Transcript Highlights:

• For example, hiring a social worker or a full-time psychologist for our 1,400 students.
• For example, hiring a social worker or a full-time psychologist for our 1,400 students.
• We also greatly appreciate the workers.
• Um, next we are going remotely to Peter Echo. Good morning, Peter.
• Thrown a pandemic, remote programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For remote and hybrid judicial proceedings.
• Better, I live in a remote area. Dial-up. Yeah, it worked.
• They're asking for case workers, and that's very different from social workers.
• I think I heard that less than 4% are social workers.
• , but that's where we need social workers.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:52:02.640> and folks and probation workers and folks and probation workers and correction
• <00:52:04.079> of correction workers in the state of correction workers in the state of Minnesota
• <00:52:37.280> Um these workers. These are tough jobs. Um these workers.
• <00:59:03.280> all know, supporting the state workers all know, supporting the state workers
• members voting remotely. members voting remotely. >> Ready. >> Ready.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House adopted the conference committee report on House File 1141, the housing bill, and repassed the bill as amended by conference. Representative Howard said the compromise bill would help build thousands of homes, keep Minnesotans housed, and improve transparency and collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, while remaining budget-neutral by using MHFA interest earnings and fund transfers. He highlighted investments in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured housing, FHPAP, supportive housing, and added transparency for MHFA board meetings, while noting that some Senate provisions such as a manufactured housing bill of rights and a ban on private equity home purchases were not included. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing housing as a basic need and linking the bill to homelessness, workforce shortages, and health outcomes. Supporters praised the bill’s funding for supportive housing, first-generation homebuyer assistance, tenant hotline services, and manufactured housing, and said the bipartisan conference process improved the measure. Representative Kosowski and others argued the bill would help people stay housed, reduce pressure on schools, hospitals, and emergency rooms, and support communities across all 87 counties and tribal nations. Republican members raised concerns about spending and government growth, arguing the state should prioritize taxpayer relief, school safety, fraud prevention, and asset preservation instead of housing investments. Representative McDonald questioned the growth in MHFA staffing over the past decade, and Representative Howard responded that the agency had taken on many new responsibilities since the state’s larger housing investments and needed staff to administer programs effectively. After the motion to adopt the conference report prevailed, the bill moved to third reading, where further discussion continued in a generally supportive but divided debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have six very rule very small counties some of them have only three elections workers i'm just trying
• would be taken into the building code, and that there would be consultation with fire departments. workers
• or commission can use existing law or they can go to having a physical quorum present and allowing remote
• We began using this remote technology during the pandemic and found that it saved money both due to reduced
• up with technology now With drones and stream gauges, they can gather the information they need remotely

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I wouldn't really have an answer on how many people attend remotely because I would say I attend remotely
• I wouldn't really have an remotely.
• Is that allowing remote participation.
• Our workers there, including vaccines.
• people work remote for us. people work remote for us.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:32:12.080> for for counselors, for social workers, for for counselors, for social workers
• Representative Noatne, you're a hard worker. Representative Mueller, you're a hard worker.
• members voting remotely. members voting remotely. Allan Allen<01:45:54.239> I. Allen I.
• There's workers that need to be there that are staffed that need to be safe.
• ,<02:47:40.800> nurses,<02:47:41.120> and social workers, nurses, and social workers

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 3432, a public safety bill focused on removing identifying equipment and insignia from emergency vehicles sold to the public, and first adopted a House language amendment to bring the Senate file into the House form. Representative Mhler and co-chair Noatne described the bill as part of a broader security package covering judicial security and courthouse grants, Capitol grounds screening and security hardware, short-term protection for legislators facing credible threats, reimbursement for Department of Public Safety costs, and additional BCA analysts and investigators to examine threats statewide. They emphasized that the measures were intended to protect not only legislators but also staff, visitors, and the public, and the amendment was adopted by voice vote. Representative Schultz then offered an amendment to expand Capitol grounds protections by making destruction of permitted displays on the grounds automatically count as felony-level property damage. He argued that current enforcement is inconsistent and that the change would better protect First Amendment displays and ensure accountability. Schultz later withdrew that amendment after discussion. Schultz next offered another amendment aimed at school safety, proposing an increase in safe schools revenue and extending funding to charter, nonpublic, and tribal schools. He said the money could support school resource officers, mental health staff, counselors, and building security improvements, and argued that school safety should be prioritized alongside Capitol security. A point of order was raised that the amendment was not germane because it introduced a new subject and education funding; the Speaker agreed, ruled the point of order well taken, and the ruling was appealed, prompting a roll call. Representative Long supported the ruling, saying the amendment belonged in a different bill and committee, while Schultz argued the chamber should still address school safety. The transcript ends during the appeal process.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:03.000> boycott bus boycott and farm worker boycott bus boycott and farm worker boycott
• standards for every worker.
• standards for every worker.
• One in four construction workers experience some form of wage theft, most often low-wage immigrant workers
• and workers of color.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, our first speaker, who is going to be joining us remotely—Denise. Is she online? Denise?
• Thank you for joining us remotely. I'm going to turn the presentation over to you.
• you for joining us remotely. I'm gonna turn the presentation over to you.
• Investigator Dana Ames, joining us remotely, has been leading an investigation into biosolids runoff
• Workers include farmers, because Class B biosolids treatment reduces but does not eliminate pathogens

Summary: The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban. After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• A panelist appearing remotely and on the time I know it was due to me so I will give you a little courtesy
• Supervising Judge, Collaborative Courts, Orange County Superior Court and he will be appearing remotely
• Thank you for inviting me as well, and particularly for allowing me to appear remotely today on this
• Thank you for your testimony and for the remote testimony. Back to the dais, any comments, Mr.
• Owen noted that possible solution was to fund public defenders with social workers who could assist with

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Senator Brady, our Vice Chair, here on PSA, and Senator Dylan Fernandes, I think, is here remotely
• And Senator Dylan Fernandes, I think, is here remotely.
• So it's important that these bills include provisions for helping these gas workers use their skills
• It is about workers, too.
• For generations, skilled workers have dedicated their careers to providing affordable, safe, reliable

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs. Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our presenter is Lucy O'Rourke and if you're here... okay, Lucy will be remotely online, I'm afraid.
• Okay, Lucy will be remotely. I'm afraid.
• , there will be frontline workers.
• I mean, the impact of laying off so many workers is real, and we're trying, these are the workers.
• The work. of laying off so many workers is real, and we're trying, these are the workers in our hospital

Summary: The committee heard a JLARC presentation on the Department of Health’s oversight of hospital inspections, complaints, and reporting. JLARC said DOH was late on 72% of acute care hospital inspections as of December 2024, had not verified that third-party accrediting standards were substantially equivalent to state standards, did not consistently require proof of those inspections, did not review adverse health event corrective plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. JLARC also raised a possible language-access barrier in the complaint system. Members asked about complaint filing by staff, the meaning of adverse health events, inspection outcomes, and whether the audit compared DOH to other agencies. JLARC said it had not reviewed inspection results or cross-agency comparisons, but noted inspectors were dedicated and working long hours. DOH later said it concurred with the recommendations and outlined a strategic plan with target dates for improving timeliness, verifying accreditation standards, expanding language access, reviewing adverse event laws, and improving public data access, with annual reporting to the Legislature expected. The committee then heard a Department of Health presentation on certificate of need modernization. DOH described the current certificate of need process, which reviews need, financial feasibility, quality, and cost containment for certain facility changes and new services, and said the program has not been modernized since the 1980s. DOH proposed 10 statutory modernization recommendations, including clarifying the program’s purpose, creating a planning entity, adding flexibility, reducing legal costs, updating access-to-care standards, expanding oversight to freestanding emergency departments and urgent care, addressing equity, improving cost control coordination, strengthening long-term funding, and using better data systems. Members asked about oversight of freestanding urgent care and EDs, funding sources, and whether the process could be streamlined or made more responsive to complaints or other triggers. A third panel discussed artificial intelligence in health care. Lucy O’Rourke of the Coalition for Health AI described CHAI’s work on responsible AI principles, technical standards, model cards or “nutrition labels,” testing and governance tools, and educational resources for providers. She said the group is focused on trust, transparency, fairness, safety, security, and privacy, and noted Washington’s AI-related policy work as among the more progressive in the country. No questions were asked. The final portion focused on the financial impact of federal and state health care policy changes. The Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals are facing low or negative operating margins, service reductions, layoffs, and closures, and that state cuts and taxes enacted in 2025, combined with federal HR1 changes, will significantly worsen finances. Providence Swedish leaders described staffing reductions, service cuts, delayed capital investments, and pressure from denials, tariffs, and reimbursement changes, while emphasizing that frontline staffing cuts are tied to service reductions rather than nurse-to-patient ratio changes. The Washington Health Benefit Exchange then began a presentation on expiring federal ACA premium tax credits, state Cascade Care Savings assistance, and eligibility changes affecting lawfully present non-citizens, with examples showing large premium increases for customers if federal subsidies expire.

Transcript Highlights:

• reactors is driven by a number of factors, including the need to generate power on a small scale in remote
• So they're probably not reasonable places to do that unless they happen to be extremely remote plants
• And this is, you know, not just kind of your welders and construction workers.
• you're talking about the end of the need for, you know, micro reactor, that's 1.5 megawatts in a very remote
• as well as the location so that my again might be a Department of Defense facility and might be a remote

Transcript Highlights:

• I am currently a licensed independent clinical social worker, a licensed school social worker, and a
• social workers help identify at School social workers help identify at risk<00:13:57.279> students
• <00:14:42.839> at also called pby School social workers at also called pby School social workers
• The National Association of School Social Workers recommends a caseload of 250 students per social worker
• psychologists School social workers psychologists School social workers School<01:10:52.640>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in 2019, when we did Wayfair, although we did not touch this statute, both this statute and the remote
• Wayfair is with regard to remote sellers; this is with regard to sourcing of sellers who are located
• You are also going to miss revenue if you don't have a sales tax on remote sales.
• I beg of you, make sure that remote sellers don't become the norm within Arizona for local businesses
• Aside from the remote stuff, what about your state sales? Chairman Olson, Representative Crews.

Bills: HB2143, HB2273, HB2290, HB2373, HB2784, HB2794, HB4037

Keywords: public safety, retirement system, investments, trust fund, board of trustees, financial report, income tax rebate, Pinal County, taxpayer eligibility, state revenue, financial assistance, transaction privilege tax, business location, tangible personal property, shared vehicle, sourcing, income tax, veterans, donations, tax refunds

Summary: The House Ways and Means Committee first set aside House Bill 2794 at the sponsor’s request and then took up House Bill 2290, which would clarify Arizona transaction privilege tax sourcing rules for tangible personal property by specifying that an order is received at a seller’s business location and that server location does not control sourcing. The sponsor said the bill codifies existing, historic treatment and would provide certainty for taxpayers, while the League of Arizona Cities and Towns opposed it, arguing it would be a major departure from current practice, could shift revenue away from rural communities, and could create multiple tax rates for a single transaction. The Department of Revenue said it was neutral, acknowledged ongoing ambiguity and administrative complexity, and explained that a 2023 draft ruling had been based on a legal analysis but was never finalized. Several business and association witnesses supported the bill as necessary to prevent inconsistent audits and to preserve origin-based sourcing for in-state sellers. After extended debate, the committee passed HB 2290 on a 5-3 vote, with one member absent. The committee then heard House Bill 2373, which would add a space on the individual income tax return for taxpayers to voluntarily direct part of a refund to the Veterans Donations Fund or a veterans service organization fund. The sponsor and a representative of veterans advocacy groups described it as a simple, voluntary way to support veterans organizations and local projects. No opposition was raised, and the bill was approved unanimously by the members present, 8-0, with one absent. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 2143, a technical change to Public Safety Personnel Retirement System law that would limit the 5% ownership cap to publicly traded corporations. PSPRS representatives said the change would reduce compliance costs and avoid unnecessary workarounds while maintaining existing investment safeguards and diversification rules. Members discussed that ASRS does not have the same cap and that PSPRS already has broader limits on concentration risk. The bill was presented as an administrative cleanup measure, and discussion focused on clarifying that it would not increase investment risk.

Transcript Highlights:

• employer organizations provide critical human resource services such as payroll benefit administration, workers
• Status as a co-employer for unemployment, taxes, workers' comp, and workers' benefits.
• However, advances in remote technology have weakened real-time supervision, increasing the risk of unqualified

Transcript Highlights:

• Services as such payroll benefit administration workers compensation and regulatory compliance under
• creating uncertainty about the PEO's continuing status as a co-employer for unemployment . . . taxes, workers
• ' comp, and workers' benefits.
• However, advances in remote technology have weakened real-time supervision, increasing the risk of unqualified

Bills: HB2450, SB378, SB764, SB917, SB1254, SB1255

Keywords: elevator inspection, building safety, construction standards, health and safety code, regulatory requirements, SB 378, Texas Occupations Code, barbering, cosmetology, barber, cosmetologist, licensing, professional licensing, unauthorized practice, medical procedures, skin incision, dermis, injections, devices, consumer safety

Transcript Highlights:

• The daughter of a steel worker, she went on to become a strong advocate for the labor movement and Speaker
• in government. the daughter of<00:03:35.040> a<00:03:35.200> steel<00:03:35.519> worker
• , she went on to become of a steel worker, she went on to become a<00:03:38.239> strong<00:03:
• , the minimum wage for tipped workers, the minimum wage for tipped workers, increasing<00:03:59.680
• members participating remotely members participating remotely Hill.<01:14:58.960> Go<01:14

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And a lot of the companies now in the civil side are actually going towards remote live reporters.
• And a lot of the companies now in the civil side are actually going towards remote live reporters.
• And like I said, it's already included in the remote proceeding technology. Thank you. Thank you.
• Alexa Chavez on behalf of United Domestic Workers in support. Thank you. Thank you. Good morning.
• These communications focus on workers’ rights and support Californians’ fair employment standards.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, they stay at their local school districts and then they are able to take these classes remotely with
• Um, they stay at their local school districts and then they are able to take these classes remotely with
• Um, they stay at their local school districts and then they are able to take these classes remotely with
• Um, they stay at their local school districts and then they are able to take these classes remotely with
• Right now we have a person on staff that can test remotely, and she's a qualified examiner.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can superintendent Fed Bron is that remote? Or I think that's him, right?
• Thank you for your testimony, and we missed a remote testifier, Terry Vessel. Can you hear me?
• Henen, you're remote? Yep. Hello. Thank you so much, Chair and committee. Yes, we can hear you.
• And so, can these jobs are seeking workers from outside the state.
• oh the next two testifiers are remote oh the next two testifiers are remote okay<01:16:22.280>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all