Transcript Highlights:

• Workers here in New Mexico die every year in the oil and gas fields. Okay.
• The Green Amendment is extremely important for workers across New Mexico.
• And this is not just the workers in oil and gas.
• This is the workers who are doing jobs nearby in low-lying areas.
• What do we have to do to protect the workers that are going down?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I say this to everybody: we're worried about workers' comp claims for people leaning way forward,
• $15 million to COW vans for the deployment of vanpool vehicles for use by low-income agricultural workers
• For use by low-income agricultural workers, and $15 million to the Department of Education for grants
• Resources Board received $6 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund in 2018 for an agriculture worker

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the administration’s spending plan for Proposition 4’s climate smart agriculture and biodiversity chapters, along with related trailer bill language. CDFA outlined proposed funding for existing programs such as SWEEP, Healthy Soils, Urban Agriculture, and invasive species work, plus new or phased-in programs including year-round and mobile farmers’ markets, tribal food sovereignty, and regional farm equipment sharing. The Department of Conservation described funding for the California Farmland Conservancy Program and Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program, while the Department of Finance and LAO discussed pending allocations and generally found the overall approach reasonable, though LAO suggested the Legislature may want more statutory guidance and reporting, especially for new programs. Members focused on implementation details, equity, and accountability. Questions covered how programs would serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, whether new solicitations would be reopened for previously oversubscribed grants, how outcomes are tracked, and how to structure guidance for new programs such as farm equipment sharing. The chair emphasized that the Legislature wants clearer direction on program design and noted that AB 2313 should guide implementation of the regional farm equipment sharing allocation. The committee also discussed the administration’s request to directly appropriate bond funds to departments and to exempt bond program guidelines from the Administrative Procedures Act; LAO supported the APA exemption with possible legislative guardrails for public notice and comment. The committee then heard on the farm-to-school proposal, with CDFA requesting $24.9 million General Fund for incubator grants, technical assistance, and network support. CDFA said the program has reached nearly half of California schoolchildren and has shown strong demand and positive evaluation results. LAO supported the core program but recommended rejecting the $3 million technical assistance component as too broad and suggested the Legislature consider using Proposition 98 for some of the funding. Members debated that point, with some expressing concern about using General Fund dollars for a new discretionary request during a tight budget year. The biodiversity and nature-based solutions chapter included funding for the Wildlife Conservation Board, state conservancies, and tribal nature-based solutions. WCB described major recent investments and proposed projects tied to 30 by 30, habitat restoration, tribal partnerships, and public access. Members raised concerns about long-term stewardship, the size of the WCB allocation, and whether the Legislature should receive more detail on how funds will be distributed. The committee also heard requests for Bolsa Chica wetlands maintenance and Rincon Island decommissioning funding from the State Lands Commission, with members questioning long-term liability, remediation costs, and the role of private oil operators. No votes were taken, and the hearing ended with public comment from stakeholders largely supporting the APA exemption, farm-to-school funding, biodiversity investments, and related conservation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• building, we do have some expansion of beds, so that 12, but we do have you know, probably 60 more beds Comp
• They're good workers, but they did have no leadership.
• It has to do also with Increasing the salaries of our healthcare workers up at OFC up at Enneda.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, the courts came in and said, oh, 5% of our lowest paid workers are on SNAP.
• And so when that person really needed the pay and needed the money and needed the workers' comp at a

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:21:33.679> three<00:21:34.480> comp<00:21:34.949> [clears throat] counties.
• three comp [clears throat] counties. three comp [clears throat] complied<00:21:35.520> with<00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Nolan West and Representative Pam Oldenorf introduced and defended a bill aimed at tightening Minnesota SNAP eligibility rules. They said the measure would move the net income test to the front of the application process, add asset testing similar to other state programs, and exclude vehicles over $100,000. They argued these changes would reduce overpayments, improve “good governance,” and help the state avoid future financial penalties tied to SNAP error rates. Oldenorf said Minnesota’s SNAP error rate has risen from about 4% in 2013 to about 9% now, and warned that if it stays above 6% the state could owe about $86 million in 2027. She cited a GAO report saying broad-based categorical eligibility is a major driver of payment errors, and pointed to examples she described as fraud or improper enrollment, including a millionaire receiving benefits and a recent Minneapolis SNAP fraud conviction. West and Oldenorf said the bill would not significantly increase county workloads, because counties already do similar eligibility and asset checks in other programs. In response to questions, the sponsors said they had not yet formally consulted many stakeholders because the bill had just been drafted, but they expected bipartisan support and said they had reached out to counties for input. They also said counties would retain some administrative costs, but the bill should not add major new burdens. The discussion then shifted to a separate topic when West raised concerns about access to Hennepin County voter rolls and alleged irregularities in voter data; he said he had obtained some county records and believed the Secretary of State was improperly limiting access, though no bill action or vote was taken on that issue in this transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• a sandwich or whatever, and they don't have health care service, then it rolls into that workman's comp
• investment will be a no-brainer on it, and hopefully we've got a good... rolls into that workman's comp
• piece and rolls into that workman's comp piece and and<00:10:36.640> we're<00:10:36.880> asking

