Transcript Highlights:

• Several, in some cases, it's not shared across entities. There may be some...
• In some cases, DOC's union is not shared across entities.
• there may be some In some cases, so DOC's union is not shared across entities.
• We could talk about what needs to happen for that type of entity to kind of enforce that.
• That entity wouldn't have the ability to tell you how to manage your prison.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission opened an informal discussion focused on developing recommendations for its September report on correctional consolidation and cooperation. Chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger emphasized that the group is still in an information-gathering phase, but should begin putting ideas on the table, including possible written recommendations, further hearings, and additional facility tours. Members discussed whether the commission should seek more input from frontline stakeholders such as sheriffs, probation, parole, reentry centers, unions, and the judiciary, and whether recommendations should be organized around specific issue areas like medical costs, programming, reentry, and facility operations. A major theme was the need for a more integrated and consistent correctional system. Participants raised concerns about fragmentation across DOC, county sheriffs, probation, and parole, and suggested exploring step-down pathways, minimum security, pre-release, day reporting, and regional reentry hubs to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism. Several speakers stressed the importance of uniform standards, evidence-based programming, better data on outcomes and spending, and clearer alignment between custody conditions and rehabilitation goals. There was also discussion of looking to other states and international models, as well as revisiting older reports and plans, including the 2009 commission report and the 2010 corrections master plan. Facility-specific issues were also raised, including the need to examine women’s facilities such as Framingham, Bridgewater, and restrictive housing practices in light of suicide concerns and mental health needs. Members discussed the relationship between correctional custody and behavioral health, the role of the judiciary in sentencing and reentry planning, and whether judges should be better informed about available programming and step-down options. There was broad agreement that collaboration, transparency, and accountability should be strengthened, with some members urging that recommendations be based on firsthand facts and data rather than opinion alone. The meeting also included presentation of a written set of eight high-level recommendations compiled by advocacy and legal organizations, which focused on clearer and more consistent programming, equitable application of rules, and reducing punitive conditions that function like solitary confinement. The chairs said the document would be shared with members and posted online. No formal votes were taken during the discussion, and the meeting ended with plans to continue the conversation at a future session, including possible follow-up on reentry centers, restrictive housing, and other systemwide reforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• entities? entities?
• So there are other entities that they use that could go and teach and have these classes for kupuna.
• So, there are um other<00:39:41.160> entities<00:39:41.680> that<00:39:41.840> they<
• So, this is focusing on DOT in particular and not so much private entities?
• So, this is focusing on DOT in particular and not so much private entities?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 31 and heard a series of resolutions focused on roadway safety, transportation access, and infrastructure coordination. Early measures included HCR 104/HR 96 on advancing coastal trails on O‘ahu’s North Shore and HCR 63/HR 57 on clarifying responsibility for Honouliuli Bridge and addressing safety, wildfire, and emergency access concerns. The Department of Transportation supported both, and a resident testified that the Honouliuli bridge is a single-lane emergency replacement on state land that has limited access for fire protection, heavy vehicles, permits, and repairs. DOT said it was working with DLNR and that jurisdiction may ultimately lie with the County of Maui, with research ongoing. The committee also heard HCR 62/HR 56 on alternative vegetation management along Hana Highway, HCR 43/HR 39 on raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary, and HCR 52/HR 48 on integrating the safe system approach into county road design; these drew support testimony and no opposition. The committee then considered HCR 120/HR 112 on regulating transportation network companies under motor carrier law. DOT and the Public Utilities Commission offered comments, while Lyft opposed, arguing the legislature already created a TNC-specific framework in 2022 and that motor carrier law is not a good fit for app-based ride platforms. In questioning, PUC explained that TNCs would fall under both PUC motor carrier jurisdiction and DOT permitting, and DOT said it would follow up on enforcement questions. Members also discussed HCR 119/HR 111 on an indirect traffic disruption grant program, with the chair asking DOT to clarify how it enforces penalties when contractors or others fail to follow road closure requirements. Other measures discussed included HCR 96/HR 88 on moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system, which DOT supported; HCR 128/HR 120 on coordinating capital improvement planning for Hawaiian Home Lands developments, which DOT and DHHL supported; HCR 127/HR 119 on a state highway police force, which DOT supported; and HCR 125/HR 117 on a statewide plan for derelict utility poles and lines, which drew support from DOT, Hawaiian Electric, and Hawaiian Telcom, with DOT acknowledging it lacks current statutory authority to force immediate removal. The committee also heard HCR 58/HR 54 on school crosswalk safety for Mililani Elementary, HCR 55/HR 51 on using artificial intelligence to mitigate traffic and improve road safety, and HCR 54/HR 146 on expanding the Hele-On Shared Ride program on Hawai‘i Island. Supporters of the Hele-On measure said expanded service would help rural residents, kupuna, and people with disabilities reach medical appointments and daily activities, while noting cost and technology-access concerns; they said missed or delayed appointments are a real issue in remote areas. The final item discussed in the excerpt was HCR 64/HR 58 on minimizing rumble strip dimensions on Kūhiō Highway on Moloka‘i, with DOT saying it had already removed some strips where large emergency vehicles were affected on narrow curves.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not like the local government units or the family courts or any entity like that is under requirement
• It's not like the local government units or the family courts or any entity like that is under requirement
• Section two says that we're not going to allow government entities, local government entities, to specifically
• <00:52:49.799> local allow government entities local allow government entities local government
• <00:52:50.280> entities<00:52:50.760> to<00:52:51.359> specifically government entities

