Transcript Highlights:

• but certainly within the scope of something that we can do in a reasonable way, in a scientifically valid
• I want to mix it in, I want to blend it in well to let that soil and let the soil's biome really utilize
• Anytime, uh, uh, the utilization of biosolids—can you tell me what differences would be beneficially

Summary: The meeting focused on the use of biosolids on farm and ranch land, with testimony from Oklahoma State University experts, a conservation official, and an engineering representative about the benefits, risks, and regulatory implications. Dr. Lusk described OSU’s long history of soil fertility research and said biosolids can provide nutrients and organic matter, but also may carry contaminants such as PFAS, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and pathogens. He emphasized that many questions remain unanswered, especially about contaminant uptake into soil, crops, livestock, and humans, and said existing EPA and Oklahoma DEQ regulations address some treatment and application standards but may not fully cover PFAS. Dr. Arnell expanded on nutrient management, explaining that biosolids can function similarly to manure as a fertilizer source, especially for nitrogen and phosphorus, but should be tested, incorporated into soil, and applied under permit conditions to reduce runoff and other losses. He said PFAS testing methods are not yet standardized and that more research is needed to determine sampling protocols, movement in soil, and long-term effects. Committee members asked whether farmers and ranchers should be notified of risks, whether PFAS is currently tested, how many counties use biosolids, and what research would be needed for a dissertation-level study. The witnesses generally agreed that landowners should be informed of known risks and uncertainties, but said the science is still developing. Dr. Arnell said a unified testing method is needed before reliable PFAS monitoring can be done, and suggested that a multi-year study would be required to understand soil movement, crop uptake, and livestock impacts. Greg Scott of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission framed the issue as a waste-management problem, noting that human waste streams contain contaminants and that soil type affects how pollutants move; he said sandy soils pose greater movement risks than clay soils and that current best practice is incorporation, careful timing, and avoiding steep or sensitive sites. He also said PFAS are widespread and not naturally occurring in the way some other compounds are, and that liability and cleanup costs are major concerns. Mary Elizabeth Mock of Garver Engineering focused on the practical and financial consequences of a possible moratorium on land application, saying most of Oklahoma’s biosolids are currently land applied and would otherwise have to go to landfills. She warned that many landfills are nearing capacity, tipping fees could rise sharply, and cities such as Tulsa and Norman could face large increases in disposal costs, which would ultimately be borne by ratepayers and taxpayers. She also said septic system maintenance costs could rise if land application options shrink, potentially leading to deferred maintenance and system failures. Mock urged a tiered, data-driven approach to PFAS regulation and said advanced treatment technologies may help in the future, but they are still emerging and expensive. No votes were taken; the session consisted of presentations and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• This return discretion to school districts to utilize ISS to address misconduct depending on the nature
• We understand those are very valid concerns.
• This amendment allows districts to utilize existing staff, teaching assistants, trained in de-escalation

Bills: HB 120, HB20, HB150, HB6, HB 100, HB 124, HB210, HB215, HB1393, HB1587, HB 1151, HB 1268, HB142, HB451, HB39, HB 102, HB 126, HB290, HB300, HB2143, HJR2, HB147, HJR6, HB 120, HB20, HB150, HB6, HB 100, HB 124, HB210, HB215, HB1393, HB1587, HB 1151, HB 1268, HB142, HB451, SB1

Keywords: career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, cybersecurity, state command, information resources, data protection, incident response, mental health, telehealth

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, as far as the findings being in the, uh, I think it's a valid concern that Ms.
• this is a forum shopping problem. um, people that are not married can't run to the family court and utilize
• And, uh, people that are married shouldn't be able to run to a different court to utilize what they think

Bills: HB116

Keywords: film industry, incentives, economic development, state funding, media production

Transcript Highlights:

• result of that work, and we believe that this bill provides a useful framework that providers can utilize
• This bill provides a useful framework that providers can utilize as we continue to develop ways to care
• Mostly I wanted to highlight that this bill would prohibit excited delirium from being recognized as a valid

