Transcript Highlights:

• It adds protections like requiring newer vehicles with backup cameras and child reminder systems, daily
• Rhode Island and Minnesota have rolled back their job search requirements as well.
• in nature, is a requirement to be able to acquire the airport badge under this bill.
• Something that's already required: the badge is required to access the airport in Massachusetts as a
• that require individualized transportation.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 36 bills covering aviation, commercial vehicles, school buses, veterans license plates, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate Chair Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing procedures, then the committee heard testimony on a range of measures, including a bill to modernize alternative student transportation for vulnerable students such as those covered by McKinney-Vento, foster children, and students with disabilities; a bill on unmanned aerial systems that would define drones and restrict weaponization, interference with aircraft, and certain surveillance; and a bill addressing airplane noise and reporting at Beverly Regional Airport. Supporters of the student transportation bill argued it would update outdated school bus requirements while preserving safety standards, while drone-related testimony was split between sponsors and public safety advocates who supported stronger restrictions and industry representatives who warned the bills could conflict with federal law and harm legitimate commercial uses. The committee also heard testimony on workforce and school transportation bills. Representatives and industry witnesses supported a proposal to create a grant program and career outreach for the trucking industry, citing a persistent driver shortage and the importance of trucking to the state’s economy. Teamsters Local 170 supported a bill to ease unemployment job-search requirements for school bus drivers and monitors who are expected to return to work within a short period, saying the current rules create unnecessary burdens during summer layoffs. Another school transportation bill would create an under-the-hood exception for CDL licensing of school bus drivers; several chiropractors testified in support, saying they already perform DOT-style exams and should be explicitly authorized to do school bus driver medical certifications. Veterans-related testimony focused on license plate and disability-definition bills. Advocates supported a Medal of Fidelity license plate for Gold Star families and a separate bill to create an air medal plate. The Office of the Veteran Advocate testified in favor of revising the state’s definition of disabled veteran for RMV purposes, arguing the current language is tied to special monthly compensation categories and does not adequately reflect modern service-connected disabilities, including invisible wounds. The American Legion also urged clarification of the definition, while opposing a separate women veterans plate on the grounds that it could divide veterans unnecessarily. The committee took no votes during the hearing and ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are required by the ADEQ to test our effluent water at the wastewater treatment plant four times a
• And there's no other requirement or suggested practice to send any, like, 110 samples that you test,
• and then any other time that we want to as a matter of practice... ...as a requirement and then any
• Addressing the salt cedar issue requires more than just cutting trees.
• native vegetation, a long-term effort that requires sustained investment and coordination.

Committee: House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with a presentation from the Arizona Water Banking Authority on its role storing Colorado River water underground and holding long-term storage credits for CAP municipal and industrial subcontractors, on-river contractors, the Hualapai Tribe, Mojave County Water Authority, and Nevada. Members asked about future firming for CAP subcontractors, recovery constraints, funding sources, and whether the authority could use groundwater withdrawal fee credits for Indian firming and CAP users. The manager explained the authority has no post-2026 firming policy yet for CAP M&I subcontractors, relies mainly on withdrawal fees and ad valorem taxes, and distributes credits on paper through ADWR transfer forms rather than delivering wet water. No action was taken on the presentation. The committee then heard SB 1445, which would allow certain small municipalities to conduct bacteriological testing on site with EPA-approved equipment and originally limited ADEQ sampling requirements to no more than four times per month. The sponsor and the mayor of Kearny argued the bill would reduce costs and travel burdens for rural towns while allowing more frequent testing. Committee discussion focused on whether the change was already possible under existing law and whether the amendment would weaken testing requirements. The Griffin amendment removed the language restricting ADEQ’s sampling frequency. The bill passed as amended on a 6-4 vote. The committee also considered SB 1137, a modernization measure for Arizona’s 811 call-before-you-dig system that sets procedures for large project coordination meetings, positive response communication, and related enforcement. Supporters from Associated General Contractors and an underground utility contractor said the bill reflects stakeholder consensus and would improve safety and efficiency without adding state costs. The Taylor amendment shifted implementation procedures from the Corporation Commission to the One Call Notification Center and made other technical changes. The bill passed unanimously, 10-0. SB 1287, which extends to all active management areas the ability of holders of irrigation grandfathered rights to withdraw up to 10 acre-feet annually for stockwatering or domestic use, also passed 9-1. The committee next approved SB 1335, as amended by a strike-everything amendment tied to the Ag-to-Urban program, allowing a groundwater savings holder to continue irrigating for up to two years after issuance of groundwater savings credits. DWR and irrigation district representatives said the change would address timing problems between relinquishing irrigation rights and finalizing development, while some members objected that it could increase groundwater pumping. The bill passed 5-4. Finally, SB 1336, which continues the State Land Department for four years and adds reporting, planning, and oversight provisions including a new oversight board, passed 5-4 after debate over whether another board was necessary and whether the reauthorization period was long enough. The committee concluded with SB 1677, appropriating $3 million for salt cedar mitigation along the lower Gila River and the Gila-Colorado confluence. Supporters from Audubon Southwest, the City of Buckeye, and local landowners described flood, fire, habitat, and water-supply benefits, while members questioned herbicide use and the need for data. The bill passed 9-0, and the meeting adjourned after all votes were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill also requires past employers to respond to requests for that information.
• So just really briefly, this requires disclosure from job applicants.
• It requires schools to check past employers, requires past employers to respond, reinforces mandatory
• And only fire districts require signatures of property owners at 25%.
• ...requirement for 25 qualified voters, not 25% if my research is correct.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If it's got to be required, then a teacher's going to be required to attend at the very least or be present
• And if we're going to require it, we're going to also require supervision.
• Well, these are for statutorily required reports.
• Does not require an appropriation. Yield for questions.
• Measures requiring proof that jobs were created?

Summary: The committee met for a very long session and considered a large number of bills, with the chair noting the meeting would run late and providing pizza and a recess. Early measures included HB 1752, authorizing the AG’s office and district attorneys’ counsel to buy vehicles with available funds, and HB 2961, a tuition waiver for Gold Star recipients; both advanced with strong support, though HB 2961 drew a question about its estimated annual cost of roughly $312,000 to $520,000. Members also approved HB 2967, exempting certain family vehicle transfers from motor vehicle excise tax, and HB 2973, requiring school districts to use a specific accounting code to show how state-appropriated dollars are spent. Several education and transparency bills also moved forward, including HB 3031 on common course numbering, HB 3057 centralizing statutorily required reports with LOFT, and HB 3052 codifying child welfare procedures related to fentanyl exposure cases. The committee then took up a series of public safety, health, and infrastructure measures. HB 3242, which would create a framework for student prayer during non-instructional time, generated extensive debate over whether it was a mandate, whether it could create fiscal and supervision burdens, and whether it raised local control and constitutional concerns; it passed 17-10. Other bills approved included HB 3066 creating a revolving fund tied to rural behavioral health workforce dollars, HB 3086 requiring the DOC director to brief the board annually on budget and inmate deaths, HB 3175 creating an Oklahoma Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 3177 letting the Oklahoma Corporation Commission set salaries for its court reporters, HB 3178 establishing standard depreciation tables for farm equipment, HB 3429 creating an alternative funding mechanism for career tech capital projects, HB 3548 encouraging youth-run small businesses, HB 3638 directing Oklahoma to participate in the federal Summer EBT program, and HB 3704 expressing intent to opt into a federal tax credit for scholarship-granting organizations. Later, the committee approved HB 1590 creating an education infrastructure linked deposit program for charter and nonprofit schools, HB 3759 requiring temporary school allocations to be set before June 30, HB 3831 recognizing and funding Oklahoma Task Force One after federal support declines, HB 3904 unbundling Medicaid maternal health payments, and HB 4092 creating a protected 988 mental health trust fund and related oversight. After a brief recess, the committee continued with HB 1979 creating a task force to study a centralized early childhood office, HB 1983 requiring a middle school course on online scams and digital safety, HB 1242 expanding agricultural sales tax exemptions to deer and elk, HB 1250 creating a law enforcement public safety technology revolving fund, HB 2952 changing motor vehicle excise tax treatment for trade-ins, HB 3404 setting up a prescribed burn association fund, HB 3671 allowing experienced teachers to carry career teacher status to a new district with approval, HB 3920 extending a tax exemption to organ transplant nonprofits, HB 4118 creating a nonrefundable caregiver tax credit, HB 3944 cleaning up the State Finance Act, HB 3969 renaming a correctional facility after a former sheriff, HB 3973 creating a revolving fund tied to reopening Swojack, HB 3975 and HB 3976 creating mechanisms for oversight and potential funding of rural health initiatives, HB 3978 updating the Oklahoma World Jobs Act, HB 3983 serving as a placeholder for tobacco tax negotiations, and HB 3984 creating a mechanism to recruit productive new residents. Most bills passed on strong votes, while HB 1983 failed in committee 13-14 and was not reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate rules require this. They're not now on the agenda.
• Senate rules require that the committee must be in possession of the bill in order to hold a public hearing
• Second, current DCYF rule requires licensees, center directors, and program supervisors to complete a
• The bill before you adds to these requirements.
• The bill before you adds to these requirements in four main areas.

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So Senate rules require this. They're not now on the agenda.
• Senate rules require that the committee must be in possession of the bill in order to hold a public hearing
• Second, current DCYF rule requires licensees, center directors, and program supervisors to complete a
• The bill before you adds to these requirements in four main areas.
• Effective training, technical assistance, and monitoring does require sustained resources.

Summary: The committee opened by explaining that several bills had been removed from the agenda because the Senate must physically possess a bill before holding a public hearing. The chair said the missing bills would be rescheduled for Tuesday. The committee then waived the five-day notice rule for considering substitute House Bills 1705 and 32010, and proceeded to hear substitute House Bill 2219 and substitute House Bill 1795. House Bill 2219, on child care operational efficiency, would allow longer mixed-age ratio periods in child care centers, waive repeat DCYF orientation requirements in certain cases when staff have recently completed the same training, and require licensing standards to include a zero-tolerance policy for imminent physical harm involving high-potency synthetic opioids and related drug residue or paraphernalia. The prime sponsor and supporters said the bill would help child care providers manage staffing shortages, take breaks, and reduce duplicative licensing burdens. Testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates and providers describing the bill as a low-cost way to improve retention and flexibility. Questions focused on how the fentanyl language would apply to prescribed medications. House Bill 1795 would narrow and update state law on restraint and isolation in public schools and other public educational programs. The bill prohibits mechanical and chemical restraints and restraints that restrict breathing or blood flow, bars planned isolation in IEPs and 504 plans, limits planned restraint to cases with parent request and medical necessity, and prohibits new construction or remodeling of spaces intended primarily for student isolation. Supporters, including disability advocates, educators, school psychologists, principals, and state education groups, said the bill is a needed step toward reducing trauma and disproportionality and cited demonstration sites showing reductions in restraint and isolation. Some educators and paraeducators raised concerns about staffing, training, and what tools remain available in crisis situations, while others asked for future work on professional development and resources. No vote was taken on either bill during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• will be consistent with the federal requirements so that we will have consistent requirements all across
• If you don't follow the state's requirements, there are fines.
• If you don't follow the federal requirements, there are fines.
• And what this bill does, it has some requirements.
• because the requirements in this case really mean calendar.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, colors, pledge, and a prayer by Sikh youth leader Gertit Singh Cocher, followed by recognition of guests from the Sikh Coalition and Kalsa Germath Center. The chamber approved the journal and then adopted Senate Resolution 8678 honoring the Chimicum High School Marching Band for being selected as Washington’s representative in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.; senators praised the band’s dedication and rural-school achievement, and the band was recognized in the gallery. The Senate then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments by 49-0 votes: Ryan Moran as Director of the Health Care Authority and Dennis Worsham as Secretary of the Department of Health. Supporters highlighted Moran’s Medicaid and health system background and Worsham’s long public health career, including local health leadership and work on HIV/AIDS and community health. The chamber also advanced and passed Senate Bill 6011, expanding court bailiff authority to conduct threat assessments for the Court of Appeals, and Senate Bill 5831, creating safe harbors related to mortgage modification recording requirements. Several bills were debated and passed after amendment votes. Senate Bill 6188, concerning Labor and Industries’ asbestos training and certification rules, saw an amendment to align with federal standards rejected and then passed 38-19. Substitute Senate Bill 5917, dealing with access to abortion medications through the Department of Corrections pharmacy, had multiple proposed amendments rejected before passing 32-17 after extensive debate over access, labeling, distribution limits, and emergency status. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 6024 on developmental disability services confidentiality, then passed the bill 48-0-1 excused; passed Substitute Senate Bill 6091 on residential property marketing and fair housing by 49-0; and passed Substitute Senate Bill 5840 adjusting campaign finance expenditure reporting deadlines by 46-3. The body then recessed for caucus and lunch.

