Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:12:05.920> Well,<00:12:06.320> thank<00:12:06.480> you<00:12:07.200> um<
• <00:12:08.800> Mueller<00:12:09.120> for<00:12:09.279> walking<00:12:09.600>
• I don't<00:12:12.240> think<00:12:12.399> there's<00:12:12.639> anything<00:12:
• I'm getting<00:12:16.480> a<00:12:16.800> shaking<00:12:17.120> of<00:12:17.200>
• And<00:12:21.279> um<00:12:21.519> would<00:12:21.920> love<00:12:22.160> to<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• back<00:12:30.560> in<00:12:30.720> charge<00:12:31.279> in<00:12:31.600> several
• ways.<00:12:32.720> But<00:12:32.880> before<00:12:33.200> I<00:12:33.519> illustrate
• > I<00:12:35.360> do<00:12:35.519> want<00:12:35.680> to<00:12:36.079> u<
• <00:12:42.240> parents<00:12:42.560> on<00:12:42.800> both<00:12:42.959> sides
• <00:12:50.720> House<00:12:51.040> Bill<00:12:51.519> 161<00:12:51.920> will

Bills: HB69, HB114, HB161

Keywords: firearms, possession, Class 1 municipalities, criminal penalties, federal law, stolen firearms, prohibited persons, HB114, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset bill, Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama, dental board, dental licensing, dentist regulation, professional licensing, occupational licensing, healthcare regulation, licensure board, state agency continuation, agency sunset review

Transcript Highlights:

• Yep.<00:12:12.959> Any<00:12:13.120> further<00:12:13.519> questions<00:12:
• Uh<00:12:18.720> I<00:12:19.040> think<00:12:19.120> it's<00:12:19.519> I
• <00:12:37.200> So,<00:12:37.440> can<00:12:37.680> you<00:12:38.200> just
• <00:12:41.120> Uh,<00:12:41.519> in<00:12:41.839> terms<00:12:42.000> of<
• 12:48.719> a<01:12:48.960> a<01:12:49.199> person<01:12:49.440> to<01:12:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:12:04.160> whether<00:12:04.360> or<00:12:04.440> not<00:12:04.680> they
• have the<00:12:05.440> staff<00:12:05.920> to<00:12:06.040> take<00:12:06.320><
• Um, they're<00:12:08.640> they<00:12:08.760> just<00:12:08.920> go<00:12:09.000>
• that<00:12:16.080> the<00:12:16.360> case<00:12:16.640> management<00:12:17.160
• services,<00:12:31.120> and<00:12:31.320> whether<00:12:31.560> receiving<00:12

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the minutes and consent calendar, then moved to the regular calendar of administrative rules. Department of Energy rule 25-220 was postponed until June at the sponsor’s request so stakeholders would have more time to review revised language. Several Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid-related rules were then considered, including 25-240, 25-265, and 26-33, each of which drew staff comments mainly about expired rule provisions and the agencies’ reliance on federal law, the Medicaid state plan, or other manuals. The committee approved those rules after brief questions, with the agencies stating they were already operating under the relevant federal or state-plan authority and, in one case, that rulemaking was underway to update an expired citation. The most extended discussion was on HHS Bureau of Aging rule 25-304, which had an amended conditional approval request. Staff explained the amendments clarified how case management agencies accept or deny cases, how telehealth participation is evaluated, and that the department sets the timing for accepting or denying cases under its existing authority. Staff also noted a separate issue about whether reimbursement rates must be in rule, but said the agency had long interpreted the statute to allow its approach and that any change would likely require legislation rather than committee objection. A provider representative testified against parts of the rule, arguing the case management agencies should not be required to accept referrals before contacting the participant, that telehealth decisions for other providers should remain with those providers, and that the quality-management section was duplicative and burdensome. Committee members questioned whether the telehealth language merely allowed case managers to say a service fit the client’s plan or instead gave them authority over another provider’s delivery method. The agency responded that case managers may determine what services an individual needs, but should not control how another licensed provider delivers those services. The discussion continued with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• > of<00:12:03.320> Revenue<00:12:03.720> will<00:12:03.840> go<00:12:04.000>
• <00:12:06.200> So,<00:12:06.960> we<00:12:07.160> of<00:12:07.280> course
• :12:08.800> of<00:12:08.920> course<00:12:09.160> we've<00:12:09.320> got
• Um<00:12:12.000> you<00:12:12.120> know,<00:12:12.520> wouldn't<00:12:12.920>
• ><00:12:18.920> it's<00:12:19.080> fraud<00:12:19.320> or<00:12:19.440> not?

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Senator Steve Drazkowski and Representative Anderson held a press event promoting the bipartisan, bicameral “Take It Back Act,” a bill aimed at recovering taxpayer money lost to government fraud. They cited major Minnesota fraud cases, including medical assistance fraud, CCAP, and Feeding Our Future, and argued that the state has become a destination for fraud. They said the bill would impose a 100% tax or excise tax on money obtained through fraud, with proceeds deposited into a tax relief fund for income and property tax relief. The sponsors said the measure is intended to create a stronger deterrent and to recover money even when criminal restitution or prosecutions do not fully recoup losses. They discussed examples of unrecovered funds, said the Department of Revenue could use criminal findings, data analytics, and IRS-sharing data to identify fraud, and noted that the bill includes an appeal process through tax court. They also said the current draft focuses on convicted fraudsters and people or organizations determined by the commissioner to have obtained money by fraud, while trying to avoid sweeping in innocent employees or others who were unaware of wrongdoing. Anderson said the bill already has significant bipartisan support, including 11 House Democrats and Senator Rest, and that the House Tax Committee hearing is scheduled for April 30. He said the sponsors are working with the Department of Revenue on implementation and may revise the bill to make administration easier. The sponsors said they hope to move the bill through the House and Senate this session, and they closed by encouraging the press to review the fraud website they referenced, mnfraudfiles.com.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:12:33.800> what<00:12:34.200> how'd<00:12:34.400> you<00:12:34.480> come
• <00:12:34.640> up<00:12:34.720> with<00:12:34.800> the<00:12:34.880> 25?
• has stated, it's<00:12:40.000> it's<00:12:40.240> been<00:12:40.480> used<00:12
• <00:12:41.720> kind<00:12:41.880> of<00:12:41.960> modeled<00:12:42.320> it
• that's<00:12:55.080> exactly<00:12:55.480> who<00:12:55.640> I<00:12:55.720>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:12:32.440> that's<00:12:32.640> what<00:12:32.800> I<00:12:33.240> want
• <00:12:37.240> Can<00:12:37.400> you<00:12:37.480> protect<00:12:37.920> our<
• <00:12:46.680> When<00:12:46.880> my<00:12:47.680> sister,<00:12:48.200>
• > to<00:12:52.280> the<00:12:52.360> best<00:12:52.600> of<00:12:52.640><
• When<00:12:53.440> my<00:12:54.120> son,<00:12:54.400> who<00:12:54.560> was<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.920> also<00:12:01.920> and<00:12:02.880> and<00:12:03.440> um<00:12:
• 12:05.360> tax<00:12:05.600> collection<00:12:06.000> is<00:12:06.160> done
• <00:12:08.959> So<00:12:09.920> it<00:12:10.160> is<00:12:10.800> um<
• > getting<00:12:20.880> into<00:12:21.120> the<00:12:21.360> state<00:12:
• > DRA<00:12:28.480> is<00:12:28.639> really<00:12:28.880> not<00:12:29.600><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up several liquor-related bills. Senate Bill 24, allowing students under 21 to taste wine in educational settings, drew no opposition or amendment and was reported out 6-0. Senate Bill 79, authorizing self-pour automated systems under the liquor commission, also faced no opposition and was voted ought to pass 6-0. Senate Bill 80, shifting licensing, auditing, and enforcement for wholesale and retail e-cigarette sales to the liquor commission, prompted discussion about whether the change would add cost; members heard that the liquor commission already handles similar enforcement and that the change was meant to address nonreporting. It was voted ought to pass 6-0. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 87, concerning alcohol service in salons, barbershops, and spas. Members and staff focused on how to limit the amount served, whether to require recordkeeping, and privacy concerns about tracking what patrons drank. The discussion settled on removing references to alcohol type and quantity and keeping only patron records, with the understanding that the agency would set the details by rule. The bill was not formally amended at the meeting, but members agreed an amendment would be drafted for the following week; the bill itself was reported ought to pass with that amendment to be determined. Finally, the committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 245, the EMS No Surprises Act and System Stabilization Act. The sponsor, Senator Suprena, said the bill would prohibit balance billing for emergency ambulance calls and unscheduled transfers, while setting reimbursement at either locally set public rates or 325% of Medicare. She explained that the proposal was based on national work on ground ambulance billing and was intended to stabilize struggling EMS providers. Committee members sought clarification that the bill did not eliminate balance billing for non-emergency transfers, and the sponsor confirmed it did not. A second witness, Jerry Stringham, testified in support, citing his reimbursement background.

