Transcript Highlights:

• And so, thank you for your service.
• </c><00:11:59.040><c> of</c> your life on the line in service of your life on the line in service of
• > his</c><00:17:46.320><c> country,</c> extraordinary service to his country, extraordinary service to
• </c> very long, you can tell that I I I live very long, you can tell that I I I live and<00:51:38.079
• </c> want to thank you all for your service want to thank you all for your service and<01:04:29.920><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then spent much of the meeting recognizing members of the Falmouth Police Department and related support personnel. Representatives and senators described the department’s response to a May 17, 2025 shooting between two vehicles, saying officers secured the area, apprehended suspects, and prevented further harm within about 30 minutes. They also recognized Officer Jonathan Bis for helping rescue a person from a burning storage facility on May 3, and honored Chaplain Abram Croer and police administrator Marilyn Belure for their support roles. Members praised the officers’ service and presented citations; one member also noted the recent flooding in Falmouth and the strain on local responders. The committee also observed a moment of silence for a firefighter who died after a vehicle crash while responding to a call. The committee then recognized Sergeant Major Jimmy Thorne, USMC (Ret.), with a lengthy citation for his military service and community involvement. The citation highlighted more than three decades of service, including Vietnam, Lebanon, Somalia, multiple injuries, exposure to Agent Orange, and numerous decorations such as the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. Speakers also noted his continued civic work in Williamstown and Grant County. Thorne thanked the committee, said enlisting in the Marine Corps and moving to Kentucky were two of his proudest decisions, and received a committee coin. Members and guests offered additional remarks about his character and service. Finally, Brigadier General Charles Jones and Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson gave an update on spring storm response and recovery. They said Kentucky has had three declared disasters and one undeclared event this year, with 113 of 120 counties affected in the last 12 months, including February flooding, April flooding, and May tornadoes; a January ice storm appeal was denied. Gibson emphasized the rising frequency and cost of disasters, citing about $350 million in public assistance over the first 10 years of the period reviewed versus about $2 billion in the last five years. He reported on sheltering, disaster recovery centers, FEMA and SBA assistance, and said about $57 million in individual assistance had been paid and nearly $69 million obligated, while public assistance projects were still moving through review and payment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last time we met, there was an unsolicited proposal from Labmar Ferry Services LLC.
• and consistent service due to required maintenance and dry docking of the vessel.
• They do provide surge service in addition to their normal operating service during Mardi Gras and festivals
• Uptime of this ferry service to serve the people in Cameron Parish.
• Labmar Ferry Services is a Louisiana-owned and operated company.

Summary: The Louisiana Transportation Authority met on March 26 and approved the minutes from its prior meeting before taking up the Cameron Ferry privatization proposal from Labmar Ferry Services. Staff from DOTD explained the ferry’s current operational problems, including an aging 1964 vessel, reliability issues, maintenance and dry-docking needs, staffing challenges, and the lack of a spare vessel or backup terminal pair. They reviewed the procurement process, noting that after an unsolicited proposal from Labmar, LTA required a competitive solicitation, received only Labmar’s updated proposal, and then selected Labmar as the preferred proposer. Local input was also described: the Cameron Parish Police Jury issued a no-objection letter and the Cameron Port Harbor and Terminal District gave written support, while no public comments were received at prior public comment opportunities. The board first voted that the privatization proposal serves a public purpose, based on statutory factors such as public need, compatibility with transportation plans, reasonable cost, and improved efficiency. It then voted to approve the proposal contingent on execution of a comprehensive agreement, with members emphasizing that the final contract terms would still need to be negotiated. Discussion highlighted that Labmar currently operates New Orleans ferry routes with high uptime, and that the Cameron crossing is important for local travel, emergency response, evacuation, industry, and tourism. Members also stressed the need to respect and retain current DOTD staff as the transition is negotiated. Staff outlined next steps: negotiations are expected to continue through spring and early summer 2026, with a transition period over the summer and possible full Labmar operations in late summer if an agreement and funding are secured. Two new hybrid ferry vessels are under construction and expected in May and August 2026, temporary dock space and site improvements are underway, and training will include Labmar personnel. A feasibility study for terminal expansion found that adding and improving landing slips could cost roughly $30 million to $50 million, but current funding is insufficient; members asked for a phased, multi-year plan and budget breakdown for future consideration. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our nonpartisan Senate Committee Services did a survey of data and found that for every billion dollars
• But generally speaking, the system, absent that Sidney run, is at full domestic service.
• Whitney run is at full domestic service, and so for that reason, you know, our commitment was that once
• we got full domestic service restored, that those sort of temporary relief mechanisms would go away.
• We want to encourage aircraft owners to have their aircraft serviced here and have the work done here

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: Senate Transportation Committee leaders presented a bipartisan transportation budget package made up of three bills: a supplemental budget, a bond proposal, and a resources bill with technical updates. Chair Mark Olius and Ranking Member Curtis King said the plan is balanced over six years, uses conservative assumptions, and includes no new taxes, relying instead on bonding and existing revenue changes. They emphasized three priorities: preservation and maintenance of highways, bridges, ferries, and flood-damaged infrastructure; safety, including more funding for State Patrol staffing and tribal traffic safety; and job creation through infrastructure investment. The supplemental budget would add about $1.7 billion for preservation over six years, including roughly $1.3 billion for highways, plus $100 million for preservation-related safety improvements. It also includes funding for ferry preservation, flood recovery loans for local transportation infrastructure, Columbia River dredging, the Fairfax Bridge, and State Patrol staffing. Questions from members and reporters focused on how much roadwork the preservation money would cover, why the proposal does not include funding for three additional new ferries, and how federal FEMA aid and ongoing mediation over treaty obligations factored into the budget. The senators said the first three ferries are fully funded, that future vessel purchases will be revisited later, and that flood recovery funds were included now so local governments can repair roads without waiting for federal action. The resources bill would create a mobile driver’s license program for 2028 and dedicate a portion of future sales tax revenue to ferry operations. It also repeals the luxury aircraft tax and replaces it with higher aviation fuel taxes and annual registration fees, which the senators said better avoids unintended consequences for aircraft businesses while still requiring transportation users to contribute. The package also includes studies on hydrogen ferries and updating the in-state shipyard bid credit, and it proposes more efficient ferry maintenance and emergency response capacity at Eagle Harbor. No votes were taken in the transcript, and the senators said they would continue presenting the proposal to caucus members for support.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that will help the foster parents as well as the kids transition.
• So I'm really glad to see that. ...foster parents as well as the kids transition, so I'm really glad
• We will make sure crime victims come forward and get the kind of services they need while we work on
• We will make sure crime victims come forward and get the kind of services they need while we work on
• So, you know, think about citizens trying to get services and I can't get the claim filled out.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 4, interagency procurement and forensic laboratory services.
• Now that will impact the services that we offer to Texans.
• We've got quite a few customer service.
• Number 8, Online service enhancements. We work with, with, uh, with DIR.
• We don't get reimbursed for services afterwards.

Transcript Highlights:

• This limits their ability to transition back to the voluntary market, even when an offer exists.
• that would strengthen the clearinghouse and better support consumers during this period of market transition
• that would strengthen the clearinghouse and better support consumers during this period of market transition
• Florida addressed this by allowing limited appointments so the agent of record can continue servicing
• Florida addressed this by allowing limited appointments so the agent of record can continue servicing

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee held its first outcomes review oversight hearing on the residential fair plan clearinghouse program created by AB 3012. Chair and members focused on whether the program is actually helping depopulate the California Fair Plan and move policyholders back to the voluntary market. The Fair Plan and Department of Insurance testified that the program exists as a platform for admitted and, in some cases, non-admitted insurers to review Fair Plan policies and make offers through the broker of record, but they acknowledged limited participation and limited results. CDI said it has received no formal complaints specific to the clearinghouse, but identified obstacles including only 11 participating residential insurers, the broker-of-record requirement, compensation and appointment issues, and the lack of direct consumer contact. CDI said about 730 residential risks have moved to voluntary market coverage through the program from June 2021 through April 30, 2025, and opt-outs are under 1%. Committee members pressed witnesses on the program’s opacity, the lack of data on offers made versus policies actually moved, and whether the clearinghouse is functioning as intended. CDI and the Fair Plan said they do not have data on how many offers have been made, only on cancellations that are self-reported and marked as clearinghouse-related. Members also raised regional growth in Fair Plan enrollment, especially on the Central Coast, and concerns about underinsurance when policyholders move back to the regular market. CDI recommended more mandatory reporting, broader broker education, possible direct offers to policyholders after a period of time, and changes to commission and appointment rules to reduce barriers to insurer participation. The second panel of industry witnesses generally agreed the clearinghouse is not a stand-alone solution and said its effectiveness depends on a healthier admitted market and actuarially sound Fair Plan rates. Independent agents and brokers, admitted-market insurers, and surplus lines representatives said the current system is constrained by low rate adequacy, limited insurer appetite for high-risk properties, operational friction, and misaligned incentives. Several witnesses suggested improvements such as better data sharing, clearer depopulation procedures, stronger broker education, and more flexible appointment or compensation rules. Some supported giving the program more time under the Sustainable Insurance Strategy, while others said the Legislature should consider whether to strengthen, modify, or potentially sunset the program if it continues to produce limited results. A public witness later reported that a new carrier had recently joined the clearinghouse and was working with brokers to bring in additional capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• This limits their ability to transition back to the voluntary market, even when an offer exists.
• that would strengthen the clearinghouse and better support consumers during this period of market transition
• that would strengthen the clearinghouse and better support consumers during this period of market transition
• Florida addressed this by allowing limited appointments so the agent of record can continue servicing
• Florida addressed this by allowing limited appointments so the agent of record can continue servicing

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's just this first year when we're transitioning over; we missed it in the bill last year.
• Each resulting parcel must have adequate legal access and utility service in accordance with applicable
• These advancements can directly support workforce housing and multigenerational living, while making

Summary: The Senate Local Government and Taxation Committee heard and advanced four measures. House Bill 792, by Rep. Monks, clarified the relationship between yard sales and the small seller exemption, including how sales tax applies once a seller exceeds the $5,000 threshold and when activity goes beyond the small-seller limits. The committee asked no questions and voted unanimously to send the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 722, by Rep. Ayler, corrected timing issues in the new utility tax system created last year, aligning reporting and payment dates with the existing six-month property tax cycle so local governments have revenue figures for budgeting. The sponsor said counties, utilities, and the Tax Commission were all involved and supportive. The committee approved the bill for the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Bill 707, by Sen. Taves, which would create a streamlined process for subdividing land to finance an accessory dwelling unit or secondary residential structure without going through a full subdivision process, while keeping zoning, access, utility, and agricultural protections in place. No one testified against it, and it was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 800, also by Sen. Taves, would reduce zoning barriers for manufactured housing by allowing manufactured duplexes in multifamily zones and lowering square-footage thresholds for single-section and multisection homes; the Idaho Manufactured Housing Association testified in strong support. The committee passed that bill to the floor as well. Finally, members approved the March 4, 2026 minutes and adjourned, announcing a meeting the next day at 2:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it’s just this first year when we’re transitioning over. We missed it in the bill last year.
• Each resulting parcel must have adequate legal access and utility service in accordance with applicable
• These advancements can directly support workforce housing and multigenerational living, while making

Committee: Senate Local Government and Taxation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we all live the dream on Zoom, am I right?
• Your commitment to service to the people of this state. Mr.
• We live it and we work it.
• This had a huge impact on rail service, military service, all the kinds of things you can imagine.
• This had a huge impact on rail service, military service, all the kinds of things you can imagine.

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:31.280><c> with</c><00:08:31.520><c> his</c> people that are living with his people that are
• living with his essentially<00:08:34.520><c> chief</c><00:08:34.800><c> of</c><00:08:34.960><c> staff
• </c><00:15:52.040><c> with</c> Minnesota Regents, primarily lives with Minnesota Regents, primarily lives
• </c><01:00:19.880><c> options,</c> they're expanding rural transit options, they're expanding rural transit
• about those living in Minnesota and<01:21:12.400><c> their</c><01:21:12.560><c> status.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• People live with their families or they live at places. But that doesn't seem to be happening.
• and experience living within a University of California campus.
• And it was generally very rural campuses where people lived an hour or two away and they needed to live
• in my deputy director of administrative services assignments at the Departments of Child Support Services
• Thank you for your service.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Dorka Keene to the California Arts Council, Luciana Profaca to the Commission on Disabilities, Sarah Han Shapiro to the Commission on Disability Access, Robin Umberg and Veronica Zoror to the California Veterans Board, and Daniel Curtin to the California Water Commission. Two appointments to the State Park and Recreation Commission, Phil Ginsburg and Francesca Viter, were approved on split votes of 3-2. The committee also unanimously approved a motion to refer bills to committees. The committee then heard testimony from three appointees to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors: Jesse Melgar, Tom Epstein, and Joseph Williams. They emphasized student success, affordability, workforce alignment, dual enrollment, basic needs support, housing, and adapting to AI. Members questioned them about financial aid and ghost-student fraud, regional career technical education needs, enrollment declines, standardized testing and AB 705, community college baccalaureate degrees, and the new career passport initiative. Public commenters strongly supported the nominees, and the committee voted 5-0 to send all three appointments to the full Senate for confirmation. Finally, the committee heard from Mark Beckley, nominated as Chief Deputy Director for Operations at the Department of State Hospitals. He described his background in state operations and said his priorities would include recruitment and retention, improving treatment through a new electronic health record system, maintaining aging facilities, and supporting community providers. Senators asked about high vacancy rates at state hospitals, especially Atascadero and Patton, and about coordination with law enforcement oversight on patient deaths and safety trends. The committee voted 5-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate for confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I can no longer do my job, my client will get transitioned into an ISL, a living facility, a community
• Before self-directed services, Grace lived in a facility. Her needs were complex and often unmet.
• But these services These services that SDS provides are literally life-sustaining services.
• So we services.
• services you offer?

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee first heard the State Auditor’s fiscal year 2027 budget request. Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick described rebuilding the office after staffing had fallen to a historic low, explaining that the office has grown from 92.5 to 119 FTE but still needs several years to reach full staffing, especially at the manager level. He said most of the budget is payroll, noted the office’s use of lapsing general revenue while staffing is rebuilt, and outlined requests including core operating funds, a small sports betting audit NDI, and a $290,000 increase to the CPA stipend to address recruitment and retention problems. Members also discussed the auditor’s authority to audit state agencies and subrecipients, the office’s role in performance audits, and the meaning of “E” appropriations and the auditor’s recent general revenue conditions report. The committee then moved to public testimony on House Bill 10, focusing on Department of Health and Senior Services and Department of Mental Health issues. One witness from the American Heart Association supported continued funding for cardiac emergency response planning in schools, citing AEDs, CPR training, and about 480 schools served. Another witness from the Alzheimer’s Association urged rejection of a proposed $1 million reduction to the Missouri caregiver program, arguing it supports families caring for people with dementia and helps avoid more expensive institutional care. Most of the testimony concerned proposed cuts to developmental disability services, especially day habilitation and self-directed supports (SDS). Providers, family members, and workers said the proposed reductions would force service cuts, reduce wages, and threaten community-based care that keeps people at home and out of more costly facilities. They argued the cuts would shift costs to emergency, residential, or institutional settings and asked the committee to preserve current funding levels. Several members asked questions about provider rates, the share of services delivered by private providers, and the cost difference between SDS and institutional care. The hearing ended with the chair apologizing for earlier tension, explaining the schedule, and recessing the committee to return later because of House floor obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• His service extends through partnerships with the St.
• So people who need immediate emergency services, so ER services and labor and delivery, they're covered
• So people who need immediate emergency services, so ER services and labor and delivery, they're covered
• , whether they're legal, not. services, so ER services and labor and delivery, they're covered, whether
• After their service? Let me read it.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This can disenfranchise voters for no fault of their own, such as in cases where the mail service has
• That's led to failed measures for affordable housing, education, public transit, and even emergency services
• Since the CVRA's enactment, over 600 jurisdictions have transitioned their election systems to comply
• And while most jurisdictions have voluntarily transitioned their election systems to comply with the
• CVRA, there had been a select few that have challenged such a transition.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on April 30, 2025, beginning as a subcommittee until a quorum was established. The committee first approved six bills on consent, including AB 950, AB 953, AB 1214, and three committee bills. It then heard several measures dealing with election administration, ballot transparency, and campaign finance, with most authors accepting committee amendments and several bills being held on call for absent members. AB 930 by Assembly Member Ward would extend the deadline for counting timely postmarked vote-by-mail ballots from three to seven days after Election Day and update recount procedures, including online posting of recount results and clearer rules for recount requests. The bill was supported by county election officials and passed out of committee with a due-pass recommendation, though it was initially held on call. AB 459 by Assembly Member DeMaio proposed allowing electronic signatures for initiatives, referenda, and recalls; the Secretary of State and labor groups opposed it over security, implementation, and cost concerns, and the committee ultimately rejected the bill after reconsideration. AB 699 by Assembly Member Stephanie would change how local tiered tax and bond measures are described on ballots by allowing more detail to be placed in the voter guide; housing, school, and local government groups supported it, while taxpayer and realtor groups opposed it as reducing ballot transparency. AB 1188, presented on behalf of Assembly Member Ortega, would list the top three funders supporting and opposing statewide initiatives and referenda directly on the ballot; transparency advocates and labor supported it, while county election officials and business groups raised concerns about ballot length and processing costs. Both AB 699 and AB 1188 passed out of committee with amendments and were held on call. The committee also heard AB 827 by Assembly Member Berman, which would standardize and extend the deadline for curing vote-by-mail signature problems, add a link to cure forms in ballot-tracking notifications, and make other changes to improve ballot curing. It drew no opposition in the hearing and passed with a due-pass recommendation. AB 351 by Assembly Member McKenna would raise the Levine Act contribution threshold for local officials to $1,500 and add CPI adjustments; supporters said it would reduce administrative burdens and reflect modern campaign finance realities, while good-government groups and the League of Women Voters opposed it as weakening anti-corruption protections. The committee initially failed AB 351, then granted reconsideration, but the transcript ends before a final disposition is clearly completed. Finally, AB 1079 by Assembly Member Farías would eliminate the automatic appellate stay in California Voting Rights Act and Fair Maps Act cases; it was supported as a way to prevent delayed remedies in voting rights cases, opposed by the City of Santa Monica over impacts on ongoing litigation, and passed with amendments. After taking up the held items, the committee recorded final votes on the bills, including passage of AB 930, AB 699, AB 1188, AB 827, and AB 1079, and rejection of AB 459.

Transcript Highlights:

• to individuals under other emergency housing services.
• to individuals under other emergency housing services.
• It's called In Lieu of Flowers: Remember and Care for the Living.
• For those living unhoused, abandoned to the streets, left to live in the woods, underneath bridges, sleep
• For those living unhoused, abandoned to the streets, left to live in the woods, underneath bridges, sleep

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To help government best serve Minnesotans, we are a central service agency with a wide-ranging set of
• The mission of our office is to help Minnesotans afford their lives and live with safety, dignity, and
• Department of Health. the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
• Human Services Office of Inspector General.
• More Medicaid dollars being paid for services means more staff needed to investigate fraud.

Bills: HF2783 , HF2603 , HF2846 , HF2354 , HF1836 , HF2713 , HF1198 , HF1389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:32.520><c> or,</c> goods and and maybe future services or, goods and and maybe future services
• I live in Waialua, and I'm testifying in strong support of this measure.
• </c><00:37:20.040><c> testifying</c><00:37:20.560><c> in</c> Live in Waialua and I'm testifying in Live
• Um, throughout Waianae because we live on the other side of Kala, right?
• </c> big part of our daily lives. big part of our daily lives.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing either support or comments rather than opposition. HB 2395, relating to taking marine deposits for research, education, management, or propagation, received support from the University of Hawaii and DLNR. HB 2585, relating to agricultural tourism, drew broad support for its intent to keep agritourism secondary to farming, but agencies and farm groups raised concerns about enforcement, county authority, and the rebuttable presumption language. Testifiers included OPSD, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, a small farm operator, and others, with some urging clearer definitions, simpler registration, and protections for bona fide farms and hosted farm stays. HB 1728, on rainwater catchment systems, was supported in principle by DLNR, which cited drought conditions and said it deferred to counties and the Department of Health on safety and regulation. HB 1881, which would prohibit passenger ropeways on mountain lands, drew strong support from community testifiers who said it would help prevent development disguised as agritourism and protect forests and country lands. HB 1990, establishing penalties and possible foreclosure for unresolved zoning violations, received comments from the Attorney General recommending removal of AG references and more county-centered enforcement, while the Hawaii Association of Realtors warned the 30-day timeline could create problems for absent or unaware homeowners. The committee also heard HB 1712, which would expand and make permanent certain seats on the State Building Code Council. The Plumbers and Fitters union supported the bill, but BIA Hawaii requested amendments to add “licensed contractor” language, and architects and other professionals opposed the measure, arguing that increasing the council from 12 to 15 voting members would make it less efficient and harder to reach quorum. Finally, HB 2151, relating to hempcrete, was supported by a Kauai workforce development advocate and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who said hempcrete could support agriculture, manufacturing, and affordable housing while reducing carbon and reliance on imported materials. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is legislation relating to reducing the heating-related costs of living for a low-income residence
• This is legislation related to exemptions from jury service upon request for certain caretakers or persons
• This is legislation related to exemptions from jury service upon request.
• to convene a work Senate Bill 364, which would direct the Department of Criminal Justice Services to
• We come to Senate Bill 731, which relates to private companies providing public transportation services

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session Part 2, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Services correctly printed Senate Bill 114 and 115, Senate Joint Resolution 12, correctly engrossed
• Senate<00:26:57.520><c> services</c> Senate services Senate services Correctly<00:26:59.360><c> printed
• House Bill 1027 by Representative Story and Senator Kolker concerning boards of cooperative services
• Imagine the just transition on that one. This is not a decay of neglect. This is quite purposeful.
• </c> Imagine the just transition on that one. Imagine the just transition on that one.

Keywords: 981, all