Transcript Highlights:

• We've all sat through this committee.
• is my fault for not including them in the beginning, and even those people who were in the room, who sat
• is my fault for not including them in the beginning, and even those people who were in the room, who sat
• I don't like the fact if we sat here and were told we have X amount of people on staff and they're not

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a major workers’ compensation overhaul centered on creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and modernizing fee schedule and claims data collection. Myers said the bill was designed to improve transparency, reduce disputes, address outliers and abuse, and help injured workers return to work faster. The committee adopted technical amendments, then considered a large amendment set combining portions of House bills 780 and 1101, which added preliminary determination procedures, fraud language, temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit changes, and a fallback deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached by 2029. Several members and witnesses objected that the amendments were dropped late and would turn SB 408 into an omnibus bill; supporters argued the package was the best chance for comprehensive reform. After debate, the committee adopted the amendments and reported SB 408 favorably as amended. Testimony on SB 408 was sharply divided. Supporters, including some providers and injured-worker advocates, said the bill’s core value was transparency through the database and that the system needed modernization and a better fee schedule. Opponents argued the added amendments would burden pro se claimants, expand litigation, and weaken injured workers’ rights, especially through fraud and preliminary hearing provisions. Committee members also questioned whether the combined package was germane and whether it should be allowed to move as a single reform measure. Louisiana Workforce Commission staff explained the timeline for data collection, electronic billing, dispute rules, and eventual fee schedule rulemaking, and said the department could execute the law as amended. The committee then turned to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, concerning workplace violence and safety plans for small-box discount retailers. The bill was revised through a substitute that required covered retailers to develop and submit a written workforce safety plan, or submit an existing plan if one already existed. Representative Glorioso raised concerns that requiring a written safety plan could create new civil liability under Louisiana’s assumption-of-duty doctrine and increase litigation and insurance costs. Chasson responded that the intent was simply to encourage safety planning and that businesses already had such plans. The committee discussed possible narrowing language, but the transcript ends before a final disposition on HB 585 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for example, yes—less than 24 hours ago I sat with five of my friends and there were three different
• than 24 hours So, for example, yes- less than 24 hours ago<00:21:17.560> I<00:21:17.640> sat
• 18.480> of<00:21:18.560> my<00:21:18.720> friends<00:21:19.720> and ago I sat
• with five of my friends and ago I sat with five of my friends and there<00:21:20.360> were<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several gubernatorial nominations to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council and one nomination to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board. For GM 779, Mark Fong Su Wat said he would bring his experience as an electrician and labor community member to workforce development, and he committed to serving if confirmed. Testimony was unanimously supportive, with 10 in support and none opposed, and the committee voted to recommend advise and consent; the recommendation was adopted. For GM 792, Sheryl Cross sought a second term on the Workforce Development Council and described her work on employer engagement, military veteran affairs, and military spouse employment. In response to questions, she emphasized the need to better connect military spouses, underrepresented workers, and students pursuing trades or non-college pathways to jobs, including through school academies and online hiring initiatives. The item was held for later decision-making. For GM 793, Ashley Lohua, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council, said her focus would be helping people stay in Hawaii by improving job retention, listening to community concerns, and building pathways between sectors. Support testimony highlighted her work with marginalized communities and her empathy and leadership. She told the committee she would use her nonprofit and HR experience to help address vacancies and workforce barriers; the item was also held for later decision-making. For GM 774, Douglas Thomas Moore, nominated to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, said his first priority would be reducing the backlog. He proposed using informal conferences and mediation to speed workers’ compensation appeals and suggested recruiting more practitioners, especially younger ones, into the field. The committee noted 11 supportive testimonies and no opposition; no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, I myself, Lita Kelly, who is my direct report on a day-to-day basis, we have sat down with
• You were the director at $1 billion, and a number of us got together and sat down and said if it was.
• At $1 billion, and a number of us got together and sat down and said if it was $500 million, we'd be
• And this is one of those things that my boss, Alita Kelly, has sat down with staff members of this committee

Bills: S7040, S0110, S0434, S0856

Keywords: property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up three property-tax related bills before turning to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a residential property’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented by Senator Lee and reported favorably. CS for SB 110, which clarifies that holders of 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably. SB 856, requiring online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew support from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and others and was reported favorably after questions about transparency and realtor obligations. The committee then considered SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Senator DiCeglie and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie argued the fund is needed for hurricane response, other natural and man-made emergencies, and reimbursement-based spending; they said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Several senators questioned the use of the fund for immigration-related operations, detention facilities, and other non-disaster activities, as well as the lack of additional guardrails, reimbursement timing, and transparency. Guthrie said the division has used the fund for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, security operations, and other incidents, and that some reimbursements are still pending from the federal government. Public testimony on SPB 7040 was largely opposed. Speakers from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Florida for All, and others argued the fund has been repurposed for immigration enforcement and detention-related spending rather than true emergencies, and raised concerns about deaths in detention and the absence of competitive bidding and oversight. Guthrie answered extensive questions about the South Florida and North Florida detention facilities, Operation Vigilant Sentry, State Guard support, reimbursement requests, equipment purchases, and legislative access to facilities. The committee did not take a final vote on SPB 7040 within the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Yes, she sat in on the work sessions. So, this was signed off by DEES. Agreed.
• <01:30:49.520> Yes,<01:30:50.000> she<01:30:50.320> sat<01:30:50.560> in<
• Yes, she sat in on with the amendment.
• Yes, she sat in on the<01:30:51.679> um the um the um work<01:30:54.320> sessions.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As he sat outside of the gym waiting for the bus that was going to take him home, the volleyball coach
• As<00:56:49.680> he<00:56:49.839> sat<00:56:50.160> outside<00:56:50.640> of<
• 50.799> the<00:56:51.040> gym<00:56:51.359> waiting<00:56:51.680> for As he sat
• outside of the gym waiting for As he sat outside of the gym waiting for the<00:56:52.079> bus

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She has sat here and listened to all this discussion and testimony and back and forth.
• taking your so I'll I'll begin as you're taking your seat<00:31:36.039> you've<00:31:36.279> sat
• <00:31:36.639> and<00:31:36.760> you've<00:31:36.960> listened seat you've sat
• here and you've listened seat you've sat here and you've listened to<00:31:38.039> all<00:31:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If your question is, I would love to have sat down and talked with you before this hearing and we could
• Because I sat where you have sat and had questions of administrations of the past, it's important that
• And I remember a time that I sat with a young man who I was with him and prayed with him, and I'll never

Transcript Highlights:

• Why was it that we could go to a restaurant and you could take your mask off when you sat down, but not
• Why it was that we could go to a restaurant and you could take your mask off when you sat down, but not
• That we could go to a restaurant and you could take your mask off when you sat down, but not when you

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on several emergency management bills, with most of the testimony focused on Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit COVID-19 mRNA vaccination or gene-altering procedures as a condition of entry, employment, school attendance, or access to public venues. Senator Durant and many public witnesses supported the bill, arguing that COVID-era mandates were coercive, ineffective, and harmful, and that the state should not require proof of vaccination in future emergencies. One witness, Joanne Tuller, testified in opposition, saying the government should retain authority to impose public health measures in emergencies and warning against permanently limiting that power based on the COVID experience. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 540, concerning the prevention of radioactive material discharge, with a Sierra Club representative and local residents opposing Holtec’s disposal of wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and citing health, environmental, and economic concerns in Plymouth and nearby communities. Senator Driscoll testified in support of Senate Bills 537 and 538, describing them as measures to strengthen the Commonwealth’s strategic preparedness stockpile and to create a framework for emergency response during surges in hospitalizations, including temporary waivers of prior authorization when hospitals are over capacity. In addition, Dr. Jennifer Carlson testified in support of H.885, a resolve creating a special commission on the field of emergency management, arguing that the profession should be more fully professionalized and staffed by dedicated experts rather than part-time “second hat” officials. Several other bills on the docket, including H.883 and H.84, had no sign-ups. The chair closed each bill’s testimony section as the list was exhausted, and the hearing was adjourned without any votes taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we sat down with our port and tribal partners and negotiated the agreements.
• Then we sat down with our So the funding went to the project that delivered the most value and could
• Then we sat down with our port and travel partners and negotiated the agreements.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held a work session focused heavily on Climate Commitment Act transportation spending and electrification programs. Staff first reviewed roughly $2.2 billion in CCA transportation allocations over three biennia, noting that the largest shares went to public transportation, active transportation, ferry electrification, ZEV programs, rail freight/ports, and planning, with about half of the electrification and fuel-conversion spending tied to state ferries. Members asked for more detail comparing CCA dollars with the broader transportation budget and for total project costs, not just CCA contributions. The Department of Ecology presented on the zero-emission school bus program. Ecology said the legislature codified the program in 2024 and requires electric buses once diesel and electric costs are equivalent, with exemptions available when electric buses cannot meet district needs. Ecology reported $38.3 million in CCA funding for 2025-27, with $21.4 million already obligated or spent to replace 91 diesel buses in 28 districts, plus additional federal EPA funding leveraged for 13 more buses. Members asked about health impacts, parity timing, rural route exemptions, charging and training costs, and whether the program includes infrastructure; Ecology said the grants cover buses, charging, and sometimes training, and that the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is developing the cost-equivalency formula. The Department of Commerce described its clean transportation role, including EV rebates, charging infrastructure, tribal electric boats, and the EV Coordinating Council. Commerce said its rebate program was designed to lower monthly payments for low-income households, that 89% of recipients said the rebate was essential to their purchase, and that lease incentives helped draw additional federal dollars. Members asked about tribal boat details, utility interconnection and curtailment, range anxiety, and vandalism at charging stations; Commerce said battery storage and managed charging are being used in some projects, some utilities are more responsive than others, and vandalism remains a challenge. The Department of Enterprise Services reported 567 Level 2 and 46 Level 3 charging ports installed at 82 state sites, with 19 more sites in progress and over $100 million in additional candidate projects. DES said most funding is for new infrastructure, though some VW settlement money is used for replacements, and members asked about charger replacement needs, mobile charging, and EV fleet purchasing data. WSDOT then outlined its EV infrastructure and transit programs. It said the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Partnership program has funded 23 new charging sites this biennium, including overburdened communities and tribal locations, and has supported 264 DC fast-charging ports statewide. WSDOT also described the new Washington Zero Emission Incentive Program, a point-of-sale voucher program for zero-emission commercial vehicles and equipment with $112 million available this biennium; it reported strong early demand, especially for off-road equipment and heavy trucks, and said technical assistance is being provided to help businesses participate. In public transportation, WSDOT said CCA funds support bus and bus facility grants, commute trip reduction, green transportation capital projects, paratransit, tribal transit, zero-emissions access car share, and other mobility projects, with most awards benefiting overburdened communities. Finally, WSDOT’s rail freight and ports division said port electrification projects are underway but spending is still low because of long design, permitting, utility, and supply-chain timelines; it estimated the $89.8 million program could reduce more than 140,000 metric tons of emissions over 10 years. Members questioned the pace of spending, the Northwest Seaport drayage project, and how state funds can leverage additional federal or port resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we sat down with our port and tribal partners and negotiated the agreements.
• Then we sat down with our So the funding went to the project that delivered the most value and could
• Then we sat down with our port and travel partners and negotiated the agreements.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held a work session focused on Climate Commitment Act transportation spending and electrification programs. Staff first reviewed overall CCA transportation allocations, saying about $2.2 billion has been allocated over three biennia, with major categories including public transportation, active transportation, ferry electrification, zero-emission vehicle programs, rail/ports, and planning. Members asked for additional breakdowns comparing CCA dollars with total program costs across categories. The Department of Ecology presented on the zero-emission school bus grant program. Ecology said the program was codified in 2024 and supports the transition from diesel to electric school buses, including buses, charging infrastructure, and training. For 2025-27, Ecology received $38.3 million in CCA funding; $21.4 million is already obligated or spent, replacing 91 diesel buses in 28 districts, with the rest to be awarded by the end of the biennium. Members asked about cost parity, exemptions for rural and extracurricular routes, health data, and whether the funding covers chargers as well as buses. Ecology said OSPI is developing the parity formula and exemptions are available when electric buses cannot meet district needs. The Department of Commerce described its clean transportation role, including EV rebates, tribal charging and electric boat projects, and the EV Coordinating Council. Commerce said its rebate program was designed to lower monthly costs and prioritize low-income households, with 89% of recipients saying the rebate was essential to their purchase. It also reported strong demand for charging grants, progress on tribal projects, and concerns about utility interconnection timelines, vandalism, and range anxiety. The Department of Enterprise Services reported on state agency EVSE projects, saying it has completed 82 sites with 567 Level 2 ports and 46 DC fast chargers, and that current projects will add 152 more Level 2 ports; members asked about replacing aging chargers and the state’s EV fleet purchasing mix. WSDOT closed with updates on charging, transit, and port electrification. It said its corridor charging program has awarded 23 sites this biennium, with 13 in overburdened communities and five tribal sites, and that the Washington Zero Emission Incentive Program opened with $112 million for vouchers for zero-emission commercial vehicles and equipment. WSDOT also described transit grants, including bus and bus facility funding, commute trip reduction, paratransit, tribal transit, and zero-emissions access car-share projects. The rail freight and ports division reported $89.8 million for port electrification projects, including shore power and drayage trucks, but noted only about 10% has been spent so far because projects are still in design and permitting. Members raised concerns about funding gaps, supply-chain delays, utility capacity, and whether the programs are sufficient to meet broader electrification needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, if you've ever been in this committee, I sound like a broken record, I know, but if you ever sat
• And the former head of BGR sat on the Sewer and Water Board and opposed all of the efforts that we did
• And the former head of BGR sat on the Sewer and Water Board and opposed all of the efforts that we did

Bills: SB348, SB444, SB485, SB517, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB362, HB368, HB377, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB664, HB741, HB822, HB990, HB1243

Keywords: motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, economic development, Baton Rouge North, commissioners

Summary: The committee on local and municipal affairs met on May 7, 2026, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then took up a series of local bills. HB 362 creating the Regency Park Towns Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish was reported favorably without objection. HB 822, dealing with nonprofit entities that hold appointments on boards and commissions while not in good standing with the Secretary of State, drew questions about whether it targeted a specific entity and about how long an entity should be out of good standing; the committee adopted an amendment changing the trigger to three consecutive years and then reported the bill as amended. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1243, which would give the Orleans Parish City Council more authority over the Sewer and Water Board. The sponsor, Council President J.P. Morrell, and Representative Hilfordy argued the bill would move New Orleans toward a more local, responsive public-works model and help address long-standing dysfunction. The Bureau of Governmental Research testified that it supported increased local control but urged a formal study or transition plan so the city would document the future governance structure. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying ownership of assets and then reported HB 1243 as amended. The committee also handled several St. George bills and other local measures. SB 348, allowing third-party administrative support for motor vehicle enforcement, and SB 444, granting expropriation authority for certain public projects, were reported favorably. SB 485, transferring insurance premium tax authority to the City of St. George, was initially amended but then reconsidered; the amendment was stripped and the bill was reported favorably. HB 990, concerning Jefferson Parish and unpaid water/sewer bills on multifamily properties, HB 466 on West Feliciana Parish property-tax rebates, HB 664 raising parish ordinance fines, HB 87 increasing per diem for a Livingston Parish gas utility district board, HB 115 abolishing the police chief for the Village of Edgefield, HB 741 creating emergency housing vouchers for human trafficking survivors, HB 377 removing civil-service pay restrictions for state examiners, HB 162 updating a crime prevention district fee, HB 368 raising fines for improper demolition of historic properties, and HB 441 returning Sewer and Water Board employees to city civil service were all reported favorably, most without objection. HB 431, requiring mayors to complete 16 hours of annual training, was amended to add continuing legal education and national conferences and then reported as amended. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, if you've ever been in this committee, I sound like a broken record, I know, but if you ever sat
• And the former head of BGR sat on the Sewerage and Water Board and opposed all of the efforts that we
• And the former head of BGR sat on the Sewerage and Water Board and opposed all of the efforts that we

Bills: SB348, SB444, SB485, SB517, HB87, HB115, HB162, HB362, HB368, HB377, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB664, HB741, HB822, HB990, HB1243

Keywords: motor vehicles, enforcement, administrative support, law enforcement, private service provider, regulatory compliance, expropriation, public purpose, property rights, compensation, city governance, St. George, insurance premium tax, city of St. George, municipal authority, local taxation, East Baton Rouge Parish, economic development, Baton Rouge North, commissioners

Summary: The committee on Local and Municipal Affairs met on May 7, 2026 and approved the prior meeting minutes before taking up a series of local bills. Early action included HB 362, creating the Regency Park Towns Townhomes Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish, which was reported favorably. HB 822, dealing with nonprofit entities that hold appointments on boards and commissions while not in good standing with the Secretary of State, drew discussion about how long an entity must be out of compliance and whether notice should be required; the committee adopted an amendment changing the threshold to three consecutive years and then reported the bill as amended. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1243, which would shift more authority over the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to the Orleans Parish City Council. Supporters, including Representative Hilfriddy and Council President J.P. Morrell, argued the current structure is dysfunctional and unresponsive, and that local elected officials need authority to act more quickly. The Bureau of Governmental Research testified without taking a position on the bill itself but urged a formal transition plan or study committee so the city would have a clear governance path. Despite that concern, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying asset ownership and then reported HB 1243 as amended. The committee also handled several St. George bills. SB 348, allowing local law enforcement to contract for administrative support related to motor vehicle enforcement, was reported favorably. SB 444, granting St. George expropriation authority for certain public infrastructure projects, was also reported favorably. SB 485, concerning the city’s authority over insurance premium taxes, initially had amendments adopted but was then reconsidered; the amendments were stripped and the bill was reported favorably in its original form. HB 431, requiring mayors to complete annual continuing education, was amended to clarify approved training and then reported favorably. Other measures reported favorably included HB 990 on Jefferson Parish master water meters, HB 466 on West Feliciana Parish tax rebates tied to a data center project, HB 664 raising the maximum fine for parish ordinance violations, HB 87 increasing per diem for a Livingston Parish gas utility district board, HB 115 abolishing the police chief position in Edgefield, HB 741 creating emergency housing vouchers for human trafficking survivors, HB 377 removing civil service pay-plan restrictions for state examiners, HB 162 allowing a fee increase for the Jefferson Place/Bocage Crime Prevention District, HB 368 increasing fines for improper demolition of historic properties in New Orleans, and HB 441 returning New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board employees to city civil service. The committee adjourned after reporting the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• They sat out a week and joined another team in the playoffs, and that shouldn't happen.
• They sat out a week and joined another team in the playoffs, and that shouldn't happen.
• probably tell you that he played college athletics and I did as well, but he actually played and I sat

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White, on current issues in high school sports. Damon said the association received more than 309 allegations this year, including 113 recruiting complaints, but only two coaches were suspended for recruiting violations, and those were self-reported. He focused on rising sportsmanship problems, violent incidents, and ejections, saying the association is working with coaches and athletic administrators on prevention and positive-behavior campaigns. He also discussed mental health pressures on student athletes, the effects of frequent transfers and school choice on team stability and community pride, and the need for more qualified coaches on campus who understand interscholastic rules and student support responsibilities. Senators asked about the transfer system, violent conduct, and whether the association would propose changes; Damon said he would support guardrails that protect school choice while limiting midseason athletic transfers. The committee then took up a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, often amounting to very low hourly pay despite year-round duties, and said Florida’s system has not kept pace with increased responsibilities, inflation, or neighboring states. He also criticized restrictions on booster-club support, minimal coaching certification requirements, and turnover among coaches, and urged changes that would allow coaches to negotiate fairer compensation and receive external funding. Hickman and Ward emphasized the long hours, family strain, and mentoring role of coaches, while the superintendents said districts face finite budgets and must balance coach pay against teacher, bus driver, and other staffing needs; they also warned that booster-funded pay could create inequities between wealthy and less affluent communities. Senators discussed whether booster-club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should vary by performance, and whether any new funding should be categorical. Public comment followed from Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, both of whom stressed the broader educational and safety impact of coaches and asked lawmakers to support the next generation of coaches. After the presentations, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, by a single roll-call vote, recommended all appointees favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll rehash just a couple of things from when we sat down in the office and... ...us rehashed just a
• couple of things from when we sat down in the office in Granbury when you were first nominated in the
• Well, you haven't sat on the board yet, correct? Correct.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations met to consider several gubernatorial nominees and first approved a slate of nominees left pending from the March 31 agenda. The committee voted 5-0 to favorably report those nominees to the full Senate for confirmation. Public testimony was then opened and later closed, with some listed witnesses not appearing. The committee heard testimony on Jerry K. Weldon II for the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors. Senators focused on stewardship of the Brazos River, the authority’s relationship to the legislature and the public, Sunset review, water quality and nutrient runoff, impaired waterways, and possible uses of constructed wetlands for aggregate mine reclamation. Weldon emphasized collaboration, transparency, and keeping the citizens of Texas as the authority’s primary customer. Commissioner Robert Vaughn was considered for reappointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. Discussion centered on TxDOT’s management, rural funding, population growth, project delivery, and the commissioner’s role on the audit committee. Doug McCreakin was considered for the Texas Tech University Board of Regents, with questions about legislative priorities, compliance with DEI-related state law, workforce development, rural medical education, and university partnerships. Jody Giles was considered for reappointment to the University of Texas Board of Regents, and Bernadette Carrasco Coleman for reappointment to the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents; both discussed higher education priorities, PUF funding, compliance with state law, and student support programs. John Rutherford was considered for reappointment to the Teachers Retirement System Board of Trustees, with questions about fiduciary oversight, investment understanding, and keeping the retirement system solvent. Brigadier General Michael Boyd was also considered for appointment to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, where discussion focused on military retention, child care, spouse licensing, base infrastructure, and grant funding for Texas installations. The committee did not take final votes on these later nominees during the hearing and left them pending subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• He sat right here behind me, and I always watched out for him.
• I sat next to him for two years. I still remember the day that I met him.
• But when we sat down and I talked with the Republican members of that committee, I explained my philosophy

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll never forget the agent who sat with me at council tables.
• It's important to note that they sat silently while you had parents and people of faith and so many that
• people who worked with him in the administration. people like Bill Barr who, for a lesser position, sat

Bills: SB331

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations, law enforcement, Kash Patel, FBI director nomination, S331, Fentanyl Act, committee meeting, legislative discussion

Summary: In this committee meeting, the primary focus was on the nomination of Kash Patel for the position of director of the FBI, which had sparked considerable debate over the past week. Members discussed the extensive vetting process Patel underwent, including a lengthy hearing where he addressed numerous questions, which emphasized his qualifications and the support he received from various law enforcement organizations. The meeting included significant arguments from both sides, reflecting the polarized nature of the nomination, especially regarding the allegations made against Patel by some committee members. As discussions continued, the committee decided to hold off on the Fentanyl Act, listed as S331, until the next meeting, indicating a prioritization of the nomination vote over new legislative measures at this time.

Transcript Highlights:

• comment that was just a few weeks ago um our HHS director and one of our lead uh supervisors in HHS sat
• here and and supervisors in HHS sat here and and testified<00:41:38.280> to<00:41:38.360>
• If I sat at the same table as you, even to hear the amendment of a delay.
• If<00:59:00.970> [snorts]<00:59:01.200> I<00:59:02.040> sat<00:59:02.600> at<
• at the same table of If [snorts] I sat at the same table of as<00:59:04.120> you,<00:59:04.640

Bills: HF4407, HF4382

Keywords: child welfare, African American children, racial disproportionality, family preservation, reunification, foster care, kinship care, relative placement, noncustodial parent, guardian ad litem, ombudsperson, Department of Human Services, county social services, active efforts, reasonable efforts, child protection, placement, out-of-home placement, Northstar kinship assistance, data disaggregation

