Transcript Highlights:

• counties, states, and even nations, witnesses located outside the local jurisdiction, and international internet

Bills: SB203, SB317, SB397, SB511, SB524, SB731, SB781, SB801, SB867, SB1071, SB1087, SB1232, SB1444, SB1483, SB1782, SB1798, SB1861, SB1944, SB2082, SB2233, SB2309, SB2363, SB2497, SB2549, SB2566, SB2603, SB2607, SB2617, SB2688, SB2717, SB2797, SB2841, SB2919, SB2928, SB2969, SB3063, HB12, HB26, HB33, HB34, HB45, HB48, HB130, HB148, HB198, HB431, HB647, HB668, HB677, HB748, HB754, HB791, HB1022, HB1193, HB1240, HB1242, HB1318, HB1397, HB1520, HB1584, HB1729, HB1922, HB1950, HB2003, HB2027, HB2029, HB2254, HB2350, HB2559, HB2607, HB2663, HB2712, HB2768, HB2775, HB2788, HB2789, HB2802, HB2894, HB2960, HB3033, HB3041, HB3126, HB3228, HB3229, HB3474, HB3560, HB3594, HB3611, HB3698, HB3699, HB3700, HB3805, HB4187, HB4219, HB4238, HB4344, HB4384, HB4739, HB4753, HB4804, HB4850, HB4885, HB5560, HCR90, SJR34, SB529, SB541, SB693, SB963, SB1173, SB1241, SB1383, SB1559, SB1646, SB1734, SB1833, SB1883, SB1968, SB2544, SB1, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB2308, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR60, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB2309, SB1861, SB2617, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB511, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB1749, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1782, SB1944, SB1232, SB2969, SB2497, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB781, SB524, SB2233, SB2683, SB1319, SB1978, SB3038, SB3045, SB1633, SB1538, SB719, SB3071, HB1393, HB2559, HB26, HB2607, HB3810, HB388, HB12, HB2712, HB1633, HB1318, HB685, HB4753, HB198, HB762, HB148, HB1520, HB2286, HB1606, HB132, HB45, HB48, HB33, HB1022, HB1458, HB5560, HB1240, HB1950, HB2027, HB2768, HB2788, HB2791, HB3146, HB3698, HB3699, HB1893, HB3700, HB4850, HB4187, HB1397, HB4885, HB4804, HB3751, HB3611, HB2775, HB2061, HB2003, HB1729, HB1242, HB791, HB2029, HB647, HB2522, HB4738, HB3033, HB3594, HB3474, HB2563, HB2802, HB34, HB128, HB130, HB581, HB668, HB677, HB766, HB2259, HB2960, HB2358, HB2894, HB4384, HB2663, HB748, HB793, HB1193, HB1734, HB2340, HB2350, HB3104, HB5180, HB4739, HB1584, HB4344, HB4238, HB4219, HB3806, HB3805, HB3804, HB3803, HB3229, HB3228, HB1922, HB1522, HB431, HB3597, HB1612, HB4224, HB754, HB1314, HB2254, HB2789, HB3560, HB4643, HB1237, HB3126, HB2856, HB3114, HB3041, HB3505, HB4205, HB5652, HB3687, HB5424, HB4506, HB3370, HB2025, HB4273, HB3395, HB3376, HB2733, HB2495, HB4325, HB2071, HB2510, HB138, HB18, HB107, HB694, HB923, HB1639, HB1700, HB2187, HB3211, HB4529, HB4655, HB5342, HB2516, HB4783, HB1894, HB1965, HB102, HB300, HB1875, HB2513, HB2713, HB39, HB114, HB24, HB3088, HB4163, HB3479, HB2842, HB519, HB609, HB1275, HB1592, HB3348, HCR90, HCR98, SB524, SB781, SB1782, SB2497, SB2969, HB12, HB33, HB34, HB45, HB48, HB130, HB148, HB198, HB431, HB668, HB677, HB754, HB791, HB1022, HB1193, HB1242, HB1318, HB1520, HB1729, HB1922, HB1950, HB2003, HB2027, HB2029, HB2559, HB2607, HB2663, HB2768, HB2775, HB2789, HB2802, HB2894, HB2960, HB3041, HB3228, HB3229, HB3474, HB3560, HB3594, HB3611, HB3698, HB3699, HB3700, HB3805, HB4238, HB4344, HB4739, HB4804, HB4885, HB5560, SB1861, SB2309, SB2617, SB511, SR545, HJR47, HB75, HB108, HB111, HB521, HB1052, HB1249, HB1373, HB1403, HB1449, HB1586, HB1629, HB1646, HB1794, HB1820, HB1831, HB1845, HB1939, HB1960, HB1991, HB2014, HB2080, HB2136, HB2159, HB2293, HB2313, HB2399, HB2512, HB2581, HB2593, HB2621, HB2638, HB2655, HB2658, HB2694, HB2731, HB2757, HB2803, HB2807, HB2814, HB2844, HB2999, HB3053, HB3142, HB3171, HB3234, HB3254, HB3320, HB3349, HB3405, HB3420, HB3463, HB3516, HB3520, HB3631, HB3679, HB3680, HB3694, HB3722, HB3732, HB3749, HB3793, HB3833, HB3928, HB3977, HB4014, HB4042, HB4076, HB4099, HB4105, HB4112, HB4158, HB4204, HB4207, HB4234, HB4449, HB4454, HB4520, HB4535, HB4559, HB4582, HB4630, HB4669, HB4748, HB4795, HB4847, HB4848, HB4916, HB4924, HB5093, HB5302, HB5509, HB5624, HB5627, HB5629, HB5632, HB5639, HB5664, HB5693, HB5698, HB2851, HB5154, HB5339, HJR47, HB75, HB108, HB111, HB521, HB1052, HB1249, HB1373, HB1403, HB1449, HB1586, HB1629, HB1646, HB1794, HB1820, HB1831, HB1845, HB1939, HB1960, HB1991, HB2014, HB2080, HB2136, HB2159, HB2293, HB2313, HB2399, HB2512, HB2581, HB2593, HB2621, HB2638, HB2655, HB2658, HB2694, HB2731, HB2757, HB2803, HB2807, HB2814, HB2844, HB2999, HB3053, HB3142, HB3171, HB3234, HB3254, HB3320, HB3349, HB3405, HB3420, HB3463, HB3516, HB3520, HB3631, HB3679, HB3680, HB3694, HB3722, HB3732, HB3749, HB3793, HB3833, HB3928, HB3977, HB4014, HB4042, HB4076, HB4099, HB4105, HB4112, HB4158, HB4204, HB4207, HB4234, HB4449, HB4454, HB4520, HB4535, HB4559, HB4582, HB4630, HB4669, HB4748, HB4795, HB4847, HB4848, HB4916, HB4924, HB5093, HB5302, HB5509, HB5624, HB5627, HB5629, HB5632, HB5639, HB5664, HB5693, HB5698, HB2851, HB5154, HB5339

Keywords: student privacy, numerical class rank, education policy, academic programs, high school, monuments, memorials, public property, historical significance, civil penalties, local governance, SB 397, telemedicine, telehealth, teledentistry, remote care, virtual care, consent documentation, patient consent, data collection

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Gounardes moves to discharge from the Committee on Internet and Technology Assembly Bill 5175A
• You obviously, and I sit on Internet and Tech, legislated a number of different regulatory things, with
• YOU OBVIOUSLY, AND I SIT ON INTERNET AND TECH, LEGISLATED A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT REGULATORY THINGS, WITH

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on June 3, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through a long list of discharge motions and substitutions to place many bills on the third reading calendar. The chamber also adopted Resolution J.2314 honoring the New York chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, with remarks emphasizing domestic workers’ role in care work, labor organizing, and protections such as paid sick leave and family leave. Another adopted resolution, J.2298, mourned labor and social justice advocate Minerva Solla, with senators highlighting her work with 1199, the Young Lords, Puerto Rican solidarity efforts, and women’s organizing. A third resolution recognized Olympic curler Daniel Casper for representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Games. The Senate then confirmed a large slate of judicial and executive nominations. It accepted the Judiciary Committee report and confirmed four interim Supreme Court justices, seven Court of Claims judges, and 21 reappointments/extensions by a vote of 44-12. The Finance Committee report was also accepted, and the Senate confirmed a broad set of appointments to state boards and authorities, including the MTA, State Commission of Correction, Power Authority, NYSERDA, Financial Control Board, public health councils, SUNY and Cornell boards, gaming and bridge authorities, and others. One notable confirmation was Alexander Dockery to the State Commission of Correction; supporters called it the first time a formerly incarcerated person had been confirmed to that commission, while Senator Murray criticized the practice of voting on large nomination blocks rather than individually. The chamber then took up and passed many bills, mostly by wide margins, covering labor, health, education, transportation, public service, criminal justice, municipal, tax, insurance, and environmental topics. Several members explained their votes on major measures: Senator Ramos supported a bill modernizing temporary disability benefits and another protecting construction workers from lost pay when jobs are canceled; Senator Baskin spoke about a correction bill tied to the death of India Cummings; Senator Skoufis described a family-court custody bill intended to prioritize child safety; Senator Mayer backed a proposal to reimburse parents of medically fragile children for providing care; and Senator Hinchey defended a bill requiring employers to report AI-related job impacts, while Senator Borrello opposed it as burdensome. Most bills were passed, some were laid aside, and the session concluded with multiple roll-call votes and confirmations before adjournment-related business.

Transcript Highlights:

• 49.319><c> the</c> for uh our messages to travel across the for uh our messages to travel across the internet
• 50.720><c> we'll</c><04:07:50.880><c> have</c><04:07:51.000><c> a</c><04:07:51.080><c> better</c> internet
• uh we'll have a better internet uh we'll have a better bandwidth<04:07:52.600><c> increase</c><04:07

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The numbers would probably be similar because they use the same platform.
• That's what the immune system's initial cells do. platform.
• Um but I don't I would have to platform.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The tax is imposed on the platform selling ads, not on consumers buying goods or businesses placing ads

Summary: The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over. Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The tax is imposed on the platform selling ads, not on consumers buying goods or businesses placing ads

Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In your proposals going forward about a migration from PeopleSoft to a different platform in your increases

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In your proposals going forward about a migration from PeopleSoft to a different platform in your increases

Summary: The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast. The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• To build on this legacy, provide a more stable, flexible, and forward-looking platform for fisheries

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, with particular attention to Massachusetts ports, federal scallop management, the proposed reopening of the Northern Edge on Georges Bank, and permit stacking/consolidation. The chair opened by noting the hearing would take written and oral testimony, that time was limited, and that the discussion was intended to inform legislative engagement with federal regulators rather than decide the issue directly. Dan McCarron of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and Dr. Kate O’Keefe of the New England Fishery Management Council outlined the federal management structure under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the role of annual catch limits and rotational closures, and the economic importance of scallops to New Bedford, Gloucester, and other Massachusetts ports. O’Keefe said the council’s current scallop framework is based on annual management, research surveys, and public input, and that recent environmental changes and uncertainty are affecting catch advice and biomass. Dr. O’Keefe and later Dr. Kevin Stokesbury of UMass Dartmouth described the fishery’s recent condition: abundance has increased in some areas, but biomass has fallen because many scallops are still too small to harvest, and changing ocean conditions and natural mortality are affecting the stock. They said the Northern Edge action was considered as a joint scallop/habitat framework but was discontinued in 2024 because the council could not reconcile competing objectives involving scallop yield, habitat protection, and impacts on other species such as cod, lobster, and herring. Stokesbury emphasized the long-running collaborative survey work with industry, said the fishery remains highly productive, and argued that the science supports careful rotational management and that the Northern Edge could be highly productive for scallops, though he acknowledged habitat tradeoffs. Committee members pressed both witnesses on why the issue had remained unresolved for so long and whether the council could revisit it through a future framework. Representatives of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund, including attorney Drew Kavage, John Lees, Sam Blasley, and Tony Alvernes, urged support for reopening the Northern Edge and for permit stacking, which would allow more than one scallop permit on a vessel while keeping ownership caps in place. They argued the fishery is a major economic driver, that industry-funded research has supported sustainable management, and that stacking would help family-owned operators reduce costs, improve safety, and avoid financial distress. They also stressed the need to protect working waterfront infrastructure in New Bedford and other ports. The chair said he was not opposed to stacking in principle but wanted to avoid a slippery slope toward excessive consolidation or private equity control; he noted that any stacking change would require an amendment to the fishery management plan or federal action. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded with an invitation for continued engagement and future updates on the council process.

Transcript Highlights:

• this, the average monthly use is over 58% of our incarcerated are using the tablets for a learning platform

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission approved the July 11 minutes and then received a detailed follow-up presentation from the Department of Correction on facility footprint, mission-driven housing, programming, and technology. Commissioner Jenkins and Deputy Commissioner Peterson explained recent and planned facility changes, including the closures of Walpole, MCI Cedar Junction, and MCI Concord, the transition of the Plymouth Section 35/Mass Act program to Health and Human Services, the return of Bay State to DOC control for possible future use, and the Shattuck Hospital move to East Newton Pavilion. Members asked about operational capacity, the exclusion of support beds from occupancy figures, and the status of mothballed or unused facilities. Framingham drew particular attention because of its historically low women’s population and planned renovations; members raised concerns about the cost and the need to consider the broader women’s correctional system. A major portion of the meeting focused on mission-driven units and evidence-based programming. DOC described specialized units for health services, nursing care, clinical stabilization, mental health, residential treatment, protective custody, reentry, emerging adults, education, and substance use recovery, and noted that security threat group support beds are not used. Staff explained the distinction between general population beds and support beds, and between programming and treatment. They said core recidivism-reduction programs are based on risk-need responsivity and COMPAS assessments, with Spectrum Health Systems as the current vendor, and presented recidivism data showing lower reoffending among participants who completed programs such as violence reduction, criminal thinking, and the Correctional Recovery Academy. For women, they highlighted the pathways model at MCI Framingham, which combines trauma-informed, gender-responsive services, and reported strong outcomes for those engaged for at least 26 weeks. Members asked about how needs are identified and counted, how declinations are handled, and how the department distinguishes completion from ongoing maintenance. DOC said participation is voluntary, individuals are re-recommended over time, and completion is recorded in the system when criteria are met. They also discussed educational supports for learning disabilities and trauma, including IEP/504 coordination, tutoring, and a new school psychologist for testing. Questions were raised about family reunification programming, and DOC pointed to family-focused services, mediation, Read to Me Mommy, and the Brave unit for young fathers. Sheriff Cabral and Sheriff Cochie praised the presentation and emphasized the importance of family reunification and the realities of trauma in incarcerated people’s lives. The final section highlighted the expanded use of tablets across all facilities. DOC said tablets now support free phone calls, emails, video visits, surveys, educational content, medical updates, sick-call requests, and an earned-good-time app, while also helping with communication during facility closures and with ongoing programming. Staff said the tablets are used both for learning and recreation, and that more than half of the incarcerated population uses them monthly for educational purposes. Members discussed whether user feedback or “reviews” of programs could help increase participation, and DOC said tablet-based surveys make that possible. The meeting ended with general agreement that the department has expanded programming and technology substantially and is using them to support reentry, communication, and facility operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've also found that the attendance and engagement data that we receive from our virtual delivery platform

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a public hearing on several bills related to driver’s license suspensions, junior operator training, online driver education, and regulation of e-bikes/scooters. A major focus was the Road to Opportunity Act (H. 3662/S. 2368), which would end license suspensions and registration holds for unpaid fines and fees unrelated to road safety, create hardship waivers and payment options, and replace suspension with nonrenewal in some cases. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, ACLU, CPCS, Greater Boston Legal Services, transportation and anti-poverty advocates, and several affected residents who described job loss, housing instability, and difficulty paying toll and fee debts. They argued the current system punishes poverty, disproportionately affects Black and Latino residents, and is costly to enforce. Some testimony also noted that the bill would preserve suspensions for dangerous driving offenses. District Attorney Marion Ryan testified in favor of two bills: one allowing partial payment plans for certain RMV penalties and another closing a loophole that makes the penalty for violating a hardship license less severe than driving after a full suspension. Senator Sear and Representative Reed also spoke for the Road to Opportunity Act, while the AAG said the Attorney General supports it. Committee members asked about RMV implementation and whether the agency supports payment plans; Ryan said the RMV has been cooperative but believes legislation is needed. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on bills affecting young drivers. Senator Lovely and Representative Cruz supported a bill to create a junior operator license training fund, expand access for low- and moderate-income families, require refunds in some cases, and allow earlier passenger privileges. Another bill would make virtual instructor-led driver education permanent; AAA and several driving school owners supported it as an access and convenience measure, while other instructors opposed it, arguing in-person instruction is safer and more effective. Finally, Senator Collins and others testified for a transportation safety bill regulating motorized bicycles, scooters, e-bikes, and mopeds, increasing fines, requiring insurance for commercial use, and requiring public hearings and accessibility review for new bike lanes. Advocates for blind and disabled pedestrians supported that bill, while some transportation and business voices backed it as a safety and planning measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• The new suite of applications will utilize a cloud-based architecture platform.

Summary: The Emergency Board approved a series of consent federal grant applications from the Natural Resources and Public Safety subcommittees, along with several budget and position requests. The board approved grant applications for parks, transportation, judicial, emergency management, higher education, school nutrition, and other programs, including retroactive approvals where deadlines had passed. One member objected to the Natural Resources consent grants over concerns about future funding needs, but the motion still passed. The board also approved a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, including digital privacy protections, circuit court security, and a statewide facilities assessment. A major discussion centered on Southern Oregon University’s financial stability. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission reported on SOU’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and projected cash shortfall. The subcommittee recommended, and the board approved, allocating $7.5 million from the special appropriation for short-term stability, with a required update at the September 2026 Emergency Board meeting and a future request for the remaining funds. Members debated the broader crisis in higher education, with several saying SOU’s situation reflects systemwide enrollment and funding pressures and that long-term restructuring will be needed. The board also approved an AmeriCorps volunteer generation grant, an apprenticeship expansion grant, and a Department of Education nutrition equipment grant. In public safety, it approved funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a statewide evacuation planning tool, and a juvenile justice information system modernization report, while requiring a follow-up viability report. The Department of Justice received approval for additional antitrust positions and expenditure limitation, though several members raised concerns about the funding structure and incentives tied to settlement revenues; the motion passed despite objections. In natural resources, the board approved funding for the Water Resources Department’s well abandonment, repair and replacement grants, an assistant water master position in Washington County, groundwater data collection in the Lower Umatilla Basin, a wetlands remote sensing pilot, and parks-related grant applications for operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. Members generally supported the requests but raised concerns about geographic equity, long-term sustainability, and whether some county responsibilities were being shifted to the state. The meeting also included discussion of a Department of Emergency Management evacuation tool as an urgent wildfire preparedness measure, with members emphasizing its potential to save lives.

Transcript Highlights:

• such as Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or Zoom, which cities and counties already use as business platforms

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of local government bills, beginning without quorum and later taking up measures once quorum was established. AB 748 would expand the pre-approved housing plan model for small single-family projects and ADUs, with delayed implementation for smaller jurisdictions; it drew support from housing advocates and some local governments opposed it. AB 1786 would extend best-value contracting authority to general law cities and the San Gabriel Valley COG for larger projects, with broad local government support and no opposition. AB 1712 would let Santa Fe Springs pursue sale of its troubled water system to a larger provider through a protest process instead of a municipal election, citing major capital needs and rate pressures. AB 1679 would create a temporary commercial activation permit for pop-up businesses in vacant storefronts for up to 120 days, with support from business and downtown groups and questions about local control. AB 1738 would require jurisdictions to offer virtual inspections for certain simple residential inspections; supporters emphasized efficiency and existing use in some counties, while labor and local government opponents raised safety and implementation concerns. The committee voted 3-0 to send AB 1738 to Housing, with the bill remaining on call. The committee also heard AB 1578, which would require elected state and local officials to take anti-hate speech training as part of existing harassment training. Supporters argued it would help officials understand the impact of rhetoric on hate and violence, while opponents said it was vague and threatened free speech; the bill passed 3-1 to Governmental Organization and remained on call. AB 1693 would speed retail tenant-improvement permits by requiring review by a qualified professional certifier and shorter local review timelines; it had support from retailers and business groups and passed 4-0 to Business, Professions, and Economic Development. AB 1914 would require local governments to include child care in general planning, with supporters calling child care essential infrastructure and opponents warning about mandates; it passed 2-0 to Human Services and remained on call. AB 1997 would shorten the review period for 90% affordable housing projects after EIR certification, and AB 2605 would require counties to report data on public defense systems and caseloads; both passed their committees and were sent onward, with AB 2605 noted as conditional on appropriation. Later items included AB 2224, which would raise and restructure county recorder fees to fund electronic recording systems and modernize service delivery, with county recorder and county association support and no opposition; it passed to Appropriations and remained on call. The consent calendar included AB 2640. At the end of the meeting, Senator Seyarto presented AB 2110 on behalf of Assemblymember Johnson, proposing workforce housing enhanced infrastructure financing districts for education, health care, manufacturing, and public safety workers, using existing EIFD authority without affecting school funding or ERAF; the presentation was introduced as having bipartisan support, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would include a studio offering three or more premium amenities, including digital platform services

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills on access to care, professional licensing, and consumer protection, beginning as a subcommittee because quorum was initially lacking. AB 1307 would create a pilot program allowing up to 30 qualified dentists from Mexico to work in underserved California areas for up to three years; the author and sponsor framed it as a cost-neutral way to address dental shortages, the California Dental Association moved from opposition to neutral after amendments, and members expressed support. AB 1703 would restrict use of osteopathic titles and osteopathic manipulative treatment to licensed DOs; supporters said it would prevent patient confusion and unlicensed practice, while non-physician osteopaths argued it would criminalize a long-standing, safe practice and reduce access. Members raised concerns about consumer clarity and access, and the author said she would continue working with opponents. AB 2250 made technical cleanup changes to last year’s hemp enforcement law, with support from the cannabis industry and no opposition. AB 1758 would raise the annual seller-of-travel assessment for the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund from $35 to $60, and AB 1794 would allow prescribed enteral nutrition formulas to be drop-shipped directly to patients’ homes with pharmacist oversight; both drew support and no opposition. AB 1775 would expand state licensing priority and related support for veterans discharged because of a federal transgender military policy, with emotional testimony from a transgender Army captain and support from equality and women’s organizations. AB 1939 would allow licensed professional fiduciaries to form corporations, and AB 2477 would create a limited provisional period for new pest control employees to work under supervision while licensing is pending; both were supported, though AB 2477 drew questions about supervision and committee amendments. AB 1999 would address veterinary workforce shortages by creating retired volunteer status, a shelter-veterinarian pathway, changes to VCPR rules, and narrowing the owner exemption to exclude surgical procedures; supporters cited animal welfare concerns, while some opponents warned about overreach. AB 2010 would permit high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in nontraditional settings to expand access, but the Veterinary Medical Board and some advocates opposed it unless amended over safety and clarity concerns. AB 2311 would let public health care district hospitals directly employ physicians, with supporters saying it would improve recruitment and access and opponents warning about erosion of physician autonomy; the author said the bill included safeguards, a sunset, and reporting requirements, and continued negotiations were ongoing. After quorum was established, the committee took roll-call votes and advanced the bills, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan votes, with several measures placed on call and others sent to Appropriations, Judiciary, Revenue and Taxation, Military and Veterans Affairs, or other committees as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would include a studio offering three or more premium amenities, including digital platform services

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California Apartment Association and Zillow to ensure that the language is implementable for their platforms

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the rise of social media and influencers on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms, teenage girls

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• where right now Democrats have been very focused on mandates, on just very descriptive learning platforms

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The program reviewed the end of Minnesota’s 94th Legislature and featured interviews with Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Minority Leader Mark Johnson about the session’s major outcomes. Murphy said Senate Democrats used their one-seat advantage to advance priorities including emergency rental assistance, immigration enforcement, stabilization of HCMC, gun violence prevention, and a $1.2 billion infrastructure/bonding bill. She also highlighted a one-year reduction in vehicle tab fees, some property tax and business tax relief, and the creation of an independent Office of Inspector General, while saying more should have been done on lead pipe replacement and that some work was delayed by House inaction and federal policy changes. Murphy argued the session was shaped by a divided legislature and by negotiations that often happened late and behind closed doors, which she said made the process frustrating and left some Senate proposals without House counterparts. She said the Senate also worked on protecting Medicaid and SNAP from federal cuts and on stabilizing hospitals, especially HCMC and rural facilities. She described the gun violence and immigration debates as examples where bipartisan demands did not match what she saw as the needs of Minnesotans, and said the state should return to more public conference committee negotiations next session. Johnson said Senate Republicans focused on fraud prevention, affordability, and education. He pointed to the Inspector General bill and the “Take It Back Act” as major bipartisan wins, and said Republicans used their leverage to secure the tab fee reduction and other tax relief. He also said the caucus wanted stronger protections against fraud without harming legitimate service providers, and criticized DFL priorities on government growth and education outcomes. Both leaders said relationships across the aisle improved over the session, though they differed sharply on how much was accomplished and what should be prioritized next year.

Transcript Highlights:

• use fillable electronic bid forms to facilitate the receipt of bids through the electronic bidding platforms

Bills: SR130, SR131, SR132, SR133, SCR74, SCR12, HB582, HB221, HCR74, HCR58, HB71, HB79, HB158, HB160, HB169, HB227, HB251, HB289, HB330, HB394, HB410, HB429, HB769, HB1017, HB1234, HB712, SCR3, SB54, SB72, SB129, SB164, SB232, SB287, SB322, SB374, SB375, SB386, SB409, SB447, SB458, SB78, SB112, SB124, SB125, SB174, SB190, SB201, SB208, SB236, SB273, SB307, SB347, SB357, SB385, SB387, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB426, SB435, SB487, SB488, SB523, SB222, SCR9, SCR58, SB480, SB514, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, HCR31, HCR47, HB362, HB363, HB368, HB377, HB380, HB382, HB386, HB392, HB406, HB431, HB441, HB466, HB503, HB533, HB559, HB575, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB655, HB664, HB685, HB692, HB707, HB715, HB732, HB738, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB807, HB822, HB856, HB860, HB868, HB887, HB888, HB905, HB908, HB961, HB980, HB990, HB992, HB999, HB1000, HB1010, HB1146, HB1157, HB1233, HB1243, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1198, HB1246, HB27, HB143, HB205, HB259, HB267, HB288, HB308, HB403, HB405, HB414, HB417, HB478, HB546, HB548, HB555, HB557, HB609, HB670, HB672, HB740, HB779, HB786, HB796, HB812, HB848, HB915, HB917, HB921, HB930, HB933, HB1095, HB1096, HB1103, HB1129, HB1154, HB1166, HB1187, HB1195, HB1230, HB316, HB511, HB514, HB799, HB1039, HB17, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB211, HB226, HB271, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB571, HB723, HB726, HB750, HB759, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1018, HB1036, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB441, SB449, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782, SB149

Keywords: E. Joseph Savoie, Dr. Savoie, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, UL Lafayette, higher education, Louisiana Board of Regents, commissioner of higher education, president emeritus, Carnegie R1, research university, student financial aid, needs-based aid, community and technical college system, teacher education, hurricane Katrina, hurricane Rita, retirement resolution, commendation, senate resolution, public service

Summary: The Senate convened with 29 members present, opened with prayer by Oren Connor, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a musical performance by the Chuck Wagon Gang. The chamber also recognized several guests and observances, including birthdays for Senators Seabaugh, Fesi, and Price, White Coat Wednesday participants, Tourism Day, the Louisiana Oil Marketers Association, Chenault International Airport’s 40th anniversary, and visiting fair queens from Washington and Tangipahoa parishes. The Senate dispensed with reading the journal and received numerous House and Senate messages, committee reports, and resolutions. Several Senate resolutions were taken up and adopted, including commendations for Isaac Herzenberg, condolences for Kathleen Sessomson and former Senator Louis Lambert Jr., recognition of White Coat Wednesday and Tourism Day, and a study resolution on transfer-on-death and payable-on-death accounts. The Senate also adopted a conference committee report on House Bill 782, which concerned vapor and alternative nicotine products and was described as giving the state more tools to combat illegal vapes. A number of Senate bills returned from the House with amendments were either concurred in or rejected, including SB 54, SB 72, SB 129, SB 164, SB 232, SB 287, SB 374, SB 375, SB 386, SB 409, SB 112, SB 124, SB 125, SB 174, SB 190, SB 207, SB 236, SB 307, SB 357, SB 385, SB 387, SB 458, SB 477, SB 590, SB 593, SB 618, SB 655, SB 692, SB 707, SB 732, SB 738, SB 748, SB 776, SB 807, SB 860, SB 868, SB 887, SB 888, SB 905, and SB 961, with votes generally passing by wide margins. The chamber also considered several House bills on final passage. Among those approved were measures on local security districts, budget review authority, school activity access for virtual students, electronic bid forms, brake equipment and trailer safety, construction management at risk contracts, temporary registration plates, the Louisiana Maritime Academy name change, OMV fee and ID issues, ferry operations, group purchasing for local governments, the Green Envelope Program for drivers with disabilities, OMV field office fees, LED fee updates, port development priorities, workforce instructor capacity, and a campus disciplinary process bill tied to hazing prevention. Some House bills were passed after amendments, while others were passed over or rejected for later conference, including bills on virtual school participation, historic preservation, civil service, suicide prevention, local government training, and economic development districts. The Senate also rejected House amendments on SB 78 and SB 208, and rejected amendments on SB 387, sending those matters toward further negotiation.

Transcript Highlights:

• to use fillable electronic bid forms to facilitate the receipt of bids through electronic bidding platforms

Keywords: 974, senate, all