Video & Transcript : 'legislative' :
Page 390 of 500
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 will be referred to the 10th order of business and held for one legislative
- appointment for Michael Kennedy will be referred to the 10th order of business and held for one legislative
- concurrent resolution number 115 will be referred to the 10th order of business and held for one legislative
- day. legislative day.
- appointment for Michael Kennedy will be referred to the 10th order of business and held for one legislative
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, and proceeded through routine orders of business. The journal for the previous day was approved as corrected, and the chamber briefly noted that no substantive work would occur in the 10th or 13th orders. In petitions and memorials, Senate Joint Resolution 103 was introduced, proposing a constitutional amendment related to state trust lands and directing the required publication and ballot statement procedures.
Committee reports were received on several measures. The Judiciary and Rules Committee reported Senate Bills 1252 through 1257 as correctly printed, with referrals made to Finance, Health and Welfare, and Judiciary and Rules. The Resources and Environment Committee reported Senate Concurrent Resolution 115 with a do-pass recommendation, and the Judiciary and Rules Committee reported Senate Bill 1239 with a do-pass recommendation. The committee also recommended confirmation of Michael Kennedy to the Idaho Judicial Council. The Education Committee reported Senate Bill 1234 as correctly printed and sent it to second reading.
In messages from the House, the Senate received House Bills 515, 511, 518, and 504, along with House Joint Memorials 9 and 10, and referred them to the appropriate committees. During first reading, Senate Bills 1258, 1259, and 1260 were introduced, addressing liquor licensing for distilleries, juvenile corrections arrest authority, and immigration enforcement provisions. In miscellaneous business, Senator Harris announced a majority caucus after adjournment, Senator Wintrow welcomed American Heart Association students and thanked senators who attended a lengthy Medicaid forum, and the Senate adjourned until 11 a.m. the next day.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Chief at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
- They can be found on page 448 through page 452 of your legislative review book.
- To repeal docket number 24-0901-2501, starting on page 437 of your legislative review book.
- here today to request approval to repeal docket number 24-1901-2501, starting on page 446 of your legislative
- Additionally, Idaho House Bill 28 passed during the legislative session and was enacted on July 1, 2025
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 4/28/25 - Part 1
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We pray for our legislators and the work that they will do here today.
- Journal of the House, 94th session, 2025, 25th legislative day, St.
- Report from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration.
- Long from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration pursuant to Rules 1.21 and 3.33 designates
- legislative administration<00:12:32.320><c> pursuant</c><00:12:32.720><c> to</c><00:12:32.880><c> rules
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Government and Veterans Affairs Apr 16th, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Government and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So really what it's, according to Legislative Council, and Mr.
- According to Legislative Council, Mr.
- That's one of the major changes for us as legislative candidates.
- Chairman of this committee, for the record, Dustin Richard, Legislative Council.
- For legislative candidates, we currently don't do it, and we're following existing law.
Bills:
SB2156
Keywords:
campaign finance, disclosure, political contributions, election transparency, North Dakota Century Code, 908, all
Summary:
The committee met to reconsider and further amend Senate Bill 2156, a campaign finance/reporting bill tied to Secretary of State filing requirements and new software implementation. Members and legislative counsel explained that the bill would keep current law in place for 2025, then take effect January 1, 2026, when the new system is expected to be ready. Discussion focused on hard reporting dates, how year-end and quarterly reports would be handled, which entities must disclose balances, and clarifying that some provisions apply to statewide political parties and certain political committees but not to candidates or candidate committees in the same way.
Representative Steiner walked through the amendment, describing it as mostly technical and intended to align reporting deadlines with fixed calendar dates, simplify compliance, and preserve existing treatment for some balance disclosures. Members asked about public availability of certain filed information, the meaning of references to beginning and ending balances, and whether the new fines and other provisions would also be delayed until 2026. Legislative counsel said the bill’s effective date would cover the entire act and noted some disclosure questions were not clearly answered in current law.
The committee adopted the amendment and then approved Senate Bill 2156 as amended on a do-pass motion. The roll call was unanimous, and the chair adjourned the meeting, noting the changes were intended to help the Secretary of State’s office and candidates transition to the new reporting system.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- you just heard the moment of contemplation, uh, Jesse Kahui, my office manager, Iseta Malua, uh, legislative
- you just heard the moment of contemplation, uh, Jesse Kahui, my office manager, Iseta Malua, uh, legislative
- you just heard the moment of contemplation, uh, Jesse Kahui, my office manager, Iseta Malua, uh, legislative
- kahui my office manager iseta malua uh kahui my office manager iseta malua uh legislative<00:01:55.680
- uh Aid Richard oero and legislative uh Aid Richard oero and Thomas<00:01:59.200><c> Gomes</c><00:02:
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- One, I appreciate that I think your legislation, Assembly Member Patel, is highlighting the Associate
- A legislator and coming down here to the Capitol, all the nuanced ways that that impacts you.
- To support them, we need transformative legislation like California AB 1829.
- even as the state has adopted reforms intended to make school different piece of legislation.
- So let me think through that and talk to legislative counsel some more about it. We'll do that.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-05 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I lift up the legislative aides and staff who make this work possible each day.
- Really, really, this is how this legislative process is supposed to work.
- Really, really, this is how this legislative process is supposed to work.
- Along with that, we have Gabriel, who is an FAU legislative intern.
- Foundation, because they're the ones who brought you this legislation?
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions before moving into a long special-order calendar. The chamber first considered two claims bills: SB 6/HB 6507 for relief of L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, described as compensation for severe injuries after DCF returned the child to unsafe parents, and SB 26/HB 6509 for the estate of Mark Legata, involving catastrophic injuries tied to FDOT negligence. Both bills were substituted with their House companions and passed overwhelmingly.
Members then approved several policy bills focused on child welfare, education, and professional regulation. CS/CS/SB 42/HB 47 required child protective investigators to consider certain medical diagnoses before proceeding in abuse cases; CS/SB 206/HB 851 expanded autism-related training and incentives for teacher preparation programs; SB 556/HB 453 allowed Special Olympics participation to satisfy PE requirements for students with disabilities and clarified marching band credit; SB 688 reestablished licensure and regulation for naturopathic doctors; SB 878/HB 1347 addressed clinical laboratory personnel shortages by aligning more closely with federal CLIA standards; and SB 914/HB 867 clarified that licensed occupational therapists may perform dry needling. Each of these measures passed, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The chamber also approved bills on court administration, public records, financial disclosure, and child welfare. SB 326/HB 131 modernized rules for curators of estates; SB 758/HB 625 updated the composition of the Justice Administrative Commission, with an amendment broadening the judicial member to a judge or senior judge; SB 830 created a public records exemption for certain local government executives and their families; SB 964/HB 6011 revised how gifts and honoraria are reported and, via amendment, restored a percentage-based reporting option for financial disclosures; and SB 1002 clarified that acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect and allow courts to order assessment and services. These bills all passed, with SB 830 drawing the most opposition among them.
The most contentious debate centered on CS/CS/CS/SB 354, the Blue Ribbon Projects bill, which would create a framework for very large planned communities with substantial conservation set-asides. Supporters argued it would provide a new growth-management tool and economic opportunity, while opponents warned it was too broad, lacked specificity, weakened local control, and could be exploited by large developers. After extensive debate and an amendment limiting data centers in commercial areas, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. The Senate also passed SB 530 on lottery operations, SB 1632/HB 1471 on foreign law and domestic terrorist designations after a lengthy and divisive amendment debate over references to Sharia law, and SB 21/HB 218 on land-use regulations tied to hurricane recovery, which preserves SB 180 restrictions in storm-affected counties while lifting them later for unaffected counties.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 27, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We've had legislation on prior authorization requirements that Mr.
- <c> prior</c> We've had legislation on prior We've had legislation on prior authorization<01:16:02.880
- Um, another additional legislation.
- > doing</c><01:17:59.360><c> exactly</c> this legislation, we're doing exactly this legislation, we're
- legislation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I have always prided myself on being a teacher before a legislator.
- We as legislators are responsible for our children.
- We as legislators are responsible for our children, and I think doing this, Mr.
- I think that that would make this legislation better.
- It's highly problematic as legislators when we do that to each other.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard AB 84, a charter school accountability measure focused on non-classroom-based charter schools and fraud prevention. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to respond to the A3 charter fraud case and related scandals by strengthening audits, transparency, authorizer oversight, and funding determination rules, while ensuring public education dollars are used for public education. Supporters included FCMAT, CSEA, CTA, and CSBA, who argued the bill would improve oversight and protect taxpayers. Opponents, including the California Charter Schools Association, Green Dot, many charter parents, educators, and charter operators, said the bill was too broad, would impose major new costs and bureaucracy on all charter schools, and could reduce options for families, especially those using flexible, homeschool, or special-needs charter programs. After extensive testimony and committee discussion, the bill passed on a 5-1 vote and was sent to Appropriations, with the item left open for additional votes.
