Transcript Highlights:

• Second, to increase the competitiveness of Washington's tax structure. Thank you.
• Second, to increase the competitiveness of Washington's tax structure.
• of the preference does make Washington more competitive by lowering the tax liability for owners and
• I think we have to find a way to balance the information that we are asking on.
• And I think that's a tight balance for us to find whether the tax preference is valuable and gives us

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Transcript Highlights:

• And that means making sure that Minnesota is competitive both nationally and globally.
• </c><00:07:34.080><c> both</c> sure that Minnesota is competitive both sure that Minnesota is competitive
• </c> sure that Minnesota can be competitive sure that Minnesota can be competitive statewide.<00:14:33.040
• Now this term, to balance the budget, some government programs and initiatives have been scaled back.
• </c> that's a sign that we have balanced that's a sign that we have balanced government<00:26:08.880>

Transcript Highlights:

• This is competitive wrestling.
• That's the definition of competitive athletics.
• We do need the balance.
• We do need the balance.
• That would be a reasonable balance.

Committee: All ALC-ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a balance sheet out there. There's an income statement.
• I mean, what is the ending fund balance in the service fund then?
• when I show that information, that will carry a fund balance on it.
• And I think we would find a competitive advantage that would make our RFP very competitive, because vendors
• competitive, that would make our RFP very competitive, I think, because vendors, I think, would want

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then received a quarterly update on major IT projects from NDIT. Staff reported the portfolio included 116 major projects totaling about $546 million, with the overall portfolio under budget but slightly behind schedule. They reviewed projects over the 20% variance threshold, including an Industrial Commission grants management system and DOT’s roadway pre-construction replacement, and then heard startup and closeout reports from HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT. Several previously troubled projects were closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning; some projects finished under budget and ahead of schedule, while others were significantly behind schedule or over budget but were now closed or being remediated. The committee also reviewed NDIT’s annual report, including service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how service-fund revenue and grant administrative charges are accounted for, how chargebacks work, and whether NDIT tracks customer satisfaction scores. NDIT said it does track CSAT-type measures in some service areas and has survey data, but it is not planning another customer survey this summer. Members encouraged more regular reporting of customer satisfaction, service-level metrics, and performance data to help guide future improvements. A major portion of the meeting focused on the state’s mainframe modernization effort. NDIT said the overall effort is still targeting about 2030, with multiple HHS and DOT projects underway and a $15 million tech-debt appropriation already removing some components. Staff described the main obstacles as data cleanup, complex integrations, limited staff capacity, retirements, and vendor constraints, and said they are seeking a vendor with modernization support in the next contract cycle. Members pressed for clearer accountability and faster progress, and NDIT and HHS emphasized that they are working jointly but need continued support and better tools. The committee then heard a cybersecurity update on NDIT’s statewide services and maturity assessments. NDIT explained that it provides vulnerability scanning, endpoint protection, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that these services are tied to a cybersecurity maturity assessment based on CIS controls. Members questioned the sharp drop in participation since 2020 and whether the self-assessment should be mandatory or tied more strongly to StageNet access or insurance incentives. NDIT said participation is voluntary, but Enderf is now requiring annual assessments to keep a 4% insurance discount, and members discussed whether stronger requirements or audit authority may be needed. The meeting ended as the committee began a follow-up discussion on BEAD broadband connection costs and why some locations are much more expensive to connect than others.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> workers, they're bad for competition, workers, they're bad for competition, they're<00:10:25.279
• We have a competitive labor market.
• And it's all a balancing test.
• And it's all a balancing test.
• </c> balance of power that employers have. balance of power that employers have.

Bills: HF3889 , HF2567 , HF3878

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• But it deters utilities from spending beyond what is necessary, striking that balance.
• We feel like this bill strikes that balance, Mr. Chairman.
• And I think we've struck a balance here.
• We're in a competitive environment for those.
• These bills would increase swipe fee competition and transparency.

