Transcript Highlights:

• One of those, the USDA walked back its financial support of our farm-to-school program.
• No one could get mad at farm to school. It's the best thing in the whole world.
• You're getting fresh produce to kids in schools, and you're paying farmers for doing that.
• But farm to school is an incredible program. We've been investing in it for a while.
• ,<00:14:54.560> between between farmers and schools, between between farmers and schools,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It conducts rapid proof of concept and in-depth development and testing.
• at the federal level for new rulemaking with the test site.
• You know, as schools, as numbers go down and schools consolidate, it's a more challenging... the smaller
• You know, as schools, as numbers go down and schools consolidate, it's a more challenging.
• DPI works with the REAs pretty thoroughly and it works with the local school districts.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2265, which would provide the Fargo National Cemetery with up to a $3 million line of credit to help fund improvements such as indoor bathrooms, parking, a family gathering area, an office, a hearse garage, and a veterans gallery. Supporters said the cemetery has expanded rapidly since 2019, has already conducted about 1,000 burials, and needs better facilities for families and the Honor Guard; they also said the project would be subject to federal VA approval and, once completed, would be taken over by the VA. Members raised questions about the project’s cost, timing, funding sources, whether the bill should be a grant instead of a line of credit, and whether a chapel should be specifically included. No vote was taken on SB 2265 during the excerpt. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2230, which would have the Secretary of State mail active voters a guide on ballot measures at least 45 days before an election, with objective summaries, fiscal impacts, and arguments for and against each measure. Secretary of State Michael Howe said the office already receives many questions about ballot measures and would post the same information online and at polling places, while emphasizing the need to keep the material objective and consistent with election-law restrictions. Members generally supported the idea as a voter-education tool, and the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 2230 by a 19-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2256, which would provide one-time state support for the NDSU Research and Technology Park in Fargo to expand its role in commercialization, robotics, precision agriculture, and defense-related technology. Park CEO Brenda Weiland explained that the park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit spun out of NDSU, governed by a board with both university and industry representation, and that the new model is intended to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products without competing directly with private industry. Members asked about ownership, intellectual property, the planned partnership with Carnegie Mellon’s robotics center, and how the park would use the funding; the discussion focused on contracts, licensing, and the park’s intent to build technical capacity and attract companies. The excerpt ends before any vote on SB 2256.

Transcript Highlights:

• High School for a time.
• It has the support of the School Board Association and the superintendents, DSEA, and the Charter School
• high school from each of the three counties, plus one elementary, one middle, and one high school from
• This includes traditional public schools, vocational technical schools, and charter schools.
• This includes traditional public schools, vocational technical schools, and charter schools.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• High School League State High School High School League State High School Debate<00:07:04.120>
• to a test.
• And they compete at school, regional, And they compete at school, regional, and<00:52:03.040> state
• Divya Thoman is from Edina High School. Divya Thoman is from Edina High School.
• We have programs to recognize students with essay programs and in the middle school and high school and

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections. Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts. Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:06.959> results to make them uh those test results to make them uh those test results
• manufacturers and brand owners to test manufacturers and brand owners to test packaged<00:04:06.159
• ,<00:07:13.759> we ortholets in 84 of 85 foods tested, we ortholets in 84 of 85 foods tested
• <00:07:18.240> package require the companies to test package require the companies to test
• <00:10:50.560> General many of the products tested. General many of the products tested.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• K-12 schools and school districts, the higher education institutions that are public.
• And we actually have a San Antonio school district recently where they had empowered the elementary school
• Every measure that you implement in the school, or let's use the school... just because it's easy, I
• school space.
• if we were able to turn our school schools and ISDs into solar storage hubs?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would also require that youth sports organizations properly maintain and test their AEDs.
• So this is a building movement as we've recognized the tragedy of SCA and what it means to schools and
• It's not just those that have gone, but it's the survivors and what it does to the school.
• Other school children that have had to witness this or experience this.
• Similar to how schools do today.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• College Corps didn't just help me stay in school; it helped shape my purpose.
• Our office has been very active in outreach and engagement with school districts and charter schools
• The school facility program does have some means of providing assistance to those school districts and
• charter schools.
• District as well as the Pioneer Union Elementary School District up in...