Transcript Highlights:

• Article II, Section 15 of the Washington Constitution establishes requirements for filling vacancies
• The county board of commissioners or council is required to appoint a replacement from a list of three
• House Bill 2631 initiates implementation of these required actions.
• So look, I am open to thinking about how to address the reporting requirements in this bill.
• Voting centers must meet all of the requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2356 would let a homicide victim’s next of kin seek a court injunction to block examination of law enforcement records in homicide cases; staff explained current Public Records Act rules, the sponsor said the bill was intended to protect families and children after especially graphic cases, and open-government testimony opposed the measure as an unnecessary secrecy expansion. HB 2460 and HJR 4212 would change vacancy-filling rules for partisan offices so an appointee must be from the same party only if the former officeholder had declared a party preference; the sponsor said this would address vacancies involving no-party-preference officials and avoid delays or litigation. HB 2631 would create a pilot to extend the governor’s customer-experience initiative to the Secretary of State, Fish and Wildlife, and the Insurance Commissioner, with deadlines for liaisons, metrics, reports, and service-improvement plans; the sponsor and supporters emphasized better service and accessibility, while agency representatives raised concerns about cost, autonomy, and whether participation should be optional. HB 2574 would streamline procedures when a candidate dies before or after ballots are printed, allowing removal from ballots or noncounting of votes based on a death certificate; the sponsor said it would avoid unnecessary recounts and costs. HB 2572 would require county-tribal election meetings and create an electronic ballot return portal for certain voters, including tribal voters on reservations, military and overseas voters, and voters with disabilities; county auditors and election officials supported the tribal outreach and access goals but stressed the need for security testing and careful implementation of the portal. In executive session, the committee considered five bills and adopted amendments on two of them. For HB 2333, which addresses protections against political violence for elected officials, candidates, election officials, and criminal justice participants, the committee adopted amendment Omley 307 to allow P.O. boxes or ACP addresses in campaign-related filings and contributions, then advanced the substitute bill on a 4-3 vote. HB 2462, concerning authority to counter unpiloted aircraft systems, was advanced 5-2. HB 2419, which expands the address confidentiality program to certain administrative law judges and Office of Administrative Hearings employees, was amended to include the chief administrative law judge and then advanced 5-2. HB 2176, exempting collaborative drug therapy agreement information from the Public Records Act, advanced 4-3 after debate over privacy versus transparency. HB 2491, exempting personal information submitted to Washington Technology Solutions for digital experience platform services, also advanced 5-2. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this has a match requirement, about two-thirds of the project as provided by grantee match.
• In 2024, Commerce was required to stand up a work group to analyze the cost of compliance for Tier 1
• We've identified approximately 28,000 buildings in the state that are covered under the requirements
• Tier 1 buildings are required to meet an energy target or pursue a comparable compliance pathway.
• capital investment required in these buildings, and this includes multifamily buildings.

Bills: HB2330 , HB2338

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: energy systems, capital funding, state campus, school infrastructure, sustainability, weatherization, energy efficiency, community projects, environment, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you know in Florida that it's not required of veterinarians to report animal abuse?
• Did you know in Florida that it's not required of veterinarians to report animal abuse?
• Removing the requirement that it has to occur only in a domestic or dating relationship.
• There's other requirements, obviously, in the statute.
• Because that requires a misdemeanor presence requirement of a police officer being there to see them,

Bills: S0212 , S0656 , S0682 , S0810 , S0812 , S0890 , S0892 , S0900 , S0928 , S1084 , S1284

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1084, which exempts certain identifying and location information for non-legal support staff in state attorneys’ offices from public records requests, was supported by prosecuting attorneys and reported favorably. SB 212, as amended, created new restrictions related to sexual offenders and predators, including a 200-foot restricted presence provision near certain locations and updated notification/supervision requirements; it drew strong opposition from researchers, advocates, and affected families who argued it lacked evidence and would increase homelessness, but it was reported favorably. SB 682, addressing domestic violence, coercive control, strangulation, animal abuse, injunctions, and related training and enforcement issues, received emotional survivor testimony and support from animal welfare and law enforcement groups and was reported favorably. SB 656, creating and renaming FDLE Internet Crimes Against Children funding and grant programs, was amended and reported favorably and unanimously. The committee also considered SB 810 on sealing criminal history records, which would expand eligibility for some non-conviction records and one low-level misdemeanor conviction after waiting periods and judicial review; supporters said Florida is unusually restrictive, while one senator raised concerns about the scope, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 890, creating a standalone battery by strangulation offense applicable outside domestic relationships, was reported favorably after the sponsor said it would close a gap in current law. SB 892, revising habitual offender and violent career criminal sentencing procedures and notice requirements, was reported favorably, with defense lawyers supporting the clearer pretrial notice. SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction of certain dangerous crimes, was amended to include computer pornography/child exploitation offenses and reported favorably after a family member of the namesake victim testified in support. Later, SB 1284 modernized arrest and search warrant statutes, expanding judicial summons options for some misdemeanors and broadening warrant/arrest authority in certain DUI, injunction, domestic violence, and misdemeanor force cases; defense lawyers supported the judicial-discretion portions but raised concerns about DUI/BUI arrests, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 812, a technical companion to SB 810 updating public records treatment for sealed criminal history records, was amended to clarify prosecutorial access for later cases and reported favorably. Several bills were supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups, while others drew opposition from civil liberties, treatment, homelessness, and criminal defense advocates. The meeting adjourned after members recorded additional votes on selected tabs.

Transcript Highlights:

• what the resources required to be able to address some of those What would it require, or what would
• the resources require, to be able to address some of those?
• Finally, I just want to mention that we're moving forward with the requirements in House Bill 1390 requiring
• The requirements in House Bill 1390 requiring our decarbonization, and we look forward to working on
• What is it the work that we're required to do mandatorily?

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met to hear updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington Military Department, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Commerce on federal and state impacts affecting veterans, military families, and military installations. JBLM’s garrison commander said the base remains focused on housing, child care, and spouse employment, but is facing workforce reductions tied to federal personnel actions, especially in air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and firefighting. He also said JBLM is preparing for increased mutual-aid needs during fire season, and that the Army Transformation Initiative could change unit composition at JBLM over time without a major overall population shift. He confirmed that the Lewis Army Museum is on a closure list, but said the building will remain in use for training and that the base is exploring partnerships to keep museum functions operating, possibly with volunteers or local partners. The Washington Military Department reported about 400 Guard members deployed on federal missions and described ongoing state missions in cybersecurity and firefighting. The department said the Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade will transition to a mobile combat team, with associated changes in equipment, manning, and end strength. It also warned that continuing resolutions are delaying funding, limiting new military construction starts, and increasing costs. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs outlined a $3.2 million reduction from the governor’s budget and related cuts affecting internships, vacant positions, outreach travel, claims support contracts, counseling and wellness, veterans’ innovation assistance, and the military transition and readiness council staff position. WDVA said it is ending or scaling back several programs, including in-house nursing assistant training, the veteran farm at Ordean, Vet Corps due to AmeriCorps funding changes, and the tobacco cessation program, while noting that the legislature funded about $23.7 million in capital projects for veteran homes, cemeteries, and transitional housing. The Department of Commerce presented on the Defense Community Compatibility Account, which funds projects that reduce conflicts between military installations and nearby communities. The program currently has 10 projects across five legislative districts, including school and child care improvements, water wells, land acquisition, and a joint firefighting training center in Everett. The presenter said the main challenge is that DCCA projects often need non-state funding secured before they can compete, which can make it hard to leverage federal Defense Community Infrastructure Program dollars; he recommended more flexible state timing to help projects qualify for federal funding. In closing discussion, members raised possible future agenda items including child care near bases, veteran homelessness, suicide prevention, Navy Day, military family housing, and a possible Department of Licensing issue involving guard and reserve designations on driver’s licenses. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members were invited to suggest topics for the October and December committee meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• The APA provides that unless required for the disposition of an ex parte matter authorized by law, a
• Further, if TCEQ receives a communication covered by this bill, the commission is required to provide
• So there's no enforcement ability for us to require a project developer to. Implement our input.
• Some siting requirements to contain renewable energy sprawl.
• Requiring posting bond.

Bills: SB3074 , HB49 , HB2440 , HB3556 , HB3619 , HB3866 , HB4042 , HB4112 , HB4271 , HB4413 , HB4426 , HB5033 , HB49

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires claimants to comply with provisions of the contractor repair act before proceeding with or
• Remove the requirement for homeowners to provide expert reports with a notice of claim.
• Clarify that mediation is only required once under the contractor's repair act.
• Requires claimants to comply contractor.
• ><c> homeowners</c><00:02:50.400><c> to</c> Remove the requirement for homeowners to Remove the requirement

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first deferred HB 239, which would have narrowed the definition of child abuse or neglect by excluding cases where a caregiver is unable to provide certain needs solely because of poverty or lack of resources. The chair said other similar bills were still alive and expressed concern that carving out a specific category of abuse could hinder monitoring of children being harmed for other reasons. The committee then took up several decision-making items. HB 420, dealing with the contractor repair act and construction defect claims, was recommended for passage with extensive amendments that would clarify statutes of repose and limitations, define substantial completion, remove homeowner expert-report requirements, delete class-action limits, set timelines for inspections, mediation, and settlement procedures, and add non-retroactivity language; it passed unanimously. HB 732, concerning special management area minor permits for certain single-family residences, was also passed with amendments after the committee removed the provision that would have expanded minor-permit eligibility for homes under 3,500 square feet. HB 1017, repealing the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, passed with amendments to make it effective upon approval. HB 958, which restricts children under 15 from riding class 3 electric bicycles and raises the helmet age requirement, passed with technical amendments only. The committee also considered Governor’s Message 689, the nomination of Melissa Sautello to the Commission on the Status of Women. After testimony in support and questions from members about financial disclosure and her views on women’s sports and transgender participation, the committee voted to advise and consent to the nomination. The nomination passed, and the committee adjourned after noting that a full Senate vote would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the law requires health plans, health carriers that are offering a catastrophic or bronze
• </c> the law requires the law requires health<00:20:30.480><c> plans</c> health plans health plans health
• </c><00:20:45.679><c> them</c> the change in this statue requires them the change in this statue requires
• It also requires coverage for any provider-recommended visits in between those two points of time.
• This section requires MinnesotaCare to have an actuarial value-to-benefit ratio of no less than 94.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee reviewed a side-by-side comparison and fiscal analysis of Senate File 3472, a reinsurance-related bill affecting the premium security plan account, MinnesotaCare, and related health care funding. Staff explained the Senate and House versions of the bill, including how the Senate proposal extends reinsurance for five years and uses a projected $1.087 billion general fund transfer to fully fund claims and administrative costs through fiscal year 2028, while the House version conditions continuation of the program on federal approval of the state innovation waiver. The fiscal presentation also covered appropriations for MNsure, a mental health parity and substance abuse office, and House provisions for delivery reform and a public option study, along with a House transfer of $110.674 million to the health care access fund. Members debated the budget horizon and whether costs should be forecast beyond fiscal year 2025. Representative Schultz argued that the spreadsheet understated the broader fiscal impact of reinsurance and warned about future funding cliffs for MinnesotaCare and other health programs, while other members and staff noted that the state’s standard forecast ends in fiscal year 2025 and that the fiscal note only estimated reinsurance costs through the five-year extension. Supporters said reinsurance was the best available option to reduce premium increases, especially in rural areas, and some pointed to a public option as a longer-term alternative. Opponents argued reinsurance does not address underlying health care costs or deductibles and urged consideration of other reforms. House Research then walked through the policy differences. House-only provisions would change Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association board membership, require platinum plans in certain markets, expand postnatal coverage, require a prescription drug benefit in some plans, set a minimum actuarial value for MinnesotaCare, create an Office of Mental Health Parity and Substance Abuse Accountability, and direct reports on delivery reform and a public option. The shared provisions would extend the premium security program to 2027 and delay the transfer of remaining premium security plan funds to the health care access fund until 2029, with the House language again contingent on federal waiver approval. No formal vote was taken in the excerpt; the chair closed discussion after hearing no further questions and indicated members would be contacted about next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• Turning to the bill, intergovernmental coordination efforts required for the transportation element of
• But as Adam Lemieux said, there is the matching percentage requirement.
• These projects, the roads I'm talking about, don't meet the strategic corridor requirements.
• So by statute, our board is required to look at projects that are... ...requirements.
• For your staff requirements, our operating budget is approximately $1.4 million.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's not a binding requirement over the AG's office that they're required to do that.
• As lawyers, we know that; they're required to do their own investigation.
• And that's not a binding requirement over the AG's office that they're required to do that.
• If it was superfluous, it would require all of the same provisions.
• If it was superfluous, it would require all of the same provisions.

