Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk<00:12:07.839> will<00:12:08.000> read<00:12:08.160> the<00:12:08.399><
• <00:12:12.800> Favor<00:12:13.120> report<00:12:13.360> is<00:12:13.519>
• Adopted.<00:12:14.880> Recognizing<00:12:15.519> the<00:12:15.839> maker<00:12:16.079
• <00:12:19.120> It's<00:12:19.200> a<00:12:19.760> it's<00:12:20.000> a
• <00:12:32.560> to<00:12:32.800> my<00:12:33.120> colleague<00:12:33.360> and<

Keywords: House streaming session for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 132 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and adopted a House resolution honoring United Communities Against Poverty for 60 years of service in Prince George’s County fighting poverty. The organization’s board members were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then handled introductory business, including first-reading referral of House Bills 1587-1596, two introductory House bond initiatives referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 25 and other Senate bills received in the House and referred to committees. The House also took up committee reports and special orders. The Economic Matters Committee reported favorably on several bills, including House Bills 236, 241, 242, 259, and 308, all of which were adopted and ordered printed for third reading. On House Bill 146 regarding on-site wastewater systems, a friendly amendment was adopted to allow repair or replacement of failed drain field components needed to meet the bill’s requirements. On House Bill 220 concerning individual water meters/submetering, a substitute amendment was adopted to strike a provision related to eviction proceedings and keep the bill aligned with existing law; the bill was then ordered printed for third reading. Members also made several announcements recognizing visiting groups and observances, including the ALS Association, Career and Technology Education Month, Economic Development Day, Developmental Disabilities Day, Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, the start of Ramadan, and Easter season. The House heard a Black History Month-style recognition of Ethel Beh Hill and welcomed multiple delegations and student groups. Committee and subcommittee meeting announcements followed, and with 134 members present, the House remained in session before the majority leader moved adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:12:24.920> them<00:12:25.560> some<00:12:25.800> kind<00:12:26.040> of<
• private right<00:12:27.040> of<00:12:27.240> action<00:12:27.680> attorney<00:12
• ><00:12:40.360> the<00:12:40.480> sort<00:12:40.680> of<00:12:40.800> General
• <00:12:42.000> aspect<00:12:42.399> I'll<00:12:42.600> I'll<00:12:42.720>
• <00:12:47.800> questions<00:12:48.519> um<00:12:48.920> after<00:12:49.120><

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee met for an introductory session focused on committee organization, staff roles, and an overview of the committee’s jurisdiction. Members and staff introduced themselves, and the chair explained that one member was absent due to a meeting with the governor. House fiscal staff member John Walls reviewed the committee’s budget spreadsheet and explained the agencies under the committee’s jurisdiction, including the Supreme Court, Board of Civil Legal Aid, Court of Appeals, district courts, Guardian ad Litem Board, Tax Court, Uniform Laws Commission, Board of Judicial Standards, Board of Public Defense, Human Rights Commission, Office of Appellate Counsel and Training, and the Competency Restoration Board. He also explained how fiscal notes work and how costs or revenue impacts are tracked for bills. Nathan Hopkins then described the committee’s broad civil law jurisdiction, covering areas such as property, torts, contracts, civil rights, consumer protection, employment, family law, remedies, statutes of limitations, damages, burdens of proof, due process, and attorney general enforcement. He also outlined the committee’s role in government data practices under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, emphasizing the distinction between transparency and privacy and noting that bills affecting Chapter 13 are often re-referred to this committee. Ben Johnson added that he handles appropriations and court-related policy provisions, with most budget drafting expected later in the session. A member asked about the Competency Restoration Board, and Johnson explained that it was created to address cases involving criminal defendants found incompetent to proceed, with the goal of coordinating placements and services to restore competency rather than serving as long-term civil commitment. The chair also noted the importance of privacy and technology issues, mentioning past bipartisan work on body cameras, license plate readers, and drones. The meeting ended with a brief announcement about a law school for legislators program and an invitation to attend upcoming Zoom sessions, after which the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:35.000> me<00:12:35.080> the<00:12:35.200> copy<00:12:35.480> of
• <00:12:35.839> And<00:12:35.920> she<00:12:36.040> signed<00:12:36.400> on
• And for<00:12:37.720> those<00:12:37.920> that<00:12:38.040> do<00:12:38.160>
• So, Hortman<00:12:42.480> and<00:12:42.600> Nash<00:12:43.480> uh<00:12:43.680><
• <00:12:44.960> And<00:12:45.760> she<00:12:45.920> had<00:12:46.080> a

Bills: HF3455, HF3936, HF3860, HF3656, HF4060

Keywords: public television, funding, Minnesota, operations, appropriation, cybersecurity, state government, legislative commission, extension, technology, civil law enforcement, attorney general, record custody, government transparency, legal services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that<00:12:03.200> of<00:12:03.519> one<00:12:03.760> that<00:12:04.000>
• Thank<00:12:34.720> you<00:12:34.800> for<00:12:34.959> your<00:12:35.120><
• If I may inquire<00:12:36.480> and<00:12:36.959> I'm<00:12:37.120> sorry<00:12:37.279
• <01:12:02.800> I<01:12:03.040> mean,<01:12:03.600> I<01:12:03.760> I<
• Currently, there's<01:12:05.280> not<01:12:05.520> very<01:12:05.840> many<01:12

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:01.120> of<00:12:01.440> you<00:12:01.680> in<00:12:01.920> terms<
• terms of let<00:12:02.800> me<00:12:02.959> say<00:12:03.680> um<00:12:04.000>
• > is<00:12:04.720> uh<00:12:05.120> given<00:12:05.440> that<00:12:05.680>
• 12:07.600> probably<00:12:08.000> used<00:12:08.240> to<00:12:08.639> that
• <00:12:23.959> So,<00:12:24.959> and<00:12:25.200> as<00:12:25.440> you

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up several insurance-related bills. Senate Bill 47, concerning health insurance policies related to the birth of the mother, was moved ought to pass with no amendments and was approved on a 6-0 vote. Senate Bill 121, dealing with Medicare Advantage plan notice requirements, was amended to reduce the required notice from 120 days to 90 days and to remove a federal citation; the department said the change was to avoid conflict with federal notice rules. After discussion about the stress caused when carriers leave the Medicare Advantage market, the committee voted ought to pass as amended, 7-0. The committee then heard a detailed explanation of the continuing care retirement communities bill, described by the Insurance Department as a rewrite of a 1989 law to modernize oversight, require quarterly financial reporting as an early warning system, create a bill of rights for residents, and clarify issues such as entrance fees and removal of dangerous residents. A member recalled the bill’s original purpose as protecting solvency because residents pay substantial upfront fees. The bill was moved ought to pass and approved unanimously, 7-0. The final major discussion concerned a pooled risk organizations bill. Members debated whether oversight should remain with the Secretary of State or be moved to the Insurance Department. Supporters of moving it argued the issue is solvency, citing concerns about reserve levels, prior insolvencies, and the Insurance Department’s expertise. Opponents said the Secretary of State’s office had historically overseen the entities and that the bill would fundamentally change how they operate. A straw vote favored an amendment, but the committee ultimately voted to retain the bill for further work, with plans to revisit it later in the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:12:09.760> that's<00:12:10.000> my<00:12:10.160> comments<00:12:10.640>
• Madam<00:12:12.360> Chair,<00:12:13.360> thank<00:12:13.640> you<00:12:13.760>
• Senator<00:12:15.440> Westlund<00:12:15.880> and<00:12:15.960> then<00:12:16.120
• district<00:12:35.160> and<00:12:35.320> review<00:12:35.640> and<00:12:35.760>
• Uh<00:12:47.320> I<00:12:47.480> will<00:12:47.680> also<00:12:48.040> say

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> And<00:12:01.760> so,<00:12:03.040> if<00:12:04.000> uh<00:12:05.040>
• > as<00:12:10.639> long<00:12:10.800> as<00:12:10.880> we're<00:12:11.120
• ><00:12:14.000> same<00:12:14.160> line<00:12:14.240> of<00:12:14.399> reason
• 12:18.560> we<00:12:18.720> got<00:12:18.800> to<00:12:18.959> bring<00:12
• So then if<00:12:22.560> if<00:12:22.639> if<00:12:23.279> somebody<00:12:24.160

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And while<00:12:26.480> he<00:12:26.800> did<00:12:26.959> look<00:12:27.200>
• <00:12:33.920> that<00:12:34.320> nobody<00:12:34.720> had<00:12:34.959>
• <00:12:35.920> Uh<00:12:36.240> he<00:12:36.480> had<00:12:36.639> heard<
• <00:12:42.959> So<00:12:43.760> um<00:12:44.000> but<00:12:44.160> we
• > him<00:12:51.279> him<00:12:51.600> or<00:12:51.839> any<00:12:52.160><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4252 and first heard a walkthrough of a DE2 amendment that largely incorporated Office of Higher Education technical and statutory cleanup items, including reporting consolidations, updates to postsecondary registration and licensing statutes, and an anti-fraud provision. New provisions in the DE2 would require public postsecondary institutions to explain developmental courses before enrollment and obtain a written acknowledgement, revise the state grant tuition cap, add a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation in FY 2027 for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and provide $5,000 one-time funding for reforestation at Bemidji State University. Fiscal staff also noted additional special revenue fund revenue and expenditures tied to licensing and registration litigation response. The main debate centered on the A8 amendment offered by Representative Rarick, which would require the governor to appoint University of Minnesota regents only from candidates recommended by the joint legislative committee if the legislature fails to elect regents. Rarick argued the amendment was needed to address what he described as conflicts of interest and pay-to-play concerns in recent gubernatorial appointments. Several members questioned whether the language was constitutional, whether it actually addressed conflicts of interest, and whether it should instead refer to ARCAC-screened or ARCAC-recommended candidates. Nonpartisan staff said the governor’s appointment power is addressed in the university charter, not directly in the constitution, but could not definitively assess constitutionality if challenged. Members were divided: some supported the goal of cleaner governance but said the amendment was not ready or did not match the problem being described; others argued the legislature had failed to complete its own regent appointments and that the amendment was a response to that failure. No vote on the A8 amendment or the bill was reached in the portion provided, though a roll call was requested on the amendment and the chair indicated the bill would continue through amendment consideration before final discussion and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:12:02.560> truth<00:12:02.800> the<00:12:02.880> whole<00:12:03.079
• <00:12:05.880> you<00:12:06.000> so<00:12:06.240> much<00:12:06.560> and<
• :12:35.440> a<00:12:36.160> 100%<00:12:37.160> increase<00:12:37.560> in<
• > can<00:12:43.360> do<00:12:43.519> it<00:12:44.000> so<00:12:44.360>
• so the increase was<00:12:45.279> due<00:12:45.519> to<00:12:45.720> this<00:12

Keywords: This meeting will take place upon adjournment of both chambers today. There is not an exact time, there for the live stream has been created with a place holder time of 4:00 PM est., 958, all

Summary: Chairman Hart called the meeting to order, confirmed a quorum, welcomed Representative Rachel Roarx, and the committee approved the February 11 minutes. The committee then moved through its agenda of PSC and related contract items, including a motion to consider the reviewed contracts without objection. One Department of Highways item was deferred when the virtual representatives were not yet available. The committee first took up Kentucky Housing Corporation contracts. Members questioned outside legal services for foreclosures and bankruptcies, why the work was not handled entirely in-house, and how much of the workload and cost it represented. Witnesses said the agency’s need was largely geographic rather than a lack of expertise, that less than 1% of the loan portfolio is referred out for foreclosures, and that many fees are reimbursable through FHA. Both Kentucky Housing Corporation items were approved. The committee then considered a Department for Community Based Services contract tied to a protest and a temporary renewal with PCG. Witnesses said the contract increase was needed to bridge the gap while the protest and RFP process were unresolved, and that the initial vendor received no funds. The committee approved the item, with Senator Douglas explaining his vote as a preference for straightforward answers. The committee also heard a Northern Kentucky University contract for a Workday ERP replacement, including implementation consulting and separate license fees. University officials explained the move from SAP to Workday, the complexity of the systems, and the need for a consulting partner; they said the total effort would span 10 years and that the contract was priced below comparable institutions. After extensive questioning about cost, budget, and value, the vote ended 4-4 and the chair noted the contract would move forward through the Finance Committee if no disapproval motion was made. Finally, the Office of Inspector General presented a contract for culture change training in nursing facilities funded by civil monetary penalties; witnesses said the goal was to improve staff satisfaction, communication, and resident outcomes, and that the CMP fund balance was about $38 million. Discussion also covered survey backlogs and CMS restrictions on the funds, with the item still under review as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• > at<00:12:03.839> any<00:12:04.079> time<00:12:04.320> for<00:12:04.640>
• <00:12:10.000> So<00:12:10.240> I<00:12:10.399> want<00:12:10.480> to
• <00:12:13.440> Then<00:12:13.680> if<00:12:13.920> you'll<00:12:14.160> go
• <00:12:48.800> you'll<00:12:49.120> see<00:12:49.560> that<00:12:50.560> this
• <00:12:55.360> Talked<00:12:55.600> about<00:12:55.839> who<00:12:56.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :10.920> yeah<00:12:11.880> we're<00:12:12.720> we<00:12:13.040> we<00:12
• <00:12:24.680> more<00:12:24.880> than<00:12:25.120> happy<00:12:25.320> to
• <00:12:26.199> complaint<00:12:27.199> and<00:12:27.440> you<00:12:27.600>
• 12:31.160> that<00:12:31.320> you<00:12:31.480> think<00:12:31.639> would
• <00:12:33.279> um<00:12:33.480> it<00:12:33.600> just<00:12:33.800> occurs

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:03.040> the<00:12:03.200> far<00:12:03.440> left<00:12:03.760> that
• <00:12:06.079> And<00:12:06.240> what's<00:12:06.560> going<00:12:06.639>
• :12:36.560> to<00:12:36.800> make<00:12:37.120> tough money.
• > not<00:12:43.519> to<00:12:43.760> work<00:12:44.000> when<00:12:44.240
• 44.639> jobs<00:12:44.959> available<00:12:45.519> to<00:12:45.800> do.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:17.200> be<00:12:17.360> done<00:12:18.079> uh<00:12:18.240> this<00:
• Members,<00:12:19.440> just<00:12:19.839> here's<00:12:20.160> my<00:12:20.720><
• <00:12:41.120> Uh<00:12:41.519> and<00:12:41.920> right<00:12:42.160> now
• surplus market<00:12:47.120> is<00:12:47.279> set<00:12:47.440> at<00:12:47.880
• 00:12:50.560> is<00:12:50.639> very<00:12:50.880> few<00:12:51.120> houses.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > so<00:12:30.160> what<00:12:30.560> what<00:12:30.880> we<00:12:31.120>
• <00:12:32.560> investment<00:12:33.040> in<00:12:33.279> the<00:12:33.440>
• 33.920> of<00:12:34.560> uh<00:12:35.200> the<00:12:35.600> overall<00:12
• <00:12:40.079> the<00:12:40.399> best<00:12:40.560> that<00:12:40.720> it
• > 185<00:12:48.880> out<00:12:49.120> of<00:12:49.200> the<00:12:49.440><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on proposed improvements to the State Police gun range and related Public Works estimates. Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn and Major Brendan Davy explained that the range is used for realistic, scenario-based training that includes vehicle work, movement, cover, elevation, and stress inoculation, and that it also supports requalification and special unit training for state, local, and federal partners. They said the current facility lacks running water, continuous power, and permanent restrooms, and that the PSTC range cannot accommodate rifles because its backstop is handgun-caliber only. Public Works Director Theodore Copper said the project estimate is $2.3 million, including $1.5 million for the building and site work plus soft costs, inflation, and design fees; he described the proposed building as basic, with office space, classrooms, restrooms, and HVAC. Committee members asked about the cost and scope, and Copper provided a breakdown of the estimate. The committee also heard from Commissioner Edelblute and Milford School District Superintendent Christy Misho regarding career and technical education capital funding. Edelblute urged the committee to include $10 million for the Milford CTE project, saying the district had reduced the scope after a prior bond vote and that the project would support high-demand workforce programs. Misho said Milford’s initial bond vote received 42 percent and the revised proposal received 56 percent, short of the 60 percent needed, but that the community still supports the project; she said the district plans to move forward with a CTE-only ballot and a smaller local bond. Committee members expressed concern about holding state funds for a project that has not yet won local approval, but said the request would be taken under advisement. In work session action, the committee corrected a prior vote on the Market Street Marine Terminal warehouse removal and office replacement project, increasing the appropriation by $353,300 to $1,973,300 and raising the agency subtotal to $4,155,300. The committee also accepted a motion to add $1.8 million for the community college system, including $1.3 million for critical maintenance and $500,000 for an energy management system. The committee then discussed a Fish and Game request for a $350,000 backhoe, with members debating whether it should be funded with general funds or other funds and whether the cost was excessive; no final objection was recorded in the portion provided. Later discussion also referenced the new parking garage project, with staff saying it is expected to be operational in March 2026 and fully completed by May or June 2026, with 409 spaces and a mix of assigned and open parking.

Transcript Highlights:

• > they<00:12:03.600> do<00:12:03.680> it<00:12:03.920> because<00:12:04.079
• they love their<00:12:04.720> loved<00:12:04.880> ones<00:12:05.519> and<00:12:
• <00:12:07.519> be<00:12:07.680> a<00:12:07.920> great<00:12:08.079> help.
• <00:12:47.120> who<00:12:47.279> spend<00:12:47.600> about<00:12:48.079>
• 26% of their<00:12:49.279> income<00:12:50.000> on<00:12:50.320> caregiver<00:12

Bills: HB2488, HB2456

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:12:51.360> then<00:12:52.160> um<00:12:52.480> after<00:12:52.959> I
• c><00:12:53.200> mean<00:12:54.079> the<00:12:54.399> funds<00:12:54.639> were
• > held<00:12:55.360> up<00:12:55.519> for<00:12:55.760> quite<00:12:56.000
• And<01:12:19.040> so<01:12:19.360> therefore<01:12:20.239> there<01:12:20.560>
• <01:12:23.679> Um<01:12:24.159> the<01:12:24.640> vendor<01:12:25.040> is

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:12:19.760> I<00:12:20.160> think<00:12:20.320> it,<00:12:20.639> as<
• > it<00:12:22.800> closes<00:12:23.200> the<00:12:23.440> gap<00:12:24.320
• :25.120> us<00:12:25.440> to<00:12:25.760> release<00:12:26.160> the<00:12
• <01:12:23.360> Basically,<01:12:23.760> what<01:12:23.920> we<01:12:24.159><
• <01:12:31.679> So<01:12:31.840> the<01:12:32.080> the<01:12:32.560> exact

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with Senate Bill 22-FN, which would expand child care licensing background checks so the Department of Health and Human Services can receive fuller criminal history information, including pending charges and other non-conviction records, similar to the system already used for school staff. Grant Bossi, for Senator Pearl, and DHHS officials Melissa Clement and Christine Sheay testified in support, saying the bill closes a gap that can allow people with disqualifying charges to work with children. They explained that the FBI record is a snapshot in time, that juvenile records are not included, and that the bill would apply to child care programs including residential group homes. Questions focused on what “confidential criminal history” means and how often checks are repeated; DHHS said checks are done every five years or sooner if new charge information is received. The hearing on SB 22 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 23-FN, which would expand the child endangerment statute and remove the word “purposely” from part of the language. Senator Pat Long said the bill is intended to strengthen protection for children and allow more serious conduct to be charged appropriately. Testimony from law enforcement, including Executive Counselor Dave Wheeler, Sergeant Ryan Rooney of Nashua Police, and Nicholas Georgulis of Manchester Police, supported the bill as a way to distinguish routine misdemeanor cases from the most egregious abuse and neglect cases, such as children living in squalor or being exposed to severe danger. Wheeler and some members raised concerns that the language could be vague or overbroad and cited a prior Manchester firearm-in-a-car arrest as an example of possible unintended consequences; supporters responded that the bill still requires knowingly violating a duty of care and that the serious bodily injury or death standard limits its reach. Rooney also described a fentanyl overdose case involving an 11-year-old and said the current misdemeanor charge did not fully reflect the seriousness of the conduct. The committee recessed SB 23 briefly to open and close SB 161, then returned to SB 23, which remained under hearing with no final vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:01.040> This<00:12:01.280> bill<00:12:01.520> allows<00:12:02.600>
• > of<00:12:07.240> $25<00:12:08.120> and<00:12:08.240> $50<00:12:08.880><
• 12:10.920> do<00:12:11.400> maintenance<00:12:11.720> on<00:12:11.800> their<
• I<00:12:17.640> see<00:12:17.840> none,<00:12:18.080> gentlemen.
• If<00:12:22.160> you<00:12:22.200> favor<00:12:22.400> the<00:12:22.480> bill

Keywords: MS House Floor - 23 March, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, dispensed with reading of the journal, and received no reports from select committees or resolutions. Members then recognized several guests, including the JPS Tougaloo Early College High School Mock Trial Team, which was congratulated for its performance in the Magnolia Bar Association Mock Trial competition, along with Gayla Carver Sanders and Judge Crystal Wise Martin. The chamber then took up a series of local and county bills on the calendar, all of which were advanced by the usual motions and passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. House Bill 4080 authorized Jackson County to contribute $5,000 to the Junior Auxiliary program; HB 4110 created a trust fund for Oktibbeha County related to the sale of medical property; HB 4111 and HB 4135 authorized conviction assessments in Perry County and Waynesboro, respectively, for justice court building maintenance; HB 4115 extended a Hattiesburg lease to 30 years; HB 4130 created the Yazoo County Economic and Industrial Development Authority, with an amendment changing “partnership” to “alliance”; and HB 4134 created an industrial zone emergency response district for Lowndes County. Each bill passed with little or no debate, with vote totals ranging from 115 to 119 yeas and zero nays. After the bills, the Clerk reported no announcements, and members made several notices, including a Capitol Prayer Group meeting, BEAM office hours for broadband grant information, and a joint Public Utilities/Senate Energy hearing on the MSWiNS system. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:04.800> of<00:12:04.920> the<00:12:05.000> committee<00:12:05.360>
• the public policy<00:12:09.160> voice<00:12:09.399> of<00:12:09.560> the<00:12:
• 12:13.360> credit<00:12:13.600> bills<00:12:13.920> being<00:12:14.120> heard
• here today<00:12:14.920> but<00:12:15.040> want<00:12:15.199> to<00:12:15.399><
• :12:18.440> to<00:12:18.680> expand<00:12:19.079> the<00:12:19.199> phase

Bills: HF2254, HF2302, HF2502, HF2315, HF2475, HF2086

Keywords: HF2254, Minnesota child credit, baby bonus, child tax credit, income tax, individual income tax, tax relief, newborn, birth credit, family tax credit, tax refund, advance payment, Department of Revenue, taxable year, parenting, families with children, child credit, state regulations, families, taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.399> item<00:12:46.639> number<00:12:46.839> two<00:12:47.079> reading
• <00:12:50.320> may<00:12:50.519> this<00:12:50.680> matter<00:12:50.959> be
• c><00:12:55.000> clerk<00:12:55.320> are<00:12:55.440> there<00:12:55.600> any
• > from<00:12:56.480> the<00:12:56.639> governor<00:12:57.639> yes<00:12:57.839
• :58.360> we're<00:12:58.519> in<00:12:58.639> receipt<00:12:58.880> of<00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 46 members present and five excused, then deferred reading of the journal. The chamber received Governor’s Message No. 4, which transmitted proposed changes to the fiscal biennium 2025-2027 executive budget, and the message was received and filed. The House also received a Senate communication transmitting a Senate bill that had passed third reading in the Senate; on motion by Representative Morikawa, seconded by Representative Garcia, the bill was given first reading by title on a voice vote. During introductions, Representative Morikawa recognized staff members Judy Hernandez and Robbie Allen, Representative Lamosao welcomed Kab Bukowski of IBEW 1260, and Representative Iwamoto introduced a Hawaii Pacific University student group visiting to learn about the legislative process and environmental policy. The House then considered Standing Committee Report No. 797; Representative Todd moved to adopt the report and advance the accompanying House bill as amended to second reading and third reading calendar, the motion was seconded by Representative Morikawa, and it passed by voice vote. No resolutions were up for action, and none were referred to print. Announcements highlighted an upcoming Capitol agriculture event featuring more than 70 vendors and a separate notice about House member jacket samples and ordering for 2025. The House adjourned on motion by Representative Moryker, seconded by Representative Garcia, until 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 27th.