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard extended debate on a bill requiring cooperation with ICE and reporting related to undocumented people in certain criminal contexts. Representative Rymer argued the measure was meant to align with federal priorities focused on violent offenders and to ensure local governments respond to federal inquiries, not proactively target immigrants. He also said the bill was intended to address serious crimes and protect victims, citing examples of violent offenders and trafficking-related cases. Several members raised concerns that the bill’s language was broader than described and could affect family court matters, health care, elder care, and routine interactions with government agencies. Testifiers and members warned it could be used as leverage against undocumented people in custody, child support, domestic violence, and labor exploitation situations, and could discourage people from reporting crimes or seeking help. The sheriff’s association and county attorneys’ association letters were cited as raising due process, equal protection, civil rights, and public safety concerns. The discussion also focused on the bill’s definitions and mechanics, especially whether section three would require reporting after arrests that do not lead to charges and how county attorneys would know when to report. Representative Pinto pressed on the bill’s reference to “violent crime” and whether drug possession could be swept in, while Rymer argued the bill was narrower than critics suggested. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the exchange remained at the discussion and questioning stage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, are any credits going to be going to farmers or entities outside the state of Minnesota from these
• RDA funds, or are all the credits just going to Minnesota entities?
• they take the rights to be able entity they take the rights to be able to<01:02:52.760> retire
• that has the rights contractual entity that has the rights the<01:04:18.559> contractual<01:04
• within our system and then they entity within our system and then they register<01:04:26.160> a

