Transcript Highlights:

• We'll salute, and we move out smart. So, at this point, Mr. Clerk, Mr. Chair, Mr. Pascal, Mr.

Bills: SB67, HB295, SB104

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion

Transcript Highlights:

• So in summary, this is a really smart, forward-looking bill. It's good policy.
• fast-growing regions like Central Texas, we can't afford to artificially separate. great maintenance from smart
• We should be enabling local governments to deliver flexible, smart, strategic investments, not tying
• House Bill 3605 offers a smart, targeted solution to Texas's broadband workforce shortage.
• weakens the trust between cities and voters, and most importantly, it undermines reminds the kind of smart

Bills: HB19, HB30, HB851, HB1663, HB1681, HB1769, HB1937, HB1979, HB2428, HB2433, HB2825, HB3159, HB3424, HB3486, HB3487, HB3504, HB3605, HB3879, HB3994, HB4382, HB4752, HB5444, HB5446, HB5447, HB3199, HB4847, HB19

Keywords: local government debt, property tax, ad valorem tax, bond election, certificate of obligation, anticipation note, school district tax rate, voter-approval rate, debt service cap, municipal finance, county bonds, flood control district, hospital district, public works, tax transparency, property tax notice, November uniform election date, general obligation bonds, local debt reform, taxpayer notice

Transcript Highlights:

• , public speaking, human relations, decision making, parent relations, entrepreneurship, and life smarts
• decision making entrepreneurship<00:04:53.680><c> and</c><00:04:53.880><c> life</c><00:04:54.240><c> smarts
• </c><00:04:55.120><c> just</c><00:04:55.280><c> to</c> entrepreneurship and life smarts just to entrepreneurship
• and life smarts just to name<00:04:55.759><c> a</c> name a name a few<00:04:57.479><c> I</c><00:04:57.639
• So back in 2013, the Minnesota Legislature did a very smart thing by investing in youth voice to ensure

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's smart. Thank you.
• I think it's smart. Thank you.
• c><00:30:11.039><c> think</c><00:30:11.240><c> it's</c><00:30:11.559><c> it's</c><00:30:11.720><c> smart
• </c><00:30:12.480><c> thank</c><00:30:12.640><c> you</c> bill I think it's it's smart thank you bill
• I think it's it's smart thank you and<00:30:13.880><c> with</c><00:30:14.399><c> that</c><00:30:14.600

Bills: HF827, HF1258, HF2387, HF2388, HF2534, HF2016

Keywords: education, school funding, consolidation aid, financial support, Minnesota Statutes, education finance, ice arena, school districts, cooperation agreement, equal sports opportunities, school milk program, nutrition, food waste, kindergarten, public schools, supplemental revenue, charter schools, funding, state appropriations, general education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, my computer locked.
• Sorry, my um, computer<00:57:45.920><c> locked.</c><00:57:46.320><c> So,</c> computer locked.
• So, computer locked.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and consent calendar, then moved through several Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid-related rules. Rule 25-220 from the Department of Energy was postponed until June so stakeholders would have more time to review revised language. Rule 25-240, involving Medicaid income verification and deductible provisions for medically needy applicants, was adopted after staff noted the cited sections had expired but the agency said it had continued operating under federal law and the state plan; the agency also said it had begun rulemaking on the cited provision. Rules 25-265 and 2633 were also adopted, with staff explaining that although parts of the rules had expired, the agency had continued implementing the policies through the Medicaid state plan, billing manuals, and related rules. The most extended discussion centered on rule 25-304 from the Bureau of Aging and Adult Services, which covers case management services for the CFI program. Staff and the agency explained that the amended conditional approval request clarified how case management agencies indicate staffing capacity, how telehealth decisions are evaluated, and that the department—not the case management agencies—sets the timeline for accepting or denying cases. The agency said the rule is intended to ensure participants are not pushed into telehealth when they do not want it or cannot use it, while leaving technical and clinical telehealth decisions to the provider. A case management provider testified in opposition to parts of the rule, arguing that the committee should not require agencies to admit unverified patients, that reimbursement-rate issues belong in legislation, that the quality-management section duplicates existing licensure oversight, and that the telehealth language improperly gives case managers authority over how other licensed providers deliver services. Committee members questioned whether the telehealth language was simply allowing case managers to determine whether telehealth fits a person’s care plan, and agency representatives responded that this was the intent. No final vote on rule 25-304 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, that's John Locke, but I think that's where Thomas Jefferson came up with life, um, the pursuit
• <01:34:03.840><c> mean,</c><01:34:03.920><c> that's</c><01:34:04.159><c> John</c><01:34:04.400><c> Lock
• I mean, that's John Lock, and property.
• I mean, that's John Lock, but<01:34:04.880><c> I</c><01:34:05.040><c> think</c><01:34:05.120><c> that's

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If this bill doesn't pass, we revert to current law and structure with 9502 locked in rule only to be
• 00:51:06.480><c> 9502</c> current law and structure with 9502 current law and structure with 9502 locked
• 51:08.360><c> to</c><00:51:08.480><c> be</c><00:51:08.600><c> reopened</c><00:51:09.040><c> by</c> locked
• in rule only to be reopened by locked in rule only to be reopened by the<00:51:09.360><c> agency.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• COVID, they locked down far more dramatically than we did.
• But was that N dollar amount a locked dollar amount, or is this going to be one of these projects, which
• I mean, or is this going to be the ability to lock it? So it's $130 million.
• Phase 2 of PeopleSoft, which I talked about, would be the behind-the-locked-door content of the system

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system. Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education. Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• They just happen to be locked up separate from the ammunition that is used in them.
• They just happen to be<01:11:17.160><c> locked</c><01:11:17.520><c> up</c><01:11:17.880><c> separate<
• /c><01:11:18.240><c> from</c><01:11:18.480><c> the</c> be locked up separate from the be locked up separate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a sunset so that we could again look at how this change is really making a difference and not be locked
• difference and uh change really making a difference and uh not<00:52:30.720><c> be</c><00:52:30.880><c> locked
• 31.760><c> So</c><00:52:32.160><c> that's</c><00:52:32.480><c> my</c><00:52:33.599><c> um</c> not be locked
• So that's my um not be locked into it.

Bills: HB2117, HB2155, HB1832, HB1601, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2004, HB1810, HB2323, HB1691, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB2214, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB1964, HB2218, HB1535, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1724, HB1733, HB2416, HB2001, HB1603, HB1753, HB2140, HB1962, HB1963, HB2096, HB1959, HB1960, HB2293, HB2288, HB1752, HB1573, HB469, HB2091, HB1851, HB1688, HB1696, HB2417, HB2375, HB2333, HB2152, HB1881, HB2395, HB1721, HB1921, HB1730, HB1697, HB1824, HB2282, HB2078, HB2321, HB2279, HB1522, HB2097, HB2433, HB2106, HB2274, HB2452, HB1764, HB2438, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2216, HB1934, HB2454, HB2427, HB2207, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB2386

Keywords: arts education, data mapping, task force, creative economy, cultural preservation, workforce development, geographic information systems, agriculture, data collection, statistical program, sustainable practices, Hawaii, aquaculture, biosecurity, food security, sustainable seafood, regulatory framework, interagency coordination, environmental stewardship, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• They had to have two guards at the grocery store to unlock and lock the doors as people were coming in
• </c><00:10:03.560><c> to</c><00:10:03.720><c> unlock</c><00:10:04.320><c> and</c><00:10:04.600><c> lock
• </c><00:10:04.840><c> the</c><00:10:05.000><c> the</c> grocery store to unlock and lock the the grocery
• store to unlock and lock the the doors<00:10:05.560><c> as</c><00:10:05.720><c> people</c><00:10:06.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No changes, so we're locked. No, go ahead. Just be quick. Thank you. Thank you. We will.
• No, there's no changes,<01:09:32.880><c> so</c><01:09:33.440><c> we're</c><01:09:33.600><c> locked.
• </c> changes, so we're locked. No, go ahead. changes, so we're locked. No, go ahead.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The more certainty we can give to these communities to lock in contracts, the better it is for all our
• :37:38.400><c> these</c><00:37:39.040><c> communities</c><00:37:39.440><c> to</c><00:37:39.680><c> lock
• </c><00:37:40.000><c> in</c><00:37:41.200><c> uh</c> give to these communities to lock in uh give to
• these communities to lock in uh contracts,<00:37:42.160><c> the</c><00:37:42.320><c> the</c><00:37:42.720

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fortune 500 and other large customers are issuing contracts and letters of intent to lock in their Kernza
• letters<01:10:46.040><c> of</c><01:10:46.239><c> intent</c><01:10:46.640><c> to</c><01:10:46.840><c> lock
• 01:10:47.080><c> in</c><01:10:47.280><c> their</c><01:10:47.440><c> currs</c> letters of intent to lock
• in their currs letters of intent to lock in their currs of<01:10:48.000><c> supplies</c><01:10:49.000

Bills: HF363, HF2155, HF1524, HF821, HF1677, HF1292

Keywords: HF363, property tax credit, agricultural water quality credit, Minnesota agricultural water quality certification program, clean water fund, class 2a, class 2b, certified acres, conservation incentive, water quality, agricultural property, county assessor, county auditor, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture, property tax reimbursement, school district reimbursement, legacy finance, taxes committee, southeastern Minnesota

Transcript Highlights:

• I think locking ratepayers into 30 years of paying for this fund for an issue that may resolve itself
• stands now versus not passing it and I stands now versus not passing it and I think<01:51:30.639><c> locking
• ><c> pairs</c><01:51:31.560><c> into</c><01:51:31.840><c> 30</c><01:51:32.159><c> years</c> think locking
• rate pairs into 30 years think locking rate pairs into 30 years of<01:51:32.840><c> paying</c><01:51

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard several measures focused on water quality, waste management, aquifer protection, wastewater, and climate-related funding. SB 984 on water pollution drew opposition from DLNR and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, with the latter arguing the bill could unfairly blame landowners for runoff caused by terrain and storm events; the chair noted there were also supporters and commenters submitted in writing. SB 639 on underground storage tanks received support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, and the Sierra Club, with testimony emphasizing environmental restoration standards after jet fuel releases; no opposition was noted in the live testimony. SB 946 on wastewater management was presented as clarifying that the ban on discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters applies to treatment plants, and it drew support from the County of Maui, DOH, and Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, with no questions or opposition raised in the hearing. The committee also heard SB 438 on waste disposal facilities near significant aquifers. DOH and the Water Commission offered comments, while the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services opposed the bill because of a provision affecting ash recycling; the Board of Water Supply and Sierra Club supported the measure, and the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board and Energy Justice Network raised concerns about fly ash and bottom ash recycling, landfill capacity, and potential contamination of aquifers. Testimony reflected a split between environmental protection concerns and arguments that the bill could block beneficial reuse of ash. The committee then took up HB 1395 on state funds, which would direct interest from the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund to the general fund when the reserve exceeds the state’s target. The Governor’s office, emergency management, the State Energy Office, the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority, the Nature Conservancy, and several other groups supported the bill’s climate-resilience intent, while the Tax Foundation and committee discussion raised concerns that the measure functioned mainly as a revenue transfer without a dedicated spending mechanism. Members discussed whether a special fund or legislative appropriation process would better ensure the money was used for climate mitigation and related projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• That'll give us time to make sure everything is locked down appropriately.
• 00:47:38.319><c> sure</c><00:47:38.599><c> everything</c><00:47:38.880><c> is</c><00:47:39.000><c> locked
• </c><00:47:39.319><c> down</c> to make sure everything is locked down to make sure everything is locked

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The witness said that, yes, there is privacy in some cases—for example, a stolen briefcase that is locked
• 45.880><c> stolen</c><00:52:46.280><c> briefcase</c><00:52:46.920><c> that's</c><00:52:47.160><c> locked
• </c><00:52:47.559><c> and</c> a stolen briefcase that's locked and a stolen briefcase that's locked and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• is regulated by things like demand, storage, traffic, and those things this bill addresses is using smart
• So we know the smart use of distributed solar and other renewable technologies can lower costs, and that
• solar panels to have less reliable, more fluctuating power is not fiscally prudent, in my opinion, not smart
• Utility costs, consumers are looking for options, and I think this is one smart way that they can control

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed. The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's a very smart guy.
• He's a<00:19:08.960><c> very</c><00:19:09.200><c> smart</c><00:19:09.440><c> guy.
• 10.240><c> has</c><00:19:10.400><c> a</c><00:19:10.559><c> calm,</c><00:19:11.120><c> steady</c> a very smart
• He has a calm, steady a very smart guy.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters. For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways. For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's stupid because it's not curated by smart people like librarians, and we shouldn't have access
• And it's stupid because it's not curated<00:29:58.799><c> by</c><00:29:58.960><c> smart</c><00:29:59.279
• ><c> people</c><00:29:59.520><c> like</c><00:29:59.679><c> librarians</c> curated by smart people like
• librarians curated by smart people like librarians and<00:30:00.960><c> and</c><00:30:01.279><c> we<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all