Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Utilities Code'

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NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials May 29th, 2025

Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair and Representative, the, uh, a lot of folks from that part of the state go to Texas for cancer
  • We're currently making sure that there's not hidden data in the Texas Health.
  • hazardous waste, the Department of Defense ships discarded PFOS as hazardous waste to a landfill in Texas
  • Hopefully are the people in Texas, cause right, doesn't Amarillo or Texans and they get there.
  • I just wonder if Texas is another kind of. And so on this issue in a way. Throw it out there.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/11/2026)

Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • my cell phone are both in area code 603. my cell phone are both in area code 603.
  • Austin, Texas, first banned them more than 20 years ago.
  • Austin, Texas PHEs in colar sealants.
  • Codings Technology Council. Codings Technology Council. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
  • utilities commission to be part of that? utilities commission to be part of that?
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 1281, which would establish standards and voluntary certification for agency-owned “facility comfort dogs” used by police and other public safety agencies. Representative Morton, the prime sponsor, said the bill is intended to create a consistent statewide framework because different departments currently use different policies. He emphasized that the bill is meant to distinguish comfort dogs from service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs, and noted that a small amendment may be needed to make that distinction clearer. He also said the bill is timely under the ADA because comfort dogs fall outside service-animal protections, but still need training standards for public safety and consistency. Committee members questioned whether the bill was too detailed and whether the legislature should be setting rules on matters like training methods, diet, and breeding. Laura Barker of Hero Pups, who helped train New Hampshire’s first police comfort dog, supported the idea of a minimum standard but said the bill should be less prescriptive and should not interfere with therapy dogs or private handlers. She explained that comfort dogs vary in temperament and deployment needs, that raw diets raise zoonotic disease concerns, and that the program should remain voluntary and not cost the state money. Detective Michelle Jones of Portsmouth Police opposed the bill as written, saying the term “facility comfort dog” is confusing, the bill is overly restrictive, and some provisions go beyond what should be mandated by statute; she suggested a more flexible, guideline-based approach and noted that departments already have their own SOPs and can enforce them internally. Justin Brassen of the Manchester Police Department also testified, describing the history of comfort dog programs in New Hampshire and the work of a prior subcommittee formed through the governor’s commission on PTSD among first responders. He said there are currently no statewide standards and that the earlier study involved police, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, and NAMI New Hampshire, with the goal of creating a thoughtful work product. He agreed the bill needs work and answered questions about how departments handle training and public access. By the end of the hearing, members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, and one committee member suggested the bill may be better handled through interim study because of the amount of work still needed.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Apr 9th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • AB 908 will now add compliance monitoring to existing requirements in the Education Code pertaining to
  • David Bolog, committee to repeal Education Code 221.5, in opposition.
  • David Bolog, committee to repeal education code 221.5 F in opposition.
  • Also, the fact is that we can create a QR code, and I think that's also...
  • So I just want to make sure that we are clear that we are code-switching, essentially, by saying that
Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote. The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Education K-16Audio only. Apr 23rd, 2025

Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislation also mirrors the reporting requirements found in the Family code.
  • The bill relates to participation in the Texas Leadership Scholars Program.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/23/26

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • In Texas, there is concerning footage of a Waymo vehicle that seems to be blocking first responders.
  • <01:08:27.920> of moratorium on the utilization of moratorium on the utilization of autonomous
  • <01:09:15.400> to four tactics that are utilized to four tactics that are utilized to prevent
  • see the utilization of the term safety. see the utilization of the term safety.
  • Ohio, Washington, Texas, Maryland, you know, have passed stuff like this.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session: 2025 First Special Session 6/9/25 - Part 3

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The amendment is coded A1.
  • The amendment is coded A1. number 17. The amendment is coded A1.
  • help make um our ut keep our utilities help make um our ut keep our utilities affordable.<01:16:
  • The amendment is coded A2.
  • The amendment is coded A250097.
Keywords: 1183, house
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Committee on Housing (01/28/2025)

Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • it doesn't exist this would be utilities it doesn't exist this would be the<00:36:25.560> required
  • Representative Sweeney said that municipalities have been enabled under the zoning code and state law
  • but leaves it in a way that meets code but leaves it in a way that wouldn't<04:36:15.199> be<
  • , so you're saying that there is still a bare minimum code to which everyone has to adhere, right?
  • legislative agenda to protect Texas legislative agenda to protect Texas families<04:50:19.160>
Keywords: 1189, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • December 2024, Casey convened 13 partner jurisdictions, including Colorado, New York, New Jersey, Texas
  • approach and the information necessary to be collected to support county child welfare agencies in utilizing
  • know, trying to figure out where does it help a situation like that when they're trying to wait and utilize
  • think, Hannah, when you were speaking, you were talking about data for the corresponding families utilizing
  • a Code 17400 gives DCSS the statutory authority to identify and suspend uncollectable government owed
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on child welfare, foster care, child support, and related prevention efforts. The chair opened by emphasizing mandated reporting reform, foster care system improvements, and community-based prevention, and noted that no votes would be taken. Public testimony focused first on mandated reporting, where a lived-experience advocate and several organizations argued that the current system overreports families, especially Black, Native, and Latino families, causes trauma, and should be reformed through standardized training, clearer thresholds, and stronger community supports rather than more hotline referrals. Casey Family Programs cited data showing nearly 90% of reports are unsubstantiated, while CDSS said it is already forming a Mandated Reporting Advisory Committee, updating training, and exploring community pathways and possible changes to the list of mandated reporters. CWDA and SEIU supported training and alternative response concepts but stressed child safety, county capacity, funding, and the need for careful implementation and accountability. The committee then discussed a proposal to create a foster care multi-agency office within the California Health and Human Services Agency, led by a chief foster youth advocate with authority to coordinate across departments. Advocates said foster youth often need services from education, health, housing, and behavioral health systems that do not coordinate well, and argued that a central office with real authority could improve placement stability and access to services. CDSS responded that existing structures already provide coordination, including AB 2083 interagency teams, the Child Welfare Council, complex care steering committees, and the foster care ombudsperson, but said it was open to technical assistance. Members raised concerns about whether the new office would have enough authority and funding to avoid becoming another layer of bureaucracy, and the chair emphasized the need for real “teeth” and better interagency action. The final major topic was the continuation and expansion of Promise Neighborhoods. A community leader described strong early results from the state-funded neighborhoods, including improved kindergarten readiness, reduced chronic absenteeism, higher graduation rates, food access, housing supports, and mental health services, but warned that current funding sunsets in June 2025 and that a fiscal cliff could jeopardize staff and services. CDSS said the four funded neighborhoods have reported positive outcomes and valuable flexibility, but also noted challenges with one-time funding, student mental health, and long-term planning. Assemblymember Mia Bonta urged continued investment, saying the place-based model is difficult to rebuild once lost, and the chair asked LAO to help identify the minimum funding needed to preserve the existing infrastructure while evaluation results are still pending.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Ways and Means (04/23/2025)

