Transcript Highlights:

• School staff are working so hard with our kids to… Are working so hard with our kids to learn and grow
• I hear over and over, the goal of all of this... ...the goal of all of this is to increase access to
• They need access to shared special education expertise, professional development, technical support,
• They heard our concerns about having bona fide programs being accessed.
• They want to have access to affordable health care.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What we've learned is there are three bills, and that they're passing through this committee.
• We just learned this morning. Members did. There's three bills passing through this committee.
• We all just learned that this morning. Yes, ma'am.
• Cost offset, as I just mentioned, possibly by individuals accessing lower-cost behavioral health crisis
• impacting access yeah yeah which is what we've been fighting to improve is access to care in the rural

Bills: HB12, HB145, HB222, HB291, HB430, HB821, HB874, HB909, HB951, HB979, HB1193

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, firefighters, medical expenses, dental expenses, disability benefits, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, health insurance, provider agreements, contracting actions, participating facilities, network status, survivors benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• What we've learned is there are three bills and that they're passing through this committee.
• We just learned this morning, members did. There's three bills passing through this committee.
• We all just learned that this morning. Yes, ma'am.
• In that rural area, and so the patient just wouldn't have access to recruit yes impacting access yeah
• yeah which is what we've been fighting to improve is access to care in the rural areas.

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met on May 18, 2026, with eight members present and began by noting the state’s projected REC budget deficit and the need to consider fiscal impacts carefully. The committee first advanced HB 12, which extends the $250,000 surviving spouse benefit to reserve officers killed in the line of duty. Members noted the bill is prospective and that it draws from the same capped fund as other related bills, but it was reported favorable without opposition. The committee also adopted an amendment and reported HB 874 favorable as amended; the bill allows colleges, technical schools, the Louisiana Bar Association, and additional credentials to be added to LA Wallet, with the amendment changing mandatory language to permissive language. HB 951 was then reported favorable, creating an employer-facing workforce unit within Louisiana Works, to be funded through repurposed state and federal funds and existing staff, with a floor amendment expected to rename the unit. The committee also reported HB 979 favorable with amendments after reducing the proposed increase in survivor benefits because members learned several bills were drawing from the same $5 million fund, and HB 1193 favorable as amended, after striking a section that would have extended IDIQ authority to supply contracts for CPR. The committee then heard HB 909, which would require commercial payers to cover behavioral health crisis services. Representative Spell and LDH officials said the measure is intended to support crisis response centers and steer patients away from emergency rooms when appropriate, and they testified that it should be cost-neutral or absorbed within existing funding. Despite concerns raised by Senator Andrews about premiums, the bill was reported favorable after discussion of its potential savings and a possible pilot in Acadiana. HB 222, requiring Medicaid to cover dental procedures when needed to complete another medically covered procedure, was also reported favorable; LDH said it would absorb the cost within its existing budget and draw down federal matching funds. HB 291, which prevents health plans from penalizing hospitals when an out-of-network physician is involved in an otherwise covered hospital service, generated extensive debate over a disputed fiscal note and the No Surprises Act. OGB officials said any network “leakage” could cost the plan money, while supporters argued the policy is preventative and that the fiscal estimates were speculative. The committee adopted amendment 3941 to exempt OGB from the bill, then reported HB 291 favorable as amended. Later, the committee took up HB 145, which expands the authority of the law enforcement and firefighter survivor benefit board to cover extraordinary medical and dental expenses. Because members learned it also draws from the same fund as HB 12 and HB 979, an amendment reduced the amount from $50,000 to $25,000, and the bill was reported favorable as amended. HB 430, a local bill for Lafayette to continue paying health insurance costs for surviving families of fallen officers until Medicare eligibility, was reported favorable. Finally, HB 821, which establishes the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools within the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement Administration and transfers related duties from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, was introduced and discussed as a move with a one-time general fund expenditure already included in HB 1. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• or indirectly accessing critical infrastructure.
• And if we kind of relate to the first bill that was discussed here, these devices have remote access
• The reason for that is that these batteries have remote access that connects to the grid.
• Don't put these cameras that we know allow backdoor access into critical infrastructure on the front
• What has it meant to you, and what have you kind of learned through the experience?

