Transcript Highlights:

• that's been floated around a lot where PBMs make a ton of money off of percentage-based and spread pricing
• and all types of pricing mechanisms.

Transcript Highlights:

• Steven Price is our only invited witness to testify in support of this bill.
• Okay, public testimony is now open, and the Chair calls Stephen Price.

Bills: SB2959, HB3096, HCR29, HCR56, HCR12, HCR55, HCR74, HCR78, HCR116, HCR117, HCR6, HCR50, HCR107, HCR80, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR75, HCR93, HCR12, HCR6

Keywords: firearm safety, awareness month, public safety, responsible ownership, storage, recreational use, profound autism, awareness day, caregiver, disabilities, support, counseling, mental health, awareness, support services, community health, necrotizing enterocolitis, premature infants, breastfeeding, health awareness

Transcript Highlights:

• The schools bill did not allow for any price in investment.
• My siblings and I had to rely on reduced-price school lunch because she did not get a living wage while

Bills: HF1049

Keywords: school library aid, education finance, school districts, charter schools, funding eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, next up is SP218, Senator Price. Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• So, thank you, Senator Price, and we'll carry that bill over.

Bills: SB210, SB176, SB167, SB244, SB218, SB9, SB153, SB9

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, controlled substances, unlawful distribution, marijuana, violent offense, sentencing guidelines, criminal justice, DUI, driving under the influence, drunk driving, fatal crash, vehicular homicide, child support, survivor benefits, orphaned child, guardian death

Transcript Highlights:

• adjustments, and we think there's an opportunity to address this part of consumers, the consumer's price
• Looking ahead, we know Texas will continue growing and reliable energy transmission at an affordable price

Transcript Highlights:

• the very first time, and it’s just a great recognition of the time that they have spent buying full-price
• the very first time, and it’s just a great recognition of the time that they have spent buying full-price

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 276, sponsored by Rep. Jim Nash, which would reduce the cost of fishing licenses by $10 for anglers age 65 and older. Nash described the bill as a modest fee reduction for longtime anglers, emphasizing the role of older fishermen in mentoring kids and supporting community activities, and noting that the bill includes a fiscal impact. He also said the proposal was a more conservative alternative to a previous bill and framed it as a way to recognize seniors who have long paid full-price license fees. Pat Rivers, Director of the Fish and Wildlife Division, testified that unlike the previous bill, HF 276 would not affect sport fish restoration dollars coming to Minnesota. He said the general fund reimbursement acknowledges that angling is a major economic driver for the state, supporting spending on gas, resorts, bait, and related purchases. Members echoed support for the concept, with comments about helping older residents stay engaged in fishing and about the need to keep the fund sustainable. The chair noted that the packet included letters of support from the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and Conservation Minnesota. No opposition testimony was presented. At the end of the discussion, the motion was renewed and House File 276 was laid over for possible inclusion in a future bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're facing a crisis in farm country right now with low crop prices, high input costs, and the loss
• , high right now with low crop prices, high input<00:25:26.679> costs,<00:25:27.400> and
• Um we have fuel prices problem.
• We can talk about the relatively recent increase in the gasoline prices that we've had.
• And that, as an auction, incubates businesses themselves from having this price passed on to them.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• impacts are coming amidst an ongoing crisis in farm country caused by a perfect storm of low crop prices
• 41:49.720> crop caused by a perfect storm of low crop caused by a perfect storm of low crop prices
• It's not because we're entering this disastrous war of choice that is driving up gas prices, you know
• is driving disastrous war of choice that is driving up<01:23:52.280> gas<01:23:52.600> prices
• up gas prices up gas prices um um um you<01:23:55.120> know,<01:23:55.320> that's<

