Transcript Highlights:

• This is expressed as a maximum rate of $10 per $1,000 of assessed value.
• This is expressed as a maximum rate of $10 per $1,000 of assessed value.
• with higher property values are subject to the per-pupil maximum.
• to $3 per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in calendar year 2028.
• to $3 per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in calendar year 2028.

Bills: HB2675 , HB2681 , HB2714 , HB2688 , HB2481 , HB2116 , HB1408

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: accounts, finance, business regulation, transparency, audits, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, HB 2714, caseload forecasting, food assistance, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state food assistance, budget forecasting, caseload forecast council, caseload forecast supervisor, Washington State

Transcript Highlights:

• A PBS survey in 2020 found that 80% of Americans valued access to the internet...
• A PBS survey in 2020 found that 80% of Americans valued access to the internet at home as much as they
• value access to water and electricity.
• I'm here to say as a journalist, you won't find anyone who values free speech more.
• Everyone is seen, valued, and recognized. Let's answer the call.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee. Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas the other alternative is to have someone bring you to court and take it for what they value it
• So would you say in this case you don't feel, or you guys don't feel, legally, that the full value of
• , as well as...” “...a negotiated price, which typically significantly exceeds the fair market value,
• So it is your neighbors who are setting the value of that land use right that is seeking to be taken.
• And that's going to affect my property value. Waste-wise, that's the definition of waste.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• significant investment from the state of Minnesota<00:25:47.679><c> through</c><00:25:47.960><c> Vehicles
• c><00:25:48.440><c> like</c><00:25:48.559><c> the</c><00:25:48.720><c> pop</c> Minnesota through Vehicles
• like the pop Minnesota through Vehicles like the pop program<00:25:49.559><c> we've</c><00:25:49.720
• and the needs that we should continue with that kind of behavior toward people who don't add real value
• look at that, and I think we'll find ourselves getting more money out of this out of less, or more value

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Roberts and Simpson and Representatives McCluskey and Taggart, concerning optional fees during motor vehicle
• Roberts and Simpson and Representatives McCluskie and Taggart, concerning optional fees during motor vehicle
• north of Castle Rock with his wife, and unfortunately, there was an elk that was hit by an oncoming vehicle
• north of Castle Rock with his wife, and unfortunately, there was an elk that was hit by an oncoming vehicle
• and, in connection therewith, adding the conduct causing the death of another person with a motor vehicle

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to get the salvage title, the vehicle has to be inspected by the department.
• </c><00:21:37.440><c> Uh</c><00:21:37.840><c> in</c> salvage title for the vehicle.
• Uh in salvage title for the vehicle.
• order for to get the salvage title, it order for to get the salvage title, it the<00:21:40.559><c> vehicle
• has to be inspected by the the vehicle has to be inspected by the department.<00:21:43.840><c> Um</c

Committee: Joint Government Structure

Keywords: Government Structure - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 4:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then it does one third thing, and that is it allows a vehicle to have a weight of up to 26,000 pounds
• You have to get your vehicle registered. Pretty simple.
• You have to get your vehicle registered. Pretty simple.

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But again, a lot of that lies with how that information is taken in at the Department of Motor Vehicles
• authorized programs supporting the use of renewable energy in various forms, including electric vehicles
• authorized programs, supporting the use of renewable energy in various forms, including electrical vehicles
• Another one that I might mention is involving electric vehicle infrastructure.
• It's called NEVI, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure grant program.

Summary: The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee held a virtual work session focused first on federal actions affecting elections. A representative from NCSL reviewed recent U.S. Supreme Court and pending cases, including a redistricting/Voting Rights Act case and a case on whether mailed ballots received after Election Day can be counted. She also discussed a Trump executive order directing USPS to draft mail-ballot rules, the federal SAVE system’s expanded use for voter list maintenance, DOJ requests for unredacted voter rolls, and reduced federal election-security support. Committee members asked about proof of citizenship requirements, whether DOJ requests are compulsory, and how federal election funding and grants may be changing. The Attorney General’s Office then described Washington’s litigation challenging two election-related executive orders and DOJ’s lawsuit seeking unredacted voter registration lists. State lawyers said courts have already enjoined parts of the executive orders, including documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements and voting-system changes, and have upheld Washington’s ballot-receipt deadlines so far. They said DOJ’s voter-roll demands have been rejected by multiple courts and that Washington’s position is that state law limits disclosure of sensitive voter data. Members asked about the legal basis for DOJ’s requests, the risk of immigration-enforcement use, and whether attestation on registration forms counts as proof of citizenship; the office said it does under state law and that no evidence of mass voter-fraud problems in Washington has been shown. Deputy Attorney General Todd Bowers then gave a broader overview of the Attorney General’s federal litigation, saying Washington has filed 61 cases since January 2025, often with other states, and has had notable success obtaining preliminary injunctions and favorable summary judgments. He highlighted cases involving election rules, environmental and energy disputes, public health funding, student loans, housing, and data privacy, and said many challenges involve executive-branch conditions added to congressionally appropriated funds. He also described a growing number of federal audits and inquiries directed at state agencies. Finally, Office of Equity Director Megan Matthews discussed how federal actions are affecting state and local equity work, community organizations, and public confidence. She said the office is coordinating more closely with the Attorney General, governor’s office, other agencies, and local governments through the immigration subcabinet, while also working on data privacy, Keep Washington Working compliance, and community outreach. Committee members asked about the office’s human-trafficking work and how it is encouraging agency compliance; Matthews said the focus is on clearer guidance, technical support, and consistent expectations across agencies. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Solomon, do we know if the court orders say, if you drive a vehicle, you must have an IID?
• from the Department of Licensing, the requirement is stated both as they must, if they're driving a vehicle
• We do have a driver and vehicle records section, and I have an administrator there who’s also going to
• So when people have to renew their vehicle licenses, they have to do those every year.
• And the folks in our driver and vehicle licensing offices don’t have access to the driver record side

Summary: JLARC met on April 8, 2026, with Senator Keith Wagner chairing in person and Rep. Pallett joining remotely. The committee approved the January 7 minutes and honored Marilyn Richter, who is retiring in June after more than 12 years of service to JLARC and the Citizens Commission. Staff then gave a legislative recap and work plan update, noting that the legislature adopted six bills or provisos implementing recommendations from recent JLARC reports, and that JLARC received seven new study assignments, including reviews of state oversight mechanisms for fraud, waste, and abuse and State Patrol toxicology lab delays. The committee approved the updated 2025-27 work plan, including the new assignments and the required 2027 lodging tax review. The committee also heard about a new anonymous post-meeting member survey tied to JLARC performance measures, then considered the final report on ignition interlock device compliance and monitoring. Staff reported that 59% of drivers with ignition interlock requirements had not installed a device as of June 2025, with installation rates rising by income, and found problems in the Department of Licensing’s financial assistance program and in coordination between DOL and the State Patrol. The report recommended clearer goals and responsibilities for DOL, a formal interagency agreement, and a coordinated plan to raise installation rates; both agencies concurred. Members discussed whether noncompliance reflected continued driving or people stopping driving, and agency representatives said some drivers do stop driving while others take the risk. The committee approved the final report. JLARC then reviewed the drug take-back fee setting and expenditures report. Staff said the Department of Health’s oversight costs had outpaced fee revenue because the statutory fee cap is tied to program operator spending, and recommended public reporting of oversight costs and a legislative change to allow full cost recovery. Members debated transparency, the risk of overpricing the program, and whether Ecology might be a better home for the program; the committee adopted a comment urging transparency and a future review of best practices before fee-structure changes, then approved the final report with that comment. Finally, staff presented the scope and objectives for the Clean Buildings Performance Standard study, focused on large state-owned and K-12 buildings due to comply by June 2026. Members asked about fines, funding, workforce constraints, and how costs and energy savings would be measured; staff said the study would examine compliance costs, savings, funding sources, and variation by building characteristics. The meeting adjourned after administrative announcements about upcoming JLARC meetings and the survey reminder.

Transcript Highlights:

• definition of physically obstruct by adding that it means to willfully position one's body, object, or vehicle
• the bill that expands the crime of reckless driving to include situations where a person drives a vehicle
• This amendment further expands the crime to include when a person drives a vehicle 20 miles per hour
• the bill that expands the crime of reckless driving to include situations where a person drives a vehicle
• This amendment further expands the crime to include when a person drives a vehicle 20 miles per hour

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's for vehicles or bicycles, things that don't have four walls of sorts. Is that correct?
• Unless you're in a big vehicle, a car, a truck, not seen.
• Moving on to SB 111, Motor Vehicle Code Personal Info.
• required to release the sensitive personal data unless one of the limited exceptions in the Motor Vehicle
• I'm looking at the FIR, the synopsis of Senate Bill 111, and it says we're going to amend the Motor Vehicle

Summary: The committee first heard HB 299, a bill to support the Highway 180 project between Deming and Silver City. The sponsors described it as a three-phase road expansion that is already partly complete, but they emphasized rising construction costs, frequent accidents, heavy mining traffic, and the importance of the route to the local economy, tourism, and access to Silver City. A DOT engineer confirmed the project’s phases and cost increases, and the bill drew support from a former DOT official and others. The committee voted do pass, 6-0. The committee then heard HB 325, which would create a railroad crossing safety fund to help improve crossings statewide with lights, gates, overpasses, and other safety measures. Sponsors said the fund would be seeded with a modest amount and could leverage local, federal, and possibly public-private funding, with DOT setting rules and priorities. Railroad lobbyists from Union Pacific and BNSF supported the bill, saying it would help address a major public safety issue, especially for smaller communities. The committee voted do pass. Next, SB 73 was presented to require driver education schools to include at least three hours of instruction on vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Supporters said the bill would improve awareness and safety at low cost, and public testimony included a bicyclist and a parent who lost a daughter in a crash involving a vulnerable road user. Some members asked how the requirement would apply to first-time or older drivers, and sponsors said it would be part of driver education curriculum developed by MVD and DOT. The committee voted do pass, with one member explaining a vote to note the bill should be read as applying to any first-time driver, not just young drivers. The committee also heard SB 111, which would align the Motor Vehicle Division’s confidentiality rules with last session’s SB 36 by protecting personal information such as sex, gender identity, immigration status, and national origin from public disclosure. The Taxation and Revenue Department said the change was meant to close a gap in the law and prevent release of sensitive data in response to public records requests, while still allowing disclosure for law enforcement and other legally required purposes. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, with one member voting no and saying he was frustrated by last-minute efforts to fix problems he did not see as existing. The meeting concluded with lengthy DOT district presentations from District 1 and District 6, covering budgets, completed and ongoing projects, local road and bridge work, equipment needs, and unfunded priorities. Members asked about specific projects, freight routes, cattle guards, dust and weather issues, striping contractors, and how projects are prioritized under the state’s asset management scoring system. DOT officials said many projects were complete or underway, that some major projects would be funded through Senate Bill 2 or other appropriations, and that equipment and recurring maintenance funding remain major concerns. The committee adjourned after thanking DOT staff and members for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• In his vehicle, they found several open and unopened bottles of alcohol, but they could not determine
• In his vehicle, they found, the next morning arrested Gary Baker.
• In his vehicle, they found several open and unopened bottles of alcohol, but they could not determine
• was not at fault, and he did stop, even though he didn't take all of the actions required by the Vehicle
• my collarbone was broken, my child was left in the street while he tried to shove me into a stolen vehicle

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard several bills dealing with firearms, hit-and-run penalties, domestic violence, and sexually violent predator placement. AB 256 by Assemblymember DeMaio would add a one-year enhancement for certain firearm felonies involving controlled substances and require toxicology testing; supporters said it would provide transparency about the causes of gun violence, while opponents argued it duplicated existing law, was overbroad, and raised privacy concerns. AB 1281, also by DeMaio, would increase penalties for hit-and-run cases involving death or serious injury; supporters framed it as a response to a fatal case in the author’s district, while opponents said current law already provides strong penalties and the bill would remove judicial flexibility. Both bills drew no formal support beyond the author and were opposed by public defenders, civil liberties groups, and other advocates. AB 292 by Assemblymember Patterson, as amended, would increase punishment for repeat felony domestic violence offenders, including higher prison terms and a longer mandatory jail minimum for probationers with prior domestic violence convictions. The author and a survivor witness argued that early release can endanger victims and children, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association and California District Attorneys Association supported the measure. Opponents, including public defenders and advocacy groups, said existing law already escalates penalties, warned the bill could sweep too broadly or reduce flexibility, and urged more prevention-oriented responses. After discussion, the committee approved AB 292 as amended and sent it to Appropriations. AB 767 by Assemblymember Alanis would clarify that private and home-based schools, as well as daycare facilities, are covered by existing restrictions on conditional release placements for sexually violent predators. Supporters said the bill would better protect children and resolve inconsistent court interpretations, while opponents argued it could effectively bar placement in large parts of the state and undermine rehabilitation and due process. The committee passed AB 767 to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent item AB 277. AB 1092, a vote-only reconsideration item from the prior year, was brought up without the author present and was defeated. Final reported outcomes were: AB 256 failed, AB 277 passed, AB 292 passed, AB 767 passed, AB 1281 failed, and AB 1092 failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2014, there have been over 400 vehicle crashes in medical centers nationwide, with more than a
• The crash at the North Austin Hospital was tragic, as are the thousands of other vehicle-building crashes
• To where they stop vehicles, but allow gurneys, wheelchairs, and other assist devices through.
• So I assume every emergency room in the state has vehicular traffic with a vehicle, or it would be kind
• With the rising trend of vehicle crashes, we should take steps to prevent additional tragedies.

