Transcript Highlights:

• If you do have a need to speak with a member, members can step outside and conduct meetings if that is
• Senator Fate is joining the committee, and Senator Hoffman has stepped away from the committee.
• we have two new pages for our committee room this year, and if they would please come forward and step
• <00:02:28.720> Um stepped away from the committee. Um stepped away from the committee.
• Families and community members stepped Families and community members stepped up<01:47:39.360>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's kind of like a two-step.
• So now we have to step in. We have that. So now we have to step in.
• That's sort of the first step.
• That's sort of the first step.
• That's sort of the first step. concern. That's sort of the first step.

Bills: HB2185, HB2621, HB2179, HB2534, HB2168, HB2427, HB2560, HB2565, HB2172, HB2298, HB2304

Keywords: sports officials, referees, umpires, athletic directors, school administrators, league administrators, coaches, assault, first-degree assault, substantial bodily injury, temporary restraining order, TRO, private counsel, Department of Education, DOE, sports safety, school sports, amateur athletics, professional sports, public schools

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone want to step up to that?
• <01:21:37.000> to 1012 this bill takes critical steps to 1012 this bill takes critical steps
• During that time, the DNR also developed a seven-step process for new trail development that must go
• process for new developed a seven step process for new Trail<01:24:43.239> development<01:24:
• <01:37:52.880> process handout uh there's a seven-step process handout uh there's a seven-step

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's step back and look at the definition, or the premise, of a rural electric cooperative.
• to overhaul m metering this drastic step to overhaul m metering policies<00:20:00.280> instead
• back and look at the needs let's step back and look at the definition<00:21:33.279> of<00:21:
• I'm glad to hear that that won't be retroactive; that's a significant step forward.
• forward um but I think significant step forward um but I think there's<00:50:38.240> a<00:50:

Bills: HF845

Keywords: net metering, distributed generation, solar energy, rooftop solar, renewable energy, utility rates, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, net billing, bill credits, cost of service study, standby charge, qualifying facility, energy policy, clean energy, customer generation, interconnection, Minnesota Statutes 216B.164

Transcript Highlights:

• out for a second, we're just stealing Post-it notes, that's all we're doing. ...and the moment you step
• it's actually, to your point, getting in their minds, you too can do this, and then show them the step
• <01:02:26.119> to do this and then show them the step to do this and then show them the step
• the clinical trials are many step the clinical trials are many step process<01:43:34.639> and
• Thank you for your time, and I want to also say, um, Regent Farnsworth was here too, so he had to step

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• time, months rather than years, but I think that we need to really make sure that we take measured steps
• I want to take a step back and give you a little information about my background and tell you about the
• I want to take a step back and give you a little information about my background and tell you about the
• <01:50:50.719> verification caught in the multi-step verification caught in the multi-step
• to verify that each absentee steps to verify that each absentee ballot<01:51:01.400> is ballot

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Election Law Committee held an orientation and then opened a public hearing on House Bill 67-FN-A, which would make permanent the use of accessible voting machines in local elections and provide funding for additional systems. The chair outlined committee procedures, noting a heavy workload of roughly 70 to 80 bills, mostly Tuesday meetings, likely time limits on testimony, and a default of executive session unless a bill is specifically noticed. Members and staff were introduced, and the Secretary of State’s office described its election-related responsibilities, including voter registration, cybersecurity, ballot-counting equipment, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) program. Secretary of State David Scanlan and Deputy Secretary Aon Hennessy explained the current pilot program created by last year’s law, which requires accessible voting systems for local elections and allows the state to share machines with municipalities during the first half of 2025. They said the office has made hardware available, but towns have raised concerns about the speed of implementation and the cost of programming each election, especially for towns with multiple ballot questions. Scanlan said the state is also vetting longer-term options, including devices that could remain in polling places year-round, and suggested the committee consider delaying the bill’s effective date to January 1, 2026 to better align with implementation needs. Hennessy said the current state devices are older and complicated to reset for each election, and estimated programming costs could be about $600 for a small single-election ballot and much higher for towns with multiple elections. Supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of accessible voting for people with disabilities. Representative Robert Wy said the measure builds on 2024 law and would move the pilot into a permanent agreement, citing ADA concerns and prior testimony about discriminatory voting experiences. Fred Forier, a legally blind voter from Exeter, testified that accessible voting systems allow him to vote privately and independently and urged support for the bill. Committee members asked about the gap if the pilot ends before a permanent system is in place and about the cost range for programming. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee moved on after public testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 694 represents the final step. This bill provides... SB 694 represents the final step.
• This is a very, very important step for the Legislature to be taking here today.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered three bills. First, SB 214 by Senator McLean, described as a targeted rural access bill, would allow special districts in rural communities and areas of opportunity to receive certain state and federal financial assistance payments by invoice rather than reimbursement. An amendment expanding the benefit to independent special districts in those rural areas, including water and wastewater projects, was adopted, and the bill then passed favorably. Support was noted from representatives of water and sewer cooperatives, a water and sewer district, Resiliency Florida, and the Florida Association of Special Districts. The committee then took up CS for SB 1266 by Senator Kalata on cybersecurity internships and workforce readiness. The bill was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment creating a cybersecurity experiential learning opportunity and clearance readiness program within the Department of Commerce, working with Cyber Florida at the University of South Florida and participating institutions to provide certification and clearance-related training. A proposed amendment to the amendment was withdrawn, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS for SB 694 by Senator Bracey Davis, which would provide compensation to the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for wrongful convictions and related harms. Senator Bracey Davis and a supporter testified about the history of the case, prior legislative apologies, pardons, and exonerations, and the need for compensation as a final step. Members spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• You all stepped up. It meant extra long nights.
• In a time of economic uncertainty and challenge, but also immense opportunity, this budget really steps
• forward and steps into. that.

Bills: HB2, SB48, SB64, SB100

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The green X and the one's opposite are on steps.
• They've always been there for us every step of the way.
• The first step is raising awareness.
• That person could have stepped in to cast your vote.
• That person could have stepped in to cast your vote.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:19.120> So chapter 5b um and takes those steps.
• So chapter 5b um and takes those steps. So that's<00:09:19.680> there.
• Enrolling in an address confidentiality program is a very big safety step.
• Enrolling in an address confidentiality program is a very big safety step.
• Enrolling in an address confidentiality program is a very big safety step.

Bills: HF3676, HF2959, HF3233

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Transcript Highlights:

• and thank you for taking first good step and thank you for taking it<00:27:04.320> before<00:
• Raising this conversation is a great first step, and we appreciate Representative Harter's leadership
• <00:31:37.279> and<00:31:37.519> we<00:31:37.760> appreciate first step and
• we appreciate first step and we appreciate Representative<00:31:38.720> Harter's<00:31:39.200>
• in during assaults, calming stepping in during assaults, calming individuals<00:46:35.119> in

Bills: HF2358, HF3496, HF3504, HF2169, HF3440

Keywords: public safety, coercion, criminal penalties, law enforcement, victim protection, HF3496, supervision abatement, earned compliance credit, earned compliance credits, conditional release, supervised release, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, restitution, willful nonpayment, probation-like supervision, release supervision, community supervision, lifetime conditional release, early termination of supervision

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So as a chair, what steps have you guys taken to encourage development of solar farms on ag lands?
• Have you guys taken any steps at all?
• in regards to this bill with the agrivoltaics. >> Yeah. >> So in this case, have you guys taken any steps
• Have you guys taken any steps<00:04:31.080> at<00:04:31.200> all? steps at all?
• steps at all?

Bills: SB2706, SB2320

Keywords: workforce development, agriculture, biosecurity, pilot program, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, University of Hawaii, Leeward Community College, DHRD, training, apprenticeship, career pathways, credentialing, job training, internship, hands-on experience, state employment, workforce pipeline, agricultural jobs, biosecurity jobs, general fund appropriation

Summary: The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers. The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG. The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, told him to step out of the camera view so they could slice his throat.
• Uh, told him to step out of the camera view so they could slice his throat.
• Testifiers, please step up to the table. At 15 minutes, we have no other testifiers.
• up, we'll bring up the next could step up, we'll bring up the next testifiers.
• They're pleased with the steps we've taken, and they're asking us to do more.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard Chair Bliss present HF 13, a bill to change Minnesota self-defense law so that a person using reasonable force in resisting an offense against the person would not be required to consider retreat. Bliss tied the proposal to a recent Minnesota Supreme Court case involving a man at a light rail station and argued the court had effectively created a duty to retreat that the legislature had never enacted. He said the bill would codify the right to stand one’s ground while still leaving reasonableness to judges and juries. Supporters Bryan Gosh of the NRA and Rob Door of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus testified that Minnesota’s duty-to-retreat rules are confusing, judicially created, and out of step with other states. They argued the bill would clarify self-defense law and protect people who defend themselves or others, citing examples from other states and a Texas church shooting to argue that a retreat requirement can endanger victims and bystanders. Opponents Maggie Emery of Protect Minnesota, Sarah Erickson of Giffords, and Don Einwalter of Moms Demand Action argued the bill would function as a “shoot-first” law, increase homicides, worsen racial disparities, and make communities and law enforcement less safe. They cited studies linking stand-your-ground laws to higher homicide rates and pointed to incidents in Florida and Minnesota involving firearms and children. The committee also took up two amendments. Representative Hollins offered an amendment on safe and secure firearm storage, saying it was intended to reduce child access to guns and suicides; she requested a roll call. Chair Bliss opposed it, saying current law already covers negligent storage and that the amendment was too broad, including for a rural constituent who keeps a shotgun by his door. Representative Hudson and Representative Pinto argued over whether current law is sufficient and whether the amendment would remove needed flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of the amendments, with no final vote or disposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's several steps in order to do that.
• We know what the wait times are and Can find another HRI to help step in.
• We do have step-down programs.
• What, what steps are you taking? to ensure compliance with those gubernatorial directives.
• forward. forward, one step backwards, then two more steps forward, and you'll see some of that and the

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bring America back to normal... back to living within its means, this resolution is a superb first step
• There's just no other way to make these numbers work, especially when we know that this is just step
• And step two is more tax breaks for billionaires and massive corporations.
• I'm gonna fight this every step of the way. This goes back to Gray Panther days.
• This resolution greenlights the resources necessary to make that important step be taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which it was brought to your attention that the Lottery Commission had stepped out of bounds was doing
• We are taking steps to address it.
• We've already taken steps to increase the number of children that we provide scholarships to.
• Thank y'all for being here and y'all can go ahead and step away so I can call someone else up.
• And our workforce is having to choose the alternatives or stepping out of the workforce altogether.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• our our typical approach is to step our our typical approach is to offer<00:36:22.240> services
• Again, I want to commend you because that's a big step.
• <01:00:15.240> too there right now and may be a step too there right now and may be a step
• They added that it is a step forward, but more needs to be done. Thank you very much.
• It's a step forward, but more needs to be done. Anyone else with comments or questions?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with HB 1113, which would create an intensive mobile team pilot program in the Department of Health for chronically houseless individuals with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division strongly supported the bill, and written support was also submitted by several health and harm-reduction organizations. Members asked about the program’s size and coordination with existing services; the testifier said the team would use a low-caseload, 24/7 mobile model, coordinate with police, ERs, hospitals, housing, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other case-management resources, and continue serving participants even if they cycle through jail or hospital. The committee amended the bill to change the participant language from a maximum of 40 to “at least 40,” blanked out the appropriations section, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and then adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments by unanimous vote in both committees. The next measure, HB 1140, would appropriate funds for DLNR to clean up homeless encampments on department lands. DLNR testified in support, saying it conducts about 22 to 24 cleanups per year and the bill would help it address homelessness statewide. Members asked whether the funds would be used to sweep people out of areas; DLNR said its practice is to give notice, allow time to leave, and then clean up what remains, with storage procedures for personal property. The department also said people still present are told to move to the county area across the road. DLNR confirmed the bill is not in the governor’s budget, though it is in the governor’s legislative package. The committee then heard HB 1486, which would make it disorderly conduct to remain or loiter within 20 feet of a bus stop without intent to use bus services. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal enforcement is not the right tool, could lead to arrests of people who are simply tired or unhoused, and could create a cycle of repeated low-level cases and constitutional issues around questioning and intent. HPD supported the bill, saying officers would generally try to get people to move first, but could also use field questioning, citations, or arrests depending on the circumstances; HPD said such incidents can be documented and later used in ACT or other mental-health interventions. A private resident testified in support, describing bus stops near her home as occupied overnight and burdening nearby residents and small businesses. Written support came from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office, and one individual opposed the bill. Members also asked about neighbor-island impacts, property handling, and whether the bill could help connect people to services; HPD said it had not consulted other counties and would follow up. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 877, which would prohibit encampments within 100 feet of the property line of a K-12 public or private school or school facility. DLNR stood on its written testimony, and the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that the bill did not specify how violators would be removed, what would happen to property or the encampment, or whether the buffer zone applies only to public spaces. The AG suggested making violations petty misdemeanors and adding clearer definitions and due-process guidance. Members asked whether charter schools are included and whether private-property situations within the buffer zone should be clarified; the AG said public schools include charter schools and indicated the bill may need more specificity about private property and trespass situations.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 3489 finally takes some meaningful steps to address the reality.
• And Democrats fought us every step of the way.
• President, this is a good step forward for protecting our kids online.
• President, this is a good step forward for protecting our kids online.
• But I'm glad we're taking that step. I'm glad we're leading the way.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took the roll, establishing a quorum. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of Senate File 3720, a workers’ compensation bill adopting 2026 recommendations of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and then moved through routine author changes and motions, including sending House File 3825 to the Finance Committee and advancing House File 3298, which was described as funding the removal and replacement of underground tanks to protect water supplies. A major floor item was Senate File 4282, the education forecast-adjustment bill. Senator Kunish explained that the conference committee updated appropriations to reflect forecast changes, added language on highly qualified paraprofessionals for Title I special education, provided tribal contract aid if a permanent school fund amendment passes, allowed districts to use operating capital for utility costs, extended grants for gender-neutral bathrooms, and made two school district fund transfers. The Senate adopted the conference report and passed the bill 34-33. The Senate then considered House File 3489, which would establish a felony offense of grooming, require reporting to licensing boards, update school and mandated reporter rules, and add funding for investigators. Supporters framed it as a child-protection measure based on a survivor’s testimony and a teacher-abuse case; one member also spoke in favor, while another offered a strongly partisan critique of public education. The Senate adopted the A11 amendment, gave the bill third reading, and passed it 66-0, then recessed briefly to honor guests in the gallery. After recess, the Senate took up House File 5074, the annual claims settlement bill. Senator Clark said it appropriates just over $5.1 million for claims including exoneration payments and a permanent injury claim, highlighting compensation for James Lamar Davis, Clayton Douglas Groves, and Marvin Haynes. The bill drew some debate over the Haynes payment and the calculation for an ankle injury claim, but it ultimately passed 64-2. The final item was House File 4074, the 2026 omnibus pension bill, described as improving public safety and other public employee retirement benefits, removing a COLA delay, creating work groups on duty disability, and addressing pension provisions for probation officers, 911 telecommunicators, St. Paul teachers, and other groups; the discussion was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I remember coming here and seeing 22 veterans' boots, or 22 pairs of boots, on the front steps.
• Um I know there<00:32:10.640> are<00:32:10.720> several<00:32:11.120> steps<00:32
• to it but I know there are several steps to it but I know that<00:32:12.799> that<00:32:13.039
• and say that we're we're the next step and say that we're we're losing<01:33:05.920> we<01:33
• us to step up. us to step up.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Senate File 4612, a state government bill affecting the Department of Health, Human Services, and Children, Youth, and Families, was taken up with a House language amendment adopted at the outset. The bill’s authors gave sharply different perspectives: one described it as a limited, reactive measure tied to federal Medicaid changes and said it fell short of needed health care improvements, while the other argued it would avoid large federal penalties, add Medicaid work requirements, save taxpayer money, and help certain rural and disability-related services. Members then debated several amendments. A technical House research amendment was offered, followed by a contested amendment on the all-payer claims database. Supporters of that change argued the bill expanded data access and could allow sensitive health data to be sold or used outside the United States, raising privacy and jurisdiction concerns; opponents said the data would remain deidentified, access would be limited to researchers, and the fee structure was a cost-recovery mechanism rather than a sale. The amendment to the amendment failed on a 67-67 tie, and the underlying amendment was not adopted. The committee also adopted an amendment updating mortuary science rules for natural organic reduction and another that would automatically enroll certain people into medical assistance if they did not choose a program themselves. A later amendment creating a therapeutic psilocybin pilot program for mental health and PTSD treatment drew strong bipartisan support, especially from members citing veteran suicide, trauma, and promising research; it was adopted after discussion. The transcript ended while discussion continued on how the program would be administered, including questions about using the Office of Cannabis Management rather than the Department of Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want to misrepresent all the steps that have to be followed.
• I think you all have done a good job of stepping in.
• They have stepped in and said, "If you are overloaded, please send those to us.
• I stepped in.
• They have really stepped out of the box for us.

Keywords: 1184, house, all