Video & Transcript Research : 'Chapter 9'
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NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance (01/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- grants that are required by RSA chapter grants that are required by RSA chapter 486<01:01:07.400
- I have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in favor and 2 who don't say so, plus the prime sponsor.
- I know Division 1, we're meeting next Wednesday at 9:00. I apologize.
- :52:27.359>
um one we're meeting next Wednesday at um one we're meeting next Wednesday at um 9: - I apologize and uh representative 9: I apologize and uh representative Edwards<02:52:31.560>
are<
Summary:
The Finance Committee held a hearing on several bills and announced at the outset that no votes would be taken because the measures would go to divisions later. The first major bill, HB 197, would require the state to pay 7.5% of political subdivision employer pension contributions for teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Representative Mike Edgar, the prime sponsor, argued the state had repeatedly reduced and then eliminated its promised share of retirement costs, shifting the burden to municipalities and property taxpayers. He said the bill would partially restore that commitment and provide relief to local governments, businesses, and taxpayers.
Several witnesses testified in support of HB 197, including Representative John Cluder, Bradford selectman Marlene Fryer, the New Hampshire Municipal Association’s Margaret Burns, and Epping representative Mark Fone. Supporters said the bill would help with property tax pressure, school budgets, and municipal hiring, and they emphasized that much of the retirement cost reflects unfunded liability decisions made at the state level rather than by local governments. Committee members questioned whether the bill would change local incentives to control costs and how it would affect hiring and compensation. Burns said the state contribution would function as property tax relief because it offsets existing municipal expenses, and she noted the state is already on a long-term schedule to pay down the retirement system’s unfunded liability.
After closing the hearing on HB 197, the committee opened a hearing on HB 97, introduced by Representative Tom Buco. He said the bill would continue funding for delayed and deferred wastewater projects and help municipalities finance expensive wastewater infrastructure, which he tied to housing development and local debt planning. No action or votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- A 2026 chapter in the World Happiness Report by Jonathan Haidt and Zach Rausch concludes that social
- The Communication Workers of America District Council 9. Welcome, and you will have two minutes.
- Ignacio Hernandez, on behalf of the Communication Workers of America, District 9.
- We'll lift all the calls in sequence, beginning with AB 1115, 6, 9. File number 1, AB 1159.
- It's 9 to 0. That bill is out. That bill is out. 9 to 0, that bill is out.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/18/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- That building is in operation from 6:00 a.m. till 9:00 every night.
- <01:01:58.640>
Um, <01:01:58.960>it's a.m. till 9:00 every night. - Um, it's a.m. till 9:00 every night.
- temporary suspension of chapter. temporary suspension of chapter.
- 6:30 a.m. and going through till 9:00. 6:30 a.m. and going through till 9:00.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/18/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- That change that Senator Clark mentioned happened in 2024, chapter 123.
- <01:12:10.120>
Um <01:12:10.320>it's <01:12:10.520>changed 2024, chapter 123 - Um it's changed 2024, chapter 123. Um it's changed statute<01:12:11.760>
16A.286. - Tomorrow morning at 9:00, Room 1200, available by remote if you can't be here in person.
- >
1200, Tomorrow morning, 9:00, Room 1200, Tomorrow morning, 9:00, Room 1200, available<02:40:
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Jones Esquire, Polemark, Jason Jones Esquire, Montgomery<00:20:16.559>
Alumni <00:20:17.120>Chapter - ,<00:20:17.440>
Polemark, Montgomery Alumni Chapter, Polemark, Montgomery Alumni Chapter, - You got public employees under like the county commission, which will cost them maybe about $9 a year
- ><01:16:27.760>
them <01:16:28.080>maybe <01:16:28.400>about <01:16:28.719>$9< - a year for will cost them maybe about $9 a year for them<01:16:31.280>
to <01:16:31.520>be<
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and roll call, establishing a quorum and adopting routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be received throughout the day. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including members of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and other visitors in the gallery.
The Senate received multiple House messages, referring several House bills on taxation, local legislation, and the entertainment industry to committee, and concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 259 on counties and Senate Bill 228 on the Alabama Space Authority. Committee reports then advanced a number of bills, including favorable reports from Judiciary, County and Municipal Government, and Local Legislation committees, with several bills receiving substitutes or minor dissent. The Senate also re-referred Senate Bill 333 to Local Legislation, Mobile County, and Senate Bill 292 to County and Municipal Government.
