Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:32.160> is reconsideration review process is reconsideration review process is necessary
• doing justice and ensuring due process doing justice and ensuring due process is<00:25:11.520>
• is a very slow process.
• have different rule making processes? have different rule making processes?
• public confidence in the permit process. public confidence in the permit process.

Bills: HF962, HF3541, HF2936, HF3762, HF2879

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just that we want to make that process as simple as possible for them to improve their experience
• on the one hand... ...interesting process because you've got military officers and police officers on
• So, in electives time or a specials rotation, depending on the grade level.
• In electives time or a specials rotation, depending on the grade level.
• Amadee said, that was really my concern, right, is because I don’t like when we bypass the RFP process

Summary: The House Education Committee met on May 12, 2026, and first approved SB 518, which gives LSU limited authority to buy and sell certain real estate within one mile of campus as a two-year pilot program. Supporters said the bill would let LSU respond more quickly to deteriorating properties near campus and improve the student experience, while keeping protections such as appraisals and fair-market-value requirements. Members asked about whether the authority would affect residential property or be expanded to other universities, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then advanced SCR 33, creating a one-year Work-Based Learning Coordination Task Force to study and better align apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, and related programs across state agencies and employers. Testimony emphasized the need to reduce duplication and improve coordination so students and employers can more easily connect. HR 168 also passed, directing the Board of Regents to study collegiate athletic program funding after concerns raised by athletic directors about deficits and accounting practices. Members next approved SB 488, establishing a school safety drone response pilot program to supplement school crisis plans. The bill drew detailed testimony from a vendor describing drone deployment, response times, and coordination with law enforcement; an amendment was adopted to require coordination with the Department of Education, State Police, and the Sheriffs’ Association. The committee also favorably reported HCR 97, asking BESE and Wildlife and Fisheries to study adding age-appropriate hunting, conservation, and shooting sports education in grades 5-12, with members clarifying that no live firearms would be used on campus. Finally, the committee approved SB 112, allowing local school boards to adopt parental-consent release-time policies for religious instruction, with amendments adding instructor qualifications, reporting requirements, electronic delivery flexibility, and constitutional safeguards. It also reported SB 504, expanding individual graduation plans to include vocational options and apply to charter schools, with an amendment for standalone elementary charters. The committee then passed SB 346 and SB 347, both dealing with deepfakes—one prohibiting their use against K-12 students and the other adding unlawful deepfakes to campus power-based violence rules—and SB 353, authorizing postsecondary systems to digitize student IDs for use in LA Wallet. Several members raised concerns about naming LA Wallet specifically, but the bill was still reported favorably. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Still facing California and the budget process.
• SB 3, Cervantes, election procedures, do pass out on an A roll call.
• SB 791, Cortese, auto sale document processing fee increase, do pass as amended to reduce the cap to
• SB 249, Umberg, board of education elections, held in committee.
• SB 398, Umberg, election-related crimes, do pass out on an A roll call.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its August 29, 2025 suspense hearing on Senate bills, with the chair emphasizing the state’s ongoing budget constraints and the need to make difficult choices among 261 bills on the suspense file. After establishing a quorum, the committee began taking action bill by bill, with many measures receiving do pass or do pass with amendments recommendations, while others were held in committee or designated as two-year bills. The chair noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later on the committee website. The hearing covered a wide range of topics, including insurance and claims data, wildfire relief and prevention, water planning, energy and utility regulation, housing and land use, health care, labor and employment, criminal justice, education, environmental policy, and election-related measures. Several bills were amended before passage, often to narrow scope, remove sections, adjust definitions, delay implementation, or clarify funding and enforcement provisions. Some notable actions included moving bills on AI regulation, transit-oriented housing, paid family leave, wildfire mapping, chemical hair relaxers, and pharmacy benefit managers, while other bills on subjects such as controlled substances, high-speed rail, and certain education or housing proposals were held. The committee also took formal roll-call votes on selected bills, with some passing on A roll calls and others on B roll calls; a number of measures were advanced with Republicans not voting. One highlighted vote was SB 79 by Senator Wiener, which passed after amendments and a recorded roll call. At the end of the hearing, the committee reported that 190 bills were moved to the Assembly Floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, concluding the suspense hearing for the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a collaborative process.
• that did stall this deliberative process that did stall this deliberative process or<00:16:42.920
• process to get on to represent the community.
• process to get on to represent the community.
• process to get on to represent the community.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on Wednesday, April 2 at 11:05 a.m. and began with housekeeping instructions for Zoom testimony and meeting conduct. The first major item was House Resolution 43, HD1, which urged the City and County of Honolulu to work with stakeholders on an emergency access road on the West Coast. The acting chair proposed a substantial HD2 amendment to add Makakilo language, expanding the resolution to call for two emergency access roads—one on the Ewa coast and one in Makakilo—and to request community meetings and a timeline for an alternative Makakilo access road by early 2026. Testimony on the resolution was strongly supportive overall, with 14 written testimonies in favor and none opposed. The committee then debated whether the proposed HD2 was appropriate without prior concurrence from the original introducer or prior committee chair. Several members objected to the amendment process and said they would vote no because the amendment had not been posted in advance and lacked concurrence, while the acting chair argued the rules did not require concurrence for resolutions and that the amendment was needed to address Makakilo residents’ safety concerns. The discussion also included references to prior conversations with leadership and the Speaker about whether resolution titles could be amended. After debate, the committee first voted on the amended version of HR 43, but the recommendation was not adopted. The acting chair then moved to pass HR 43 HD1 as originally presented, without the new Makakilo amendments. That motion was adopted, with the committee voting to pass the resolution as is. The record notes that members supporting the original measure cited the written testimony and the need for a second access point on the West Coast, while others voted no because they viewed the Makakilo language as duplicative or preferred a separate measure. After HR 43, the committee moved on to HCR 9, and the acting chair indicated that the committee would need to take a reconsideration vote before proceeding to a final vote on that resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this bill... ...processes, it's very difficult to get them served.
• This bill allows us to protect our most vulnerable population while still protecting due process.
• And it's really important for the integrity of our election process.
• People have to have faith in the process, and what we've done to put teeth in this and form and process
• People have to have faith in the process, and what we've done to put teeth in this and form and process

