Transcript Highlights:

• :14:01.120> the<00:14:01.240> bill<00:14:01.800> is<00:14:02.800> not we
• c> that<00:14:03.480> we<00:14:03.639> normally<00:14:04.040> provide<00:14:
• > leave<00:14:08.680> it<00:14:08.800> to<00:14:08.920> my<00:14:09.040><
• :10.519> I'll<00:14:10.720> be<00:14:10.800> happy<00:14:10.959> to<00:14
• 14:25.440> Zoom<00:14:26.440> okay<00:14:26.759> questions okay<00:14:30.079>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• section<00:14:38.519> 342<00:14:39.680> uh<00:14:39.839> at<00:14:40.079> the
• <00:14:46.480> I<00:14:46.639> think<00:14:46.800> there's<00:14:47.120>
• and using<00:14:53.600> alcohol<00:14:54.000> at<00:14:54.079> the<00:14:54.240
• And so if<00:14:55.279> we're<00:14:55.519> going<00:14:55.680> to<00:14:55.839>
• so-called<00:14:58.160> social<00:14:58.560> districts,<00:14:59.360> uh,<00:14

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• profession<00:14:34.639> all<00:14:34.880> at<00:14:35.040> once,<00:14:
• <00:14:36.880> Quite<00:14:37.040> frankly,<00:14:37.360> it<00:14:37.519>
• <00:14:39.360> So,<00:14:39.519> it's<00:14:39.760> the<00:14:39.920> PLC
• 00:14:41.360> rules,<00:14:41.839> is<00:14:42.160> the<00:14:42.399> 313s
• So that was an<00:14:49.839> all<00:14:50.000> at<00:14:50.160> once<00:14:50.480

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the Legislative Budget Assistant audit of the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification’s response to 12 findings, especially those tied to mental health workforce licensure. The executive director said 10 findings were substantially resolved, one fully resolved, and one partially resolved, with most issues tied to ongoing rulemaking. He explained that the office regulates 61 professions, has limited rules-drafting staff, and is working through a long rulemaking process while also adapting to frequent statutory changes. The committee discussed the first finding on license portability/endorsement, which the director said was the office’s highest priority and had been implemented through universal recognition rules adopted in 2023. Members asked detailed questions about how the office reviews other states’ licensing standards, whether it evaluates jurisdictions case-by-case or maintains a database, and how many jurisdictions qualify for endorsement in various professions. The director said the office initially reviewed all states and professions at once, now maintains and updates a list of substantially similar jurisdictions, and sometimes evaluates narrower jurisdictions such as counties, cities, or foreign countries. He noted that some professions, like nursing, have broad reciprocity, while others, including some mental health-related fields, vary widely and may have only a limited number of qualifying jurisdictions. He also said the office is exploring whether AI could help with research and tracking, though not with final verification. The committee then turned to expedited licensure processing. The director said the office now handles examination, review, and issuance or denial based on board-set criteria, rather than requiring every board to review every application, which has sped up processing. He said delays still occur with criminal background checks and FBI fingerprint processing because of paper forms, federal involvement, and back-and-forth with the Department of Safety when releases are incomplete or incorrect. Members raised concerns about broader state process bottlenecks and asked whether legislation could help streamline the system. A legislator said he was already working on related background-check language for another agency and believed the current draft may satisfy FBI requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• of these are proposed for the consent calendar: Item 10, AB 726 by Assemblymember Abelafarias; Item 14
• Hi, Dylan Hoffman, on behalf of the Solid Waste Association of North America, California chapters, in
• Hi, Dylan Hoffman, on behalf of the Solid Waste Association of North America, California chapters, in
• Association of North America, California chapters, in support.
• I've been advocating personally on issues really impacting Latinos for over 14 years, and I'm here in