Bills: HB2121, HB2134, HB2451, HB2700

Keywords: modification, electronic equipment, consumer rights, OEM restrictions, civil penalties, intellectual property, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, Arizona Space Commission, strategic plan, aerospace, economic development, space industry, education, workforce training, assistive technology, disability services

Summary: The House Committee on Science and Technology convened for its first meeting of the session, with members and staff introducing themselves and the chair reviewing committee rules and amendment deadlines. The committee then heard several bills focused on technology policy, infrastructure security, and a new study committee on assistive technology. Testimony was generally supportive of the bills’ goals, though several members raised concerns about implementation, costs, and the role of the Arizona Corporation Commission on the infrastructure bill. HB 2121 would prevent manufacturers from disabling consumer electronic devices when owners make modifications, such as using third-party parts or firmware changes, and would allow owners or the Attorney General to sue for damages. After discussion about consumer ownership, security, and possible manufacturing impacts, the committee adopted the Fink amendment narrowing the bill to consumer products and gave HB 2121 a do pass recommendation by a 7-1 vote with one present. HB 2134 would restrict Chinese-produced equipment from critical infrastructure and limit contracts with Chinese companies; the sponsor and supporters framed it as a national security measure, while opponents focused on cost, implementation, and utility coordination. The committee heard testimony from the Arizona Corporation Commission, which said the bill would require new staff and resources, and from outside witnesses who said the bill was prospective and aligned with federal restrictions. HB 2134 passed 5-4. HB 2451 would adjust Arizona Space Commission board terms, extend the strategic plan deadline, and add astronautic educational opportunities to the commission’s duties. Supporters described the commission as a bipartisan effort to grow Arizona’s space industry, and the bill passed 8-0. HB 2700 would create a Technology Study Committee focused on assistive technology and technology-first approaches for people with disabilities. The sponsor and a constituent advocate described how assistive technology can improve independence and service delivery, and members expressed support for the concept. After adopting the Connolly amendment, the committee approved HB 2700 as amended by an 8-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• from their mistakes, not as much from learning from each other's mistakes, though.
• And so I learned a whole lot more about wildfires than I ever knew in my life.
• AB 1054 explicitly tied wildfire fund access to executive compensation being linked to safety records
• Third, the solution must improve customer access to residential property insurance and address under
• lessons learned from safety.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee held the first of several informational hearings on the SB 254 Natural Catastrophe Resiliency Study, focused on wildfire risk, utility liability, and how to finance catastrophic losses. Chair Allen opened by describing California’s recent utility-ignited wildfires, the creation of the wildfire fund under AB 1054, and SB 254’s extension of that fund and requirement for a study. The California Earthquake Authority, as wildfire fund administrator, presented the report’s process and findings, emphasizing that the study was intended to be neutral and broad, based on extensive stakeholder outreach, and that the status quo is not working well for survivors, communities, ratepayers, insurers, or utilities. CEA’s report organized recommendations into three policy pathways: continued mitigation investment, more equitable allocation of catastrophe burdens, and expanded state roles in catastrophe financing. For utilities, the report discussed options such as setting a binding risk-tolerance standard, preserving safety certificate accountability, tying executive compensation more directly to safety, creating confidential reporting with safe-harbor protections, reforming utility liability including possible changes to inverse condemnation, limiting damages, reducing insurance subrogation, and creating a fast-pay facility for survivors. The