The committee then approved a consent calendar of 11 education bills, including AB 542, AB 563, AB 731, AB 753, AB 784, AB 964, AB 988, AB 1034, AB 1233, AB 1255, and AB 1381, all moving to Appropriations. The consent calendar passed unanimously.
Later, the committee heard AB 1454, a literacy and reading instruction bill authored by Assembly Members Rubio and Revis. The bill would require the state to create professional development resources for evidence-based literacy instruction, update English language arts and English language development instructional materials, and revise administrator preparation standards to include literacy training. The authors and a broad coalition of supporters, including CTA, EdVoice, Families in Schools, Decoding Dyslexia, school administrators, and parent advocates, described the measure as a compromise aimed at improving reading outcomes and addressing California’s literacy crisis. There was no opposition testimony at the hearing, and members voiced strong support for the bill and its collaborative approach.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (02/19/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:35:00.440><c> and</c> it is important for legislators and it is important for legislators and
- That was completed in the 2024 legislative session.
- legislative legislative session<00:35:36.520><c> the</c><00:35:36.640><c> Amendments</c><00:35:37.040
- </c><00:59:21.119><c> that</c> right in line This legislation that right in line This legislation that
- </c><01:48:02.920><c> it</c> read this legislation it read this legislation it requires<01:48:04.840>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/17/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the second proposed edit is that Judy Randall, Legislative Auditor, gave an overview of their
- </c> edit is that um Judy Randall legislative edit is that um Judy Randall legislative auditor<00:01:
- </c> represented during the legislative represented during the legislative session<00:47:39.839><c> so
- The League of Minnesota Cities remains opposed to this legislation.
- The League of Minnesota Cities remains opposed to this legislation.
Keywords:
campaign finance, state funding, political activity, nonprofits, government transparency, HF66, Minnesota second-degree murder, unintentional murder, protective order, order for protection, harassment restraining order, domestic violence, victim protection, cross-jurisdictional orders, out-of-state restraining order, tribal court order, Canadian protective order, public safety, criminal law, homicide
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- The 2011 legislation closed the plans, which means all members currently in the supplemental plan must
- have been hired prior to the effective date of that legislation.
- supplemental plan must have been hired prior to the effective date of that legislation.
- They were prescribed in the legislation during the 2025 session.
- That was the same legislation that also enacted the Plan 1 funding pause.
Summary:
The Pension Funding Council met on June 23, 2026, for a work session that began with an overview of the Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP) and a 2025 accounting valuation of that plan. Staff explained that the SRP is a closed defined benefit supplement for higher education employees hired before the 2011 closure, with employer contributions currently pre-funding benefits in institution-specific trusts while institutions still pay benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis. The State Actuary’s office reported that the plan’s accounting position has improved, with combined market assets of about $245 million against $377 million in accrued liability, and that strong market performance since 2022 has increased the asset-to-liability ratio. The office emphasized that this was an educational accounting valuation, not a funding valuation for rate-setting.
The council then received the 2025 actuarial valuation report for the state retirement systems. Actuaries reviewed the recent demographic experience study, noting updated assumptions for mortality, retirement, termination, and salary growth, and said the net impact on most plans was small. They reported that most plans’ funded ratios improved, with all plans at least 94% funded and several at or above 100%, and that contribution rates for the 2027–2029 biennium are generally lower than current rates. They also noted that future rates could be affected by market volatility as deferred gains are recognized over the next few years. During public comment, a representative of the Association of Washington Cities urged the council to consider rate reductions to help local governments facing budget pressures.
In executive session, the council first approved a motion directing the Office of the State Actuary to perform an actuarial evaluation and analysis of each institution’s Higher Education Supplemental Retirement Plan, including institution-specific contribution rates, asset sufficiency, and funding policy options, due by July 1, 2028. The council then adopted the 2027–2029 pension contribution rates based on the 2025 actuarial valuation report. Both motions passed 5-0, with one member excused. The meeting concluded with no further business.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation ensures fairness and stability for those who have served our community faithfully, honoring
- Jakes, who's also a legislative agent.
- I'm a legislative agent with the professional firefighters of Massachusetts and with my partner, Paul
- Jakes, who's also a legislative agent.
- And we would like to just go on the record in ...of Paul Jakes, who's also a legislative agent.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 15th hearing of the 194th General Court, focused on retirement group classifications for a range of public safety and related employees. Much of the testimony centered on bills affecting Barnstable County dispatchers and 911 telecommunicators, who argued they should remain in or be moved to Group 2 because their work is highly stressful, life-or-death in nature, and historically had been treated that way. Speakers said the proposed changes would largely grandfather in current employees, would not add costs in some cases, and were needed to correct outdated statutory language and PERAC rulings that had created uncertainty for workers nearing retirement or already retired. Similar support was offered for bills to reclassify 911 dispatchers statewide from Group 1 to Group 2, with testimony from dispatch supervisors, sheriffs, and police associations describing chronic stress, PTSD, staffing shortages, and retention problems.
The committee also heard testimony on several other retirement-related bills. Representatives of Massport and campus police supported measures to align retirement benefits for Massport police and public higher education police with other law enforcement groups, arguing they perform comparable duties and face similar risks. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association also backed a bill to ease post-retirement earning restrictions for retired police and firefighters so they can continue consulting, training, or advising without penalty. MOSES testified in favor of bills moving certain state employees into Group 2, including forensic scientists at the State Police Crime Lab, DCR aerial foresters, and Department of Correction construction coordinators, citing hazardous work environments and physical danger. Department of Fire Services compliance officers likewise sought Group 4 classification, describing exposure to toxins, fatal fire scenes, and cancer risks.
No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony from affected employees, union and association representatives, and public safety officials, all urging favorable reports on the bills. At the end of the hearing, the chairs thanked witnesses and staff, and the committee adjourned after a motion and second.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to begin by recognizing the members and leadership of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative
- legislation. to pass today will be one of the most transformative pieces of legislation in recent history
- As lawmakers, it is our duty to reflect our priorities and ideologies into legislation, and this bill
- One of the things that's emerged on the legislative landscape over the last couple of years, or maybe
- We can't do it all in one piece of legislation.
Summary:
The Senate considered a comprehensive immigration-related bill, the Protect Act (House No. 5316), with extensive debate focused on limiting civil immigration enforcement in sensitive locations and protecting immigrants, victims, workers, and public institutions. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fear in schools, hospitals, courts, child care settings, and other community spaces, while preserving criminal law enforcement and public safety cooperation. Several senators also emphasized the economic and community contributions of immigrants, and some spoke from personal or district experience about fear, school enrollment declines, and impacts on health care and daily life.
A number of amendments were debated. Amendment 6, offered by Senator Kennedy, was adopted to extend protections to DDS facilities and disability-related care settings, with supporters stressing the importance of protecting immigrant caregivers and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other adopted amendments included Amendment 7 on effective dates, Amendment 34 adding residential schools/programs as safe spaces, Amendment 10 on courthouse curtilage, Amendment 13 protecting health care workers from retaliation, Amendment 20 establishing an immigration commission with minority-party representation, and Amendment 69 as a corrective/technical amendment. Many other amendments, largely offered by Senator Tarr and others, were rejected, including proposals concerning 287G agreements, detainers, civil arrests, court authority, and legal defense funding; several amendments were also withdrawn.
The chamber took multiple roll-call votes on contested amendments. Amendment 59 on 287G funds was defeated 5-34, Amendment 63 on status information tied to criminal offenses was defeated 7-32, Amendment 67 on felony detainers was defeated 10-29, and Amendment 75 on state-funded legal defense programs was defeated 5-34. After amendments were completed, the Senate adopted the Ways and Means recommendation, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by a 37-3 vote. The Senate later rejected a House amendment, appointed a conference committee, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, this would fall under, in my opinion, a technical correction around legislative intent.
- Members, this would fall under, in my opinion, a technical correction around legislative intent.
- And by doing that, we actually narrowed the funnel in a way that this legislation is ineffective.
- So I'm not asking the legislative body or the state for $2.1 million.
- So I'm not asking the legislative body or the state for $2.1 million.
Summary:
The committee reconvened and took up several amendments and bills. Senate Bill 15 was amended to transfer Keep Arkansas Beautiful functions to ARDOT and replace the current commissioners with an advisory council; the amendment was adopted without objection. An amendment to Senate Bill 7 lowering the claims-data threshold for group health insurance from 50 employees to 25, to help smaller employers and municipalities shop for coverage, was also adopted. An amendment to Senate Bill 41 that would have restricted University of Arkansas at Fayetteville athletic funding from academic funds was rejected after members questioned its scope and fiscal basis.
The committee then considered an amendment to House Bill 1051 that would cap online sports-betting free play at 5% of gross receipts. Senator Hester argued the current unlimited promotions were predatory and effectively subsidized casinos, while other members questioned the tax and accounting assumptions and whether the proposal belonged in a fiscal committee. The amendment failed, and a separate agriculture-related amendment from Representatives Vaught and Painter to exempt certain tractor parts tied to diesel exhaust fluid systems was also not adopted, with members citing drafting and enforcement problems and suggesting it should go through the revenue committees.
After suspending the rules to add items, the committee adopted a technical correction to Senate Bill 4 clarifying physician licensure language so the rural workforce pathway would apply to underserved and primary care shortage areas, rather than the narrower federal term originally used. The committee also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 77 deleting a fund-transfer section and instead increasing appropriation authority and creating a matching-fund mechanism to help Arkansas TV pay PBS dues, with supporters saying it would leverage private donations and preserve PBS access while allowing the commission to decide programming. The bill passed as amended, and the meeting adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- May Modi, Legislative District 4. Representative Pamela Carter. Mr.
- Junelle Cavero, Legislative District 11.
- My seatmate from Legislative District 7 has worked hard on this.
- Yes, I'd like to point out this legislation is crafted to protect health care professionals.
- Speaker Pro Tem, this measure is a complex piece of legislation.
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. May Modi. A series of personal privilege introductions followed, including the Chief of Security, members of the Junior League of Phoenix, several Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year candidates, and a student guest. Members also read a proclamation honoring the Junior League of Phoenix for civic engagement and volunteer service.
The chamber then handled several procedural matters, including a motion to not concur in Senate amendments to HB 2010 and appoint a conference committee. The House moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars and adopted recommendations on a number of Senate bills. On the first calendar, SB 1009, SB 1046, SB 1143, SB 1221 as amended, and SB 1613 were advanced, with SB 1221 receiving an Olson floor amendment. On the second calendar, SB 1013, SB 1338, SB 1540 as amended, and later SB 1121 as amended, SB 1318, SB 1549, and SB 1786 as amended were all reported do pass, while SB 1270, SB 1400, and SB 1582 were retained on the calendar.
Several bills drew debate. SB 1013 prompted discussion over merit-based hiring and whether the bill’s exclusions of sexual orientation and gender identity were appropriate. SB 1540 drew criticism as special legislation favoring the fuel industry, while supporters said it was a fairer approach to theft penalties. SB 1121 was described as a bipartisan health-care worker safety measure addressing radiation exposure, though opponents called it a vendor-driven mandate. SB 1318 was presented as a cleanup bill to align breast cancer notification language with federal standards, and SB 1786 received a technical amendment. The House also passed SB 1113, SB 1193, SB 1448, and SB 1503 on third reading, with SB 1503 receiving the required three-quarters vote and emergency clause. The House appointed a conference committee on HB 2003, and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- May Modi, Legislative District 4. Representative Pamela Carter. Mr.
- State of Arizona Legislative Proclamation, recognizing the Junior League of Phoenix.
- Representative Matt Gress, Legislative District 4.
- My seatmate from Legislative District 7 has worked hard on this.
- Speaker Pro Tem, this measure is a complex piece of legislation.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- You are always welcome in my office to talk to me about my legislation. Senator Kurt.
- Chairman, is: Are we allowed to run a piece of legislation for one, to the benefit of one entity?
- This piece of legislation just deals with this one at this time with the title law.
- There's nothing to prevent future legislators from going, well, the mechanism is in there.
- There's nothing to prevent future legislators from going, well, the mechanism is in there.
Keywords:
veterans, tax refund, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, capital improvement, donations, Oklahoma Emission Reduction, incentive, taxation, environment, revenue, investment, school funds, treasurer, education funding, financial policy, income tax, scholarship, tax credit, Oklahoma Tax Commission, school funding
Summary:
The Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee considered several House bills dealing with tax credits, fee changes, school funding, and investment authority. House Bill 4426 extended the sunset on the SIDE tax credit to December 31, 2032, and passed 7-2. House Bill 3704 elected Oklahoma into the federal income tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations and passed 9-2. House Bill 4311 raised the unclaimed property division’s administrative fee from 4% to 6% to cover increased duties and costs; it passed 8-3 after debate over whether the increase was justified. House Bill 3044 reauthorized the veterans income tax checkoff and the associated capital improvement fund, and passed 10-0. House Bill 4191 revised the Smaller Employer Quality Jobs Act by lowering job thresholds, expanding qualifying locations and industries, and changing other eligibility rules; it passed 6-4. House Bill 3465 extended the emission tax credit sunset from July 1, 2027 to July 1, 2029 and passed 6-4, with opponents arguing it subsidized compliance with federal mandates. House Bill 3972, a title-off bill addressing ad valorem reimbursement issues tied to the state purchase of a prison, drew extensive debate over precedent and scope; an amendment to add a sunset failed 5-5, and the bill then passed 8-2 as amended.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tax Reform Apr 2nd, 2026
Special Committee on Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- I am currently a Jackson County legislator.
- I am currently a Jackson County legislator.
- This is not a perfect piece of legislation.
- This legislation is an answer to some real problems, and I think it's sorely needed.
- This legislation is an answer to some real problems and I think it's sorely needed.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2923, which would give homeowners a temporary property tax exemption of up to four years on qualifying home improvements between $7,500 and $75,000, so long as the property is the owner’s homestead and the required intent and completion forms are filed. The sponsor said the bill is meant to encourage reinvestment in homes, including after catastrophic events, and said the fiscal note showed no impact. Members asked about the bill’s effect on assessors, taxing districts, school districts, the definition of homestead, and whether the state would reimburse lost revenue. Testimony in support argued the bill would reduce ambiguity in new-construction assessments, encourage repairs and improvements, and help homeowners avoid being penalized for fixing damaged homes. Concerns were raised about routine maintenance, the four-dwelling language, possible burdens on assessors, and whether the bill could affect senior tax freezes. The hearing on HB 2923 ended without a vote.
The committee then went into executive session on House Bill 3256, adopted a committee substitute, and voted the substitute do pass by a roll call of five yes and one no. Discussion focused on criminal penalties in the bill, with the ranking member objecting to those provisions and noting that other states do not include them. The sponsor explained changes in the substitute, including broader retail-establishment language, explicit coverage of sports venues and concert halls, and removal of banks and credit unions from the bill. Members suggested further floor amendments and additional review of other states’ statutes.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 95, which would create the Show Me Prosperity Fund as a constitutional endowment intended to eventually replace all state-imposed taxes with investment earnings. The senator said the fund would be seeded by a one-time appropriation, managed by the treasurer, audited by the auditor, and protected from borrowing or diversion, with distributions capped at 3 percent. Supporters said the proposal would use compound growth to create long-term tax relief and eventually make Missouri the first state to eliminate state taxes; one witness called it straightforward and honest. Members questioned the size of the needed appropriation, how the fund would work if state income tax changes separately, whether state law allows the needed investments, and how the fund would avoid becoming unstable if distributions begin before it is large enough. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing concluded without action on SJR 95.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
CTE grants and scholarships 3/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a good piece of legislation that supports students in the end.
- This is a good piece of legislation that supports students in the end.
- </c><00:12:25.720><c> that</c> This is a good piece of legislation that This is a good piece of legislation
- </c><00:12:52.120><c> So,</c> process as well in this legislation.
- So, process as well in this legislation.
Summary:
House File 1791 was presented as a scholarship/grant program for students in postsecondary technical or career programs offered through their high schools. Representative Scott and Representative Lawrence described it as a way to help students transition into careers or further education by covering costs such as tools, boots, books, and other work-related expenses. The chair noted the bill would be laid over, with limited time for testimony because of a full agenda.
Testimony strongly supported the bill. Steve Collina of the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association said manufacturing is a major Minnesota industry and that the bill fills a gap by supporting K-12 career pathways; he emphasized the proposal would not cost the state or taxpayers. Trevor Quennell, a Centennial High School graduate now at Dunwoody College, said the bill would have eased the burden of buying expensive tools and balancing work, school, and transportation. Eric Trost, an instructor at St. Francis High School, explained that Saints Manufacturing is a student-run, elective business-style program that teaches estimating, quoting, logistics, welding, machining, and employability skills, and he said the grant portion is especially important because many students go directly into the workforce.
Naomi Brasky, a St. Francis student and Army National Guard enlistee, said the program has given her real-world problem-solving and communication experience and that grants would help cover costs not included in tuition. Members responded positively, with one noting broader trends away from four-year college and calling the bill common sense. In closing, Representative Lorentzen credited instructor Eric Trost for originating the idea and thanked an audience member, Mr. Yost, for supporting the program. The chair then laid House File 1791 over.