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess could the department provide us with the list of actual entities that are on that, that would
• that are on that that would be entities that are on that that would be assessed<00:13:43.320> the
• the trying to assess the the U entities the trying to assess the the U entities that<01:14:17.280
• that can afford to support the entities that can afford to support the cost<01:15:06.920> of<
• and my brother-in-law was entities and my brother-in-law was directly<01:36:48.960> involved<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a reinsurance overview from Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer of the Minnesota Department of Commerce on the Minnesota Premium Security Plan. She explained that reinsurance helps stabilize premiums in the individual market by reimbursing insurers for high-cost claims, and said Minnesota’s program has lowered premiums, preserved carrier participation, and helped maintain consumer choice. She warned that without continued funding, the program would be depleted and individual-market premiums could rise by about 25%, with potential losses in coverage and access to care. She also described the program’s structure under a federal 1332 waiver, the role of MCHA in administering the program, and the state’s receipt of more than $650 million in federal pass-through funds to date. Dryer said the current program is funded through the end of 2025, though the federal waiver authority runs through 2027. The governor’s proposal would create a new assessment on insurers, estimated at roughly 2% to 3%, to fund the state share of the program and avoid another full waiver submission. She noted that the proposal assumes MinnesotaCare funding would be held harmless and that the program would be reduced if federal basic health plan funding were negatively affected. She also said projected costs changed because individual-market enrollment has grown and enhanced federal subsidies were removed from the estimate. Members raised concerns about the proposal’s impact on premiums and the history of the fund. Senator Rasmusson argued the new assessment amounts to a large tax increase on health insurance and questioned who would be assessed and whether the surcharge would be capped. Dryer responded that the assessment would be based on annual claims experience and market conditions, with final amounts determined at the end of each year, not monthly. Senator Duckworth and Senator Frentz supported reinsurance as a way to keep premiums lower, while also questioning how the program should be financed. Senator Green asked about the mechanics of the assessment and the role of the department in setting it, and Senator H questioned why the fiscal note assumed 12% annual growth for program costs when general premium growth was lower. No vote or formal action was taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> If that's a separate issue, I think that just makes sure all the wastewater entities in Madison
• just makes sure all the wastewater just makes sure all the wastewater entities<00:10:22.959> in
• entities in Madison County are included. entities in Madison County are included.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The substitute also requires that battery steward organizations and any other entity can deliver batteries
• to the proper entity for proper disposal.
• These entities will play a large part in this effort.
• of Texas, a trade association representing hundreds of Texas companies that are metal recycling entities

Bills: SB2122, SB2050, HB16

Keywords: oil and gas waste, application fees, permit amendments, environmental regulation, Texas natural resources, battery recycling, battery disposal, consumer batteries, energy storage modules, electrochemical devices, lithium-ion battery, household hazardous waste, solid waste, municipal recycling, waste management, battery stewardship, producer responsibility, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, recycling program

Transcript Highlights:

• HAVE THE CONTROL OF THESE KNOWN WATERWAYS, DRAINAGE POINT STORM WATER INFRASTRUCTURE WOULD BE THE ENTITY
• Harrell: AS DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CREATES THE STANDARDIZED FORM THE LOCAL ENTITY IS REQUIRED
• THERE'S A FISCAL ANYTIME YOU'RE DOING SOMETHING OF THIS NATURE THERE'S A FISCAL AND PRESUMABLY THE ENTITY
• IT MAY APPEAR THAT IF YOU HAD THREE ENTITIES OWNING ONE PARCEL AND ONLY ONE PERSON WOULD BE AUTHORIZED

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fees charged against non-licensed persons or entities are specifically prohibited by statute, and also
• I can't find anywhere else in the law where fines are based on the revenue of the entity when they're
• They were also... if it was an outside, out-of-state entity applying to come into the state and they
• in the situation of behavior, behaving in the same way with nine coming from different appointing entities

Bills: HB191, HB35, HB29, HB123, HB35, HB29, HB191, HB123

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, sales and use tax, local tax exemption, county tax, municipal tax, county commission, municipality, Alabama Department of Revenue, tax exemption, ordinance, resolution, fiscal year, September 1 effective date, notice requirement, local government, tax administration, revenue law, state and local taxation, volunteer firefighters

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously the electricity to these entities, is that, are we doing that? Yes, sir.
• Texas law for the past 30-something years has, and y'all, y'all are a rule-making entity, right?
• just had one follow-up question, I believe, um, in regards to the Texas Energy Fund, there was an entity
• that happened, but, um, if whether, uh, y'all have put something in place to make sure that, um, entities

Transcript Highlights:

• investigations and going a little bit deeper, if we can collect across these different investigative entities
• , what is the training that... ...across these different investigative entities: what is the training
• folks have other things that they'd like to have, if we're kind of crosswalking these different entities
• I think is different across those different entities, and it might be helpful to just have a chart, a
• So we did get fairly good participation: 96 entities, 64 districts, 22 charter schools, and 10 ESDs.

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• county to declare an endowment care cemetery abandoned to begin the process of title transfer to a new entity
• county to declare an endowment care cemetery abandoned to begin the process of title transfer to a new entity
• Right now, because a private entity would own a property, you first have to go through that legal part
• of only a biosimilar product in which the entity has a direct or indirect financial interest when other
• of only a biosimilar product in which the entity has a direct or indirect financial interest when other

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• include collecting and analyzing new information from private equity investors, real estate investment entities
• The insurance landscape is very diverse, with very large entities, small entities, and that goes for
• They are looking to partner with entities in committee members' communities.
• They are looking to partner with entities in communities to provide affordable financing to small- and
• She asked whether anyone in that list could benefit from partnership with entities in the area for more

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held an informational opening hearing for the Financial Services Committee, with Chair Murphy and Senator Feeney introducing new and returning members and explaining that no bills were being heard that day beyond brief introductory testimony. Commissioner of Banks Mary Gallagher thanked the committee for last session’s money transmission modernization law, and several members echoed appreciation for her office’s work. The hearing then featured a long series of stakeholder introductions and overviews of their priorities for the session. Testimony covered a wide range of financial, insurance, housing, health care, and consumer issues. Banking and mortgage groups discussed housing affordability, foreclosure delinquencies, flood insurance, regulatory changes, and the impact of federal policy shifts. Insurance representatives raised concerns about auto and homeowners market pressures, labor rates, tariffs, rebates, e-titling, third-party litigation funding, and public adjuster restrictions. Consumer and advocacy groups highlighted debt collection reform, earned wage access, retirement savings access, public banking, and consumer protections in financial services. Several speakers also emphasized the need for committee expertise and offered themselves as resources for future bills. Health-related organizations focused on insurance mandates, prior authorization, behavioral health access, pharmacy benefit manager reform, community health center funding, maternal health and midwifery reimbursement, and anesthesia reimbursement parity. Other groups, including credit unions, retailers, auto dealers, dental and medical associations, and behavioral health providers, described their roles in the Commonwealth and previewed legislation or policy areas they expect to follow this session. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and ended after testimony from the sign-up list and a few late additions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe this work has resulted in a standard and predictable process for entities that may be seeking
• We believe this work has resulted in a standard and predictable process for entities that may be seeking
• One is with the government, or the city, and the other three entities, and the other is with the parish
• One is with the government or the city and the other three entities and the others with the parish. so
• the parish property. ...and the other three entities, and the others with the parish, so the parish

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on zoning, Chapter 40B, and related housing bills. Much of the testimony focused on the “Yes in My Backyard” bill (H. 1572/S. 962), which would expand by-right development of missing middle housing, reduce barriers such as minimum lot sizes and parking mandates, and support duplexes, triplexes, and other small-scale housing. Supporters included housing advocates, developers, local officials, and municipal leaders from places like Cambridge, Salem, and Braintree, who argued that state action is needed because local zoning often blocks needed housing and that the bill would help create more affordable, neighborhood-compatible homes. Several witnesses also backed a companion “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill (H. 2347), which would allow faith-based institutions to build housing on their property by right, with testimony emphasizing the potential for new units, added municipal tax revenue, and partnerships between religious organizations and housing developers. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1021 to modernize Chapter 40R incentives. Senator Pavel Payano and others said the program’s payments have not kept pace with inflation since 2004 and should be increased to better encourage smart-growth zoning near transit and town centers. Another major topic was H. 2298 on site plan review, which would codify and standardize the process in state law. Rep. Kristin Kassner and witnesses from MAPC and NAIOP said current site plan review practices vary widely across the state, creating confusion, delays, and litigation, while a uniform framework would give municipalities clearer tools to review by-right projects without undermining local oversight. The hearing also included testimony on Chapter 40B reform, including S. 1005 and H. 1537. One witness supported further review of 40B and stronger regional planning, while another backed a proposal to allow certain pre-2010 40B condominium owners to sell at market value under a framework that would recapture some of the subsidy benefits. Committee members asked several questions about local zoning changes, housing goals by county, and how the proposed bills would affect communities. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs indicated that written testimony would be welcomed for technical details and additional comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Economic Development, to provide for the recreation of Louisiana Economic Development and the statutory entities
• for the effective termination date for all statutory authority for the existence of such statutory entities
• If you were to merge Entergy New Orleans, which is a separate entity from Entergy Louisiana, it would
• New Orleans, which is a separate entity from Entergy Louisiana, it would result in lower rates for both
• Inspector General and the legislative auditor have looked at this, and there's certainly been other entities

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 11, 2026, with a quorum present and took up a series of Senate bills, a resolution, and one House bill. The committee reported favorably Senate Bill 79 to recreate Louisiana Economic Development, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 to establish the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, Senate Bill 375 on firefighting foam with amendments clarifying use in declared emergencies, Senate Bill 398 moving manufactured and modular housing oversight under the Contractors Licensing Board with technical and substantive amendments, Senate Bill 163 on virtual currency business licensing with an amendment providing for federal preemption if Congress enacts a national licensing regime, and Senate Bill 287 on virtual currency kiosks with consumer-protection provisions and technical amendments. The committee also reported favorably House Resolution 197, as amended, urging the Public Service Commission to study distributed energy generation and storage resources with LSU involvement, and Senate Bill 54, which would allow estheticians to blow-dry hair after certain services; that bill drew extensive testimony from supporters and opponents in the cosmetology and aesthetics industries before being reported favorably. Several bills prompted detailed discussion and testimony. On Senate Bill 398, the sponsor and Contractors Licensing Board representatives said the change would improve enforcement and consumer safety for manufactured-home installation, especially tie-downs, leveling, and foundation blocking, while not affecting HUD-regulated construction. On the virtual currency bills, OFI said it currently licenses 37 virtual currency businesses with 33 pending applications, and supporters described the kiosk bill as a response to fraud complaints by requiring clearer disclosures, refund procedures, live customer support, and reporting to OFI. For House Resolution 197, the sponsor, PSC officials, and energy stakeholders said the study would examine the value of distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar and battery storage, in light of rising demand and grid reliability concerns; PSC staff and LSU energy experts described the study as focused on market value and avoided-cost benefits. House Bill 744, which would have shifted regulation of certain New Orleans utilities from the city council to the PSC, generated discussion about constitutional history, rate impacts, and utility consolidation. PSC officials and the sponsor said the current city-council regulation is a constitutional exception dating back to 1921, and they argued that PSC regulation could reduce costs and simplify oversight, but the sponsor ultimately moved to defer the bill rather than force a floor fight, and the committee agreed. The committee then began consideration of Senate Bill 386, the Louisiana Data Privacy Act, adopting technical amendments and then a larger amendment package that revised definitions and compliance provisions; the transcript ends while that bill’s amendment process is still underway, with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So do they give money to other entities besides you then? Hypothetically, they could.
• There haven't been entities that have gone up for those funding.
• The issue is that particular funding is very heavily weighted toward the rural entities.
• It is a huge help to those entities that really need that money. We don't want to touch that.
• What we're looking for is the four urban fixed-route entities is a separate, different type of pot that