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, pledge, and several member introductions and recognitions, including resolutions and visiting groups. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under specified safety conditions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education created a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; despite concerns about unfunded mandates, it passed 36-0. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults authorized alternative service methods for scammers through the apps they used to contact victims and passed 37-0. SB 130 expanded and eased procedures for compensation of victims of wrongful incarceration, including extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive bars; it passed 38-0. SB 158 eliminated cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan and passed 38-0. The Senate then considered SB 234 on crimes against law enforcement officers, prompted by the killing of Officer Jason Raynor. The bill clarified that a person may not resist an officer with violence and added a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. A late amendment to restore “good faith” language failed, and after extensive debate over due process, racial profiling, and sentencing concerns, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. SB 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. SB 274 designated portions of roads in Orlando as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way; it passed 38-0 and then received 37 co-sponsors. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide middle and high school start-time mandate and returned the issue to local districts with reporting requirements; it passed 38-0. Later, SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida, with the sponsor emphasizing anti-Semitism and the need for education and remembrance. The transcript also included additional ceremonial remarks and recognition of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Throughout the meeting, most measures advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous support, while SB 234 generated the most substantive disagreement and was set aside for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't need to reinvent the budget process.
• room and maintaining their elections.
• a long process to get to and build a budget. ...a long process to get to and build a budget.
• Upon his election as the newly elected mayor of Philadelphia, may I have some quiet in the chamber, please
• The budget process.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas. planning process. We have a state planning process. It's a bottom-up approach.
• That's a process we use to request applications. to identify water loss and water conservation.
• And until they really... incorporate that planning step into their process.
• I have a host of suggestions that we could bring to this process.
• Each one is operated by five locally elected landowners.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Establish a clear process for identifying high value credentials.
• Central to this process is the Credentials Review Committee which evaluates and recommends credentials
• No, I'm sure. >> We have heard that the process for becoming a registered apprenticeship in principal
• One last thing I guess as we have this dialogue and conversation, I know that students take elective
• Those courses could be part of the elective.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mahalo to each of you for your leadership and for being here to engage in the legislative process.
• Rams, who joined all of their friends from the other schools to learn more about the legislative process
• Rams, who joined all of their friends from the other schools to learn more about the legislative process
• Rams, who joined all of their friends from the other schools to learn more about the legislative process
• you that we had hearings scheduled and, if we could, find the balance to serve the public who has elected

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Reporter: In the beginning process, we're warming up.
• are looking to do as a caucus while this framework is in place ahead of potentially that special election
• as we move forward so in<00:04:53.280> the<00:04:53.400> beginning<00:04:53.840> process
• process is we're warming<00:04:54.880> up<00:04:55.479> it's<00:04:55.639> going
• <00:05:18.240> maybe potentially that special election maybe potentially that special election

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senator Bobby Champion spoke after the Minnesota Senate’s opening day, emphasizing that the chamber was organized and ready to begin work for Minnesotans. He said the Senate had reached a good-faith power-sharing agreement with Republicans, describing the negotiations as respectful and focused on finding a workable outcome. He also noted that the Senate is in a temporary tie and that the chamber intends to use the early weeks of the session to prepare for the budget process ahead of the February forecast. Champion said the Senate will hear from state agencies about their budget priorities, listen to the governor’s priorities, and hold committee hearings as part of the budget session. Under the agreement, leadership and committees will be power-shared, with co-chairs and evenly split committees requiring bipartisan agreement to move bills forward. He said the Senate’s goal is to represent Minnesotans and work on “bread-and-butter” issues, while acknowledging that the House is dealing with its own separate disputes. He also discussed the Senate’s response to the death of Carrie Dick, saying members deeply felt her loss and that her legacy of courage and respect would guide the chamber moving forward. Champion contrasted the Senate’s agreement with the more contentious situation in the House, and said that if the House is properly constituted and passes bills by the required vote threshold, the Senate will work with it as required by law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every leader, whether elected, appointed. or designated, may they rise with courage, speak with kindness
• To run for elected office and support them through it.
• Gloria is the first Latinx person elected to the Davis City Council.
• In 2015, she was the first woman elected county superintendent of education.
• Leslie Irving was elected to the Victorville City Council in 2020, becoming the first black woman elected

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:47.839> is and if again the procurement process is and if again the procurement process
• It's just the 45A process for for it.
• difference between those who are elected difference between those who are elected and<00:37:29.520
• reference to this is we are duly elected reference to this is we are duly elected to<02:05:30.880
• an individual who is not elected at all. an individual who is not elected at all.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it. The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items. Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are, I think, in the process of taking that feedback and resetting the rates.
• So hopefully the confirmation process will be reasonable.
• And 11 percent of the proceeds go to politicians' clean elections campaigns.
• This money goes to clean elections.
• That would be going to something to slow people down, education, not clean elections.

Bills: SB1024, SB1032, SB1059, SB1062, SB1064, SB1097, SCM1001, SCR1004

Keywords: roadable aircraft, registration, vehicle title, license plates, aviation safety, corrections oversight, funding, state budget, criminal justice, reform, appropriation, Department of Transportation, right turn lane, traffic improvement, infrastructure funding, transportation funding, authorization, road improvements, intersection safety, transportation

Summary: The committee began with a JLBC presentation comparing the baseline budget to the governor’s proposal. JLBC said the baseline shows a positive cash balance in each year, with about $577–$578 million available above statutory formulas, but that major items such as tax conformity, state employee health subsidies, school repairs, SNAP administrative changes, and possible SNAP error-rate costs are not fully funded. JLBC also reviewed executive revenue and spending proposals, including border-security funding, sports betting tax changes, data-center tax changes, short-term rental and water surcharges, and several one-time items that JLBC said appear to be ongoing in practice. Members questioned SNAP error rates, Medicaid/Access enrollment and costs, possible fraud involving Access-to-Marketplace shifting, prison receivership risk, and the need for more oversight of waste and fraud. The committee then heard and passed SB 1032, which appropriates $1.5 million to fund the Independent Correctional Oversight Office created last year. The sponsor and several advocates said the office is needed to provide independent oversight, improve transparency, help whistleblowers, and reduce the risk of federal receivership over the prison system. Testimony from advocacy groups and former incarcerated individuals strongly supported the bill, and the committee approved it 10-0. Next, the committee considered several transportation appropriations. SB 1064 would provide $3 million to Flagstaff for improvements along U.S. Route 66; the mayor and local planning officials described safety problems, congestion, and housing growth along the corridor, while some members objected to using general fund dollars for roads instead of HURF and to bypassing the normal transportation board process. The bill passed 7-3. SB 1059 would appropriate $9.2 million for a right-turn lane at SR 87 and SR 260 in Payson, and SB 1062 would appropriate $1 million for a left-turn lane at US 60 and Superstition Mountain Drive in Gold Canyon; both were supported by local witnesses citing congestion and safety concerns and both received do-pass recommendations, 7-3 and 6-4 respectively. The committee also began hearing SCR 1004, a voter-referral measure to prohibit photo enforcement systems, with the sponsor and public commenters arguing that photo radar is unconstitutional, abusive, and tied to ticket revenue, but the transcript cuts off before any committee action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm going to leave that to the experts because this is part of a process.
• And in that process, there was actually a shift from a private right of action.
• go through the long process of trial.
• go through the long process of trial.
• Voters could vote down, you know, elected officials at any given time.

Summary: The committee heard several privacy and consumer protection bills, with most of the discussion focused on AI and social media. AB 1405 would create a state registry for AI auditors and set basic transparency, ethics, and qualification standards for those auditors; supporters said it would build trust and provide a foundation for future AI oversight, while some members questioned whether government should define auditor qualifications instead of industry groups. The bill was moved out on a 5-1 vote to Appropriations, with the roll left open. AB 2, by Assemblymember Lowenthal, would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when their negligence causes harm to children and teens. Supporters, including a grieving parent and Common Sense Media, argued the bill would create accountability for harmful algorithms and design choices, while opponents from TechNet, EFF, CCIA, and CalChamber warned it was vague, could chill speech, invite censorship, and raise Section 230 and First Amendment concerns. Committee members debated private right of action versus public enforcement, possible shakedown lawsuits, and whether the bill should be narrowed; the bill passed 6-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open. AB 410 would expand California’s bot disclosure law so bots must identify themselves up front and truthfully if asked, rather than only prohibiting deceptive bots in limited commercial or election contexts. Supporters said the measure would help users, especially youth and vulnerable people, know when they are interacting with AI and reduce deception online; one privacy group withdrew opposition after amendments, and other industry groups said they were no longer opposed or had no formal position. The bill passed 9-1 to Appropriations with the roll left open. The committee also approved AB 1327, which lets consumers cancel home improvement contracts by email instead of only by mail and requires phone assistance for cancellations; the Contractor State License Board withdrew opposition after amendments, and the bill passed 11-0 to Judiciary with the roll left open.

Transcript Highlights:

• So a new call it a special election was held to replace them, and seven new delegates were all elected
• But there is nothing in this bill that criticizes that process.
• Could you explain to me how that process is going to work?
• But here we are once again inserting ourselves into a process that is not broken.
• Explain to me the process of where this fund will be used.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It says that it modernizes the process by allowing tax officers to respond to taxpayers via email, physical
• The person must make the election not to participate within 30 days of becoming employed.
• to participate in ASRS after turning 65 years old, and the bill requires the person to make that election
• The person must make the election not to participate within 30 days of becoming employed.
• to participate in ASRS after turning 65 years old, and the bill requires the person to make that election

