Transcript Highlights:

• of people to review the vendor contracts of people to review the vendor contracts and<00:19:13.440
• Minitex manages the contracts for these databases for the state of Minnesota.
• And this isn't just about fixing term.
• capital funds, further limiting capital funds, further limiting resources<00:45:47.440> for
• school may carry forward up to contract school may carry forward up to half<00:57:06.400> of<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• big deal here in New Mexico that we're not exactly serving the easiest population to work with in terms
• School-based kitchens, central kitchens like APS, which deliver to multiple sites, or contracted food
• Tolman said, contract with food service management companies.
• And PED should require contracts between schools and food quality standards discussed above.
• But in terms of organic produce versus produce that has lots of pesticides, how are we keeping those

Transcript Highlights:

• This we talk about service contracts.
• This bill will provide for the limitation, exceptions, and... ...for the limitation, exceptions, and
• exclusion of service contracts that must be disclosed.
• Um, and I drafted SB66, put an age limit on there. Drafted SB66, put an age limit on there.
• We need to ask the right questions and to understand the long-term impact.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or illegal terms to them.
• or illegal terms to them.
• or illegal terms to them.
• or illegal terms to them.
• or illegal terms to them.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target. Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then. Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my second term on this committee, and I'm looking forward to working with you. Thank you.
• But the choice programs are not limited to scholarships or charter schools.
• The Bureau of Contracts, Grants, and Procurement is responsible for managing contracts and grants awarded
• They don't hold the contract with these charter schools once approved.
• Currently, the Office of Safe Schools is working diligently with the contracted vendor.

Summary: The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee held its first interim meeting, took roll, and established a quorum. Members introduced themselves, many noting backgrounds in education, school boards, local government, or parenting, and Chair Jenna Persons-Mulicka outlined the committee’s goal of building the fiscal year 2025-26 Pre-K-12 budget. She also reviewed the fiscal year 2024-25 education budget, noting that the Pre-K-12 portion totals about $21 billion, with the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) as the largest driver, along with major funding for VPK, school readiness, and school recognition. She explained that federal COVID relief funds have ended and that recent school choice legislation has affected budget structure. Commissioner Manny Diaz and department leaders then gave overviews of their divisions. Diaz highlighted Florida’s education rankings, record graduation rate, progress monitoring, expanded school choice participation, charter school growth, and teacher salary investments, while emphasizing a focus on literacy, math, and early learning. Carrie Miller described the Division of Early Learning’s school readiness and VPK programs, their funding, eligibility, accountability systems, and the importance of kindergarten readiness. Paul Burns outlined the Division of Public Schools’ work on educator quality, literacy, standards, certification, family outreach, federal programs, and school improvement. Suzanne Pridgen reviewed finance and operations functions, including budget management, FEFP calculations, grants, procurement, transportation, and emergency management. Adam Emerson described parental choice programs, including scholarships, charter schools, schools of hope, virtual education, and home education. Darren Norris detailed the Office of Safe Schools’ responsibilities for risk assessments, compliance inspections, threat management, grants, and training created after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. Members asked questions about several issues, including whether the Safe Schools office recommends changes to the school safety grant distribution formula, whether early learning eligibility should shift from federal poverty level to state median income, how scholarship payments are verified to avoid funding students who return to public school, and whether daily attendance systems could improve funding accuracy. Other questions addressed hurricane-related survey disruptions, VPK provider reimbursement rates and instructional hours, teacher salary increases, school start time costs, and how voucher schools handle IEP accommodations. Department officials generally said some issues remain under review, supported moving school readiness eligibility to SMI, noted that scholarship and enrollment data are cross-checked and adjusted when needed, and said progress monitoring now helps schools support mobile students. On school safety, officials said exemptions are allowed in statute for some items but not for classroom doors, and that district-specific conditions matter. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported beyond receiving presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 7: we began with our contract maintenance.
• That's kind of where Our contract maintenance concentrates.
• So altogether, contract maintenance, we've invested $43.6 million for the maintenance of our roadways
• The purpose of that study was to develop a long-term corridor plan to improve traffic.
• The other questions that I had were in terms of the FY25 contract maintenance projects.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you detecting any type of pattern in terms of who the victims?
• And they are diverse in terms of size.
• And they are diverse in terms of size.
• There was no time to plan for this bill in terms of whether it might pass.
• services for direct support... $11.4 million on contracted services for direct support to students,

Summary: The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The Department of Revenue then gave an update on the Antio-related legislation following the Washington Supreme Court decision and the 2025 session changes. DOR explained its voluntary disclosure program and the new expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for taxpayers with unreported investment income, including broader eligibility and interest/penalty relief, but said utilization has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved. The committee next received the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through October and a major increase in applications after TurboTax added the credit to its filing software. Officials said most dollars went to households with children, outreach efforts remained important, and community partners and state agencies helped increase uptake. Members focused heavily on fraud concerns, especially tax preparers allegedly filing claims without applicants’ knowledge or diverting refunds; DOR said it is using fraud detection tools, training preparers, and trying to make applicants whole, but current law does not provide direct penalties against preparers. The final portion covered implementation of engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded sales tax to certain services. DOR described the new tax framework, its guidance process, and the large volume of ruling requests and outreach since the law took effect October 1. Committee members asked about fiscal assumptions, the scope of taxable services, and whether the department had revised its implementation estimates; DOR said the fiscal note assumed broad application absent explicit exemptions and that no expenditure revision had been made. In stakeholder testimony, Expedia and T-Mobile argued the law creates complexity and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses, while a construction training provider said the tax raises tuition for workers seeking required certifications. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax will increase costs for special education services, arts programming, and other public-facing activities, and urged exemptions or further legislative fixes. The chair closed by noting the committee would revisit 5814 in the next session and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then from there, it's voted on, and then the governor and the cabinet make that decision in term
• And is there any limitation on the use of foam now in the state of Florida?
• And there have been some limitations.
• So it's just limited to testing facilities? It's not, they're not able to use it for testing.
• Is there any limitation in airports? I don't know about airports specifically.

Summary: The committee first received a Department of Environmental Protection presentation on Florida Forever and the sale or exchange of conservation lands. DEP described Florida Forever as the state’s main conservation land acquisition program, funded in recent years at high levels, and said most acquisitions since 2019 have been within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The presentation also explained the legal process for disposing of conservation lands: requests are reviewed by the Acquisitions and Restoration Council, then the governor and cabinet decide whether land is no longer needed for conservation or whether an exchange provides a net conservation benefit. Senator Smith asked several questions about recent land-swap proposals, public notice, political influence, and whether any transactions had bypassed the usual sequence; DEP said applications can be withdrawn before ARC review, notice is posted seven days in advance, and the council and cabinet are the decision-makers. Senator Harrington asked about the difference between Florida Forever land sales and water management district surplus lands, and DEP said the reported 2.3 acres sold referred only to Florida Forever-funded projects. The committee then heard presentations from the Department of Health and DEP on PFAS and PFOA. DOH outlined what PFAS are, their common uses, possible health impacts, and ways Floridians can reduce exposure, including water filtration and avoiding certain products. DOH said it conducts well investigations, health consultations, fish consumption advisories, and monitoring in coordination with DEP and FWC. DEP followed with a more technical overview of PFAS regulation and cleanup, explaining federal testing and drinking-water standards, Florida’s provisional cleanup levels, and the state’s response at contaminated sites, including bottled water and filtration for affected residents. Senators asked about testing requirements for public systems and private wells, disposal of used filters, and how federal rulemaking and litigation could affect Florida’s standards; DEP said public systems are required to test under EPA monitoring rules, private wells are not directly required to test, and Florida may adopt its own standards if federal action does not occur by the statutory deadline. Finally, the committee took up SB 150, which would designate the flamingo as the state bird and the scrub jay as the state songbird. The sponsor argued the bill better reflects Florida’s identity and conservation values, noting the flamingo’s iconic status and the scrub jay’s status as a Florida-only species. Members asked lighthearted questions about mockingbirds, flamingo color, and feeding costs, and an appearance card was filed in support by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The committee debated the bill briefly and then passed SB 150 favorably by roll call vote, with all members present voting yes except Senator DiCeglie, who was excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite millions in taxpayer dollars appropriated for the lab and its contract with METIS, we are still
• And they are definitely being contracted somehow.
• after I started at OMA and realized that lab was not fulfilling the terms of the contract.
• We stopped paying them immediately when I learned that they were not fulfilling the terms of the contract
• The response was that Oklahoma statutes have a limitation that other states do not have.

