Transcript Highlights:

• the state, the county directors and those involved with this program are adamant but have a lot of input
• the state, the county directors and those involved with this program are adamant but have a lot of input
• the state, the county directors and those involved with this program are adamant but have a lot of input
• the state, the county directors and those involved with this program are adamant but have a lot of input
• the state, the county directors and those involved with this program are adamant but have a lot of input

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a former California State Assembly Fellow.
• , local, state, and national economy.
• and local, state and national economy.
• Eliana Perez, Executive Director of Immigrants Rising, Eliana Perez, Executive Director of Immigrants
• or by any state on account of sex.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't know if any other state that would, like if we set a goal for that as a state, how awesome
• They didn't see any other states that were doing that. Okay.
• Ted Brown, who is the head of the state crime lab.
• And I'm going to pass it over to Director Pittman to talk about the provider manual and state plan changes
• And I'm going to pass it over to Director Pittman to talk about the provider manual and state plan changes

Summary: The committee first heard extensive public testimony from youth and advocates urging stronger restrictions on vaping. Speakers described vaping as a youth-targeted public health problem, citing flavored products, social media marketing, nicotine addiction, brain development concerns, school disruption, and exposure to harmful aerosol. They recommended prohibiting vaping in public indoor spaces and aligning vape rules with smoke-free laws. Committee members praised the speakers and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation. The main presentation was on Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, administered through DFA. Secretary Jim Hudson and program director Brad Andi explained that Arkansas received about $209 million in the first year under the federal program, with potential for roughly $1 billion over five years if performance is strong. They emphasized that the program is meant for long-term rural health transformation, not general operating support, debt relief, or new construction. The state’s plan centers on four initiatives: HEART for prevention and community health, PACT for access and provider collaboration, RISE for workforce development, and THRIVE for technology and telehealth. Officials said applications will be handled through upcoming notices of funding opportunity, with a focus on local, shovel-ready projects, regional collaboration, and transparency. Committee members asked how the program would work for hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, schools, faith groups, and urban providers serving rural patients. Officials said eligibility is broad if applicants can show a connection to rural health, and that targeted renovations, mobile units, school-based clinics, farm-to-school or garden projects, EMS equipment, residency expansion, and behavioral health initiatives may fit if they align with the plan. They stressed that the program cannot fund working capital, routine maintenance, or new buildings, but can support repurposing space and collaborative networks. Members also raised concerns about protecting existing rural providers from being displaced, and officials said applications would be reviewed by a state committee with technical assistance and a reimbursement-based process. The committee then reviewed and took no objection to several DHS and Health Department rules. DHS presented a Medicaid/CHIP rule implementing federal requirements for incarcerated youth, including pre- and post-release coverage, care coordination, targeted case management, and screening services, with no public comments received. The Health Department also presented a licensing rule for audiology and speech pathology that implements recent acts and changes the renewal deadline; that rule was likewise reviewed without objection. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• as a result the KLC board of directors as a result the KLC board of directors voted<00:19:19.440
• <00:21:09.840> of Boon County um I am the uh director of Boon County um I am the uh director
• The Humane Society of the United States—does, in their writings and books and some of their directors
• The Humane Society of the United States—does, in their writings and books and some of their directors
• <00:25:34.559> um the Humane Society of United States um the Humane Society of United States