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda focused heavily on housing, local government, Brown Act teleconferencing, and public agency administration. Early bills included AB 39, which would require larger cities and counties to adopt electrification planning for EV charging and building decarbonization; AB 76, which clarifies Chula Vista’s university innovation district housing requirements; AB 259, AB 409, and AB 467, which extend or modernize Brown Act teleconferencing provisions for local agencies, community college student bodies, and Los Angeles neighborhood councils; and AB 428, which would let water corporations join joint powers authorities for pooled insurance. Supporters emphasized climate planning, housing access, public participation, safety, and cost savings, while several bills were amended to address stakeholder concerns. Most of these measures advanced on bipartisan votes, generally 6-1 or 7-0, and were left open for additional members to add on later. The committee also heard AB 632, which would strengthen local enforcement tools for serious code violations, fire hazards, illegal cannabis operations, and unsafe housing by allowing unpaid administrative fines to be converted into money judgments and liens. Local government and code enforcement groups supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and reduce costly litigation. AB 670 would let local governments count investments in preserving naturally occurring affordable housing toward housing element reporting and require broader reporting of demolitions and replacement housing compliance; supporters argued preservation is essential because many unsubsidized affordable homes are at risk. AB 761 would allow Monterey-Salinas Transit to place a future sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board, rather than separate approval from each member jurisdiction, to preserve transit funding for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. These measures also moved forward, with the committee noting amendments and sending them to the next committees of referral. Another major item was AB 810, which would require special districts and joint powers authorities to migrate public-facing websites and email addresses to .gov or CA.gov domains by 2031. The author argued the change would reduce fraud and improve public trust, especially after emergency-related scams, while opponents from special districts and IT organizations said the transition would be costly and difficult for smaller agencies. Several school-related opponents withdrew after amendments, and committee members discussed possible aliases and tribal-government language. The bill passed 7-1 to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. Finally, AB 1206 proposed a pre-approved design catalog for single-family homes and small multifamily developments, modeled on a prior ADU bill, to speed rebuilding and reduce design costs; supporters from Habitat for Humanity and housing advocates said it would help both wildfire recovery and broader housing production, and the bill drew at least one opposed-unless-amended position as the committee moved into further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• ON LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2022 A 29 FOOT VESSEL CARRYING 14 PEOPLE INCLUDING 12 TEENAGERS STRUCK A CHANNEL
• OF THE STATE TO TAKE A 501, CHAPTER 501 ACTION IF HE SO CHOOSES.
• TURNING POINT USA IS THE LARGEST CONSERVATIVE MOVEMENT IN THE NATION AND NOW THEY HAVE HIGH SCHOOL CHAPTERS
• WITH THE BILL BAN SCHOOL FROM PROVIDING FUNDING FOR A TURNING POINT USA CHAPTER?
• DONE ONLY TO REPUBLICANS SHOWS JUST THAT, 72% OF REPUBLICANS SUPPORT CITIZEN LED INITIATIVES WITH JUST 14%

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• group,' and there's kind of an issue where, you know, politicization of it and saying, well... [00:14
• I think every scenario that you're laying out... [00:14:35] Thank you, Senator.
• This is the position of White Coats for Black Lives, a medical trainee organization with active chapters
• This is the position of White Coats for Black Lives, a medical trainee organization with active chapters
• This bill also moves the date for Open Government Sunset Review up one year for the Chapter 119 provision

Summary: The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service, with the motion adopted and the confirmation recommended favorably. Members then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded actuarial liability, and allows certain elected officers to elect a DROP accumulation; a technical title amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably as a committee bill. The committee then heard extensive debate and public testimony on SB 1710, which would restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion-related policies, trainings, and activities in state agencies, state-funded contractors and grantees, and medical institutions of higher education. Sponsor Senator DiCeglie said the bill is intended to prevent state agencies and contractors from using state funds for DEI programs and to limit state agencies from adopting DEI-related official positions; he also said the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s breadth and how it would affect health-related grants, public universities, historically Black institutions, recruitment, and contractor training. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and inclusion; a few supporters said DEI is ideological, can undermine merit, and should not be used by state agencies or publicly funded institutions. After debate, Senator Polsky argued the bill was confusing, overbroad, and harmful to serving diverse communities, while Senator Arrington said it was an overreach into private business and could have significant fiscal impacts. Chair Fine closed by saying DEI is political ideology and that the bill is meant to ensure government focuses on talent rather than identity. SB 1710 was then reported favorably on a roll call vote, with Senator Arrington voting no and the remaining members voting yes. The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, and heard the sponsor’s explanation of a delete-all amendment that would expand and clarify state restrictions on dealings with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, including certain nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, and grants; the amendment was adopted, and the sponsor and a witness began answering questions when the transcript cuts off.