Transcript Highlights:

• pandering<00:12:06.480> and<00:12:06.639> lead<00:12:07.040> to<00:12:07.200
• And<00:12:11.040> I'm<00:12:11.200> sure<00:12:11.360> he<00:12:11.600> would
• New<00:12:26.160> Hampshire<00:12:26.560> faces<00:12:27.040> real<00:12:27.279>
• debate.<00:12:31.440> The<00:12:31.680> bill,<00:12:31.920> as<00:12:32.160>
• <00:12:36.720> a<00:12:36.959> clear<00:12:37.279> set<00:12:37.519> of

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:02.560> by rate by rate by 0.75%<00:12:05.079> so<00:12:05.240> it<00:12:
• :12:17.519> 375%<00:12:18.519> isn't<00:12:18.959> touch<00:12:19.320> so
• base rate uh would<00:12:22.480> be<00:12:22.600> the<00:12:22.720> first<00:12:
• > exempt<00:12:32.000> so<00:12:32.440> if<00:12:32.600> I<00:12:32.720><
• :12:37.519> to<00:12:37.760> business<00:12:38.639> uh<00:12:38.760> it's

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2437, the governor’s proposed tax bill, and first adopted the A25-Z42 amendment to put the bill in the desired shape. Commissioner Paul Marquardt of the Department of Revenue then presented the bill as part of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s budget, describing it as a response to budget pressures that would make the tax system more fair and stable while supporting economic development and jobs. Marquardt walked through the bill’s major provisions. These included sustainable aviation fuel policy, repeal of K-12 education credit assignment, elimination of the political contribution refund, expansion of the research and development credit, short-line railroad infrastructure modernization, changes to the state airport fund levy, replacement of attachments and appearances with distribution systems, a narrow personal property tax exception for low-income housing tenants, reduced aquatic invasive species aid, and a 34% reduction in PILT payments. He then focused on the sales tax article, saying it would lower the statewide rate by 0.75% while expanding the base to selected professional services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services, with business-to-business transactions exempt. He said the proposal would be effective for sales and purchases after September 30, 2025, and estimated a first-year rate-cut impact of about $99 million versus $215 million from the service expansion, while arguing that most households would see a net tax cut. He also noted other changes such as landlord penalty adjustments, a 30% reduction in sustainable aviation fuel incentive payments, repeal of local government cannabis aid, and repeal of the tax filing modernization account. Public testimony began with Kyle Playford of the Financial Planning Association of Minnesota, who strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on professional services, especially financial planning. He argued that financial planning is an essential service for retirement, investment, and long-term financial security, and said the tax would raise costs for consumers, reduce access for middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees, and put Minnesota firms at a competitive disadvantage. The chair then indicated that additional public testimony would continue before member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• > don't<00:12:11.920> know<00:12:12.000> how<00:12:12.200> I<00:12:12.240
• Just It's certainly<00:12:17.320> not<00:12:17.480> with<00:12:17.640> the<00:12
• > back<00:12:36.800> as<00:12:36.920> to<00:12:37.000> the<00:12:37.120><
• <00:12:41.160> So<00:12:41.280> initially<00:12:41.800> MMB<00:12:42.640>
• Um<00:12:58.040> so<00:12:59.040> I<00:12:59.160> think<00:12:59.360> that

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3683, which would require the state budget forecast to estimate the budgetary impacts of fraud committed against state programs. Chair Nash argued that fraud has real fiscal effects on the state, that those costs should be quantified in the forecast much like inflation was previously incorporated, and that doing so would help lawmakers understand the true cost of money lost to fraud. He also said the bill was intended to give MMB direction to develop a way to forecast fraud’s impact and that the issue should be treated as part of the state’s fiscal outlook. Deputy Commissioner Anna Mingy of Minnesota Management and Budget testified in opposition to the bill’s approach, saying fraud is unacceptable and MMB is committed to combating it, but that the twice-a-year forecast is not the right tool for this analysis. She said forecasts are forward-looking budget tools based on projected revenues and spending, while fraud analysis is retrospective and involves legal definitions and processes. She also warned that requiring MMB to consult with legislative chairs on fraud estimates before public release could politicize the forecast and would be a departure from current practice. Members raised concerns about how fraud would be defined and quantified, whether the bill would cover known or potential fraud, and whether it would duplicate existing budget adjustments. Chair Nash responded that the bill was modeled on prior inflation-forecast language and said fraud’s fiscal impact should be estimated even if the exact number is debated. Other members questioned whether the proposal would add value or create subjective numbers, while supporters said audits and program integrity data provide a basis for estimating a range. Deputy Commissioner Mingy also answered questions about bond ratings, saying Minnesota maintained its AAA rating and that rating agencies focus on governance and long-term obligations, not specific fraud estimates. She later said the administration’s anti-fraud package includes permanent bans on state contracts and grants for individuals convicted of fraud. The discussion ended without a recorded vote or final action in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:05.680> basically<00:12:06.240> what<00:12:06.639> the<00:12:07.279><
• :08.079> count<00:12:08.480> is<00:12:08.800> in<00:12:09.040> the<00:12:
• But in general,<00:12:12.880> um,<00:12:12.959> the<00:12:13.279> program,<00:12
• <00:12:26.480> two<00:12:27.120> or<00:12:27.360> about<00:12:27.600> two
• Average<00:12:29.040> benefit<00:12:29.440> per<00:12:29.760> person<00:12:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website. Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years. On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, Madam Speaker,<00:12:45.080> we<00:12:45.240> are<00:12:45.320> in<00:12:45.400
• /c><00:12:48.560> Bill<00:12:48.760> number<00:12:49.000> 2240<00:12:49.880>
• House Draft 1<00:12:50.720> was<00:12:50.880> signed<00:12:51.120> into<00:12:51.360
• > designated<00:12:54.520> as<00:12:54.680> Act<00:12:54.960> 1.
• May this matter<00:12:55.760> be<00:12:55.880> received<00:12:56.200> and<00:12:

Bills: HR206, SB3083, SB2377, SB2816, SB3248, SB2436, SB2259, SB2928, SB2577, SB2697, SB2399, SB2665, SB2851, SB3102, SB2521, SB3157, SB3255, SB3016, SB2765, SB1432, SB17, SB2401, SB2972, SB3014, SB3032, SB3137, SB847, SB2261, SB2271, SB2272, SB2804, SB3007, SB3019, SB3250, SB2603, SB3022, SB2256, SB2147, SB2014, SB2114, SB2115, SB2117, SB2246, SB2519, SB3055, SB3095, SB3144, SB3264, SB2325, SB2211, SB3245, SB2090, SB2803, SB2866, SB2250, SB2497, SB2032, SB2487, SB3136, SB2756, SB2615, SB3262, SB2024, SB2177, SB2552, SB2319, SB2407, SB2153, SB2321, SB2805, SB3010, SB2892, SB2781, SB2489, SB2174, SB2169, SB3123

Keywords: Robert Bob Toyofuku, Hawaii legal community, House Resolution, commendation, honorary resolution, legal education, continuing legal education, CLE, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaii law school, Pacific Law Institute, attorney training, legal ethics, professional responsibility, legal mentorship, legal profession, court-annexed arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, appellate decisions, Hawaii Supreme Court

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:11.360> for<00:12:11.600> residents.
• These negative<00:12:13.279> outcomes<00:12:13.760> are<00:12:14.000> not<00:12:
• When facilities are purchased<00:12:20.959> using<00:12:21.279> leverage<00:12:21.760><
• buyouts, the nursing<00:12:22.800> home<00:12:22.959> is<00:12:23.200> immediately<
• lease<00:12:30.000> back<00:12:30.320> arrangements<00:12:31.040> with fees,

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up two bills concerning health entity ownership and heard invited testimony before acting on them. Dr. Yasha Singh of Brown University testified about private equity in healthcare, describing how PE firms use debt-financed acquisitions, short investment horizons, and roll-up strategies that can avoid disclosure requirements. He said the lack of transparency makes it difficult to track ownership and outcomes, and cited research linking PE ownership to higher costs in outpatient care, more ancillary service use, workforce turnover, and worse outcomes in hospitals and nursing homes. He also noted Minnesota-specific concerns, including PE involvement in opioid treatment programs, and said the policy challenge is balancing needed capital investment with protections for patients and workers. Sam Brooks of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care testified in strong support of the legislation, focusing on nursing homes. He argued that private equity ownership is associated with worse resident outcomes, including higher mortality, more pressure ulcers, more hospitalizations, and more deficiencies, and said leverage buyouts divert money from staffing and care into debt service, management fees, and lease-back arrangements. Brooks said staffing levels and quality ratings decline under PE ownership and pointed to recent bankruptcies as examples of instability. He said the bills would add safeguards such as transparency, attorney general approval of acquisitions, and requirements that a large share of public funds go to direct resident care. The testimony framed the bills as responses to concerns about private equity ownership in healthcare and long-term care, especially the effects on quality, staffing, and financial stability. No vote or final committee action was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we just can<00:12:40.320> come<00:12:40.399> to<00:12:40.560> some<00:12:40.800
• :12:42.560> is<00:12:42.720> the<00:12:42.959> reason<00:12:43.200> these
• That was<00:12:45.200> what<00:12:45.360> I<00:12:45.440> asked<00:12:45.680>
• legal<00:12:46.000> to<00:12:46.079> do<00:12:46.160> is<00:12:46.399> bring
• > the<00:12:46.959> code<00:12:47.200> sections<00:12:47.600> that<00:12:

Keywords: Medicaid - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee considered five bills. SB 2567, the Mississippi Pediatric Access to Critical Health Care Protection Act, would allow a border hospital to accept Medicaid patients and payments; it was moved as title sufficient and reported, with one member opposing. SB 2571, the Foster Youth Earn Benefit Protection for Success Act, would require Social Security survivor or disability benefits for foster youth to be used for the child rather than reimbursing the state for foster care costs; the sponsor said the bill follows federal guidance and other states’ practices, and it was reported after a title-sufficient motion, with one opposition. SB 2708 would require insurers to cover postpartum depression screenings. Senator Boyd said most insurers already do this, and he offered an amendment to strike lines 364-368 because of concerns about step-therapy language; the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill. SB 2765 would open code sections related to DHS and Medicaid income verification so Mississippi can respond to federal error-rate penalties tied to SNAP and related programs; Senator Sparks said the state’s 10.69% error rate could trigger about $128 million in annual penalties, and members discussed whether the state’s change-reporting rules may be inflating that rate. The bill was reported. The final bill, SB 2746, the Older Mississippians Act, was described by DHS as a cleanup measure that updates aging-services statutes, formally designates Mississippi as the state unit on aging, and removes obsolete program references. After brief discussion, it was reported on a title-sufficient motion. At the end of the meeting, Senator McMahan publicly thanked the chair for his work, and the committee then moved to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:16.560> and<00:12:17.360> remove<00:12:18.399> um,<00:12:18.720> eligibility
• <00:12:25.519> So,<00:12:25.680> it<00:12:25.760> it<00:12:26.160> is
• <00:12:33.680> I<00:12:33.920> was<00:12:34.079> reading<00:12:34.320> it
• <00:12:35.360> Let's<00:12:35.600> all<00:12:35.760> go<00:12:35.920> home
• <00:12:44.399> before<00:12:44.720> we<00:12:45.120> go<00:12:45.200> to<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > particularly<00:12:30.079> the<00:12:30.320> most<00:12:30.480> vulnerable.
• And<00:12:31.600> through<00:12:31.839> our<00:12:32.079> experience,<00:12:32.560
• <00:12:38.399> Our<00:12:38.639> mission<00:12:39.040> is<00:12:39.279> to
• <00:12:49.440> and<00:12:49.680> for<00:12:49.920> cases<00:12:50.320> with
• evidence<00:12:51.360> to<00:12:51.680> take<00:12:51.839> them<00:12:52.079

