Transcript Highlights:

• For local and contested counties, there is no objection. Hearing none, it is so ordered.
• So in that case now, I'll yield the gavel to the vice chair, and I thank you for your patience, Madam

Bills: SB801, SB1200, SB1410, SB1717, SB1862, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB506, SB2626, SJR63, SB 3

Keywords: SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• motion would ask for a removal of the prohibition on using live native reptiles and amphibians in contests
• . ...reptiles and amphibians in contests, and it would also ask for a modification to the prohibition

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• men choices assessments and case men choices assessments and case management<00:40:37.280> and
• But I mean, it's nice to have an available contest. Look at Joe. Go back to—" "All right.
• But I mean, it's nice to have an available contest." "Look at Joe. Go back to—" "All right.
• <01:35:00.320> Go<01:35:00.480> back available contest. Look at Joe.
• Go back available contest. Look at Joe. Go back to<01:35:00.960> All<01:35:01.040> right.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then he won the overall statewide contest as well.
• I never thought I'd build a friendship with, err, Hilbert his dad, in case y'all don't know him.
• And so a lot of times, our primaries are much more contested than people on your side of the aisle.
• The Senate obviously did not do that in this case, even though they failed.

Bills: HB4028, HB4075, HB4077, HB4074, HB4076, SB1221, SB1921, SB2118, SB1932, SB2134, HCR1025, SB1432, HCR1024, HCR1022, SB1122, HB4029, HB4063, HB4073, HB4078, SB1936, SB44, SB237, SB248, SB1360, SB985, SB1204, SB1239, SB1307, SB2143, SB1428, SB1390, SB1400, SB1405, SB1732, SB1832, SB1859, SB1989, SB2018, SB1427

Keywords: tax deduction, venture capital, economic development, Oklahoma, investment, water resources, appropriations, funding, state treasury, infrastructure projects, emergency act, emergency management, disaster relief, pandemic response, state appropriations, HB4074, Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Health Care Workforce Revolving Fund, health workforce, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• proceeds through the administrative contested case process.
• proceeds through the administrative contested case process.
• proceeds through the administrative contested case process.
• proceeds through the administrative contested case process.
• I think we have this in here for a reason, to provide discretion to the commissioner on contested case

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sewer line is going to serve a large area or if it's really going to serve a small area, in which case
• In this particular case, I don't think that there's been a huge issue with the fire district.
• One of them, and this isn't the case with Ferndale, but it is with some jurisdictions, is annexations
• In this case, oversimplifying it, and very few of us were actually there, you know, it was over three
• In many cases, in many cases, they're not.

