Transcript Highlights:

• state boards, including the executive committee, the State Board of Investment, and the Board of Pardons
• state boards, including the executive committee, the State Board of Investment, and the Board of Pardons
• State Board of investment and the board State Board of investment and the board of<00:24:58.679> Pardons

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• Science<01:10:12.920> Program<01:10:13.440> buff<01:10:13.920> chickens pardon
• :10:18.760> so<01:10:19.760> we<01:10:19.960> have<01:10:20.199> this pardon
• and uh so we have this pardon and uh so we have this opportunity<01:10:21.159> to<01:10:21.440

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Committee on Higher Education and Agriculture heard Senate Bill 1158, which would authorize general obligation bonds and appropriations for a controlled environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the Magoon Research and Teaching Site in Manoa. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Maui County, MetroGrow Hawaiʻi, and other agricultural groups, who said the project would strengthen food resilience, support year-round production, create clean jobs, and provide a demonstration site for urban vertical farming. University representatives said the project would include demolition of an existing condemned building, a research and lab component, and a multistory vertical farm, with an estimated cost of $6 million and a projected two-year build time. Members questioned whether Manoa was the best location, whether the project fit the university’s broader strategy, and whether the request would displace other priorities. The University said the site is tied to SEAR activities, close to students and faculty, and intended to support hands-on training and commercial-scale production. In response to concerns about soil testing and stakeholder needs, the University said it would restart the soil testing lab using internal funds, though not as part of this bill, and would request additional staff for efficiency. The committee then recessed and later reconvened in decision-making, where the chairs recommended and the committee adopted amendments to SB 1158, including a name correction and deferral to July 31, 2050, and the bill passed with amendments. The committee then took up Senate Bill 663, relating to the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and SEAR research and experiment stations. The University testified that the stations are important for locally relevant agricultural research but are short staffed, with 34 positions down since 2005, and that the bill requests eight new positions, including agricultural technicians and four county community coordinator positions, to improve station operations, community engagement, and workforce development. The Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying the positions are needed to revamp extension services and that Manoa is an appropriate urban location for the vertical farming component. Members questioned why vacant or existing positions could not be used instead of new ones, and the University explained that some listed vacancies reflected old federally funded positions or inaccurate counts, promised a written update, and said it was working to fill current openings. No final vote on SB 663 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Representative Pardon, you had some, I think, some question about the... the the bill as amended
• Um, Representative<02:09:55.920> Pardon,<02:09:56.400> you<02:09:56.560> had<02:
• 09:56.800> some<02:09:57.040> I Representative Pardon, you had some I Representative Pardon

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first adopted amendment 2026-2021S to correct a drafting issue in the budget language so that the $2.5 million appropriation for Medicaid per diem rate stabilization at county nursing homes can be spent during the biennium rather than lapsing at the end of the fiscal year. Senator Lang explained that the funds are matched with federal dollars for a total of $5 million and are intended to prevent rate reductions that could shift costs to county property taxpayers. The amendment was adopted unanimously by both chambers, and the committee proceeded on the bill as amended by the Senate. The main discussion then focused on HB 155 and a proposed amendment to the business enterprise tax. The House proposal would lower the BET rate in stages when combined business tax revenues exceed certain thresholds, while the Senate opposed an immediate rate reduction and argued that tax changes should be handled in a budget year. Senators emphasized that raising the filing threshold to $375,000 had already removed about 3,500 small businesses from filing requirements, and they preferred further relief through threshold changes rather than rate cuts. House members argued that the trigger-based reduction was a reasonable, tested mechanism and would provide future tax relief without taking effect unless revenues rose enough. Members debated whether the trigger could be distorted by one-time revenue spikes, such as the recent tax amnesty receipts and prior federal repatriation-related revenue, and Representative Sweeney said he was willing to adjust the effective date or carve out amnesty revenue. The committee did not reach agreement on the BET reduction, and the chair called a break and then continued the meeting later with a new proposal to delay the trigger’s effective date to January 1, 2028. Senator Lang rejected that version but offered a counterproposal to raise the filing threshold to $400,000, and the parties ultimately agreed to continue discussions and reconvene later. The meeting also took up HB 1102, concerning the research and development tax credit and state park fees. The House position was to support the R&D tax credit but remove the park-fee provisions, citing testimony from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that it did not need the increase and concerns about discouraging tourism, especially at border parks. Supporters of the park-fee language argued that the department had not raised rates in years, could set its own rates, and should be able to charge nonresidents more while keeping New Hampshire residents’ fees lower. The discussion remained unresolved, with members debating the likely effect on tourism and fairness to residents versus the need for additional revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pardon, encourage a green vote. Senator Dziedzic speaks. I thank you, Mr. President.
• Pardon,<01:30:02.360> encourage<01:30:02.760> a<01:30:02.800> green<01:30:03.040
• <01:30:03.880> Senator Pardon, encourage a green vote.
• Senator Pardon, encourage a green vote. Senator Dziedzic<01:30:04.680> speaks.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [Clears throat] Carol, pardon. Welcome. Good morning, Chair Avard, members of the committee.
• unless there are other questions. >> Senator Waters, >> Carol, you're wearing a lot of hats today. >> Pardon
• unless there are other questions. >> Senator Waters, >> Carol, you're wearing a lot of hats today. >> Pardon
• you're not on the list today. >> Senator Waters, >> Carol, you're wearing a lot of hats today. >> Pardon

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pardon me.
• <01:23:59.800> Pardon<01:24:00.080> me.
• Pardon me. Let Let me testimony report. Pardon me. Let Let me call<01:24:01.680> Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Or, if you're lucky, include the president's sons in your grift scheme so he pardons you.
• <01:30:28.400> scheme<01:30:28.880> so<01:30:29.120> he<01:30:29.360> pardons
• sons in your griff scheme so he pardons sons in your griff scheme so he pardons you. you. you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pardon me, Mr. Linnell. Can I just ask a question there while I'm thinking of it? Thank you.
• Pardon<00:26:24.800> me,<00:26:24.920> Mr.<00:26:25.360> Linnell.
• <00:26:25.840> I<00:26:25.920> just<00:26:26.160> ask<00:26:26.440> a Pardon
• Can I just ask a Pardon me, Mr. Linnell.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, pardon me, 85.3?
• Uh, pardon me, 85.3? Okay. We'll see if folks have other comments at all.
• Uh, pardon me, 85.3?
• Uh, pardon me, 85.3? Can city council help? Yeah, please. Oh yeah. Uh, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pardon. I just have one last comment.
• <00:32:45.519> Pardon.
• Pardon. I just have one Oh, Mr. Grant. Pardon. I just have one last<00:32:46.559> comment.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee reviewed differences among the Governor’s, House, and Senate proposals for state grant parameter changes and their effects on state grant spending, North Star Promise spending, and average student awards. Nonpartisan staff explained that the proposals use different combinations of parameter changes, with the Governor’s and Senate plans modeled to avoid or minimize rationing, while the House plan would require rationing to balance the program. Staff reported projected biennium balances of a positive $29.836 million for the Governor’s proposal, a negative $60.758 million for the House proposal without rationing, a positive $994,000 for the House proposal with rationing, and a positive $3.623 million for the Senate proposal; North Star Promise balances also varied, with the Senate showing a positive balance and the Governor and House with rationing showing negative balances. Staff also said the Senate proposal would extend availability of the state grant appropriation and suspend surplus procedures through fiscal year 2029, allowing the balance to carry forward. The committee then focused on the House-only tuition and fee cap provision, which would limit the tuition recognized for state grant purposes for four-year programs to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities level, with 1% annual increases in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. House members said the cap was intended to address rising tuition, especially at the University of Minnesota, and to produce savings in the state grant program. The governor’s office confirmed the provision was not included in the Governor’s bill. Representatives from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Private College Council opposed the cap, arguing it would reduce awards for low-income students and shift costs to students rather than address underlying tuition pressures; they also said it could discourage enrollment at higher-cost institutions. Supporters from Minnesota State argued the cap would improve fairness because students at lower-tuition institutions are effectively capped lower, while students at more expensive institutions receive larger awards, and they said the legislature should intervene in a variable that has grown substantially over time. Committee members questioned how the cap would work and whether it was tied to the Twin Cities campus rate. Testifiers clarified that the state grant formula is tied to the University of Minnesota level, but because Minnesota State institutions are below that level, the cap effectively limits their students to their own lower tuition while allowing higher awards at the University of Minnesota and private colleges. No formal vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated the committee would continue with item-by-item review of the remaining parameter changes and hear additional testimony from agencies and institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, yes, yes, yes, pardon. I can address that if you'd like. Thank you. Yes.
• Uh yes, yes, yes, pardon.<01:20:16.880> I<01:20:17.040> can<01:20:17.199> address
• ><01:20:17.440> that<01:20:18.000> if<01:20:18.159> you'd pardon.
• I can address that if you'd pardon.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pardon me, pardon me. I think it's identification card.
• Pardon me, pardon me. I think it's identification card.

Bills: HB216

Keywords: HB216, Texas abortion law, abortion-inducing drug, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, telemedicine, in-person exam, physician presence, out-of-state physician, reproductive healthcare, abortion regulation, Health and Safety Code, Occupations Code, consultation services, remote prescribing, pro-life, pro-choice

Summary: The Committee on Public Health met with a quorum and heard public testimony on a long agenda, with members repeatedly reminded of a two-minute limit for witnesses. Several bills were voted out favorably, including HB 2588 on cottage food, HB 1639 on cancer incidence and female firefighters, HB 2581 on a reporting form for contracted services for pregnant women, and SB 922 on electronic disclosure of certain sensitive medical information. Those measures generally passed on party-line or near-unanimous votes, while HB 216 on itemized medical statements was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. The committee also left pending HB 5141, HB 4638, HB 2035, HB 4813, HB 2264, HB 4014, and HB 3829 after hearing testimony and questions. The final item introduced in the excerpt was HB 4408 on health care market transparency and corporate consolidation, but the discussion was cut off before testimony or action was completed. A major theme of the hearing was mental health diversion and access to treatment. HB 5141, by Rep. Howard, would allow Travis County to use vacated Austin State Hospital property for a local mental health jail diversion center; law enforcement, the Travis County sheriff, county judge, and urban counties group all testified in support, describing the lack of alternatives for people in crisis and the burden on jails and emergency rooms. Members asked about eligible offenses, bed capacity, and whether the facility would serve only Travis County, and the bill was left pending. HB 2264, by Rep. Schoolcraft, would create a friends-and-family form for loved ones to provide information to providers during emergency mental health treatment; NAMI and hospital groups supported it, while one neutral witness and several members raised concerns about patient control, credibility of information, and liability protections. The bill was also left pending. The committee also heard multiple psychedelic-therapy and drug-policy bills. HB 4813 would speed Texas rescheduling of Schedule I substances if the FDA reclassifies them, with testimony focused on psilocybin and MDMA and their potential use for PTSD and depression; members questioned whether the bill was too broad and how state rescheduling works, and it was left pending. HB 4014 would direct HHSC to study psychedelic therapies, building on prior state research, and witnesses said Texas should prepare regulatory and clinical infrastructure before FDA approval; it too was left pending. HB 2035 would require parents to be informed that they may seek substance-use treatment for a child even if one facility turns them away, prompted by a constituent’s account of a fatal fentanyl overdose after receiving incorrect advice; it was left pending. HB 4638 would extend and expand the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative board and timeline, with the author saying the program is still in early implementation and needs more time, and it was left pending as well. Other bills addressed public health administration and animal welfare. HB 3829 would require a study of the animal-friendly account and its grant process for spay/neuter funding, with the author arguing that the current application and reimbursement process is too burdensome for shelters and nonprofits; no opposition was heard and the bill was left pending. HB 2581 and HB 1639 were reported favorably, while HB 216 drew discussion about enforcement of itemized medical billing and was held after the committee substitute was withdrawn. Throughout the hearing, members also discussed broader concerns about homelessness, competency restoration waitlists, jail overcrowding, and the need for more treatment options outside the criminal justice system.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you want to just pardon? Section six. Section six. Okay.
• Do you want to just pardon?<01:38:26.480> Section<01:38:26.960> six.
• pardon? Section six. Section six. Okay. pardon? Section six. Section six. Okay.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Pardon me. I had to activate my camera here. I got reservations about this. Let me speak real fast.
• Good morning.<01:32:25.679> Pardon<01:32:26.440> me.
• Pardon me. I had to activate my morning. Pardon me.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate committees heard HB 108 HD2, which would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require liquor commissions to adopt rules. Most testimony came from craft brewers and distillers in support, who said the bill would help small and fragile producers reach customers, move limited or specialty products that wholesalers do not carry, and maintain relationships with visitors after they leave Hawaii. Supporters also argued that direct-to-consumer shipping would not meaningfully increase underage access because common carriers age-gate deliveries and require adult signatures, and that the measure would supplement rather than replace the three-tier system. Opposition came from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association, which said the bill could create problems with minor access and tax revenue and would allow out-of-state manufacturers to ship directly to Hawaii households. Supporters responded that similar concerns were raised when wine direct shipping was adopted and said the existing shipping and reporting systems can track and tax these sales. Several witnesses, including Maui Brewing, Ola Brew, Koloa Rum, Hana Rum, Koulana Rumworks, Koval Distillery, and the Brewers Association, described their small-batch operations, limited distribution options, and the potential for direct shipping to expand sales and jobs. Committee members questioned witnesses about underage access, tax collection, and the impact on the three-tier system. One witness discussed efforts to protect and potentially scale the Hawaiian spirit Okolehao through geographic and sourcing rules. The transcript does not show a final vote or disposition on HB 108 HD2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 51.119> through<01:06:51.359> this<01:06:51.520> Hands-On Representative Hussein, pardon
• 07:58.079> uh<01:07:58.200> represent<01:07:58.599> Hussein<01:07:59.599> pardon
• <01:07:59.799> me<01:07:59.960> said has uh represent Hussein pardon me said has uh
• represent Hussein pardon me said represent<01:08:00.440> Hussein<01:08:00.760> does<01

Bills: HF1936, HF849, HF989, HF1130, HF1223, HF1907, HF1847, HF1957

Keywords: workforce development, youth employment, career guidance, education, job skills, Duluth Promise, education funding, career training, employment support, youth apprenticeship, economic development, minority support, internship program, Bloomington, funding, youth mentorship, job training, disadvantaged youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youthprise

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you think of talk of a federal pardon for Dereck Chau?
• <01:12:50.320> of<01:12:50.560> a<01:12:50.960> federal<01:12:51.360> pardon
• do you think of talk of a federal pardon do you think of talk of a federal pardon for<01:12:51.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we hadn't had the pardon by President Trump, would they be eligible for this?
• we<00:46:13.599> hadn't<00:46:13.839> had<00:46:14.000> the<00:46:14.119> pardon
• <00:46:14.400> by<00:46:14.559> President we hadn't had the pardon by President we
• hadn't had the pardon by President Trump<00:46:15.760> would<00:46:16.040> they<00:46:16.160

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Pardon, I did get the answer. Miss Pollock said it's a non-refundable credit.
• is this a non-refundable or curious is this a non-refundable or refundable credit<00:59:56.079> pardon
• get<00:59:56.799> the<00:59:57.000> answer<00:59:57.520> Miss credit pardon
• I did get the answer Miss credit pardon I did get the answer Miss Pollock<00:59:58.079> said<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee met to hear a presentation from the Commissioner of Revenue on Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s tax proposal, with members told no public testimony would be taken because bill language was not yet available. The commissioner said the proposal would lower the statewide sales tax rate by 0.75 percentage points while expanding sales tax to selected professional services such as legal, brokerage, banking, and accounting, with several carve-outs. He emphasized that the plan would not add business-to-business sales taxes, arguing that taxing business inputs leads to tax pyramiding and higher hidden consumer costs. The commissioner said the rate cut would be the first sales tax rate cut in state history and estimated it at about $95 million annually, while the service expansions would raise about $203 million to $205 million annually, for a net increase of roughly $110 million per year. He said the proposal is part of the governor’s broader budget, which he described as addressing long-term structural deficits and funding other priorities such as an R&D credit, an expanded sustainable aviation fuel credit, fraud prevention, and service-member retention bonuses. He also said the carve-outs and exemptions would be reflected in the revenue estimate. Members questioned whether the proposal was truly a tax cut or instead a tax increase, and several asked for a revenue-neutral rate if all or more services were taxed. One member raised concerns about how pro bono legal work with a fee would be treated, and another asked about possible streamlining issues and whether fees are treated as taxes in statute. The commissioner said a fee would be taxable depending on the arrangement and that the department would review the language carefully once drafted. He also said the department would provide more detailed estimates later, including what the rate would be if the tax were made revenue neutral. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Trine hosted students from universities across Indiana as they tested their... the possibility of a pardon
• for Galain the possibility of a pardon for Galain Maxwell.
• She should<02:04:24.960> not<02:04:25.520> be<02:04:25.760> pardoned.
• /c><02:04:26.800> There<02:04:27.119> cannot<02:04:27.599> be should not be pardoned
• There cannot be should not be pardoned.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I<01:18:39.840> I<01:18:40.080> Pardon<01:18:40.400> me.
• >> I I Pardon me. >> I I Pardon me.
• failure to schedule or to reapply scheduling requests from the department vendors for an EMA or MEA, pardon
• for failure to schedule or to reapply scheduling requests from the department vendors for an MEA, pardon

Keywords: 1191, senate, all