Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:08.560> the nose butter triple cork, secured the nose butter triple cork, secured the
• Uh, line three, physical security enhancements for state buildings, $225,000 in cash was added.
• > state security enhancements for state security enhancements for state buildings,<01:01:45.680
• Line 23, $225,000 in cash has been added for correctional facility safety and security upgrades.
• facility safety and security upgrades. facility safety and security upgrades.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading by poet April Osmon, who read two poems focused on bridging political divides and shared humanity. Members then recognized the final day of service for the legislative pages, thanking them for their work during the 2026 session and presenting each page with a pin and a photo opportunity. The chamber then handled bill referrals: Senate Bill 193, creating a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons, was referred to Judiciary; Senate Bill 198, regulating tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, went to Commerce and Economic Development; Senate Bill 214, concerning pre-kindergarten education in geographically isolated school districts, went to Education; and Senate Bill 218, reducing chloride contamination in state waters and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations. The House also read and adopted two concurrent resolutions: HCR 237 congratulating Vermont-associated 2026 Winter Olympic medal winners, and HCR 238 honoring the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired on its 100th anniversary. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of tributes and guest recognitions tied to those resolutions. Members highlighted Vermont’s Olympic skiers and coaches, including Ben Ogden, Paula Moltzan, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Jessie Diggins, Mikaela Shiffrin, Barbara Ann Cochran, Bill Koch, and others, and read a note from Diggins thanking Vermont for its support and emphasizing teamwork and community. Speakers also praised VABVI’s century of service and its role in helping blind and visually impaired Vermonters, and several members offered personal remarks honoring retiring Representative Francis “Topper” McFaun for his long service, mentorship, and family legacy.

Transcript Highlights:

• For his social security number.
• I'm pretty sure what we collect is secure.
• National Labs, and the Department of Energy with its National Nuclear Security Agency and the Office
• of Secure Transport, along with all of our 118 mission partners.
• Warren Air Force Base up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where I was a group commander for the Security Forces

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this allows licensed pharmacies to operate secure remote sites such as local grocery store.
• So, this allows licensed pharmacies to operate secure remote sites such as local grocery store.
• So, this allows licensed pharmacies to operate secure remote sites such as local grocery store.
• <00:42:13.840> stored, the licensed pharmacy, securely stored, the licensed pharmacy, securely
• We have a secured cabinet in which they're located.

Bills: HF4712, HF4801, HF3756, HF4860, HF4931, HF4289, HF4460

Keywords: residential pools, swimming classes, certification, private business, health safety, health care, prior authorization, managed care, medical assistance, mental health, substance use treatment, chronic conditions, health insurance, insulin, healthcare access, pharmacy regulations, patient assistance, affordable medication, healthcare, pharmacy