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: On the deferred agenda, the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs took up SB 1364, which makes emergency appropriations for law enforcement personnel costs, and SB 1452, which relates to the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. The chair recommended both measures pass with amendments, including technical corrections and a committee-report effective date of July 1, 2077. For SB 1364, the amendments included specified general fund and transfer fund amounts for DAGS, the Judiciary, and the Department of Law. For SB 1452, the chair said the bill was being corrected to fix a drug-name error that had been replicated from a federal mistake. Both recommendations were adopted by vote, with Senator Dort excused. The committee then discussed SB 1612, a joint measure on fitness to proceed that would require and appropriate funds for a five-year pilot program involving the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Health, with interim and final reports to the Legislature. Testimony was mixed: the Judiciary and Department of Health were supportive, while the Office of the Public Defender and the Disability Rights Center opposed it, arguing it conflicted with best practices and the Clark consent order, and that people found not fit to proceed must be sent to the state hospital. DCR said its main concern was that the bill would still require patients to be housed in its facilities, which it said are not rehabilitative and are already strained by staffing shortages and limited access. The bill’s author argued the proposal was meant to create joint custody and reduce the high cost of state-hospital placement, but the committee did not take final action in the portion provided. In the joint hearing with Health and Human Services, the committees heard SB 1322, a broad rewrite of the state mental health code. The Attorney General supported the measure as a comprehensive cleanup and modernization effort, but many testifiers raised concerns. Queen’s Health System and Hawaii Health Systems Corporation supported the concept but warned about emergency-room impacts and asked for amendments; IHS supported the bill with a caveat about assisted community treatment procedures; and the Public Defender, Disability Rights Center, and others opposed parts of it, citing due process, privacy, HIPAA, counsel rights, liability immunity, and the reduction of an involuntary-treatment panel from three clinicians to one psychiatrist. The hearing also covered SB 951 on child protection, where the Department of Defense supported the bill and proposed technical amendments and MOUs with military components to clarify reporting and coordination procedures; DHS and the Attorney General said they were still working through possible changes. Finally, SB 228 on excited delirium was heard, with the Public Defender and Disability Rights Center supporting the bill and arguing the term has been misused and that better police de-escalation training is the real solution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I know that a great many do utilize it. Okay, we'll follow up quickly.
• So certainly it could be utilized to find Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, and other significant safety concerns
• We did utilize that technology when we were looking for a homicide suspect that was fleeing the state
• Just real quick, when would we expect that this would be checked, validated, enforced, anything like
• , would be in checked, validated, would be in checked, validated, enforced,<04:29:36.319> anything

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While our sheriff currently utilizes an app system that local residents and/or visitors can utilize to
• While our sheriff currently utilizes an app system that local residents and or visitors can utilize to
• We utilize our websites, and we do utilize Code Red, reserved for imminent or level one threats.
• So that's their call, but I think you make a valid point. A lot of people...
• There are many military events that have utilized this technology.

Summary: The joint Senate and House disaster preparedness hearing convened in Kerrville with quorum, public testimony limited to three minutes and invited testimony to 10 minutes. Leaders from both chambers, along with the lieutenant governor and speaker, framed the hearing as an unprecedented joint effort focused on learning from the July 4 flood, honoring victims, and identifying actions to reduce future loss of life. The committee also heard opening remarks about decorum, logistics, and the intent to continue work in future sessions. The first panel included Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Sheriff Larry Leitha, Emergency Management Coordinator William B. Thomas IV, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr., Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice, Upper Guadalupe River Authority representative William Rector, Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk, and Real County Judge Bella Rubio. They described the flood as sudden and catastrophic, with Kerr County reporting 108 deaths and two missing. Local officials emphasized that they received no timely warning of the scale of the event, that responders and volunteers acted heroically under extreme conditions, and that communications, cell coverage, and rural emergency resources were strained. Several witnesses said the county’s existing alert systems were limited by geography, sparse broadband, and the speed of the flood. Testimony focused on possible improvements, including real-time flood gauges and predictive monitoring, stronger rural emergency management staffing and training, better interoperability and alerting tools such as IPAWS, CodeRED, WENS, and sirens, and expanded broadband and radio coverage. Kerrville asked for a flood warning system before next summer and state help for stormwater, floodplain, and disaster recovery funding. UGRA described its past and current flood-warning and mitigation efforts, including gauge funding, a new software-based flood prediction project, and consideration of additional retention dams. Kendall and Real counties highlighted successful or needed alerting and evacuation practices, while also stressing the difficulty of funding and maintaining such systems in small rural counties. Members asked detailed questions about the timeline of the flood response, low-water crossings, communications failures, sirens, bridges, and whether regional consolidation or additional infrastructure could improve future preparedness.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the amendments, I am filing for your consideration the attached legislation entitled 'An Act validating
• And title: 'An Act validating the proceedings at the Millbury Town Annual Town Meeting.'