Summary: The Executive Advisory Council met without a quorum, so no votes were taken, but the meeting proceeded with public comment and agency updates. Public commenters focused on medical marijuana issues including transparency in OMMA proceedings, delays and accreditation at the OMMA quality assurance lab, THC potency inflation, recall and embargo procedures, and the need for more public data and patient safety protections. One commenter also urged consideration of allowing first responders access to cannabis off duty, while another praised OMMA staff professionalism during inspections and enforcement actions. OMMA leadership responded with updates on the QA lab, saying the agency has been building the lab since receiving authority in 2023 and funding in 2024, and that validations and accreditation are being phased in. They reported current accreditation for pesticides, flower, potency, oils and concentrates, with additional validations for terpenes, water activity, filth and foreign material expected by the end of the month, and heavy metals, mycotoxins, residual solvents, and microbial testing to follow. Officials also said a website page will be launched to provide ongoing lab transparency. Compliance and enforcement updates included 779 inspections, 83 investigations, 65 administrative actions, and the hiring of a recall coordinator. The council also discussed legislative developments. OMMA said seven bills affecting the agency remain active, including HB 4454 on clearer THC labeling and child-resistant packaging, HB 3143 and HB 3144 on extending the grow-license moratorium and capping grow licenses, and amended bills SB 640, SB 1242, SB 1501, and SB 3 addressing cleanup, training, vendor standards, and THC products outside dispensaries. Members asked about access to METRC data, recall timing, inspector training, body cameras, and whether OMMA considers itself a public health agency. OMMA said METRC data is used internally and is confidential under state law, recalls are handled through a combination of agency notice and industry action, inspectors do wear body cameras under policy, and the agency is still building out its public health and education functions. The next meeting was announced for July 17 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• S7 for maintenance contracts. S7 for maintenance contracts.
• resurrected from prior years uh limits resurrected from prior years uh limits the<01:27:21.040><
• <01:51:40.080> the governor's recommendation to limit the governor's recommendation to limit
• the same uh limit or not limitation<02:09:59.040> but<02:09:59.760> if<02:10:00.079>
• On the tricky in terms of reading.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And those objectives for both short term and the long-term fixes. So, Mr.
• Um, I mean, in terms of, in terms of the old backlog, um, the, because there, there really are two different
• Um, in the magenta is statute of limitations issues.
• Um, in terms of identification of an offender, they aren't grandfathered in with the new statute of limitations
• The senators, we still got 3 more years on our term.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:43.280> with so this is where utilities contract with so this is where utilities contract
• they contract with. they contract with.
• been termed like an executive summary. been termed like an executive summary.
• I I terms of how it could be enacted?
• through contracts, is there a risk of through contracts, is there a risk of over<04:03:57.520> or<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill limits the use of photo speed monitoring devices in highway work zones to when workers are
• This bill limits the use of photo speed monitoring devices in highway work zones to when workers are
• Then they were thinking it was going to be a lower limit.
• The Senate substitute made several changes to reduce potential near-term costs.
• The Senate substitute made several changes to reduce potential near-term costs.

Keywords: March 10, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Associated with different activities that the agency may be developing in terms of our work.
• In terms of working with people regarding permit applications. And I know you're understaffed.
• We have aimed to address key strategic funding priorities. within base limits.
• So in this particular case, I'm going to look to Reggie here in terms of the replacement.
• Go out for bids, get the construction contract.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Among states in terms of what we pay our district judges.
• Uh, so, uh, we signed a contract for the court reminder program in August.
• But we're limited in what we can do and unfortunately we can't take every case.
• And it limits my ability to manage our employees around the state.
• Testimony will be limited to 3 minutes per person. Luis, you're first.

Transcript Highlights:

• They had funding this program long-term.
• Over the past decade, the coalition has played an important role in advancing both short-term and long-term
• <01:07:23.160> waste WLSSD to address future long-term waste WLSSD to address future long-term
• to address long-term needs for the<01:07:31.640> following<01:07:32.000> reasons.
• So we have buy-in with with contracts So we have buy-in with with contracts and<01:11:46.720>

Bills: HF3599, HF3761, HF3523, HF3515, HF573

Keywords: water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• Long term, we plan to do a lot more than what we're doing now.
• IDS, and we, that term isn't used anymore. It hasn't been since about 2011-2012.
• There is concern about those grant and contract funds.
• We have Department of Energy contracts that we're getting word may be ending.
• And that's how we bring in grants and contracts.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have this license plate, are you able to travel in excess of the speed limit?
• It adds the definition that, as used in this section, the term drug means any substance or combination
• I've heard a little bit from the industry in terms of some of the issues that they run into and what
• On page one, amendment set number three, it says sale, limited to... you're adding sale of fuel.
• I know we have time limitations.

Summary: The committee met with four members present and approved the May 7, 2026 minutes. It then considered a series of transportation, motor vehicle, aviation, port, and memorial designation bills. Several measures were reported favorably, including HB 1086 on electronic titling and digital title transfers, HB 745 extending special tandem load permits, HB 1175 updating the definition of aerospace, HB 1108 creating a Homeschool Proud license plate, HB 722 changing reinstatement procedures so certain suspended licenses are restored once fees are paid, HB 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate, HB 1173 giving drivers on reinstatement payment plans a three-month grace period before late fees apply, and HB 98 imposing a $25 annual royalty fee on a retired legislators’ plate to help restore the Pentagon Barracks. HB 487, dealing with red-light overtaking and an added fine, and HB 1032, a technical cleanup bill aligning DWI/drug-impairment language, were also reported favorably. HB 1050, a CDL cleanup bill that adjusts age and testing provisions and removes outdated vision-waiver language, and HB 1192, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association plate, were approved as well. HB 989, which would have raised public license tag agent convenience fees, was supported by private tag agents but drew questions about fee parity and business impacts; it was reported favorably. A separate bill on driving school pricing and refunds was deferred and turned into a study resolution after the sponsor said more stakeholder discussion was needed. The committee also advanced several memorial and infrastructure measures. HB 401 designated the Lance Corporal Justin McLeese Memorial Bridge, with members speaking about his military service and sacrifice. HB 1081 moved the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce for administrative support while leaving port boards independent. HCR 63 created a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel could operate federally owned vehicles on state highways without a civilian license. HCR 69 urged priority improvements to the Interstate 12 corridor, especially the bottleneck and interchange areas near I-55, citing safety and evacuation concerns. SCR 58 asked DOTD to review public-private partnership practices, using the Belle Chasse Toll Bridge as a case study and focusing on lessons learned for future projects. HB 1001 designated a portion of U.S. 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway. HB 1218 named Highway 1090 the Lewis Pett Miramon Memorial Highway, with family members and supporters describing Miramon’s wartime service and role in building Slidell. HB 1172 designated a highway segment in memory of a 14-year-old hit-and-run victim, Kulin Carrier. One major policy bill, SB 514, was amended and reported favorably. It updates Louisiana’s aeronautics statutes, transfers responsibility for aeronautics activities and facilities from the DOTD secretary to the Office of Multimodal Commerce commissioner, and modernizes the law to align with federal aviation rules and new technologies, including advanced aviation and electric vertical takeoff and landing programs. Members asked about the lengthy amendments, fuel tax language, airport development reporting, and the Transportation Trust Fund, and the sponsor and DOTD explained that the changes were largely technical and intended to keep Louisiana eligible for federal aviation funding and compliant with current standards. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 1244, which would add a brain-injury designation to driver’s licenses and require law-enforcement training. The sponsor and advocates described how the designation could help de-escalate encounters and improve safety for people with brain injuries; the bill was reported favorably, with members noting it could also cover broader brain-injury conditions if medically certified. After that testimony, the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we have with the remaining being able to maintain the special funds—is also the option to hire limited-term
• There is a challenge to hire limited-term staff, and they can't be in a position for more than two years
• But law enforcement positions, limited term, is not an option for those positions.
• for four ongoing positions, and then in the first three years, we're requesting funding to fill two limited-term
• Generally speaking, it takes us about two years to get a regulation in place, so the limited-term positions

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why we have a contract in place for the second part of that appropriation language directed the
• that's why we reverse osmosis systems that's why we have<00:09:19.320> a<00:09:19.519> contract
• in place for um the have a contract in place for um the second<00:09:22.120> part<00:09:22.279
• of health impacts on in terms of health impacts on people<00:10:06.600> but<00:10:07.560>
• with our local partners and contract with our local partners and it's<00:13:03.959> in<00:13:

Keywords: 1183, house