Summary: The committee heard first from Ferndale city officials and a representative of FutureWise on annexation planning. Ferndale described its “annexation blueprint” or phased annexation plan as a way to tie urban growth area planning, capital facilities, and eventual annexation together earlier in the process. Speakers argued that counties often allow incremental development in urban growth areas without city-level standards, impact fees, or coordinated infrastructure planning, which can leave cities and taxpayers with higher future costs and make annexation less likely. Members raised questions about fire districts, county revenue loss, and whether annexation incentives or interlocal revenue-sharing agreements could help. FutureWise supported requiring annexation phasing in countywide planning policies, using pre-annexation agreements, and applying city standards in urban growth areas to make annexation more predictable and less contentious. The committee then received a primer and update from the State Building Code Council (SBCC). Staff explained the council’s composition, standing committees, technical advisory groups, and rulemaking process, including normal, expedited, and emergency rulemaking. They described the ongoing 2024 code cycle and the separate work underway on Senate Bill 5491 and related legislation concerning single-stair residential buildings and multiplex housing. Members discussed how the legislature can better direct the SBCC, the difference between prescriptive and performance-based code approaches, and the importance of involving technical experts early. The SBCC also addressed concerns about the wildfire urban interface code, noting that problems arose when code language and maps were developed on different timelines and applied to urban areas in ways that were not anticipated. Several members asked about regional differences, especially energy code impacts in eastern Washington and the role of natural gas. SBCC representatives said the council can use climate zones and appendices for some regional variation, but statewide statutory targets still constrain the energy code. They emphasized that the council is largely reactive to legislative direction and public proposals, and that clearer legislative intent would help avoid ambiguity in future code development. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• thing we want to do is say a particular city, we think that saying what state it is in, and in this case
• I'm not sure what the case is in Baltimore County. This is the first time I've ever seen it.
• I'm not sure what the case is in Baltimore County. This is the first time I've ever seen it.
• I'm not sure what the case is in Baltimore County. This is the first time I've ever seen it.
• decided ultimately when it's contested. decided ultimately when it's contested.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation, and welcomed guests including the doctor of the day, a Johns Hopkins student, and visiting scouts. The chamber then moved through first-reading introductions of several House bills, including measures on bullying and harassment reporting, the Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act, Baltimore County nuisance actions, parole hearing commission procedures, a blockchain technology task force, and a task force on deed fraud, all of which were referred to standing committees. The main floor action centered on layover bills. Senate Bill 932, concerning social media platforms displaying a user’s usual location, was amended to broaden the protected location reference and to protect participants in the Secretary of State’s address confidentiality program; after discussion about whether minors and child-abuse victims were covered, the amended bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 623, creating a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage license, drew multiple county-specific amendments. Howard County and Baltimore County amendments sought to give priority to existing local tobacco businesses for the new licenses. Supporters said the changes would protect established local shops from out-of-state entities, while opponents argued the bill should remain statewide and not be amended county by county. A motion to special order the bill failed, and the amendments were adopted before the bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 84, on collective bargaining for graduate assistants, also advanced after a committee amendment was adopted. A District 2 amendment was offered to clarify that graduate assistants are employed as teaching, administrative, or research assistants, but the floor leader opposed it, saying the bill’s definition was already clear and the change would create confusion. The minority leader questioned the definition and the relationship between graduate assistants and employees, prompting discussion of collective bargaining as bargaining by employees through representatives. The transcript cuts off before final disposition of that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• In both cases, there are amendments in the A1 that was adopted that eliminate some of the timing changes
• of school district elections uh<00:08:56.600> in<00:08:56.760> both<00:08:57.000> cases
• But I would think most cases where there was a mistake, it could be done by agreement by the candidates
• It just leaves that as an option, but I would think most cases where there was a mistake, it could be
• Garing.” probably 9% of the cases the candidates probably 9% of the cases the candidates would<00:46:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• who was mistakenly 5150'd to a facility, and it was a very difficult situation to get eyes on his case
• These situations are not cases of fraud or abuse; they are often simple, fixable mistakes, for example
• One obstetric provider recently shared a case involving 61 pregnancy-related claims submitted between
• written notice explaining the basis for any contested or denied claim.
• you know, a situation where you've got one rogue insurance company, which I don't think that's the case

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a series of bills focused on behavioral health, cancer screening, provider reimbursement, research funding, workforce licensing, and tobacco regulation. SB 16 would require counties to maintain procedures for designating and training professionals authorized to perform 5150 evaluations and initiate involuntary holds; supporters said it would expand the pool of qualified clinicians and reduce reliance on law enforcement, while opponents raised concerns about local control and implementation. SB 1124 would require CDPH to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco point-of-sale locations; supporters emphasized low screening awareness and early detection, and the bill was advanced with amendments. SB 28, a CARE Court cleanup bill, proposed an ombudsperson, reporting, electronic petitions, remote participation, and other changes to improve accountability and access; it drew both strong support and significant opposition over concerns about coercion, scope, and whether the program is working as intended, but it passed the committee as amended to Judiciary. The committee also heard SB 874, which would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including background checks for providers and a stakeholder workgroup to develop standards; it passed to Public Safety. SB 1049 would let providers resubmit corrected claims within 90 days after a plan’s denial or recoupment action when the original claim had a correctable technical defect; supporters described delayed and withheld payments harming practices, while insurers argued the bill could duplicate existing dispute processes. The bill passed to Appropriations on call. SB 1224 would create a state framework to compete for federal ARPA-H funding for emerging therapies research, with testimony from a UC Davis psychiatrist and veterans’ advocates supporting expanded research into treatments for PTSD, depression, and other conditions; it passed to Military and Veterans Affairs. Later, SB 1057 would change how the Department of Public Health evaluates conviction history for certified nurse assistants and home health aides, shifting from automatic denial toward individualized assessment based on the offense, time elapsed, and rehabilitation; it passed to Appropriations with some no votes. Finally, SB 1314, a tobacco-related bill, sought to create a 600-foot buffer around schools and day care centers for certain tobacco retailers and address related issues such as cigar lounge definitions and nitrous oxide sales; several local government and public safety groups supported it, while health organizations and business groups opposed it unless amended. The chair announced that committee amendments were being set aside for now and the bill would move forward to Business and Professions with a commitment to continue working on the language; it passed out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• That seems to not be the case with them.
• to<00:06:51.440> not<00:06:51.720> be<00:06:51.919> the<00:06:52.120> case
• with them that seems to not be the case with them that seems to not be the case and<00:06:52.560
• So, from 2022 to 2023, PEN America recorded 3,362 cases of book bans.
• their parents and also in this case their parents and also in this case we're<02:35:37.880> asking

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think in that case it was the police.
• <02:11:32.560> can the video tape as long as the case can the video tape as long as the case
• <02:12:11.920> where works when you have a case where works when you have a case where someone's
• provided someone's contesting what was provided someone's contesting what was provided for<02:12:
• And as far as case lesser way.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• really stressful on the parties in cases really stressful on the parties in cases um<00:30:07.279
• are willing to do these kinds of cases are willing to do these kinds of cases court<00:48:58.559
• Judge Johnson's chambers has called me on the same case weeks apart, begging me to take these cases,
• ends up in a contested hearing.
• if in fact the case ends up in<00:58:11.440> a<00:58:11.640> contested<00:58:12.319>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also here as a member of the Kids Campaign, Keep It Digitally Safe, which is a global campaign contest
• I'm also here as a member of the Kids Campaign, Keep It Digitally Safe, which is a global campaign contest
• I'm also here as a member of the Kids Campaign, Keep It Digitally Safe, which is a global campaign contest

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Rep. Zach Stevenson and Sen. Mann presented Minnesota legislation aimed at requiring warning labels on social media platforms, modeled on the Surgeon General’s recommendation, and adding pop-up notifications every 30 minutes to show users how long they have been on a platform. They argued that social media use is linked to serious mental health harms among youth, including anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, and said the bill is part of a broader effort to add guardrails on big tech. They also referenced related Minnesota efforts on deepfakes, child influencers, platform-use disclosures, and a separate effort to remove cell phones from classrooms. The hearing featured emotional testimony from parents Bridget Noring and Tabitha Urbansky, who described losing sons to fentanyl poisoning after drugs were arranged through Snapchat. Both said social media platforms can function as drug markets and that warning labels and other restrictions could help prevent similar tragedies. Eric Mishy of SAVE and the Kids Campaign also testified in support, saying social media is contributing to anxiety, depression, suicide, sextortion, trafficking, bullying, and drug sales, and that companies have not done enough to stop these harms. In response to a question about the pop-up feature, Stevenson said the idea is new in Minnesota but similar to “are you still watching” prompts on streaming services, intended to add friction and interrupt addictive use. He and others said no state had yet enacted similar warning-label laws, though several have proposed them, and they emphasized that regulating technology companies is difficult because of their resources and lobbying power. No vote or formal committee action was taken in the transcript, though the bill was scheduled for a House Commerce Committee hearing the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• In one case, I think...
• In which case we would—yes, Martin. Can we get a printout?
• A printout. ...in which case we would—yes, Martin.
• Does anyone want to make a strong case for keeping it?
• Okay, so a case to be made for leaving that in?

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• install systems to protect their assets wait an average of 180 days to get permitted, and in some cases
• When there was something called the Ansari X Prize, which was a contest, a private contest to see if
• For instance, in the case of Spaceport America, there are tenants, and the tenants are employing people
• We see that in general, from our starting point, in this case from 2021 to the last year of our analysis

Transcript Highlights:

• You're the next contestant.
• if you just make sure your contestant if you just make sure your green<00:17:57.000> lights<00
• Is that the case right now in other states, whether it’s 32 or 48 or whatever the number is?
• Well, is that the case in other states right now? So I’ll address that. Thank you.
• If we had the conversation at the table, and that was the case in 20-some-odd other states, then you

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 46, which would allow lottery winners of $1 million or more to remain anonymous. After brief discussion and a motion with a second, the committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to the House floor. Members then heard House Bill 54, a workforce and education measure aimed at aligning dual credit and project-based learning with licensed construction trades and other high-demand careers. The sponsor and witness said the bill is intended to help students meet both education and on-the-job training requirements, address labor shortages, and speed entry into the trades. Several members raised concerns about possible abuse of internships, the need for input from unions and other trade groups, and the amount of authority left to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction to write regulations. The sponsor said the bill does not replace current hands-on training requirements and expressed willingness to continue discussions. The committee passed the bill, with some members explaining their votes as conditional or in hopes of further amendments. The committee also approved House Bill 261, which would let retired CPAs provide certain uncompensated services, such as nonprofit work, while retaining their CPA designation, and would create a retirement-based CPE waiver for those limited services. A question from Representative Donworth focused on how retired CPAs would disclose their status to nonprofits; the board representative said retired status is noted in board records, but there is currently no separate requirement governing use of the CPA designation. The bill passed. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 262, which would remove restrictions on small CPA firm names after an owner dies or retires. The sponsor said Kentucky is an outlier because current law requires the remaining owner to change the firm name. The bill passed unanimously. After that, the chair turned the gavel over to the vice chair and began presenting House Bill 306, which would change engineering education requirements for licensure, especially to help Eastern Kentucky University fire protection engineering technology graduates qualify for licensure in Kentucky rather than leaving the state. The sponsor and witnesses explained that the bill would not change the rest of the PE licensure pathway, only the education component, and said most other states already allow this route. Members noted that engineers may have concerns and encouraged continued discussions before the bill advances further.

Transcript Highlights:

• Poland is not a unique case.
• <00:18:19.200> Most Poland is not a unique case. Most Poland is not a unique case.
• In the unfortunate case for investors.
• Um, my case is still open with the retirement system.
• Um and and just so in case a benefit.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to turn to other counties to do complicated cases and to do cases where they were not staffed.
• cases involving deaths, and even wage theft cases.
• , in every corner of the state. cases that we do again homicide criminal cases that we do again homicide
• pornography uh drug overdose cases pornography uh drug overdose cases involving<00:29:42.440>
• <01:08:11.720> case finding and a contested case finding and a contested case hearing<01:08

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• stated earlier, it seems to me that a lot of it really kind of comes down to having the ability to case-by-case
• to case by case basis having the ability to case by case basis regulate<00:39:43.440> these<00
• However, I do contest the fact that incorporating tourism is a bad thing.
• However, I do contest numerous levels.
• Uh, this is a unique case, I think, because it's not an irrigation district, right?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees met on March 19, 2025, to hear HB 966 HD2, which would create statewide standards for agricultural tourism in counties that adopt ag-tourism ordinances. The bill would require registration with county planning departments, require ag-tourism to remain tied to an active farming operation, and end the activity when the agricultural use stops except in limited circumstances. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kualoa Ranch, and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was generally supportive of the bill’s intent, with several witnesses emphasizing that agritourism can help farm viability, food security, and public education about agriculture. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and several other testifiers supported agritourism but urged strong guardrails, minimal statewide standards, and deference to county home rule. They said agriculture should remain the primary activity, warned against adding burdens to farmers and ranchers, and suggested better enforcement and agricultural expertise within county planning departments. Phil Weber and others argued for objective standards, such as minimum revenue or work-performed thresholds, annual reporting, and clearer compliance tools, and cautioned that the bill’s termination exemption could be too broad if not tightened. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill should apply to Department of Agriculture lands, especially ag park lands, and to DLNR lands. Department of Agriculture staff explained that ag park lands currently do not allow agritourism, while non-ag park lands under Act 90 allow limited related activity tied to farm production, with revenue limits and other conditions. Members and witnesses debated how to define and measure agritourism, how to enforce county rules, and whether to exempt ag park parcels or otherwise clarify that existing DOA rules would control. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the chair requested follow-up language from DOA to address possible exemptions and clarify the bill’s application.

Transcript Highlights:

• That would be the case.
• That would be the case.
• cases, because we're going to see them.
• case.
• how much the water's for they're most likely going to have some sort of contested case I would be eager

Keywords: 1184, house, all