Summary: The committee met at 1:00 p.m., confirmed a quorum, and approved the April 8, 2026 minutes. The first bill heard was House File 4712, which was laid over after the committee adopted a DE2 amendment. Representative Schultz said the bill would create a narrow additional exception to public pool limitations so highly certified swimming instructors could use certain pools for specialized infant, youth, and developmental-disability swim instruction. The only testifier, Tessa Seppelt, described ISR instruction as water-safety and drowning-prevention training for very young children and children with developmental delays, and said access to appropriate facilities is the main barrier. Members raised questions about emergency egress, public safety, and insurance coverage, and the author said he would follow up on those concerns. The committee then took up House File 4801, a bill by Representative Nadeau aimed at health care program integrity. He said it would align commercial and Medicaid partners to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse by changing prior authorization and retrospective review processes, improving data sharing on suspected fraud, addressing conflicting or duplicative services, allowing managed care organizations to verify provider credentials, and making risk corridors in MCO contracts permanent. The Minnesota Council of Health Plans supported the bill, saying it would help detect fraud and improve coordination, while the Minnesota chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics opposed it, arguing that expanded prior authorization would delay care, increase physician burden, and harm children with chronic conditions. Members debated patient safety, fraud detection, and whether the bill would undermine recent prior-authorization reforms. The bill was laid over. House File 3756, a technical update to the insulin safety net program, was also laid over. Representative Backer said the bill clarifies that a hospital-use intravenous insulin product is not part of the program because it is sold only to health care institutions and infused by practitioners, not dispensed to patients for self-use. The Board of Pharmacy testified that the language was drafted to avoid affecting future legitimate uses, and members asked whether the definition could limit new uses if treatments change. The committee then began House File 4860, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s presentation is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have our mission up there and our vision all revolves around a secure and reliable high-voltage bulk
• , this is another area that we security, this is another area that we are<01:08:19.120> active
• <01:09:23.359> of<01:09:23.600> the<01:09:23.759> bulk reliability and security
• of the bulk reliability and security of the bulk power<01:09:24.319> system<01:09:24.640>
• Uh and then reliability and security.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Eg. birth certificate, social security Eg. birth certificate, social security numbers,<01:02:12.960
• In his opinion, the state should go to government-issued secure IDs only.
• In his opinion, the state should go to government-issued secure IDs only.
• they bringing a social security card? they bringing a social security card?
• He said the state is going to government-issued secure IDs only.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And for families facing uncertainty and local leaders are looking for ways to build economic security
• And for families facing uncertainty and local leaders are looking for ways to build economic security
• And for families facing uncertainty and local leaders are looking for ways to build economic security
• And for families facing uncertainty and local leaders are looking for ways to build economic security
• People often underestimate how hard it is for startups to secure their first customers.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some violations, including certain violations of the Women's Economic Security Act, retaliation, and
• Act, retaliation, and more are Security Act, retaliation, and more are so<00:04:11.680> time<
• Some violations, including certain violations of the Women's Economic Security Act, retaliation, and
• For example, if a pregnant worker was being denied accommodations under the Women's Economic Security
• the Department of Homeland Security the Department of Homeland Security conference<00:48:19.040>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are important citizenship so there are important levels<00:11:24.200> of<00:11:24.480> security
• Please pass Senate Bill 218 and allow voters to safely and securely cast absentee ballots, and if they
• Please pass Senate Bill 218 and allow voters to safely and securely cast absentee ballots, and if they
• Please pass Senate Bill 218 and allow voters to safely and securely cast absentee ballots, and if they
• cast allow voters to safely and securely cast absentee<01:16:40.360> ballots<01:16:41.360>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:57:43.079> um 2 to1 Staffing ratio with security um 2 to1 Staffing ratio with security
• And again, you said it very well: the facility that you have built does not acknowledge the security
• built. have built does not acknowledge the have built does not acknowledge the security<01:31:46.840
• needs that you have for taking security needs that you have for taking care<01:31:49.440> of<
• <01:32:19.760> built<01:32:20.440> security With sufficient security built, architectural

Keywords: 00:00:00 Introductions 00:00:22 Roll Call 00:01:56 Discussion on SB 85 00:14:03 Vote on SB 85 00:16:15 Explanation of Agency Amendment 00:19:04 Voice Vote on Amendment 00:19:33 Discussion on Kentucky Foster Children Housing, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 85, sponsored by Senator Meredith, which would move the Office of the Ombudsman from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to the State Auditor’s office and make related cleanup changes. Meredith said the bill grew out of a prior task force and a two-year transition from Senate Bill 48, and he argued the move would create independence, improve access to the ITWIST database, ensure complaints are not lost in the handoff, and add confidentiality protections for whistleblowers. Auditor Allison Ball and her staff said the bill would codify access and procedures after earlier disputes and a court-mediated settlement, and they described the measure as necessary to make the new structure work effectively. Members asked how the Ombudsman would handle complaints and verify services in cases involving waiver recipients and other cabinet services. Ball and her staff said the Ombudsman would investigate complaints, make inquiries, and provide accountability outside the cabinet structure, with timelines and procedures similar to the Auditor’s office. The committee also discussed staffing and whether the office would need more personnel; Ball said the office already had about 100 people but could use more. The bill passed 10-0 with favorable expression. The committee then approved an agency amendment to administrative regulation 922 KAR 1:001490 concerning foster parent background checks. Cabinet staff explained the amendment corrected a drafting error by removing references to civil determinations in a second section of the regulation because the system cannot search those determinations, while still allowing the required checks under state and federal law. Senator Herron asked what a civil determination meant, and staff said it could involve a court finding in a custody or abuse case, though such findings are now typically handled through the child abuse and neglect registry. The amendment was adopted. Afterward, the committee began a discussion on Kentucky foster children housing and related issues. Ball and Ombudsman staff presented a preliminary assessment of children placed in office buildings, saying the review covered 49 children placed over a four-month period and showed a different picture than the public narrative of only older, high-acuity youth. They reported that some children had no documented behavioral or disability issues, many came directly from home, the average age was 13, the average stay was four nights, and placements were spread across several regions rather than centered only in Louisville. Members raised concerns about the lack of formal policies and procedures, staff safety, and how to ensure children are treated appropriately, and Ball said the Ombudsman was continuing a deeper review. No final action was taken on that discussion in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Five minutes later, security knocks on the door, very politely, asks us to remove the flag.
• Security knocks on the door, very politely, asks us to remove the flag.
• Five minutes later, a less polite knock, less polite security guards come in, tell us to take the flag

