Transcript Highlights:

• In the code, though, we still have a mandatory safety inspection price.
• I can get the government to send me all these people.
• As it stands today, there are gaps in Utah's code. ...safely and reliably.
• Okay, so that’s our definition in code, the defining code that we’re requesting for what recovery means
• And then define in code what the state of Utah determines is damage.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first was conducted by the Government Accounting Office that looked at just four of 12 IHS clinics
• I'm a member of the Navajo Nation and a daughter of a Navajo Code Talker.
• I survived the government boarding school. I was enrolled in the boarding school at age five.
• code that was vital to The United States victory over Japan in World War II I Had a long journey with
• Forced and coerced sterilization happened within our living memory and carried out Through government

Bills: SM14

Keywords: forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs, Commission on the Status of Women, survivor testimony, reproductive health access, genocide, transitional justice

Transcript Highlights:

• , even the state government.
• Let's get certainty for the income tax code.
• Thank you. “...income tax code.
• Less government. I... Less government. I teach my children. I talk to my children.
• more government.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But some of it is related to government programs.
• and the Government Code, telemedicine must be delivered equivalent to the standard of care that would
• In our medical, in our government system, we have in our entire system, in our medical, in our government
• I lead the government affairs for OnMed.
• Is there a code? Here's your code. It's on demand.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Witt, members, House Bill 2370 allows a charter school governing body or school district governing
• board or governing body.
• House Bill 4109, Madam Witt, members, requires each school district governing board to adopt a public
• Seeing none, we will close out that committee and go on to Government, page 94.
• There's no such thing as a government surplus.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting was a caucus-style run-through of many bills and resolutions across Appropriations, Commerce, Education, Federalism/Military Affairs/Elections, Government, Health and Human Services, Judiciary, ENRU, Public Safety, and Rural Economic Development. Measures discussed included housing and HOA rules, school policy and funding, health care licensing and records timelines, public safety and corrections funding, election and campaign rules, water and environmental policy, and several criminal justice and juvenile justice changes. Many items were described as being on third-read consent or consent calendars, with staff often noting that no questions were raised and no sponsor was present. Several bills drew sponsor explanation or member discussion. In education, members reviewed bills on teacher strikes, school safety, math placement, student outcomes, free school meals, parent permission for clubs, and school bond ballot disclosures. In health, bills covered prior authorization data reporting, nursing board rules and complaint procedures, pharmacist testing/treatment authority, opioid antagonist expiration dates, board continuations, and a constitutional amendment on refusing medical mandates. In government and public safety, members discussed DCS legal representation, inmate medical records, public safety parity funding, sheriff authority, border support funding, and a resolution supporting county sheriffs. In commerce and housing, bills addressed condominium and HOA authority, shade structures, pet restrictions, insurance certificates, apprenticeship definitions, automatic renewal contracts, and a state housing affordability district. There was notable discussion on House Bill 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund for DPS and DOC salaries using interest from the state rainy day fund and other revenue sources. The sponsor argued it would provide a reliable way to fund public safety pay, while others objected that it would consume interest needed to preserve the fund’s value and that a general fund appropriation would be more appropriate. The bill prompted extended back-and-forth, with some members supporting the concept and others saying it was fiscally irresponsible. Another point of discussion came on House Bill 2775, where staff noted a possible misprint in the bill history, and on House Bill 467, where staff clarified that the inactive voter list changes related to e-poll book status categories. No formal votes were recorded in the transcript, and the meeting appears to have been a review of measures before floor action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reducing shelter impound saves funds at every level of California government and aligns with the state
• The aforementioned amendments would actually move the bill from the B&P Code to the Penal Code.
• I strongly oppose AB 2497 and am strongly requesting that you please remove the code section.
• Remove the code 26220.5 of AB. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.
• Biana Roig, and I am a member of CDA's Government Affairs Council.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is taking away rights from people and giving more rights to the government.
• This is taking away rights from people and giving more rights to the government.
• Which is why I think we have Code of Criminal Procedure Article 313.
• , and that we can do things through the power of government.
• “We can do things through the power of government.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and considered a series of juvenile justice, criminal procedure, public corruption, domestic violence, sentencing, and victim-notification measures. Early in the meeting, SB 396 was amended and reported favorably to allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference, with OJJ staff also participating virtually. SB 181 was amended and reported favorably to create a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations within a single health system. SB 81, a bill requiring prosecutorial consent before a defendant may waive a jury trial in a non-capital felony case, drew extensive debate; supporters said it would align Louisiana with federal practice and other states, while opponents argued it would give the state more power and reduce defendants’ control over their own trial rights. After testimony from district attorneys, defense lawyers, and advocacy groups, the committee reported SB 81 favorably by a 7-3 vote. The committee then took up SB 207, which extends the prescriptive period for prosecuting certain corruption offenses committed by elected officials and public employees to 10 years after they leave office. Supporters said it would help prevent officials from using their influence to avoid prosecution; opponents raised concerns about optics and scope. The bill was reported favorably by an 8-3 vote. SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system, was also reported favorably without objection. SB 156, which increases the maximum penalty for negligent homicide and includes special treatment for cases involving children under 13, was reported favorably after sponsors said they would make a technical fix before floor debate. SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated flight from a law enforcement officer and dedicating fine revenue to pursuit training and technology, was reported favorably after supporters cited fatal high-speed pursuits and law enforcement backing. Later, the committee approved SB 97, the constitutional amendment companion to SB 81, after similar testimony for and against the proposal; it was reported favorably by a 7-3 vote. SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board’s functions to the Louisiana Supreme Court, was reported favorably without objection. SB 410, increasing penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses, was also reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 251, which requires notice to victims or their families in resentencing proceedings; after amendments and testimony about post-conviction procedure and possible unintended consequences, it was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HCR 50, a resolution calling for reports on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and guidance on available funding; the sponsor described it as a study effort to improve access to treatment and recovery, and the resolution was moved favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• The penal code is very confusing when you read it. What does a private establishment mean?
• The problem is that highly educated, highly respected people are reading the penal code and saying it
• The penal code should read very clear.
• I'm the vice president of state government relations for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United
• You shouldn't have it mandated by government, whether it's a Sunday, a Monday or a Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• SO, I AS A STUDENT OF GOVERNMENT, I FOLLOWED IT.
• Administrative Code of the City of New York.
• Government is often judged by the largest promises, but people experience government through the details
• Government is often judged by the largest promises, but people experience government through the details
• THERE IS POLICIES THAT GOVERN THE RULES ON VISITATION.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar. The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family. Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the commission has adopted the civil rules as a way of governing the proceedings, governing
• The commission has adopted the civil rules as a way of governing the proceedings, governing the conduct
• >> That's the code, right?
• , up to is the legislative ethics code, up to is the legislative ethics code, >> right?
• ethics the ethics code, to read the ethics the ethics code, to read the ethics code,<00:29:53.440