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first adopted an emergency preamble for H. 4521, establishing a sick leave bank for Kathleen Roder of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, by standing vote, with 8 in favor and none opposed. The chamber also suspended rules to refer several petitions to committee, including a resolution to rescind prior Article 5 constitutional convention applications and a petition on officer training related to stage suicides. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including legislation clarifying the duties of the Adjutant General and enhancing access and support for military-connected families, both with new drafts, and a bill designating Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, which was ordered to a third reading. A major portion of the session focused on the House’s nonconcurrence in the Senate’s amendment to the fiscal year 2025 supplemental budget and the appointment of a conference committee. Senators from both parties debated how to respond to the federal government shutdown and the threatened lapse in SNAP benefits, with repeated calls for the Commonwealth to use available state resources to prevent hunger, protect vulnerable residents, and seek federal reimbursement. Several members criticized the governor’s use of taxpayer-funded communications on the issue, while others defended the administration’s limited initial response and emphasized fiscal constraints. The Senate ultimately insisted on its amendment and appointed a conference committee consisting of Senators Rodrigues, Comerford, and O’Connor. The chamber also passed several local and special bills, including measures exempting Natick’s assistant fire chief from civil service, authorizing sewer service in Sharon, changing the term of the elected moderator in Holden, updating Medford’s linkage exaction program, and establishing sick leave banks for Candy J. Pike and Kathleen Roder. The Senate later adopted amended resolutions calling on the President of the United States to release contingency funds for SNAP during the shutdown, adopted an order to adjourn to the following Monday, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals never addressed the merits or validity of that map.
• But I would imagine the Eighth Circuit would make a ruling kind of determining the validity of the map

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• naturalization certificate or a birth certificate, when that person would also already need to have, I think, a valid
• naturalization certificate or a birth certificate when that person would also already need to have, I think, a valid

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Missouri House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 126-2 vote. Members then observed a moment of silence for former Representative and Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Barney Fisher, with remarks honoring his military service, business career, and House service from 2005 to 2013. The chamber also welcomed several guest groups, including Southern Boone third graders, Lake of the Ozarks Day visitors, and other special guests. The House then took up several third-reading measures. Senate Bill 907, the “act against abusive website access litigation,” was adopted with House amendments and passed 148-0 after debate focused on protecting businesses, nonprofits, churches, and political subdivisions from abusive ADA-related website lawsuits while preserving access rights and allowing a 90-day cure period. House Joint Resolution 159, which would modernize constitutional limits on state treasurer investments, passed 101-34 after supporters argued it could generate about $15 million annually without raising taxes, while opponents raised concerns about broad investment authority and voter intent. House Bill 2741, requiring CDL holders to be able to read and speak English sufficiently for safe operation and related duties, passed 104-22 amid debate over safety, immigration concerns, and enforcement. House Bill 2474, offering political subdivisions an optional progressive design-build contracting method, passed 141-5. House Bill 3076, described as cleanup language exempting agricultural non-point sources from water permitting, passed 102-41 after sharp disagreement over environmental protections and DNR authority. House Bill 2436, dealing with animal abuse, neglect, impoundment, and related procedures, passed 88-54 after debate over due process and livestock/property rights. House Bill 2576, the annual naming/awareness bill, passed 140-3. House Bill 3175, “Mason’s Law,” allowing certain health-condition information to be shared with law enforcement through the Department of Revenue for traffic stops, passed 147-0. Before adjournment, the House announced that the Rules Committee would meet immediately on one Senate bill and that members should be prepared to consider additional measures upon return. The chamber then adjourned until 4 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• naturalization certificate or a birth certificate when that person would also already need to have, I think, a valid
• work visa and permit to be able to... ...person would also already need to have, I think, a valid work

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the prior day by roll call vote, 126-2. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Rep. Barney Fisher, a Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and House member from 2005 to 2013, and welcomed several guest groups, including Southern Boone third graders, Lake of the Ozarks visitors, and other special guests in the gallery. The chamber then took up several third-reading bills. Senate Bill 907, the Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation, was amended and passed 148-0; supporters said it was aimed at curbing abusive ADA website demand-letter lawsuits while giving businesses, nonprofits, churches, and political subdivisions 90 days to cure issues. House Joint Resolution 159, which would modernize constitutional limits on state treasurer investments, passed 100-34 after debate over whether it gave too much discretion and whether it could yield about $15 million annually. House Bill 2741, requiring CDL holders and applicants to be able to read and speak English sufficiently for road safety and carry certain documents, passed 104-22 amid concerns about subjectivity and immigration impacts. House Bill 2474, adding progressive design-build as an optional project delivery method for local governments, passed 141-5. The House also passed House Bill 3076, described as cleanup language exempting agricultural non-point sources from water permitting and aligning state practice with federal rules, by 102-41 after sharp debate over whether it would weaken water protections. House Bill 2436, dealing with animal abuse, neglect, impoundment, and return of animals after disposition hearings, passed 88-54 despite objections that it could prolong cases and burden counties. House Bill 2576, the chamber’s naming bill adding observances such as Blood Donation Awareness and Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day, passed 140-3. Finally, House Bill 3175, “Mason’s Law,” allowing health-condition information to be shared with law enforcement for traffic stops, passed 147-0. The House then announced upcoming committee work, noted a Rules Committee meeting, and adjourned until 4 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• when someone on the other side of the religious spectrum is on the record for recognizing this as a valid
• OTHER SIDE OF THE RELIGIOUS SPECTRUM IS  ON THE RECORD FOR RECOGNIZING THIS AS A   114 VALID

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and considered four measures. HB 409, which would require K-12 schools to observe Veterans Day, was presented briefly with no public testimony or debate and passed 18-0. The committee then took up HJR 583, a proposed constitutional amendment to codify religious liberty and expression in schools. Supporters argued it would strengthen existing protections and give voters the final say, while opponents from parent, atheist, interfaith, and church groups warned it could privilege dominant faiths, create coercion or confusion in schools, and reduce flexibility for districts. After extended debate, the resolution passed 18-1, with Rep. Harris voting no. The committee next heard CS/HB 453, which would allow students to substitute participation in Special Olympics for a PE credit and marching band for PE and arts credit under certain conditions. The sponsor and supporters said the bill recognizes the physical demands of these activities and would benefit students with disabilities and band students; school district and PTA representatives waived in support. The bill passed unanimously, 19-0. Finally, HB 127, requiring cursive writing instruction in grades 2 through 5, was presented as a literacy and heritage measure. Supporters said it would help students read historical documents and strengthen handwriting skills, while questions focused on grading, retention, and applicability to charter schools. It passed 17-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also requires consideration of the entire application to determine if that application is valid.
• If there's a legitimate doubt about the place of birth, it also puts greater emphasis on a valid driver

Bills: SB2024, SB227, SB268, SB1467, SB1580, HB5537, SB1313, SB1677, SB918, SB331, SB2207, SB2721

Keywords: e-cigarettes, marketing prohibition, youth protection, criminal penalties, public health, school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, death records, vital statistics, healthcare, trauma facility, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• As drafted, AB 316 removes the ability to raise and consider valid legal concepts like foreseeability
• As drafted, AB 316 removes the ability to raise and consider valid legal concepts like foreseeability

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard several bills on AI, social media, rental cars, and account deletion. AB 316 by Assemblymember Krell would bar defendants from avoiding liability by claiming an AI system autonomously caused harm. Supporters argued it would preserve accountability as AI grows more powerful, especially in cases involving children, while opponents said existing tort law already covers these issues and warned the bill could create uncertainty and overbroad liability. The bill passed the committee 8-1. AB 656 by Assemblymember Schiavo, sponsored by Consumer Federation of California, would make it easier for users to delete social media accounts and personal information, with amendments shifting the deletion prompt into settings rather than on every screen. Supporters said platforms use dark patterns and make deletion unnecessarily difficult; opponents raised concerns about unintended deletions and possible conflicts with existing privacy law, though the author said the bill was being aligned with CCPA. The bill passed 9-0. The committee also approved the consent calendar. AB 1197 by Assemblymember Calderon would address rental car theft and misuse by allowing limited geofencing in specific situations and revising rules around renter liability when keys are returned and a police report is filed. Rental car companies and other supporters said the bill would help recover stolen or abandoned vehicles, while an opponent warned about privacy and possible consumer harms in edge cases. The bill passed 11-0. AB 1374 by Assemblymember Berman would require more upfront disclosure of the total price of rental cars, including mandatory fees, to curb hidden charges; supporters said consumers still face surprise costs, while opponents argued current law already requires disclosure and that the bill’s new wording could invite litigation. It passed 13-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• that were organized, that means the so-called election for a presiding officer—none of that stuff is valid
• that were organized, that means the so-called election for a presiding officer—none of that stuff is valid

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Minnesota House Democrats reacted to the Minnesota Supreme Court’s ruling that a quorum in the House is 68, saying the decision confirms that neither party can act alone and that Republicans and Democrats must negotiate to organize the chamber. They argued that the GOP’s actions over the prior two weeks were illegitimate once Secretary of State Steve Simon determined there was no quorum, and said all committee activity and the election of a presiding officer during that period were not valid. A major focus was the status of Rep. Brad Tabke’s seat in Shakopee. Democrats said Republicans were trying to use a temporary one-seat advantage to oust Tabke despite his election win, recount victory, and court ruling, which they said found it mathematically impossible that he lost. They said they would not return to the Capitol unless Republicans agreed not to remove him and to respect the voters’ will. Democrats said they were still open to a negotiated power-sharing deal and emphasized that such agreements should be in writing. They described their current offer as allowing Republicans to run the chamber while they hold a one-seat advantage, with committee members from the DFL not voting, and then moving to full power sharing if the House returns to a tie. They said the special election timeline was not changed by the court ruling and that the governor could still issue the writ on February 5, with the session having begun on January 14.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our rates to validate that our costs were covered.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Trade secret protection is valid.
• Trade secret protection is valid.
• Uh trade secret protection is<02:38:32.319> valid.
• The other thing I just wanted is valid.
• And the third amendment aligns this bill with Colorado's clean heat statute to confirm that utilities

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the new licensing system that went in place, they needed $2,750 for computer equipment to start utilizing
• And then obviously we're very active to be there live to validate what's going on at those events."
• 58:59.920> to very active to be there live to uh to very active to be there live to uh to validate
• :01.200> going<00:59:01.359> on<00:59:01.520> at<00:59:01.760> those validate
• what's going on at those validate what's going on at those events.<00:59:02.640> So events.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 409, 22 January, 2026; 1:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Mississippi Auctioneer Commission, which requested level funding. PJ Lindsay reported the agency granted 29 new auctioneer applications and 9 new firm applications, received 3 complaints, resolved 1, signed 1 consent order, and issued 1 suspension. Members questioned the commission about its cash balance, reserve levels, and a large variance between prior spending and the FY26 request; staff explained the difference was tied to technology and contractual costs, including planned computer system updates and out-of-state conference travel for board members. The commission also noted that auctioneering oversight is important because an estimated $4.5 billion will flow through Mississippi escrow accounts in 2025. The Board of Optometry then presented its budget and organizational changes. Board leaders said the board had transitioned away from a state employee model to a management company arrangement with JBAR/Cornerstone, which they said saved about $43,000 and improved service and efficiency. They described the creation of a licensing database and a new back-end system, and said the board was generally seeking level funding with a small increase for computer equipment tied to the new system. Committee members asked about the impact on PERS contributions, the former employee’s retirement, the board’s cash balance, lease arrangements, and whether licensees had complained; the board said the change required legislative approval, the former employee retired, the cash balance was about $399,900, and service complaints had decreased. The Mississippi Board of Licensure for Engineers and Surveyors reported a busy FY2025, including moving most licensure applications online, accepting supporting documents by email, expanding K-12 and college outreach, hosting student interns, visiting ABET-accredited schools, decoupling the surveyor exam registration process, and awarding about $400,000 in grants to engineering programs. The board said it licenses about 15,000 engineers and surveyors plus 8,500 interns, with most registrants from out of state, and that its fees are among the lowest nationally. For the budget, the board requested level funding overall but also sought a new investigator position, 5% salary progressions, increased travel funding for national meetings and STEM outreach, more contractual money for internships and IT modifications, additional supplies, and restoration of a $600,000 grant program that is funded every other year to support university and community college engineering and surveying programs. The board said its operations are supported by fees and that its cash balance is about $1.6 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• How many of those were found to be valid? Well, we don't make determinations on validity.
• 18.920> be Duran how many of those were found to be Duran how many of those were found to be valid
• 29.040> on um well we don't make determinations on um well we don't make determinations on validity
• > we<01:27:29.800> are<01:27:29.920> doing<01:27:30.239> determinations validity
• we are doing determinations validity we are doing determinations based<01:27:31.280> on<01:27

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Judiciary and Civil Law Committee met to hear an informational presentation from the Board of Judicial Standards. After brief member and staff introductions and a review of committee rules, the board’s executive secretary, Sarah Bas, and Mary Pat Maher explained the board’s history, mission, and operations. They described the board as an independent state agency that handles complaints about judicial misconduct and disability, issues advisory opinions, and educates judges on ethics. The presentation covered the board’s composition, complaint intake and screening process, and the levels of discipline available, ranging from summary dismissal and letters of caution to private admonitions, deferred disposition agreements, public reprimands, and formal complaints that can lead to Supreme Court review. Members asked about the board’s budget, public access to discipline records, confidentiality of complaints, and how the board balances accountability with protecting public confidence in the judiciary. The board said public discipline is posted on its website, while private admonitions, deferred dispositions, dismissals, and letters of caution remain confidential. It also said judges generally are told who complained so they can respond, though the board can withhold the source for good cause. Questions also focused on whether attorneys are underreporting misconduct, how many complaints are nuisance complaints, and whether the online complaint system changed the types of complaints received; the board said nuisance complaints make up more than half, the complaint types have not changed much, and it does not have data comparing complaint sources to outcomes. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've asked the right questions, we found our own data to validate it.
• We've asked the right questions, we found our own data to validate it.
• We've asked the right questions, we found our own data to validate it.
• We've asked the right questions, we found our own data to validate it.
• We've asked the right questions, we found our own data to validate it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on the fiscal note process, prompted by concerns raised in a prior hearing about the fiscal note for the Paid Family and Medical Leave law. Chair Marty, Senator Pratt, and Senator Wiklund said the goal was not to revisit the bill itself but to strengthen understanding of fiscal note standards, the role of the Legislative Budget Office (LBO), and communication with agencies. They emphasized bipartisan concern that fiscal notes must be respected and that the process should be clearer going forward. Christian Larison of the LBO explained that the 2024 fiscal note issues stemmed from three main problems: choosing the proper baseline for a program that had not yet started, interpreting the seven-day qualifying event/waiting period, and determining whether DEED could adjust the first-year premium rate. He said the LBO, DEED, MMB, and House fiscal staff ultimately used the October 2023 actuarial analysis as the baseline because it was the most recent and likely most accurate estimate, but that choice meant the fiscal note did not show the difference from the 2023 enacted budget. He also described how DEED later interpreted the seven-day provision as a waiting period and how the premium-rate assumptions affected the fiscal impact. Larison outlined possible responses, including more assertive early communication from the LBO, providing more detailed analysis in unusual cases, and possibly creating a working group through the LBO Oversight Commission to consider new standards for substantial assumption changes, complex new programs, and third-party actuarial work. He also noted the LBO has authority to issue unapproved fiscal notes if standards are not met, though it has not used that authority. In questions, Senator Murphy asked about protecting the credibility of fiscal notes, and Larison said maintaining independence, objectivity, and consistent standards is central to the LBO’s role. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will reference really quick this amendment and why I believe it's valid and we should add this to this
• I will reference really quick this amendment and why I believe it's valid and we should add this to this
• I will reference really quick this amendment and why I believe it's valid and we should add this to this

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 1606, as amended, was debated on the House floor as a bill to prohibit access to nudification technology and related AI-generated sexual deepfakes. Representative Hansen, the bill’s author, described the measure as a response to non-consensual, sexually explicit images and videos, especially harms to children and women, and said the bill would define nudified content, require nudifying features on apps and websites to be turned off in Minnesota, bar promotion of such apps, and create enforcement and remedies. Supporters emphasized testimony from survivors, the rapid growth of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, and the need for state action because federal regulation has lagged. Opponents of the amendment argued the underlying bill should remain a clean, single-issue measure focused on non-consensual content creation and warned that adding age-verification language would complicate the bill and add cost. Representative Bakeberg offered amendment A4, which would add age-verification requirements for commercial adult-content sites, with privacy limits for adults and enforcement mechanisms including audits and attorney general authority. Supporters of the amendment said it would extend existing physical-world protections for minors into the digital space, cited legal support from a Texas case and similar laws in other states, and argued it would help protect children from online pornography. Representative Hansen opposed the amendment, saying she had not been consulted, that it would muddy the bill’s focus on non-consensual nudification, and that it would add fiscal cost. Other members spoke both for and against the amendment, with some saying the issues were related and others saying the amendment was not ready and should be handled separately. The House then took a roll call on amendment A4, and it failed on a 67-67 tie. After the amendment was not adopted, the bill was given its third reading. In closing remarks, supporters of the underlying bill reiterated that it was intended to protect victims and prevent harm before it occurs, while one member said the bill did not go far enough because it targeted software makers rather than the people creating and distributing the material. The transcript ends with further discussion of the bill’s purpose and support for moving it forward.