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • The producers of electricity are not a public utility.
  • electricity are not a public utility. electricity are not a public utility.
  • <00:42:38.079> and are sent out over public utilities and are sent out over public utilities
  • and they pay the utility property tax. and they pay the utility property tax.
  • So, I mentioned the Texas bill, Senate Bill 21.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Feb 17th, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • At the end of June, 750 girls were dropped off at Camp Mystic in Texas.
  • Those gaps are not only in Texas, but in Alabama and across the country.
  • What happened at Camp Mystic in Texas What happened at Camp Mystic in Texas exposed<00:39:25.680
  • what was taking place in Texas what was taking place in Texas and<01:13:16.159> nobody<01
  • Then behind that one which is Texas.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Florida, a Texas, South Carolina, etc. Florida, a Texas, South Carolina, etc.
  • programs like Medicaid, around utilizing programs like Medicaid, Medicare,<00:56:42.559> SNAP
  • Looking at how we utilize farmers.
  • <00:57:50.799> utilizing<00:57:51.200> biouels the state of Kentucky. utilizing biouels
  • In the three they can then utilize.
Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement heard presentations from the Secretary of State, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Department of Agriculture. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office had no major new budget or authority requests, but he updated members on voter-roll maintenance, ongoing litigation over a law preventing voting in multiple states, the Safe at Home program for domestic violence survivors, human trafficking outreach, reduced spending, and new anti-fraud measures for business registrations and electronic service of process. Members then discussed Adams’ remarks, especially his criticism of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. One senator objected that the organization should not be shut out of the legislative process, citing First Amendment concerns. Adams responded that he was not seeking to ban anyone from speaking, but wanted lawmakers to remember the harm he believes the group’s litigation does to election integrity and bipartisan reform. Representative Jackson praised Adams and his staff for their work. Deputy Attorney General Rob Duncan outlined the office’s work, including criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, body armor grants, administrative hearings, domestic violence and violent crime initiatives, election security, child support services, and the new Office of Data Privacy. He said the child support program transition from CHFS had created budget shortfalls and that the office would seek additional funding next session. In response to questions from Representative Lockett, Duncan said he did not yet have exact cost figures but expected funding needs and noted barriers related to personnel, budgeting, and integration. The committee also heard from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who highlighted the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy’s 25th anniversary, the new Office of Economic Development, and the role of Miss Kentucky in promoting agriculture. He said the department would seek recruitment and retention funding, possible staffing for EV station inspections, and continued support to make the agriculture economic development fund permanent.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 087 Apr 11th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas to the greater state of Colorado. Texas to the greater state of Colorado.
  • lease space and utilities lease space and utilities 104,14,4634,14,463 automation<02:37:15.280><
  • Local utility management, $142,045. Assistance, E15, 2.0 FTE.
  • Local utility management, $142,045. Assistance, E15, 2.0 FTE.
  • <05:26:53.120> 5573,678 utilities 5573,678 utilities 5573,678 indirect<05:26:55.680> cost
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the prior journal, and heard several brief recognitions before moving to business. Members welcomed foster care advocates for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Girl Scouts visiting the Capitol, and participants in Black Maternal Health Week, with remarks emphasizing foster youth voice, leadership development, and the need for culturally competent maternal health care and doula/midwife support. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1026, honoring former Governor Roy Romer and designating a portion of I-25 as the Governor Roy Romer Memorial Highway. Supporters highlighted Romer’s long public service, his work on education and infrastructure, and his role in major state projects. A proposed amendment to strike the word “memorial” was withdrawn, the House suspended the rules to allow Romer to speak from the well, and Romer offered remarks about legislative collegiality and the importance of democracy and listening to opposing views. House Joint Resolution 1026 was adopted on a 60-0 vote, with four excused and one absent. After a brief recess, the House returned to special orders and resumed reading House Bill 1410 at length, continuing through extensive appropriations language for the Department of Human Services, including child welfare, youth services, Medicaid-related transfers, SNAP and benefits administration, and other funding line items. No final action on House Bill 1410 was taken in the portion provided.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections

Judiciary and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • these and For the judges with DCAC to ensure that these monitors that probation is moving toward utilizing
  • I just want to go on record as expressing my dissatisfaction for a member of this committee utilizing
  • There's no code to bill it. Why? Because they don't follow a standard of practice.
  • I'm a licensed and active real estate agent in the state of Arizona and in Texas.
Summary: The committee approved the minutes and then took up several election, family court, and criminal justice bills. SB 1425, the “big bill,” would move Arizona’s 2026 primary election date earlier and adjust related election administration timelines; the chair’s amendment moved the primary to July 21 and removed the shortened curing/ID deadlines. County officials testified in support, explaining the timing changes and the need to align dates, and the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do-pass recommendation. SB 1289, dealing with certifications for entities providing money or resources for election administration and foreign funding disclosures, also received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from supporters arguing it would block foreign influence in election administration and ballot issue spending. The committee later heard SCR 1013, a related resolution that would more directly prohibit foreign-source money for election administration and ballot measures; the sponsor and supporters said it was similar to SB 1289 but broader, and testimony focused on foreign money flowing through nonprofit networks. The committee then considered SB 1326, which would allow courts to award attorney fees and costs to victims when a party violates or worsens a victim’s rights. A victim’s attorney testified that the bill would provide needed accountability and guidance, while opponents argued the term “exacerbates” was vague and that existing remedies already exist. The committee approved SB 1326 on a 4-3 vote. SB 1402, requiring courts to impose a fee on certain probationers to cover electronic monitoring costs, drew support from the sponsor and advocates who said offenders should pay for monitoring, and opposition from defense attorneys who warned it could burden indigent probationers and divert money from treatment; it also received a 4-3 do-pass recommendation. The most extensive debate was on SB 1330, which would allow a parent in certain custody cases to request a jury trial on parenting time or legal decision-making. Supporters, including several parents, described costly and traumatic family court experiences and argued a jury would provide a neutral check on judges and court-appointed professionals. County and court representatives opposed the bill, saying family cases require specialized judicial expertise, jury trials would delay urgent matters, increase costs, and risk confidentiality. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted the bill on a 4-3 vote. The committee also approved SB 1328, which declares state policy favoring parental rights and a child’s equal access to both co-parents, after adopting an amendment adding legislative intent language. Finally, SB 1329, which would let parents sue court-appointed professionals who deviate from professional ethics or standards in custody matters, passed 4-3 after testimony from parents and advocates who said court appointees lack accountability, while opponents said existing malpractice and licensing remedies already address misconduct.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/22/2026)

Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • of a code that covers multiple services. of a code that covers multiple services.
  • the codes. the codes.
  • Oh, there's no code. There's no code.
  • the you know, a code I guess the codes. the you know, a code I guess the codes.
  • Billing codes. Are you creating these billing codes?
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Session (05/14/2026)

New Hampshire House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Out-of-state paid lobbyists from Texas and Massachusetts. Don't mess up New Hampshire, indeed.
  • And don't Texas my town.
  • And don't Texas my town. And don't Texas my town.
  • syntheticum<06:17:46.400> as criminal code, classifies syntheticum as criminal code, classifies
  • PLA’s are primarily a vehicle for apprenticeship utilization and safety standards. Mr.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a code of ethics you have to adhere to.
  • We have a code of ethics you have to adhere to.
  • We have a code of ethics you have to adhere to.
  • We have a code of can bring grievances.
  • other person or entity that utilizes other person or entity that utilizes these<03:15:53.120>
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee discussed House Bill 185, which would amend RSA 3109 to add timelines for OPLC’s complaint review and investigation process. Members reviewed the existing five-year limitation period for misconduct complaints and noted that the bill would add a 30-day deadline for the office to make a recommendation to the board and a 90-day deadline to complete investigations. Some members raised concerns that the new deadlines could conflict with the existing statute of limitations, create pressure to dismiss cases too quickly, and potentially undermine the separation between OPLC’s investigative role and the boards’ adjudicatory role established by House Bill 655. Nicholas Fry, OPLC general counsel, testified that the agency’s fiscal note originally assumed it would need roughly double its staff to meet the proposed deadlines, though a later amendment reduced that estimate somewhat. He said OPLC would still need additional personnel, including investigatory paralegals and a physician investigator for the Board of Medicine, to meet the timeframes. He also explained OPLC’s current complaint and hearing procedures, including new consumer-friendly correspondence, website guidance, and efforts by the enforcement division to improve transparency and communication with complainants and licensees. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors testified in support of the bill’s basic goal of speeding up intake and investigation, saying the 30-day intake/review period was reasonable and that the bill would not change OPLC’s role in that first step. He argued, however, that the investigation step is where delays occur, especially for lower-priority complaints, and that some cases have remained unresolved for years. Committee members also questioned how the added staffing costs would be paid, with discussion of whether they would come from license fees or the general fund. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26

Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, do we have a similar from Texas?
  • Um, so if our arrangement with Texas?
  • families to move to Texas. families to move to Texas.
  • with Texas for those<00:37:13.440> employees.
  • <00:37:47.200> and families that have moved to Texas and families that have moved to Texas
Bills: HF3432, HF3411
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Advancements have been made at the local level in Boston and at the state level in our building code
  • report The element of the Walsh Kennedy Commission report that other states have adopted, such as Texas
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate first took up final passage of two bills: one directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for Jason Villian, and another authorizing DCAMM to convey certain parcels of land in Brockton. Both bills passed to be enacted and were sent to the Governor. The chamber also adopted a resolution celebrating the commissioning of the U.S.S. Massachusetts. The Senate then considered several committee reports and procedural orders. Ways and Means reported a new draft for Senate Bill 2801, fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts, and the Senate ordered the bill to a second reading with amendment deadlines and later-stage procedures set. The Rules Committee also recommended suspending the joint rule for a petition on animal telehealth, which the Senate approved, along with additional Joint Rule 12 suspensions to refer House petitions to the appropriate committees. Later, the Senate took up Senate Bill 1646 on violations of regulations regarding hot work processes. After suspending the rules to proceed forthwith, the Senate rejected an amendment to establish a Board of Hoisting Machinery Regulations, adopted the Ways and Means amendment, and ordered the bill to a third reading. Following remarks from Senator Collins about the Walsh-Kennedy Commission and fire safety reforms, the bill passed to be engrossed. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Dan McColl, a South Boston artist and newspaper man, and then adjourned to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Fri Feb 21, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most notable is the current measles outbreak in Texas, which has developed just since the last time I
  • Today, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services reported 90 cases so far from their measles
  • Most notable is the current measles outbreak in Texas, which has developed just since the last time I
  • In Texas, like Hawaii, the average doesn't reflect pockets of higher and lower rates.
  • <01:22:21.360> I'm digging into the data from Texas I'm digging into the data from Texas I'm
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition. HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 3/4/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • that tax revenue is lost as well while we're still footing the bill for these facilities and the utilities
  • for these facilities and the utilities for these facilities and the utilities that<00:10:18.399>
  • I'm thinking particularly about a constituent of mine who was detained and has been sent to Texas.
  • <00:19:55.919> He<00:19:57.280> did um and has been sent to Texas.
  • He did um and has been sent to Texas.
Bills: HF3611, HF3659, HF3909
Summary: The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes and then laid over House File 3611 for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Representative Finke described HF 3611 as creating a state income tax withholding deduction for damages awarded to individuals in lawsuits against federal agents such as ICE or CBP, including emotional and financial awards. There was no public testimony or member discussion on the bill before it was laid over. The committee then took up House File 3909, which Representative Hansen said would impose a 50% tax on the gross receipts of detention centers operated by private nongovernmental entities. Hansen argued the measure would recapture public money, deter what he characterized as misuse of taxpayer dollars, and target profits made by private detention contractors such as GEO Group and CoreCivic. He also cited projected revenues and profits for those companies and said the bill was a response to human rights and civil rights concerns tied to private detention operations. Testimony on HF 3909 included support from Nancy Fitz Simmons, a Minnesota State University, Mankato social work professor, who said social workers see the effects of these issues across the state and that the bill could return money to Minnesotans in need. Representative Swedzinski opposed the bill’s impact on the Appleton facility and emphasized local jobs and economic opportunity, while Representative Lee said Minnesota should seek better economic options than jail-related work. Representative Holland supported the bill as a way to offset costs to families and the state from detentions and deportations. Representative Weiner questioned the bill’s revenue potential and criticized the 50% gross-receipts tax as politicizing taxes. Representative Hansen responded that similar proposals were being explored in Washington and California and that the bill was intended to stand up to large corporate interests. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill.