Transcript Highlights:

• And this is early on. on. on.
• Under this bill, those losses would have fallen on the state budget.
• with MCOs because MCOs have a vested interest in preventing fraud. fallen on the state budget. fallen
• on the state budget.
• </c> on this bill. on this bill.

Summary: The committee first took up House File 3939, a bill to support a Helping Paws service-dog litter named in honor of Gilbert and the Hortman family. Testimony from Helping Paws and service-dog graduate Angie Foley described the organization’s work, the significance of the “Guided by Gilbert” litter, and how the funding would help train dogs that provide independence and support to people with disabilities, veterans, and others. Members from both parties spoke warmly about Speaker Hortman’s connection to the organization and Gilbert, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee then considered House File 3769, the Department of Corrections’ technical omnibus bill, with an A1 amendment adopted to clarify tuberculosis testing language. The bill updates TB screening procedures in correctional facilities, including how refusals are handled, and adds Quantiferon Gold Plus testing as an option alongside existing methods. Members discussed whether the bill would create costs for counties and jails, with some noting added testing and segregation costs and others arguing the changes would improve accuracy and reduce time in restrictive housing. The bill, as amended, was recommended to the general register. House File 3978 was next, a technical cleanup bill for a provider wellness program created last year. The bill expands eligibility and confidentiality protections from physicians to all health care providers, while supporters said the program is meant to address burnout and mental health strain in the workforce and does not require new money. Some members questioned whether the change was redundant or would broaden the program without additional funding, but the Minnesota Medical Association testified that the program is separate from insurance and was intended to serve all providers. The bill was recommended to the general register. Finally, the committee began House File 3476, which Rep. Liebling described as a cleanup bill related to Minnesota’s Medicaid managed care system and public program oversight. She argued that the state spends billions through managed care organizations and that the system has never been proven better than direct payment, setting up a broader discussion of the bill’s purpose and the state’s oversight of public health care spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> or</c> balance a budget based on volatility or balance a budget based on volatility or the<00:47:
• </c><00:56:20.880><c> the</c> banial budget based on the but the banial budget based on the but the forecast
• </c> Revenue this budget cycle the one that Revenue this budget cycle the one that we're<00:58:14.440
• </c> are spending money on so our our budgets are spending money on so our our budgets do<01:08:09.559
• </c><01:23:33.080><c> on</c> proposed balancing the state budget on proposed balancing the state budget

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I five-to-one return on investment.
• </c> Sorry, I have one one short question. Sorry, I have one one short question.
• c> 24,</c> section 25 on line I mean on page 24, section 25 on line I mean on page 24, line<00:35:02.040
• On page 34, line one, section 38 removes the requirement that On page 33, line two, section 37 On page
• </c> On page 34, line one, On page 34, line one, section<00:38:04.320><c> 38</c><00:38:05.320><c> removes

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, if you still have room, I'd love to sign on with you on this bill, but it's truly one of the
• Senator, if you still have room, I'd love to sign on with you on this bill, but it's truly one of the
• Actually, last budget year, Senator Putnam and Representative Wulff helped us on the EI bill that you
• I'm here to speak on the impact of EDS on Frontier Transportation Services.
• I also been on fun field trips and on Minnesota college tours. crowd by September 2023 I was on hen crowd

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• on the scale.
• on the scale.
• The two additional ones, they would come on as a two-year term at the point that they come on.
• The two additional ones, they would come on as a two-year term at the point that they come on.
• </c> on them. on them.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:59:39.839><c> cancer</c><00:59:40.960><c> on</c> want to cancel research on cancer on want to
• </c> Substitute One. Substitute One.
• and on.
• and on.
• and on.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:23:55.199><c> hand</c> us and then on the on the right hand us and then on the on the right hand
• . on. on.
• I'm on 195. on 195 right now. I'm on 195. Yeah.<01:24:50.719><c> Okay.
• And we're going to be putting some subcommittees together on that for like the building aid school budget
• . budget. budget.

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping announcements about clearing office file cabinets by May 22, arranging lockers in another building, and the building’s cold temperature. The chair also reviewed the calendar, noting the May 29 reporting deadline, the May 26 Memorial Day closure, and possible dates for subcommittee or committee-of-the-whole meetings. Representative Damon then apologized for his word choice in a prior vote, and the chair accepted the apology. The committee recessed briefly for caucus before returning to the docket. The first bill taken up was SB 98, extending donations to regional career and technical education center programs. Representative Peoples moved OTP, the motion was seconded, and members noted the bill would allow continued private donations to support the program. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill and then agreed to place it on consent, with discussion noting a fiscal note but no objection to consent. The committee then considered SB 294, concerning lab fees for career and technical education courses. Representative Peoples moved ITL, but members debated whether the bill would create an unfunded mandate or instead simply require that lab fees be addressed in regional agreements. Supporters argued it would make costs transparent and prevent students from being surprised by fees, while opponents said it would shift costs onto sending districts and add to an already underfunded CTE tuition and transportation line. After discussion, the committee voted 10-8 to pass the bill, with Representative Peoples assigned the majority report and Representative Bricky the minority report. Finally, the committee turned to SB 195, which revises the composition and duties of the New Hampshire Advisory Council on Career and Technical Education. The chair initially asked questions about how CTE funding works for part-time students, then corrected that he was on the wrong bill before returning to SB 195. Representative Lad offered amendment 1938H and explained that it largely tracked current law while making changes to council membership, including the appointment process for business and trade representatives. Discussion focused on how the amendment and bill would alter council appointments and whether the current structure should remain, but the transcript cuts off before any final action on SB 195 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the shoulder of a road with a one-foot shoulder on a two-lane rural road trying to get back to Santa
• I'd ask you if you could be as brief as possible so we can stay on track. Well, I do.
• One injury on these work sites is one too many for our members, especially when there are mechanisms
• I'll be very brief.
• any one area.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several transportation and climate-related bills. AB 954 would create a Caltrans pilot program for bike highways in two metropolitan areas and require a report to the Legislature; supporters said it would expand protected regional bike networks and help climate and equity goals, while some members objected that it would divert gas-tax-funded transportation dollars away from road repairs and rural needs. The bill passed on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open for later additions. AB 289 would authorize automated speed enforcement in active highway construction zones to protect workers. The author and labor and contractor witnesses described repeated work-zone crashes and fatalities and argued the cameras would supplement, not replace, CHP enforcement. Some members raised concerns about civil penalties and enforcement policy, but the bill advanced on a 9-? initial vote and later was approved 15-1 after the roll was completed. AB 674 would update the Clean Cars for All program to prioritize pre-2004 high-polluting vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities and improve reporting and incentive rules. Supporters said older vehicles produce a disproportionate share of emissions and that the program has already retired thousands of cars; the committee approved the bill unanimously on the floor vote and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources. AB 1237 would let LA Metro and VTA add a $5 fee to primary ticket sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup and NCAA championship events to fund transit service, with ticket holders able to use transit on event day. Supporters said the fee would help manage congestion and security needs, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association argued it was an unconstitutional tax requiring voter approval. The bill passed and was re-referred to the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 891 would create a Caltrans quick-build pilot for temporary safety improvements on state highways for pedestrians and bicyclists; supporters emphasized rapid, low-cost safety fixes, while opponents said the program could divert gas-tax funds and was not appropriate for rural areas. It passed 11-4 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved a six-bill consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• And on Zoom, we have Nia Lenero. >> Hi, uh, Nia Lenero. >> Okay, we did not pass on that one.
• the onus on the on the companies putting the onus on the on the companies to<00:38:20.800><c> do</c>
• for a roll call on the DE DE DE &gt;&gt; one &gt;&gt; one &gt;&gt; one &gt;&gt; one<01:14:33.280><c>
• So, uh, not on board on the A4. Thank you. >> Okay.
• So, uh, not on board on the A4. Thank you. >> Okay.

Summary: The committee first approved the March 11, 2026 minutes, then heard House File 4048, which would exempt chiropractors from Minnesota’s provider tax if they are no longer eligible to provide chiropractic benefits under Medicaid/MinnesotaCare. Representative Robbins said the bill corrects an unfair situation because chiropractors still pay the tax even though the benefit was eliminated. Testifiers from the Minnesota Chiropractic Association and a longtime chiropractor supported the bill, arguing that most chiropractors are small-business owners and should not pay a tax for services they can no longer provide. Several members said they supported restoring chiropractic coverage instead of changing the tax, and there was discussion about whether the tax applies to all providers and whether it is effectively passed on to patients. The committee adopted a motion to recommend HF 4048 to the Committee on Taxes. The committee then took up House File 3893, as amended, a bill to restrict artificial intelligence from engaging in psychotherapy or counseling with humans. The author and supporters said the bill is intended to prevent AI chatbots from posing as therapists or counseling vulnerable people, citing reports of suicides and other harms linked to chatbot interactions. The A2 amendment was adopted; the author said it reflected stakeholder concerns and added informed-consent language. Testifiers in support, including a psychologist and a suicide-prevention nonprofit leader, urged strong safeguards and said AI should not replace licensed professionals in crisis settings. Other testimony raised concerns about overbreadth and unintended effects. TechNet and a rural mental health provider said the bill should be narrowed so it applies to clinical therapy rather than wellness or educational tools, and should allow supervised AI uses such as transcription and administrative support. Members discussed rural access, existing licensing-board authority, privacy laws, and whether the bill should target AI companies directly rather than licensed clinicians. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HF 3893, with no final committee action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules and the Committee's on Rules of the two branches acting concurrently, reports
• on the support.
• I want to thank the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee on Education, and the Speaker's Office
• That's 73 days on social media alone, an average of 15 years of their entire lives on social media.
• I remember one moment clearly. I learned that students... I remember one moment clearly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are on the same page on this issue.
• on this.
• be on.
• At the end of the day, we know the impact that the state Medicaid plan has on our state's budget; as
• One of the things that I know we talked about was there was a lot of focus on the repeal provision on

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, um, members, on the, on PFAS, the, there's a lot going on, uh, but I will say that what we did
• What if it's only contained on base? Is it only on DOD land? Mr.
• Um, but, I mean, You and I have bumped heads on, on more than one issue, but I think your work on the
• , on that.
• So, I know from years past, we would get these briefings from them at one point in time where they would

Committee: House Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• We worked a lot on this. I keep hearing that the budget... ...worked a lot on this.
• Those are some of the things that we had done with a lot of one-time federal dollars in the budget.
• Gregerson on some ideas on winding up the intent of what she's working on with the fiscal impact that
• So I see one of those sort of command-and-control questions the same way. I think... ...budget.
• I think I'm one of the original members on WTMA.

Summary: The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee held public hearings on three bills and then a work session on tourism. House Bill 2365, concerning digital equity programs, would shift more responsibility to the Broadband Office, rename the Digital Equity Opportunity Program as the Digital Opportunity Program, expand the forum’s role, and require more reporting and outreach on broadband adoption and affordability. The prime sponsor and several advocates from community organizations, PTA, and digital navigation groups supported the bill, emphasizing the need for digital skills, cybersecurity, affordability, and trusted community partners. Commerce testified that the bill has technical and fiscal concerns and would add costs, and the sponsor said amendments were likely to reduce the fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2365 was then closed. House Bill 2446 would direct the Department of Commerce to develop a state quantum strategy by June 30, using non-state funding if possible, to identify growth areas, partnerships, and workforce and economic impacts for the quantum industry. The prime sponsor, industry representatives, and technology organizations supported the bill as a way to keep Washington competitive with other states and build a quantum ecosystem. Committee members raised questions about fiscal impact, private funding, regulatory capture, and cybersecurity risks, including concerns about quantum’s effect on passwords and AI-related harms. A Microsoft representative requested a technical amendment to broaden the definition from quantum computing to quantum technology and said the company would follow up on funding and AI-regulation questions. The hearing on HB 2446 was closed. House Bill 2357 would create a Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, allowing the governor to activate it for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions. The sponsor, the adjutant general, the Civil Air Patrol commander, and a veterans coalition representative all supported the bill, citing recent flood response work, emergency preparedness, and youth training benefits. Testimony emphasized that the proposal would clarify coordination, not change federal authorities, and would not create a fiscal impact. The hearing on HB 2357 was closed without any amendment requests. In the work session on tourism, State of Washington Tourism and industry partners presented recommendations from an advisory group calling for a more sustainable, industry-led funding model, likely through an assessment or visitor-fee structure. They argued Washington is underfunded compared with western peers and estimated that a competitive program could generate $14.6 billion in additional visitor spending over the next decade, along with significant tax revenue and lodging tax growth. Speakers from tourism, the wine commission, hospitality, and advisory group leadership stressed predictable funding, industry governance, and statewide benefits, while committee members discussed international tourism, regional access, and the need to avoid further decline in the sector. The meeting adjourned early after the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is one way for Massachusetts to lead on both fronts.
• I can jump in on that.
• Only one-fifth of the Mass Save budget is devoted to electrification or decarbonization.
• Five one. My goodness. Pressure's on.
• Five one. My goodness. Pressure's on.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of energy efficiency, building decarbonization, school modernization, and lighting bills. Testimony generally came from municipal leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocates who supported measures such as H. 3529/S. 2294 on building energy and decarbonization, H. 3577/S. 2286 on a zero-carbon renovation fund, H. 3476/S. 2275 on healthy and sustainable schools, H. 3565 on Mass Save zero-carbon assessments, H. 3477 on clean lighting and appliance efficiency standards, and the Dark Sky bills on outdoor lighting. Supporters argued these bills would cut emissions, lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality and school conditions, and direct resources to environmental justice, gateway, and low-income communities. Witnesses emphasized that Massachusetts’ older building stock and school facilities need major upgrades, and that state funding and financing tools are needed to close gaps left by declining federal support. Mayors, labor leaders, and environmental advocates said the proposals would create local jobs, expand apprenticeships, and help municipalities and schools undertake retrofits, ventilation improvements, heat pump installations, and other decarbonization work. Several speakers also defended Mass Save as highly cost-effective while urging new funding sources beyond ratepayer bills for larger-scale building upgrades. One representative asked about the difference between current Mass Save audits and proposed zero-carbon assessments, and the sponsor explained the new assessments would include heat pumps, solar, storage, wiring upgrades, and rate-structure guidance. There was also testimony on the Dark Sky bill, with astronomers and museum representatives arguing that better-shielded, downward-facing lighting would reduce energy waste, protect wildlife and human health, and preserve night skies without compromising safety. Committee members raised concerns about pedestrian safety and whether education might be enough instead of legislation; supporters responded that the bill follows established lighting standards and targets only unnecessary glare and skyward light. On the school bill, an open-shop contractor group opposed the measure, arguing its PLA and apprenticeship requirements would restrict bidding and reduce competition, while labor organizations strongly supported the workforce standards and prevailing wage provisions. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony and several members asked clarifying questions, but the transcript does not show any final action or disposition on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if it's on the books, it's on the books." "So, if it's on the books, it's on the books.
• When I first started as a member of the House, I was on the Budget Committee.
• And one of the most shocking things that I heard that first year as a Budget Committee member was that
• To a couple of lines, but Chairman, along that line, and lady, I think you and I served on budget, and
• I had been on budget. I'm new to budget again this year in a way, so still learning.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee first met in executive session and voted 8-0, with one member absent, to do pass House Bill 3405. Members described the bill as clarifying how pass-through entity tax information and credits are handled, with supporters saying it would reduce confusion and administrative burden while preserving the tax credit. In public hearing, the committee took testimony on House Bill 2457 and House Bill 1782, both related to food pantry tax credits. HB 2457 would extend the food pantry/soup kitchen/homeless shelter credit to 2032, add food banks as eligible entities, and raise the cap from $1.75 million to $4 million, while keeping the credit at 50 percent. HB 1782 would remove the sunset from the food pantry tax credit. Supporters said food banks and related charities need stable, predictable funding to address rising hunger and food waste; there was no opposition testimony. The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 3518, which would redirect the existing athletes and entertainers tax into a dedicated fund and require distribution to arts, humanities, libraries, public broadcasting, and historic preservation, while extending the sunset to 2060. The sponsor and supporters argued the money was intended for these purposes and that current appropriations fall short of the statutory split, creating instability for cultural and educational organizations. Witnesses from arts groups, libraries, and humanities organizations cited economic impact, statewide reach, and the need for long-term planning; some members raised concerns about oversight, general revenue impacts, and the long sunset, but no vote was taken on HB 3518 in this transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• > now</c> doesn't happen on that one occasion now doesn't happen on that one occasion now you<01:06:01.359
• </c><01:07:28.240><c> I</c> talks about one one party uh consent I talks about one one party uh consent
• </c><01:17:00.520><c> on</c> the to the negotiations uh so on on the to the negotiations uh so on on
• 01:19:04.400><c> 400</c> else wish to be heard on um on HB uh 400 else wish to be heard on um on HB uh
• </c> uh hearing on the our last two bills on uh hearing on the our last two bills on Wednesday<01:57:

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 313 and, on motion by Representative Perez, voted to retain the bill because members felt it needed further work and was not ready for final action. The motion passed 18-0, and no further action was taken on the bill. House Bill 391, an anti-SLAPP measure, was then discussed; supporters said it addressed a real problem and should move forward, while opponents raised concerns that it was too broad, could affect criminal cases, and might create procedural complications. The committee voted 18-0 to retain HB 391 as well, and it was placed on consent. The committee next considered House Bill 462, establishing a cause of action for unwarranted video imaging of residential properties. Representative McFarland moved OTP, saying the bill raised First Amendment and property-rights concerns. The motion passed 18-0, and the bill was also placed on consent. The committee then turned to House Bill 509, which would require reporting on forfeitures. Supporters argued the information was useful for future legislation, while opponents said the reporting would be costly, duplicative, and potentially split data across fiscal years. The committee voted 11-7 to recommend OTP, with a minority of members opposed. House Bill 520, authorizing Department of Education hearing officers to issue subpoenas, drew the most extended debate. Supporters argued DOE needed the same tools other agencies have, while opponents said DOE already had access to needed information, the Attorney General could handle subpoenas, and the bill would create an unbalanced process and raise due process and student-record concerns. Representative Tur offered Amendment 0842H to shift subpoena power from DOE hearing officers to the Attorney General; after debate, the amendment failed 10-8. The transcript cuts off as the committee begins the roll call on the underlying bill after rejecting the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here to convene a joint informational briefing between the House and Senate committees on higher
• I need more in both so that I can again my operational budget is also on the same level playing field
• my operational budget is also on<01:24:31.199><c> the</c><01:24:31.360><c> same</c><01:24:31.520><c>
• We practice on it, we play on it.
• We practice on it, we play on it.

Summary: The joint House-Senate higher education briefing focused on how the University of Hawaii athletics department plans to remain competitive in the NIL era, especially as the House settlement and related changes allow new forms of athlete compensation. Chair and Senator Kim opened by framing the issue as balancing competitiveness, sustainability, compliance, and UH’s educational mission. Coaches Laura Beeman and Timmy Chang described how NIL and the transfer portal are already affecting recruiting and retention, with Beeman saying women’s basketball has lost six to 10 recruits because UH cannot yet match offers, and Chang citing examples of players being courted with large sums and the need to retain proven local and out-of-state athletes. Both emphasized that student-athletes should still prioritize education, culture, and team values, while also receiving support that helps them stay at UH. Athletic Director Matt Elliott then outlined UH’s broader strategy. He said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the highest level of the Mountain West, and strengthen the bond with the community. He described NIL as having moved from a largely unregulated period to a new phase in which institutions can directly control some NIL payments, while outside deals still must be reviewed for fair market value. Elliott said UH wants to use NIL to help athletes cover basic needs and build financial stability, while also keeping them academically on track. He noted the department is pursuing fundraising, including a “Boost the Bose” account, corporate sponsorships, and licensing deals, to support NIL opportunities. In response to questions from Senator Kim, Elliott clarified that UH’s approach involves both institution-controlled payments and outside NIL deals: internal payments can be structured at the department’s discretion within the cap, while external sponsor deals must go through NIL Go and meet market-value standards. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• One dismissed claim appealed by the claimants was referred to the Joint Budget Committee's Claims Review
• one dismissed claim appealed by the claimants was referred to the joint budget committee's claims review
• So my motion is to hold E520, Department of Public Safety, on $142,000 until Joint Budget can take it
• And on that one, we're not here.
• And on that one, your motion would be just to hold that one, to let Joint Budget take it up.

Committee: All ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that is what the wording says on the bill, and it's on line 13.
• And I’ll have to learn a new driving technique of one foot on the brake and one on the gas.
• Please carry on. Debate on the motion?
• Sixty-eight ayes, one nay, one absent and excused.
• For debate on the motion. Hearing none. Further debate on the motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• probably</c><00:10:24.079><c> one</c><00:10:24.240><c> you've</c> another one and probably one you've
• another one and probably one you've already<00:10:24.720><c> heard.
• You’ll be conflicted on voting on this bill.”
• You’ll be conflicted on voting on this bill.”
• </c> witness number one. witness number one.

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division B