Transcript Highlights:

• The speaker continued explaining that valuation-based permit fees are tied to the home structure rather
• This bill is only for one- and two-family dwellings. It's not for a pole barn.
• You know, a house, no, when you're talking about building a, say, a new structure, you got building,
• you got building Plumbing structure you got building Plumbing mechanical<00:29:27.440> electrical
• The bill does address new one- and two-family dwelling units, and so I don't know if your example of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee heard Senate File 560, a bill to require the Commissioner of Labor and Industry to establish a cost-per-square-foot valuation for residential building permits. Senator Dornink said the measure is intended to make permit fees more fair, reasonable, transparent, and predictable, and to reduce housing costs by limiting large differences in permit fees between municipalities. He said the bill would be sent to the Housing Committee without recommendation, and members discussed but did not act on a related amendment that would have shifted plan review and inspection fees to hourly and trip-based charges and made fee information publicly available. Testimony from Housing First Minnesota supported the bill’s goal, arguing that Minnesota’s housing shortage and high new-home prices make it important to reduce inefficiencies in the permitting system. The witness said permit valuations are often increased by cities, leading to higher costs for homebuyers, and cited examples of large fee differences between municipalities and claims of overcollection. He said some other states, including Texas and Wisconsin communities, use square-footage-based approaches. A League of Minnesota Cities representative opposed the amendment language and cautioned that trip charges and hourly billing would make fees less certain, could raise costs, and would be especially burdensome in Greater Minnesota; he said current valuation-based fees better reflect the actual cost and complexity of service and can be appealed if disputed. A representative of the Association of Minnesota Building Officials also raised concerns about the amendment, saying building departments provide consultations, inspections, plan review, and other services beyond a single trip, and that trip charges would not fit a responsive fee-for-service model. He said the current valuation system helps cover the full range of permitting work, though he acknowledged that a consistent square-foot valuation standard could improve transparency and reduce disputes over project value. Committee members asked about other states’ approaches and the scope of the bill, and the discussion emphasized that the proposal applies to one- and two-family dwellings.

Transcript Highlights:

• structure should this pass. structure should this pass.
• just on the structure, not the land. just on the structure, not the land. this<00:07:10.800>
• And 50% of the dwelling.
• And 50% of the<01:32:41.679> dwelling.
• So it will be a cut of 50% the dwelling.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• county tax records and through UniSource, the GIS, and Mohave County Assessor; all have the same dwelling
• furthermore, this piece of land is unimproved land in the middle of the desert, has no power, no water, no structure
• Less than 29 days, with no intent to stay, clearly documented that it was a temporary situation, yet

Bills: SB1037, SB1040, SB1259, SB1281

Keywords: elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway, tabulation equipment, secretary of state, certification, decertification, HAVA, Help America Vote Act, ballot images, audit logs

Summary: The Committee on Federal and Military Affairs and Elections heard a lengthy presentation on an investigative referral concerning alleged voter registration anomalies in Arizona from March 2023 onward. The chair described examples involving out-of-state residents, deceased registrants, military voters, duplicate or mismatched registrations, and registrations tied to Service Arizona, ACCESS, third-party vendors, and NGOs. Members also discussed alleged mismatches between county recorder data and Secretary of State reports, possible issues with automatic voter registration, and concerns about public records compliance. At the end of the presentation, members were asked whether they wanted to sign onto a criminal referral to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice; several declined, while others agreed, and the committee proceeded after correcting a signature-block issue. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1259, which would allow certain protected individuals to use an alternate mailing address and attest to their residential address on candidate and financial disclosure filings. After questions about residency verification and confidentiality, the bill received a do pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote. Senate Bill 1281, dealing with state land department procedures for covered federal designations and notification of land takings, was heard next; after opposition testimony from the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter, it passed 4-3. Senate Bill 1037, concerning election equipment security and internet connectivity, drew substantial debate. A Marquez strike-everything amendment that would have shifted the bill toward voting centers, ERIC participation, early voting changes, and election funding failed on a 4-3 vote. The underlying bill then failed to receive a do pass recommendation on a 3-3-1 vote. Finally, Senate Bill 1040, which would make voter registration rolls publicly accessible online and downloadable, passed 4-3 after questions about what information would remain redacted and concerns about public access to voter data.

Transcript Highlights:

• When they come and pray towards this temple, then hear from heaven your dwelling place.
• the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, if you do not do that, then I will dwell
• If we don't work on the structural challenges of our healthcare system, and I'm not going to belabor
• that again, but if we don't continue to work on those structural challenges, this will be short-lived
• This must be changed structurally, and it must be changed in the experiences people are having now with

Transcript Highlights:

• IF SOMETHING IS 1900 SQUARE FEET YOU CAN GO UP 100 SQUARE FEET FOR A NET 3800 SQUARE FOOT DWELLING. >
• SENATORS, WE WILL MOVE TO TAB 9 SB 1128 BUILDING PERMITS FOR SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS.
• THE PERMIT HAS GOTTEN, I DON'T WANT TO SAY STALE EVEN ABSENT IN CHANGE TO SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING
• UNLAWFUL DEMOLITION OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES BY SENATOR LEEK.
• MUST BE BASED ON COMPETENT SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE OF THE DEMOLITION OF THE BUILDING STRUCTURE WAS A KNOWING

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for those veterans who have special needs, to live in the dwelling.
• facilitate the building of a dwelling facilitate the building of a dwelling for<02:19:16.319>
• special adaption to that same dwelling special adaption to that same dwelling or<02:19:25.559>
• , line 14, it's not seeking to exempt all accessory dwelling units.
• to exempt those dwelling looking to to exempt those dwelling units<03:18:18.040> that<03:18:18.239

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And starting at the top of page one and most of page one is summary information, so I won't dwell on
• is summary information, so I won't dwell is summary information, so I won't dwell on<00:02:21.120
• This makes permanent the temporary staffing changes for child care centers that were enacted by the 2023
• While we recognize that this funding is a temporary fix, it is an important one.
• a temporary fix, it is an important one. a temporary fix, it is an important one.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, cottage clusters, and ADUs (accessory dwelling units).
• We're starting to see a lot of interest in the accessory dwelling units.
• For example, in a neighborhood, it won't be more than 20 dwelling units per acre, or 40 dwelling units
• per acre, or downtown, 60 dwelling units per acre.
• The way our tax structure is, we're going to pay it.

Transcript Highlights:

• How about 100 apartment buildings with an unlimited number of dwelling units?
• Please exit the chamber. dwelling units that can be built on dwelling units that can be built on these
• <00:30:49.440> That know how many dwelling units. That know how many dwelling units.
• This bill number of dwelling units?
• places no cap on the number of dwelling places no cap on the number of dwelling units<00:56:19.200

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the goal of this bill would be to expedite that process while still having some structure around the
• <00:19:23.559> this<00:19:23.679> would<00:19:23.919> potentially dwelling this
• would potentially dwelling this would potentially invalidate<00:19:25.440> all<00:19:25.679>
• <00:26:54.320> cannot person residing in the dwelling cannot person residing in the dwelling
• <00:27:17.760> not um who is occupying uh the dwelling not um who is occupying uh the dwelling

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard Senate File 558, a bill to create a formal process for removing unauthorized occupants from real property, often described as a “squatters bill.” The author presented an A2 amendment, which was adopted, and explained that the bill would give sheriffs a structured complaint and verification process, allow fees, provide immunity when the process is followed, and impose civil remedies for wrongful removal and criminal penalties for false complaints. The bill also includes a provision on holdover situations, clarifying that certain unauthorized guests of tenants are unlawful occupants rather than tenants, and a use-of-excess-force provision was mentioned. Supporters said the measure is intended to give property owners and law enforcement a clearer, faster, and more consistent way to handle situations where people occupy property without a lawful basis, especially in rural or seasonal properties and in some landlord-tenant disputes. Senator Uty read a letter from Hubbard County Sheriff Corey Oas describing recurring problems with rental issues, couch hopping, and subletting without landlord knowledge, and a testifier from Pine Island described several local examples of prolonged and costly occupancy disputes, including a restaurant tenant who stopped paying rent and a rural property trespass incident. Committee members in support emphasized the need to balance tenant rights with property rights and to avoid leaving sheriffs to make ad hoc decisions. Michael D. from Homeline opposed the bill, arguing that existing trespass and harassment restraining order laws already address unlawful occupants and that the proposal creates due process concerns by allowing removal without a court hearing. He also warned that the bill’s definition of unlawful occupant could jeopardize oral leases, which are allowed under Minnesota law. In response, supporters said the bill is meant to distinguish true landlord-tenant relationships from trespass situations and to provide a workable process consistent with Minnesota law. At the end of the discussion, the chair announced that Senate File 558 would be laid over for possible inclusion. He also said Senate File 222 would be laid over, Senate File 559 would be moved with a recommendation to pass to the Judiciary Committee, and the fourth bill on the agenda was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• containing 4 or fewer dwelling units.
• So what we're talking about - the off-site constructed residential dwelling.
• This will result in a blanket maximum of 36 dwelling units per acre across all of these counties on lots
• unit becomes available or until the actual date of the rental of the dwelling unit.
• Now, this bill provides the financial structure for CS Representative Rosenwald: CS HB 1481 just heard

Transcript Highlights:

• Accessory dwelling units and duplexes would be allowed in residential zones.
• <00:41:44.480> Accessory<00:41:45.040> dwelling than this minimum.
• Accessory dwelling than this minimum.
• I especially want to call out my support for the accessory dwelling units to be built in residential
• $25,000 or more per stall for structured $25,000 or more per stall for structured parking<01:25:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is getting at building the single-family dwellings, duplexes, and ADUs and tow houses inside our
• duplexes and adus and Tow dwellings duplexes and adus and Tow houses<00:03:53.200> inside<00:
• units and other accessory dwelling units and other missing<00:27:35.320> middle<00:27:35.760>
• House-sized multi-unit structures can provide a neighborhood with a wider range of housing options at
• House-sized multi-unit structures can provide a neighborhood with a wider range of housing options at

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1987, the Minnesota Starter Home Act, and first adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which made minor cleanup changes, removed sections two and three, adjusted ADU language, and tweaked density language. The bill authors described the measure as a bipartisan effort to address Minnesota’s housing shortage by allowing more starter homes, duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units, while also limiting some local zoning barriers and preserving city protections in certain sensitive areas. They emphasized that the state has a large housing gap, rising home prices, and that the bill is intended as one part of a broader housing package. Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Housing First Minnesota, Habitat for Humanity, AARP Minnesota, and Americans for Prosperity. These witnesses argued that workforce and starter-home shortages are hurting families, employers, and economic growth; that restrictive zoning and lengthy approval processes raise costs; and that more middle housing and ADUs would expand options for older adults, caregivers, working families, and people seeking homeownership. Several supporters said the bill would reduce regulatory barriers, lower development costs, and help communities add needed housing supply. Opposition or cautionary testimony came from city and municipal representatives, including officials from Cambridge, Eagan, and Mankato, as well as the League of Minnesota Cities and related groups. They argued that local governments already are approving substantial housing growth and need flexibility to manage zoning, parking, infrastructure, stormwater, and community input. They warned the bill could weaken local control, remove practical standards, and create unintended impacts such as more rental conversion in some neighborhoods or development without adequate infrastructure. No final vote on the bill itself was shown in the transcript beyond adoption of the A1 amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Besides accessory dwelling units, Section 3 also applies to farms, educational, religious, solar, and
• Nor does it import any of those affordability, bedroom mix, or payment structure requirements into the
• And I think I mentioned setbacks, bulk, and height of structures, so you couldn't necessarily build a
• This law puts a change to Section 3, the Dover Amendment, much like we did with the accessory dwelling
• This law puts a change to Section 3, the Dover Amendment, much like we did with the accessory dwelling

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-03, House Bill 5000, which would allow single-family homes on small lots in areas with adequate infrastructure. Committee chairs outlined the Article 48 process and the hearing format, then heard first from two subject-matter experts. Under Secretary Chris Clutchman of Housing and Livable Communities explained that the proposal would amend Chapter 40A’s Section 3 (the Dover Amendment) to require most municipalities, except Boston, to allow single-family homes on residentially zoned lots of at least 5,000 square feet with 50 feet of frontage and access to public water and sewer, while still allowing reasonable local regulations on setbacks, height, bulk, and short-term rentals. He distinguished the proposal from Chapter 40Y starter-home zoning, said implementation would likely require regulations to address issues such as wetlands, infrastructure capacity, and nonconforming lots, and answered committee questions about lot subdivision, MBTA Communities, and the relationship to existing zoning tools. Attorney Susan Murphy testified that the petition would significantly override local zoning and could create conflicts with existing statutes, including Chapter 40A Section 6 protections for certain nonconforming lots, subdivision control law, and other residential zoning districts. She raised concerns about how “access” to water and sewer would be defined, whether the measure could apply in business or industrial districts where residential uses are allowed, and whether the proposal could allow large homes on small lots without any affordability limits. She also warned that the measure could have significant infrastructure impacts and argued that the Legislature should consider broader, more comprehensive housing legislation rather than expanding exceptions to the zoning framework. Committee members asked both experts about frontage, lot size, infrastructure capacity, and how the proposal would interact with 40Y and MBTA Communities. The proponents, led by Andrew McCulla of the Legalized Starter Homes Coalition, argued that Massachusetts faces a severe housing shortage and affordability crisis, citing high home prices, high rents, declining listings, and outmigration of younger residents. They said the measure would legalize modest single-family homes on smaller lots, increase housing supply, and help first-time buyers and downsizing seniors, while leaving most other local rules in place. Other proponents, including representatives from Abundant Housing Massachusetts, the Charles River Regional Chamber, and individual residents, emphasized workforce retention, the need for more starter homes, and the view that large minimum lot sizes are a major barrier to production. Committee members pressed the panel on the lack of any home-size or affordability requirement, possible effects on 40B compliance, the number of new lots and homes that might result, and the fact that the ballot initiative would not be amendable by the Legislature. The hearing then turned to opponents from the Massachusetts Municipal Association, who urged the committee to take no action. MMA leaders said zoning should remain a local decision made by residents and elected local officials, and argued that the proposal would preempt local control with a one-size-fits-all mandate. They also said the measure is impractical because many communities with water and sewer are already at or near capacity, so infrastructure availability does not necessarily mean development capacity. The hearing ended during the MMA’s testimony, with no vote or final committee action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is structured differently.
• They said loudly again that they do not want a change in the structure.
• residence. ...tear down a historic structure for ADUs and a single-family residence.
• So the structure of this business... ...nuisance prevention.
• So the structure of this bill is very well done. I don't know who drafted it.

Bills: SB1041, SB1088, SB1118, SB1128, SB1168, SB1176, SB1189, SB1207, SB1250, SB1272, SB1274, SB1286, SB1428, SB1457, SB1461, SB1503, SB1519, SB1537, SB1582, SB1618, SB1654, SB1713, SB1827, SCR1012, SCR1020

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes

Summary: The committee began with Senate Bill 1272, which would provide $5 million for the City of Douglas as a state match for the Douglas Port of Entry project. The chair adopted a Livingston amendment changing the funding source from the General Fund to the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund. Senator Gowen, Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, and city staff testified that the project could unlock $678 million in federal funding, create jobs, improve trade and national security, and generate future tax revenue. The bill passed 15-0 with three present and one not voting. Senate Bill 1503 was then amended with a strike-everything to expand the state death benefit for first responders to include pilots employed by law enforcement agencies, retroactive to January 1, 2026, and subject to voter approval. Senator Gowen and DPS Director Colonel Jeffrey Glover said the change would ensure the family of a DPS aviation supervisor killed in a helicopter crash would qualify for the benefit. The committee approved the bill 18-0 with one not voting. Senate Bill 1274 was converted by strike-everything amendment into a timeshare salesperson licensing measure, creating a separate license and training path focused on timeshare sales. Supporters said the change would better prepare salespeople and streamline licensing, while the sponsor said it would make government more efficient. The bill passed 17-1 with one not voting. Senate Bill 1286, dealing with veterinary telemedicine, was also approved after negotiated changes extended most telemedicine prescription periods to 30 days, kept antimicrobials at 14 days with no renewal, and allowed longer flea-and-tick prescriptions; supporters said it would help rural and disabled pet owners. It passed 18-0 with one not voting. The committee next considered Senate Bill 1519 on off-highway vehicles. A hostile strike-everything amendment proposing paid family and medical leave failed 7-11 with one not voting. The committee then adopted a Lopez amendment and advanced the underlying bill, which raises the OHV weight threshold from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds and adjusts registration and funding provisions. Supporters said it reflects newer enclosed and electric vehicles and helps trail funding, while opponents warned of trail damage and said the issue should wait for the study committee. The bill passed 10-7 with one present and one not voting. Senate Bill 1618, which updates the Military Affairs Commission, expands its membership and duties, and creates a military affairs fund, drew mixed testimony about whether it would strengthen Arizona’s ability to attract and retain military missions or shift the commission away from its traditional support role; it passed 10-6 with two present and one not voting. Finally, Senate Concurrent Resolution 1020, which would send to voters a CPI-based annual adjustment to legislative salaries, passed 9-8 with one present and one not voting after members debated legislative compensation, citizen-legislator concerns, and whether the change would broaden access to public service.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:08.240> I<00:45:08.400> I<00:45:08.640> won't<00:45:08.880> dwell<
• I I won't dwell that that uh continues.
• One of the the current structure is.
• This concrete structure is 56,000 square feet. There are very few windows in this facility.
• It really is hard to renovate a concrete structure, as others have noted.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:55 Approval of Minutes 00:02:01 Information Items 00:02:10 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:02:20 A. A. Eastern Kentucky University 00:02:48 B. B. Kentucky Community and Technical College System 00:15:21 C. C. Kentucky State University 00:31:43 D. D. Morehead State University 00:41:44 E. E. Murray State University 01:01:56 F. F. Northern Kentucky University 01:16:09 G. G. University of Kentucky and Hospital 01:25:00 H. H. University of Louisville 01:42:52 I. I. Western Kentucky University 01:56:17, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. The committee then approved the prior meeting’s minutes. Members were reminded to silence cell phones, and the chair noted an informational item on capital plan amendments made by state agencies during the latest revision period before moving to university capital plan presentations. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden outlined EKU’s enrollment growth, strong Kentucky student retention, and signature programs in nursing, occupational therapy, criminal justice, education, manufacturing engineering, and aviation. EKU’s main capital priorities were a new health innovation project to support a proposed osteopathic medical program, including a $50 million escrow requirement until accreditation; a collaborative center for health innovation to address outdated health sciences facilities; a $5 million startup request for an air traffic control program; aircraft upgrades for the aviation fleet; and continued asset preservation funding. In response to questions, EKU said roughly 40% of the new health facility would be dedicated to the medical school, with shared simulation space for multiple health programs, and that aviation maintenance needs are currently being met through KCTCS partners but could be expanded if demand grows. KCTCS representatives then described the system’s scale and capital needs, noting service to 107,000 students, extensive dual credit and workforce training, and a network of 342 buildings across 70 campuses. They said prior legislative support, including $277 million in asset preservation and $90 million released for approved projects, had helped with safety, roofs, energy efficiency, and campus security. Their current priorities include about $30 million for systemwide safety and security upgrades, renovations tied to consolidation and footprint reduction under Senate Joint Resolution 179, and broader asset preservation needs estimated at roughly $300 million to $325 million. Members discussed the need to preserve and expand skilled trades training, and KCTCS said its plan includes construction trades and flexible, multiuse facilities that can adapt to changing workforce needs. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the presentations concluded with questions and discussion only.

Transcript Highlights:

• One-third of our 125 structures One-third of our 125 structures structures<00:02:56.800> are<
• structural and safety issues. structural and safety issues.
• doorways, and between the structures. doorways, and between the structures.
• pollution control drainage structures.
• I want to be clear that our structures.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It clarifies that temporary door locks may be used during active assailant incidents.
• This is the housing bill that provided for ADUs, alternative dwelling units, and set standards and set
• the whole purpose of the bill was not to provide short-term rentals, but to provide alternative dwelling
• The bill provided for ADUs, alternative dwelling units, and set standards and conditions under which
• the whole purpose of the bill was not to provide short-term rentals, but to provide alternative dwelling

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing interns, pages, and retiring Senate staff, including Pastor Gary Austin. Leaders also noted ongoing budget talks with the House and said senators would not need to plan on being in Tallahassee the following week. The chamber then moved to third reading and returned messages from the House later in the day. The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for House Bill 12.5, the citizen initiative/constitutional amendment bill. Sponsors said the measure was intended to address fraud in the petition process, citing investigations, arrests, pleas, and open cases involving paid circulators and invalid petitions. Opponents argued the bill would make citizen-led amendments far more difficult, expensive, and risky, warning it would chill grassroots participation, burden supervisors of elections, and effectively favor wealthy or corporate-backed efforts. Supporters responded that the bill preserved grassroots petitioning, placed reasonable guardrails on paid circulators and sponsors, and included a provision barring public funds from being used to advocate for or against ballot initiatives. The bill passed 28-10. The Senate also passed several education measures unanimously, including bills tied to Bright Futures, dual enrollment, educator preparation, and broader education policy. Later, the chamber concurred in House amendments on several bills: stem cell therapy legislation clarifying permitted therapies and penalties for improper use of fetal or embryonic tissue; an EKG requirement bill for student athletes with exemptions and partnership options for districts; and a cardiac emergency response bill that renamed the school emergency plan and removed a bill title honoring Rafe McCrone. These measures passed by wide margins, generally 37-0 or 38-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• So same kind of process here, and I'm not going to dwell on this. It's a little simpler.
• We are focusing on the kinds of things that do intersect with our tax structure, as opposed to more of
• since the federal government enacted income tax back in the 30s and even before that, when they had temporary
• doesn't include a whole lot of right-of-way acquisition, bridges, interchanges, and other types of structures
• Just because of various differences in the structures between the states, it's made it very difficult

Transcript Highlights:

• Relief Trust Fund, specifically proportional rent for a period of up to 45 days after the date the dwelling
• unit becomes available or until the actual day the veteran moves into the dwelling unit. the dwelling
• for funding from the Risk Mitigation Trust Fund which is designed to cover property loss of the dwelling
• This bill provides the financial structure for House Bill 1481 just heard. That is the bill.