Bills: SB1117 , SB1373 , SB672 , SB1986 , SB1098 , SB626 , SB1784 , SB2480 , SB2487 , SB437 , SB660

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: dentistry, botulinum toxin, aesthetic treatments, dental regulation, training, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges, SB 672, Texas hospital emergency operations plan, hospital diversion, emergency department, cyberattack, cyber security, power outage, electrical outage, patient diversion, hospital preparedness

Transcript Highlights:

• limited to, instructor salary, books, course materials, and really the most expensive thing is the vehicle
• limited to, the instructor salary, books, course materials, and really the most expensive thing is the vehicle
• expensive<00:08:44.519><c> thing</c><00:08:44.640><c> is</c><00:08:44.800><c> the</c><00:08:44.959><c> vehicle
• </c> expensive thing is the vehicle expensive thing is the vehicle maintenance<00:08:46.120><c> its</
• And there is a letter from DVS Driver and Vehicle Services Director Sean Did.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:16:38.079><c> the</c> interests and does not reflect the interests and does not reflect the values
• <00:16:38.680><c> of</c><00:16:38.839><c> the</c><00:16:38.959><c> Granite</c> values of the Granite
• values of the Granite State<00:16:41.240><c> it</c><00:16:41.519><c> risks</c><00:16:42.040><c> creating
• So we go to all kinds of medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents that are still pretty horrific.
• The first responder when it was called in by a vehicle behind her was her lifetime best friend.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Caton’s discussion about the safety impacts of this, especially as it relates to commercial vehicles
• Representative Caton’s discussion about the safety impacts of this, especially as it relates to commercial vehicles
• , we require children under certain age or weight to use car seats, booster seats, and passenger vehicles
• Motorcycles lack similar... ...and booster seats in passenger vehicles.
• And there have been other vehicle, sorry, motorcycle crashes with children.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Transportation Oversight

Summary: The Transportation Committee first met in executive session on House Bill 2741. Members adopted a committee amendment correcting a wording error, then voted the House committee substitute do pass by a roll call of 9 ayes, 2 noes, and 1 present. Supporters said the bill addressed safety concerns, especially for commercial vehicles, while opponents objected to the subjective standard for proving proficiency and to the $3,000 penalty for violations. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bills 1831, 2328, and 2553, all related to motorcycle passenger safety for children. The bills would require young child passengers to wear helmets, be able to reach foot pegs, and ride on properly equipped seats; the discussion also focused on whether officers could stop motorcycles based on a reasonable suspicion that a child passenger was underage or improperly secured. Bill sponsors said the measures were intended to prevent child deaths and injuries, citing the death of Calvin James, a 4-year-old grandson of one witness, as the reason for “Calvin’s Law.” Testimony was mixed. Family members and several supporters, including emergency nurses, argued the bills were common-sense child protection measures and could prevent traumatic brain injuries or fatalities. Motorcycle advocacy groups and some witnesses said the bills were overbroad, could lead to arbitrary stops or family services involvement, and needed clearer definitions for terms like “proper passenger seat.” Several members raised questions about enforceability, age verification, and whether the fine structure was an effective deterrent. No votes were taken on the three motorcycle bills, and the committee adjourned after closing the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I got denied because my vehicle, which was six years old and was paid off, counted as a resource.
• Under current law, transfer-on-death mechanisms exist for real property and for motor vehicles, but no
• So this mirrors established frameworks for real property and vehicles, extending a proven non-testamentary
• And this does align with what we have with motor vehicles and other real estate transfers.
• It aligns with what we have with motor vehicles and other real estate transfers through Lady Bird transfers

Bills: SB387 , SB1650 , SB1838 , SB1839 , SB1923 , SB1940 , SB2052

Committee: Senate Jurisprudence

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, attorney general, criminal prosecution, public order, law enforcement, jurisdiction, attorney ad litem, parent-child relationship, compensation, legal representation, government entity, probate, court proceedings, record delivery, wills, legal documentation