Keywords: Intro: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:31 Discussion of SB 122: 02:30 Roll Call Vote on SB 122: 26:47, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee took up Senate Bill 122, a measure dealing with pet stores, breeders, and the scope of local regulation. The chair explained the bill was intended to balance private business rights with local control, and said he wanted to clarify definitions such as qualified breeder, local authority, and where fees and fines would go. He also said he would work on a floor amendment and noted concerns about whether the bill would allow localities to outright ban pet stores or instead only regulate them. The committee first adopted a committee substitute by motion and voice vote. Supporters of the bill, including representatives from Petland and an attorney who had worked on animal-related regulation in Ohio, argued that the bill would create statewide standards, protect responsible pet retailers from what they described as politically motivated local bans, and preserve consumer choice. They said local governments would still be able to inspect, require documentation, and enforce licensing, but not shut businesses down without due process. A senator from Campbell County asked whether the bill would interfere with strong local ordinances; supporters responded that the bill would set standards higher than USDA rules and still allow local regulation, while opposing local bans. Opposition came from the Kentucky League of Cities and representatives of Kentucky animal care and control agencies. KLC said local decisions should remain at the local level and noted that several cities and one county already had ordinances that could be affected; it also said the bill was opposed by its board and might overlap with pending litigation. Animal control representatives said the bill did not clearly define breeder verification or enforcement responsibility, could restrict local authority, and did not address animal care conditions or consumer transparency. After questions and debate, the committee voted on the bill; the roll call ended in a 5-5 tie, and Senate Bill 122 failed to pass out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:08.200> these stores that you're purchasing these stores that you're purchasing these
• families across the state. families across the state. Representative<00:14:22.320> Hansen.
• a more welcoming and supportive state a more welcoming and supportive state for<00:17:46.760>
• <00:22:39.160> sales and save over $100 if the state sales and save over $100 if the state
• <00:28:52.520> that<00:28:52.720> do stated, there are those states that do stated,

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 18 was taken up in committee, with the chair noting a preference to hear testimony from people who had traveled farther before hearing from lobbyists or other local witnesses. Representative Engan presented the bill as a family-support measure that would exempt certain infant care items from sales tax, arguing that the cost of raising children has risen sharply and that the bill would provide immediate relief to parents. He cited examples of potential savings on cribs, mattresses, strollers, and baby bottles, and said he was open to expanding the list of covered items. Chair Gomez offered a DE1 amendment that would replace the blanket sales tax exemption with an expansion of Minnesota’s child tax credit, arguing that the child-rearing cost burden is better addressed through targeted assistance rather than a broad exemption that could also benefit higher-income purchasers. After discussing the policy differences and the fiscal impact, Gomez withdrew the amendment. Members then asked questions about the bill’s scope, whether luxury items should be excluded, and why the exemption was limited to baby items rather than older children’s needs. Engan said he would be open to excluding luxury items and to discussing broader expansions, including school supplies. The committee then heard testimony in support from Sarah Gangelhoff of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, who said the bill would help families facing high housing, food, and child care costs and would especially benefit women and single-mother households. Maggie Hanggi of the Minnesota Catholic Conference also supported the bill, saying the tax relief could help families afford essential infant items and reduce fear for prospective parents. Members raised concerns about whether tax exemptions effectively reach the families most in need, with one member noting that low-income families may not even be in a position to shop for these items; Engan responded that the savings would still be real for those who do purchase them. No final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• is is it really advisable for the state is is it really advisable for the state to<00:47:32.800>
• overall impact of forests in the state overall impact of forests in the state and<00:53:19.200><
• <00:53:53.000> is Forest canopy in the state is Forest canopy in the state is significant<
• <01:03:23.240> Bar I represent the Minnesota State Bar I represent the Minnesota State Bar
• businesses, government, or nonprofits, leaving 9% purchased by consumers. ...services are purchased

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2437, the governor’s proposed tax bill, and first adopted the A25-Z42 amendment to put the bill in the desired shape. Commissioner Paul Marquardt of the Department of Revenue then presented the bill as part of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s budget, describing it as a response to budget pressures that would make the tax system more fair and stable while supporting economic development and jobs. Marquardt walked through the bill’s major provisions. These included sustainable aviation fuel policy, repeal of K-12 education credit assignment, elimination of the political contribution refund, expansion of the research and development credit, short-line railroad infrastructure modernization, changes to the state airport fund levy, replacement of attachments and appearances with distribution systems, a narrow personal property tax exception for low-income housing tenants, reduced aquatic invasive species aid, and a 34% reduction in PILT payments. He then focused on the sales tax article, saying it would lower the statewide rate by 0.75% while expanding the base to selected professional services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services, with business-to-business transactions exempt. He said the proposal would be effective for sales and purchases after September 30, 2025, and estimated a first-year rate-cut impact of about $99 million versus $215 million from the service expansion, while arguing that most households would see a net tax cut. He also noted other changes such as landlord penalty adjustments, a 30% reduction in sustainable aviation fuel incentive payments, repeal of local government cannabis aid, and repeal of the tax filing modernization account. Public testimony began with Kyle Playford of the Financial Planning Association of Minnesota, who strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on professional services, especially financial planning. He argued that financial planning is an essential service for retirement, investment, and long-term financial security, and said the tax would raise costs for consumers, reduce access for middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees, and put Minnesota firms at a competitive disadvantage. The chair then indicated that additional public testimony would continue before member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Douglas Schenkel, Transportation Program Director, National Conference of State Legislatures.
• Since 2013, 35 states and D.C. have increased their gas tax. they're now almost half of the States and
• There are a few other states that had considered and debated such bills, but these are the only two states
• in their states.
• You know, I think two things unique to our state that many other states don't have is the idea of cost