Members adopted several commemorative resolutions, including Senate Joint Resolutions honoring Lt. Col. Jonathan David Schultz, Honda’s 25 years of operation in Alabama, Mrs. Kelly Fischer as Alabama High School Principal of the Year, and Peggy Sers Benson on her retirement from the Alabama Board of Nursing. The Senate also adopted a Rules Committee report setting a special order calendar that included bills on ground ambulance services, counties and municipalities, solid waste collection fees, public schools, and public assistance.
On the floor, the Senate passed local bills including Senate Bill 324 on Tallapoosa County, House Bill 485 on Clark County, House Bill 479 on Cusa County, House Bill 410 on Limestone County, and House Bill 412 on Limestone County. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 254 on parole, adopting an amendment offered at the request of district attorneys to clarify the Pardons and Paroles Board’s discretion, and passed the bill 26-2. The Senate also debated Senate Bill 269 on ground ambulance services, with the sponsor describing it as a pilot bill addressing reimbursement, surprise billing, reporting requirements, and “treat in place” options; Senator Stutts raised concerns that it would shift costs to a smaller group of payers and increase premiums, while the sponsor argued it could reduce unnecessary transports and save money. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final vote on SB 269 shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Elections and Constitutional Amendments
Transcript Highlights:
- File item 9, SB 1418, Cervantes. File item 10, SB 1429, a committee bill. File item 11...
- On behalf of the United Nations Association, California chapter, we earnestly and enthusiastically support
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg proposed expanding electioneering buffer zones around polling places and ballot processing sites, limiting certain law enforcement activity near those sites, increasing vote center and drop-box access, and extending the vote-by-mail receipt deadline to 10 days. Supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation and disruption, while county election officials opposed it as operationally difficult, costly, and too close to the election. The bill was amended and ultimately passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote, with the chair later recording it as out.
The committee also heard SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, which would expand state voting-rights protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, add preclearance-style review for some jurisdictions with recent violations, and direct courts to interpret election laws in favor of voting access. Support came from civil rights and voting rights groups, while one city raised concerns about pending litigation. After discussion, including questions about how the bill would apply, it passed to Judiciary on a 4-1 vote.
SB 900 by Senator McNerney would shorten and standardize disclosure language on political advertisements, especially billboards and mailers, while increasing mailer disclosures from three to five top funders. It drew support from transparency and advertising groups and passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. The committee then considered SB 1225 and SCA 3 by Senator Niello, which would shift responsibility for ballot title and summary language from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office; supporters argued this would improve neutrality, while opponents said the current elected AG system is accountable and efficient. Both measures were opposed by labor groups and were ultimately approved on divided votes. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes would expand language-access requirements for election materials, lower the threshold for coverage, and create a petition process for additional languages; it was supported by voting-rights and immigrant advocacy groups but opposed by county election officials unless amended. The bill passed 5-0.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Elections and Constitutional Amendments
Transcript Highlights:
- seven of them: file item 6, which is SB 1389, Dolly; file item 7, which is SCA 4, Archiletta; file item 9,
- On behalf of the United Nations Association, California chapter, we earnestly and enthusiastically support
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg proposed expanding polling-place buffer zones, limiting certain law enforcement activity near polling sites, increasing ballot drop boxes and vote center access, and extending the vote-by-mail receipt deadline; supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation, while county election officials opposed it as operationally difficult and costly. The bill was amended in committee to allow county supervisors discretion over expanding the buffer zone and to permit law enforcement entry for crimes against persons or property. It was ultimately passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote after members’ roll calls were completed later in the day. SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes would expand California voting-rights protections by codifying and broadening anti-dilution and anti-suppression rules, adding preclearance for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to favor voting access; it drew strong support from civil rights and voting-rights groups, while one city raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. The committee advanced the bill to Judiciary on a 4-1 vote after later roll call completion.
The committee also considered SB 900 by Senator McNerney, which would streamline political advertisement disclosures by shortening required disclaimer language, allowing standard abbreviations, and increasing the number of top funders disclosed on political mailers from three to five. Supporters from the outdoor advertising industry and campaign finance reform groups said the bill would preserve transparency while making disclosures more readable; it passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. In contrast, SB 1225 and its companion SCA 3 by Senator Niello would transfer responsibility for drafting ballot titles and summaries for initiatives and referenda from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Supporters argued this would improve neutrality and public trust, while opponents said the current elected Attorney General system is accountable and efficient; both measures were advanced on narrow votes after roll calls were completed later.
Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, would expand language-access requirements for election materials by lowering the threshold for coverage, adding a petition process, and extending protections beyond current federal language categories. Voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups strongly supported the bill, while county election officials opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about the precinct-based determination model and implementation details. The committee passed SB 1360 to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote after the later roll call. The committee also approved a consent calendar of seven measures at the start of the hearing.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 18th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And we do have one individual in tab 9, and that is Mr.
- I would love nothing more than to work alongside President Lemieux as USF enters this next great chapter
Bills:
S1694
Keywords:
technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative.
The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee.
Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM.
- Will be conducted publicly in accordance with Chapters 551 and 2001 of the Government Code.
Keywords:
occupation tax, securities, financial regulation, tax exemption, legislative amendment, capital gains tax, realized gains, unrealized gains, investment income, asset sale, capital assets, wealth tax, estate tax, trust tax, tax limitation, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, property tax, sales tax
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Subdivision 4 on line 318 lists the penalty and then refers to the general penalty section in chapter
- Subdivision 4 on line 318 lists the penalty and then refers to the general penalty section in chapter
- Subdivision 4 on line 318 lists the penalty and then refers to the general penalty section in chapter
- Subdivision 4 on line 318 lists the penalty and then refers to the general penalty section in chapter
- My wife and I got the call about 9:30 that day and rushed to the hospital to be with him.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Page<00:28:35.039>
97-9-302 Page 97-9-302 Page 97-9-302 is<00:28:38.080>the <00:28:38.240 - House Bill 9 closes the gap.
- House Bill 9 closes the gap.
- "House Bill 9 closes the gap.
- House Bill 9.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (02/12/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the vice president of the New Hampshire chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and I'm also
- 02:32:47.319>
the <02:32:47.399>New <02:32:47.600>Hampshire <02:32:48.000>chapter - <02:32:48.319>
of <02:32:48.439>the of the New Hampshire chapter of the of the New - Hampshire chapter of the American<02:32:48.960>
Academy <02:32:49.319>of <02:32:49.439><
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 14th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And on page nine, under page nine, under page On page 9, under section C, it says the owner or operator
- We just got hit hard by House Bill 9. We had our power plant close.
- So what it says is if it increases rates to cover the costs, so on page 9, lines 11 and 12, provided
- In 2013, we saw a decrease of 9%. 2014 was a banner year, and frankly, I think it was because of the
- In that same book we talked about earlier, we have a whole chapter on distracted driving, and I think
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/09/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- practice, and the Attorney General may investigate and take any appropriate action pursuant to Title 44, Chapter
- The five-page amendment in the chair’s name, dated February 4, 2026, at 9:12 a.m., allows outdoor advertising
- So I move the five-page gallon strike-everything amendment dated 2/4/26 at 9:12 be adopted.
- So I move the five-page gallon strike everything amendment dated 2426 at 9-12 be adopted.
- Yes, he did, and that was after when he was working actually at Sky Harbor Airport, and when 9/11 happened
Keywords:
outdoor advertising, military compatibility, zoning, electronic signage, permitting, undocumented immigrants, financial services, identification requirements, loans, foreign remittances, transitional housing, military, veterans, grant program, supportive services, SB1511, commercial driver license, CDL, nondomiciled CDL, nondomiciled commercial driver license
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 1803, which would regulate non-accredited assistance with veterans’ benefits claims by requiring disclosures, fee limits, written agreements, and Attorney General enforcement. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill creates needed guardrails against predatory actors while preserving veterans’ choice to use free or paid help. Opponents, including the VFW and American Legion, said the bill still conflicts with federal accreditation rules and should require accreditation rather than create a separate state framework; a VA-accredited attorney also raised preemption and unauthorized-practice concerns. After extensive testimony, the committee adopted an amendment and advanced SB 1803 on a 5-2 vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 1232, a strike-everything amendment dealing with outdoor advertising signs in a military compatibility overlay area near Luke Air Force Base. The bill was presented as a narrow fix for a property owner whose billboard permit had been denied because of zoning technicalities, with testimony that ADOT, the county, and the base had been involved and did not oppose the clarification. Some members expressed concern about whether the measure was too tailored and about ADOT’s absence, but the bill was amended and passed 4-3, with several members reserving the right to change their votes on the floor.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1511, which would prohibit operating a commercial motor vehicle in Arizona without proof of lawful presence and authorize impoundment of the vehicle and cargo if the operator cannot provide it. The sponsor framed the bill as a public-safety and liability measure tied to commercial trucking, citing concerns about accidents, contraband, and shell companies. The transcript ends during the presentation of SB 1511, before any vote or final action on that bill.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Aug 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, as I mentioned, my understanding is that these five districts—9, 28, 32, and 35—should perform
- public servant for the people in Houston, Texas, Harris County, especially in Congressional Districts 9
- HB4 is just another chapter in the same tired playbook.
- They have taken Senate District 9 and Congressional District 9, which were African-American districts
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- From chapter 419 of the Texas government code, it also falls under the rules of Title 37, Part 13 of
- The entire state in the regions that we have are covered by 9 guys.
- On page 9, I have listed out some of the topics that we do see as posing challenges for our counties
- Uh, math was never my strongest subject, but I believe that's about $9 million or so per month.
- Having to stand before a commission that has 9 appointed members, uh, 2 sheriffs, a county judge, county
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/14/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Instances have shown that that's happened most recently on 9/11.
- Instances have shown that that's happened most recently on 9/11.
- That term is already well defined earlier in the same chapter.
- going to eliminate lines 9 through 15? going to eliminate lines 9 through 15?
- of this chapter. of this chapter.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Human Resources Division Jun 24th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- In my opinion, there's no reason North Dakota should be at a 9% error rate.
- We have been asked, especially as it relates to the task force, to have these things deployed within 9
- And about 19,000 North Dakotans are caring for somebody with cognitive impairment, but only about 9%
- administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings, and it's conducted under Century Code Chapter
Summary:
The committee was called to order, the roll was taken, and the March 18 minutes were approved. Members then received several project and program updates, beginning with CHI St. Alexius’s behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks. St. Alexius reported that the Bismarck project remains on track for June 2027 completion, with demolition underway and final design work nearing completion. Williston reported construction is progressing, staffing recruitment is underway for psychiatrists and other staff, and an air handler replacement is creating a roughly $750,000 unbudgeted barrier that will slightly delay the timeline. Grand Forks reported its expansion is about 30% complete, with no major barriers beyond weather, and leaders said the project should be substantially complete in the first quarter of 2027.
The Department of Health and Human Services then presented a series of budget and program updates. Donna Ockland explained several recent line-item transfers as technical corrections that net to zero and do not require new spending, then reviewed salaries, wages, and FTE counts, noting the department remains within its authorized staffing levels. Pat Rainer followed with an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying 12 opportunities have been posted, 422 applications received, and $8.4 million obligated so far, with a goal of obligating the full $199 million by September. He described grants for workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community gardens, school wellness, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, equipment, technology, EMS, and other initiatives, emphasizing that the program is intended to be transformational and tied to metrics.
Members asked extensive questions about how rural eligibility is defined, how grants will support both rural facilities and hub hospitals, and how future years of funding will build on current awards. The committee also heard an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller, who said North Dakota has been accepted as a demonstration state, implementation is underway in Williston, North Central/Minot, Fargo, and Dickinson, and care coordination and service counts are increasing. Rebecca Askins then reviewed SNAP payment error rates, saying the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89%, with the state aiming to get below 6% through policy updates, training, data tools, and a quality assurance team. Members pressed her on the causes of the error rate, the role of the SPACES software system, and the need for accountability and improvements. Finally, Dirk Wilkie reported the state laboratory project reached substantial completion on June 12 and is on budget at about $69.95 million, though a service elevator had to be redesigned because it was too small for equipment.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Human Resources Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In my opinion, there's no reason North Dakota should be at a 9% error rate.
- We have been asked, especially as it relates to the task force, to have these things deployed within 9
- And about 19,000 North Dakotans are caring for somebody with cognitive impairment, but only about 9%
- administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings, and it's conducted under Century Code Chapter
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on major health-related projects and programs. CHI St. Alexius representatives reported progress on behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks, including demolition and construction milestones, staffing plans, and timelines. The Bismarck project remains on track for completion in June 2027 with about $346,500 spent to date. Williston reported construction underway, a $750,000 unbudgeted air handler replacement, active recruitment for psychiatrists and other staff, and a projected substantial completion in early 2027. Grand Forks reported about 30% completion, weather-tight status expected in August, and continued staffing ramp-up as the facility expands from its current 24-bed operation.
The Department of Health and Human Services then reviewed a set of technical line-item transfers, emphasizing that they were administrative corrections with no net change in funding. The department also walked through the Salaries and Wages Block Grant and FTE counts, noting overall staffing remained within appropriated limits and that behavioral health staffing had increased. Members asked about vacancies, consultant use, and the mix of in-state versus out-of-state expertise for the Rural Health Transformation Program. HHS said it had posted 12 funding opportunities, received 422 applications, obligated $8.4 million so far, hired 26 people, and was preparing additional grant rounds and a CMS budget submission. The department said the program is structured around workforce, prevention/healthy living, care closer to home, and technology/data, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and community forums.
The committee also heard on the certified community behavioral health clinic implementation plan, SNAP payment error rates, and the state laboratory project. HHS said CCBHC certification is being implemented in four regions—Williston, Minot/North Central, Fargo/Southeast, and Dickinson/Badlands—with care coordination expanding and baseline data still being collected. On SNAP, the department reported a 2025 payment error rate of 9.89%, acknowledged cost impacts under HR1, and said it is using training, system changes, and pre-authorization quality checks to reduce errors toward a 6% target over the next 6 to 12 months. Finally, Public Health reported the state laboratory reached substantial completion on June 12, with total costs at $69.95 million of the $70 million budget, though a service elevator issue will require a new lift to be added using contingency funds.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Representatives Zeleznikar, Baker and Bierman Press Conference 5/12/26
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not a chapter in a book, and we don't want it to be. We need this taken care of today.
- To be honest, when this session started, we had $9 billion of fraud.
- To be honest, when this session started, we had $9 billion of fraud.
- Who sets To be honest, when this session started, we had $9 billion of fraud.
Summary:
House File 369 was the main topic, with House authors Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, Rep. Robert Bierman, and Rep. Dave Baker arguing that the bill would give Minnesota’s 2024 340B law “teeth” by enforcing protections for nonprofit and rural hospitals’ access to the federal drug pricing program. They said the measure costs the state nothing, aligns with similar laws in more than 20 other states, and is needed before adjournment to help hospitals close funding gaps, support services like emergency care, obstetrics, behavioral health, and pharmacy access, and preserve care in remote communities. Several hospital leaders from across greater Minnesota testified that 340B revenue helps keep their facilities viable and that losing it would threaten services and, in some cases, hospital survival.
Witnesses described severe financial pressure on rural hospitals, including reimbursement cuts, workforce shortages, inflation, and rising drug costs. Leaders from United Hospital District in Blue Earth, Lakewood Health System in Staples, Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, Northshore Health in Grand Marais, Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet, and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby said their hospitals serve as safety-net providers and often operate with thin or negative margins. They emphasized long travel times to other hospitals, seasonal tourism pressures in some areas, and the importance of local emergency, ambulance, inpatient, and specialty services. The Minnesota Hospital Association president also criticized pharmaceutical company messaging and said nonprofit hospitals are working around the clock to maintain access.
In response to questions, Zeleznikar said she had considered other enforcement approaches but now supported using the original Senate-passed bill, citing concerns about fraud and the difficulty of alternative enforcement mechanisms. She and hospital leaders distinguished this bill from a separate hospital stabilization-grant proposal, saying both are needed but serve different purposes. No vote was taken at the meeting, and the speakers repeatedly urged House leadership to bring the bill to the floor before session ends.