financing analysis compared a more durable wildfire fund, risk transfer/reinsurance, liability reforms, and state-backed mechanisms such as a state insurer, a state backstop, and broader funding for community wildfire mitigation. The CPUC said wildfire mitigation oversight has improved, but wildfire-related costs are driving electricity bills higher and creating an affordability crisis. The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety highlighted its wildfire mitigation plan review and field inspections, and recommended stronger safety reporting and more safety-weighted executive compensation. In member discussion, senators and assemblymembers focused on the cost of the status quo, whether the burden should be shared by ratepayers, utilities, the state, or other parties, and whether California should consider broader disaster-financing approaches. Several members raised concerns about inverse condemnation, the pace of survivor compensation, local land-use responsibility, and the need for a more comprehensive statewide solution rather than piecemeal bills. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• :30.040> is<00:37:30.160> not learn quickly that waiting is not learn quickly that waiting
• We have to focus on getting access to care.
• We have to focus on getting access to care.
• We have to focus on getting access to care.
• to care and their impact on access to care and health<00:51:15.880> outcomes.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum to consider the Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill 2, a major Medicaid bill. Members first adopted the substitute and then adopted Amendment 9770. The bill was described as a lengthy rewrite aimed at aligning Kentucky Medicaid policy with federal requirements under HR 1, while also preserving program integrity and addressing due process concerns. Senators and staff repeatedly emphasized that the measure was the product of extensive meetings with providers, associations, and work groups. The sponsor’s section-by-section summary highlighted several key changes: delaying and reducing cost-sharing requirements; pushing eligibility redetermination deadlines to the federal date; restoring some flexibility for hardship waivers; allowing self-attestation as a last resort; modifying MCO audit provisions; clarifying non-emergency medical transport GPS costs; expanding waiver attestation authority to nurse practitioners and licensed psychologists; adding qualified aliens to waiver eligibility to comply with federal law; requiring Medicaid data sharing with the oversight board; limiting changes to Medicaid benefits without General Assembly authorization; narrowing the prescription drug exclusion to drugs prescribed primarily for weight loss; and delaying the dental ASO transition until 2029. The substitute also deleted a proposed auditor review requirement and retained an emergency clause. Committee discussion focused heavily on the policy and fiscal implications of the cost-sharing and recertification provisions. Senators raised concerns about whether the co-pays would be effective or simply shift costs to providers, whether the recertification process would burden the Cabinet and cause eligible people to lose coverage, and how the bill would affect people transitioning from Medicaid into work. Supporters said the lower cost-sharing amounts were intended to encourage appropriate use of care, protect providers, and comply with federal law, and they noted that the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board would help shape future changes. A public witness, Maggie Chisholm, gave emotional testimony about her daughter’s experience with a Medicaid waiver and argued that policy delays and administrative disconnects can harm vulnerable families. No final vote on the bill itself was recorded in the excerpt, but the substitute and amendment were adopted and testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason that we kind of landed where we're at presently was learning how much the weight actually
• The Outdoors for All strategy has ushered in a new chapter of outdoor access for California.
• Now every Californian can access a free historic park pass, which allows all of us to enter the state
• However, protecting our land and water and making it accessible, it's not good enough if the access is
• only our land and water and making it accessible is not good enough if the access is only for the select