Summary: The Children and Families Committee adopted the April 8 minutes and then took up House File 4407, as amended by the A1 amendment. The amendment, explained by nonpartisan staff, incorporated much of the Senate version of related legislation and made a series of changes: it revised the definition of “disproportionately represented child,” shifted that determination to the Commissioner of Children, Youth, and Families, made technical cross-reference and terminology updates, adjusted training requirements, set the working group to expire December 31, 2027, and added an appropriation for statewide implementation. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then referred the bill to Ways and Means. Representative Gilman said the bill is intended to preserve the goals of the Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act while addressing operational, legal, and fiscal problems before statewide implementation. He argued for delaying the effective date by one year, shifting case review responsibilities to the state, and providing funding so counties are not left with an unfunded mandate. He also said the bill adds safety measures related to synthetic opioids and other imminent-harm concerns, and that the delay would allow the working group to finish its recommendations and give counties time to prepare. County officials Steve Schmidt of Meeker County/Minnesota Rural Counties and Jenny Mojo of Clay County testified in support of the bill as amended, emphasizing that counties need clearer responsibilities, staffing, training, technology, and dependable funding to implement the law successfully. Rebecca St. George of DCYF said “active efforts” is not absolutely defined and is determined case by case, often with court involvement. Members raised questions about the meaning of active efforts, the bill’s synthetic opioid language, and whether the proposal should apply more broadly rather than within this specific act. A citizen also cautioned that the opioid language should not unintentionally affect families in treatment programs. Representative Hicks warned that the fentanyl provisions could lead to broad removals and create placement problems for teens with substance use disorder, while Representative Gilman responded that the bill includes a rebuttable presumption and is meant to protect children from imminent harm.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I sat on the committee in 23 and I don't remember any conversation.
• <01:26:32.960> on<01:26:33.040> the<01:26:33.199> committee information. and I sat
• on the committee information. and I sat on the committee in<01:26:33.760> 23<01:26:34.239>
• ><01:45:27.199> on<01:45:27.360> this<01:45:27.520> committee years ago when I sat
• on this committee years ago when I sat on this committee and<01:45:28.320> I<01:45:28.639>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met on March 4, 2026, and focused almost entirely on an update and oversight discussion of the Promise Act, including its grant and loan programs. The chair opened by explaining that the committee wanted to better understand how the 2023 law was implemented, how funds are still being deployed in greater Minnesota and the metro, and whether adjustments made in 2024 and 2025 were working as intended. The minutes from March 3 were approved at the start of the meeting. Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon of DEED outlined the program’s legislative history, funding structure, eligibility rules, and oversight process. He said the grant side has about $94 million available, with $16 million going to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and $86 million to the Neighborhood Development Center, plus administrative and technical assistance set-asides. He noted legislative changes over time, including shifting the revenue eligibility test to the prior year, adding a home-office deduction requirement for businesses using a home address, and maintaining a preference for applicants who had not received more than $10,000 in prior state assistance. McKinnon said about $22 million had been awarded to 35 businesses at the time of the update, and that the loan program has $30 million appropriated, with about $9.5 million lent so far. He also described the application, verification, audit, and payment process, emphasizing that partners handle intake and DEED conducts final review and random audits. Shahir Ahmmed of the Neighborhood Development Center described the round-one and round-two grant process in more detail. He said NDC spent about nine months building the application platform, launched round one in June 2024, received more than 3,000 applications, and later paused awards while DEED and legislators clarified the law. He reported that 651 applications were approved in the first round for just under $9 million, and that round two launched in September 2025 with a goal of distributing up to $50 million in remaining grant funds. Ahmmed also explained the step-by-step applicant process, including email confirmation, eligibility screening, document upload, identity verification through Plaid, and final DEED review. He said applicants commonly use funds for payroll, equipment or inventory, rent, and utilities. The chair indicated there would be further testimony from other program partners and then member questions, but no votes or formal actions were taken on the Promise Act itself during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there's varying degrees of bullying, and I've sat down with four of these mothers for about three
• Um, there's varying degrees of bullying, and I've sat down with four of these mothers for about three
• varying degrees of bullying and the<00:01:53.119> and<00:01:53.280> I've<00:01:53.520> sat
• with<00:01:54.799> four<00:01:55.040> of<00:01:55.200> these the and I've sat
• down with four of these the and I've sat down with four of these mothers<00:01:56.479> for<00

Bills: SF0035, SF0090, SF0072

Keywords: education, cell phones, smart devices, school policy, student conduct, school property, rental fees, youth activities, education policy, Wyoming legislature, teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:56:47.599> We<00:56:47.839> sat<00:56:48.160> with<00:56:48.319> no
• We sat with no get paid and who was not.
• We sat with no operating<00:56:49.119> funds,<00:56:50.000> no<00:56:50.319> money
• So when you get to the attorney general investigation after you've sat through and gone out of business
• <01:41:09.760> through investigation after you've sat through investigation after you've sat

Keywords: 1187, senate, all