Video & Transcript Research : 'small modular reactor'
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 16th, 2026 at 09:04 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- House Memorial 52 is about health insurance affordability for working families and small employers who
- premiums and out-of-pocket costs are rising, and the impact is felt most on our working class and small
- As you know, small employers have less purchasing power than large corporations and fewer options, so
- insurance premium affordability study group focused on New Mexico's fully insured individuals and small
- And then the last is recommendations to improve transparency so that these small employers and consumers
Keywords:
SB 101, Health Care Delivery and Access Act, repeal of repeal, sunset repeal, delayed repeal, health care, healthcare, access to care, medical services, provider regulation, state health law, New Mexico, SB 21, Medicare supplement, Medigap, open enrollment, guaranteed issue, birthday month enrollment, health insurance, insurance regulation
TX
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects, developers, builders, local government, infrastructure, water efficiency, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct, real property, fraud
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- legislation that offers a private sector-driven approach to improving access to growth capital for rural small
- The program authorizes $300 million of capital investment to small rural businesses with under 250 employees
- This small change expands opportunity while preserving the bill's original intent.
- Last year, I was working on a remodeling project at a home, and we were working in a small space with
- Our bosses came in and closed the small window of ventilation we had so the paint odors wouldn't get
Keywords:
heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, employee rights, administrative penalties, training requirements, employee training, occupational health, employer penalties, worker rights, heat illness, volunteer firefighter, volunteer emergency responder, emergency medical services volunteer, EMS volunteer, firefighter, fire department, emergency services, declared disaster
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- This small but mighty force people. This small but mighty force people.
- and exercise that provides training and exercise that provides training and hands-on experiences in small
- unit hands-on experiences in small unit hands-on experiences in small unit tactics, mission planning
- uh access to health care for small uh access to health care for small communities, especially our rural
- It's important for small businesses in important for small businesses in important for small businesses
Keywords:
regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- maybe they want to get a cosmetology license, maybe they want to start a restaurant. maybe another small
- I've talked to so many small business individuals.
- be professional it would be people that are familiar with the rules and it would be people that are small
- Speaker, members, as we've seen on the federal level, sometimes you have to hire a small group of experts
- It's my hope that this law is even a small consolation to his family and will allow others to heal on
Keywords:
regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So, if you want to hurt the Walmartization of small lawyers and small firm lawyers, this bill is going
- I have a small firm. My daughter practices with me.
- I have a small practice.
- It hurts working families, small clinics, and rural hospitals.
- Secondly, we run a small business; our clinic employs about 125 people.
Bills:
SB 30, SB 517, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 1698, SB 1845, SB 1860, SB 2420, SB 2429
Keywords:
gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections
Summary:
The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights.
The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This issue has strong advocates for individuals, for small providers, for large providers.
- This issue has strong advocates for individuals, for small providers, for large providers.
- We're a fairly small community.
- RPAM is a small nonprofit trade association that represents small residential assisted living providers
- <01:40:58.360>
small Association that represents small Association that represents small residential
Keywords:
PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services, long-term care, community-based services, support person, healthcare, patient rights, assisted living, community support, caregiver respite, financial eligibility, Minnesota Statutes, HF1477, residential program licensing, community residential setting, small group home, licensed capacity six or fewer, rental licensing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Fair markets for Minnesota's small Fair markets for Minnesota's small medium<00:53:34.079>
and - consolidation that has driven out small consolidation that has driven out small and<00:53:58.640
- prices um and to not have our small prices um and to not have our small communities<01:04:48.319
- <01:15:23.480>
retailers actually hurt the ret small retailers actually hurt the ret small - enforce um better prices that small enforce um better prices that small businesses<01:19:36.600>
Keywords:
homeowners insurance, property insurance, commercial property insurance, insurance affordability, insurance market stabilization, reinsurance, catastrophic reinsurance fund, self-insured pool, premium costs, coverage notice, liability reform, climate risk, climate change, housing affordability, multifamily housing, rental housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, small business insurance, Minnesota Commerce Department
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Some, but a small percentage of that, $30 million. Okay, thank you.
- We're a small community with a small pool of assets, but we are fiscally responsible. and have achieved
- A small business, as defined by the U.S.
- Round Rock would just assert that this small business exception actually dumps more regulation on small
- That's a compliance nightmare for small businesses.
Keywords:
sales tax, use tax, local tax, municipal tax, county tax, tax sourcing, place of business, principal business location, small business, retailer, marketplace seller, economic development agreement, Chapter 321, Chapter 323, Tax Code, Texas Comptroller, local sales and use tax, tax jurisdiction, order consummation, ship-to location
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/3/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- He said that when they are talking about utility hookups, they are talking about not a small amount of
- <00:51:31.799>
dollar what we're talking about is small dollar what we're talking about is - small dollar contributions<00:51:33.000>
at <00:51:33.200>this <00:51:33.319>point< - donors in our communities and in small donors in our communities and in our<00:54:25.920>
state - It's a fairly small list, I'm assuming, of these lifelong permanent absentee ballots being sent out,
Keywords:
natural gas, gas hookups, residential construction, energy policy, local control, state preemption, municipal regulation, county ordinance, electrification, climate policy, housing development, building codes, energy source, utility infrastructure, Minnesota Statutes chapter 326B, propane, utility service, building permits, local government, energy choice
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Ways and Means May 30th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- As a small business development center, it helps support entrepreneurs and small farmers, and our Wolf
- As a small business development center, it helps to support entrepreneurs and small farmers, and our
- be helping out small businesses.
- So it's not every small business in the state.
- So it's not every small business in the state.
Bills:
AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495
Keywords:
higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability Aug 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This could include things like modular, factory-built, and things like that.
- This could include things like modular, factory-built, and things like that.
- They were too small, unhealthy, unsafe, and they were able to access affordable housing.
- , and maybe that's going to result in more adoption and more use of the modular factories and modular
- Like, for example, I come from a very small town that fought redevelopment, that...
Summary:
The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine California’s housing finance system, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for practical recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Co-chairs described the committee as an educational and problem-solving forum focused on financing housing production, first-time homeownership, mixed-income developments, and affordability across the income spectrum. Witnesses from state agencies and the development sector were invited to explain how housing is financed and where the system is breaking down.
Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Tax Credit Allocation Committee/State Treasurer’s Office, CalHFA, and Related outlined the “capital stack” used to finance affordable housing, stressing that projects typically rely on multiple public and private sources, including federal and state low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental income. Speakers noted that affordable housing rents generally cannot support full project costs without public subsidy, and that recent federal changes—especially the expansion of the 4% and 9% tax credit programs and the reduction of the bond financing threshold for 4% credits—should allow California to finance substantially more units. CalHFA also described its homeownership programs, including My Home, Dream For All, and disaster-related mortgage assistance, as well as its multifamily lending and bond issuance programs.
Several witnesses and committee members emphasized that the system remains too complex, too slow, and underfunded. They pointed to the need for more state funding, a housing bond, a permanent funding source, and better coordination among agencies, while also citing recent streamlining efforts such as AB 434’s SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency reorganization. Members raised concerns about equity, access, missing-middle housing, gender and racial disparities, and whether current programs adequately serve extremely low-income households and those at risk of homelessness. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing; the discussion ended with committee members and witnesses agreeing that both funding and administrative reform are needed to increase production and improve affordability.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- So we are still in the modular.
- We are in the modular until we have been told it may be as early as...
- We are in the modular until we have been told it may be as early as August 2026 when we can move into
- But have you been satisfied in the modular? I... Yeah, yeah.
- But have you been satisfied in the modular? You appear to be happy there. I actually love it here.
Summary:
The Statute Law Committee met on December 10, 2025, approved the June 10, 2025 minutes, and received a publications update noting that the 2025 RCW volumes and session laws are available, with sales continuing a gradual decline but generally tracking prior years. The committee also heard that the office remains fully staffed and financially stable, with projected year-end funds remaining and a healthy publications fund balance.
A major discussion centered on a proposal from retired Judge Ann Levinson to make the code more reader-friendly when chapters are repealed and recodified, especially after the civil protection orders reform in E2 SHB 1320, which consolidated multiple protection order laws into new chapter 7.105 RCW. Levinson argued that current disposition-table language such as “repealed by” can be confusing to the public and may appear to signal legislative disapproval, and suggested adding a simple pointer to the new chapter. Code revisers explained their current practice, the limits of their editorial discretion, and the technical and policy concerns involved, while expressing support for some form of “see also” guidance and noting that hyperlinking session-law citations in disposition tables may also help readers find the new law.
The committee also discussed office operations, including a planned move from the modular offices back into the rebuilt Pritchard building, expected in late 2026, with improved space, storage, and enclosed offices. Staff proposed changing regular Monday-through-Thursday office hours from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. to 8 a.m.–7 p.m., with exceptions for active work, client requests, and floor action; the proposal was supported by a chart showing that many evenings have no work after 7 p.m., though late nights would still occur during busy periods. The meeting ended with acknowledgments of retiring staff, including editor Barb Sage after 37 years of service, and a farewell to Vice Chair Sam Thompson, whose successor had just been selected.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, that bill was tailored for small module reactors, which again, I think it could be a solution part
- Now, that bill was tailored for small module reactors, which again, I think it could be a solution part
- Now, that bill was tailored for small module reactors, which again, I think it could be a solution part
- Now, that bill was tailored for small module reactors, which again, I think it could be a solution part
- c><03:37:37.600>
that <03:37:37.840>and small nuclear reactors that are that and small
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we're going to actually look at having the board approve the acquisition of a small modular building
- But it is something that we could do with a modular building and start a lot faster.
- And so we're going to actually look at having the board approve the acquisition of a small modular building
- But it is something that we could do with a modular building and start a lot faster.
- But it is something that we could do with a modular building and start a lot faster.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received an overview of Florida’s career and technical education (CTE) system from Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, who described the state’s CTE pathways, program types, enrollment and completion growth, quality audit metrics, and the Master Credentials List used to identify credentials of value. He highlighted record postsecondary CTE enrollment and completions, strong statewide performance in talent attraction, and several funding tools supporting expansion, including Open Door, the Florida First Responder Scholarship, Workforce Development Capitalization grants, Perkins funding, CAPE performance incentives, and apprenticeship grants. Senators asked about eligibility for Open Door and first responder aid, top industry certifications, and the teacher apprenticeship initiative.
A panel of college and technical school leaders then described how state and federal funding has supported local program growth and facility expansion. Santa Fe College, Palm Beach State College, North Florida Technical College, Lake Technical College, Florida Gateway College, and Manatee Technical College each cited increases in enrollment, high placement or licensure pass rates, and new or expanded programs in nursing, welding, CDL, automotive, manufacturing, public safety, and apprenticeship. Several speakers emphasized partnerships with hospitals, employers, school districts, and local governments, and noted that grants helped fund equipment, renovations, and new training hubs. Palm Beach State also raised a request to broaden line funding beyond nursing to other health science fields, and multiple presenters asked for more flexibility, multi-year support, and continued or increased funding to sustain growth.
Members discussed broader challenges, including the difficulty of sustaining grant-funded growth after initial awards, the lag between enrollment growth and funding formulas, and alignment problems for dual enrollment and technical programs with high school schedules. Senators also noted the need to balance support for high-demand core programs like nursing and welding with the ability to respond quickly to emerging industries such as AI and space. The meeting ended with no formal action beyond adjournment after Senator Davis moved to adjourn.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Local Government (2-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Number one, this is a very small-business-focused and deregulatory-type measure, which I appreciate the
- And this is a great opportunity for small businesses to thrive.
- Number one, this is a very small-business-focused and deregulatory-type measure, which I appreciate the
- And this is a great opportunity for small businesses to thrive.
- inspectors modular homes are built<00:25:53.279>
to <00:25:53.600>the <00:25:53.840>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:01
Roll Call 00:16
HB 211 Discussion 02:55
HB 211 Vote 16:30
HB 160 Discussion 18:50
HB 160 Vote 52:06
Adjournment 57:35, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Local Government met for its first meeting of the year, established a quorum, and heard two bills. House Bill 211, sponsored by Representative Chris Lewis, would create a definition for cigar bars and allow indoor cigar smoking in qualifying establishments if they meet criteria such as deriving at least 15% of gross income from cigar-related sales, restricting entry to those 21 and older, prohibiting cigarettes and vaping, and requiring a smoke-free area for deliveries. Lewis and Louisville Metro Council member Anthony Pantini described the bill as a small-business and tourism measure modeled on Tennessee law, while the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and a St. Elizabeth physician opposed it, arguing it would undermine local smoke-free ordinances and expose patrons and workers to harmful secondhand smoke. Several members raised local-control concerns, and Lewis said he was open to local governments making decisions on less restrictive approaches. The committee adopted a committee substitute and then approved HB 211 on a roll call vote, with multiple members voting yes and several no votes, sending the bill forward as amended.
The committee then heard House Bill 160 from Representative Susan Whitten, with Logan Haynes of the Kentucky Manufactured Housing Institute. They said Kentucky faces a housing shortage of roughly 200,000 units and that starter homes are increasingly unaffordable, making manufactured housing an important part of the solution. Whitten said the bill would treat manufactured housing more like site-built housing while still allowing local governments to enforce cosmetic standards such as roof pitch, exterior facade, and foundation material, and she emphasized that HOA, deed, and historical preservation restrictions would remain in place. Haynes argued that modern manufactured homes are federally and state inspected, more energy efficient, faster to build, and more affordable than site-built homes, and he said the bill would not open the door to older-style mobile homes or single-wides except in limited narrow-lot situations.
Representatives from the Kentucky League of Cities and the Kentucky Association of Counties expressed concerns about the bill’s current language, saying land-use decisions should remain local and warning that the definition of qualified manufactured home and the bill’s treatment of local standards could have unintended consequences. They said they appreciated Whitten’s willingness to work with them and indicated they hoped to continue negotiating amendments as the bill moved forward. No vote on HB 160 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House OKs housing finance, policy bill agreement 5/13/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're a neighborhood board, we're a small nonprofit, we don't know.
- <00:33:21.400>
Having small nonprofit, we don't know. - Having small nonprofit, we don't know.
- the issues of having more small the issues of having more small business,<00:36:12.760>
of - There's<00:37:37.240>
a <00:37:37.320>fantastic <00:37:38.040>small <00:37:38.320 - There's<00:37:37.240>
Summary:
The House considered the conference committee report on House File 1141, a housing bill, and moved to adopt the report and repass the bill as amended. Rep. Howard said the compromise would help build thousands of new homes, keep Minnesotans housed, and improve transparency and collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, while remaining budget-neutral. He highlighted investments in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured housing, EHPAP, supportive housing, and a new provision for greater public access at MHFA board meetings, while noting that some Senate proposals, including a manufactured housing bill of rights and a ban on private equity home purchases, were not included.
Several members spoke in support of the compromise. Rep. Kozlowski emphasized the bill’s role in addressing housing instability, homelessness, and workforce shortages, citing investments in first-generation homebuyer assistance, supportive housing, and preservation of beds and units. Rep. Skraba and Rep. West also supported the bill, with Skraba praising the bipartisan process and West arguing the bill focused on supply-side solutions such as manufactured housing and easing development constraints. Rep. Schultz opposed the bill, arguing the money should instead go to school safety, fraud prevention, asset preservation, and lowering costs for taxpayers. After brief discussion, the House adopted the conference report and advanced the bill to third reading.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- In energy, we are working together on major projects like small modular reactors, the first of their
- together on major projects like small together on major projects like small module<00:14:00.399>
- >
its <00:14:02.240>kind module reactor, the first of its kind module reactor, the first - <01:35:59.920>
sight opportunity for there to be small sight opportunity for there to be small - we're not simply amending just one small we're not simply amending just one small piece<01:47:55.360
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, and handled several ceremonial and introductory matters before moving into committee reports. The chamber welcomed the doctor of the day, recognized an intern and a guest in the gallery, extended birthday wishes to Senator Chris West, and received remarks from the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Andre Moraru, who emphasized Romania’s strategic partnership with the United States, NATO cooperation, investment ties, energy projects, and support for Ukraine. Senators also briefly noted Maryland’s military and diplomatic ties to Romania. The ambassador’s remarks were journalized, and members were given time to meet with him off the floor.
The Senate then took up a series of second-reading bills, mostly from the Finance Committee, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the measures advanced were Senate Bill 39 on behavioral health reimbursement rate methodology and a work group for certified community behavioral health clinics and outpatient mental health centers; Senate Bill 605 directing the Public Service Commission to study broadband and VoIP oversight; Senate Bill 721, Ralph’s Act, providing expedited DDA/Medicaid eligibility for certain recently relocated individuals; and Senate Bill 891 on perinatal mental health screening, coverage, training, and reporting. Each was amended in committee and ordered printed for third reading.
The Senate also advanced several House bills, including House Bill 427 extending the task force on responsible use of natural psychedelic substances and adding an HBCU representative; House Bill 480 requiring transportation network companies to maintain written deactivation policies; House Bill 532 requiring overtime pay for firefighters employed by governmental units after 168 hours in a 28-day period; House Bill 816 reducing the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund assessment cap from 3% to 1% and authorizing an affordability program; House Bill 829 requiring human trafficking awareness training for certain for-hire and rideshare drivers; House Bill 862 requiring a two-person crew for certain freight rail operations in shared corridors, contingent on similar action in neighboring states; and House Bill 999 revising Class 9 limited distillery license rules and production limits. Most of these bills were reported favorably, with no objections, and were ordered to third reading or passed for third reading as applicable.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- WE ALSO HAVE SEQUENCING REACTORS OR SPR.
- THE LAST ONE THAT WE HAVE DISCUSSED WILL BE THE SEQUENCING BATCH REACTOR.
- WE ALLOW YOU TO MAKE YOUR DRAIN FIELD SMALL ERRORS. IN SOME CASES WE HAVE SETBACKS.
- IT'S THE SMALL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MIDDLE UNIT AND THE ADVANCE UNIT.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Lowering Energy Costs Through Innovation / Improving Housing Affordability and Fraud Protections May 29th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There are two smaller ways we deliver nuclear power: advanced nuclear and so-called small modular nuclear
- There are two smaller ways we deliver nuclear power: advanced nuclear and so-called small modular nuclear
- There are two smaller ways we deliver nuclear power: advanced nuclear and so-called small modular nuclear
- There are two smaller ways we deliver nuclear power: advanced nuclear and so-called small modular nuclear
- There are two smaller ways we deliver nuclear power: advanced nuclear and so-called small modular nuclear
Summary:
The program focused first on Minnesota’s energy and affordability agenda, with Senator Nick Frentz discussing the state’s clean-energy leadership, rising electricity demand, and the Senate’s 100% clean energy framework. He said Minnesota’s clean energy growth supports jobs, lowers costs for ratepayers, and includes recent wins such as sustainable aviation fuel tax treatment in the supplemental budget. Frentz also said the Senate passed an energy omnibus bill that continues clean-energy permitting reforms, promotes conservation and demand response, and includes a nuclear study rather than lifting the nuclear moratorium.
Frentz spent much of the interview defending data centers as both a challenge and an opportunity. He said large hyperscale projects can create major construction jobs and substantial local property-tax revenue, while a 2025 law requires data-center companies to contribute to low-income energy assistance and report water use. He pointed to the Google data center planned for Pine Island as an example, saying it is air-cooled, will pay $5 million a year, and will fund 1,600 MW of clean energy at its own expense, which he argued could save Xcel ratepayers money over time. He also said climate change is already driving higher costs through homeowners insurance and storm damage.
The second segment highlighted Senator Zach Duckworth’s housing and banking bills. Duckworth said Senate File 4168 would make it easier to finance investment properties by giving buyers more flexibility to roll closing costs and lender fees into payments, while keeping strong protections in place for primary residences. He emphasized that the bill is not about predatory lending and is intended to expand options for informed investors. He also described Senate File 4652 as an anti-fraud, no-cost measure that lets bank customers name a trusted contact so banks can alert someone if suspicious activity is detected. Duckworth said both bills passed unanimously in both chambers, and he credited quick action and good working relationships across the aisle for their success.
The program closed with a broader reflection on the end of session and the Senate’s political climate. It noted that 15 senators are retiring and two are leaving for higher office, and that final floor votes often split along party lines, including one bill passing 34-33. Several retiring senators used farewell speeches to urge civility, compromise, and putting people first, while the segment emphasized that despite partisan conflict, quiet bipartisan cooperation still produced much of the session’s enacted legislation.