Transcript Highlights:

• conversation.
• conversation.
• <01:08:53.199> Please and have that conversation. Please and have that conversation.
• I appreciate the conversation.
• conversations?" conversations?"

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:24.400> and their care through conversations and their care through conversations and
• I want to take you back to a conversation that I had with one of my workers.
• I want to take you back to a conversation that I had with one of my workers.
• Uh if we're conversations to go for.
• So I think hopefully this just spurs other conversations to encourage open conversations that feel safe

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That was our conversation.
• That was our conversation.
• back here, let's have the conversation, let's keep the conversation going. ...that distancing conversation
• having conversation here. having conversation here.
• to this issue and those conversations. to this issue and those conversations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > the The conversations convened by the The conversations convened by the legislative<00:10:37.440
• symbolic addition to this conversation. symbolic addition to this conversation.
• for including youths in conversation for including youths in conversation about<00:23:57.600>
• Thanks everyone for the good conversation, the ongoing conversation.
• > ongoing good conversation, the ongoing good conversation, the ongoing conversation.<00:34:44.560

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3585, as amended, which would create an interagency council on student attendance and re-refer the bill to education finance. Representative Keeler moved the bill and an A1 amendment that corrected the council’s placement from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to the Department of Education; the amendment was adopted. Keeler and Representative Bakeberg described the bill as the product of several years of bipartisan work on chronic absenteeism and truancy, emphasizing that attendance problems involve multiple systems and require ongoing coordination rather than a single-agency response. Testimony was strongly supportive. Matt Shaver of Allies cited statewide chronic absenteeism data and argued that schools cannot solve the problem alone because root causes such as housing, transportation, health, and economic instability lie outside school control. Assistant Commissioner Angela Mansfield of MDE said the task force and pilot districts showed coordination gaps and supported the council, while also noting MDE’s Compass staff would need permanent funding to carry out the work. Ashley High Totower of Hennepin County’s BEET program said attendance is a public health, child welfare, transportation, housing, and economic issue, and Kenneth Avon of the Minneapolis Foundation said absenteeism is an ecological problem requiring cross-sector coordination. Student witnesses also supported the bill but urged stronger youth representation. Henry Brick of Catalyst for Systems Change said students understand the causes of absenteeism best and proposed expanding student seats on the council from one to five. Ava Northrup of the Minnesota Youth Council said youth voices should be more than symbolic and suggested two youth representatives, one from the metro and one from greater Minnesota, plus additional youth task forces or panels. In member discussion, Representative Lawrence questioned whether the council duplicated existing MDE work, asked who would coordinate the group, and raised the lack of a sunset; Keeler and Bakeberg said the Department of Education would coordinate and that a sunset could be considered later. Other members asked about fiscal impact, and the chair said a fiscal note had been requested and the bill would move on to education finance.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're having conversations about making everything 13.
• Has there been conversation around that?
• Is there room in the master plan for that kind of conversation?
• I would say that the next item is about having that conversation.
• So, we look forward to continued conversations. Thank you, Chair. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I had a conversation with some of our team. Our staff is wonderful.
• And so I had a conversation with some of our team, and the conversation went a little bit like this.
• And I think it's tough conversations like this that when we find ourselves in these conversations, all
• But I've had the tough conversation with them. When you're starting conversation with them.
• I've had those conversations. I've had those conversations. I've had those conversations.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to special order bills. Senate Bill 88 on utility terrain vehicles passed 32-5 after debate over allowing local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under safety restrictions; Senator Smith opposed it over safety concerns. Senate Bill 102 on exceptional student education passed 36-0, creating a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; supporters emphasized employment opportunities and safety training, while Senator Davis raised concerns about added costs to school districts. Senate Bill 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults passed 37-0, allowing alternative service on scammers through the same apps used to contact victims. Senate Bill 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration passed 38-0, extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive barriers; supporters called it a long-overdue justice fix. Senate Bill 158 on diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations passed 38-0, eliminating cost sharing for follow-up breast tests in the state employee health plan to encourage early detection. The most contentious measure was Senate Bill 234 on criminal offenses against law enforcement officers. The bill sought to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified by claims about the legality of the detention and to add manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses carrying life imprisonment without release. An amendment by Senator Jones to restore “in good faith” language failed, after debate centered on due process, racial profiling, and the role of juries and suppression motions. Several senators spoke in support of law enforcement but objected to the bill’s breadth and mandatory life penalty; Senator Leek ultimately postponed the bill temporarily rather than taking a final vote. Senate Bill 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. Senate Bill 274 designating roads for Harris Rosen and Geraldine Thompson passed 38-0, followed by a successful co-sponsorship motion and remarks honoring Thompson’s legacy. Senate Bill 280 on candidate qualification passed 38-0, creating an enforcement mechanism for party-affiliation filing requirements. Senate Bill 296 on middle and high school start times passed 38-0, repealing the statewide start-time mandate and shifting implementation decisions to local districts while requiring public reporting and discussion. Senate Bill 356 designating January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day also passed unanimously, with senators emphasizing remembrance, anti-Semitism, and the educational value of the memorial and observance.

Transcript Highlights:

• I so appreciate the conversation.
• We had a great conversation.
• Giroir, I appreciated our conversation.
• I enjoyed our conversation.
• I enjoyed our conversation very much.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a short conversation<00:26:15.320> with<00:26:16.080> Senator conversation with Senator
• <00:32:14.280> with been having lots of conversations with been having lots of conversations
• really open for conversation, really open for conversation, really want<00:32:27.480> to
• I can having conversation with folks.
• those conversations. I want to thank those conversations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it that the conversations are not happening?
• <00:20:51.840> not convers are the conversations not convers are the conversations not happening
• conversation going. Thank you. conversation going. Thank you.
• But I would like to those conversations.
• continue to have these conversations continue to have these conversations around<01:10:18.800>

Bills: HF4893

Keywords: education finance, student support, aid allowances, appropriation, school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• asked if there had been any conversation asked if there had been any conversation or<00:18:43.760
• Um but so open to conversations.
• Um, but so open to conversations.
• Um, but so open to conversations.
• Um, but so open to conversations.

Bills: HF4560, HF4559, HF2317, HF3179, HF4880, HF2862, HF4374

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case

Transcript Highlights:

• So, something to, when we had the conversation earlier about it, it's something we need to talk about
• So, something to, when we had the conversation earlier about it, it's something we need to talk about
• Um, and because I think the conversation, and I kind of knew what he was going to say, I knew the conversation
• Um, and because I think the conversation, and I kind of knew what he was going to say, I knew the conversation
• Um, and because I think the conversation, and I kind of knew what he was going to say, I knew the conversation

Bills: HB24, HB27

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Summary: The committee met to hear House Bills 27 and 24 on groundwater issues in East Texas, with members and witnesses focusing on a proposed large-volume groundwater export project and the need for more science before major permitting decisions are made. HB 27, which was within the special session call, would direct the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a hydrogeologic study of the aquifers in the affected area and temporarily pause new export permits while the study is underway. HB 24, a separate bill that would limit certain production and export permits to 5% of modeled available groundwater, was laid out but the chair said it would not be moved out of committee. Testimony on HB 27 was largely supportive, though some witnesses were neutral. Supporters, including representatives from a water supply corporation, the Trinity River Authority, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said the region lacks enough hydrologic data, that the proposed pumping could affect private wells, surface water, and local economies, and that the state needs better information on sustainable yield and groundwater-surface water interaction. Several witnesses emphasized that groundwater conservation districts need clearer tools and better data, while also noting concerns about property rights and the rule of capture. Committee members discussed the scale of the proposed project, the absence of a groundwater conservation district in Houston County, and the possibility that the study should examine desired future conditions and maximum sustainable pumping rather than only modeled available groundwater. The committee adopted the committee substitute for HB 27 and voted it out favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass, be printed, and be sent to the Committee on Calendars. The roll call was unanimous, 11 ayes and 0 nays. After the vote, members briefly reflected on the complexity of the issue and the need to continue working on broader groundwater policy in the interim and next session. HB 24 was discussed later in the meeting, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we can definitely get into that, and I think it’s a worthwhile conversation.
• and hearing the conversations, and for the past several weeks, we've been hearing these conversations
• So I would love to continue that conversation. Thank you. Ms. Hadwick. Thank you.
• And so those strategic conversations are underway.
• We appreciate the opportunity to be part of these conversations as they evolve.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met to review CSU and State Library budget issues, enrollment trends, the Capital Fellows program, and a Title IX update. Chair David Alvarez opened by stressing that CSU faces serious financial pressure, including a systemwide deficit and proposed cuts that he and several members said were too large and likely to harm access, course offerings, and student services. Public comment focused heavily on the Braille Institute Library, with patrons, staff, veterans, and advocates urging restoration of funding and warning that the proposed cut would severely affect blind and visually impaired Californians across Southern California. Several CSU faculty, staff, and union representatives also opposed the proposed reductions and warned of larger class sizes, fewer sections, and layoffs. On the CSU core operations item, the Department of Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to reduce ongoing General Fund support by about $375 million and defer a 5% base increase, while the LAO said CSU core funding would be roughly flat once tuition and targeted augmentations were considered, but warned that rising costs and prior shortfalls would still force campuses to cut spending. CSU’s Chancellor’s Office said the proposed cut would deepen existing problems, citing prior-year budget gaps, job losses, reduced course sections, and student-service reductions. Members pressed Finance and the LAO on whether cuts could be made more surgically, especially at the Chancellor’s Office or in institutional support rather than in instruction, and the LAO said the Legislature has flexibility to target cuts more specifically. CSU also described ongoing consolidation efforts, including shared services among campuses and the planned Cal Maritime/Cal Poly San Luis Obispo integration, while cautioning that savings are not yet fully known. The committee then discussed CSU enrollment. The LAO recommended holding enrollment targets flat because the budget does not add new funding, while CSU reported strong recent growth, including more California residents, record first-year enrollment, and expanded direct admissions and transfer pathways. Members questioned why some campuses with high demand turn away many applicants while others continue to lose enrollment, and CSU said it is shifting resources from campuses with sustained declines to those with demand, using a 10% below-target threshold. The committee also discussed whether enrollment declines mirror local population trends, how to improve marketing and program alignment, and whether lessons from Cal Poly Humboldt’s conversion could inform other campuses such as Sonoma State. The Capital Fellows item drew a Finance proposal for a salary increase and an LAO counterproposal for a smaller raise plus future COLA language; the committee kept the item open. Finally, CSU reported progress on Title IX compliance, saying it has completed most State Auditor recommendations, expanded civil rights staffing, and increased training, prevention, and case-management efforts, though members asked how proposed budget cuts might affect those services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, conversations with that district.
• <00:48:23.280> you've conversation with the public. you've conversation with the public. you've
• <00:48:28.240> should and therefore those conversations should and therefore those conversations
• You know, we at the state conversation.
• c><01:30:53.760> two hypothetical conversation between two hypothetical conversation between two

Bills: HF3790, HF3654, HF3371, HF3470, HF1099

Keywords: education finance, lease levy authority, graduation ceremonies, school districts, Minnesota Statutes, local revenue, funding increase, education, state appropriation, local control, HF3371, local optional revenue, school finance, general education aid, school district funding, referendum revenue, referendum market value, equalization aid, state aid, property tax levy

Transcript Highlights:

• And that’s how these conversations impact us.
• It was part of a robust conversation in other hearings this week.
• I don't want this to be a hell-weighted conversation. It needs to be not a conversation at all.
• We accept the department's gesture to continue the conversation.
• Jackson for the conversation earlier about the FFA insurance crisis.

Summary: The hearing began with opening remarks on the Governor’s May Revision for child care and human services, with committee members and advocates stressing that the budget should not be balanced on the backs of low-income families, children, and providers. Legislative members and public witnesses strongly opposed the proposed suspension of the child care COLA, reductions to the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program, and the lack of codified rate reform tied to the alternative methodology. Several speakers also urged more support for providers affected by the Eaton fire and other disasters, and called for child care to be funded at the true cost of care and for additional slots to be restored. Administration, LAO, and Department of Education staff described the child care proposal as maintaining existing funding levels while adding administrative resources to prepare for federally required prospective payment changes and single-rate reform. The administration said the May Revision would suspend the 2025–26 COLA and reduce Bridge Program funding to align with utilization, while the LAO raised questions about the size and purpose of the proposed rate-reform and prospective-payment funding and recommended rejecting a Department of Technology exemption. CDE supported continued early education investments but said it would need additional resources if prospective pay were extended to state preschool, and it objected to a proposed reallocation of preschool funds for inclusive education grants. The committee then moved to the IHSS portion of the May Revision. DSS outlined five major proposals: capping provider work hours at 50 per week, eliminating IHSS for undocumented adults age 19 and older, shifting certain Community First Choice reassessment penalties to counties, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test as a conforming IHSS reduction, and automating the termination of IHSS when Medi-Cal eligibility ends. DSS also discussed funding to implement a federal HCBS access rule and a separate reassessment of IHSS administrative methodology that found counties would need additional administrative funding. Finance said the proposals were intended to slow program growth and improve sustainability, while the LAO said it was still analyzing the package and raised concerns about implementation, county workload, and the potential loss of services. Committee members and public commenters criticized the IHSS cuts, especially the overtime cap and the elimination of services for undocumented adults and people affected by the asset test. Advocates argued that IHSS workers and recipients depend on these services, that county administration is already underfunded, and that the proposals could destabilize vulnerable consumers. The chair closed by saying the committee would continue to fight for child care and would not pause on child care, and the meeting recessed before moving on to the remaining May Revision items.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, you know, this in some ways, you know, and I know, I've had conversations with the author.
• Um, in particular, dollars for conversions, converting parks to resident-owned co-ops.
• , particular, dollars for conversions, particular, dollars for conversions, converting<00:15:20.160
• a conversation with Representative Igo. a conversation with Representative Igo.
• ,<00:30:27.760> you think in our first conversation, you think in our first conversation,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So if it's okay, we'll add Representative Pilkington into the conversation. Thank you, Chairs.
• And I don't have a binder in front of me, and I'm a little late to the conversation, so if I'm saying
• So I just want to add that to the conversation.
• Conversation because too many times they're left out, right?
• Yes, definitely part of the conversation.

Summary: The committee met to review an audit and recommendations from the Alliance for Opportunity as part of a broader study of social service and workforce development reform under Act 145 of 2025. Members discussed creating a more integrated, regional, and “one door to work” system that would combine eligibility screening, service delivery, and workforce connections across DHS, workforce, and related programs. Much of the discussion focused on reducing administrative overhead, improving coordination, and using tools such as AI and centralized databases to help applicants learn about benefits, training, and job opportunities while still preserving case managers and in-person help for people without digital access. Members also emphasized targeting groups with low labor-force participation, including people in generational poverty, rural residents, individuals reentering from prison, and people involved in the court system who may be employable but are not currently connected to employers. Several members raised concerns about benefit cliffs, the burden of repeated paperwork across agencies, and whether the system should include performance measures tied to cost per person served and return on investment. The committee agreed that quantifiable savings and outcomes should be part of the study and future recommendations. The committee then considered and discussed a draft consultant services agreement with Work Ed Consulting LLC, represented by Mason Bishop, to assist with the study. Bureau of Legislative Research staff explained that the contract would run through June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $158,000, billed on actual hours and expenses, and could be expanded by up to 10% if needed. Bishop said he could provide ongoing ROI updates and technical assistance based on his experience in other states. After discussion, the committee voted to move forward with the contract, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• All it does is mirror the federal law with respect to these machine gun conversion devices.
• And it says you cannot knowingly possess a machine gun conversion device.
• With that, I'll turn it over to my chief, Chief Humphrey. these machine gun conversion devices. these
• machine gun conversion devices.
• <00:03:23.000> Two machine gun conversion device. Two machine gun conversion device.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met with a quorum and considered one bill, House Bill 299. The bill, introduced by Rep. Jason Nemes with support from several law enforcement officials, would mirror federal law on machine gun conversion devices and make knowing possession of such devices a state offense so local law enforcement can enforce it without waiting for federal agents. Supporters said the measure would not criminalize conduct that is currently legal, would give police a practical tool to remove dangerous devices from the streets, and was backed by law enforcement groups and other organizations; the NRA was noted as neutral. Chief Paul Humphrey and other police chiefs testified in support, describing the devices as a growing public safety problem and saying local officers currently lack authority to act unless federal authorities take the case. They argued the bill would help keep officers and communities safe and prevent weapons from being returned to the street. Rep. Roberts opposed the bill, questioning its constitutionality under Second Amendment precedent and arguing that criminals would likely shift to other devices. Rep. Wesley also voted no, citing Second Amendment concerns and his commitment to constituents, while several members explained yes votes as support for law enforcement and public safety. The committee adopted a committee substitute and then voted on the bill. House Bill 299, as amended by the committee substitute, passed the committee with favorable expression and was reported to the House floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say that I did appreciate the conversation as well.
• If you don't, that conversation or interaction could go very bad.
• This sparked meaningful conversation.
• My conversation part is important.
• And the fact we encourage conversation is important.

Transcript Highlights:

• it sounds like this is a conversation it sounds like this is a conversation that<00:27:23.600>
• um it's been age-old conversation um it's been age-old conversation Senator<00:29:37.040> Abeler
• <00:30:25.040> with Um I have had a conversation with Um I have had a conversation with Senator
• This is what this conversation is. that. This is what this conversation is.
• There's sidebar conversations. It's me. There's sidebar conversations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the conversation.
• chair and I appreciate the conversation chair and I appreciate the conversation I<00:25:38.960><
• Why aren't we having those conversations?
• <00:56:32.839> not want to have that conversation not want to have that conversation not knowing
• Chair. ...I will have the conversation and I think we should all have the conversation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all