Transcript Highlights:

• The true test, the moral test of society is what Hubert Humphrey said on your way out.
• The true test, the moral test of society is what Hubert Humphrey said on your way out.
• The true test, the moral test of society is what Hubert Humphrey said on your way out.
• The true test, the moral test of society is what Hubert Humphrey said on your way out.
• The true test, the moral test of society is what Hubert Humphrey said on your way out.

Summary: Sen. Erin Maye Quade, Rep. Esther Abad, and other Minnesota DFL legislators held a press event focused on responding to Trump administration and federal Republican actions that they said threaten health care, education, housing, public health, and other state services. Speakers argued Minnesota must not make “false trade-offs” between core services and should instead protect programs like Medicaid, school funding, disability services, nutrition, and public health by raising additional revenue and closing tax breaks for wealthy individuals and corporations. Rep. Abad and others outlined possible revenue options, including a fifth-tier income tax, a corporate rate match, closing tax exemptions for luxury items and second homes, a social media tax, and ending data center tax exemptions. They said these measures would not fully replace possible federal cuts, but could help mitigate harm and preserve services. Several speakers also criticized Republican opposition to tax increases and said the state should ask wealthy taxpayers and corporations to contribute more. Testimony from Olivia Dylan, a laid-off Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist, described the impact of federal public health funding cuts and MDH layoffs on outbreak response, nursing home support, lab work, and tribal public health. Sean Leaden of SEIU Local 284 described low pay and staffing shortages among hourly school workers and said underfunding has hurt students and employees. Sen. Doran Clark and Rep. Emma Greenman framed the issue as both a budget and democracy question, arguing that federal cuts and attacks on public programs undermine self-governance and community well-being. In response to questions, speakers said Minnesota cannot fully backfill expected federal Medicaid losses, but can use state tools to reduce harm and should press Republicans to identify what services they would cut instead.

Transcript Highlights:

• until 2028 because essentially our testing starts at third grade.
• I mean, teachers always test. Teachers have to test. It's part of their curriculum.
• That's what teachers hate about testing.
• to be tested within 30 days at the beginning of a school year.
• students where we lost days of instruction to testing.

Bills: SB29 , SB37 , SB29 , SB37

Committees: Senate Senate Education , Senate House Education

Keywords: SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening, mathematics screening assessment, mathematics difficulty, support plan, multilevel support, intervention

Transcript Highlights:

• , which is a good test for building transmission.
• The difference between that test and what this bill does is that the test looks at, as we sit here today
• This is the same type of test, but it looks further out into the future.
• An important feature of the bill is that this longer-term test doesn't supplant the current test.
• It's the only means-tested production tax credit in the entire tax code.

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up a long list of pending House bills, most of them on motions by Senator King or Senator Campbell. The committee adopted committee substitutes and favorably reported numerous bills, including HB 252, HB 700, HB 1500, HB 1545, HB 1562, HB 1732, HB 267, HB 2213, HB 2221, HB 2520, HB 2818, HB 3016, HB 3214, HB 3250, HB 3512, HB 3623, HB 3689, HB 3833, HB 4063, HB 4395, HB 4690, HB 4751, HB 5331, HB 3824, HB 4464, HB 4468, and HB 5247. Most of these were sent to the local and uncontested calendar, while some, including sunset and other significant measures, were reported to the full Senate. HB 146 was the only bill reported out on a divided vote, passing 6 ayes to 4 nays. Several bills received brief explanation of committee substitute changes. HB 3016, dealing with rental car collision damage waivers and stolen vehicles, was amended to change a cooperation standard from “fully cooperate” to simply “cooperate.” HB 3689, a major ESF/TWA financing bill, was described as making technical changes to align terminology with the Comptroller’s authority and to avoid creating state debt or new liability. HB 5247, a capital cost recovery bill for transmission in the Permian Basin, was revised to clarify how the new mechanism fits with existing Utilities Code provisions and to add a 2035 expiration date. HB 3824, the battery fire safety bill, also received technical changes to align terminology with industry usage. The committee heard public testimony on several pending measures. HB 3069, which would direct the PUC to develop supplemental multi-decade planning criteria for transmission certificates in ERCOT, drew support from industry, environmental, and manufacturing witnesses who said it would help address congestion costs while balancing consumer protections; the bill was left pending. HB 5196, requiring state agencies to adopt and post telework policies and use written telework agreements, received both support and concern: supporters said it would preserve productivity and retention, while a senator raised concerns about notice and family logistics; it was left pending after testimony. HB 3112, allowing closed deliberations on cybersecurity policy details, was laid out and left pending after brief discussion. HCR 102, supporting federal nuclear tax credits, drew testimony from nuclear industry and energy advocates, who argued the credits are essential for existing plants, new nuclear development, grid reliability, and U.S. competitiveness; the resolution was left pending, with discussion about whether the language should focus more exclusively on nuclear. HB 705, creating a cosmetology licensure compact, was supported by industry, employers, and compact experts as a mobility tool that preserves state authority; HB 3516, expanding a public information exemption for Railroad Commission administrative law judges and technical examiners, and HB 3388, authorizing group property and casualty coverage for personal lines, were also heard and left pending. At the end of the meeting, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that the materials testing lab. Are you are you all testing materials?
• We test concrete.
• We test steel trust test all materials.
• We're going to test the Asian Ron test.
• The ability for a different over understand the impacts around test are reflective of the other test.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does that allow me to prove one of the three four tests?
• Does that allow me to prove one of the three four tests?
• Does that allow me to prove one of the three four tests?
• Does that allow me to prove one of the three four tests?
• Does that allow me to prove one of the three four tests?

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it's easy to say, "Why don't you go into your doctor to get a test?"
• If you test a kid for strep, the potential test positive could be it could test positive for strep and
• 36.000><c> it</c> the potential test positive could be it the potential test positive could be it could
• So, I urge a yes vote. already have test and treat and there already have test and treat and there could
• accommodation requirement of a testing entity. entity. entity.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our public roads have become Tesla's test track.
• I mean, firstly, these cars need to be fully tested before they're on the roads.
• testing and deployment in 2018, and light-duty autonomous motor trucks in 2019.
• testing, and deployment.
• Today, 28 manufacturers hold driver testing permits, six hold driverless testing permits, and three are

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, with the chair emphasizing that all panel testimony would be heard before public comment. The first panel included an industry representative from AVIA, a George Mason University professor, a Dawn Project representative, and a crash survivor. Testimony sharply divided between supporters who said AVs and driver-assist systems can reduce crashes and create jobs, and critics who argued that current systems are unreliable, rely on unsafe remote assistance, and are being deployed without enough transparency or accountability. Committee members questioned witnesses about safety data, the distinction between Level 2 and Level 4 systems, remote operations, liability, and whether California should adopt more uniform standards and stronger reporting requirements. The second panel focused on first responders and workers. A retired San Francisco Fire Department official described AVs blocking fire scenes, ambulances, and apparatus access, and said remote hotlines have been too slow to resolve incidents, urging a public-safety manual override for police, fire, and paramedics. A San Jose police deputy chief said law enforcement sees AV safety potential but needs clear authority, training, and standardized protocols to handle traffic violations and emergency interactions. A San Francisco rideshare driver described near-collisions, red-light violations, and congestion caused by robotaxis, calling for fines, permit suspensions, and better public access to incident data. A Teamsters representative criticized DMV’s proposed heavy-duty AV rules as too permissive, especially for 80,000-pound autonomous trucks, and argued for independent validation, operational limits, and legislative action if regulators do not act. In the final panel, DMV and CPUC officials described California’s existing AV regulatory framework and defended the state’s oversight. DMV said it has regulated AVs since 2014, has issued multiple rulemakings, and is now developing a fourth package that would expand reporting, strengthen enforcement, and require AVs to respond to emergency geo-fence messages and law enforcement direction. DMV also noted current permit counts and past suspensions and revocations, including Cruise and Pony.ai actions. CPUC began outlining its role in regulating passenger service for hire. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only, and the committee chair indicated the testimony would inform future policy and legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our public roads have become Tesla's test track.
• I mean, firstly, these cars need to be fully tested before they're on the roads.
• testing and deployment in 2018, and light-duty autonomous motor trucks in 2019.
• testing, and deployment.
• Today, 28 manufacturers hold driver testing permits, six hold driverless testing permits, and three are

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, focusing on safety, regulation, first responder impacts, and the state’s evolving oversight framework. The chair said the committee would hear all panels before public comment, with witnesses limited to five minutes and public commenters to one minute. The first panel featured an industry representative, a safety academic, and victims/advocates who described sharply different views of AV safety and accountability. Ariel Wolf of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association argued that fully autonomous vehicles are distinct from driver-assist systems, said AVs are already reducing crashes and fatalities, and urged clear, uniform standards. Dr. Missy Cummings countered that remote operations and computer-vision failures show the technology still depends on human intervention and can be unsafe, especially when remote assistance is done from abroad. Robert O’Dowd and Dylan Angulo, both tied to Tesla crash cases, described fatal and serious injuries involving Autopilot/Full Self-Driving, criticized limited transparency and data access, and called for stronger disclosure, preservation of crash data, and mandatory fixes or disabling of defective software. Committee members questioned witnesses about data comparing AVs to human drivers, the role of remote operators, liability, and whether California should create clearer standards for the human element behind AV systems. Several members and witnesses discussed the need for “guardrails,” black-box-style data access, and accountability for the remaining crash risk. The hearing then shifted to first responders and road users: a San Francisco Fire Department representative described AVs blocking fire scenes, ambulances, and apparatus access during emergencies and urged a public safety manual override; a San Jose police representative said officers need clear enforcement authority, training, and reliable ways to stop or redirect AVs; a rideshare driver described near-collisions and congestion caused by robo-taxis; and a Teamsters representative opposed proposed heavy-duty AV truck rules as too reliant on manufacturer self-certification and lacking independent validation. In the final panel, DMV and CPUC officials defended California’s regulatory structure. DMV said it has regulated AVs since 2014, has issued multiple rulemakings and permit types, and is developing a fourth package that would add reporting, enforcement tools, emergency-response requirements, and rules for heavy-duty AVs. DMV said it has revoked or suspended permits when needed, including Cruise and Pony.ai actions. CPUC said its authority covers passenger service only, requires safety plans and ongoing reporting, and continues oversight after permits are issued. No votes or formal actions were taken, as the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Drug testing, parimutuel racing animals. You said there was a, is there a decreased TVMDL testing?
• to discontinue all drug testing for racing animals due to a decline in drug testing. revenue.
• pattern so they will discontinue testing base horses for the drug testing.
• So it does not reflect an end to the testing, just our funding of it.
• They're pretty big, the test... Articles, you know, probably, I don't know, about five feet.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• the test track at Holloman.
• So first off, the 704th Test Group. Probably most famous for that high-speed test track.
• This is our go-to for the Air Force radar cross-section test facility.
• Directed energy is a big effort in the test group.
• It provides airspace where you can do a lot of testing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are currently testing with groups like Space Force and certain rocket lift providers.
• Now, last year's bill also had a provision for a penetration test.
• test.
• We had to give them administrative rights to the server to actually test the encryption.
• test and the results are available.

Bills: HB2809

Committees: House Science & Technology , House House Science & Technology Committee of Reference

Keywords: cybersecurity, post-quantum encryption, CMMC 2.0, state agencies, data protection, US-based vendors

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I do have a question and um it's basically what type of testing will be used to earn the Kentucky
• categories in there to what's existing per the statute, but uh it's a internationally recognized testing
• </c><00:03:26.720><c> what</c><00:03:26.879><c> type</c><00:03:27.080><c> of</c><00:03:27.319><c> testing
• </c> it's basically uh what type of testing it's basically uh what type of testing will<00:03:28.000>
• </c> model that's utilized with the testing model that's utilized with the testing or<00:03:52.159><c

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee met to continue discussion of a committee substitute for a bill dealing with non-veterinary equine dental practice. The chair first addressed a procedural issue, saying any handouts distributed without the chair’s approval were improper and would not be part of the official record. The committee then reintroduced and approved the committee substitute by motion and second, before moving into member questions rather than hearing additional public testimony that morning. Senator Reed asked what testing would be required for state approval and about the bill’s timeline. The response said the bill would rely on an internationally recognized testing model, with education and continuing education requirements, and that the measure included an 18-month period to allow existing practitioners time to comply. Senator Deneen then raised concerns about the grandfather clause, the five-year lookback, and whether the bill could set a precedent that would further encroach on veterinary practice. In response, supporters said the bill was intended to create a structure for a practice that already exists, with training, insurance, a registry, and a grievance process to weed out bad actors while preserving access and affordability for horse owners, especially in rural areas where veterinarians may be scarce or unavailable. The discussion also included historical context, with members noting the issue had been considered during earlier veterinary modernization efforts and had been worked on through open work groups, surveys, stakeholder meetings, and multiple drafts. Supporters argued that without a regulated framework, some horse owners might not be able to afford veterinary care, which could leave horses untreated. No final vote on the bill itself was described in this portion of the meeting beyond approval of the committee substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• The way that was accommodated is they would take basically a nonresident test and license in one state
• We're going to require that you, even though you've had a test and exam in another state, have to have
• a test and have to be licensed in your home state.
• We're going to require that you, even though you've had a test and exam in another state, have to have
• a test and have to be licensed in your home state.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The Commerce Committee met and, after deciding not to hear Senate Bill 1254, took up three bills in order: SB 1181, SB 1252, and SB 1415. SB 1181 would revise requirements for certification of public accountants and was described as identical to House Bill 2476, which had already passed the House. A representative of the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants testified in support, explaining that the bill creates additional pathways to CPA licensure and is intended to keep Arizona CPAs competitive; no questions were raised. SB 1252 would adopt the Uniform Assignment for Benefit of Creditors Act. Staff explained it as a framework for transferring a distressed business's assets to an assignee who liquidates them and distributes proceeds to creditors. A Uniform Law Commission counsel testified that an assignment for the benefit of creditors can be a flexible alternative to bankruptcy or receivership, giving the debtor more control while requiring the assignee to act as a fiduciary and maximize creditor distributions. The bill was presented without opposition. SB 1415 would set qualifications for salaried employees of insurers or managing general agents to obtain an adjuster license without taking the Arizona adjuster exam, and would limit that license to adjusting claims as a salaried employee. A State Farm representative supported the bill, saying it responds to other states requiring Arizona-based company adjusters to obtain additional licensing and testing, which could affect thousands of employees; the bill would allow those already licensed and tested elsewhere to obtain Arizona licensure without another exam, while new applicants after January 1 would still need Arizona licensure and testing. All three bills received unanimous due pass recommendations by 10-0 votes, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . they will be still with no testing. they will be still tested<01:52:53.040><c> by</c><01:52:53.360>
• They take a test in hours.
• largest test across the country.
• /c> So they do the test which is the test So they do the test which is the test that<02:37:37.280><c>
• </c> your test, get your license, go to work. your test, get your license, go to work.

Summary: The committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 185, which would add timelines to Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) investigations. Senator Howard Pearl said the bill was prompted by concerns from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors about delays at the Real Estate Commission, and he explained that the proposal would require OPLC staff to make an initial determination within 30 days and, if misconduct is found, complete an investigation within 60 days. He said the goal is to improve transparency and give consumers and licensees more timely information, while preserving the board’s adjudicatory role. He also noted that the bill had been amended to delay implementation to give OPLC time to work through its backlog. Committee members questioned how the bill would work when an investigation is incomplete and whether the board could send a case back to OPLC without a firm deadline. Pearl said the board would have discretion to continue the investigation or make a final determination, and that the bill was intended to streamline OPLC’s process rather than impose a hard cap on complex cases. OPLC Executive Director Deanna Durus and General Counsel Nicholas Fry then testified that the agency has already changed its procedures under prior legislation, including a facial review of complaints and monthly board review of dismissal memos. They said the bill would substantially alter the current structure, could conflict with existing limitation periods and board duties, and would be difficult to implement without additional staff and funding. Durus said the agency’s backlog is large, that new complaints are being triaged and prioritized, and that some urgent matters are moved ahead based on risk and statutory deadlines. She said OPLC had completed a review of about 500 backlog cases that would now be dismissed under current screening standards, and that those cases are being turned into memos for board review. Board of Medicine public member Nina Gardner testified in favor of the bill but said the backlog is significant and that the agency needs more resources to make the process work effectively. She said the board is seeing progress, but not fast enough, and suggested the bill may not go far enough without additional staffing and funding. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the the citizenship current test and the the citizenship test<01:48:16.480><c> has</c><01:48:16.800
• </c> university, by the way, it doesn't test university, by the way, it doesn't test the<01:51:22.480
• </c> this room should get 100% on that test. this room should get 100% on that test.
• </c> differently what the testing means. differently what the testing means.
• </c> would read this to say that it's a test would read this to say that it's a test of<01:57:41.520>

Summary: The work session began with HB 656, as amended, which would treat federal funds received by school districts as unanticipated money unless already listed in the annual report, and would require notices and school board minutes to identify the grant and summarize any obligations attached to accepting it. Supporters said the bill was aimed at transparency so voters would understand the “strings attached” to grants, while opponents raised concerns that the amendment was new, potentially vague, and could require districts to publish lengthy or redundant information, increasing costs and administrative burden. Several members suggested alternative approaches, such as a state-level list of common grant obligations or posting grant documents online. No vote was taken, and some members argued the bill was not ready for action. The committee then moved to HB 665, which would expand eligibility for free school meals to households at up to 300% of federal poverty guidelines and use education trust fund money to cover the added cost. Representative Damon strongly supported the bill, citing food insecurity and arguing the fiscal note likely overstated costs because the bill requires at least one free meal, not necessarily both breakfast and lunch. The discussion was just beginning when the transcript ended, and no vote or final action on HB 665 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a very difficult test. Again, this is a certification.
• the testing.
• We need to do testing for valley fever, a fungal infection that can be diagnosed with a blood test. .
• ..to do testing for valley fever, a fungal infection that can be diagnosed with a blood test, all diagnostics
• Some require licensure and testing. Some don't.

Bills: SB1021 , SB1144 , SB1164 , SB1178 , SB1181 , SB1241 , SB1247 , SB1286 , SB1415 , SCR1011

Committee: Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Keywords: health profession, regulatory boards, criminal activity, notification, auditor general, investigations, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, ALTCS, providers, ownership change, healthcare, Arizona Long Term Care System, naturopathic physician, naturopathic medicine, naturopathic doctor, naturopathic physicians medical board

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2: to mandate reading tests and to require tutoring for students who fail the reading tests
• It would help our state's test scores. This bill would increase jobs.
• My question for this bill is why is the test given at grade eight?
• What would you do for the students who just don't care and just skim the reading tests?
• Those are the times where the test start to really matter. They start taking bigger effect.

Committee: All BOYS STATE

Transcript Highlights:

• Our public roads have become Tesla's test track.
• I mean, firstly, these cars need to be fully tested before they're on the roads.
• testing and deployment in 2018, and light-duty autonomous motor trucks in 2019.
• testing, and deployment.
• Today, 28 manufacturers hold driver testing permits, six hold driverless testing permits, and three are

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held an informational hearing on autonomous vehicle technology in California, with testimony from industry, safety advocates, first responders, drivers, and state regulators. The chair framed the hearing as an overview of AV deployment, safety, first responder interactions, and current and future regulation. Witnesses from the AV industry argued that autonomous vehicles can reduce crashes and injuries, create jobs, and support California’s leadership in innovation, while critics and crash survivors described serious safety failures, including phantom braking, inadequate transparency, and crashes involving Tesla’s Autopilot/Full Self-Driving systems. Several witnesses urged stronger disclosure, data preservation, independent safety validation, and clearer accountability for companies deploying these systems. First responder and labor witnesses described operational problems in San Francisco and elsewhere, saying AVs have blocked fire engines, ambulances, and police responses, shut down in emergency scenes, and caused major delays during outages. They asked for faster and more reliable remote support, a public safety manual override, clearer enforcement authority, and limits on deployment in complex conditions. A police chief representative said law enforcement supports innovation but needs standardized protocols, training, and clear statutory authority. A Teamsters representative criticized proposed DMV rules for heavy-duty autonomous trucks, arguing they rely too heavily on manufacturer self-certification and do not impose enough independent safety review or geographic limits. State regulators from the DMV and CPUC defended California’s existing AV framework, saying the state has regulated AVs since 2014 and now has an end-to-end system with permits, reporting requirements, enforcement tools, and first responder coordination. DMV officials said the new rulemaking would add more reporting, address heavy-duty AVs, and require compliance with emergency geofence messages and law enforcement direction. CPUC testimony emphasized that its role is limited to passenger service and ride-hail operations. Committee members asked about crash data, remote operations, liability, response times, and whether California should adopt more uniform standards and stronger guardrails. No votes or formal actions were taken, as the hearing was informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on our testing, we determined that BHA did not comply with most of the criteria we tested.
• ><c> grant</c> We tested grant payments, grant We tested grant payments, grant monitoring,<00:04:10.000
• </c> criteria we tested. criteria we tested.
• </c> over 10% of the amount we tested. over 10% of the amount we tested.
• </c> on top of the internal controls testing on top of the internal controls testing I<01:00:23.520><

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Analyses and approving testing methods.
• Briefly for context, the ISO and IEC... ...forensic toxicology testing.
• Lewis County did out-of-state testing, and I know we've now referenced we won't do out-of-state testing
• , but the out-of-state testing on a simple drug—it was some drugs.
• In order for the testing, the testimony, the interviews, it was near $10,000.

Bills: HB1228 , HB1239 , HB2310 , HB2464

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, impaired driving, toxicology, forensic toxicology, breath test, blood test, THC, marijuana, cannabis, alcohol concentration, state toxicologist, implied consent, evidence admissibility, venous blood draw, forensic phlebotomist, certified laboratory, accredited laboratory, law enforcement, DWI