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The commission heard argument on a renewed motion to compel discovery and related sanctions in an ethics case. Enforcement counsel said the respondent had provided incomplete and inconsistent discovery responses, including no authenticated medical records, and asked the commission to compel full interrogatory answers, bar the respondent from relying on unsupported medical claims at hearing, allow subpoenas for medical records and an LRC report, and continue the December 2 hearing. Respondent’s counsel replied that the defense had complied with discovery, that medical records were being withheld for reasons previously discussed, and that no outstanding discovery remained. The next matter was enforcement counsel’s motion in limine, which sought to exclude a wide range of evidence as irrelevant to the three ethics charges already found to have probable cause. Counsel argued the hearing should focus only on whether the respondent intimidated Fox’s, offered a favor in exchange for a donation, and engaged in inappropriate conduct while intoxicated in his office, and not on complainants’ motives, media coverage, bullying, religious discrimination claims, LRC policies, or other legislators’ conduct. He also argued that any claim of mental or physical condition should be excluded absent supporting medical proof. Respondent’s counsel opposed the motion, saying the excluded topics went to witness credibility, bias, motive, and context, and that LRC materials and testimony from additional witnesses were important to the defense. Commission members questioned both sides about the breadth of the motion in limine and whether any topics could be agreed to as irrelevant. Counsel for the respondent maintained that some challenged topics, including Lexington media coverage and broader legislative practices, were relevant to credibility and context. Enforcement counsel responded that even if such conduct were common, it would not excuse a violation of the ethics code. No final ruling or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the source law from which they were derived, and revise codes as part of codes enacted during the preceding
• or or relettered duplicate official citations, corrected enacted codes to confirm the codes to the source
• law from which they were derived, and revised codes as parts of codes enacted during the preceding legislative
• This bill is the update to the Code of Criminal... providers in this space.
• Code.

