Transcript Highlights:

• We did hear in testimony that possibly by July of 2026, there may be the possibility of them needing
• I encourage you to read the testimony from both the supporters and opponents that are available in laws
• I encourage you to read the testimony from both the supporters and opponents that are available in laws
• And we also heard from the medical providers who testified and who provided written testimony that they
• of this body. ...have a lot of emotions as a parent as we talk about this bill and as we read the testimony

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause. The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments. The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oral and written testimony were taken in those committees, and we received written testimony on these
• 00:00:42.840> oral<00:00:43.120> and<00:00:43.280> written<00:00:43.520> testimony
• /c><00:27:00.880> noted<00:27:01.159> in<00:27:01.240> O's<00:27:01.760> testimony
• <00:27:02.200> this<00:27:02.320> phrase um as noted in O's testimony this phrase um
• as noted in O's testimony this phrase was<00:27:02.720> added<00:27:02.919> in<00:27:03.039

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary decision-making meeting on February 21, 2025, considered a long list of previously heard measures and generally recommended passage, often with amendments that delayed effective dates to July 1, 2050 or made technical clarifications. Among the measures acted on were bills relating to property, hotels, service disruptions, transportation, consumer protection, license plates, condominium disputes and fines, election fraud intimidation, vehicle inspection fines, restaurant reservation services, insurance claim checks, foreclosed home sales, labor relations court authority, public housing authority powers, community outreach boards, arson penalties, driving without a valid license, pet animals in vehicles, important agricultural lands, public records retention, transit-oriented development review, sex offender-related licensing actions, National Guard assault penalties, federal recognition timing, medical cannabis caregivers, cease-and-desist orders, and critical infrastructure information sharing. Several measures drew specific discussion or reservations. SB 1030 on election fraud intimidation was amended after consultation with the Attorney General to focus on unconcealed carry and add definitions. SB 5 on legislative vacancies was recommended to pass unamended, but the committee noted constitutional concerns and requested an Attorney General opinion. SB 95 on inspection fines was amended to set a $400 fine amount, though one member objected and the recommendation failed in at least one committee. SB 102 on third-party restaurant reservation services was amended to clarify who may sue and to allow contracted reservation services to distribute reservations on a restaurant’s behalf. SP 1022 on leaving pets in vehicles was amended to remove duplicative language because existing animal cruelty law already covered the conduct. SP 1451 on critical infrastructure information sharing was amended to tighten confidentiality language from “would reveal” to “could reveal” vulnerabilities. Most measures were adopted by the committees with little or no opposition, though several members noted reservations or objections on particular bills, including transportation, consumer protection, and inspection-fine measures. One bill, SB 1255 on records retention for government-function contractors, was deferred to a later meeting on February 26, 2025. Overall, the committees advanced most measures with amendments and recorded the recommendations for transmission to the next committee or chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll adopt committee rules and hear invited testimony.
• For those that are seeking public testimony, this organizational hearing is adjourned.
• So if you are looking for public testimony, we are not having public testimony at the end of the organizational
• Regarding the invited testimony, I have kind of a ten-minute...
• That concludes my testimony. Members, any questions? If not, I'll be up here in a minute.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , excuse me, Senator Kreun—too much when he worked with me because we still are friends, and his testimony
• , excuse me, Senator Kreun—too much when he worked with me because we still are friends, and his testimony
• , excuse me, Senator Kreun—too much when he worked with me because we still are friends, and his testimony
• are friends and um he his testimony are friends and um he his testimony today<00:26:29.600> though
• We'll be getting back to you regarding testimony from the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony for this hearing will be in person.
• We also accept written testimony through the position letter portal on the committee's website.
• These witnesses will have three minutes each to provide their testimony.

Summary: The Assembly Local Government Committee heard several bills related to local government finance and development. SB 1005 would authorize local agencies to adopt a five-cent rounding system for cash transactions if penny shortages make exact change impractical, with the author and supporters from county treasurers, cities, special districts, and local government associations arguing it would provide legal clarity and reduce costs. SB 1036 would require local jurisdictions to give credit for prior site uses when calculating mitigation fees on redevelopment or adaptive reuse projects, with supporters from SPUR, Realtors, AARP, the building industry, and housing-related groups saying it would prevent duplicative fees and better align charges with new impacts only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I want to thank all the individuals who participated in public testimony today and throughout the
• I do want to thank the LAO and the Department of Finance for the invaluable information and testimony
• Your comments and suggestions are important to us, and we want to include your testimony in the official

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's my testimony, and I am in support of HB 1995.
• So that's my testimony, and I am in support of HB 1995. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Thank you.
• talking about, you know, there are some folks that maybe want another opportunity to do write-in testimony

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency held a public hearing on House Bill 1995, sponsored by Representative Irwin, which would reduce the number of required license plates from two to one per vehicle. The sponsor said it was the same as another bill previously heard, and supporters argued it would save the state money, simplify installation for vehicles without front-plate hardware, and align with the practical use of many vehicles that already lack front plate brackets. One supporter also said the fiscal note should reflect savings rather than additional staffing costs at the Department of Revenue. Committee members raised concerns about law enforcement impacts, including difficulty identifying vehicles from the front, use of license plates in radar and camera enforcement, and possible effects on stalking or other public-safety situations. Representative Smith suggested a carve-out or identifying placard for rideshare vehicles. The sponsor said he had spoken with the Highway Patrol and the FOP, noting the FOP did not object and that the Highway Patrol had concerns about enforcement. No opposition testimony was presented during the hearing. The committee then entered executive session and adopted a House Committee substitute combining HB 1995 with House Bill 2589, then voted the substitute do pass by a roll call of 11 ayes, 5 noes, and 1 present. The committee also voted another related measure, referenced in the transcript as SSSCSB 977 and 1011, do pass by 11 yes and 6 no.

Transcript Highlights:

• turn to voting on the Commission decisions for the Sunset Commission staff reports we heard public testimony
• You know, we had some testimony before the Commission on the surprise late penalties that continue to
• penalties under Section 254.02, to help prevent those surprise accruing penalties that we heard testimony

Summary: The Sunset Advisory Commission met for its final meeting of the biennium, established a quorum, and approved the December 11, 2024 meeting minutes. Members then voted on staff recommendations for several agencies, including the Angelina and Nettie River Authority, Lower Nettie Valley Authority, and Trinity River Authority of Texas, adopting all recommendations without objection. For the Texas Ethics Commission, the Commission adopted staff recommendations, including two modifications to recommendation 1.2: one to exempt lobby compensation thresholds from inflation adjustments and revert them to statutory levels, and another to round inflation-adjusted amounts to practical increments. The Commission also adopted eight new Texas Ethics Commission recommendations. These addressed late filing penalties, including limiting accrual for eight-day reports through election day, excluding the first post-election semiannual report from daily penalties, waiving penalties when notice cannot be shown, reviewing the definition of substantial compliance for corrected reports, reviewing the definition of principal purpose to reduce unnecessary campaign finance reporting burdens, improving public access to delinquent penalty information on the TEC website, and expanding training and plain-language guidance on lobbying and filing requirements. The Commission also adopted two previously omitted Texas Department of Criminal Justice recommendations, 6.5 and 6.6. By recorded vote, the Commission unanimously forwarded all recommendations adopted during the biennium to the 89th Legislature, with nine ayes. Sunset staff then reported on implementation of 2023 Sunset recommendations, stating that the State Auditor found 89% of selected management actions fully implemented and that Sunset staff found 68% of 163 statutory and related changes fully implemented, with most remaining items in progress or partially implemented. The Commission also briefly noted receipt of a Texas Lottery Commission evaluation concerning executive leadership and potential regulation of lottery ticket courier companies, but no further action was taken on that item. The meeting concluded with closing remarks and a motion to recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• turn to voting on the Commission decisions for the Sunset Commission staff reports we heard public testimony
• You know, we had some testimony before the Commission on the surprise late penalties that continue to
• penalties under Section 254.02, to help prevent those surprise accruing penalties that we heard testimony

Summary: The Sunset Advisory Commission met for its final meeting of the biennium, established a quorum, and approved the December 11, 2024 minutes. Members then voted on staff recommendations for several agencies, including the Angelina and Netties River Authority, Lower Netties Valley Authority, and Trinity River Authority of Texas, adopting all recommendations for those entities without modification. The Texas Ethics Commission received the most discussion. Members adopted a modified recommendation to exempt lobby compensation thresholds from inflation adjustments and another modification to round inflation-adjusted amounts. The Commission also adopted a series of new recommendations addressing TEC customer service staffing, late filing penalties, post-election reporting penalties, waiver of penalties when notice cannot be produced, review of the substantial compliance standard for corrected reports, review of the definition of principal purpose for campaign finance reporting, more prominent public posting of delinquent penalties, and clearer training and guidance on lobbying registration and filing requirements. The Commission also adopted two previously omitted Texas Department of Criminal Justice recommendations, 6.5 and 6.6. The Commission then took its required final record vote to forward all recommendations adopted during the biennium to the 89th Legislature; the motion passed with nine ayes. Sunset staff provided a status update on implementation of 2023 Sunset recommendations, reporting that the State Auditor found 89% of selected management actions fully implemented and that Sunset staff found 68% of 163 statutory and related changes fully implemented, with the remainder mostly in progress. The meeting also noted the recently completed evaluation of the Texas Lottery Commission and ended with closing remarks from the chair and vice chair before the Commission recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• today, so she has sent me her testimony. today, so she has sent me her testimony.
• say though that the rest of my testimony say though that the rest of my testimony is<01:11:23.760
• I'll close my testimony, Mr.
• Chair and members, by testimony, Mr.
• It was like, no, we had testimony. There were people wanting testimony.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• reference uh the JCEC in his testimony. reference uh the JCEC in his testimony.
• Thank you very much for your testimony.
• And so, thank you so very much for hearing my testimony. I appreciate it.
• Uh, next I'll call testimony. Thank you.
• testimony, we'd appreciate it. testimony, we'd appreciate it.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> the<03:14:31.359> cost testimony indicated that the cost testimony indicated that the cost
• School districts gave us the data, and educational experts gave us the testimony.
• School districts gave us the data, and educational experts gave us the testimony.
• And we've proven we can find testimony.
• It said basically any sworn<04:47:58.000> testimony sworn testimony sworn testimony uh<04:48:00.080

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony and provide further clarity to the committee.
• Vice Chair, let's move to public testimony. All right, we will have public testimony.
• Thank you very much for your testimony. Is there anyone else who would like to speak?
• Thank you very much for your testimony, Mr. Kinman. Thank you. All right, Mr. Vice Chair.
• That concludes the testimony, as far as I can tell. Okay, let's go ahead and make a motion.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For those, there'll be no outside testimony of the claims to be considered. Mr. Keenley.
• that the trial judge noted on the record as creating unfair prejudice, failed to move to strike testimony
• the claimant to an unrelated incident, and failed to call two witnesses who could have provided testimony
• linking the claimant to an testimony linking the claimant to an unrelated<00:07:35.840> incident<
• to attack the credibility of testimony to attack the credibility of the<00:07:40.960> state's

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Joint House and Senate Subcommittee on Claims convened on April 30, first without quorum and then with quorum, at which point the committee corrected and approved the prior minutes. Members then reviewed several claims held over for informational purposes, including injury claims for Fraser, Larson, Schmidt, Stuart, and Washington, and property claims for Lidberg, Robecky, and Young, with no action taken on those items. The committee dismissed a claim by Ms. Prevally seeking reimbursement for funds liquidated from irrevocable trusts after hearing that the matter had already been litigated in court and that subcommittee rules bar claims for public assistance compensation. The panel then approved two exoneration claims: James Jovan Davis, whose murder conviction was vacated after postconviction proceedings and who settled for $250,000, and Clayton Douglas Groves, whose sexual-conduct convictions were vacated after evidence of prior false accusations was admitted and who settled for $350,000. Testimony from counsel for both claimants emphasized wrongful conviction, the length of incarceration, and negotiated settlement amounts, with members asking about the basis for the compensation and attorney-fee allocations. The final exoneration claim, Marvin Haynes, was also approved. The committee heard that Haynes was convicted as a teenager, later exonerated after new evidence showed false evidence and suggestive eyewitness identification, and that the state and claimant had reached a $4.5 million settlement. The committee then turned to Department of Corrections injury claims, denying Arnold Baker’s claim for lack of evidence of a compensable permanent injury, and approving Mark Carroll’s claim for a $4,570.40 award after he suffered a compensable ankle fracture while working. In property claims, the committee discussed Anthony Edwards’s claim for food, a JPay tablet, and shoes. After testimony from Department of Corrections counsel about property inventory procedures and the lack of a current replacement tablet program, members agreed to compensate Edwards $70 for the missing shoes, deny the food claim, and deny the tablet claim because the tablet had been returned and any malfunction was reported outside the department’s reporting window.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, ladies, for your testimony. Very much appreciated. Other public comment?
• Thank you ladies for<00:20:19.440> your<00:20:19.760> testimony.
• <00:20:20.320> Very<00:20:20.559> much for your testimony.
• Very much for your testimony.
• The testimony in committee was that it now costs $500,000 a year fixed cost to run an ambulance, and