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened in joint session for the special session of the 69th Legislative Assembly, with introductions of visiting officials and a moment of silence for former Governor Alan Olson. The chamber then escorted Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strind and Governor Kelly Armstrong, along with First Lady Kirstie Armstrong, to the rostrum. The governor’s remarks were ordered printed in the journal. Governor Armstrong addressed the special session’s single purpose: considering North Dakota’s $199 million first-year federal award under the rural health transformation program. He thanked legislators, HHS, tribal partners, providers, and community leaders for their work on the state’s CMS application, and said four bills helped improve the application score: requiring the presidential fitness test in PE courses, adding nutrition education to physicians’ continuing education, joining the physician assistant licensure compact, and expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice. He said he looked forward to signing those bills and the accompanying appropriation measure. The governor described the rural health plan as focused on four pillars: promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles, stabilizing the rural health workforce, expanding access through telehealth and mobile services, and using technology and data to improve care. He emphasized that the plan would avoid new buildings and unsustainable programs, and instead use federal funds for lasting, scalable reforms. He said the state could receive at least $500 million over five years, possibly more, and urged quick authorization and appropriation so the funding could be deployed responsibly. After the governor and lieutenant governor were escorted out, the joint session was dissolved. The House then returned to regular business, announced committee meetings, excused absent members, and adjourned until 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee on Border Security will now come to order. Mr. Clerk, please call the roll.
• Is there any other business to come before the Senate Committee on Border Security?
• Is there any other business to come before the Senate Committee on Board of Security?

Bills: SB2601

Keywords: landowner compensation, border crime, agriculture damage, law enforcement, crop loss

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security met with a quorum and heard only one bill, Senate Bill 2601 by Senator Blanco, laid out by Senator Hinojosa of Hidalgo. The bill was presented as a committee substitute to revise the Landowner’s Compensation Program created last session under SB 1133. The changes would expand eligibility to include land lessees with the landowner’s permission, cover damage to the land itself as well as structures and real property, add continuous smuggling of persons as a qualifying border crime, prohibit insurers from using claims under the program in rate calculations, and require law enforcement to provide requested border crime reports to the Attorney General within 14 days. Public testimony was unanimously supportive. Charles Maley of the South Texans Property Rights Association said the program has been beneficial and that the bill helps clean up implementation issues, including clarifying compensation for debris and pollutants left on land. Stephen Diebel of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association also supported the bill, saying it would help address fence damage, destroyed infrastructure, and other harms along the border, and that lessees who manage properties day to day should be eligible for direct compensation when they have the landowner’s permission. Members discussed border-related property damage, including vehicles crashing through fences, broken sheds, livestock escaping, and resulting highway hazards. Senator Hinojosa asked about how conflicts between landowners and lessees would be handled, and testimony indicated documentation of lease authority would be required. After public testimony closed, the committee adopted the committee substitute without objection and voted to report SB 2601 favorably to the full Senate by a 5-0 vote, recommending it as local and uncontested.

