Transcript Highlights:

• career expos, to really inform people of the workers that we have in North Dakota; unemployment insurance
• salaries and wages they have in there are for $2.1 million, and that's at 3% and 3.15% for the health insurance

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee met to consider three measures, beginning with Senate Bill 2016 for Job Service. Testimony described Job Service’s workforce, unemployment insurance, and labor market functions, its long-term reduction in FTEs and budget, and its reliance on federal funding that does not keep pace with inflation. The bill included funding for an additional FTE for the H-2A housing inspection program, continued support for the JP3 offender placement pilot, and one-time funding for IT and mainframe costs tied to a system modernization effort. The committee approved the bill 20-0, with Representative Swiontek named as carrier. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 2305, which would allow family members to be paid as caregivers for certain young people with disabilities instead of only licensed outside providers. Members noted the specialized, 24-hour nature of the care, workforce shortages, waiting lists, and the potential to avoid more expensive institutional care. Questions focused on how the program would be structured, including certification requirements and whether it would remain a pilot or become part of the broader human services budget. The committee passed the bill 20-0, with Representative Roar as carrier and Representative Nelson available as backup. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2024 for the Department of Environmental Quality. The House change was limited to increased special-fund support for water and wastewater operator certification testing to expand availability, while the Senate version already included added FTEs for emerging contaminants and fuel inspection work. Members discussed federal funding uncertainty, including IIJA and ARPA-related concerns, but the department said its major projects, including the new laboratory, were not currently in jeopardy. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended 22-0, with Representative Berg as carrier.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 4178 by LaHood relating to the minimum motor vehicle liability insurance coverage requirement for
• bodily injury, death, or damage to the property of others, referred to the Committee on Insurance.

Transcript Highlights:

• days of President Gardner in the original Gardner Scholarship. 15 years ago we did not even require insurance
• We are requiring they are covered because we back 15 years ago established the requirement for insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• of President Gardner and the original Gardner Scholarship. 15 years ago, we did not even REQUIRE INSURANCE
• We are requiring they are covered because we, back 15 years ago, established the requirement for insurance

Bills: SJR18 , SCR9 , SCR13 , SB10 , SB11 , SB19 , SB20 , SB25 , SB62 , SB260 , SB263 , SB293 , SB314 , SB384 , SB412 , SB441 , SB442 , SB494 , SB523 , SB569 , SB616 , SB688 , SB707 , SB766 , SB842 , SB869 , SB890 , SB914 , SB929 , SB971 , SB992 , SB1066 , SB1145 , SB1621 , SJR36 , SJR18 , SCR9 , SCR13 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB372 , SB495 , SB842 , SB971 , SB1066 , SB929 , SB765 , SB523 , SB62 , SB19 , SB18 , SB666 , SB688 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB869 , SB890 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB494 , SB290 , SB766 , SB11 , SB10 , SB13 , SB263 , SB412 , SB20 , SB441 , SB442 , SB1621 , SB569 , SB314 , SB25 , SB293 , SB914 , SB260 , SB1248 , SB740 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB20 , SB25 , SB260 , SB293 , SB314 , SB384 , SB442 , SB494 , SB616 , SB869 , SB890 , SB929 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB1621 , SR232 , SR237 , SR242 , SB16 , SB22

Transcript Highlights:

• So, whether it's insurance companies or CEOs, making sure that they are held accountable for what is
• I don't think we realize that, with all the important things going on with property insurance and everything

Summary: The Health Care Facilities and System Subcommittee met and heard three bills, all of which passed favorably. HB 229 by Rep. Oliver would update the Health Facilities Authority Act to reflect modern health system structures, allowing not-for-profit LLCs and not-for-profit parent corporations of health systems to use the financing authority, and clarifying that authorities may use loan agreements as well as lease financing. An amendment narrowing and clarifying the not-for-profit definition was adopted without objection. AdventHealth testified in support, and the bill passed 17-0. The committee then heard HB 527 by Rep. Trabulsi, which creates a public records exemption for current and former AHCA personnel who investigate complaints, Medicaid fraud, abuse, waste, or inspect licensed health facilities. The sponsor said the exemption is intended to protect investigators and their families from retaliation. There was no public testimony, and members discussed balancing transparency with safety. The bill passed 17-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 431 by Rep. Trabulsi, which extends by one year the requirement for athletic coaches and similar youth sports volunteers to complete Level 2 background screening through AHCA’s clearinghouse, with the sponsor saying the delay would give the system time to expand and reduce costs over time. Public testimony from youth sports organizations supported the goal of screening but raised concerns about cost, implementation details, and age thresholds for screening. Members generally supported the bill as a child-safety measure, and it also passed 17-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's pushed property insurance and property taxes higher and higher.
• We'll hold insurance companies accountable for the rates they charge, and the services they provide when