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Witnesses, please be sure to register using the electronic witness registration system accessible on
• stakeholder feedback, which helped identify meaningful ways to strengthen the program and improve accessibility
• As with all legislation, we learn what works well and what can be improved as Senate Bill 1133 was put
• feedback from our members on potential changes needed to ensure the landowner compensation program is accessible
• As with all legislation, we learn what works well and what can be improved as Senate Bill 1133 was put

Bills: SB2601

Keywords: landowner compensation, border crime, agriculture damage, law enforcement, crop loss

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security met with a quorum and heard only one bill, Senate Bill 2601 by Senator Blanco, laid out by Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo. The bill was presented as a committee substitute to revise the Landowner’s Compensation Program created last session under SB 1133. The changes would expand eligibility to include land lessees with the landowner’s permission, cover damage to the land itself as well as structures and real property, add continuous smuggling of persons as a qualifying border crime, prohibit insurers from using claims under the program in rate calculations, and require law enforcement to provide requested border crime reports to the Attorney General within 14 days. Public testimony was unanimously supportive. Charles Maley of the South Texans Property Rights Association said the program has been beneficial and that the bill helps clean up implementation issues, including clarifying compensation for debris and pollutants left on land. Stephen Diebel of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association also supported the bill, saying it would help address fence damage, destroyed infrastructure, and other harms along the border, and that lessees who manage properties day to day should be eligible for direct compensation when they have the landowner’s permission. Members discussed border-related property damage, including vehicles crashing through fences, broken sheds, livestock escaping, and resulting highway hazards. Senator Hinojosa asked about how conflicts between landowners and lessees would be handled, and testimony indicated documentation of lease authority would be required. After public testimony closed, the committee adopted the committee substitute without objection and voted to report SB 2601 favorably to the full Senate by a 5-0 vote, recommending it as local and uncontested.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:52.560> The access through their website. The access through their website.
• It's not equal access to all.
• I learn every day something new.
• I learn every day something new.
• from<02:08:04.880> the access login access from the access login access from the >>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we've heard a lot already today about MVP access for rural communities.
• We especially appreciate the inclusion of accessibility and accessible trails, a first for an environmental
• The intent of Chapter 91 is to protect public access to waterways.
• What I've discovered is that accessible paths are rare and precious.
• And as an ally once said, almost accessible is not accessible.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill. Administration officials said the bill would fund climate resilience, clean water, land conservation, parks, PFAS remediation, food security infrastructure, and coastal and inland flood protection, while also streamlining permitting for housing, restoration, and other resilience projects. They emphasized that the bond authorizes spending but does not itself obligate it, and said the proposal includes deauthorizations as housekeeping. Committee members asked about the new Resilience Revolving Fund, flood and drought management, MVP funding, land acquisition, Chapter 61 right-of-first-refusal changes, salt marsh carbon sequestration, and how the bill would help smaller municipalities and offset expected federal funding losses. Officials said the revolving fund would be managed through EEA and the Clean Water Trust, with criteria aimed at directing aid to communities most in need, and noted that drought issues would continue to be handled through existing DEP and drought commission tools. Several committee members and witnesses discussed specific policy provisions, including flood disclosure requirements for homebuyers and renters, expanded authority for regional planning and small-town access to grants, and permitting reforms that would exempt or expedite certain environmental restoration and priority housing projects from more time-consuming review processes. Administration witnesses defended the reforms as a way to achieve the same environmental outcomes faster and with more certainty, while some advocates argued the bill should go further, especially on Chapter 91 and restoration permitting. The administration also described investments in DCR facilities, water and wastewater systems, open space, agricultural easements, and a new focus on blue carbon and salt marsh restoration. Public testimony largely supported the bill. Mass Audubon, the Trustees of Reservations, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, The Nature Conservancy, MAPC, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, municipal officials, and others praised the bill’s resilience, conservation, and water infrastructure investments. Some witnesses urged additional funding for land protection, coastal resilience, buyouts, and restoration, and several called for stronger or simpler permitting reforms. Municipal witnesses from Boston, Beckett, Beverly, Conway, and regional planning organizations stressed the need for flexible financing, especially for small and rural communities facing costly infrastructure and climate adaptation projects. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee heard testimony and asked questions before moving on to additional panels.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm interested to learn.
• Most of that is to say I'm a big believer in lifelong learning, especially in the field of technology
• My wife will tell you that as much as I love to learn, I can't necessarily put it down all the time,
• Obviously, I'm in my early days of this role, but I am looking forward to learning a little bit more
• And there are other ways to control whether or not a child has access to these things.

Keywords: Technology and Science, Joint Commission on, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under President Perez's leadership, Chico State continues to strengthen its commitment to hands-on learning
• The goal here is simple: with more guns safely stored and fewer guns accessible during moments of crisis
• Stored and fewer guns accessible during moments of crisis like contentious custody disputes, we can save
• begin with a criminal act, but with a moment of crisis, a moment when someone who should not have access
• Current law allows for firearm storage, but access is limited and inconsistent, and too many communities

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, handled several procedural motions, and then moved through guest introductions and a special Armenian Genocide Remembrance ceremony. Members and invited guests offered remarks honoring the victims and survivors, and House Resolution 97 commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was adopted after extensive debate and a co-author roll call. The chamber also observed a moment of silence in remembrance of those who died in the genocide. The floor then took up a series of bills and resolutions. Measures passed included AB 1838 on public contracts and wage-and-hour disclosure, AB 1562 on random selection of poll workers, AB 2297 on consistent restitution rules in diversion programs, AB 1659 on transition support for court school students returning to district schools, AB 1974 on voluntary temporary firearm storage programs, AB 2402 on multi-service health club studios and annual fees, and AB 1607 extending the Maddy Emergency Medical Services Fund. The Assembly also adopted HR 99 recognizing California Agriculture Day, with members discussing the importance of agriculture, farmworkers, and state support for the industry. The chamber also adopted ACR 129 establishing a sister-state relationship with Lagos State, Nigeria, after discussion of economic, cultural, and climate-related ties. In addition, the Assembly considered SJR 7 on tariffs, with supporters arguing tariffs raise costs for consumers and opponents defending them as leverage for trade reciprocity and manufacturing. Several motions to suspend rules or move bills were taken up earlier in the day, including one failed motion to bring AB 2624 directly to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will help families access services and provide material support for basic needs.
• Plant medicine has the power to heal, and it should be accessible here in the United States.
• Plant medicine has the power to heal, and it should be accessible here in the United States.
• Plant medicine has the power to heal, and it should be accessible here in the United States.
• No veteran should have to leave their home to access life-saving care.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on several measures related to child welfare, health care access, overdose response, disability services, and waste management. For SB 710 on child welfare, the Department of Human Services, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Attorney General’s office, and multiple advocacy groups testified in support, with the Governor’s office noting support but deferring to the Attorney General on implementation because of separation-of-powers concerns. For SB 952 on child welfare services, DHS, the Governor’s office, and child- and trauma-informed care advocates supported the bill, saying it would help families access services, provide basic material support, and reduce strain on the child welfare system. SB 954 on a home health services rate study also drew support, including from DHS, the Hawaii Healthcare Association, and a public testifier who said the study would help ensure funds reach low-income, disabled, and kupuna recipients. SB 957 on overdose prevention received support from the Department of Health and the Attorney General, who said overdose prevention centers are evidence-based but raised federal-law concerns and recommended amendments; the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center and others also testified in support. The committee then moved to the 1:00 regular calendar and heard SB 850 on disability health disparity, which was supported by the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Disability Rights Center, self-advocates, and others. Testimony emphasized that a disparity study could improve workforce development, training, and services for people with disabilities. SB 838 on continuous glucose monitoring drew support from health agencies and advocates, with testimony stressing that monitors can be critical for some diabetes patients. SB 829 on health care was supported by the Department of Health and health care stakeholders, who said it would help rotating physicians serve neighbor islands without local hospital privileges and align with CMS rules. SB 446 on waste management drew mixed testimony: the Department of Health and several public entities provided comments, the County of Maui opposed, and environmental advocates urged stronger aquifer protections and limits on ash reuse. During decision making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass SB 298, SB 322, SB 299, SB 450, SB 451, SB 949, SB 710, SB 957, SB 69, and SD 952 with various amendments, including technical changes, blank appropriations, and defective dates. SB 323, SB 324, SB 712, SB 950, SB 954, and SB 959 were deferred, largely because companion House measures were moving or similar Senate measures had already passed. The chair also announced recesses to find quorum and noted that some bills from the earlier Monday calendar were being deferred to avoid duplication.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I wouldn't be able to have time to learn anything I actually might want to learn.
• SIPACT increases access to care.
• It's about expanding access and not replacing anyone.
• Patients can't get access to care.
• Patients can't get access to care.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing. There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Accessibility for the education itself.
• ,<01:08:57.839> a director of Lakeside Early Learning, a director of Lakeside Early Learning
• Things like sanitation, learning environment, child interactions, etc., and curriculum and learning environment
• Things like sanitation, learning be.
• <01:14:12.960> environment and curriculum and learning environment and curriculum and learning

Bills: HF1918, HF2305, HF897, HF2191, HF2617, HF2551, HF2137

Keywords: HF1918, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, child welfare, foster care, out-of-home placement, permanency planning, relative search, noncustodial parent, kinship care, family preservation, African American Child and Family Well-Being, racial disproportionality, maltreatment reporting, educational neglect, truancy, school attendance, Great Start compensation, child care provider payments, TEACH early childhood program

Transcript Highlights:

• access access even<01:26:55.119> when<01:26:55.280> you<01:26:55.440> go<01:26:
• Thank you. children to grow and to learn this children to grow and to learn this education<01:31:52.239
• into a corner potentially losing access into a corner potentially losing access to<01:35:48.560>
• That's how we learned that you can eat fiddleheads.
• Corridor protection and access sections Corridor protection and access sections two<02:05:43.920>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• thrive but instead of expanding access thrive but instead of expanding access these<00:09:38.519
• wraparound services and increase access wraparound services and increase access to<00:37:11.359>
• <00:42:44.119> quality innovating and improving access quality innovating and improving access
• streamlined resulting in greater access streamlined resulting in greater access to<00:43:12.160>
• <01:46:50.400> to 70% while also expanding access to 70% while also expanding access to health

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was, as a result of that, learning disabled the rest of his life.
• a result of that he was learning a result of that he was learning disabled<01:06:55.680> the<
• It affirms the access to fairness.
• My children have learned times and made close friends.
• My children have learned times and made close friends.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as we know, you know, learning how to swim is very critical for children, especially babies.
• They can learn how to swim, and we can have a little time together.
• So learn to swim from my impression, the standard is, is typically 4.
• You said, learn to swim 4, and then after that, what's the ratio? At, at your facility. Um-hum.
• So it's just a matter of access as well. Got you. I know nothing.

Bills: SB 28

Keywords: groundwater, groundwater conservation district, Water Code, Water Development Board, modeled available groundwater, aquifer, water permit, groundwater transfer, export groundwater, out-of-district transfer, management area, desired future conditions, well permit, retail public utility, potable water, emergency interconnect, subsidiary, controlled entity, aquifer management, water resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Not everyone has access to photo copying documents.
• Not everyone<00:05:17.960> has<00:05:18.400> access<00:05:19.000> to<00:05:19.520
• > photo<00:05:19.840> copying everyone has access to photo copying everyone has access
• So, how long do you have to wait until you learn who will be on your ballot running to represent you?
• <00:20:05.120> who do you have to wait until you learn who do you have to wait until you learn

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The program focused heavily on election policy and campaign finance. Senator Liz Boldon discussed the federal SAVE Act, saying it would require in-person proof of citizenship to register, limit online and mail registration, and require qualifying photo ID to vote. She argued the measure would create barriers for eligible voters, especially people without passports, women who have changed names, and mail voters, and said there is little evidence of non-citizen voting to justify the bill. The segment also noted Minnesota’s high turnout in 2024 and framed the issue as one of access and disenfranchisement. Boldon also outlined her Minnesota bill, Senate File 4147, aimed at reducing dark money in elections by limiting corporate spending and increasing transparency. She cited the growth in outside spending since Citizens United, said Minnesotans want to know who is influencing elections, and described the bill as a novel approach that could face constitutional challenges. She said the measure had already moved through three committees and might not affect the upcoming election season even if enacted. The program then highlighted Senate File 5050, the Republican-backed Save Minnesota Act, which would require qualifying photo ID at the polls and during early and absentee voting, allow provisional ballots when voters cannot prove identity, citizenship, or residence, create free state-issued voter ID cards, and direct officials to remove non-citizens from voter rolls. It also covered Senate File 1851, a bipartisan bill by Senator Bonnie Westlin to ban scam PACs and allow victims, the Attorney General, and others to sue fraudsters; the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill and could take effect in August if passed. The final portion introduced newly seated Senator Michael Holmstrom, who won a special election after the death of Senator Bruce Anderson. Holmstrom described his long involvement in Republican and pro-life politics, his work on campaigns and door-knocking, his small-business background, and the personal experiences that shaped his views. The segment also noted that all state Senate seats will be on the ballot in November, listed several senators not seeking reelection, and gave the candidate filing window as May 19 through June 2.