Transcript Highlights:

• On slide 14, I have some data regarding oil production.
• I'll end on this trend analysis here on page 14.
• If it's just a chapter, the book gets closed.
• I also want to mention that before I traveled down here, I did visit with numerous Navajo chapter houses
• one unique thing is that with the YouTube platform is that we could download those videos at the Chapter

Transcript Highlights:

• on the sidebar there, I'm not gonna go into too much detail on there, but you'll see where it says chapter
• And then Chapter 113, which was Senate Bill 88, established the Medicaid Trust Fund.
• Senator, Madam Chair, Eric, I think that we struck, if you look at uh Chapter 113, the Medicaid Trust
• So if you look at, say, FY 14, we had about 616,000 on Medicaid, and then after that, it started climbing

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, New Mexico has 56 Navajo chapter houses.
• you point me to where I see increased electricity from renewable energy resources on page 2, lines 14
• Voters, Amigos Bravos, American Rivers, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Sierra Club Rio Grande chapter
• Grande chapter.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:02.120> them<00:14:02.279> to<00:14:02.440> a<00:14:02.600> table
• :18.959> power<00:14:19.199> to<00:14:19.320> them<00:14:19.560> so<00:14
• <00:14:21.839> right<00:14:21.959> so<00:14:22.120> we<00:14:22.240> have
• > on<00:14:23.560> the<00:14:23.720> amendment<00:14:24.320> let's<00:14:
• <00:14:26.199> in<00:14:26.320> favor<00:14:26.800> about<00:14:27.000> to

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My office has a total of 14 audit supervisors available for performance audits, so, in other words, my
• In your materials for today's hearing, you'll see 14 J-LAC and statutory performance audits listed as
• My office has a total of 14 audit supervisors available for performance. audit work.
• My office has a total of 14 audit supervisors available for performance audits, so in other words, my
• In your materials for today's hearing, you'll see 14 J-LAC and statutory performance audits listed as

Summary: The committee heard several audit requests and related testimony. The first major item was an audit of Coachella Valley Unified School District’s contract and fiscal management. The author and supporters described long-standing fiscal mismanagement, large budget shortfalls, layoffs, contracting concerns, and questions about the district’s foundation and use of public funds. District representatives and the Riverside County Office of Education said the district is already under fiscal oversight, has a stabilization plan, and is working to reduce deficits and improve student outcomes. After extensive debate and public comment, the motion to approve the audit was put on call because the committee did not have the required votes from both houses at that moment. The committee then approved an audit of East Bay transit agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Senator Wahab argued the region’s many overlapping transit agencies create fragmentation, duplication, and inefficiency, especially amid a fiscal cliff and possible future tax increases. Transit agencies and labor representatives opposed the audit, saying the agencies already undergo multiple audits, serve distinct local needs, and are implementing regional coordination efforts. After testimony from agency leaders and public commenters, the committee voted to approve the audit. The next item was an audit of California Community Colleges’ unrestricted reserves. Senator Archuleta and supporting faculty representatives said reserves have grown substantially and may be diverting resources from student services, instruction, and workforce programs. They argued there is little oversight when reserves become too high. The Chancellor’s Office and Calbright College were invited to respond, and the audit objectives focused on reserve growth, reasons for high balances, oversight by the Chancellor’s Office, and effects on students and staff. The transcript cuts off during the Chancellor’s Office response, so the final committee action on this item is not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• REPLY WHICH COULD BE THE END OF THAT 14 DAYS.
• NEXT, TAB 14 CS FOR SB 1288 ON PARENTAL RIGHTS BY SENATOR GRALL.
• WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS I'VE CARED FOR A 14-YEAR-OLD PREGNANT BY ANOTHER 14-YEAR-OLD, A 16-YEAR-OLD
• WE FOLLOWED THIS SECOND HOME IN SANTA ROSA BEACH FOR 14 YEARS.
• HOWEVER, IN CHAPTER 381 WE PUT ON THE BOOKS MEDICAL CONSCIENCE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
• 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 5 10 11 12 13 14
• I do see some of my sororities over there of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and- from the Alpha Kappa chapter
• And for continuous sexual abuse of a child who is younger than 14 years of age or for the committee on
• Committee of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, SB 14 by King relating to reforming the procedure by which

Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:01.600> the<03:14:01.720> olala<03:14:02.399> Su in October of 2022 when the
• ><03:14:03.319> Cheyenne<03:14:04.040> Rivers<03:14:04.399> suit<03:14:04.680>
• :05.479> purchased<03:14:05.960> that<03:14:06.160> 40<03:14:06.960> acres
• :15.239> 40<03:14:15.720> acres<03:14:16.640> into<03:14:17.080> to<03:14
• into trust<03:14:22.720> my<03:14:22.920> bill<03:14:23.279> ensures<03:14:24.279