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met to approve the April 7, 2026 minutes and then held a hearing on the economic impact of Operation Metro Surge and related ICE enforcement activity. Testifiers described broad effects on cities, small businesses, workers, and schools, and several speakers voiced support for House File 4477, which would create a targeted state relief program for affected businesses and communities. Metro Cities said member cities reported unexpected burdens on public safety, public works, emergency management, and other local services, and its board adopted a policy supporting state assistance for those costs. Northstar Policy Action presented data arguing the operation contributed to higher unemployment, reduced hours, lost wages, and business losses, including a reported $106 million in lost wages from reduced hours and an estimated $18 million per week in taxpayer costs. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said the city incurred nearly $1 million in direct costs and estimated small businesses lost about $16 million per week, with major drops in foot traffic and sales, especially among immigrant-owned neighborhood businesses. Other testimony emphasized impacts outside the metro area and on specific communities. Georgia Gallardo of Kerkhoven Cattle Butcher said rural small businesses also suffered, citing reduced sales and weekend traffic. The Minnesota Council of Latino Affairs reported that Latino-owned businesses support thousands of jobs and have seen sales declines of 40% to 90%, while WomenVenture and the Minnesota CDFI Coalition said CDFIs were seeing urgent demand for flexible relief and described businesses delaying hiring, reducing hours, or pausing expansion. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruly said federal agents’ conduct during the surge undermined trust, created public safety concerns, and led to overtime and other local costs, while also noting he supports federal immigration enforcement in principle. Fridley Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Lewis said the district lost 112 students since December, still had 72 not returned, and had to rapidly create a virtual learning option for students who did not feel safe attending in person. Across the hearing, witnesses argued the disruption was statewide, not limited to Minneapolis-St. Paul, and that state relief was needed to prevent business closures, job losses, and longer-term damage to communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• It amends, for the purposes of HHFDC's rent-to-own program, the period during which the sales price of
• It amends, for the purposes of HHFDC's rent-to-own program, the period during which the sales price of
• It amends, for the purposes of HHFDC's rent-to-own program, the period during which the sales price of
• For the purposes of HHFDC's rent-to-own program, the period during which the sales price of a dwelling
• The down payment loan to any one borrower shall not exceed 15% of the purchase price or appraised value

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint House committees on Housing and Education heard HB 1713, HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and transfer remaining balances in the school impact fee and certain fair share accounts to the school facilities special fund. The Department of Education testified in opposition, while the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, the Attorney General’s office (with comments and suggested constitutional amendments), the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, NAP Hawaii, Avalon Development Company, Mark Development, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Landis Research Foundation, BIA Hawaii, and others testified in support. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered comments. The DOE said the bill would weaken a key tool for matching school facilities to residential growth, while supporters said the current program leaves funds unused or restricted in ways that limit their effectiveness. A lengthy discussion followed about the difference between the older school impact fee program and the separate fair share agreements tied to land use entitlements and change-of-zone approvals. DOE Deputy Superintendent Jesse Suki explained that fair share funds are tied to the district where they were collected, may be too small to build a full school on their own, and are held until needed for projects such as Core Ridge, Central and West Maui, and other planned schools. Committee members pressed DOE on why funds had remained unspent for years, how much money was in the accounts, and whether the department had reviewed audit findings about the program. Members also questioned whether homeowners ultimately bear these costs through developers passing them along. The committee did not take a vote during the portion of the meeting provided. The discussion ended with members and DOE debating whether the current statute should remain in place, whether past entitlements should be affected, and whether the bill should be amended to better address remaining construction-related obligations and the use of collected funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• MDE will then determine whether the lease is reasonably priced, appropriate for the district's needs,
• It was a huge price tag to our school districts, that decision, and I believe it was made in a bit of
• It was a huge price tag to our school districts, that decision, and I believe it was made in a bit of
• It was a huge price tag to our school districts, that decision, and I believe it was made in a bit of
• Uh, but if the price of milk goes up and the money doesn't keep pace, eventually you'll have to make

Bills: HF3790, HF3654, HF3371, HF3470, HF1099

Keywords: education finance, lease levy authority, graduation ceremonies, school districts, Minnesota Statutes, local revenue, funding increase, education, state appropriation, local control, HF3371, local optional revenue, school finance, general education aid, school district funding, referendum revenue, referendum market value, equalization aid, state aid, property tax levy

Transcript Highlights:

• We buy our product for retail price and we have to sell our product for wholesale price.
• We buy our product for retail price<01:20:12.159> and<01:20:12.400> we<01:20:12.640>
• and we have to sell our product price and we have to sell our product for<01:20:13.840> wholesale
• <01:20:14.320> price.
• That makes the for wholesale price.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The House clerk then announced that the House had passed several bills and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for a number of bills and resolutions, which were referred to the Rules Committee, and committee reports from the Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and the Judiciary Committee recommending passage of several measures. New resolutions were also introduced, including one honoring Michael Mingi, Amanda Maize, and Senator Maize Bledsoe, and another designating March 31, 2026, as Kentucky Transitional Science Day. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 145, relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The chamber concurred in House Committee Substitute 1 and House Floor Amendment 1, then passed the bill as amended by a roll call vote of 35 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 59, relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and resources. After adopting Senate Committee Substitute 1, members debated whether the bill’s enforcement provisions were needed to prevent public funds from being used to influence ballot questions; supporters cited prior school-related advocacy, while one opponent raised concerns about possible uneven treatment of schools receiving federal funds. The bill passed 28-9. Finally, the Senate took up Senate Bill 137, relating to a provisional license to practice medicine. Supporters described Kentucky’s physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued the bill would help recruit foreign medical graduates by allowing a path to licensure based on prior residency and work experience. A floor amendment was offered to preserve standards by emphasizing U.S. residency pathways and cautioning against lowering the standard of care, but the amendment was withdrawn after discussion. The bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we want to get the price for that.
• They did commit crime and they are paying the price. This is not what that bill does.
• They did commit crime and they are paying the price. This is not what that bill does.
• They did commit crime and they are paying the price. This is not what that bill does.
• They did commit crime and they are paying the price. This is not what that bill does.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from February 13, 2026, and heard several announcements and introductions, including recognition of student guests and notices about upcoming committee meetings. Members also shared informal remarks tied to Lunar New Year celebrations, a water policy breakfast, and other caucus or committee updates. The chamber then took up special orders for several bills, including House Bill 1013 and House Bill 1064. House Bill 1013, concerning ratio utility billing systems used by landlords to allocate utility charges to tenants, was presented as a technical cleanup to last year’s House Bill 1090. Supporters said it was intended to clarify that such billing practices remain allowable and to align the statute with legislative intent. Amendment L002, offered to state that the bill created no private right of action and to limit litigation, was debated at length but defeated. Opponents argued it would restrict existing rights under consumer protection law, while supporters said it would reduce unnecessary lawsuits. The bill then passed the committee. House Bill 1064, concerning modifications to the youthful offender system, was also heard. Supporters said the bill codifies existing Department of Corrections practices, updates language to promote effective communication, and reflects evidence-informed, trauma-informed rehabilitation aimed at reducing recidivism. Amendment L003, which adjusted language to be more inclusive of the YOS community, was adopted. Several members opposed the bill, arguing it codified practices already in place, lacked clarity on evaluators and costs, and did not sufficiently account for victims’ perspectives. Despite that opposition, the committee report was adopted and the bill advanced with the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so they're blockading us, thus the price reduction because of the Deadpool.
• <00:07:53.520> at<00:07:53.759> the less than the national pricing at the less than
• the national pricing at the Henry<00:07:54.400> Hub<00:07:54.800> over<00:07:55.039>
• And so they're blockading us thus<00:08:02.800> the<00:08:03.120> price<00:08:03.440>
• reduction because of the thus the price reduction because of the Deadpool.

Bills: HB0120, HB0043, HB0128

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, money laundering, illegal investment, financial institutions, criminal activity, Wyoming legislation, severance tax, oil production, tax exemption, energy sector, economic impact, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so, you know, part of the thing with aquaculture for us is we're trying to lower the price of food
• trying to aquaculture for us is um we're trying to lower<01:02:26.400> the<01:02:26.720> price
• of<01:02:27.839> food<01:02:28.640> across<01:02:29.200> across lower the price
• of of food across across lower the price of of food across across the<01:02:29.920> board.
• So, our business model is aimed at bringing prices down to match mainland.

Bills: HB1601, HB1828, HB1616, HB1603, HB1606, HB1604, HB1605

Keywords: biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, land use, farm dwelling, renewable energy, income qualification, solar energy, geothermal resources, hydropower, agricultural tourism, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii

Transcript Highlights:

• other words, you could not get a GLP1 drug that cost you $300 to $900 a month unless we got a special price
• It's just a major problem. price from Novo. And it would be offered price from Novo.
• I mean, prices same the whole nine yards.
• I mean, prices same the whole >> Texas.
• I mean, prices same the whole nine<01:30:22.880> yards.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 22 January, 2026: 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The meeting began with a budget presentation from the insurance commissioner’s office. The commissioner said most of the request was for personnel costs, including an increase above LBO and two additional IT positions tied to a possible conversion to a state-based system and cybersecurity needs. The office also discussed travel costs, contractual expenses, vehicle replacement, and hurricane mitigation funds, noting that some funds are in trust accounts and require legislative authority to spend. The commissioner also briefed members on possible policy changes affecting the ACA exchange and a proposed low-cost plan for the high-risk pool, warning that if coverage options are not developed, more people could shift into uncompensated care. Members asked about the budget request, the IT positions, and a constituent question about propane meter regulation, which the commissioner said falls under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, though his office sometimes checks related issues informally. The committee then moved to the State Fire Academy hearing. The academy director described a workforce stabilization proposal focused on retaining and recruiting fire instructors, citing competition from local fire departments that pay more, a shrinking applicant pool, and a growing number of retirement-eligible staff. He said the academy’s instructors are being recruited away by municipalities, that recent applicant pools have produced very few qualified candidates, and that the academy may soon have to cut advanced courses if staffing does not improve. He referenced a State Personnel Board review that supported the need for compensation changes and said the academy is trying to remain competitive while continuing to train firefighters, hazmat responders, EMS personnel, and fire officers statewide. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the portion provided. Members mainly asked questions, requested written follow-up on some budget items, and indicated they would work with the agencies later in the session if pending bills or funding needs changed.