Bills: HB0111, HB0112, HB0122

Keywords: capital construction, state funding, Wyoming, major maintenance, community colleges, task force, legislative services, budget appropriation, unexpended funds, sunset clause, healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will hear testimony, uh, by calling the entire panel at once.
• After verification, we will hear that witness's testimony.
• We'll then proceed to verify and hear from the next witness and continue in that order until all testimony
• That concludes my testimony and I'll answer any questions.
• Uh, and earlier in my testimony, I said, here's the things I need.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've heard some testimony in bills before about the use of drones.
• Thank you for your testimony. I appreciate the economic perspective.
• But thank you for your testimony. Members, any other questions?
• But you mentioned another organization in your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony. Members, any questions for this witness?

Bills: HB2385, HB3349, HB3962, HB3883, HB4396, HB4811, HB5088, HB4588, HB4867, HB4895, HB5398, HB5616

Keywords: NRA, funding, major events reimbursement, annual meetings, exhibits, events trust fund, Pan American Games, Olympic Games, motor sports racing, local control, event support contract, INDYCAR, Arlington, tourism, funding eligibility, sporting events, economic impact, local governments, American Performance Horseman, American Rodeo

Transcript Highlights:

• works is that the chairman of the policy committee presents the bill to us, and we don't take any testimony
• Now, you didn't mention that when you had your bullet points in your testimony here.
• Now, you didn't mention that when you had your bullet points in your testimony here.
• In the testimony, Ms.
• The committee had heard the testimony in our regular committee.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2265, which would provide the Fargo National Cemetery with up to a $3 million line of credit to help fund improvements such as indoor bathrooms, parking, a family gathering area, an office, a hearse garage, and a veterans gallery. Supporters said the cemetery has expanded rapidly since 2019, has already conducted about 1,000 burials, and needs better facilities for families and the Honor Guard; they also said the project would be subject to federal VA approval and, once completed, would be taken over by the VA. Members raised questions about the project’s cost, timing, funding sources, whether the bill should be a grant instead of a line of credit, and whether a chapel should be specifically included. No vote was taken on SB 2265 during the excerpt. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2230, which would have the Secretary of State mail active voters a guide on ballot measures at least 45 days before an election, with objective summaries, fiscal impacts, and arguments for and against each measure. Secretary of State Michael Howe said the office already receives many questions about ballot measures and would post the same information online and at polling places, while emphasizing the need to keep the material objective and consistent with election-law restrictions. Members generally supported the idea as a voter-education tool, and the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 2230 by a 19-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2256, which would provide one-time state support for the NDSU Research and Technology Park in Fargo to expand its role in commercialization, robotics, precision agriculture, and defense-related technology. Park CEO Brenda Weiland explained that the park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit spun out of NDSU, governed by a board with both university and industry representation, and that the new model is intended to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products without competing directly with private industry. Members asked about ownership, intellectual property, the planned partnership with Carnegie Mellon’s robotics center, and how the park would use the funding; the discussion focused on contracts, licensing, and the park’s intent to build technical capacity and attract companies. The excerpt ends before any vote on SB 2256.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, please introduce yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony. Hello.
• Uh thank proceed with your testimony.
• Thank you, Marika Dure, for sharing your testimony.
• Please introduce yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony.
• Please introduce yourself for the record and proceed with your testimony.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 2591, the “Support Medicaid Not Millionaires Act,” laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill. Chair Gomez said the bill would create a fifth individual income tax tier on very high earners to offset any future federal Medicaid cuts, arguing that proposed federal budget changes would likely reduce Medicaid funding and create a large state budget hole. Gomez and other supporters framed Medicaid as essential for children, long-term care, mental health, substance use treatment, rural hospitals, and families across Minnesota, and criticized federal tax cuts for corporations and wealthy individuals. Several testifiers supported the bill. A SEIU Healthcare worker described how Medicaid supports her care for a disabled son and her own health needs, warning that cuts would threaten home care, hospitals, and nursing homes. A public health employee from the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees said recent state and federal layoffs had already weakened public health capacity and urged additional revenue to backfill losses. Other supporters, including community and faith leaders, said the wealthy and corporations should pay more to protect public services, youth programs, and Medicaid-funded care. A mental health provider testified that most of the people served by her clinic rely on Medicaid and that cuts would harm clinics, rural access, and the broader behavioral health system. Representative Anderson questioned whether the bill would affect Medicaid spending tied to undocumented immigrants and asked for data on MinnesotaCare and federal-state funding shares. Department of Human Services staff clarified that he was referring to MinnesotaCare, not Medicaid, and said Medicaid is generally matched by the federal government while MinnesotaCare does not have the same match. The exchange became contentious when Gomez objected to Anderson’s use of the term “illegal immigrants” and redirected the discussion back to the bill. Anderson also raised concerns about Medicaid fraud and whether the proposal would backfill any federal changes related to fraud enforcement. No vote was taken; the bill was simply laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I was very taken by the testimony that was brought in where you have somebody calling into a mobile
• So I was very taken by the testimony that was brought in where you have somebody calling into a mobile
• But as I articulated in my testimony, that fiber line, which is the 21st century infrastructure, every
• Thank you both for your testimony, really helpful, and I'll be following up with both of you.
• The fact that the testimony today is that some of the equipment is being obtained by eBay to maintain

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) to examine its history, current operation, and possible future changes in California. Chair Tasha Berner said the hearing was prompted in part by AT&T’s 2023 request for relief from COLR obligations and by broader concerns about public safety, affordability, universal service, and access to modern broadband and telecommunications. The first panel featured a telecommunications expert who traced COLR back to universal service principles and explained how states have handled COLR differently, including full deregulation, limited rural obligations, or transition pathways tied to competition and customer protections. Members asked about affordability, federal and state processes for service withdrawal, and whether COLR remains necessary given modern competition. CPUC staff then described California’s COLR framework, explaining that universal service rests on access, reliability/quality, and affordability, and that COLR requires carriers to provide basic service, including voice-grade calling, 911 access, relay services, and Lifeline. Staff said AT&T’s application sought relief in nearly all of its territory, but no replacement COLR came forward during the proceeding, and public participation hearings drew thousands of comments and strong concern from rural and vulnerable customers. The CPUC outlined its ongoing rulemaking to reconsider whether the 1996 COLR rules and 2012 basic-service definition still fit current conditions, with workshops and public hearings scheduled and a proposed decision expected later in the year or into 2026. Members pressed staff on geographic outreach, wireless coverage, whether broadband can be part of basic service, public safety during wildfires, and what reporting and complaint processes currently exist. In the final panel, industry and public-interest witnesses sharply disagreed. A U.S. Telecom representative argued COLR is outdated, costly, and copper-focused, and said reform should allow technology-neutral alternatives such as wireless, fiber, and satellite while preserving reliable voice and emergency access. The CPUC Public Advocates Office countered that COLR remains a necessary public safeguard, especially for rural and low-income customers, and argued that any transition should maintain or improve service, with public benefits such as broadband investment and continued protections for 911, disability access, and affordability. Committee members focused on the difference between an obligation to serve everyone and a mere option to serve, and on whether the Legislature should provide clearer guidance as the CPUC’s rulemaking moves forward.