Bills: SB231 , SB584 , SB600 , SB668 , SB841 , SB986 , SB1003 , SB1244 , SB1625 , SB1960 , SB1963 , SB1964 , SB2026 , SB2056 , SB2368

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> attendance at a robotics competition. attendance at a robotics competition.
• We would also love to invite you to our state competition this Saturday in Lexington.
• , which is a portion of our competition, which is a teleyoperated<00:08:21.919><c> period.
• </c> use, we no longer use a balanced use, we no longer use a balanced literacy<00:31:30.720><c> program
• :32:40.960><c> literacy</c> curricula that used balanced literacy curricula that used balanced literacy

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes a combination of primarily formula funds and competitive grant funds.
• They equal or are more than the competitive grants that are part of the IRA.
• </c> funding so the uh State competitiveness funding so the uh State competitiveness fund<00:23:28.919
• Any canceled balances will go towards repaying state debt or repaying the general fund.
• </c><00:56:33.680><c> will</c> legislature any canceled balances will legislature any canceled balances

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• But HB 398 helps Delaware racinos remain competitive with neighboring states, such as New Jersey, that
• That gap costs this state hospitality revenue, young professional retention, and economic competitiveness
• This committee has the opportunity to make Delaware competitive, and I urge a favorable vote and ask
• Ensuring equitable reimbursement for the same services helps create a more competitive environment for
• It's a competitive liability.

Bills: HB373

Committee: Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology

Summary: The Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee met in hybrid format and heard testimony on several bills. HB 373, as amended, would regulate hemp-derived THC-infused beverages by defining the products, limiting them to 10 mg of Delta-9 THC per container, restricting sales to package stores and licensed marijuana retail stores, requiring testing and labeling, and imposing a 50-cent per container tax; the sponsor said the bill is intended to create guardrails and protect youth, and a wholesaler representative testified in support. HB 398 would allow racinos to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. and remove local authority to require earlier closing times; the sponsor and Bally’s representative said it would help Delaware remain competitive and increase revenue, and no opposition was heard. HB 433 would let municipalities and counties extend last call for bars, restaurants, and clubs from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.; a witness from Connect Delaware supported it as a competitiveness and retention measure, emphasizing that it is permissive rather than mandatory. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 441, which would ban cryptocurrency kiosks/crypto ATMs in Delaware and require existing machines to be removed within 90 days. The sponsor and supporters, including AARP, the Delaware Department of Justice, and the League of Women Voters, argued the machines are heavily used in scams, especially against older adults, and that regulation has not been effective. CoinFlip opposed the bill, saying it is a regulated operator, that the fraud statistics are overstated or incomplete, and that Delaware should instead adopt a regulatory framework and amendment. HB 465 would update the criminal code to formally define virtual currency and incorporate it into theft, money laundering, racketeering, and search-and-seizure provisions; the sponsor said it would align Delaware law with modern crypto-related crimes, and no opposition was presented. The committee then heard HB 467, which would prevent landlords from requiring renters to buy insurance from a specific company while still allowing them to require coverage meeting lease terms; the sponsor described it as a consumer-choice bill and there was no public opposition. HB 435 would require payment parity for certified registered nurse anesthetists and physicians when the same services are provided; the sponsor, nurse anesthetists, the Delaware Health Care Association, the Department of Insurance, and ChristianaCare supported it as a workforce and access-to-care measure, with no opposition. Finally, HS 1 for HB 450, the Road DE Act, would overhaul permitting and traffic-impact review, emphasize peak-hour traffic, set density standards in growth areas, create a transportation impact fee, and direct some revenue to open space, farmland, and coastal restoration; realtors, builders, environmental groups, engineers, and GEAR supported it as a way to speed permitting, reduce sprawl, and improve infrastructure planning. The committee adjourned after public comment; no votes were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's limited in scope, targeted, and designed to enhance both security and competitiveness.
• We believe your bill, Senator, strikes a pretty good balance in that direction.
• We appreciate it and really value the process and your balancing of different interests.
• Texas has always been an energy leader by promoting freedom and competition.
• We need checks and balances in place.

Bills: SB458 , SB819 , SB1238 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1644 , SB1791 , SB1810 , SB1824 , SB1825 , SB758 , SB1455 , SB1706

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Committed to continuing to work on the legislation to ensure that it finds the right balance between
• Local sources help make an application for other funding much more competitive and likely to succeed.
• Took to balance compliance and the public interest just last year.
• And research shows that lower limits increase competition and diversity in local elections.
• It's a fair competition.