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from the Mississippi National Guard leadership on deployments, operations, and the Guard’s budget request. The general described ongoing missions involving Mississippi units at the southern border, the National Capital Region, and Operation Safe and Beautiful, as well as the Guard’s role in Operation Midnight Hammer through the Meridian refueling unit. He also noted continued training of international partners at Camp Shelby and emphasized the Guard’s statewide, national, and global reach. The budget presentation focused on a modest increase over the prior year, including funding for state employees and the Youth Challenge Academy, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, the state education assistance program, readiness center maintenance for armories, and an increase in AC escalation authority from $164 million to $225 million to allow spending of federal funds on approved projects. The general said federal investment in Mississippi National Guard activities totaled $784 million in FY25, with $384 million for payroll, and explained that most permanent positions are federally reimbursed. Members discussed the state education assistance program, which the general said has helped stop recruiting losses to neighboring states by making Mississippi more competitive on tuition benefits. He said the program especially helps retain midcareer noncommissioned officers and supports younger service members who may lack health coverage when called to state active duty. Senators also asked about Camp Shelby Youth Challenge facilities and armory projects; the general reported that recent appropriations have improved the campus, that the program remains among the top three nationally, and that armory work is moving forward in Amory, Southaven, Corinth, and Carthage. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with expressions of appreciation and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every polling place follows the same rules, and every election worker has clear guidance.
• And we think this will actually make it easier for our poll workers because they will have this list
• We will train the poll workers and everyone will know that these are the acceptable documents and that
• Are we going to train our poll workers on that?
• But aren't the census workers like hired through the government?

Bills: HR118, HR196, HR237, HR285, HCR85, HB442, HB443, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR63, SB25, SB202, SB319

Keywords: water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, fallen trees, property damage, insurance, property values, hurricanes, storm damage, local government, homeowners, risk management, committee study, census, military population, Department of Defense, representation, federal funding

Bills: HB302, HB371, HB597, HB1097, HB1190, SB34, SB164, SB208, SB232, SB317, SB357, SB421, SB510

Keywords: legal representation, attorney general, elected officials, defense, legislative acts, judicial review, judiciary, election, judges, 19th Judicial District Court, East Baton Rouge, precincts, coroner, retention, body, mortuary, investigation, missing persons, Amber Alert, Endangered Missing Child Advisory

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a series of Senate and House bills, mostly dealing with courts, veterans, public safety, and licensing. Early actions included favorable reports on SB 317, which adds the House and Senate Military and Veterans Affairs committee chairs to the Louisiana Military Advisory Council, and SB 357, which updates court administration and appellate e-case management provisions, cleans up outdated language, and revises reimbursement and security rules. SB 232, funding the judges’ supplemental compensation fund, was amended and reported favorably, and SB 421, modernizing electronic records terminology and safeguards, was also reported favorably. Several House bills were voluntarily deferred, including HB 1190, HB 1097, and later HB 374-1. The committee then took up SB 208 on veterans’ services, which was presented as a response to the earlier court ruling striking down Act 479. The bill seeks to regulate unaccredited “claim shark” businesses that charge veterans for disability-claim assistance, while exempting federally regulated accredited agents. Testimony from the Department of Veterans Affairs supported the bill as a way to protect veterans from predatory practices, while an opposing witness argued the issue is preempted by federal law and should be left to Congress or the pending Fifth Circuit appeal. Despite the objection, the bill was reported favorably. Members also advanced SB 510, which would restrict access to certain licensed establishments that sell hemp-based intoxicating products, especially bar-like venues where minors can currently enter; Alcohol and Tobacco Control explained the bill’s purpose and scope. HB 302, by Representative Chasson, was discussed as a measure to prohibit vape sales near schools, with testimony from public health and ATC witnesses noting the need to align the bill with existing licensing and local-ordinance authority; the committee moved it favorably after discussion. Finally, SB 34, creating “Brian’s Call” emergency alerts for missing children and adults with developmental disabilities, drew extensive emotional testimony from families and disability advocates and was reported favorably, as was SB 164, which adds public works employees to the definition of first responders. The committee adjourned after reporting HB 597, which restructures judicial compensation rules and eliminates the commission after a delayed effective date, and after deferring HB 374-1.

Bills: HCR41, HB11, HB227, HB243, HB278, HB335, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB492, HB623, HB641, HB660, HB708, HB719, HB940, HB1029, HB1053, HB1069, HB1077

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Bills: HF2354, HF3407, HF4359, HF4192, HF3356, HF3695, HF1597, HF3155, HF3871, HF4437, HF4446, HF3990

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, ghost guns, unserialized firearms, 3D-printed guns, 3D printer firearms, CNC milling, home-built firearms, firearm serialization, serial numbers, unfinished frame, unfinished receiver, ghost gun ban, gun control, firearm design files, CAD files, digital gun blueprints

Bills: HF2354, HF3407, HF4359, HF4192, HF3356, HF3695, HF1597, HF3155, HF3871, HF4437, HF4446, HF3990

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, ghost guns, unserialized firearms, 3D-printed guns, 3D printer firearms, CNC milling, home-built firearms, firearm serialization, serial numbers, unfinished frame, unfinished receiver, ghost gun ban, gun control, firearm design files, CAD files, digital gun blueprints