Bills: HB2089, HB2090, HB2092, HB2120, HB2138, HB2173, HB2273, HB2693, HB2786

Keywords: retirement benefits, health insurance, premium payment, Arizona State Retirement System, contingent annuitant, long-term disability, benefits limitations, disability compensation, social security, retirement system, elected officials, ASRS, eligibility waiver, age 65, property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met to consider several bills and two Arizona State Retirement System nominees. It first passed House Bill 2173, which allows taxpayers and tax officers to communicate electronically about proposed property tax corrections or claims, with an acknowledgement required when responses are sent electronically. The committee then recommended confirmation of Thomas J. Connolly and Charles Essex to the ASRS Board, both receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support after brief introductions and no substantive opposition. The committee next approved several ASRS-related bills: House Bill 2089 clarifies that the ASRS health insurance premium subsidy applies only when coverage is not already subsidized; House Bill 2090 changes the disability definition tied to long-term disability benefits by removing the requirement that the 24 months occur within a five-year period; and House Bill 2092 shifts the 30-day waiver window for certain members age 65 or older from the date of hire to the date they become eligible to participate. All three passed on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes. The committee also passed House Bill 2120, with a technical amendment, allowing Social Security Administration disability determination letters to be used to certify eligibility for the property tax exemption for persons with disabilities. House Bill 2693 drew the most debate. It revises Arizona’s bona fide association health plan and multiple employer welfare arrangement provisions to align with ERISA rather than the rescinded 2018 federal AHP rule, and an amendment added a feasibility study by the Arizona Department of Administration on state employee and school district health plans. Supporters argued the bill would expand affordable, voluntary coverage options for small businesses and increase buying power; opponents raised concerns about consumer protections, preexisting conditions, and the history of association health plans. The committee ultimately passed the bill as amended on a 5-1 vote. Later, the committee passed House Bill 2138, which clarifies that workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters traveling directly to or from work applies to state, municipal, fire district, and fire authority firefighters. It also passed House Bill 2273, a one-time $300 income tax rebate for certain Pinal County residents funded from remaining escrowed transportation-related monies; members discussed whether the remaining funds should instead be directed to roads, but the bill advanced on a 3-2 vote. Finally, House Bill 2786 passed unanimously, exempting rental income from required college textbooks from transaction privilege tax under the personal property rental classification.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:26.480> that states that have the same process that states that have the same process
• We got elected.
• But um you know, we were elected But um you know, we were elected from<01:08:38.080> our<
• > our<01:09:09.920> constituents We're elected to serve our constituents We're elected
• And now we're expensive processes.

Bills: SB141, SB124, SB56, SJR116, SB94, SB37, SB127, SB197, SB66, SB70, SB133, SB160, SB214, SB312, SB52, SJR62, SJR75

Keywords: legal advertisements, tax rates, public hearings, transparency, local government, sick leave, education, teacher retirement, benefits, employee compensation, Medicaid, nonopioid analgesics, pain management, health care regulation, utilization controls, physician shortage, health care access, medically underserved areas, medical education, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• Let us never lose sight of all who serve in uniform or elected office.
• The third is the process all over again.
• House File 4241, an act relating to elections. The first engrossment.
• The third provision relates to elections for the Rochester School Board.
• 4319 which was heard in the elections 4319 which was heard in the elections local<00:56:44.079><

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call establishing a quorum, and approval of the previous day’s journal. The body then moved through routine business including committee reports, second readings, first readings of a large batch of House files, and receipt of Senate File 3958 for comparison with a House companion. Several noncontroversial motions were adopted without objection, including referral and re-referral motions later in the day. The chamber then took up a series of bills, many of them veterans, commerce, mortgage, liquor, elections, and financial institutions measures. House File 3544, a veterans housekeeping bill updating state law to conform with federal standards and clarifying benefit forfeiture language, passed 133-0. House File 3467, authorizing MDVA to use nonmonetary support to collaborate on veteran services such as food insecurity, homelessness, and suicide prevention, also passed 133-0. House File 3437, clarifying that certain mortgage lending protections apply to consumer home loans rather than commercial loans, passed 133-0. House File 3479, clarifying homeowners’ rights to postpone foreclosure sales in several edge cases, passed 128-5. The annual liquor bill, Senate File 2511, drew the most discussion. Members described provisions addressing the so-called “Granny Happy Hour” in senior facilities, University of Minnesota liquor-related flexibility, and other local liquor-law changes. An author’s amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 129-1. House File 4118, allowing state-chartered credit unions to use private deposit share insurance subject to state oversight, passed 131-2. House File 4241, a local government/elections omnibus addressing disclosure rules, Hennepin County medical examiner appointment procedures, and Rochester School Board election structure, passed 124-9. House File 3699, changing a license plate contest to feature the Lake Superior agate and requiring a Minnesota artist, passed 110-22. Later, the House adopted motions to send House File 4668, an Explore Minnesota film tax credit bill, and House File 4319, a Lake City port authority bill affecting local taxing authority, to the Taxes Committee. The chamber also approved a motion to recall House File 1234, the payment transparency bill, from Ways and Means and place it on the General Register after a zero-cost fiscal note was reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• White cards are for information only, and blue cards are for elected officials and their designees.
• It authorizes an election to allow sports wagering in Sabine Parish. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• I'm sorry. an election to allow sports wagering and by Representative Shammerhorn authorizes an election
• That's a question in my mind, and I'm not sure where all are in the process.
• When we're talking about commercial sexual activity, are we talking about process? clarity.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on April 29, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred House Bill 517. The committee then heard and passed several bills focused on impaired driving, wrongful conviction compensation, gaming promo play, child protection, and criminal penalties related to sexual exploitation and worship-service interference. Senate Bill 118 would require substance use disorder screening for all misdemeanor DUI offenders, with supporters arguing early screening could identify treatment needs and reduce repeat offenses; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 125 increased the wrongful conviction compensation cap from 10 to 15 years and from $400,000 to $600,000, with testimony emphasizing the hardship faced by people who were wrongfully imprisoned for decades; it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 294 allowed gaming operators to allocate promotional play across licenses without increasing the total amount, and it was reported favorably despite one opposition card. The committee also approved Senate Bill 87, which clarified the definition of commercial sexual activity to address conflicts in child sex trafficking statutes and better reach online solicitation and related conduct. Senate Bill 93 established minimum bond amounts for certain child sex abuse material offenses, and Chair Villio offered an amendment expanding related bail and revocation provisions for certain violent, sex, and firearm offenses; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 98 added certain school employees, including school resource officers and security guards, to the definition of educator for purposes of prohibited sexual conduct with students, and it passed favorably. Senate Bill 199 imposed a mandatory minimum sentence for a second offense of purchasing commercial sexual activity and required sex offender registration; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 333, which would require the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to house inmates within 30 miles of their home or offense location. The author argued this would preserve family ties and reduce recidivism, but sheriffs, district attorneys, and DOC representatives opposed it as impractical given limited bed space, security needs, and existing placement criteria; the bill was not moved. House Bill 828 would create an independent Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board to investigate deaths in custody, but law enforcement and corrections witnesses warned it could interfere with homicide investigations and duplicate existing coroner and agency reviews; the author asked for voluntary deferral, which the committee granted. House Bill 146, authorizing a Sabine Parish sports wagering election, was heard but received no motion and remained in committee. The committee also approved Senate Bill 277, expanding concealed-carry exemptions for certain statewide elected officials in the State Capitol, and Senate Bill 306, creating the crime of obstructing worship services in a church or other place of worship; SB 306 was amended to reduce a proposed fine from $10,000 to $2,500 after concerns about jury-trial implications. The meeting ended with adjournment after all remaining items were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let us pray. inside these hallowed walls where these elected representatives gather for work of your
• or election officers is held.
• Referred to the committee on elections.
• supplies and conduct of elections creating criminal offense, increasing criminal penalties afforded
• the committee on elections.

Keywords: 1184, house, all