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• That means one goal that we had in our bipartisan bill—to have an open, competitive marketplace with
• You lose competition. You've got... You lose choice. You lose competition.
• competition in those markets.
• We think stable competition and affordable premiums are the best way to keep Washingtonians covered.
• We want a strong, stable, and competitive market in Washington, and we share the goal.

Bills: HB2564 , HB2599 , HB1809 , HB2242 , HB2261 , HB2384 , HB2505

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, certification, state regulation, health plan, therapy, psychotherapy, mental health, regulation, professional standards, behavioral health, mental health crisis, crisis response, co-response, co-responder, first responder, EMS, emergency medical services, paramedic, EMT

Transcript Highlights:

• So in summary, we support the intent of the measure and believe it can strike the right balance and we
• That means one goal that we had in our bipartisan bill—to have an open, competitive marketplace with
• You lose competition. You've got... You lose choice. You lose competition.
• competition in those markets.
• We want a strong and stable and competitive market in Washington, and we share the goal.

Summary: The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on HB 2564 and HB 2599, then moved into executive session on several bills. HB 2599, which would restrict the use of AI in therapy and psychotherapy services, drew strong support from the prime sponsor, mental health professional groups, a privacy advocate, and an AI ethics researcher, all of whom warned that chatbots can mislead users, encourage delusions or self-harm, and lack licensure, accountability, and confidentiality protections. Several witnesses from health systems and telehealth organizations supported the bill’s intent but asked for narrower definitions and amendments to avoid unintended impacts on clinician-supervised tools, screening questionnaires, scribes, and other legitimate uses of AI. No vote was taken on HB 2599 during the hearing. HB 2564, which would give the Health Benefit Exchange authority to adopt market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, was presented as a way to address affordability, bare counties, and plan duplication. Supporters included the Exchange, consumer advocates, rural and tribal representatives, navigators, and some individual consumers, who said the bill could improve access, preserve bronze plan availability, and help stabilize the market in counties with too few carriers. Opponents from health plans, Regence, Premier, and insurance producer groups argued the bill would expand exchange authority without clear standards, could reduce competition and carrier participation, and might conflict with existing OIC filing and confidentiality processes; the OIC supported the bill but requested an amendment on rate disclosure timing. The committee then moved to executive session and later reported out HB 1784, HB 2242, HB 2384, and HB 2505 with due pass recommendations, while deferring action on HB 1809 and HB 2261. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute for HB 1784 on certified medical assistants by an 18-0 vote, adopted one amendment and passed a substitute for HB 2242 on preventive services and immunization recommendations by an 11-7 vote, and passed a substitute for HB 2384 on actuarial reviews for continuing care retirement communities by a 16-2 vote. It also adopted an amendment and passed a substitute for HB 2505 on limited adult family home licensure exemptions for certain foster family situations by an 18-0 vote. The meeting adjourned after those actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• research, and what this would do would eliminate our competitiveness across the country, across all
• </c><00:34:55.040><c> for</c><00:34:55.320><c> biomedical</c> of a competitiveness for biomedical of
• You use your balance sheet to borrow money to build a hospital.
• That money comes from a strong balance sheet and the ability and the willingness to use that balance
• </c> bringing um both through the balance bringing um both through the balance sheet<01:09:23.640><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Kentucky maintains its competitive Kentucky maintains its competitive advantage<00:02:37.519><c>
• </c> the balance is not dispatchable energy. the balance is not dispatchable energy.
• But this is a project that will not be competitively bid in the MISO competitive bid process.
• But this is a project that will not be competitively bid in the MISO competitive bid process.
• But this is a project that will not be competitively bid in the MISO competitive bid process.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the previous meeting, and then heard a presentation from LG&E and KU representatives Caroline Clark and John Bevington on economic development, energy demand, and the utility’s role in supporting Kentucky’s growth. Bevington described the company’s service territory, generation fleet, and recent economic development activity, including 76 projects supported in 2024, more than $2.8 billion in private investment, and over 3,000 new jobs. He emphasized that data centers are now the dominant driver in the pipeline, with 22 data center projects representing about 8.7 of the 9.7 gigawatts of potential demand, alongside other manufacturing and commercial projects. A major focus was how data centers choose sites and how utilities respond. Bevington explained that hyperscale data centers typically approach utilities first because they need transmission-level access, and that utilities then conduct internal analyses, estimate infrastructure needs, and require financial security before proceeding. He said the company is working through formal transmission studies and long-lead infrastructure planning, and noted that Kentucky’s sales tax exemption for data centers helped attract interest. He also outlined the economic benefits of data centers, citing an announced Louisville project of 525 megawatts and about $11 billion in investment, with an estimated $500 million in new tax revenue over 10 years, plus broader job and GDP impacts. Members asked about whether data centers could generate their own power, the reliability of the pipeline numbers given confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, and cybersecurity concerns. Bevington said the company does not assume all pipeline projects will materialize in Kentucky and instead assigns probabilities to avoid overbuilding. He also said he was not the right person to address cybersecurity in detail but offered to return to a committee focused on IT or security. In response to questions about future supply, he said LG&E and KU are adding generation through a 120-megawatt solar facility in Mercer County, a 120-megawatt solar purchase in Marion County, and a 645-megawatt natural gas combined-cycle plant in Louisville, with PSC approval recently granted for additional generation and related system upgrades.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a balance in that fund for a multitude of reasons.
• So there was a balance that built up in that fund.
• There was a balance in that fund for a multitude of reasons.
• So there was a balance that built up in that fund.
• So is that like a competitive grant? No, ma'am.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard the FY27 executive budget review for Louisiana Economic Development (LED). House Fiscal outlined a $59.4 million LED budget, with major funding from state general fund, self-generated revenue, federal funds, and a marketing dedication, and explained reductions tied largely to the removal of one-time funding and carryforwards. The Secretary highlighted recent economic development results, including major capital investment announcements, job creation, the high-impact jobs program, Louisiana Fast Sites, and efforts to support existing businesses and small business growth. Members repeatedly asked for clearer public-facing materials on the tax and economic benefits of incentives, the use of the entertainment development fund, the structure of the high-impact jobs and Fast Sites programs, and how LED competes with other states. LED also discussed its Storyteller Initiative, regional project distribution, and the role of major events and film-related incentives. The committee then reviewed Louisiana Works’ FY27 budget of $352.7 million. Staff explained that the budget is driven mainly by federal funds and statutory dedications, with changes largely attributable to the One Door to Work Act and the transfer of workforce functions and positions into the department. The Secretary noted a planned $5 million move for the Louisiana STEM Council and a small request for elevator repairs, and members discussed the unemployment insurance trust fund’s improved balance, which lowered employer tax rates and increased benefits. Questions focused on workforce shortages, coordination with LCTCS and other training partners, the new Louisiana Talent Accelerator and workforce modernization efforts, the need for marketing to attract workers back to Louisiana, and remaining gaps in funding for rehabilitation services and disability employment programs. Finally, the committee took up the Department of Conservation and Energy’s FY27 budget of $201.3 million. Staff described decreases tied to the end of the Solar for All grant, lower orphan well spending as prior balances were drawn down, and reductions in some one-time funding and interagency transfers. The Secretary said the department’s reorganization is now largely complete and emphasized a focus on eliminating duplicative functions, strengthening enforcement and permitting, and using available funds more efficiently. Members questioned the reduction in orphan well funding, the impact of the Solar for All repeal, the use of settlement dollars, and the department’s plans for AI-assisted permitting and modernization of the Sunrise database. They also discussed ongoing work on seismic activity in Red River Parish, commercial fishermen’s claims for gear damaged by energy infrastructure, and efforts to improve financial security requirements for operators so future orphan well liabilities are better covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Regulatory complexity and intense interstate competition for investment and jobs.
• As we consider this measure, it will be critical to strike a balanced approach, one that meaningfully
• institutions, community banks, credit unions, and CDFIs, using participation loans to expand their balance
• institutions, community banks, credit unions, and CDFIs, using participation loans to expand their balance
• institutions, community banks, credit unions, and CDFIs, using participation loans to expand their balance

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Transcript Highlights:

• And where does the F.S.... the public school in order for this to be balanced.
• I'm just curious with the increased athletics involved in cheer, with competition, gymnastics involved
• Sladen, do we have any competitive cheer in Sarasota County? We do.
• So when it comes to that, it's balanced. So, to fairness, when it came to the...
• So when it comes to that, it's balanced.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met to discuss Florida’s current “sports choice” rules and high school NIL policy, then heard and passed HB 151. FHSAA officials and Sarasota County Schools staff explained eligibility rules for student-athletes, including GPA, age, semester limits, physicals, insurance, and the different participation options for traditional public, charter, home education, Florida Virtual, and private school students. Members focused on how controlled open enrollment works, whether private school students can play at public schools and vice versa, transfer timing and capacity limits, recruiting restrictions, and the role of local district policies. Sarasota officials said about 400 students in their county participate through non-traditional athletic arrangements, and FHSAA said statewide there are 5,460 non-traditional student-athlete forms on file out of roughly 280,000 student-athletes. The committee then reviewed Florida’s high school NIL framework. FHSAA said students in grades 9-12 may enter NIL deals, with no income cap, but they are barred from agreements involving adult entertainment, alcohol, tobacco/vaping, cannabis, controlled substances, gambling, weapons, political or social activism, and NIL collectives. Students must have a written contract and cannot use school logos or uniforms without permission. FHSAA said about 25 students statewide had NIL deals so far, and Sarasota was first to file. Members raised concerns about recruiting, taxes, financial literacy, mental health, and whether students should be treated as employees, while district staff said they provide education and financial literacy resources but do not review contracts. After the discussion, the committee took up HB 151 by Rep. Abbott. The bill allows students at FHSAA-member private schools to participate in sports at another member school when their own school does not offer that sport, and it removes the current 200-student enrollment limit. An amendment clarifying the private-school language was adopted without objection. A public witness from a small private school supported the bill, saying it would let the school join FHSAA without losing local athletic access for its students. Despite some members raising fairness and funding concerns, the bill passed on a 15-0 vote and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• My point is more of a structural issue that we've got to find the right balance on.
• I think there's a balance between structure and expertise.
• But again, if there's no, I'll call it, anti-competitive issue, then nothing needs to be submitted.
• On page three, lines 19 through 21, is the arbiter of whether or not something is anti-competitive.
• Why should the Secretary of State be able to weigh in and say this is anti-competitive?

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. Senate Bill 419, as amended to update the effective date to 2026, would allow the state treasurer and the Department of Wildlife Conservation/Wildlife Conservation Commission to employ or appoint attorneys. Supporters said the treasurer’s office handles highly specialized financial matters and needs in-house expertise and faster legal advice; questions focused on possible conflicts with the Attorney General, fiscal impact, and why Wildlife was included. After discussion, the bill was reported due pass by a 7-2 vote. Senate Bill 835, also amended to a 2026 effective date, would require qualifying licensing boards and commissions to submit proposed non-rulemaking actions with anti-competitive implications for review by the Secretary of State. The author said the bill responds to antitrust concerns raised by the North Carolina dental board case and is intended to provide state supervision before boards take potentially anti-competitive action. Members questioned whether existing court remedies and Attorney General oversight were sufficient, and whether a single official should have that authority. The bill passed due pass 8-2. Senate Bill 1618 would require courts to conduct pretrial risk assessments early in criminal cases, with the assessments used as one factor in bail decisions but not as the sole basis for granting or denying bail. The author said the bill is modeled on federal practice and is meant to help judges make fact-based decisions and reduce jail overcrowding, especially in Oklahoma County. Members asked about who validates the assessments, county implementation, and costs; the author said counties could choose their own approach and that the fiscal impact would not be significant. The bill was reported due pass 6-4. The committee also considered Senate Bill 262, which was heavily amended and had both the title and enacting clause struck while members continued working on it. The bill concerns moving certain inmates convicted of nonviolent financial crimes out of county jails and into appropriate intake/transport processes, with the author emphasizing the goal of reducing jail overcrowding and inviting further collaboration on the language. Members raised concerns about fairness and possible unequal application based on community ties, and the bill was reported due pass 8-1 despite being acknowledged as a work in progress.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so how does the cash balance come into... We have requests here, but then we have cash balance?
• Some of it is fund balance, and it's to account for a 12.8% increase last year.
• And that's what makes us a competitive advantage. With that, who wants to start us off?
• That allows us to be uniquely competitive.
• It's not something you're good at; a competitive Advantage or even a right to win.

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance