Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:00:52.079><c> Uhc><00:00:52.399><c> wec><00:00:52.719><c> havec><00:00:53.760><c> uhc
• <00:32:32.000><c> providingc><00:32:32.559><c> thisc><00:32:32.799><c> typec> arena or never been
• providing this type arena or never been providing this type of<00:32:33.679><c> assistancec><00:32
• to get access to, you know,<00:41:10.319><c> thesec><00:41:10.560><c> typesc><00:41:10.800><c> of
• c><00:41:11.119><c> Soc><00:41:11.440><c> makingc> know, these types of things.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• inc><00:06:18.880><c> myc><00:06:19.199><c> opinionc><00:06:19.600><c> isc><00:06:19.919><c>
• ><c> typesc><00:26:44.720><c> ofc><00:26:44.880><c> processesc> go through different types of processes
• go through different types of processes when<00:26:45.520><c> they'rec><00:26:45.679><c> looking
• inc><04:07:04.720><c> somec><04:07:04.880><c> typesc><04:07:05.120><c> ofc> may have valuable
• input in some types of may have valuable input in some types of investigations.<04:07:06.399><c> The

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of about 247 care just a global type of care<00:49:38.680><c> wherec><00:49:39.240><c> somec><00
• c><00:58:17.240><c> typesc> auto worker can produce many more types auto worker can produce many
• more types of<00:58:17.720><c> orc><00:58:17.839><c> manyc><00:58:18.000><c> morec><00:58:18.200
• c> threec><01:43:32.920><c> typesc><01:43:33.119><c> ofc><01:43:33.239><c> liesc><01:43:33.560
• ><c> liesc> that there are three types of lies lies that there are three types of lies lies damn<01

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee began with member and staff introductions, including several new members and committee staff. Representative Zach Stevenson, the DFL lead, objected to the day’s presentation, saying he was disappointed the committee was starting with a group he viewed as aligned with Republicans rather than a nonpartisan budget presentation. The chair responded that the committee had a bipartisan agreement and that hearing a different perspective was appropriate. The committee then proceeded to a presentation from economists with the Center of the American Experiment, with questions held until the end. The presentation focused on Minnesota’s budget outlook, arguing that the state faces a structural imbalance and a projected $5.14 billion deficit in the 2028-29 biennium. The presenters said spending has outpaced revenues, highlighted a large increase in general fund spending since 2023, and argued that inflation-adjusted per-capita spending remains above pre-2024 levels through the forecast period. They said the biggest growth areas are E-12 education and especially Health and Human Services, with HHS projected to become the largest budget category and much of its growth tied to Medicaid and long-term care waivers. The presenters also argued Minnesota spends more than most states on welfare and Medicaid, citing comparisons showing the state near the top nationally in spending per person in poverty and in several Medicaid categories. They said some of the HHS growth reflects policy changes from the 2023 session, while other pressures come from enrollment growth, health care prices, federal debt, and an aging population. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• :04:27.040><c> uhc> starting uh July 1 of 2025 any um uh starting uh July 1 of 2025 any um uh type<
• /c><00:04:28.360><c> reactc><00:04:28.800><c> wouldc><00:04:28.919><c> bec> type of activity with
• membersc><00:06:08.440><c> thatc><00:06:08.720><c> anyc><00:06:09.120><c> typec><00:06:09.520
• ><c> ofc><00:06:10.000><c> uhc><00:06:10.199><c> statec> you members that any type of uh state
• you members that any type of uh state that<00:06:11.319><c> hasc><00:06:11.560><c> beenc><00:06:12.160

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And, of course, we are working continuously on figuring out what's the type of fluid.
• I guess about a third of that hits individual income tax and not C-Corp.
• Matt, so on this last slide you have up there, are those B, C, D, and F, can those be applied in cases
• There's motion sensors, security cameras, that type of thing, improved lighting.
• And so last session you gave us the opportunity to do that same type of a housekeeping measure.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery. The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific. OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling. Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tracy C. Cantella, Secretary.
• Tracy C. Cantella, Secretary.
• Tracy C. Cantella, Secretary.
• Tracy C. Cantella, Secretary.
• Tracy C. Cantella, Secretary.

Summary: The House met on the final day of session, swore in Representatives Boyles and Hodgers, and observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as for Representative Rosenwald’s father. The chamber then moved into final budget work, with leaders outlining the plan to take up H.J.R. 5019, HB 7031, HB 5017, HB 5015, and then the general appropriations act once the Senate transmitted it. H.J.R. 5019, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand the budget stabilization fund, was explained and amended to raise the rainy day fund cap, require annual deposits, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by a two-thirds vote; it passed 100-1. The House then adopted the conference report on HB 7031, the tax package. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or expands several sales tax holidays and exemptions, including permanent exemptions for disaster-preparedness items, hunting/fishing/camping items, and ammunition and firearms-related purchases, and makes changes to property, corporate income, local tax, and economic development provisions. Members debated the removal of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related revenue streams, the new ammunition exemption, and the data center tax changes; supporters argued the package reduces taxes and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents raised concerns about housing, transportation, and gun violence. The conference report passed 93-7. HB 5017, creating a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer to retire state bonds early, passed unanimously. HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment, also passed. The House then began explanation and questions on the fiscal year 2025-26 general appropriations act, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down $3.8 billion from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major spending areas, including pre-K-12 funding increases, health care funding for Medicaid, KidCare, nursing homes, opioid treatment, and mental health, transportation and economic development funding, environmental and water projects, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology. Questions focused on school vouchers, inflationary pressures on school districts, and the adequacy of funding for housing, transportation, and other priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• But there were trainings that went on that did do DEI type trainings.
• All of us need to somehow find some type of common ground.
• 180°C-356°F 15-20 min 2357 2358 Thank you. your testimony.
• I just wanted to say the same type of comment, I guess.
• Stevenson, Ivana Silva. 150°C-356°F 20-25 min 170°C-356°F 40分 170°C-356°F 40分 2812 Thank you. Bye.

Bills: SB12, SB1565, SB13, SJR12, SB686, SB371, SB204, SB609, SB112, SB400, SB813, SB 12, SB 13

Keywords: parental rights, education, social transitioning, diversity, equity, inclusion, school policy, student clubs, school district, grievance procedure, public education, diversity and inclusion, funding penalties, school libraries, library advisory councils, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, constitutional amendment, school choice

Transcript Highlights:

• ofc><03:26:03.760><c> changesc><03:26:04.760><c> yeahc><03:26:04.920><c> it'sc> of these type
• :48:04.199><c> apportionmentc><03:48:05.120><c> typec><03:48:05.359><c> modelc><03:48:05.800><c
• c><04:18:59.640><c> they'rec> types of dealers whether they're types of dealers whether they're manufacturer
• ><c> lbc><04:29:14.399><c> youc><04:29:14.600><c> knowc> Can you just give a type of car of what
• of those dealership<04:34:41.320><c> typesc><04:34:41.719><c> Ic><04:34:41.799><c> justc><04:34