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee first took up three highway naming resolutions on its consent calendar: ACR 109, SCR 78, and SCR 90. The committee approved the consent calendar with 11 aye votes and no no votes, then adjourned the bill-hearing portion. Members also recognized committee science fellow AJ Mendeola for his service, noting his contributions to bill analysis and staff support. The committee then held an informational hearing on alternatives to the gas tax, focused on the projected decline in fuel-tax revenue and the need for a more sustainable transportation funding model. The chair and invited experts described how inflation, improved fuel efficiency, and growth in electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles are eroding gas-tax revenues. Presenters from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the University of California discussed state options such as higher or indexed gas taxes, EV registration fees, road usage charges, delivery fees, public EV charging fees, transportation network company fees, and managed lanes, emphasizing tradeoffs among revenue adequacy, fairness, administrative cost, and public acceptance. Committee members raised concerns that mileage-based fees or EV fees could function as new taxes on commuters and lower-income drivers, especially if the gas tax is not repealed. Presenters responded that road usage charges are generally intended as replacements for the gas tax, not additions, and argued that mileage-based systems better preserve the user-pays principle while being less tied to vehicle fuel efficiency. They also noted that flat EV registration fees are easy to administer but can be less equitable because they are not linked to actual road use. Officials from Hawaii, Utah, and Oregon described their state programs and policy choices. Hawaii said its new road usage charge began July 1, 2025, for EVs, offers a choice between a per-mile charge and a flat annual fee through 2028, and will transition to mandatory EV participation before expanding to all light-duty vehicles by 2033. Utah described its voluntary EV road usage charge program, quarterly reporting, privacy protections, and legislative scenarios for removing the cap or making participation mandatory. Oregon outlined its constitutional cost-responsibility framework and broader transportation funding challenges, including reliance on user fees and limited use of general-fund support.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:28.639> law our state law our state law agrees<00:13:30.160> with<00:13:30.519
• Residents, as Cher Joll stated, can also separately purchase HO6 policies, which we do get filed with
• > made single state other states have made single state other states have made different<01:07:02.240
• any type of purchase?
• <01:07:58.319> of<01:07:58.480> a purchase of a car or the purchase of a purchase of