Committee: Senate Legislative Operations and Elections

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> requirement to remove identifying requirement to remove identifying insignia<00:18:33.520><c> and
• So, both provisions require a report.
• </c><00:30:25.280><c> set</c> amendment and then some requirements set amendment and then some requirements
• </c> compare it to the report that's required compare it to the report that's required on<01:09:13.640
• require require uh<01:13:42.560><c> in</c><01:13:42.760><c> the</c><01:13:42.880><c> public</c><01:13

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Safety and Security Conference Committee met on May 13, 2026, with a quorum present and no immediate vote taken. Chairs explained the committee was working ahead of a possible target so it could act quickly later if needed, then proceeded with member introductions and a reminder about committee decorum. Staff noted a microphone delay and said the meeting would include a side-by-side walk-through of the House and Senate policy language and a review of the fiscal spreadsheet. Fiscal staff summarized major differences in court, public safety, and legislative security funding. The House and Senate proposals differed on safety and security funding for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts, as well as on courthouse grants, capital security enhancements, and a new legislative/protective services unit. Staff also reviewed Senate-only and House-only items, including a Senate proposal to require removal of insignia from public safety vehicles sold to the public, and House provisions for a security services task force and member security costs. Total general fund impacts were reviewed, with the House total corrected to include an open appropriation that had been omitted from the spreadsheet totals. Nonpartisan staff then walked through the policy differences. The Senate language focused on a Protective Services Unit and security for principal state officials, while the House language focused on a Legislative Services Unit and security for legislators. Both bills included provisions on Capitol Complex Security, reporting requirements, and reimbursement arrangements with local law enforcement, but differed on details such as whether elected officials must provide contact information to DPS and how requests for personal protective services are handled. The House-only amendment A8 was presented for discussion; it would revise emergency contact provisions, replace the House’s personal protective services request language with a more detailed threat assessment and mitigation framework, direct implementation of the new unit, and make related reimbursement and technical changes. Judge Richard Kyle, president of the Minnesota District Judges Association, testified in support of stronger judicial and court safety measures. He described rising threats against judges, citing survey results showing high rates of judges limiting personal information, receiving inappropriate communications, changing personal behavior, and experiencing threats to themselves and family members. He said the association supports legislative authorization and funding for home security and personal data protections for judicial officers, and emphasized that safety concerns for judges and court staff have become more serious in recent years.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those opposed, the motion prevails. removes a requirement that OHI removes a requirement that OHI determines
• On behalf of the agency, it requirement.
• :51.519><c> charter</c><00:31:51.840><c> high</c> Senate requires public and charter high Senate requires
• And so this requirement you, Mr. Chair.
• </c><00:50:47.200><c> OHI</c> Um so this uh language would require OHI Um so this uh language would require