Transcript Highlights:

• In short, we need more houses to help stabilize prices, all types of houses, all price points in all
• 00:56:54.960> to<00:56:55.200> help<00:56:55.440> stabilize<00:56:56.079> prices
• <00:56:57.119> all houses to help stabilize prices. all houses to help stabilize prices. all
• types<00:56:57.760> of<00:56:58.000> houses,<00:56:58.640> all<00:56:58.880> price
• <00:56:59.200> points<00:56:59.680> in<00:56:59.920> all types of houses, all price

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want you to look at the price of government report that goes with that, and you'll see that overall
• the price of government over 30 years that we've been collecting data has stayed about the same, 13
• to it'll come out tomorrow look<00:03:52.079> at<00:03:52.239> the<00:03:52.439> price
• c><00:03:52.640> of<00:03:52.920> government<00:03:53.799> report look at the price
• of government over 30 overall the price of government over 30 years<00:03:59.120> that<00:03:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, when we put out our specifications, the total price includes all delivery charges, taxes, and
• our specifications the total price um our specifications the total price um includes<00:24:07.279>
• state was a part of that, but in our spec we do include a statement saying that it has to be the total price
• I could say inflationary pricing that has negative effects on agricultural viability and the cost of
• They deal with the gross price of realty, not gain or loss, which involves calculation of basis, which

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture, water, invasive species, and land-use bills. HB 299 and HB 1220, both relating to invasive species, drew broad support from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, C-GAPS, Sierra Club, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and others. Testifiers said HISC funding fills gaps between agency mandates, supports research and technology, and helps respond to both terrestrial and marine invasive threats. On HB 1220, C-GAPS described a marine anemone infestation in Kāneʻohe linked to aquarium release and said control and restoration would be difficult without the bill’s funding. A committee member asked for tracking information on the species, and the Division of Aquatic Resources said it maintains monitoring data and annual reports. No opposition was noted on either measure. HB 506, relating to conservation enforcement, also received support from DLNR and Malama Pu‘u Ma. Committee discussion focused on the bill’s scope and how the funding would be used. Members asked about a prior boat purchase mentioned in opposition testimony and about whether mainland vendors were being used; the department said it did not buy that boat and that procurement follows the normal state process, with total bid price including delivery, taxes, and other fees. The department explained that the bill’s funding is primarily for marine enforcement work in nearshore fisheries, including herbivore protection around O‘ahu. HB 915, relating to water use, had mixed testimony. DLNR supported alternative water sources and amendments to the water code, while the Department of Agriculture opposed the bill as drafted, saying its irrigation program is designed for non-potable agricultural use and is not structured for residential or mixed-use development. The Department of Health said it needed more information on its reuse guidelines and noted concern about removing the recycled water manager requirement, which it said helps ensure safe operation and maintenance of reuse systems. Members questioned the bill’s preemption language and whether county or state rules would be displaced, and Agriculture suggested county water agencies might be better suited for some of the proposed uses. HB 502, concerning land use, drew support from the Attorney General’s office, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union, with the Department of Agriculture standing on its written testimony. The Attorney General warned that allowing important agricultural lands to be redistricted through a declaratory ruling process could conflict with the state constitution and recommended excluding IAL from the bill. The Land Use Commission said it has an inventory of IAL lands and did not believe the bill would affect them, and it agreed to the suggested protection. Supporters said the bill could help move lands with limited agricultural value into the rural district, reduce pressure on productive farmland, and better align land use with actual farming potential. HB 929, relating to the agricultural land conveyance tax, received comments from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Realtors; Farm Bureau said it supports preserving agricultural land but was concerned about unintended consequences and questioned whether speculative flipping of ag land is a current problem.