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, presentation of the colors, and the national anthem. The chamber welcomed cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, former Senate presidents and colleagues, and other guests. Senators also observed moments of silence honoring former Senator Geraldine Thompson and former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and the Senate dedicated its 2024-2026 handbook to Thompson in recognition of her work in education and civics. The main action of the day was adoption of SCR 1294, which authorized the House and Senate to meet in joint session in the House chamber at 11 a.m. that day to receive a message from Governor Ron DeSantis. The resolution was adopted without objection, rules were waived, and it was immediately certified to the House. The Secretary was also directed to notify the House and Governor that the Senate was convened and ready to proceed with the 2025 regular session. In a lengthy opening-day address, the President outlined the session’s priorities, emphasizing rural Florida, citrus and agriculture, government efficiency, IT and cybersecurity reform, administrative rule review, affordability, insurance and property tax relief, autism services, veterans’ support, mental health and child welfare legislation, Everglades restoration, public school administrative efficiency, and food insecurity. No substantive debate or roll-call votes were taken beyond the unanimous adoption of the concurrent resolution. The Senate then adjourned until March 12, 2025, or upon the call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• , my private insurance for him is gone.
• That would go to taxpayers instead of my private insurer.
• for him is home my private insurance for him is gone. gone. gone.
• </c> taxpayers instead of my private insurer. taxpayers instead of my private insurer.
• No, insurance agency. I know, Glenn. I know.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's because charges like transfer tax and insurance, title insurance, are based on the percentage
• And that's because charges like transfer tax and insurance, title insurance, are based on the percentage
• Regular homeowners insurance is based on the value.
• </c> number is but with um uh title insurance number is but with um uh title insurance and<00:31:49.039
• </c><00:31:56.640><c> So</c> insurance is based on the value. So insurance is based on the value.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• commissioner, and the insurance commissioner is supposed to make it public in December.
• Members of the Senate, I think this is a great bill that came out of insurance.
• </c> Mississippi Children's Health Insurance Mississippi Children's Health Insurance Program.
• </c> that came out of insurance. that came out of insurance.
• Oh, 54 was insurance. I'm sorry, 55. Oh, 54 was insurance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee Report No. 133, final reading of House Bill 97, Conference Draft 1, relating to travel insurance
• prices are going to the same insurance prices are going to the same tone,<02:19:10.800><c> and</c><02
• I mean, somebody came knocking on my door yesterday basically saying the insurance companies were not
• </c><02:35:35.200><c> companies</c> basically saying the insurance companies basically saying the insurance
• If we're chasing away insurance companies, that amount of liability, I mean, basically falls on less

Transcript Highlights:

• People want to get to good jobs and not see their whole paycheck going to car and insurance payments.
• I ask you to help insurance payments.
• </c> fuel, labor, insurance, and other costs. fuel, labor, insurance, and other costs.
• companies requesting vehicle insurance companies requesting vehicle titles.<01:04:22.319><c> Uh,</c>
• ><c> companies</c><01:04:24.640><c> to</c> process for insurance companies to process for insurance companies

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• But for the Children's Health Insurance Program, it's a 65/35 split for Granite Advantage.
• </c> uh the children's health insurance uh the children's health insurance program<01:12:36.520><c> it's
• So that's the revenue that we receive through either Medicaid billings or third-party insurance that
• , commercial insurance, etc.
• , commercial insurance, etc.

Summary: The meeting began as a Division 3 work session on HB 71, but much of the early discussion focused on whether a previously discussed non-germane amendment could be considered or voted on that day. Members and the chair debated process and notice requirements, and the clerk’s guidance was that the amendment needed a separate public hearing before the full Finance Committee. The amendment was described as requiring DHHS contracts and addenda to include compliance with the Patient Bill of Rights, with a repeal date so the requirement would expire on November 30, 2026. The motion to move OTP on HB 71 with the amendment was withdrawn, and the committee agreed the amendment would be scheduled for a future full Finance hearing instead. The committee then turned to HB 71 itself and heard testimony from DHHS representatives John Williams and Jenny O’Higgins on the fiscal note and policy implications. Members questioned the estimate that the bill could put $12 million to $18 million per year in federal funding at risk, including HUD and Office of Refugee Resettlement funds. DHHS explained that the estimate was based on a broad reading of the bill’s term “specified alien,” which they said was not clearly defined in the bill, so they analyzed it using the federal definition of “alien” and assumed the bill could affect lawfully present non-citizens as well as undocumented individuals. They said the figure represented a worst-case scenario and that they were not claiming the loss was certain. Members also pressed DHHS on whether the bill could affect emergency sheltering in schools, public academies, or institutions of higher learning during disasters. DHHS said the language could create conflicts with federal funding conditions because emergency shelter programs generally cannot impose barriers on who may be sheltered, and they warned that excluding certain people could affect refugee-related and HUD funding. Questions were raised about whether the bill’s language would apply to private institutions as well as public ones, and whether the state could still use schools in short-term emergencies. DHHS said the language was broad, that they could not answer every legal question definitively, and that they would need input from public health and legal staff. No final vote on HB 71 was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/work session mode after the amendment motion was withdrawn.

Transcript Highlights:

• This Governor's budget places a 2% cap on all future rate increases, limits health insurance coverage
• </c> increases limits health insurance increases limits health insurance coverage<01:30:19.639><c> for
• and other benefits the health insurance and other benefits the these<01:46:53.080><c> improvements</
• I lost a business that was actually part of my insurance company or agency.
• I lost a business that was actually part of my insurance company or agency.

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• or whether we're talking about a program that serves individuals, as in the case of unemployment insurance
• of</c> individuals as in the case of individuals as in the case of unemployment<01:16:13.239><c> insurance
• </c> Minnesota's unemployment insurance Minnesota's unemployment insurance system<01:31:26.840><c> so
• </c><01:31:55.480><c> but</c> covered under unemployment insurance but covered under unemployment insurance
• I think it's worth noting that, kind of across the country, unemployment insurance programs all around

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• from sensors and numerous devices, including smartphones, license plates, proprietary tags like insurance
• If they are agreeing to utilize these items or these electronics for their insurance or whatever they're
• It collects things from, like, your vehicle insurance dongles.
• Because if you opt in to those telemetrics, then you're probably trying to get a discount on insurance
• They don't have an insurance—don't know, whatever the case is. So it doesn't account for that.

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• retirement plans, and therefore Canadian steel fabricators do not need to pay employees' health insurance
• So on that, the only way I can compete is if I ask my employees to give up the health insurance, give
• We pay 401(k)s, health insurance, the whole bit for our employees. We pay all that.
• To begin with, the insurance in Canada is national, so they don't have to worry about getting health
• insurance for their employees.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony on several procurement-related bills. Senator Lovely and steel industry witnesses supported S. 2167/H. 3411, which would require preference for U.S. manufacturers on public construction projects using steel and other materials. They argued that Canadian and other foreign fabricators underbid Massachusetts firms because of exchange rates, subsidies, and different labor-cost structures, causing local job losses and economic leakage. Committee members asked about tariffs, market share, and whether the bill should be folded into broader municipal legislation; the witnesses said public work should stay in Massachusetts and that the bill would help preserve local industry and jobs. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2107, a bill to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in state and municipal contracting. Work Inc. testified that a preference for contractors employing people with disabilities would expand competitive employment, reduce reliance on public assistance, and generate net savings for taxpayers. Members asked about the estimated savings and whether recent federal changes to benefits would affect the numbers; the witness said the figures may need updating but that the underlying employment opportunity remains important. Another bill, H. 3339/S. 2187, would prohibit state and municipal contracts for new artificial turf fields containing zinc, plastic, or intentionally added PFAS. Sponsors and supporters cited health risks, heat retention, injuries, and PFAS contamination, while committee members discussed local bans, disposal problems, and whether indoor facilities or alternative materials could be used. Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro testified in favor of H. 12 and H. 13, which would update Chapter 30B procurement thresholds and allow municipalities to bundle snow hauling and removal with plowing contracts. He said the changes would give local governments more flexibility, reduce confusion between school and municipal procurement rules, and make snow contracts more attractive to vendors. Members questioned whether quasi-public agencies and state entities should also be subject to 30B, and Shapiro said many public entities have their own procedures but that transparency and fairness should apply across the board. The committee also heard support for S. 2150, a software licensing bill aimed at preventing vendor lock-in by ensuring state agencies can run purchased software in the infrastructure that best fits their needs; the witness said restrictive licensing can drive up costs and create cybersecurity and modernization problems, and that similar laws have already passed in several other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• federal motor vehicle safety standards, while states oversee driver licensing, vehicle registration, insurance
• The department Registration, insurance, and operational safety.
• Insurance requirements, reporting requirements, while we believe it is helpful for them to be federalized
• to go at the most safe while we're transitioning to these heavy vehicles, adding another level of insurance
• or assurance... ...adding another level of insurance or assurance, why is that opposed to?

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Title 36 is now exempt, and title 36 had to do with insurance code and regulations for premium rates,
• will down on this, and as well as we need to think of this more as we do home warranties versus insurance
• This is not an insurance policy; it's more like a home warranty for somebody that dies 75 miles away
• and' through the word 'that' and, following the word 'such' on line eight, by inserting the word 'insurer
• It also requires a measure that requires no report if both parties agree to just exchange insurance.

Bills: SR44 , HCR1027 , SJR50 , SJR52 , SJR53 , HB1185 , HB1937 , HB2035 , HB2137 , HB2166 , HB3148 , HB3323 , HB3466 , HB3498 , HB3661 , HB3678 , HB3710 , HB3977 , HB3986 , HB4104 , HB4108 , HB4142 , HB4191 , HB4274 , HB4275 , HB4322 , HB4336 , HB4484 , HB3880 , HB1687 , HB3673 , HB1170 , HB2959 , HB3718 , HB3021 , HB3443 , HB3501 , HB4143 , HB4326 , HB2992 , HB3660 , SB171 , SB1325 , SB1980 , SB2045 , HB4422 , HB4423

Keywords: SR44, Senate Resolution 44, Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers, educators, Oklahoma educators, public schools, K-12 education, pre-K, school recognition, education resolution, appreciation week, National PTA, Eleanor Roosevelt, teacher recognition, school staff, classroom, Oklahoma Legislature, concurrent resolution, sine die adjournment

Transcript Highlights:

• They pay the insurance.
• because now their car—their own personal car, that they pay taxes on, they fill with gas, and they also insure—stops
• Under this model, the worker supplies everything: the car, the gas, the insurance, the maintenance, the
• I didn't have a doctor till this year in January when I got health insurance on the marketplace for the
• I didn't have a doctor till this year in January when I got health insurance on the marketplace for the

Bills: LB815A , LB838A , LB912A , LB972A , LB1126A , LB962A , LB1114 , LB921 , LB937 , LB803 , LB803A , LB1032 , LB1032A , LB1075 , LB1075A , LB889 , LB878 , LB933 , LB304 , LB304A , LB1096 , LB1096A , LB1165 , LB1165A , LB958 , LB958A , LB762 , LB1187 , LB966 , LB929 , LB962 , LB753 , LB788 , LB913 , LB1055 , LB1195 , LB429 , LB721 , LB722 , LB727 , LB743 , LB745 , LB749 , LB778 , LB787

Transcript Highlights:

• Floridians are talking to us about property insurance, housing costs, traffic, and the affordable crisis
• of the Florida Birth-related Neurological Injury Compensation Association, NICA, by the Office of Insurance
• of the Florida Birth-related Neurological Injury Compensation Association, NICA, by the Office of Insurance
• amendment to the amendment clarifies that NICA can only access a cumulative $20 million from the Insurance
• We need to fund NICA sufficiently, but not at the expense of our insurance regulators.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored a retiring Senate staffer and a wounded veteran, then moved into returning House messages and special order bills. Several measures were taken up and either concurred in or sent back to the House, with multiple unanimous or near-unanimous votes on noncontroversial bills. Among the bills addressed were SB 118 on recreational vehicle park assessments, SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, and HB 991 on election integrity. SB 118 and SB 572 were amended to reflect House changes and passed 38-0. HB 991 drew extensive debate over voter registration and identification requirements, with opponents arguing it would burden students, seniors, disabled voters, and others, while supporters said it would strengthen election security and streamline verification; it passed 27-12. The chamber also approved bills on historic cemeteries, chickee regulation, habitual traffic offender designation, military affairs, and a Department of Health package. The Department of Health bill (SB 902/HB 733) was the subject of detailed amendment work, including changes to medical marijuana rules, NICU educational materials, Early Steps, dental loan repayment, and pediatric trauma center designation. The Senate adopted an amendment to the amendment and then passed the bill 37-0. Other measures included a funeral services bill, which the Senate refused to concur in because the House strike-all would redefine cremation to include composting, and a veterans-related bill that was temporarily postponed. The Senate also recessed briefly, then returned to continue the calendar and additional recognitions.