Summary: The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence heard several family-law and probate bills. Senate Bill 2052 would codify a rebuttable presumption that a parent acts in the best interest of a child and require clear and convincing evidence to overcome that presumption in disputes involving non-parents; the author and several witnesses supported the bill as a clarification of existing case law, while one witness suggested refining the modification language. Public testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1923, which would allow child support to follow a child placed temporarily with kin or fictive kin under a parental child safety placement or authorization agreement; the bill’s author and a grandparent caregiver testified in support, while one witness suggested the Attorney General could handle the change administratively. That bill was also left pending. Senate Bill 1838 would standardize fee schedules and compensation rules for attorneys ad litem and related court-appointed counsel in DFPS child-protection cases. The author said the bill would clarify unclear current law, and witnesses from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and family-defense bar supported it, though one asked that expert-witness expenses be expressly included. Senate Bill 387 would raise the bond requirement for county judges handling guardianship proceedings to at least $500,000; the author described it as a refiling of a prior bill that passed unanimously but was vetoed, and a statutory probate judge testified in support. Senate Bill 1839 would require original or paper wills to be delivered to the transferee court when probate proceedings are transferred; the committee substitute broadened the delivery methods, and the district clerk witness supported the change. All three bills were left pending. The committee also took up Senate Bill 1536, which had previously been voted out with the wrong committee substitute; members reconsidered the vote, adopted the corrected substitute, and then voted 3-0 to report the bill favorably to the full Senate, with local and contested calendar certification. Finally, Senate Bill 1940 would create a transfer-on-death mechanism for manufactured homes classified as personal property, similar to existing tools for real property and vehicles; the author and an estate-planning attorney testified that it would streamline transfers and reduce probate costs. A non-substantive committee substitute was still being prepared, and the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• The man was taken into custody after officers found him operating a vehicle with an invalid license and
• without the court-ordered interlock device, which won't allow drivers to start a vehicle if they have
• condition, obviously those devices, uh, they report, um, I mean, if you use the device, you drive a vehicle
• Although the vehicle may start, it's going to be reported to the source.
• Now, uh, if there is some sort of end around in terms of somebody driving a vehicle, if they have a no

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• The man was taken into custody after officers found him operating a vehicle with an invalid license and
• without the court-ordered interlock device, which won't allow drivers to start a vehicle if they have
• Obviously, those devices report, I mean, if you use the device, ...device, you drive a vehicle, and sometimes
• understanding is there could be a minimal violation, and even that is reported, although the... ...vehicle
• Now, if there is some sort of workaround in terms of somebody driving a vehicle if they have a no driving

Bills: HB1482 , HB2017 , HB2103 , HB2341 , HB2756

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation

Transcript Highlights:

• there's an increasing trend of some people here at the Capitol trying to use the bonding bill as a vehicle
• capital trying to use the bonding bill<00:05:19.600><c> as</c><00:05:19.840><c> a</c><00:05:20.000><c> vehicle
• to</c><00:05:20.560><c> get</c><00:05:20.720><c> something</c><00:05:21.039><c> else</c> bill as a vehicle
• to get something else bill as a vehicle to get something else unrelated<00:05:22.320><c> done</c><00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House DFL leader Stevenson said the tied House will require cooperation, noting the caucus has tried to model bipartisan work through co-chairs and that he has a good working relationship with Speaker Damuth. He highlighted the three new DFL special-election winners—Xp Lee, Shelley Buck, and Meg Luger-Nikolai—as bringing health, tribal leadership, nonprofit, labor, and education experience to the chamber. On policy, Stevenson said DFLers want to push back against certain federal immigration enforcement tactics, including masked officers and warrantless entries, and tied the issue to the murder of former Speaker Melissa Hortman. He also said the caucus will pursue gun restrictions such as bans on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, binary triggers, and ghost guns, while acknowledging that Republican leadership would need to allow a floor vote for any bill to advance. He added that DFLers are open to and will lead on fraud prevention, especially in programs serving vulnerable Minnesotans, and said those who steal public funds should face prison. Looking ahead to the second year of the biennium, Stevenson said he hopes for a large bonding bill focused on statewide infrastructure needs, but warned he will not support using bonding as leverage for unrelated policy concessions. He also said affordability will be a major focus, especially food, energy, housing, and health care costs, and argued Minnesota should try to counter rising premiums and hold insurers and pharmaceutical companies accountable.