Transcript Highlights:

• That makes cultivation safe, secure, and controlled.
• It is safe and secure. So anyway, the bottom line is now I'll go back to what we say as far as TCM.
• That makes cultivation safe, secure, and controlled.
• It is safe and<01:10:42.800> secure.
• So anyway, the bottom line and secure.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in May of 2020, Mind announced a partnership with Kratos Defense and Security Solutions to deploy
• Solutions to deploy a set of Security Solutions to deploy a set of trucks<00:08:55.279> that<
• These technologies rely on a workforce that understands software, sensors, AI systems, cyber security
• <00:57:54.960> and operations, and cyber security and operations, and cyber security and safety
• :10.960> mobility secure wheelchairs, assist with mobility secure wheelchairs, assist with mobility

Bills: HF3553, HF3513, HF3576

Keywords: vehicle platooning, transportation, public safety, pilot project, Wilkin County, Grant County, autonomous vehicles, transportation regulations, driverless cars, safety standards, first responder interaction, school bus, third-party testing, driver certification, transportation regulation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, first things first, um, I want to make you aware of the fact that you see that we have some security
• And so, uh, even with those security changes, I want to welcome you to the Minnesota Senate.
• And for your safety, uh, security and comfort of all attendees, please note the following things.
• State troopers and security personnel are present to ensure everyone's safety.
• State troopers and security<00:02:35.760> personnel<00:02:36.160> are<00:02:36.319>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many houses are mobile or security age.
• Your help in securing this funding is vital.
• Your help in securing this funding is vital.
• Your help in securing this funding is vital.
• Thank securing this funding is vital.

Bills: HF2080, HF356, HF1968, HF228, HF569, HF603, HF692, HF1455, HF2224, HF1361

Keywords: contamination, water supply, municipal bonds, environmental mitigation, city funding, Sauk Rapids, PFAS contamination, drinking water, pollution control, bond issuance, Cokato, capital investment, school infrastructure, state bonds, HF228, Lakes Area Police Commission, Lindstrom, Chisago City, regional training facility, public safety facility

Transcript Highlights:

• to ensuring that its public employees and all of its workers can retire with dignity, and that a secure
• Representative Weinberg votes yes. the Secure Savings Program.
• It's helping the Secure Savings Program.
• of retirement security and a driver<00:28:00.640> of<00:28:00.760> statewide<00:28:01.280
• retirement is good for that a secure retirement is good for every<00:28:31.360> community<00:

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For instance, the work we've done on wildfire resilience, water security, renewable energy, and public
• We want our students to know that when they're on campus, they have a sense of security.
• We want our students to know that when they're on campus, they have a sense of security.
• all our panelists for continuing to uplift that sense of space and time and security on our campuses
• They secure the funding to get there.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on how federal actions are affecting California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing the importance of state-federal shared governance and the need to protect access, affordability, and campus diversity. The first panel included leaders from the CSU, University of the Pacific, California Community Colleges, and UC, who described broad impacts from federal grant terminations, changes to student aid, loan limits, visa and immigration policy, and proposed reductions to research support. Testimony focused on the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, caps on Parent PLUS and Pell-related changes, the loss or suspension of hundreds of grants, and the resulting harm to student support services, research, workforce pipelines, food assistance, and health care training. UC and CSU representatives warned of major losses in research funding, indirect cost reimbursement, and student opportunities, while community college leaders highlighted uncertainty around federal grants and the need to maintain services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and other vulnerable students. Committee members asked how the state could respond, including through intersegmental partnerships, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and support for basic needs and nutrition programs. Witnesses said California could help by sustaining financial aid, protecting minority-serving institution programs, and investing in research, housing, and workforce development. Several speakers stressed that federal changes were creating instability for students and campuses, and that the effects would likely be long-lasting, especially in health care, teaching, STEM, and social work pipelines. A second panel then focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as the $3.9 billion investment in aid programs, the Cal Grant system, the Dream Act, and possible reforms to better serve adult learners, foster youth, undocumented students, and students with dependents. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy shifts are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and reducing support for basic needs, counseling, and workforce programs. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the CSU Academic Senate echoed concerns about FAFSA confusion, international student restrictions, grant losses, and the erosion of equity-focused programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and discussed possible state responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• this new home share opportunity would be able to have better assurances that their tenancy would be secured
• wants to take advantage of a home-sharing program right now, that they know that they will also be secure
• I had worked tirelessly to create a stable life, securing steady employment, stable housing, and reliable
• Something as basic as securing housing Something as basic as securing housing, accessing health care,
• Survivors deserve to feel safe, secure, and empowered, and this bill is a critical step toward making