Bills: HF1865, HF2014, HF2028

Keywords: mortgage, qualified mortgage, QM, points and fees, conventional loan, consumer lending, home loan, residential real estate, lender fees, service charge, finance charge, closing costs, Minnesota Statutes 47.20, housing finance, borrower protections, cooperative apartment loan, contract for deed, real estate lending, foreclosure, notice requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America... ...to the flag of the United States
• The Office of State Treasurer, State Auditor, Highway Commissioner, and Superintendent of Public Instruction
• of a state department from using autopens under certain circumstances.
• of a state department from using autopens under certain circumstances.
• from acquiring or purchasing certain companies.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, excused several members, and heard a memorial statement from Majority Floor Leader Singh honoring Thomas James Cleary, a longtime Michigan public servant, lobbyist, and civic volunteer. The chamber also recognized a departing staff member from Senator Geis’s office and later welcomed guests from Cleary’s family. No substantive debate occurred during these tributes, and remarks were ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then handled a large number of introductions and referrals, including Senate Joint Resolution K to prohibit autopen use by certain executive officials, Senate bills on Treasury revenue collection and liquor control, and numerous House bills covering housing, health, insurance, natural resources, education, consumer finance, child care licensing, public employment contracts, and other topics. Several housing and finance-related House bills were sent directly to the Committee of the Whole by unanimous consent. In Committee of the Whole, bills including House Bill 4072, House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 792, 793, 947, 1013, and 885 were considered; substitutes were adopted for House Bill 5630, Senate Bills 1013, 947, and 885, and the committee recommended all of those bills, plus House Bill 4072, Senate Bills 792 and 793, for third reading. On final passage, House Bill 4042 and House Bill 5630 each passed 34-0, with four members excused. The Senate also concurred in the House substitute to Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, approving an extension of the state energy emergency, by a 33-1 vote. By contrast, concurrence in the House substitute to Senate Bill 878 failed 2-32, sending that appropriations bill to conference committee. The House then named conferees on Senate Bill 878, and the Senate named conferees for both SB 878 and HB 5630 after the chambers disagreed on those measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was talking to Director Corny, and so Deputy Director, and I did not hear your question.
• Then moving on to page number 13 for State Land Office and State Engineer, there's no differences between
• Representative Dow then asked about Ghost Ranch and what agency purchased it, or whether any public purchase
• What agency purchased Ghost Ranch and how much should we purchase before? Mr.
• Oh, Director Saleh.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• quality and safety of DNR managed State quality and safety of DNR managed State lands<00:07:45.120
• <00:23:43.000> Forest buildings for the State Forest buildings for the State Forest Nursery
• of our Bank service areas in the state of our Bank service areas in the state of<00:40:28.960>
• Representative Hansen, thank you, Madam Chair, and Director Jashi and Assistant Director Fish.
• Representative Hansen, thank you, Madam Chair, and Director Jashi and Assistant Director Fish.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• administrator State procurement office the<00:03:28.120> state<00:03:28.319> procurement
• <00:04:37.080> of have Mr toyoka director of have Mr toyoka director of debed<00:04:39.560
• Senator Leis, Director of Finance.
• <00:18:15.960> of Regan com controller for the state of Regan com controller for the state
• Next up, House Bill 1153 relating to funding adjustments for state programs or, like, state programs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 412 HD1, which would expand the definition of lobbying to include certain communications with high-level officials about procurement decisions and create presumptions regarding lobbying on behalf of private clients. The State Ethics Commission and State Procurement Office supported the measure, saying it would improve transparency and align Hawaii with other states, while the Hawaii Primary Care Association opposed it over concerns that employers and others could be swept in too broadly. No public testimony or questions led to any action on the bill during the hearing. The committee then took up House Bill 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain research purposes and clarify the Office of Information Practices’ rulemaking authority. OIP and the Public First Law Center supported the bill, arguing it would create uniform standards and that concerns could be handled through rules. The University of Hawaiʻi system, DBEDT, DHS, DLNR, and others raised concerns about the breadth of the terms “research” and “researcher,” privacy, confidential information, and possible misuse; Hawaiian Electric also warned about access to sensitive infrastructure information. Members questioned whether the bill was premature and whether definitions should be narrowed in statute, and OIP said it would consider working with agencies and the University on clearer definitions. House Bill 792 HD1, relating to the Office of the Legislative Analyst, drew no testimony beyond a late written support from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the committee moved on without discussion. The committee then heard House Bill 1424, which would restrict transfers between appropriated funds for positions and operating expenses. Budget and Finance explained that current practice allows transfers from payroll to other current expenses when there are savings, but legislative appropriations for specific purposes must still be spent for that purpose. Several agencies expressed opposition or concerns, saying the bill could reduce flexibility, especially in response to federal funding changes or vacant positions, though members emphasized transparency and accountability. Budget and Finance suggested a reporting approach instead, and the committee discussed quarterly reporting as a possible alternative. Finally, the committee began House Bill 1153 HD1, which concerns funding adjustments for state programs and capital improvement projects and establishes a protocol fund. Budget and Finance, DAGS, and the State Procurement Office supported the measure, while the General Contractors Association and several construction-related groups opposed section two, arguing it would undo recent procurement protest-bond safeguards adopted in Act 162. The hearing then moved on toward House Bill 1297, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• How is it going to affect that purchase if I purchase directly from them through a website?
• in New Mexico or the United States when they're not legal to purchase would be a false and deceptive
• I was out of state.
• The language as stated, um, as I stated multiple times.
• My name is Monica Ault, and I am the New Mexico State Director of the Fines and Fees Justice Center.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Sarah Sumati and I'm director of state government affairs for Every Town for Gun Safety.
• <00:04:01.599> of<00:04:01.760> state Sarah Sumati and I'm director of state Sarah
• Sumati and I'm director of state government<00:04:02.400> affairs<00:04:02.720> for<00:
• Law Enforcement, Deputy Director Law Enforcement, Deputy Director Abdullah.
• Director Mike Lambert, Deputy Director Odulla. Good afternoon, sir.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs met on March 19, 2025, and heard testimony on several firearms-related bills. HB 125 would require firearm sellers or transferors to provide buyers notice about secure storage laws, expand secure-storage requirements, and clarify criminally negligent storage. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Education supported the bill. The Office of the Public Defender raised constitutional concerns under District of Columbia v. Heller and suggested narrowing the bill so a firearm need not be made inoperable when the lawful owner is home. Supporters, including Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, veterans, and other advocates, said secure storage would reduce accidental shootings, youth access, theft, suicides, and school shootings. Opponents argued the bill was redundant, could criminalize victims of theft, and imposed strict liability. The committee noted 24 individuals in support and 103 in opposition. The committee also heard HB 137, which would impose a mandatory prison term for violent felons who violate firearm or ammunition possession prohibitions. DLE, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, and the Hawaii County Prosecutor supported the measure, arguing it targets repeat offenders and strengthens public safety. The Office of the Public Defender opposed mandatory sentencing, saying judges already have discretion to impose lengthy sentences and that mandatory terms can be inappropriate in some cases. The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for use of a ghost gun in a felony. DLE and the Honolulu Prosecutor supported it, while the Public Defender and several opponents said parts of the bill were redundant or could create definitional problems; the committee recorded five supporters and 70 opponents. HB 995 would amend deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting by the Attorney General and county police chiefs. The Attorney General’s office and HPD supported the bill, with the Attorney General asking for more time for police departments to submit complete data and for the April 1 deadline to be removed. The committee also heard HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended consolidating the new office’s duties with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission to avoid duplication and possibly repealing the existing commission statute. DLE supported HB 664, while the Tax Foundation objected to the special fund. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any level of state matching, or is it all just free? State matching, or is it all just free?
• I'm the associate state director for the SBDC. Okay, so what can you tell us about what you do?
• is Jason Canon I'm the associate state is Jason Canon I'm the associate state director<00:53:16.559
• It is only state employees, and they must meet years of state service requirements.
• What does the state pay for? What do we pay for? What does the state pay for?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns. Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The two primary ones being, um, funeral directors and the association of cemetery directors.
• southwest part of the state.
• thing is as you look across the state thing is as you look across the state you<00:10:24.800>
• that the state study with the state that the state study with the state study<00:21:34.320> it's
• Chair and members, I'm Dana Bacon, Senior Director of State Government Affairs for the Leukemia & Lymphoma

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Another state fair item...
• We have the State Fairground Expo, we have the State Fair Commission, and then we have this district
• A new site for the State Fair.
• So, if a state employee needs to go to Las Cruces on state business, they effectively check... ...out
• Of state employees. They are statutorily obligated to transport state prisoners, but we don't...

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Casey Nichols, and I'm the executive director for the Texas State Board of Education. dental
• I'm the executive director of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. With me is Julie Spear. She's our.
• I travel the state, talk to vets all over the state.
• within our state. state.
• banned them for all the students in our state. state.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, two directors are elected in odd-numbered years, and five directors are elected in even-numbered
• This will create a staggered four-year cycle: two directors elected in year one, three directors selected
• And the budget director said, no, they're not.
• It's the way the state of Texas does it.
• As the State Rep, Court.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• proceeds and some funding from the state and the county.
• And I purchased it must—I mean, that was my first purchase of equipment in March of '23. Okay.
• Now, if this is state, do we have, does the state demand if the governor give some money Does the state
• From the state of Arkansas? Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you.
• Then turn that to the state. Okay. Any other comments? It on it and turn that to the state. Okay.

Keywords: 1204, all