Transcript Highlights:

• Charles, Missouri, Missouri's first state capital, and I ask the body would please make him welcome.
• And I believe we've, and just last year, we eliminated income taxes on capital gains, correct?
• And I believe we've, and just last year, we eliminated income taxes on capital gains, correct?
• You all tried the capital gains, and you said it was going to be $180 million.
• Tax cuts will create jobs, innovation, and local circulation of capital.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lenders see nonprofits as capital.
• And interest rates are after capital.
• </c><00:21:07.679><c> costs</c> regulatory compliance and capital costs regulatory compliance and capital
• </c><00:22:14.080><c> expenditure</c> require significant capital expenditure require significant capital
• </c> restricts our ability to secure capital restricts our ability to secure capital in<00:23:34.480>

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are also recommending $100,000 for the International Peace Gardens to do a sewer system study.
• for the Cactus Conservatory Project at the International Peace Garden.
• It also added dining and kitchen areas for visitors that come to the International Peace Gardens.
• in the value of the International Peace Gardens and into a much longer period of use.
• It also added dining and kitchen areas for visitors that come to the International Peace Gardens.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal. The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause. The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments. The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• My job is at the disability committee garden. I plant greens, all different kinds.
• And you work at the Garden Market? Welcome to the Garden Market. Welcome to the Garden Market.
• So Carrie, her first job at the Garden Market was we brought...
• around the store, and she sweeps the Garden Market.
• I was in the Garden Cafe, which is upstairs, and we can look down on the Garden Market.

Summary: The meeting was a 14(c) Task Force hearing focused on employment experiences of Oklahomans with disabilities and the state’s use of subminimum wage. Numerous self-advocates and workers testified about their jobs, accommodations, pay, transportation barriers, and the importance of community integration. Several speakers described positive experiences in competitive or community jobs, while others recounted being underused, fired without explanation, or paid by piece rate or minimum wage in sheltered or enclave settings. Many emphasized that fair pay, independence, ABLE accounts, and supportive employers matter to them, and several said they want future careers, promotions, or even to own businesses and help others with disabilities find work. Task force members discussed recurring themes from the testimony: transportation as a major barrier, the importance of community and self-advocacy, employer misconceptions and stigma, the need for better transition services from school to work, and the difficulty families face navigating benefits and employment systems. Members also raised concerns about people being fired without explanation and about the need for meaningful options for those not ready for competitive employment. Suggestions included more employer education, reverse job fairs, job coaching, benefits planning, better coordination between DDS and DRS, and stronger transition supports in schools and through programs like Project SEARCH. Staff then presented research on how other states have phased out or eliminated 14(c) certificates. Examples included Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington, with common approaches such as phase-out timelines, technical assistance, provider transition plans, and support for competitive integrated employment. The presenters noted that Oklahoma still has 40 entities using 14(c), most of them DDS providers, but many providers are already moving away from it. Members discussed potential unintended consequences, the need for a clear timeline, the possibility of blending or braiding services, and whether Oklahoma should create a more one-stop, employer-friendly system. No votes were taken, and the group agreed to continue gathering information and return in June to begin shaping priorities and possible policy directions.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is probably capital budget and private sector driven.
• This is probably capital budget and private sector driven.
• The list, let's see, it lists gardeners.
• I've hired house cleaners to help out in my home, and my mother has hired many gardeners over the years

Bills: SB6045 , SB6188 , SB6053 , SB5852

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: agriculture, collective bargaining, labor relations, public employment, agricultural employees, SB 6188, asbestos, asbestos training, asbestos certification, asbestos worker, asbestos supervisor, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, rulemaking authority, occupational safety, workplace safety, hazardous materials, abatement, encapsulation, removal

Transcript Highlights:

• proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax that is realized or unrealized capital
• Allen, Texas, which is my hometown, here to their capital today. Members, the city of Allen...
• students from Longstar College are right here if you guys would stand up and visiting their Texas capital
• Welcome to your Texas capital. Welcome to Texas. 457 The chair recognizes Mr.
• Beskar relating to a pilot program to provide grants for free and reduced tuition pre-credit and garden

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The alternative to that is something called a walled garden or a closed system.
• Our recommendation as a task force is to only use these closed while garden systems within K 12.
• So it's really important that we start with those closed guarded walled garden, so to speak in those
• So thank you. >> Again, you address the close gardens. I think that's an important thing.
• We're talking about the garden full pads with walls around. You can't get out, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Joanne Kona, and from Lima Huli Garden and Preserve, Lewan.
• We have Joanne Kona, and from Lima Huli Garden and Preserve, Lewan.
• c><00:01:47.159><c> from</c><00:01:48.159><c> Lima</c><00:01:48.640><c> Huli</c><00:01:48.920><c> garden
• </c><00:01:49.200><c> and</c> Kona and from Lima Huli garden and Kona and from Lima Huli garden and preserve

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• achievement for our state, a true breakthrough in science that reinforces why we are known as the Garden
• pride when we buy a box of blueberries that were cultivated in Hamilton and see the words, blueberry capital
• It must be located in a Garden State Growth Zone.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I grew up on a farm in Fort Lauderdale out west, and I currently live on a farm in Palm Beach Gardens
• some really important work to do this session. out west and I currently live on a farm in Palm Beach Gardens
• We have the strawberry capital of the world today in the state of Florida, Hillsborough throughout the

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met to organize for the session, confirm a quorum, and hear introductory remarks from members about their districts and interests. Chair Esposito outlined the committee’s jurisdiction and budget overview, noting a total budget of about $7.2 billion, with major funding tied to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Citrus. She also described major cost drivers such as Everglades restoration, water quality, resiliency, land acquisition, and rural family lands, and asked members to review agency requests in small groups later in the process. Agency leaders then presented budget and program updates. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized department efficiency efforts, including IT modernization, staff reorganization, rural and family lands conservation, best management practices, Fresh From Florida marketing, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, and completion of the Connor Complex headquarters. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert highlighted record investments in Everglades restoration, water quality projects, resilience grants, land acquisition, state parks, and enforcement. FWC Executive Director Roger Young discussed conservation research, fisheries and wildlife management, law enforcement, disaster response, and pressures from growth, boating, invasive species, and derelict vessels. Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shep reviewed the industry’s decline due to hurricanes and citrus greening, current research and marketing efforts, and e-commerce campaigns to support Florida citrus sales. Members asked questions about citrus production declines, future replanting and therapies, rural family lands, PFOS cleanup, mangrove restoration, flooding and pump infrastructure, agricultural theft, and derelict vessel removal. Officials generally responded with updates, emphasized science-based management and enforcement, and in several cases said they would follow up with more detailed information later. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair directing members to provide feedback on agencies for further budget review and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• the grid, that is a market decision that a private developer will make and recoup the cost of his capital
• These are very capital-intensive projects, and so with interest rates rising, we've seen the prices go
• um<01:47:59.840><c> these</c><01:47:59.960><c> are</c><01:48:00.159><c> very</c><01:48:00.400><c> Capital
• </c><01:48:00.800><c> intensive</c> um these are very Capital intensive um these are very Capital intensive
• I've heard from my district Capital I've heard from my district that's<04:50:54.718><c> not</c><04:50

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:25.760><c> House</c> the capital they need to succeed.
• House the capital they need to succeed.
• An example of gaps in capital stacks.
• They tabled in the sculpture gardens. Artists featured in the Walker reached out to offer support.
• </c> services, health services, gardening services, health services, gardening services,<01:38:44.560

Bills: HF3878 , HF4131 , HF3796 , HF4097

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, consumer rights, automated decision systems, Minnesota Statutes, suitable seating, employee seating, workplace seating, occupational safety, workplace safety, labor standards, employer requirements, chair, stool

Transcript Highlights:

• we're still eating on them out of his garden.
• And, uh, that's something my dad always had a garden, you know, every year.
• we're still eating on them out of his garden.
• And, uh, that's something my dad always had a garden, you know, every year.
• we're still eating on them out of his garden.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:12 SB 5 Discussion: 03:10 SB 5 Roll Call Vote: 18:05 SB 73 Discussion: 22:00 SB 73 Roll Call Vote: 22:40, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• persistent challenges in state government technology management, which is the lack of flexible upfront capital
• Too often agencies are forced to rely on annual appropriations or capital bond legislation or fragmented
• If you don't know, they make the trucks that go to the Garden, NFL, all these sporting events, the mobile
• We provide all the capital funding One is a student program we run.
• We provide all the capital funding for an in-curriculum program inside of our Northampton Public School

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:

• Brady Garden, on behalf of the League of California Cities, in support.
• Metro is leading the nation's largest transit capital program, investing $120 billion over 40 years.
• In practice, this linkage is creating opposition to transit capital projects themselves.
• In practice, this linkage is creating opposition to transit capital projects themselves.
• Brady Garden on behalf of the League of California Cities.

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right here in the Capital Region, we have one of the largest and fastest-growing Arab American communities
• entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare workers, and public servants, engineers, and they have strengthened the Capital
• It doesn’t even have to require a study when there is a capital improvement being sought.
• IT DOESN'T EVEN HAVE TO REQUIRE A STUDY WHEN THERE IS A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BEING SOUGHT.
• Now, it may be, you know, that we have a different concept of gardens.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine formalities, approved the journal, welcomed a SkillsUSA student delegation, and then moved into budget and policy business. The chamber accepted a Rules Committee report and took up a supplemental budget extender, Senate Print 9963, which would extend state operations through April 22 and authorize $12.7 billion, including about $5.1 billion in new funding for Medicaid, payroll, and school aid. Senator O’Mara questioned the delay in the budget, the lack of public detail, and unresolved issues such as CLCPA changes, auto insurance, and SEQR reforms; the sponsor said negotiations were ongoing and that school aid would likely build on the executive budget. The extender passed 57-1, with Senator Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 1887, sponsored by Senator Brisport, memorializing the Governor to proclaim April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month. Senators Brisport, Fahy, Salazar, and Gounardes spoke in support, emphasizing Arab Americans’ cultural, civic, and economic contributions in New York and condemning anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. The resolution was adopted by voice vote and opened for co-sponsorship. The chamber next considered several bills on the calendar, including a bill by Senator Cleare to prohibit state-chartered financial institutions from investing in private correctional facilities. Supporters framed it as a moral response to private prisons and rising federal use of detention facilities, while opponents argued it would overregulate state-chartered banks and affect private investment decisions. The bill passed 36-22. The Senate also passed a bill by Senator Krueger raising the nonprofit lobbying disclosure threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, after debate over transparency and whether the change would reduce oversight; it passed 35-23. Finally, the Senate passed Senator May’s bill on advanced transmission technologies and utility planning, after extensive debate over ratepayer costs, battery storage, and data center growth; supporters said it could lower energy costs through more efficient grid use, while opponents said it would raise rates and duplicate existing studies. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• She then spent $2,000 to cover her strawberry garden, and it just blew away in the wind.
• I know another fixed-income senior who worked all last spring on above-ground garden beds.
• Faced with imminent spraying, many of us, including my family, abandoned our gardens entirely.
• I'm a home gardener. I would never recklessly allow someone to misuse chemical outreach.
• I'm not an organic farmer or a gardener, but I try to be as much as I can.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Chair and members, Brady Garden on behalf of the League of California Cities in support
• Metro is leading the nation's largest transit capital program, investing $120 billion over 40 years.
• In practice, this linkage is creating opposition to transit capital projects themselves.
• Brady Garden on behalf of the League of California Cities.
• to ownership by private equity firms, hedge funds, large multi-state corporations that seek to capitalize

Summary: The committee heard AB 736, the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which would place a $10 billion housing bond on the ballot to fund multifamily housing, supportive housing, homeownership, preservation of deed-restricted units, acquisition/rehabilitation of naturally affordable housing, farmworker housing, and tribal housing. The author and supporters said the bond is needed because existing housing bond funds are exhausted and California still faces a severe affordability and homelessness crisis. Support was broad, with many local governments, housing groups, labor, and business organizations testifying in favor; Habitat for Humanity opposed unless 10% of proceeds were reserved for CalHome. Committee members raised the CalHome issue and other priorities, but the bill passed on a do-pass motion to Senate Appropriations with a roll-call vote, with some members voting aye and the measure held on call for absent members. The committee then took up SB 1361, which would limit how SB 79 transit-oriented housing rules can be used to interfere with planned transit stops and routes. The author and supporters from L.A. Metro and the building trades argued the bill would prevent local governments from stalling transit projects out of concern that future density requirements could apply, while preserving existing housing standards. Several groups that had initially opposed or had concerns, including the League of California Cities, Streets for All, Greenbelt Alliance, California YIMBY, and Bay Area Council, withdrew opposition or moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved as amended to Senate Local Government and placed on call. Senator Grayson presented SB 1003, creating a pro-housing infrastructure financing program to help local governments and developers fund infrastructure needed for infill housing, and SB 1014, requiring local agencies to provide early good-faith estimates and itemized lists of on-site and off-site improvements so projects are not hit with late surprise costs. Both bills were supported by housing advocates, Habitat for Humanity, and other groups, with limited opposition or concerns from some cities about implementation details. Each measure received a do-pass-as-amended motion to Senate Appropriations and was held on call. The committee also heard SB 908 on window replacement streamlining, which would ease permitting for energy-efficient residential window replacements statewide and limit certain new-construction provisions to San Francisco; it passed as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Later, Senator Allen presented SB 1092 and SB 1093 on mobile home park preservation and post-disaster protections. SB 1092 would require park owners who intend to sell to give residents or their representatives an opportunity to make a competitive bid to buy the park, with supporters citing wildfire losses and the need to preserve unsubsidized affordable housing; opponents argued it would devalue property and create litigation risk. SB 1093 would require clearer communication, access, and compensation protections for residents after disasters, and would require owners to consider rebuilding versus closure. Supporters emphasized the uncertainty faced by displaced residents in the Palisades and other fire areas, while opponents said the bill could impose onerous obligations, liability, and valuation requirements. Both bills were moved do pass as amended to Appropriations and held on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, the Capital Ones of the world, the large issuers of the world get a fee.
• They get all these offers, just like we all do in the mail: a $1,000 cash bonus from Capital One, American
• Capitalizing neighborhoods, anchoring main streets, and investing deeply into our communities.
• And when we add taprooms or beer gardens, like many of our members, we also operate as restaurants.
• And when we add taprooms or beer gardens, like many of our members, we also operate as restaurants.

Summary: The commission met to hear testimony on the future of credit card payments and swipe fees, with a focus on impacts to small businesses, especially restaurants and retailers. Members and witnesses discussed interchange fees, processing fees, chargebacks, fraud risk, rewards programs, and the growing use of card-not-present and digital wallet transactions. Several witnesses urged the commission to support legislation that would prohibit fees on the tax and tip portions of transactions and allow businesses to pass credit card fees on to customers if they choose, while others warned that state regulation of interchange could reduce fraud protections and harm consumer rewards programs. Small business owners and trade groups described rising costs and thin margins, saying card fees are now among their largest expenses and are often charged on money that is merely passing through the business, such as sales tax and gratuities. Restaurant representatives said the current system shifts fraud and chargeback losses onto merchants, with little ability to negotiate rates or recover disputed funds, and argued that transparency and fee relief would help keep independent businesses open. Retailers gave similar testimony, citing rising swipe fees, complex statements, and the burden of online and phone transactions. A representative from the airline industry opposed interchange reform, arguing that airline credit card rewards are popular with consumers and support travel and jobs in Massachusetts. Credit union representatives cautioned that state-level interchange limits could weaken fraud prevention and force higher rates or reduced services, while the National Restaurant Association and a payments-policy attorney countered that banks and networks already operate under fee caps in other contexts and that interchange rates are fixed rather than competitive. Commission members asked questions about how chargebacks work, how fees are broken down, whether businesses can negotiate with processors or POS providers, and how consumer behavior has shifted toward cards, online ordering, and delivery since the pandemic. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wendy perfected everything she was interested in and touched, from camping, sewing, gardening, canning
• public defenders, providing legislative intent, repealing Section 19-5908, Idaho Code, relating to capital
• If somebody asks at the volunteer desk on the garden level where the restroom is, and that volunteer
• And to get out too far on the ghost in the machine with what is reasonable in this capital, everywhere
• And to get out too far on the ghost in the machine with what is reasonable in this capital, everywhere

Keywords: 989, all