Transcript Highlights:

• , um, I had planned to grow Okinawa sweet potatoes, and my farm is considered organic because the prices
• , um, I had planned to grow Okinawa sweet potatoes, and my farm is considered organic because the prices
• , um, I had planned to grow Okinawa sweet potatoes, and my farm is considered organic because the prices
• of foods are organic because the prices of foods are so<00:36:14.920> high<00:36:15.920> I'm
• They can range all the way up to $300, so the price varies. that why are you guys saying that this that

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Education heard several Department of Education-related bills and received extensive testimony on school meals and veteran diplomas. HB 628 would restore authority for the Department of Education to issue high school diplomas to veterans whose schooling was interrupted by World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The superintendent testified in support, explaining the authority had sunset in 2020 and describing the measure as a way to recognize veterans. No opposition or questions were raised, and the bill was left without further action in the excerpt. The committee also heard HB 1074 and HB 110, both supported by the Department of Education and the School Facilities Authority. HB 1074 was described as a cleanup measure to clarify land-related language and make the statute more consistent across state agencies and DOE. HB 110 concerned benchmarking and the farm-to-school/local food effort; DOE and several supporters, including county councils, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, said the bill would help align metrics and support the 30% local food goal by 2030. Members questioned DOE about progress, and DOE said it was working on menus, procurement, and coordination with distributors and farmers. A Farm to School representative said the current bottleneck was poor communication with farmers and the need to bring them into planning earlier; DOE said it was still figuring out the process and that island-based procurement and separate RFPs were being explored. HB 328, relating to school meals and local resource food and plant-based options, drew the most testimony. DOE testified with comments, and the Attorney General’s office suggested revisions to clarify that the bill would apply to both DOE and charter schools, to separate public and private funds if donations or grants are accepted, and to add standards if nonprofit or private entities receive public money. Supporters included HSTA, the Hawaii Public Health Institute/Farm to School Network, Climate Protection Hawaii, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and numerous individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized healthier school meals, student-requested plant-based options, support for local farms, and the 30% by 2030 goal. Some testimony urged more local purchasing and raised concerns about decentralization, while DOE said it was considering island-based procurement and separate contracts to better support local producers. No votes were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd ask you to turn to the next page, which you will see is oil production prices and collections.
• Oil and natural gas collections are a product of two factors: price and production.
• Looking at severance tax collections, oil prices in 2025 are projected to average $70 a barrel, then
• However, we quickly found out that we were priced out of the market.
• However, we quickly found out that we were priced out of the market.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held its first hearing of the 89th regular session, adopted nearly identical committee rules from the previous legislature by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the budget framework, emphasizing conservative spending, a $332.9 billion all-funds budget, and major priorities including property tax relief, public education, border security, health and human services, transportation, energy, and water infrastructure. She also introduced committee and leadership staff and described the hearing schedule and public testimony procedures. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending, including a $23.8 billion ending balance, but warned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid using temporary spikes for ongoing commitments. Senators questioned him extensively about the Economic Stabilization Fund cap, sales tax trends, inflation, and whether the state should consider raising the cap or using severance-tax revenues differently. Hager said the Rainy Day Fund is expected to hit its cap, which would leave more severance-tax revenue in general revenue, and he stressed that infrastructure needs remain significant. The Legislative Budget Board then gave a detailed overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major components. LBB staff explained that the bill includes continued funding for the Foundation School Program, $850 million for the Texas State Technical College endowment, $1.3 billion for the Texas University Fund, $6.5 billion for border security, salary increases for correctional officers and state troopers, $3 billion for dementia research, higher community attendant wages, expanded community-based care, $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, and funding to clear volunteer fire department grant backlogs. They also outlined supplemental priorities such as water infrastructure, retirement legacy payments, rail grade separations, wildfire aircraft, and emergency facilities, and said the current controlling budget limit is the tax spending limit. A major portion of the hearing focused on property tax relief. LBB explained that prior-session relief grew from an expected $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher-than-anticipated property values and interactions among hold-harmless provisions, and that SB 1 continues and expands relief with $51 billion in total property tax relief, including $3 billion more for compression, $3 billion to raise the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, and a $500 million placeholder for business tax relief. Senators discussed the automatic nature of some of these costs, the effect of the non-homestead circuit breaker, the role of federal COVID funds, and the need to maintain school finance commitments if the state continues to compress school tax rates.