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:35.320> are<00:14:35.440> present<00:14:35.800> at<00:14:35.920> the
• /c><00:14:36.520> to<00:14:36.600> inform<00:14:36.959> legislators<00:14:37.640
• plays<00:14:40.320> in<00:14:40.440> the<00:14:40.520> lives<00:14:40.839> of
• <00:14:42.839> Now,<00:14:43.079> therefore,<00:14:43.480> be<00:14:43.600><
• as Vermont<00:14:57.120> Senior<00:14:57.400> Games<00:14:57.760> Day<00:14:57.880

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Rabbi Toby Weisman, who spoke about Passover, the obligation to remember liberation from slavery, and the Torah’s repeated command to love the stranger. He connected that theme to immigrants and the need for community, courage, and small acts of kindness. After the devotional, the chamber took up three Senate bills for first reading and referral: S. 179 on the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act to Judiciary, S. 212 on potable water supply and wastewater system connections to Environment, and S. 227 on immigration protocols in Vermont schools to Education. The House also referred H. 558, relating to the Medicaid School-Based Services Program, to Appropriations, and H. 937, reported favorably by Ways and Means, was also sent to Appropriations under House Rule 35a. The House adopted JRS 45, a joint resolution on weekend adjournment for March 20, 2026, by voice vote. It also read and adopted several concurrent resolutions, including HCR 187 congratulating Village Garage Distillery of Bennington for a silver medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, HCR 213 recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month in Vermont, and HCR 224 congratulating Vermont athletes at the 2025 National Senior Games and designating March 18, 2026, as Vermont Senior Games Day at the State House. Members made remarks in support of the resolutions, including praise for the distillery, social workers, and senior athletes, and guests in the gallery were recognized. The House then took up H. 887, which would amend the Fair Employment Practices Act to align documentation rules for crime victims with the protections already available to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking under the safe leave law. The committee and sponsor described it as a modest but important fix to ensure survivors can access both leave and anti-discrimination protections without conflicting paperwork requirements. The House agreed to the committee amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. Next, the chamber began H. 917, an omnibus military affairs bill combining several measures: correcting the Adjutant General title, defining Gold Star family member, creating a hiring preference for military spouses in state government, and providing free parking for disabled veterans. The sponsor outlined the bill’s purpose and sections, and discussion began on the title correction and related provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• > time<00:14:07.120> to<00:14:07.519> redraw<00:14:08.000> their<00:14:08.320
• <00:14:16.560> And<00:14:16.720> just<00:14:16.959> last<00:14:17.279> week
• to eliminate<00:14:20.000> a<00:14:20.160> whole<00:14:20.399> majority<00:14:20.959
• <00:14:25.680> Whether<00:14:25.920> you<00:14:26.079> are<00:14:26.160>
• <00:14:50.320> rule<00:14:50.639> of<00:14:50.800> law<00:14:51.600> by

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 8, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• anti-rebating statutes with the property and casualty anti-rebating statutes by moving them out of Chapter
• The committee substitute simply clarifies that the chapter applies to third-party administrators and
• The statute currently provides under Chapter 705 for the protection of consumers from an insurer's ability
• The statute currently provides under Chapter 705 for the protection of consumers from an insurer's ability
• money by not Saving those ratepayers, all of our ratepayers, a lot of money by not paying that 10% to 14%

Bills: HB 106, HB144, HB145, HB252, HB1732, HB2221, HB2467, HB2468, HB2517, HB2518, HB2963, HB3016, HB3689, HB3960, HB4386, HB4490, HB4751, HB5247, HJR175, HB2213

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering a failed vote on SB 715 and then reporting several measures favorably. SB 1978 was reported from committee on a committee substitute, and a series of House bills — including HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 — were moved out of committee, most to the local and uncontested calendar. The votes on these items were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. The committee then heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. The author said the bill would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and documentation on fair and reasonable terms while preserving trade secrets and excluding certain categories such as medical devices, motor vehicles covered by an MOU, critical infrastructure, and commercial-only transactions. Supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Environment Texas argued it would strengthen property rights, help small businesses, and reduce e-waste. Opponents, including representatives of SafeLight Auto Glass and LKQ, said they supported right-to-repair in principle but objected to the bill’s automotive MOU exemption and broader scope, warning it could create uncertainty and leave some manufacturers and repair shops outside the framework. The bill was left pending after testimony. Members also heard HB 2467 on salary parity for State Fire Marshal investigators, HB 252 on allowing some state agencies to pay certain employees twice monthly, HB 2468 on public improvement district notice and a buyer’s right to terminate, HB 4386 on annuity contract exchanges and surrender timelines, HB 4751 creating a Texas Quantum Initiative and related fund, and HJR 175 proposing a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ ability to use mutually agreed-upon mediums of exchange, including cash, bullion, and digital currency. Testimony on HB 4751 was largely supportive but included questions about whether the state needs a new coordinating structure and funding mechanism for quantum research and commercialization. HJR 175 drew discussion about barter, taxes, and concerns over central bank digital currency. Each of these items was left pending after hearing testimony. The committee also heard HB 2221, which would update insurance anti-rebating laws to allow more wellness and value-added services in life and health insurance, with supporters saying it would encourage healthier behavior without requiring data monitoring. Finally, the committee took up a package of utility and wildfire-related bills from Chairman King’s portfolio: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain overhead electrical lines; HB 144, requiring utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing utilities to self-insure under certain conditions. Utility, co-op, and insurance representatives generally supported the safety and resiliency goals of HB 144, while asking for clarifications and less frequent reporting; HB 145 was introduced as a broader wildfire-risk and liability measure. These bills were also left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's<01:14:30.400> saying<01:14:30.560> that<01:14:30.800> there<01:14:31.040>
• those<01:14:35.280> duties<01:14:35.599> which<01:14:35.840> is<01:14:35.920
• that we should<01:14:44.560> already<01:14:45.119> know<01:14:45.360> and<01:14
• <01:14:54.800> uh<01:14:54.960> and<01:14:55.360> one<01:14:55.599> of
• that<01:14:56.880> one<01:14:56.960> of<01:14:57.040> the<01:14:57.199><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of I<00:14:26.880> mean<00:14:27.279> right<00:14:27.440> now<00:14:27.680>
• Will there be<00:14:35.600> a<00:14:35.920> DHS<00:14:36.560> list<00:14:36.800>
• that<00:14:38.880> a<00:14:39.040> site<00:14:39.279> qualifies<00:14:39.839
• >> Yes.<00:14:41.279> So,<00:14:41.760> um<00:14:41.839> if<00:14:43.040><
• c> at<00:14:45.760> lines<00:14:46.160> 3<00:14:46.480> through<00:14:46.959

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:14:42.920> if<00:14:43.120> you<00:14:43.240> look<00:14:43.520> at
• ><00:14:43.720> the<00:14:43.839> whole<00:14:44.120> volume<00:14:44.520> kind
• > of<00:14:44.959> services,<00:14:45.560> which<00:14:45.720> isn't<00:14
• > 4.8<00:14:51.720> billion,<00:14:52.280> about<00:14:52.760> 5%.
• This<00:14:54.560> is<00:14:54.680> expanding<00:14:55.520> things<00:14:56.040>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 5055, the governor’s supplemental tax budget. Commissioner of Revenue Paul Marquart outlined the proposal as a balanced budget package that would leave a positive bottom line in the current biennium and beyond. He emphasized family-focused tax relief, especially a new refundable young child credit for children ages 0 to 4, which would provide up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more, benefit about 104,000 families, and phase out at higher incomes. He also described federal conformity changes, including updates to business interest deductions, dependent care credits, and Section 179 expensing, along with omitted federal items such as research expensing and opportunity zones due to cost and policy concerns. Marquart also defended broader tax modernization proposals, including expanding the sales tax to selected consumer services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services while lowering the statewide sales tax rate, and creating a social media tax on consumer data collection that would fund an AI readiness special revenue fund rather than the general fund. He said these changes would make the sales tax less regressive and better aligned with the modern economy. Additional provisions mentioned included a gun-related gross receipts tax on firearms and ammunition, cannabis tax technical changes, historic structure rehabilitation conformity, and added auditors for tax compliance. Testimony from outside groups was mixed. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project supported the governor’s approach as a response to federal tax and spending changes, praised the decision not to conform to opportunity zones or federal no-tax-on-tips/overtime provisions, and urged even stronger revenue measures. Brian Lake of the Minnesota State Bar Association strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on consumer legal services, arguing it would burden low- and middle-income people in sensitive cases and create unfairness when individuals litigate against the state. Tanner Fritsinger of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the sales tax base expansion and the social media tax as ways to broaden revenue without raising the base rate. The committee chair thanked the commissioner and then began hearing public testimony, with additional testifiers queued up.