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• what was the plan for that tax tax tax type<00:05:55.560><c> secondc><00:05:56.240><c> isc><00:05
• :56.680><c> sustainingc><00:05:57.360><c> percentc><00:05:57.840><c> versusc> type second is sustaining
• percent versus type second is sustaining percent versus plan<00:05:59.039><c> soc><00:05:59.199><c
• c><00:50:41.960><c> thec><00:50:42.119><c> smallerc><00:50:42.520><c> taxc><00:50:42.839><c> types
• c> tax this is one of the smaller tax types tax this is one of the smaller tax types roughly<00:50:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received a Department of Revenue Administration update from Commissioner Lindsay Stepp focused on revenue estimates for fiscal years 2025, 2026, and 2027. She explained the department’s forecasting method, which uses five scenarios based on the first seven months of actual collections and different assumptions for the remaining months, then selects a reasonable high and low range for FY 25 and applies projected growth rates for FY 26 and FY 27. Members asked several clarifying questions about how the scenarios are chosen and how the estimates relate to economic growth and taxpayer behavior. For business taxes, Stepp reported FY 25 year-to-date collections of $110.3 million, 18.2% below plan and 17.2% below prior year. She said the shortfall reflects both economic conditions and a resetting of estimated payments after unusually strong pandemic-era profits, and noted that the department cannot fully separate changes in taxpayer liability from changes in estimated payment behavior. She said approximately just under $72 million was refunded in FY 24 due to the CCO cap, and that FY 25 year-to-date refunds are at 41.7%. For business taxes, the department’s FY 25 range was based on either continued underperformance versus plan or a return to prior-year levels, with FY 26 and FY 27 growth projected at 3% to 8%. The committee also reviewed meals and rooms tax, tobacco tax, and related trends. Meals and rooms revenue was $6.9 million, or 3.3%, ahead of plan and prior year; the FY 25 gross estimate was $475.894 million, with a net range of about $331.82 million to $335.259 million after municipal transfers and school building aid. Stepp said recent monthly results suggest some fluctuation tied to disposable income, weather, and travel patterns, but no clear sustained decline. Tobacco tax was $18.1 million, 14% below plan and 4.8% below prior year; she said cigarette stamp sales are declining while e-cigarettes and other tobacco products are growing, with FY 25 tobacco revenue projected at $182.5 million to $185.3 million and FY 26-FY 27 growth ranging from -5% to flat. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> ofc> versus US type of versus US type of situation<00:11:22.880><c> that'sc><00:11:23.120><c>
• :00.800><c> typec><03:15:01.000><c> ofc> that this will be an optin type of that this will be an
• optin type of situation<03:15:01.800><c> andc><03:15:02.000><c> notc><03:15:02.319><c> necessarily
• 31.199><c> ac><04:02:31.319><c> Mayc><04:02:31.720><c> typec> their own um again this is a a May
• type their own um again this is a a May type thing<04:02:32.199><c> soc><04:02:32.399><c> Ic><04

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Children and Family Law Committee opened its February 4, 2025 hearing with a business item on House Bill 553, appointing a subcommittee chaired by Representative Greg and including several named members. The committee then took up House Bill 486, which would revise New Hampshire’s grandparents’ visitation law. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to address gaps in current law, especially in situations involving divorce, separation, kinship care, and parental substance use, so that children can maintain important relationships with grandparents or other kin caregivers. He emphasized that the proposal was meant to supplement existing law rather than replace it, and said the language was modeled on statutes from other states. Several witnesses testified in support of HB 486, describing painful family separations and arguing that current law can be interpreted too narrowly. One grandmother said the existing statute had been used to dismiss her visitation case because she was restricted while the parents were separated, and she asked for language changes so courts could still order visitation in similar circumstances. Another witness, testifying online, urged passage of the bill as being in the best interest of children. A third witness described a family living arrangement in which grandparents had been a consistent presence in their grandchildren’s lives but were later cut off during a contentious separation, and said the bill would help repair those relationships. Committee members asked about the six-month timeframe in the bill, whether the proposed language would affect cases where a grandparent does not live with the child but is still a regular caregiver, and whether the sponsor had written amendment language; the sponsor said the six-month language was taken from other states’ statutes and that the new language would not change existing visitation rights but would add to them. After hearing the testimony, the chair said the committee would hold HB 486 aside for a week or two while awaiting additional information before voting. The hearing then moved to House Bill 320, an act relative to enforcement of marital property settlements. The sponsor explained that the bill would require courts to enforce final property decrees and would clarify the difference between enforcement and contempt, arguing that courts should have clear authority to fashion remedies and that litigants, especially self-represented parties, need clearer statutory guidance. Committee members questioned the legal distinctions the sponsor drew, including whether the bill was aimed at enforcement rather than contempt and how the proposed language would operate in practice. The transcript cuts off before any vote or further action on HB 320.

Transcript Highlights:

• an educator midyear medical<00:09:42.240><c> typec><00:09:42.640><c> situationc><00:09:43.760><c
• > umc><00:09:44.480><c> veryc><00:09:44.800><c> oftenc> medical type situation um very often medical
• type situation um very often they<00:09:46.160><c> couldc><00:09:47.040><c> plugc><00:09:47.279>
• more emergency type<00:09:59.440><c> situations.
• c><00:10:00.080><c> They'rec><00:10:00.320><c> unplanned,c> type situations.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• toc><00:05:58.520><c> livec><00:05:58.720><c> inc><00:05:58.840><c> ac><00:05:59.000><c> nation
• ><c> Providencec><00:06:02.840><c> ofc><00:06:03.080><c> Godc><00:06:03.800><c> ifc><00:06:03.960
• :11.840><c> thec><00:06:12.000><c> groundc><00:06:12.319><c> withoutc><00:06:12.560><c> hisc>
• 00:06:17.160><c> Aidc><00:06:18.039><c> wec><00:06:18.199><c> havec><00:06:18.319><c> beenc>
• 00:06:19.280><c> hec><00:06:19.400><c> saidc><00:06:19.639><c> inc><00:06:19.800><c> thec><00

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• thec><01:22:12.080><c> ninjac><01:22:12.719><c> typec><01:22:13.600><c> wherec> they're um like
• the ninja type where they're um like the ninja type where there's<01:22:14.080><c> ac><01:22:14.239
• of um contribute to uh these these types of um treatments.<01:26:47.920><c> Ic><01:26:48.159><c> would
• ><c> thisc><01:28:32.880><c> typec><01:28:33.120><c> ofc> spending so much on this type of spending
• so much on this type of treatment<01:28:34.000><c> becausec><01:28:34.239><c> it'sc><01:28:34.560

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the types<00:29:07.360><c> ofc><00:29:07.520><c> homesc><00:29:07.760><c> thatc><00:29:08.000>
• <c> peoplec><00:29:08.240><c> arec><00:29:08.480><c> actuallyc> types of homes that people are
• actually types of homes that people are actually requesting<00:29:09.360><c> ofc><00:29:09.600><c>
• or product that might be an automobile or or<01:02:01.280><c> anotherc><01:02:01.599><c> typec><
• c> or another type of u insurance coverage or another type of u insurance coverage that<01:02:03.359

Bills: HF2300, HF2432, HF2445, HF2443, HF2439, HF3023, HF1615, HF2563

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> isc><00:01:09.520><c> alsoc><00:01:09.760><c> dairyc><00:01:10.080><c> relatedc> bill uh
• c><00:01:11.040><c> Thenc><00:01:11.200><c> we'rec><00:01:11.280><c> goingc><00:01:11.360><c>
• ><c> thenc><00:01:19.920><c> we'llc><00:01:20.320><c> concludec><00:01:20.640><c> thec><00:01
• 04.560><c> typec><01:27:04.880><c> 2c> spikes.
• And somebody mentioned type 2 diabetes.<01:27:06.400><c> Uh,c><01:27:06.800><c> andc><01:27:07.040

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ]<00:02:15.760><c> forc><00:02:16.000><c> itemsc><00:02:16.560><c> 118c><00:02:17.280><c> onc
• c> itemc><00:04:11.760><c> isc><00:04:12.239><c> uhc><00:04:12.319><c> thec><00:04:12.560><c>
• c><00:04:40.720><c> Doc><00:04:40.960><c> wec><00:04:41.120><c> havec><00:04:41.199><c> ac>
• <00:10:38.399><c> generalc><00:10:38.800><c> counselc><00:10:39.200><c> typec><00:10:39.519><c>
• servicesc> day-to-day general counsel type services day-to-day general counsel type services to<00

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting. The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings. Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:41.040><c> growc><00:02:41.280><c> upc><00:02:41.519><c> onc><00:02:41.640><c> ac><00
• 01:10:19.199><c> thisc><01:10:19.600><c> uhc><01:10:19.800><c> typec> there's lots of interest
• in this uh type there's lots of interest in this uh type of<01:10:20.360><c> uhc><01:10:20.920><c>
• c><01:48:17.400><c> arec><01:48:17.599><c> thec><01:48:17.760><c> typesc><01:48:17.960><c> of
• c> referred to these are the types of referred to these are the types of regulations<01:48:18.760><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• isc><00:02:36.480><c> ac><00:02:36.640><c> requestc><00:02:36.959><c> toc><00:02:37.200><c>
• c><00:02:41.840><c> inc><00:02:42.080><c> thec><00:02:42.160><c> cityc><00:02:42.319><c> of
• ><c> Thec><00:02:43.920><c> originalc><00:02:44.319><c> appropriationc><00:02:45.040><c> wasc
• <c> toc><00:02:46.959><c> designc><00:02:47.280><c> andc><00:02:47.599><c> constructc> for $6
• 08.080><c> comec><00:03:08.239><c> inc><00:03:08.480><c> underc><00:03:08.800><c> budgetc><00

Bills: HF3694, HF3844, HF4006, HF3785, HF3849, HF4102, HF3441, HF3507, HF3562

Keywords: transportation, tow trucks, variable message signs, road safety, emergency service, optometrist, window glazing, motor vehicle regulations, medical prescriptions, transportation safety, infrastructure, construction, appropriation, state project, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, transportation regulations, safety standards, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:10.680><c> leadsc><00:04:10.920><c> usc><00:04:11.040><c> inc><00:04:11.120><c> thec>
• ><c> ofc><00:04:18.880><c> Americac><00:04:20.000><c> andc><00:04:20.200><c> toc><00:04:20.359
• 32.440><c> thec><01:35:32.560><c> parolec> type of cases coming before the parole type of cases coming
• ><02:36:42.200><c> allc><02:36:42.360><c> types.
• c> fiscal and health of all types. fiscal and health of all types.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading for St. Patrick’s Day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of a resignation letter from Representative Hooper of Burlington. The letter said the House environment had changed significantly and that he was resigning before the next cycle, while thanking colleagues and urging bold leadership to address major problems facing Vermonters. Members then received first readings and referrals for a large slate of bills. House bills introduced included measures on tax administration, hunting license fees, emergency management, oath and affirmation language in statutes, judiciary procedures, a Vermont homelessness response continuum, paperwork reduction, public utility subjects, municipal regulation of agriculture, miscellaneous agricultural subjects, and municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays. Senate bills referred to House committees included vocational rehabilitation, home improvement and land improvement fraud, advanced metering infrastructure devices, water quality, and fair employment practices. Several other bills on the notice calendar were also referred to Ways and Means or Appropriations because they affected state revenue or carried appropriations. The House adopted two concurrent resolutions on the consent calendar: HCR 214, honoring Irish-American patriots and their role in American independence, and HCR 220, welcoming the USS Vermont’s namesake visit and designating April 18, 2026 as USS Vermont Day. Members also offered announcements recognizing guests from the USS Vermont and related veterans’ groups, remembering former Representative Ken Harvey, and noting upcoming events such as March Madness pools, the Legislative Cabaret, a Rural Caucus meeting, and a NAMI Walks team. On the floor calendar, H. 723 on posting of land was taken up, amended as recommended by the Committee on Environment, and ordered to third reading on a 10-0-1 committee vote. The House then began second reading of H. 757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives; committee members described manufactured housing as a key affordable housing option in Vermont and said the bill would clarify how these homes are purchased, titled, taxed, and financed, while reducing costs and improving consistency for homeowners, lenders, and municipalities.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Election Law Committee held an orientation and then opened a public hearing on House Bill 67-FN-A, which would make permanent the use of accessible voting machines in local elections and provide funding for additional systems. The chair outlined committee procedures, noting a heavy workload of roughly 70 to 80 bills, mostly Tuesday meetings, likely time limits on testimony, and a default of executive session unless a bill is specifically noticed. Members and staff were introduced, and the Secretary of State’s office described its election-related responsibilities, including voter registration, cybersecurity, ballot-counting equipment, and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) program. Secretary of State David Scanlan and Deputy Secretary Aon Hennessy explained the current pilot program created by last year’s law, which requires accessible voting systems for local elections and allows the state to share machines with municipalities during the first half of 2025. They said the office has made hardware available, but towns have raised concerns about the speed of implementation and the cost of programming each election, especially for towns with multiple ballot questions. Scanlan said the state is also vetting longer-term options, including devices that could remain in polling places year-round, and suggested the committee consider delaying the bill’s effective date to January 1, 2026 to better align with implementation needs. Hennessy said the current state devices are older and complicated to reset for each election, and estimated programming costs could be about $600 for a small single-election ballot and much higher for towns with multiple elections. Supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of accessible voting for people with disabilities. Representative Robert Wy said the measure builds on 2024 law and would move the pilot into a permanent agreement, citing ADA concerns and prior testimony about discriminatory voting experiences. Fred Forier, a legally blind voter from Exeter, testified that accessible voting systems allow him to vote privately and independently and urged support for the bill. Committee members asked about the gap if the pilot ends before a permanent system is in place and about the cost range for programming. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee moved on after public testimony began.