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the most detailed discussion focused on AB 316, AB 251, AB 474, AB 1201, AB 464, and AB 614. AB 316 would prevent AI developers or deployers from arguing in civil cases that an AI system’s alleged autonomy absolves them of responsibility. Supporters framed it as a narrow guardrail to protect families, especially children, from harms like dangerous chatbots and deepfakes; opponents, including TechNet and the Chamber of Progress, raised concerns about possible strict-liability implications. The bill was moved out of committee to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 251 would let judges lower the burden of proof in elder abuse cases when a skilled nursing facility or RCFE intentionally destroys evidence. Supporters said the measure is needed because elder abuse victims are often unable to testify and records are vulnerable to spoliation, while opponents argued existing sanctions are sufficient and warned of more litigation. The bill passed, with committee members emphasizing the vulnerability of elder abuse victims. AB 474 sought to expand nonprofit home-sharing programs, including tax incentives for low-income homeowners and changes to housing law and lodger rules. Supporters said it would help older adults and low-income Californians avoid homelessness, but several members and the California Apartment Association raised concerns about removing lodger-law protections for homeowners; the author committed to keep working on the issue. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 1201 would give courts discretion to provide family reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions, rather than applying an automatic bypass. Supporters from Starting Over Inc. described personal experiences with permanent family separation and argued the bill would give parents a fair chance when the conviction is unrelated to child safety. Some members supported the measure but questioned whether domestic violence histories should be treated differently; the author said the bill still allows courts to deny services when reunification would endanger a child. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 464 addressed sexual abuse and retaliation in state prisons by extending reporting time after release, adding 90-day monitoring after reports, barring rehiring of confirmed abusers, and strengthening reporting and anti-retaliation rules. Survivors testified about abuse, retaliation, and failures in CDCR’s response; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 614 would standardize the Government Claims Act filing deadline at one year for all claims. The author and supporters argued the current six-month deadline for injury and wrongful death claims is too short for victims to learn the process, find counsel, and gather evidence, while businesses often get a full year. A civil rights attorney and a family member of a deceased jail detainee testified in support, describing how the current deadline can block meritorious claims. The bill was presented for committee consideration as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• allows them, if they choose, to provide custody and safekeeping services under rigorous financial security
• :02:06.799> financial services under rigorous financial services under rigorous financial security
• <00:02:08.319> and<00:02:08.560> integrity<00:02:09.360> standards security and
• integrity standards security and integrity standards overseen<00:02:10.800> by<00:02:11.120>
• , risk management, cyber security, risk management, cyber security, internal<00:02:30.000> controls

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 3709, which would allow Minnesota banks and credit unions to offer custodial accounts for digital assets such as cryptocurrency. The bill authors said the measure is intended to let local financial institutions provide a regulated “digital safety deposit box” service, keeping innovation and consumer choice under Minnesota oversight rather than pushing customers to out-of-state or offshore providers. The Department of Commerce testified in support, saying it appreciates efforts to incorporate virtual currency into the regulatory framework and that the bill levels the playing field for trusted community institutions. Members and testifiers discussed whether the bill was really about consumer protection, institutional competitiveness, or both. Supporters from the Minnesota Credit Union Network and St. Cloud Financial Credit Union said the bill helps local institutions remain relevant as customers increasingly ask for crypto services, and one testifier said the credit union had seen significant liquidity leave local communities for exchanges. They also emphasized that the accounts are custodial, not exchange services, and are not NCUA-insured; one witness noted some institutions may obtain private insurance for risks like loss of keys or hacking. A Department of Commerce witness also said the agency is working on separate legislation to address unclaimed virtual currency property. Several members raised concerns about volatility, scams, and whether the bill simply helps banks stay relevant. In response, supporters argued that local institutions can provide a trusted point of contact and help customers avoid fraud, unlike stand-alone crypto exchanges or kiosks. The committee also discussed fees, with one witness saying the credit union’s expected charge would be percentage-based with a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $25. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, you know, most of the venues have security, and most of the SEC venues have security.
• A lot of times that security is law enforcement that's moonlighting.
• Well, you know, most of the venues have security, and most of the SEC venues have security.
• A lot of times that security is law enforcement that's moonlighting.
• essentially, so this would be a ticketed event, a concert, and then I think it would largely be security

Bills: HB227, HB454, SB323, HB266, SB52, SB53, SB296, HB37, HB429, HB93, HB249, HB328, HB111, HB132, HB26, SB261, HB227, HB454, SB323, HB266, SB52, SB53, SB296, HB37, HB429, HB93, HB249, HB328, HB111, HB132, HB26, SB261

Keywords: firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness