The bill would update the Joint Committee on Legislative Research and oversight provisions, including reducing the committee from 20 members to 12, adding legislative leadership and minority leader appointments, allowing electronic delivery of reports, changing references to public colleges and universities, and creating post-implementation fiscal notes to compare projected and actual fiscal impacts after enactment. Supporters said the changes would modernize the process, improve engagement, and help lawmakers better evaluate fiscal estimates over time. A major point of discussion was a new provision allowing oversight staff to access certain Department of Revenue tax-return information for fiscal note work, subject to confidentiality requirements and criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure. Several members raised privacy concerns and asked how the information would be used and protected; the sponsor said committee members themselves would not see the data, only authorized staff, and that the intent was to allow independent verification of tax-related fiscal estimates. Members also discussed striking language barring committee employees from opposing or urging legislation, with the sponsor explaining that LR no longer drafts general legislation and now mainly handles revision bills, so the language was outdated. The committee adopted the House Committee Substitute and then voted the substitute do pass. The final roll call passed the bill 25-1, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing then, that will conclude the hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 42.
• Next up, we'll hear House Resolution 538, presented by Representative Harusa.
• Next up, we'll hear House Resolution 538, presented by Representative Harusa.
• Now we will hear House Resolution 4661 sponsored by Representative Faruza. Well, imagine that.
• I'm George Hruza, a representative of District 89, to present House Resolution 4661.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health heard testimony on several measures. HCR 42, sponsored by Representative Perkins, urged Congress to support programs intended to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicaid and Medicare patients. The sponsor said it would help elderly and low-income residents, while Representative Dahl argued the referenced program could cost more than other options such as GoodRx or generic pharmacy pricing. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed after no additional support or opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard Senate Bill 878 from Senator Fitzwater, a pharmacist practice act bill negotiated with the Board of Healing Arts and pharmacy groups. The bill would codify pandemic-era pharmacy flexibilities, expand pharmacist authority to administer certain vaccines approved by the FDA and state boards, allow therapeutic plans and some medical device dispensing, and authorize over-the-counter access to ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine with FDA-approved warning labels and standardized procedures. Supporters, including pharmacy associations and large pharmacy chains, said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, reduce delays in treatment, and help pharmacies remain open. Some members and an opponent raised concerns about safety, self-treatment, vaccine authority, and whether the bill shifts too much power from elected officials to boards. The bill was heard only; no committee vote was reported. The committee also heard House Resolution 538, which would designate May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and encourage support for research, funding, and affected families. Members largely supported the resolution, with comments about the severity of ALS and the importance of early communication and assistive technology. House Resolution 4661 followed, calling for increased awareness and screening for chronic kidney disease, especially among high-risk patients with diabetes and hypertension, and encouraging public-private education efforts around urine albumin-to-creatinine testing. The sponsor described it as an awareness measure rather than a mandate, and members asked about how education efforts might work and whether broader screening should be considered. No votes were taken on either resolution during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we added Bob Bromley's House Bill 2189, which changed House Bill 2189, which changed.
• You've adopted the House Committee substitute for Senate Bill 1020.
• You have voted House Committee substitute for Senate Bill 1020 do pass.
• The House appoints three members.
• The summary we were provided says House Bill 1870.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Commerce Committee first met in executive session on Senate Bill 1020, which was amended and then reported do pass unanimously. The committee adopted a House Committee substitute that combined several provisions, including changes related to vehicle inspections, salvage titles, electronic document options for license offices, a three-year registration option, removal of a Montana LLC-related provision, and language preserving highway patrol authority to stop unsafe vehicles. Members briefly discussed how troopers would determine unsafe conditions, and the chair noted the authority already exists but was not codified. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1576, sponsored by Senator Fitzwater, which would reestablish a Missouri-Ireland commission. Fitzwater said the commission would cost nothing, with appointments split among the governor, Senate, and House, and would study ways to strengthen Missouri’s relationship with Ireland and support economic development. Members expressed support, with questions focused on whether the bill was the correct measure and on potential economic benefits; Fitzwater said the bill was intended to enhance partnerships rather than address a specific loss. After the hearing, the committee moved back into executive session and voted Senate Bill 1576 do pass unanimously, 8-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House<01:08:15.240> File<01:08:15.560> 1606 House File 1606 House File 1606 bans<01:08:
• House File 4502.
• Motions and resolutions.
• Motions and resolutions.
• move that the House do now adjourn. move that the House do now adjourn.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a performance of the national anthem, then established a quorum and approved the previous day’s journal. Members handled routine business including second readings of several Senate files, first readings of House files 5067 through 5073, and messages from the Senate transmitting bills and requesting concurrence on House File 3437 and House File 1410. The House concurred in Senate amendments to HF 3437, a commerce bill with a technical cross-reference correction, and passed it 133-0. It also concurred in Senate amendments to HF 1410, a public safety bill on correctional officer procedures, and passed it 132-2 after members described the changes as clarifying and balanced for labor and management. The chamber then took up House File 3404, which increases penalties for impersonating a peace officer. The bill would raise the base offense from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, create aggravated offenses for impersonation involving unauthorized access, misleading orders, law-enforcement-style vehicles, or possession of a firearm, and add a duty for officers to identify themselves while protecting undercover work. Supporters, including the author and several members, tied the bill to the June 14, 2025 killings and said it was needed to restore public trust and protect both the public and legitimate law enforcement. The House passed HF 3404 134-0 after a moment of silence. The House also passed House File 3155, which closes a loophole in gift card fraud law by allowing prosecution based on the value stored on the card rather than just the plastic card itself. Supporters described organized retail crime schemes in which stolen gift cards are drained after activation and said the bill would help retailers, consumers, and law enforcement. The bill passed 134-0. Senate File 3958, which changes the deadline for a disaster assistance contingency account report from January 15 to January 31, also passed 134-0. Finally, the House considered House File 3875, the judiciary policy bill. An author’s amendment removed a section that had been unintentionally left in the bill, and members then discussed provisions allowing courts more flexibility in publishing notices, streamlining some notification requirements in dissolution cases, and making restitution orders permanent unless rescinded by court order. The transcript cuts off during discussion of the bill, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, we'll go to House File 5055.
• <00:33:43.360> Thank<00:33:43.520> you, Thank you, Chair Gomez, members of the House
• of reach for many families without out of reach for many families without support.<00:37:10.240> House
• House File 5055 increases the support.
• House File 5055 increases the amount<00:37:12.840> of<00:37:12.960> credit<00:37:13.320

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 5055, the governor’s supplemental tax budget. Commissioner of Revenue Paul Marquart outlined the proposal as a balanced budget package that would leave a positive bottom line in the current biennium and beyond. He emphasized family-focused tax relief, especially a new refundable young child credit for children ages 0 to 4, which would provide up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more, benefit about 104,000 families, and phase out at higher incomes. He also described federal conformity changes, including updates to business interest deductions, dependent care credits, and Section 179 expensing, along with omitted federal items such as research expensing and opportunity zones due to cost and policy concerns. Marquart also defended broader tax modernization proposals, including expanding the sales tax to selected consumer services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services while lowering the statewide sales tax rate, and creating a social media tax on consumer data collection that would fund an AI readiness special revenue fund rather than the general fund. He said these changes would make the sales tax less regressive and better aligned with the modern economy. Additional provisions mentioned included a gun-related gross receipts tax on firearms and ammunition, cannabis tax technical changes, historic structure rehabilitation conformity, and added auditors for tax compliance. Testimony from outside groups was mixed. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project supported the governor’s approach as a response to federal tax and spending changes, praised the decision not to conform to opportunity zones or federal no-tax-on-tips/overtime provisions, and urged even stronger revenue measures. Brian Lake of the Minnesota State Bar Association strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on consumer legal services, arguing it would burden low- and middle-income people in sensitive cases and create unfairness when individuals litigate against the state. Tanner Fritsinger of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the sales tax base expansion and the social media tax as ways to broaden revenue without raising the base rate. The committee chair thanked the commissioner and then began hearing public testimony, with additional testifiers queued up.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next bill on the calendar for the day is House File 1606.
• House File 1606, an act relating to commerce, prohibiting access to nudification technology, the second
• House File 1606 bans AI notification features.
• House<00:01:28.760> File<00:01:29.040> 1606 House File 1606 House File 1606 bans<00:01:
• Third reading, House File number 1606. Third reading.”

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 1606, as amended, was debated on the House floor as a bill to prohibit access to nudification technology and related AI-generated sexual deepfakes. Representative Hansen, the bill’s author, described the measure as a response to non-consensual, sexually explicit images and videos, especially harms to children and women, and said the bill would define nudified content, require nudifying features on apps and websites to be turned off in Minnesota, bar promotion of such apps, and create enforcement and remedies. Supporters emphasized testimony from survivors, the rapid growth of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, and the need for state action because federal regulation has lagged. Opponents of the amendment argued the underlying bill should remain a clean, single-issue measure focused on non-consensual content creation and warned that adding age-verification language would complicate the bill and add cost. Representative Bakeberg offered amendment A4, which would add age-verification requirements for commercial adult-content sites, with privacy limits for adults and enforcement mechanisms including audits and attorney general authority. Supporters of the amendment said it would extend existing physical-world protections for minors into the digital space, cited legal support from a Texas case and similar laws in other states, and argued it would help protect children from online pornography. Representative Hansen opposed the amendment, saying she had not been consulted, that it would muddy the bill’s focus on non-consensual nudification, and that it would add fiscal cost. Other members spoke both for and against the amendment, with some saying the issues were related and others saying the amendment was not ready and should be handled separately. The House then took a roll call on amendment A4, and it failed on a 67-67 tie. After the amendment was not adopted, the bill was given its third reading. In closing remarks, supporters of the underlying bill reiterated that it was intended to protect victims and prevent harm before it occurs, while one member said the bill did not go far enough because it targeted software makers rather than the people creating and distributing the material. The transcript ends with further discussion of the bill’s purpose and support for moving it forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next bill on the calendar for the day is House File 4188.
• House File 4188 is the commerce omnibus policy bill.
• House File 4188 as amended. Third reading. Discussion.
• I encourage a yes vote on House File 4188 as amended.
• House File 4188 as<00:10:33.040> amended.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 4188, the commerce omnibus policy bill, was presented as a consumer-protection measure covering several areas: a statewide ban on crypto ATMs/kiosks beginning August 1, 2026; new recordkeeping and complaint-handling requirements; student loan borrower protections; restrictions on deceptive insurance advertising and insurance lead generators; bullion dealer jurisdiction clarifications; appraisal and appraisal management reporting requirements; scrap metal transaction tracking; collection agency clarifications; and unclaimed property improvements. The bill author said the overall goal was to address real consumer harm, especially scams and transparency issues. Representative O'Driscoll urged adoption of the A3 amendment, explaining that it removed tax provisions that had come late in the process and could be handled in the tax bill instead. The amendment was adopted without objection. During floor debate on the bill, Representative Roach opposed the crypto kiosk ban, saying the state could regulate fraud without eliminating the machines entirely. Representative O'Driscoll defended the ban as necessary to protect older and vulnerable Minnesotans from scam tactics, and Representative McDonald raised concerns about a separate scrap metal licensing provision and a $500 late fee, which Representative Holland said had been recommended by the Department of Commerce. After discussion, the bill author reiterated support for the measure and thanked committee and staff members. The House then took a roll call vote and passed House File 4188 as amended by a vote of 122-12, with its title agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• First file on the calendar for today is House File 3404. The clerk will report the bill.
• House File 3404, an act relating to public safety, increasing criminal penalty for impersonating a peace
• Third reading, House File 3404. Third reading. Discussion to the bill.