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a series of “same and similar” provisions between the House and Senate higher education bills and adopted them one by one, with brief explanations from members and staff. The items included a cybersecurity addition for a doctoral degree program, Northstar Promise definitions and eligibility limits, self-loan provisions on institution eligibility and data disclosure, and dual training language requiring certificates, diplomas, or degrees to come from accredited postsecondary institutions. The committee also adopted an amendment to the private career school provisions that clarified exempt institutions remain within the act, and removed certain limited-license and renewal fees for institutions participating in dual training grants or the eligible training provider list. Each of these motions prevailed by voice vote. The committee then moved into policy differences between the House and Senate bills, beginning with emergency grants and hunger-free campus grants. Members discussed shifting funding from OHE-administered competitive grants to direct appropriations for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State, while the Senate retained competitive grant access for private and tribal colleges and added reporting requirements. OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said the added reporting would be an extra administrative task but raised no significant concerns. Testifiers from the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, and the private college sector supported faster, more direct funding and described the grants as important for emergency housing, transportation, food insecurity, and other student basic needs. A LeadMN representative also supported the changes, saying campus staff and students wanted funds delivered more quickly. The committee also discussed direct admissions on R31. The Senate proposal would require public and charter high schools to participate in the direct admissions program by the 2029-2030 school year. Assistant Commissioner Wendy Robinson said OHE supports statewide expansion and that the program has improved FAFSA completion, college enrollment, and student retention in Minnesota. Members noted the bill had bipartisan support and heard from advocates such as Ed Allies and Students United. No votes were taken on the policy-difference items during this portion of the meeting, and the chair said further discussion of state grant and sexual misconduct policy differences would be held at a later hearing with additional OHE staff present.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:51:54.000><c> any</c> enforcement officer shall require any enforcement officer shall require
• any person, natural or otherwise...' ...shall require any person, natural or otherwise.
• The judge just went over what... including requiring muzzling.
• </c><01:45:43.199><c> certain</c> law for cities to to uh require certain law for cities to to uh require
• required required so<01:52:22.159><c> I</c><01:52:22.239><c> think</c><01:52:22.639><c> if</c><01:52

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through a draft bill amending animal cruelty and protective custody provisions, focusing on how animals may be seized, cared for, and returned, and on what rights owners have when animals are taken. Members discussed adding language requiring officers to inform a charged person in writing of the right to petition for a veterinarian of their choice, clarifying that any documents presented for signature must be fully and honestly explained, and revising language so confiscated animals cannot be altered without notarized owner authorization. They also considered a new prohibition on using confiscated animals for fundraising or donations, ultimately preferring the term “financial gain” over “profiteering.” The discussion also covered protective custody procedures, including adding “municipal animal control officer” to the list of officers involved, allowing return of animals to the owner or caretaker if no charges have been filed or no warrant establishing probable cause has been sought or issued, and clarifying the distinction between criminal seizure and temporary protective custody. The commissioner’s comments led to several proposed deletions or revisions, including removing language viewed as redundant or inconsistent with protective custody, and striking references to live racing provisions that are no longer relevant. Members further addressed lactating animals, agreeing to add language that confiscated lactating animals should not be separated from their nonweaned offspring. They also discussed a proposed confidentiality provision requiring people assisting in investigations or taking possession of seized animals to sign a binding nondisclosure agreement, though members noted similar protections may need to be duplicated in the temporary custody section as well. The conversation was largely about drafting and legal clarity, with no final vote or formal action recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this reporting requirement. this reporting requirement. Representative<00:14:53.680><c> Kesler.
• </c><00:16:42.399><c> So</c> of um requirement or reporting. So of um requirement or reporting.
• hippo going back are we absolve from the hippo requirement requirement requirement okay<00:18:16.160
• So paliotative care has a required.
• ><c> still</c> continues to require because it is still continues to require because it is still an<01

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all