Bills: HCR7

Keywords: memorial, tribute, military service, community contribution, Texas legislature

Summary: The Senate Committee on Administration met with six members present and took up several commemorative and code-revision measures, along with one hospice/palliative care resolution. Senator Hall presented HB 2703, designating July as American Patriotism Month, and HCR 7, designating September 29 as Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Day; both drew no public testimony and were reported favorably. Senator Kolkhorst presented HB 1615, a non-substantive Texas Legislative Council recodification bill relating to water and wastewater special districts, which was also reported favorably. Senator Parker presented HCR 86 recognizing Denton’s “31 Days of Denton Halloween,” and Senator Johnson presented HB 1620, another non-substantive code update; both were left pending at first and later reported favorably. Senator Johnson also presented SB 644, creating Hospice and Palliative Care Day on the second Saturday in October, which was left pending and later reported favorably. The committee also heard HCR 75, HCR 93, HCR 126, and HCR 92. HCR 75 concerned a local designation tied to marina/guide services and was left pending initially, then later reported favorably. HCR 93 would renew Nacogdoches as the Garden Capital of Texas, HCR 126 would designate Corrigan as the Timber Products Capital of Texas, and HCR 92 would designate the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day; all were heard without public opposition and later reported favorably. Several members emphasized the historical, cultural, or economic significance of the local designations, while the code-update bills were described as non-substantive recodifications prepared by the Texas Legislative Council. After taking up pending business, the committee voted to report the measures favorably, with most also recommended for the May 14, 2025 local and uncontested calendar. The committee certified the local and uncontested calendar list for that date, with some items removed because they had already passed earlier in the day or had other issues. The meeting concluded with a motion to recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• GAG, and Venenzio Corporale, Government Affairs with the California Association of Councils of Governments
• And this state legislature has put a lot of mandates on local governments to...
• Rightfully so, but we need to give local governments the tools to be able to do that work.
• Any member can enforce the CC&Rs and enforce the Davis-Stirling Act as Civil Code.
• I come from local government, and we have to have certain reserve policies.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Local Government will come to order.
• We think that, from a local government perspective, JOC is a practical, proven tool.
• The EIR also concluded the project exceeds the applicable fire codes.
• So this is better than a code-compliant project.
• The Senate Committee on Local Government is adjourned.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear a long agenda of local government, housing, labor, and transparency bills. The committee first adopted the consent calendar for SB 1187 and SB 1388, then heard SB 983, which would authorize the Port of San Diego to use job order contracting for repairs and repetitive maintenance work. Supporters said the bill would speed emergency and small repairs and reduce costs, while opponents raised concerns about construction definitions and project labor agreement language. The bill was ultimately moved forward on a 2-2 vote after discussion of amendments and labor negotiations, and later the committee’s final roll call showed it passing out on a 5-2 vote. The committee also heard SB 1256, aimed at limiting duplicative litigation over a San Diego County housing project, and SB 992, which would make permanent and expand a small special-district audit flexibility by raising the revenue threshold from $150,000 to $250,000. SB 1256 drew support from the author and project counsel, who argued the project had already been litigated and was delaying needed housing, while opponents said the bill would interfere with wildfire and subdivision-map review. SB 992 had support from county auditors and special districts, with no opposition, and was approved 5-0. SB 1115, addressing governance failures at the Tulare County Public Cemetery District by allowing county supervisors to remove an individual trustee for cause, also passed unanimously after testimony describing serious dysfunction and opposition from the California Special Districts Association. The committee then took up SB 1193, which would impose transparency and approval requirements on Alameda County discretionary funding to nonprofits and other entities. The author and supporters described the bill as a response to grand jury findings and alleged conflicts of interest, while Alameda County argued its current process is already transparent and that the bill would add burdens and could harm services. After amendments and discussion, the bill passed 5-0. SB 1383, a density bonus law bill clarifying that local labor standards cannot be waived through density bonus concessions, was supported by labor groups and moved forward despite no opposition, with the final roll call showing it passing out 5-1. SB 1361, intended to prevent local governments from undermining transit projects because of SB 79 density concerns, also passed after support from L.A. Metro and labor and no formal opposition, with the final vote recorded as 5-2. The committee later resumed to hear SB 1272, the CASH Act, which would limit certain sanctions on homeowners for prior unpermitted work by previous owners; the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full testimony and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• was the map color-coded that you received?
• the map color-coded that you received?
• We're a co-equal branch of government. We're a co-equal branch of government.
• And when we combine these things collectively, the government—federal government, state government, local
• It's just the government.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• because of requirements related to the energy code.
• with our cadets and our new employees, where they go through a four-hour block of training about government-to-government
• with our cadets and our new employees, where they go through a four-hour block of training about government-to-government
• So we've had a chance to really get out in the community and hear from government-to-government standards
• So we've had a chance to really get out in the community and hear from government to government standards

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• or something like or federal government or something like or federal government for<00:53:10.160
• workout the next uh organizational code workout the next uh organizational code on<01:43:33.239>
• The OR codes are generally aligned to support that activity and those activities, the biggest OR codes
• Okay, so the state government and federal government are very different.
• Okay, so the state government and federal government are very different.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are governed by Title 19 of the Social Security Act.
• government and States federal<00:02:43.640> government<00:02:44.120> has<00:02:44.400>
• a<00:02:44.599> broad federal government has a broad federal government has a broad guidelines
• <00:04:31.840> we idual from the federal government we idual from the federal government we
• <00:37:46.160> that<00:37:46.280> we the CPT code that we the CPT code that we apply

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met with a quorum still coming together and first handled roll call and minutes. The main presentation came from the Department for Medicaid Services, with Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beckle giving an overview of Kentucky Medicaid, its federal-state financing structure, and the department’s 1915(c) home- and community-based waiver programs. They explained FMAP funding levels for traditional Medicaid, administration, IT, expansion adults, and CHIP, and noted the size of the program, including more than 600,000 Kentucky children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, about 485,000 expansion adults, over 69,000 enrolled providers, and $18.5 billion in 2024 expenditures. A major focus was the waiver system, including the acquired brain injury waivers, model waiver, independence waiver, Michelle P. waiver, and Supports for Community Living waiver. The department said these waivers are intended to keep people with physical or developmental disabilities in home and community settings rather than facilities, and that many services are not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance. Officials described participant-directed services, interagency administration, and eligibility rules, including that some waiver programs use the child’s income only rather than family income. They also reported an unduplicated waiver wait list of 13,930 people and said the General Assembly had added waiver slots in the last budget, including 650 ABI slots and 1,275 more to be allocated July 1, 2025. The department also discussed a waiver rate study conducted by Guidehouse, explaining that CMS requires a defensible rate methodology because there is no Medicare or commercial benchmark for many waiver services. They said the study used cost and wage surveys, provider and stakeholder input, and aimed to improve transparency, provider stability, and rate parity. Officials reviewed prior COVID-era Appendix K rate increases and budget-driven increases, and said the budget ultimately funded rates at about 70% of the benchmark study, while preserving higher existing rates where needed so no provider would be cut. They highlighted larger differences in behavioral support and case management rates, and said a public report is available. Members asked several questions about the potential impact of federal FMAP changes, especially possible reductions in the enhanced match for expansion adults and Medicaid IT/admin activities. DMS said any FMAP reduction would require more state general fund dollars, estimating about $75 million for each 1% drop in the expansion match, while impacts on administrative IT funding would depend on the systems being built or implemented in a given year. Members also pressed for clarification on waiver wait-list procedures, funded versus filled slots, and what happens when someone on the wait list is later found ineligible. DMS said people on the wait list may not yet have been assessed, can be reevaluated if conditions change, and are still eligible for regular Medicaid state-plan services if they qualify, even if they are waiting for waiver services.

Transcript Highlights:

• and what their roles are and jobs that are within those different levels of government.
• City council meetings advocate for change and make. and make a government that works for you.
• It is a unique curriculum, and as you know, in the Texas Education Code Common Core is not allowed in
• It's about opening the door to fair competition, it's about modernizing our education code.
• It just takes out the, you know, in the code where I talked about the history the code in 2007, where

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is coded 3679 as amended. The amendment is coded A2. A2. A2.
• <00:02:37.040> Um self-serving governance. Um self-serving governance.
• They see the self-serving governance. They see the self-serving governance.
• There's no definition of this of a non-government organization.
• And then non-government organization.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3679, which would allow mandatory reports to legislative committees to be submitted electronically instead of on paper, was presented as a bipartisan efficiency measure by Representative Nash. The bill also carried an A1 amendment, adopted by voice vote, that addressed interim administrative authority for the Chief Clerk during a gap in caucus leadership and was described as a procedural fix worked out with caucus leaders. A second amendment, A2, offered by Representative Engen, sought to prohibit legislators from participating in appropriations to named nonprofit recipients that later employ or contract with them, arguing this created conflicts of interest and self-serving governance. Supporters said the amendment was needed for institutional integrity and taxpayer trust, while opponents argued it was too narrow, not well defined, and would unfairly single out certain jobs or industries; the debate included references to direct appropriations, conflict-of-interest rules, and examples involving nonprofits, law firms, farmers, teachers, and other outside employment. The A2 amendment was put to a roll call and failed on a 66-66 tie. After the amendment vote, the bill was read a third time and received broad support. Representatives Nash and Cleborne urged a green vote, and the House passed House File 3679 as amended by a vote of 132-0, with its title agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• Make Minnesota, a coalition of labor unions and grassroots organizations advocating for a fair tax code
• <00:04:10.319> Most<00:04:10.640> importantly,<00:04:11.120> the tax code.
• Most importantly, the tax code.
• It's how you make decisions about a budget and it's how you make decisions about a tax code.
• You make decisions about a tax code. And so this is, you know, it's just very expansive.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 331, as amended by the A1 amendment, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill. The bill would permanently exempt school supplies from the sales tax, which the author described as a pro-family, pro-affordability, and pro-education measure intended to put money back into families’ pockets and avoid the burden of a temporary sales tax holiday. A representative from We Make Minnesota testified in opposition, arguing the exemption would provide only modest savings to most families while reducing revenue for public services. He said Minnesota already offers more targeted relief through the K-12 education subtraction/credit, noted that similar exemptions in other states are usually temporary, and estimated the bill would cost tens of millions of dollars annually while saving the average family only a small amount per child. He also said the bill was broad enough to cover many office supplies and could benefit higher-spending purchasers disproportionately. Committee members debated the bill’s scope and cost. Supporters said the exemption would help families immediately and noted that many eligible families do not claim existing credits because they must save receipts and file for reimbursement. Opponents argued the same money could be better used for K-12 formula increases or expanded targeted credits, and one member said the bill would narrow the sales tax base and was not well targeted. The author said he was open to working on limits to make the bill more targeted, but emphasized that the goal was direct tax relief for families.