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Government Finance Transportation Study Subcommittee met to review fixed-route transit systems and related funding needs. After approving the prior meeting minutes, the committee heard presentations from Cities Area Transit in Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, Bisman Transit in Bismarck-Mandan, and MATBUS/Fargo, along with comments from North Dakota Protection & Advocacy. The transit agencies described their routes, paratransit services, ridership trends, fare structures, fleet replacement needs, and rising operating costs, emphasizing that transit supports access to work, school, medical care, and other essential services. Testimony also noted that ridership fell during the pandemic and has been recovering, while vehicle and maintenance costs have risen sharply. Grand Forks transit reported 17 routes, a recent fare increase, and operating costs that exceed fare revenue, with paratransit service extending beyond the federal minimum service area. Bisman Transit outlined its fixed-route and paratransit operations, recent service expansions, local mill levies, sales tax support, and federal grant structure, and said it is seeking more stable funding and flexibility beyond paratransit-only support. Minot’s transit superintendent explained the state’s existing transit aid formula, the use of refurbished buses, and the challenges of driver recruitment and electric bus infrastructure. Fargo asked for additional state support for fixed-route urban transit. Committee members discussed whether ride-share services could replace transit, the cost per trip, local match requirements, and whether a separate state funding source should be recommended for the four urban fixed-route systems. The subcommittee ultimately approved a motion to have Legislative Council prepare a summary of its activities for inclusion in the full Government Finance Committee report, and members indicated they would seek more detailed funding figures from the transit agencies before making any specific recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• who earns a living from an independent pursuit of economic activities from all public and private entities
• . entities. entities.
• So it's not that my contract work is solely dedicated to one source or one entity.
• So it's not that my contract work is solely dedicated to one source or one entity. >> I understand.
• So it's not that my contract work is solely dedicated to one source or one entity. >> I understand.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:36 HB 732 Discussion: 02:00 HB 732 Vote: 20:55 SB 343 Discussion: 23:39 SB 343 Vote: 28:54 SB 129 Discussion: 30:30 SB 129 Vote: 32:27, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• received about $2.2 billion in capital requests for the executive branch, their agencies, judicial entities
• The solution to that in this piece of legislation is now that there, once... ...once an entity receives
• Another problem: we currently have no definitions on encumbrance requirements, meaning that once an entity
• They now have a technical assistance program for small entities.
• Madam Chair and Representative, so this does not in any way want to harm the ability for those entities

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• instead of sending those dollars back to the general... ...collects from regulated entities instead
• And, you know, a lot of our jurisdiction affects really small entities, a lot of small...
• Affects really small entities, a lot of small, you know, it's not the big electric utilities and things
• It's these smaller entities and issues with people that have problems with the utilities who are pro
• was created to protect existing and future water rights for its member entities, all of which rely on

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would propose it should go further and apply to all entities and individuals soliciting for their own
• I would propose it should go further and apply to all entities and individuals soliciting for their own
• I would propose it should go further and apply to all entities and individuals soliciting for their own
• This bill codifies the public records exemptions for entities that submit nonpublic personal information
• This bill codifies the public records exemptions for entities that submit nonpublic personal information

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard several insurance and banking bills. HB 1399, relating to property insurance affiliates, would increase Office of Insurance Regulation oversight of transactions between property insurers and affiliates, require fair-and-reasonable documentation, review of dividends and asset pledges, contract termination clauses, affiliate registration, and penalties for violations. Members from both parties generally supported the goal of transparency and accountability, though some raised concerns about costs and whether the bill would actually return money to insureds. The bill was reported favorably. HB 427, on public adjuster contracts, would allow vulnerable adults or their legal representatives to rescind public adjuster contracts without penalty, reflecting the sponsor’s personal concerns about protecting elderly and otherwise vulnerable family members from predatory contracting. Public testimony included support from several industry and elder-law groups, while the public adjuster association warned the bill could unfairly target one profession and urged broader language. Members debated whether the bill should be expanded to cover other solicitations and whether legal representatives should be treated differently, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably. The committee also approved HB 893, which aligns bank handling of law-firm trust accounts with Florida Supreme Court rules and supports legal aid funding, and HB 767, a transparency bill requiring insurers to provide consumers with plain-language explanations of rate increases and related factors. Members emphasized consumer education and clearer disclosures, and HB 767 passed 2-0. Later, HB 381, the Office of Financial Regulation agency bill, was amended and reported favorably; it updates financial regulation provisions including cybersecurity-related requirements, money services business rules, credit union and financial institution provisions, and fee timing. HB 777, a related public-records bill protecting nonpublic personal information submitted to OFR, was also heard and moved forward without opposition.