Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and so I have no problems with the amendments they provided to us except for the last one and not
• amendments they provided to us except amendments they provided to us except for<00:40:01.280>
• And uh without the governor being here, which I don't know what that means except I no information.
• <01:54:16.480> So,<01:54:16.960> I'm except I no information.
• So, I'm except I no information. So, I'm concerned<01:54:17.599> about<01:54:17.840> that.

Bills: SF0045, SF0058, SF0067

Keywords: pari-mutuel wagering, simulcasting, historic horse racing, HHR terminals, horse racing, gaming commission, Wyoming Gaming Commission, local control, city approval, county approval, municipal approval, permit renewal, gaming permit, wagering regulation, racetrack, live pari-mutuel event, district court appeal, public notice, land use, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It says except for non-melanoma skin cancer.
• flexibility when it comes to their pre-existing<00:17:26.520> conditions<00:17:27.000> except
• <00:17:27.360> for pre-existing conditions except for pre-existing conditions except for practically
• <00:19:00.480> for<00:19:00.679> non- includes cancer it says except for non- includes
• cancer it says except for non- melanoma<00:19:01.640> skin<00:19:02.000> cancer<00:19:

Bills: HF2335, HF2400, HF2401, HF2522

Keywords: Medicare, health insurance, supplement policies, preexisting conditions, medical assistance, premium classification, real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, continuing education, out-of-state, licensing, commerce, fraud prevention, automobile theft, law enforcement, insurance crimes, 1183

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, except that the magistrate will not do bail, right?
• getting no we would be paying them and getting no work.<01:17:40.840> Um,<01:17:41.840> except
• Um, except that the magistrate work.
• Um, except that the magistrate will<01:17:44.080> not<01:17:44.320> do<01:17:44.760>
• 08:55.840> but<02:08:56.000> I<02:08:56.239> I Representative Munz: "I take exception

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through a series of budget amendments, mostly to House Bill 2 and related House Bill 1 changes, with members discussing whether to reduce or preserve funding for various programs. Early actions included approving an amendment to House Bill 219 that delays implementation of renewable energy-related provisions to 2027, and approving an amendment that removes a $150,000 appropriation tied to a housing-related database while allowing use of housing fund money for the project. The committee also approved an amendment affecting magistrates so they could continue pretrial and other judicial support work, while noting they would not handle bail and that the change reflected separate legislation already signed by the governor. Members then approved a series of administrative savings items in the Department of Administrative Services, including eliminating a long-vacant computer analyst position and reducing overtime and recruiting/subscription-tool budgets. They also approved an amendment cutting marketing and administrative support for the paid family leave program, with members emphasizing that the program itself would continue. A proposed cut to the WorkInvest NH program was discussed at length, with some members arguing it benefits workers and employers and others noting the cost is borne by employers; the committee ultimately set that item aside without taking action. The committee also debated and then approved a modest reduction to a BEA regional planning grant, despite objections that regional planning commissions provide valuable municipal support. The most extended discussion centered on the State Library. Representative Sweeney said he did not want to pursue a full cut of the library and instead favored a more targeted approach, noting that some federal funding for library services such as interlibrary loans and the Libby system may be at risk. Members discussed alternatives, including unfilled positions and other partial reductions, but no final action on the full library cut was taken in the portion provided. The committee also paused on some other items to gather more information before voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:10.720> to<00:19:10.880> the Hospitals approve an exception to the Hospitals
• approve an exception to the priority<00:19:11.440> admissions<00:19:11.840> law<00:19:
• And then finally, the panel would like to renew the exception for up to 10 hospitalized patients waiting
• <00:25:04.559> for<00:25:04.720> up would like to renew the exception for up would
• like to renew the exception for up to<00:25:05.000> 10<00:25:05.360> hospitalized<00:25

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• USDA helps with all of our programs except the companion animal or, except for the cat, dog, and cat
• ><00:18:52.400> of<00:18:52.480> our<00:18:52.600> programs<00:18:53.159> except
• <00:18:53.440> the with all of our programs except the with all of our programs except the
• companion<00:18:54.000> animal<00:18:54.760> or<00:18:54.960> except<00:18:55.159
• animal or except for the um cat<00:18:56.440> dog<00:18:56.600> and<00:18:56.720> cat

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that the University of Minnesota offers an exceptional academic experience combining world-class
• We know that the University of Minnesota offers an exceptional academic experience combining world-class
• We know that the University of Minnesota offers an exceptional academic experience combining world-class
• We know that the University of Minnesota offers an exceptional academic experience combining world-class
• We know that the University of Minnesota offers an exceptional academic experience combining world-class

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's some exceptions that are outlined in statute.
• There's some exceptions that are outlined in statute.
• There's some exceptions that are outlined in statute.
• I would suggest that most of these people, with the exception of the people who represented the campaigns
• I would suggest that most of these people, with the exception of the people who represented the campaigns

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Minnesota House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee met to begin its session with member and staff introductions, then heard an overview from Secretary of State Steve Simon and elections director Paul Linnell on the state’s elections administration and budget needs. Simon said the office’s committee-jurisdiction budget request was for the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) election security grant match: Minnesota received about $1 million in federal funds in 2024 and needs a $200,000 state match to unlock the money for election security navigator work. He also previewed the office’s broader presentation on the 2024 election, outreach efforts, and election security. Simon described the 2024 election cycle as successful, saying his administrative goals were high turnout and low drama. He reported that Minnesota had very high turnout in the November election, with more than 3.27 million ballots cast and about 76.4% turnout, and noted that more than 1.3 million voters cast ballots before Election Day. He also highlighted outreach and accessibility efforts, including the Students Voting Program, Youth Day at the Capitol, National Voter Registration Day activities, expanded online voter tools in additional languages, and work to inform eligible Minnesotans about the Restore the Vote law for people leaving prison. He emphasized that elections are a team effort carried out largely by counties, cities, townships, and election judges. Linnell then explained the state’s election administration structure and responsibilities, including the Statewide Voter Registration System, candidate filing and election reporting systems, voting equipment certification, and post-election performance reviews. He said counties are central to voter registration updates and ballot preparation, and noted that in 2024 there were a handful of counties with ballot errors that required court action, with a vendor process change identified as a contributing factor. Committee members asked for more detail on the number and identity of the affected counties. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, there is no exception that schools may provide shelter in times of need when the buildings are
• HB 189 is essentially a housekeeping bill, except for the changes adopted by the amendment that we just
• I rise to make a motion to allow the gentlemen to remove their jackets, except when speaking at the well
• Gentlemen may remove their coats, except when speaking at the well. Are you ready for the question?
• <03:55:47.359> when<03:55:47.600> speaking remove their coats except when speaking

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I didn't even know they had. >> Yeah, about 11 on all the neighbor islands except Kawai. >> Wait,
• They want to rent it. >> Except the burned one. >> Yeah.
• >> Except<02:47:03.439> the<02:47:03.520> burned<02:47:03.840> one.
• >> Except the burned one. >> Except the burned one. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
• >> This is only neighbor island except >> This is only neighbor island except >>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• caucus leader Zach Stevenson said in part of a statement, "Both Shelley and Meg are going to be exceptional

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The transcript reports on two special elections that returned the Minnesota House to a 67-67 tie ahead of the 2026 session. Shelley Buck won the District 47A seat unopposed, replacing Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger after her move to the Senate, and Meg Luger-Nikolai won District 64A with 95% of the vote after the seat opened when Khali Herr became St. Paul’s mayor. DFL caucus leader Zach Stevenson issued a statement welcoming both winners and saying they would be exceptional legislators. The segment is informational and does not describe any committee action, debate, or votes beyond the election results.

Transcript Highlights:

• But then I also ran it by my daughter, who said, great idea, except she was...
• But then I also ran it by my daughter, who said, great idea, except she was wondering where it says attorneys
• Agencies keeping data more than 30 days are the exception.
• year around allowing us to continue to hold the data, but as long as it's protected, unreleasable, except
• That's it for everyone except Mr. Ward. We'll go back to the top for Mr. Ward. Yeah.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on artificial intelligence, child safety, mental health, and privacy. SB 574 by Senator Umberg would require transparency and human oversight when attorneys, judges, and court neutrals use AI; it drew support from privacy advocates and committee members, with no opposition. SB 1276, the End Child Exploitation Act, would update child sexual exploitation laws to cover live-streamed and AI-generated abuse material and clarify that viewing such content can be criminally punishable; prosecutors, child advocacy groups, and others supported it, while no one appeared in opposition despite opposition on file. SB 813 would create a California AI standards and safety commission and a voluntary two-tier certification framework for AI safety standards; supporters said it would create scalable, independent oversight, while TechNet and CalChamber opposed it as duplicative, under-defined, and likely to create a de facto mandate. The committee discussed market pressure, federal preemption concerns, and the role of voluntary standards, but no final vote was taken in the excerpt. Senator Padilla also presented SB 300, which would strengthen protections for minors from sexually explicit chatbot content by moving from a reasonableness standard to an affirmative duty to prevent such exposure and to prohibit facilitation. Supporters said new evidence showed greater risks and that companies can and should build stronger safeguards; opponents, including TechNet and CCIA, argued the bill was premature because SB 243 had only recently taken effect and warned it could create strict-liability-like exposure. Padilla then presented SB 903, which would bar AI chatbots from being advertised as therapists, require licensed clinician oversight and informed consent for AI use in psychotherapy, and protect patient confidentiality; it received broad support from mental health professionals and labor groups, while industry and health associations were opposed unless amended over triage and crisis-detection language. The committee members emphasized the need for human judgment in mental health care and noted ongoing negotiations on amendments. The committee also heard SB 1119, a companion to AB 2020, which would require annual risk assessments, crisis-response protocols, default child settings, parental controls, limits on data use, public incident reporting, and third-party audits for chatbots used by children. Supporters argued the bill would address documented harms and improve transparency, while industry groups objected to ambiguous standards, liability exposure, and the private right of action. A roll call vote was taken on SB 1119 after quorum was established; the motion to pass to Appropriations succeeded on a 5-1 vote, with one no vote and the measure left on call for absent members. Finally, SB 354, a privacy bill for insurance consumers, would modernize outdated insurance privacy rules, bar sale of personal information, and expand consumer rights to know, correct, and delete data. Supporters said it would implement Proposition 24’s privacy mandate, while a large coalition of insurers, agents, brokers, and related businesses opposed unless amended, mainly seeking a small-business exemption and narrower treatment of publicly available information; members and the author said negotiations were ongoing and the bill had already been substantially revised.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just feel like I have to respond to, I, with all due respect to someone, I take great exception to
• We do not see the reason for the state to create a special exception for one industry when the existing
• This has been the exception, not the rule: less than 1.5%. Actually shows that's not the case.
• This has been the exception, not the rule.
• We will not elaborate on those issues today, except that we share many of the concerns brought forward

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We all use, we none of us use the metric system in our measurements, except for two liters of soda.
• We all use, we none of us using the metric system in our measurements, except for two liters of soda.
• The health and wellness exception is for low-risk products that promote a healthy lifestyle in which
• The health and wellness exception is for low-risk products that promote a healthy lifestyle in which
• And without a spouse, I would have no protection, except now that I live in Massachusetts.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information. Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement. Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be covering all of the May Revision items, with the exception of IST solutions and the independent
• “That said, all of their benefits will remain the same, with the exception of community supports, which
• This benefit elimination would apply to all Medi-Cal members except for certain mandatory populations
• This benefit elimination would apply to all Medi-Cal members except for certain mandatory populations
• So if there's unmet need in a particular area, we could go ahead and give an exception to the moratorium

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee first heard May Revision items for child support, child care, and related human services. The Department of Child Support Services described two technical adjustments, which the LAO said raised no concerns. The Department of Social Services then walked through child care proposals, including a shift in how federal and Proposition 64 funding reductions would be absorbed, a 2.01% COLA, disaster-related child care infrastructure grants, an increase in in-contract administrative support costs for alternative payment agencies, reversion of prospective-pay implementation funding after a federal rule change, a one-time allocation to cover the first quarter of Cost of Care Plus payments in the next fiscal year, reappropriation for existing infrastructure grant closeout work, and estimates of unspent child care funds. The department also outlined trailer bill language on a single rate structure, site safety and emergency procedures, CalWORKs child care data sharing, and child care oversight. The LAO recommended that the Legislature seek more justification for shifting reductions from General Child Care to the Alternative Payment Program, noting that CAP reductions affect more slots and that General Child Care has had significant unspent funds. It supported removing prospective-pay funding, but recommended rejecting the administrative cost shift to a percentage-based rate because it could create future General Fund pressure. It also suggested the Legislature review alignment between the disaster grants and the child care infrastructure program. Senators and members pressed the administration on why the budget would reduce child care slots and COLA percentages while the state still has waitlists and unspent funds, and questioned the need for early funding of Cost of Care Plus payments and the move from a flat administrative amount to a percentage. Public commenters, including providers, advocates, county offices, and infrastructure partners, urged full COLA funding, preservation of child care slots, support for prospective pay, and continued investment in child care access and facilities. After a short recess, the committee moved to Part B on health and heard the Department of State Hospitals. DSH presented a May Revision budget of $3.2 billion and described proposals for a central utility plant replacement at Metropolitan State Hospital, an electronic health record implementation, reduced county bed billing authority due to phased-in LPS bed capacity, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscriptions, reversion of prior-year unspent operating funds, and a workforce development proposal shifting some costs to Behavioral Health Services Act funds, including support for an additional psychiatric training cohort at Napa. The department also outlined IST-related savings and a trailer bill to remove the sunset on the independent placement panel program.

Transcript Highlights:

• have increased by about 30% over the past three years and are essentially at an unprecedented level except
• Developmental centers are now closed except for secure treatment at Porterville.
• The department's current general fund loan authority has remained flat for all programs except IHSS.
• The department's current general fund loan authority has remained flat for all programs except IHSS.
• The department's current General Fund loan authority has remained flat for all programs except IHSS,

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The hearing opened with Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst’s Office remarks on the May Revision, which both described efforts to reduce large out-year operating deficits through a mix of revenue increases, spending reductions, and reserve use. Finance said the May Revision more than halves projected deficits in later years, while LAO stressed that revenues are at unprecedented levels yet the state still faces a significant structural deficit and is drawing down reserves; LAO urged maintaining at least the administration’s level of budget solutions and adding to reserves rather than new ongoing commitments. The chair echoed concern about cuts to vulnerable populations and noted the tension between service reductions and requests for additional administrative positions. The committee then heard a series of California Health and Human Services and HCAI proposals, including additional legal support for CalHHS to respond to federal HR1 changes; a net-zero transfer of positions for a centralized eligibility/data-sharing platform; 988 crisis line implementation funding and continued work with the Trevor Project to train crisis centers to better serve LGBTQ youth; EMS data system maintenance funding; HCAI implementation of AB 1312 hospital charity care screening; SB 660 data exchange framework funding; CalRx biosimilar insulin reappropriation; and a diaper access initiative that would provide free diapers to newborns in participating hospitals and support a future direct-to-consumer purchasing option. Members questioned the diaper program’s universal design, the use of a Public Contract Code exemption, and the selection of Baby2Baby, with the chair expressing concern about optics and the lack of an income threshold. The committee also discussed distressed hospital funding, with HCAI requesting up to $50 million for another round of grants to hospitals in immediate financial distress. HCAI said it receives annual and quarterly financial reports but the data lag limits real-time monitoring, and the LAO recommended stronger program parameters and turnaround plans. Members argued the repeated need for distressed hospital aid reflects a structural problem, not a short-term gap, and raised broader concerns about hospital reimbursement and patient flow. Other items included reverting $19.6 million in unused opioid settlement funds from HCAI to DHCS for General Fund offset, and a Rural Health Transformation Program request to increase HCAI spending authority to cover the full federal award. Later, DMHC presented funding requests to implement PBM licensing and financial review requirements under AB 116, modernize the managed care complaint system, and build an electronic claims settlement data system under AB 3275. The final major discussion focused on the Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, which opposed the May Revision’s proposed reduction of its Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and a $6.7 million cut to community advocacy grants. The Commission argued these programs are core to Proposition 1’s goals of statewide innovation and community accountability, while Finance said the proposal is consistent with Proposition 1’s maximum funding levels and reflects a broader effort to prioritize direct services and use unspent prior-year funds; members pressed for more information and questioned whether the cuts would undermine the new behavioral health framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• And yes, all the fiscal notes are in the packet except, I mean, there are certain sections that have
• And yes, all the fiscal notes are in the packet except, I mean, there are certain sections that have
• are in And yes, the all the fiscal notes are in the<00:05:57.840> packet<00:05:58.360> except
• I mean, there is the packet except I mean, there is certain<00:06:00.160> sections<00:06:00.720
• The notwithstanding piece really is an exception under fiscal years 26 and 27.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just can't say enough good about him except for I can say one thing: the very last time we had breakfast
• And when we go through almost the majority of these bills, except the bill that we just did, and when
• Representative Blackman: Members, this bill is identical, with the exception of the inflation adjustments
• I'm glad to see that the governor did sign this budget, with the exception of the inflation numbers,
• I'm glad to see that the governor did sign this budget, with the exception of the inflation numbers,

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and interns from both parties, along with former lawmakers and a newly seated member, Representative Sylvia Allen. The chamber then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2065 honoring the late Alfredo Gutierrez. Members from both parties gave extended remarks about his life as a civil rights advocate, student activist, legislator, and mentor, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Senate. Family members of Gutierrez were recognized in the gallery during the memorial tribute. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole on the first budget-related measures. On House Bill 4138, the “feed bill”/budget operations measure, Democrats argued the budget favored corporations and data centers over seniors, health care, housing, universities, and vulnerable families, while Republicans defended it as a continuation of prior policy and said it preserved tax conformity and modest agency cuts. After debate and questions, the committee recommended the bill do pass and the House adopted that report, sending HB 4138 to engrossing. The chamber next considered House Bill 4139, the amusement/gaming-related budget bill. Members debated whether it was essentially unchanged from last year’s budget language, with Republicans saying it was a continuation bill and that gaming-related provisions would support rural economies and tourism, while Democrats questioned the broader budget context and its effects on working families. The committee recommended HB 4139 do pass, and the House adopted that recommendation. The House then began debate on House Bill 4140, the state budget implementation bill, focusing on the budget stabilization fund and a proposed government efficiency initiative; discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the exception of those families with income under 30% of state median income or those child care
• So, Chair and members of the committee, we do have exceptions for children with special needs.
• was happening, Medicaid members remained enrolled and states were not allowed to disenroll anyone except
• was happening, Medicaid members remained enrolled and states were not allowed to disenroll anyone except
• Were not allowed to disenroll anyone except for specific reasons such as death of the member.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• enforcement agencies and law enforcement officials from engaging in certain immigration-related actions except
• enforcement agencies and law enforcement officials from engaging in certain immigration-related actions except
• 46.959> actions in certain immigration-related actions in certain immigration-related actions except
• <00:16:50.640> And<00:16:51.280> for Except under limited conditions.
• State law enforcement is never authorized, except for certain circumstances, to enforce state law.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1976, relating to dementia training for law enforcement, and HB 2443, relating to disaster services for people with disabilities and access or functional needs. For HB 1976, the Hawaii Law Enforcement Standards Board opposed the bill’s process and cost, arguing there was no documented training gap because existing CALEA accreditation already includes mental illness response training that covers dementia. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, disability advocates, caregivers, and several individuals, said dementia-specific training would help first responders better handle real-world encounters and avoid harmful misunderstandings. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including changing mandatory language to permissive language in several places and removing a deadline for the first annual training cycle; the recommendation was adopted unanimously. For HB 2443, testimony was strongly supportive. The Disability Communication Access Board, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and individual testifiers said the bill would strengthen emergency planning and response by adding a Disability Integration Specialist and better integrating people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into disaster preparedness, sheltering, and FEMA coordination. Several speakers emphasized recent storms and rescues as evidence of the need. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including changes based on Attorney General comments and adding specialized communications and comprehensive communications planning provisions previously contained in another bill; that recommendation was also adopted unanimously. The transcript then moved to a separate mini hearing on HB 1768, relating to immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the ACLU of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would prevent local law enforcement from entering 287(g)-type agreements or otherwise participating in federal immigration enforcement, citing civil rights concerns, community trust, and the need for police to focus on local public safety. One testifier raised concerns that local cooperation could help avoid mistakes in enforcement, while supporters responded that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that local agencies should not be deputized for civil immigration arrests. The excerpt ends amid extended member questions and discussion, without showing a final vote on HB 1768.

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriately includes a facilities-based press carve-out for bona fide news and commentary, and an exception
• appropriately includes a facilities-based press carve-out for bona fide news and commentary, and an exception
• Representative Greenman, my question [clears throat] is about subdivision 4, the political exception.
• 01.280> political is about subdivision 4, the political is about subdivision 4, the political exception
• . exception. exception.

Keywords: 1183, house