• He came to our houses, a literal wolf in sheep's clothing, betraying our trust and our sense of safety
• He came to our houses, a literal wolf in sheep's clothing, betraying our trust and our sense of safety

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 3404, a public safety bill to increase penalties for impersonating a peace officer. The author explained that the bill raises the base offense from a gross misdemeanor to a felony, creates tougher aggravated offenses for impersonation involving unauthorized access, misleading orders, or a vehicle resembling a squad car, adds a new aggravated offense for impersonation while armed with a firearm, and establishes sentencing consequences when a person commits another serious crime while impersonating an officer. The bill also includes a duty-to-identify requirement for Minnesota peace officers, with an exception for undercover work. Several members spoke in support, tying the bill to the June 14, 2025 events and emphasizing the danger of using police impersonation to gain trust and access. Supporters said the measure is needed to protect the public, restore confidence in law enforcement, and deter pranks or deliberate deception that could lead to serious harm. Testimony from law enforcement groups and 19 suburban cities was cited as backing for the bill, and the author thanked stakeholders and staff for helping shape the final version. After discussion, the author requested a moment of silence before the vote. The House then took a roll call vote and passed the bill 134-0, with its title agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we received a request to read a House concurrent resolution that the House and Senate adopted
• HCR 241 is a House concurrent resolution congratulating University of Vermont Distinguished Professor
• Please listen to the reading of the resolution.
• So, the question is, shall the House So, the question is, shall the House concur<00:18:59.280>
• Yes, I invite the House.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tom Stevens of Waterbury, who reflected on the Sermon on the Mount as a call to resist exclusion, greed, and coercion and to focus on blessing and care for those in need. After the devotional, the chamber suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 313, relating to transforming Vermont’s career and technical education system, and committed it to the Committee on Education. The House also adopted HCR 241, a concurrent resolution congratulating University of Vermont Distinguished Professor and Vermont State Climatologist Dr. Leslie Ann Dupigny-Giroux on receiving the Manny L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science, with members offering remarks about her climate work and public service. On the action calendar, the House passed Senate Bill 157 on recovery residence certification in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and Senate Bill 239 on the child abuse and neglect reporting working group in concurrence with proposal of amendment. During discussion of S. 239, a member explained that the House amendment was a technical correction adding the Vermont School Counselor Association and the Agency of Education as stakeholders for the working group to consult. The House also concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 410, which concerns the calculation of recidivism and other criminology measures; the Judiciary Committee said the Senate change was a clarifying wording revision and supported it. The chamber then moved through announcements, including recognition of visiting family members, a UVM intern, and notice of a caucus discussion on permitting modernization. A member also invited colleagues to view Vermont Railways’ train in Montpelier. The House completed its orders of the day and adjourned until the next morning at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will attend to announcements. Representative Moffett is recognized for an announcement.
• , as you know, when you come to the House, as you know, when you come to the House, you<00:07:34.840
• So, Larry, you say you're leaving the House. Maybe. Well, I know that feeling.
• came to the house. came to the house.
• you say you're leaving the house. Maybe. you say you're leaving the house. Maybe.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House meeting consisted of announcements and a series of tributes honoring Representative Larry Gagne, a Vietnam-era Navy veteran and longtime member of the Veterans Committee. Representative Moffett introduced the recognition, describing the VA Vietnam-era veterans award and noting Gagne’s service, including his Navy enlistment in 1961, his role in the honor guard for Alan B. Shepard, and his service aboard the USS Noah, which recovered John Glenn after his 1962 spaceflight. Gagne was escorted to the front of the chamber and applauded by members. Former Speaker Steve Shurtleff also spoke in tribute, recalling his long acquaintance with Gagne dating back to police training and their later work together in the House, especially on the Criminal Justice Committee. He emphasized bipartisan cooperation, saying criminal justice should not be partisan, and praised Gagne as a friend and effective legislator. Shurtleff also noted Gagne’s later service on the State and Federal Veterans Affairs Committee and thanked Chair Moffett, saying they could disagree without being disagreeable. Gagne then responded briefly, joking about his long tenure and recalling shared memories from the police academy, including a graduation snowball fight and finding an old photo of himself and Shurtleff. He said he planned to run again, reflected on both good and difficult times in the House, and closed by stressing respect across party lines and the importance of getting along. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the session.