Transcript Highlights:

• communities.
• communities.
• So just a little bit, say you go into a smaller community.
• you really seek to see us do in those communities.
• On the farm, in the community, in the business, that kind of thing.

Summary: The committee met at NDSU and approved the April 9 minutes. The main purpose of the meeting was an informational presentation from NDSU President David Stewart and university leaders on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research, commercialization, and use of New Horizons funding. Stewart emphasized a “One NDSU” approach, thanked legislators for past support, and said the university will focus on recruitment and retention, a new strategic plan, and growing research and tech transfer while serving North Dakota’s workforce needs. University leaders said NDSU is using tuition waivers more strategically and will work to reduce them over time through scholarship optimization. Provost Sherry Vale described academic portfolio reviews, program closures or consolidations, strategic hiring, and workload policies aimed at aligning resources with demand. They also highlighted student outcomes, including high completion rates, strong employment placement, and NDSU’s role in producing a large share of the state’s engineers, nurses, and agriculture graduates. Several students testified about how NDSU’s mentoring, internships, research, and support services helped them succeed. The committee also heard from partners on New Horizons-related collaborations: Gateway to Science described K-12 STEM outreach in rural and tribal areas, and Sanford Research discussed joint research efforts, including COBRE-related work, obesity and GLP-1 studies, and a joint biostatistics hire. Later speakers highlighted Governor’s School and NDSU’s research and commercialization efforts, including growth in research expenditures and invention disclosures. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• As there is a world community of shared osteopathic knowledge, There is a world community of shared osteopathic
• MASH events are accessible for all communities.
• and set up the clinic inside one large room, such as a community center.
• Thank you. the issue that many of our communities are facing.
• He's a rock star in the land surveyor community, so we appreciate him.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But even more importantly, because we see it as a community laboratory where the wine community can come
• Both the majority of the owners used to be mayors of our own communities.
• , from a marketing, from a community standpoint.
• And when they struggle, the impact is felt across our entire community.
• The result is a negative trickle-down to the workforce and our community at large.

Summary: The Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry held its first meeting at Napa Valley College, with Chair Christopher Cabaldon and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry opening the hearing by stressing the wine industry’s importance to California’s economy, communities, and tourism. They said the purpose of the hearing was informational rather than legislative, with no votes or bill actions taken, and framed the day as a fact-finding session to inform future legislation, budget work, and oversight. The first panel focused on research and trends, with Dr. Damien Wilson of Sonoma State, UC Davis professor Ben Mumpeteet, and wine economist Chris Bitter describing the industry as facing structural change rather than a temporary downturn. The research panel highlighted falling wine production and sales, rising costs, and changing consumer behavior. Wilson argued the industry has relied too heavily on premiumization and technical elitism, pricing out younger consumers and needing to focus more on new customer acquisition, accessible brands, and evidence-based business decisions. Mumpeteet emphasized external threats such as grapevine diseases, extreme weather, water shortages, and wildfire smoke, and called for more public investment in viticulture and enology research, especially through California’s university system. Bitter said growers are dealing with depressed grape demand, a grape glut, vineyard removals, and sharply higher production costs driven largely by regulation and labor, and he urged review of regulatory costs, trade conditions, vineyard removal support, and barriers to replanting. Committee members then asked about how the industry can adapt, whether change will come through existing producers or market turnover, and how California might use its research capacity to improve regulation and compliance. Witnesses said the industry needs cultural change, better marketing to younger consumers, more data on health and consumption trends, and more efficient, science-based regulation. The second panel, with representatives from growers and the Wine Institute, described severe market stress: unharvested grapes, vineyard removals, and closures in some regions. Michael Miller said growers are seeing fruit left on the vine and called for relief on regulatory and trade pressures, while Honor Comfort described Wine Institute’s Share Wine Co-Lab, an open-access marketing platform aimed at helping wineries reach younger consumers through digital and data-driven strategies. A final panel addressed tourism, farmworkers, and water regulation. Visit Napa Valley’s Lindsay Gallagher said Napa remains relatively strong but is broadening its message beyond wine to cuisine, wellness, and outdoor experiences, while noting international visitation, especially from Canada, has fallen sharply. Sonia DeLuca of the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation said declining sales and rising costs reduce hours and income for farmworkers and called for targeted relief, wage-loss support, and continued workforce training. Annalisa Kiara of the State Water Board provided an update on the Winery General Order, explaining that it was created to streamline and standardize wastewater permitting while protecting water quality; she said 56 wineries have enrolled and 122 more are under review, and noted ongoing coordination with industry sustainability programs. Throughout the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly returned to the need for updated regulations, better data, and collaborative solutions, but no formal action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• have the same capacity to participate as larger, um, communities.
• The funds will as larger um communities.
• It can't be on one area of the community.
• It can't be on one area of the community.
• :23:30.720><c> which</c><00:23:30.960><c> is</c> echoes that community-based which is echoes that community-based

Committee: House Families & Children

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:10 - Discussion of 26RS HB 669 08:25 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 669 09:25 - Discussion of 26RS HCR 36 13:15 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HCR 36 14:05 - Discussion of 26RS HB 686 29:20 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 686 30:10 - Adjournment, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Postal Service to communicate with customers.
• Postal Service to communicate with customers.
• How many jobs be available in that community.
• And as you probably are well aware, many communities already allow golf carts in their community, and
• And as you probably are well aware, many communities already allow golf carts in their community, and

Bills: S0216 , S0246 , S0356 , S0388 , S0470 , S0488 , S0490 , S0528 , S0584 , S0594

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: reemployment assistance, fraud prevention, eligibility verification, Department of Commerce, benefit disqualification, specialty license plate, specialty plates, motor vehicle registration, license plate fees, annual use fees, Florida DHSMV, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, deauthorization, financial reporting, nonprofit organizations, college license plates, university license plates, veterans plates, law enforcement plates, Fraternal Order of Police

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there communications? On the desk, Mr. Speaker. Read the communication.
• Reading of the communication, Mr. Speaker.
• As a Haitian American in this chamber, the Jewish community has always stood with the Haitian community
• Do our communities still need protection? Yes, our communities need protection.
• Yes, our communities need protection.

Summary: The House convened for opening-day business, with prayer, a moment of silence for Captain Bill Guston, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum established. The Speaker outlined a budget message emphasizing reduced spending and a proposed permanent 0.75% sales tax cut, and the chamber then received the Governor’s veto message on portions of HB 5001. Members moved to reinstate several vetoed appropriations, including the Florida Senior Veterans and Crisis Fund, Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase 1, the Department of Corrections automated staffing/time management system, and Baldwin sewer and water main work; each reinstatement passed unanimously. The House also adopted a special order calendar and special amendment procedures for the General Appropriations Act and related bills. On the special order calendar, several bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, including Lucy’s Law on boating safety (CS/CS/CS/HB 289), HB 735 on water access facilities, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates, CS/CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, and CS/HB 157 on service of process. These measures focused on boating safety, water infrastructure, utility-rate fairness, school walking safety, and procedural civil-law updates. A major floor debate centered on HB 6017, which would repeal Florida’s “Free Kill Law” limiting wrongful-death damages in medical negligence cases. Supporters described the bill as a long-awaited justice measure for families who lost adult children or unmarried relatives to medical malpractice, while opponents were not recorded in the final vote tally; the bill passed 104-6 after extensive emotional testimony from sponsors and affected families. The chamber also heard a lengthy, highly divided debate on HB 759, which would lower the firearm purchase age from 21 to 18. Supporters argued the current law is inconsistent with adult rights and responsibilities and cited constitutional precedent, while opponents emphasized Parkland, youth gun violence, and public-safety concerns; the transcript ends during continued debate on that bill, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Chairman Giverr and community members.
• We are in communication with them.
• Safety, dignity, and belonging for our community members.
• Our communities in the Inland Empire.
• In our communities.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> privilege to represent the communities privilege to represent the communities of<00:01:51.079><c
• to look at community partners.
• There are many ways to show up in this country. communication when children can't pull communication
• </c> opportunity here for us as a community opportunity here for us as a community to<00:46:03.480><c
• </c> schools or through our community schools or through our community agencies<01:37:22.480><c> so</

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A focus on communication with families, the identification of messaging techniques that communicate the
• </c> postcards and the other communication postcards and the other communication that<00:15:00.399><c
• Public Communication from our health Public Communication from our health agencies<00:29:18.679><c> at
• communicated communicated to<00:29:29.240><c> the</c><00:29:29.440><c> families</c><00:29:30.159><c>
• ><c> communicate</c><00:30:50.600><c> um</c><00:30:50.840><c> relevant</c> ability to communicate um

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, the Communications and Conveyance Committee is now called to order.
• There is no commercial power, and we are the only connection for communications to that community for
• There is no commercial power, and we are the only connection for communications to that community for
• We are deeply committed to our rural communities.
• You're going to be in here for communication. Okay.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would think the legal community had a role.
• So right now, I'm looking at community coaching and... ...exist on so many levels.
• So right now I'm looking at community coaching and community engagement for my sons, and that's called
• has a different communication system.
• So I just want to clarify that also the communication style is different. Thank you.

Keywords: Disability Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Afghan Americans are very much a part of this community.
• and that there is power in uniting our diverse communities.
• And it empowered communities.
• And it empowered communities. Please.
• And that changed our community forever.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, welcomed former legislative leaders and members to the floor, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The session then focused on several ceremonial resolutions and a lengthy adjourn-in-memory tribute to former Senate President Pro Tem John Burton. Members repeatedly described Burton as a forceful, unvarnished advocate for foster youth, the poor, and other vulnerable Californians, while also sharing personal stories about his humor, bluntness, and bipartisan relationships. The Senate also announced upcoming committee hearings and birthday recognitions for several members and former Speaker Willie Brown. Three resolutions were taken up and adopted unanimously or near-unanimously. SCR 133, by Senator Grayson, recognized California Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Day; Grayson spoke about the dignity, autonomy, and contributions of people with Down syndrome, and introduced guests from the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area and several families. SCR 134, by Senator Wahab, recognized Nowruz and the Afghan American community; Wahab and Senator Caballero highlighted the holiday’s themes of renewal and the contributions of Persian and Afghan Americans, and members received baklava gift boxes. SCR 139, also by Senator Wahab, recognized Afghan American Heritage Month; Wahab and Senator Grove emphasized Afghan Americans’ history, resilience, and service, and Wahab introduced leaders from the Afghan Coalition and other community advocates. Each resolution was adopted by roll call vote. The remainder of the session was devoted to memorial remarks for John Burton, with speeches from the President Pro Tem, minority leader, and many senators recalling his work on foster youth, public service, and California politics. Members also suspended and later reinstated Mason’s Manual rules to allow direct quotations during the tribute. The Senate concluded by expressing condolences to Burton’s family and colleagues, inviting members to a reception, and announcing that the chamber would reconvene later in the week for the formal adjourn-in-memory motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• , mostly in rural communities.
• Those are our Black communities, our AAPI communities, our Latinx communities, LGBTQTI+ communities,
• They are overseen by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
• and technical colleges, and you'll... ...with community and technical colleges.
• Anyways, okay, no way to carry... with community and technical colleges.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several transportation-related bills. On Substitute House Bill 2251, staff explained changes to Climate Commitment Act accounts and revenue distribution, including new operating and capital accounts and a revised split of auction proceeds among transportation, capital, operating, and air quality accounts. Members asked about the bill’s effect on CERA funding, the air quality account, and whether the bill responded to projected revenue declines. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of the bill’s goal of clearer, more predictable budgeting; tribal testimony requested clearer protections and a dedicated tribal set-aside, while other witnesses supported the bill for its transparency and climate/transportation benefits. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2588, which would allow county ferry districts to operate and finance vehicle ferries, not just passenger-only ferries. The prime sponsor and county officials from Whatcom and Pierce described the bill as a local option to help fund aging ferry systems without raising taxes, and public testimony from island residents, county representatives, and advocacy groups strongly supported it as a way to stabilize essential ferry service. The committee also heard House Bill 2722, which would raise the vehicle weight threshold for Transportation Benefit District fees from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds. Staff said the change would modestly increase TBD revenue statewide, and the sponsor argued the current law unfairly exempts heavier trucks while lighter vehicles pay the fee. Cities and local officials supported the bill, while the trucking association said it would support a compromise at 9,000 pounds instead of 10,000. The committee also heard House Bill 2727, creating an Educational Transit Access Grant Program for transit agencies and community and technical colleges to pilot free or reduced fares for students; the sponsor and transit advocates said it would improve affordability and access, and testimony emphasized equity and student retention benefits. In executive session, the committee considered Second Substitute House Bill 1923, which would expand who can form passenger-only ferry service districts and where they can be formed, with added intent language related to southern resident orcas and a revised effective date. After discussion, the committee voted 23-4 to pass the bill out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The chair also announced a deadline extension for amendment requests on bills heard that day and thanked staff before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need the help of your communities.
• We like projects happening in our communities, but the purpose of the fund is to revolve.
• We have the ability to ...to the communities where it will be used.
• , to meet the needs of their communities, not tomorrow but in that 10 to 15 year time frame.
• , to meet the needs of their communities, not tomorrow but in that 10 to 15 year time frame.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:42.240><c> empathy</c> skills like communication empathy skills like communication empathy
• </c><00:18:14.520><c> Le</c> Manufacturing customized Community Le Manufacturing customized Community
• </c> different than my largest community different than my largest community Wilmer<00:18:29.480><c>
• </c> these investments in community-based these investments in community-based Child<00:20:36.159><c>
• </c> nurture and care for our communities nurture and care for our communities again<00:48:05.160><c>

Bills: HF2582 , HF2266 , HF2518 , HF2039 , HF1941

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

Keywords: child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1634 increases Low-income and marginalized communities.
• And so the First 5 commissions were chosen. ...community level.
• At the local level, you give a local community $60,000.
• communities, and it aligns land use with community needs, ensuring equitable access and reducing traffic
• Communities are not choosing to do it, except for one great community over here that we found in the

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:14.800><c> we</c> um electioneering communications we um electioneering communications we
• . communications. communications.
• </c><00:08:24.360><c> would</c> digital or audio communications would digital or audio communications
• /c> election electronic communications for election electronic communications for which<00:08:31.920>
• :21:17.200><c> a</c><00:21:17.320><c> word</c> communication and coordination is a word communication

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And my community just ain't there.
• What you're saying is you want to work with your community to do what's right for your community.
• What you're saying is you want to work with your community to do what's right for your community.
• People want to be in our community.
• Robust community engagement.

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My concern, among other things, is what this will do to communities, and particularly to communities
• > rural</c> and particularly to communities in rural and particularly to communities in rural areas.
• </c> and what's happening is one community and what's happening is one community after<00:41:57.119><
• </c> embodiment of that community. embodiment of that community.
• And I'm not It's not good for the community. It's It's not good for the community.

Committee: Joint Education

Keywords: Education - Room 216, January 6, 2026; 12:45 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes community well-being.
• Now, it's important to communities. Unlike incarceration, communities.
• </c> partnering with community-based partnering with community-based providers.<00:10:50.240><c> This
• </c><00:11:00.240><c> mental</c> Commonwealth's 14 community mental Commonwealth's 14 community mental
• community resources community with community resources rather<00:52:22.240><c> than</c><00:52:22.319

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee received an overview of Kentucky’s specialty courts from Audrey Collins of the Department of Specialty Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with testimony from Christian County District Judge Foster Cutoff. Collins described the mission and structure of drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts, emphasizing therapeutic jurisprudence, individualized treatment, judicial oversight, and multidisciplinary teams. She said Kentucky currently has about 2,991 active participants across the three court types, with drug courts in all 120 counties, mental health courts in 17 counties, and veterans treatment courts in eight counties. She also highlighted reported outcomes such as 7,658 entrants and 4,384 successful completions from 2020 to 2024, a five-year average completion rate of 57%, and lower recidivism among graduates than the statewide average. Collins also reviewed funding and costs, saying the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget was $18.6 million, with most of it from general funds, plus restricted and federal funds. She noted spending on personnel, treatment services, and drug testing, and said specialty courts allow participants to remain employed and meet obligations such as child support and restitution. She said participants paid more than $5.4 million in child support, restitution, and other court-related obligations over five years, and that a statewide evaluation by Morehead State University is underway. In response to questions, she said a dip in 2024 collections may have been affected by a case management system overhaul, and that court costs can be waived in some indigent cases while restitution is still required. Judge Cutoff described veterans treatment court and mental health court in Christian County, saying the programs are especially important because of the nearby Fort Campbell military community and because they help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use, and related issues. He said the courts rely heavily on staff, treatment providers, and the VA, which helps connect participants to benefits and therapy. He also said mental health court participants receive housing, benefits, and medication support, and that the programs can keep people out of jail and help them stabilize. Committee members asked about the legal basis and history of the courts, and Collins explained that Kentucky’s specialty courts began as pilot programs in the mid-1990s, shifted from federal support to state funding around 2008-2009, and are now largely state funded. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.