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:02.800> as<00:12:03.000> well<00:12:03.560> and<00:12:03.760> I<00:12
• <00:12:07.680> a<00:12:07.880> really<00:12:08.120> exciting<00:12:08.560>
• :12:16.440> you<00:12:16.600> Mr<00:12:16.880> President<00:12:17.279> thank<
• you Senator<00:12:17.959> Johnson<00:12:18.720> as<00:12:18.920> well<00:12:19.120
• ><00:12:21.600> uh<00:12:21.920> for<00:12:22.079> the<00:12:22.199> ninth

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:12.600> The<00:12:12.800> eyes<00:12:12.960> have<00:12:13.160> it
• Mr.<00:12:15.960> Speaker,<00:12:16.320> just<00:12:16.480> clarification,<00:12
• I<00:12:28.080> know<00:12:28.280> that's<00:12:29.120> sounds<00:12:29.400>
• <00:12:33.560> For<00:12:33.720> all<00:12:33.880> intents<00:12:34.240>
• <00:12:35.360> in<00:12:35.480> motion<00:12:35.800> to<00:12:35.880> the

Keywords: MS House Floor - 6 March, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, found a quorum, dispensed with reading the journal, and moved through routine calendar business. Members tabled motions on several Senate bills, including Senate Bill 3230 and Senate Bill 2699, and there was discussion about a member’s right to hold a bill even after immediate release had been granted the prior day. The chamber also handled a hold request on Senate Bill 2838 and later tabled a motion related to it. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 2103, which was called up and amended with a strike-all amendment. The bill was described as a broad education and retirement package focused on teacher pay, assistant teacher pay, PERS changes, school attendance officers, and support for struggling school districts. The sponsor said it would provide a $5,000 across-the-board teacher pay raise, a $3,000 increase for special education teachers, a $3,000 increase for assistant teachers, and an approximately $5,000 increase for school attendance officers. It also would reduce retirement service requirements for some state employees and first responders, allow retired teachers to return to work while drawing retirement, and create a district-of-innovation provision for D and F districts to help address teacher shortages and other needs. Several members questioned the scope of the bill, asking whether it included school choice, vouchers, portability, or other contentious provisions; the sponsor said it did not. Questions also focused on the superintendent salary cap language, the effect on PERS contributions for returning retirees, and whether the bill still contained the counselor ethics language that had been discussed earlier; the sponsor said that language had been struck out. After debate, the House adopted the strike-all amendment and then passed Senate Bill 2103 by a vote of 122-0. After passage, members made announcements and vote-change requests on prior calendar items, including Senate Bill 2432 and Senate Bill 3111. The Speaker also announced a press conference after adjournment to discuss the teacher pay raise. The House then adjourned until 4:00 p.m. on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the consent calendar and the minutes. It then took up a Department of Employment Security rule, 24193, where the only issue was that a form had not been incorporated by reference. The department submitted an oral conditional approval request with revised language, and the committee approved the rule conditionally. A second Employment Security rule, 195, raised concerns that the notice language was too broad and vague and could amount to oral rulemaking; because the agency had not yet finalized revised language, the committee granted a one-month waiver so the rule could return next month with a conditional approval proposal. The Department of Safety’s contact person notification program rule, 24237, drew comments about Social Security number collection, unclear drafting on one section, and ambiguity about which application needed a signature. The agency agreed to remove Social Security number references from the rules and forms and to adopt the suggested clarifying language with minor edits. After discussion about why the identifiers were needed, the committee approved the rule conditionally with the oral changes. The committee then moved a previously consent-calendar item, OPLC rule 2547, off consent after Representative Maguire objected that the renewal application form was too health-care-focused and user-unfriendly for other professions; the agency said it would revisit the form, and the committee postponed action until next month without needing a waiver. The final major item was Fish and Game’s HB 2548, which changes licensing and permit rules for taking deer, bear, moose, turkey, and furbearing animals. Staff noted extensive public testimony, including a coalition submission, and said the main dispute was over what data the agency should rely on in setting seasons and take limits. Fish and Game explained that declining trapper participation made capture-per-unit-effort data less reliable, so it also uses hunter surveys and UNH research projects funded in part by federal money; the agency said current trapping removals are very low and do not appear to threaten populations. Committee members and public witnesses questioned whether the agency’s responses to comments were sufficiently specific under the new public-comment law, but no final vote on the Fish and Game rule was taken in the portion provided.