Summary: The subcommittee held an informational budget hearing covering several GovOps, CDT, CPPA, and DGS items. GovOps reported that most deliverables under the Governor’s generative AI executive order have been completed, including guidelines, procurement tools, community-impact guidance, and a new project delivery lifecycle for Gen AI projects; one workforce-related deliverable remains. Members and public commenters raised concerns about privacy, labor impacts, and how the state will explain and oversee Gen AI use. The committee also heard a proposal to create a California Education Interagency Council with $5 million ongoing and 16 positions to coordinate workforce and education systems; LAO questioned duplication and recommended limited-term funding, while supporters said a neutral convening body is needed to improve coordination and student outcomes. GoServe presented the College Corps budget proposals, describing the program as a paid service and career-development opportunity for undergraduate students that helps reduce college costs while supporting communities through tutoring, food insecurity work, climate and disaster response, and other service. The administration sought one-time and ongoing funding to expand the program to more campuses and students, while LAO objected to the high administrative costs and recommended rejection. Several students and alumni testified that College Corps provided financial support, professional experience, and career pathways. The committee also heard a $5 million proposal for a Belonging Campaign to address loneliness and social isolation through research, outreach, and local grants; LAO said the proposal lacked clear goals and measures, while supporters said the effort is needed for youth, seniors, and community resilience. The Department of Technology updated the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, saying construction is underway on the statewide open-access network and the project remains on track for the 2026 deadline, though LAO noted a required business plan had not yet been submitted. The California Privacy Protection Agency presented its Delete Act implementation request for the DROP platform, which will let consumers request deletion of personal information held by data brokers; LAO flagged oversight concerns because CDT is both developing the system and involved in project support. Public commenters from business groups urged caution on CPPA’s rulemakings, warning of compliance costs and job impacts. The Department of General Services then discussed implementation of Proposition 2 school facilities bonds, requesting staffing and administrative funding to manage the new bond program and continue school facility work. Officials said the program can also help districts affected by the January wildfires, including interim site funding and expedited assistance. Finally, DGS requested authority and positions to operate Building 18 for labor-agency tenants relocating from older Capitol Mall space; SEIU Local 1000 criticized the state’s four-day return-to-office policy and said telework has improved productivity and retention. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and member questions on each item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, one of the number one reasons that kids in Minneapolis public schools miss school is because of
• Well, one of the number one reasons that kids in Minneapolis public schools miss school is because of
• Well, one of the number one reasons that kids in Minneapolis public schools miss school is because of
• <00:42:34.160> miss<00:42:34.480> school Minneapolis public schools miss school Minneapolis
• Board, School District 115.

Bills: HF1587, HF2293, HF2218, HF1208, HF1482

Keywords: HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• Claire is a recent graduate, I think, Tuesday, from Hawkeham High School.
• Claire is a recent graduate, I think, Tuesday, from Hawkeham High School.
• Testing, testing. Thank you very much. I'm sorry. You're all. You're all. I don't know. I don't.
• Testing, testing. Thank you. Testing one, two. I'm not here. I don't know. I'm like a good.
• Testing, testing one. I don't know. I can't have that. You can't have that. I think you're all.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• local schools, including attended local schools, including Pinkerton<00:09:05.200> Academy.
• :06:57.200> expand mandate new PAS testing, expand mandate new PAS testing, expand regulation<
• <01:13:12.800> conducted the bill says um all testing conducted the bill says um all testing
• our rest of execs till after the school our rest of execs till after the school vacation<02:00:27.599
• Some of you have plans school vacation.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a very recently retired owner-operator of two Primrose schools here in the Twin Cities.
• We also agreed we'd be willing to take a polygraph test.
• They asked her to take a polygraph test, but she refused to cooperate any further and got a lawyer.
• A few days later, the detective test.
• I am testing on testifying on Services.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The $52,000 was not an issue for school bus drivers.
• The $52,000 was not an issue for school bus drivers.
• was not an issue for school bus drivers. was not an issue for school bus drivers.
• nature that's retired can go to a school nature that's retired can go to a school bus<00:28:10.720
• But if kind of tests that they may have.

Bills: HB117, HB17, HB22, HB153, HB140, HB117, HB17, HB22, HB153, HB140, SB12, SB42, SB93, SB28, SB35, SB134, SB12, SB42, SB93, SB28, SB35, SB134

Keywords: procurement, county commission, administrative savings, public services, government efficiency, HB17, municipal audits, municipal audit clarification act, municipal finance, local government, city council, mayor, city manager, Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, independent public accountant, annual audit, biennial audit, annual report, financial accountability, public records

Transcript Highlights:

• So if they're interested in pursuing opportunities, ...in those schools.
• He was a high school senior, and this was probably January. We started working out.
• If you want to make them exciting, just Google whole tech missile test.
• They've tested this and they've actually developed a prototype waste package.
• They've tested this and they've actually developed a prototype waste package.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to hear a series of presentations on the economics, financing, workforce, and community impacts of advanced nuclear deployment in North Dakota. William Bridge of Nucleon Energy presented the committee’s economic impacts and private-sector financing report, estimating construction and operating job impacts, local spending, and state/local tax effects for hypothetical SMR projects. He said the report assumes first-of-a-kind costs are still high, used a $6 million per megawatt nth-of-a-kind proxy, and estimated peak construction workforces of about 500 for a 200-MW plant and 1,000 for a larger facility, with roughly 100 operating jobs for a 200-MW plant. Committee members questioned security costs, capital cost assumptions, water and transmission siting constraints, and whether the model included fuel and waste; Bridge said the report included initial fuel in capital cost and that waste disposal is funded through existing federal mechanisms. Lori Brady of the Nuclear Energy Institute then outlined national nuclear workforce needs and NEI’s strategic workforce planning efforts. She described declining labor-force participation, retirements, and the need for a much larger future workforce, and said NEI has organized recommendations around career awareness, pipelines, training and qualification, policy support, retention, and nontraditional recruitment. She highlighted tools such as the Nuclear Works career website, the Nuclear Energy Academic Roadmap, the new federal Energy and Natural Resources career cluster, and the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program for community colleges. Members asked about AI, timing for training relative to plant development, and whether advanced manufacturing would reduce staffing needs; Brady said AI is not expected to replace workers and that training timelines depend on the specific project and staffing plan. The committee also heard from Gary Yaco, mayor of Red Wing, Minnesota, who described Prairie Island’s role in his community. He said the plant provides a large share of local property tax revenue, supports well-paid jobs, contributes to emergency preparedness funding and training, and is broadly supported by the city despite periodic protests and public concerns. He emphasized the plant’s security, regular drills with local and federal responders, and the absence of problems with dry cask storage. Later, Benton Arnett of NEI discussed the current financing landscape for advanced nuclear, explaining how tax credits, federal loan support, off-take agreements, and new business models are helping projects move forward. He said early projects face high upfront costs and long lead-time procurement, but that investor confidence is improving as federal policy and regulatory streamlining continue. The committee asked about waste funding, comparisons with natural gas, the effect of political shifts on investor confidence, and whether the market will narrow to a few winning technologies; Arnett said the industry is still sorting that out, but expects clearer winners in the late 2020s and early 2030s. The meeting concluded with an introductory presentation from Julie Kazeraki of DOE’s Office of Energy Dominance Financing, who said the office is focused on accelerating nuclear deployment through financing support.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's tested every year.
• DPI does not track school meal debt at the individual school level.
• do in schools.
• kids in school, but there certainly are hungry kids going to school.
• other schools?

Summary: The committee met to receive a series of audit presentations, beginning with the statewide Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for fiscal year 2025. The State Auditor’s Office and OMB reported a clean, unmodified opinion for the state, with strong financial results including a $40.6 billion net position, $30.99 billion in assets, $1.81 billion in liabilities, and continued Legacy Fund growth. OMB also explained the new GASB 101 compensated-absences reporting change and discussed pension-liability fluctuations tied to discount-rate assumptions and investment performance. Members asked about how the state compares to others and about the effect of short-term commodity price swings, and OMB said the report reflects actual fiscal-year results rather than forecasts. The committee then heard the University System audit, which also received a clean opinion but included four findings: misreporting of Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund revenue, insufficient monitoring of service organizations at CTS, NDSU, and UND, improper bank reconciliations at Dakota College of Bottineau, Dickinson State, and Williston State, and investment/cash reconciliation problems at Bismarck State College related to bond proceeds. University officials agreed with the findings and said corrective actions were underway, including internal review of bank reconciliations. Members raised questions about NDSU’s use of certificates of deposit, and university staff explained that CDs are used to earn interest on funds being accumulated for future projects. Several other audits were presented, most with clean opinions and no findings, including the State Auditor’s Office, Workforce Safety and Insurance, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Incentive Fund, Job Service North Dakota, the Retirement and Investment Office, PERS, the Center for Distance Education, the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents, the Ethics Commission, and the Office of Administrative Hearings. Notable exceptions included a State Fair Association audit with an adverse opinion on the foundation component unit because its financial statements were not available for audit, and a Securities Department performance audit finding that performance-based pay increases and bonuses were issued without required evaluations. The committee also discussed the State Auditor’s future needs, including more staff capacity, data analytics, cybersecurity reviews, possible subpoena authority, independent legal counsel, and whether some audits—such as the Ethics Commission and State Fair—should be handled by independent third parties or under different statutory arrangements.

Transcript Highlights:

• district charter schools.
• Now we have more than just school district charter schools.
• the charter schools.
• charter school, half a...
• charter school.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee considered a large agenda of bills and reported several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and a trust for Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, and CS/CS/SB 1266, which creates a cybersecurity experiential learning and clearance-readiness program through the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida. The committee also approved SB 532 on clerks of court funding, allowing clerks to retain all excess Article V revenue rather than returning half to the state and clarifying foreclosure sale procedures. In addition, the committee passed CS/CS/SB 1602 and CS/CS/SB 1604 to create and fund a pilot housing program for veterans through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, and CS/SB 1110 to expand Medicaid and private insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including testimony from affected families and advocates. The committee also adopted an amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/SB 1012 on inmate services, removing the bill’s medical-services compensation provisions while retaining changes to the inmate welfare trust fund and related facility uses. It also adopted a delete-all amendment and then favorably reported CS/CS/CS/SB 1614, which was narrowed to remove a provision allowing local governments to use excess fees to construct new buildings. The committee spent substantial time on CS/SB 17, a Medicaid oversight and transparency bill. The sponsor said the measure would create a joint legislative Medicaid oversight committee, authorize the Legislature to retain its own actuary, modernize Medicaid statutes, strengthen managed-care performance standards, and increase accountability for pharmacy benefit managers and related entities. After amendment, the committee adopted changes removing several PBM-related provisions while retaining the broader oversight framework. Testimony from supporters emphasized transparency, fraud prevention, and cost control, while a PBM trade association asked to continue working on affiliate-manufacturer, network, and payment issues. The bill was reported favorably. The most extensive discussion centered on CS/SB 1758, which proposes major changes to Medicaid and SNAP. The sponsor described five reforms: stronger fraud and overpayment recovery authority, a Medicaid work requirement for certain able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral-health services through Medicaid waivers, pharmacy-program changes to obtain rebates and reduce institutional costs, and SNAP/EBT reforms including photo IDs and work requirements. The committee adopted two amendments: one adding a transitional “glide path” for people who gain employment but risk losing Medicaid, and another exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fraud, improve accountability, and encourage work, while opponents warned it would increase administrative burdens, push eligible people off coverage, and conflict with federal law or guidance. The bill remained under debate with extensive public testimony from advocates, providers, and affected families, and the transcript ends before final disposition on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a test of whether this House stands for democratic norms or unfair manipulations.
• It treats our voters as collateral damage. test dummies. The district has been dismantled.
• You've already had them underfunded when it comes to school programs.
• The school investment, safe streets, and who will be told again to wait in line.
• We believe in high school football. We have 6A all the way down to 1A or 2A.

Bills: HB4, HB 4

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and primary test is laid out<00:16:32.519> on<00:16:32.880> page<00:16:33.319> five
• Let's call on our test and...
• And let's call on our test and... Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, members of the committees.
• Meir Cumins: ...you are addressing the areas owned by the state, like the schools and our buildings,
• morning providing comments written test morning providing comments and<00:35:59.960> want<00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused. In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands. Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, they're testing all hydrometers.
• One of those, the USDA walked back its financial support of our farm-to-school program.
• No one could get mad at farm to school. It's the best thing in the whole world.
• But farm to school is an incredible program. We've been investing in it for a while.
• ,<00:26:25.279> between between farmers and schools, between between farmers and schools,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we look forward to collaborating with communities and schools and business groups, folks all over
• and schools and business groups<00:07:32.319> um<00:07:33.120> folks<00:07:33.520>
• Senator Cwodzinski jokes that he is the one trying to ban phones in high schools.
• He adds that sitting at home with positive COVID tests is not fun and that he wishes he were there.
• is not fun and trying to keep up tests is not fun and trying to keep up with<00:14:57.360> all

Keywords: 1187, senate, all