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the workers, they're called apprentices, they're sitting there, and we have problems converting

Bills: HB2929, HB2956, HB2955, HB3128, HB3880, HB4294, HB2970, HB3338, HB3443, HB3783, HB3800, HB3818

Keywords: homeowner insurance, insurance premium, claim history, insurance regulation, at-fault claims, flood insurance, state law, consumer protection, appraisal management, Real Estate Appraiser Board, appraiser registration, background checks, ownership requirements, captive insurance, protected cell, sponsored captive, captive insurer, insurance commissioner, premium tax, dormant captive

Bills: HB2929, HB2956, HB2955, HB3128, HB3880, HB4294, HB2970, HB3338, HB3443, HB3783, HB3800, HB3818

Keywords: homeowner insurance, insurance premium, claim history, insurance regulation, at-fault claims, flood insurance, state law, consumer protection, appraisal management, Real Estate Appraiser Board, appraiser registration, background checks, ownership requirements, captive insurance, protected cell, sponsored captive, captive insurer, insurance commissioner, premium tax, dormant captive

Transcript Highlights:

• Customers have pointed weapons at our workers; some have even shot at our workers, while others have
• threatened bodily harm to our workers. at our workers while others have threatened bodily harm to our
• workers and customers are not the only ones who threaten these workers.
• Another worker was shot with a pellet gun. our workers. That's pretty serious.
• Another worker was shot with a pellet gun.

Bills: SB1046, SB1317, SB1376, SB1416, SB1448, SB1471, SB1493, SB1498, SB1502, SB1504, SB1538, SB1544, SB1550, SB1579, SB1581, SB1584, SB1624, SB1673

Keywords: telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security

Summary: The committee first approved its February 4 minutes and announced several bills would be held, including SB 1317, SB 1416, SB 1419, SB 1490, and SB 1493. It then heard SB 1579, which would appropriate about $4.7 million from the state general fund to expand a law enforcement data-sharing pilot through the Department of Administration, with funds for DPS, county sheriffs, university police, and city/town police departments. Testimony from the sponsor, Flagstaff’s mayor, Eloy’s police chief, and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office staff emphasized faster records access, better coordination, and officer safety; an amendment added $125,900 for the Scottsdale Police Department after it had been omitted. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1579 a do pass recommendation by a 6-0 vote with one not voting. The committee next considered SB 1581, which appropriates about $1.4 million from the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund for pepperball equipment and about $1.316 million for public safety training simulators, with an amendment increasing the Nogales Police Department’s pepperball allocation and expanding simulator funding so Yavapai County could buy two simulators with a three-year warranty. Supporters from Navajo County, Phoenix, Glendale, Flagstaff, and Cochise County described pepperball as a de-escalation tool and simulators as important for crisis-response and use-of-force training. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1581 as amended on a 7-0 vote. SB 1673 was heard next and would appropriate $8.2 million from the general fund to the Law Enforcement Crime Victim Notification Fund, exempting the appropriation from lapsing. The sponsor and law enforcement witnesses said the automated notification system has improved victim communication, reduced workload, and sent millions of updates; committee members asked about funding sources and why a bill is needed for a constitutionally mandated program. The committee approved SB 1673 without amendment on a 7-0 vote. The committee also heard SB 1544, which would make adult probation records public on request, while requiring redaction or withholding of sensitive information such as victim data, minors’ information, medical or counseling records, active investigations, and confidential informants, and creating a process for written denials and court appeals. The sponsor said the bill is intended to increase transparency and data access, while witnesses raised concerns about risk-assessment language and confidential information; the sponsor said amendments would be brought later to clarify those provisions. The committee passed SB 1544 on a 4-3 vote. Finally, SB 1376, creating a civic leadership development special plate and fund for a youth mentoring nonprofit, passed unanimously, and SB 1550, a three-year Queen Creek pilot program to prevent runaway youth exploitation and improve investigations, also passed after testimony from Queen Creek officials and police; one senator voted no, citing concerns about how runaway youth are treated in other legislation. The committee then began hearing SB 1504, a pension bill modifying retirement dates and COLA timing for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel, with supporters arguing it would improve recruitment and retention and opponents warning it would create significant unfunded liabilities, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it's entitled a temporary, uh, guest worker program, and, uh, let me tell you, um, you know, Texas
• data from the US Chamber of Commerce sites indicate sites and indicates that Texas has 80 available workers
• Hospital 2858 is a temporary guest worker program and all those words, by the way, have critical, uh,
• Temporary establishes that workers come for a limited time only.
• I mean, to tell you the truth, most of the new workers, the immigrants.

Bills: HB 256, HB 1308, HB 1554, HB 1743, HB 2308, HB 2351, HB 2858, HB 3676, HB 3784, HB 4312, HB 4552, HB 4823, HB 4852, HB 5007, HB 5010, HB 5520, HB 5524, HCR 19

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, illegal employment, state contracts, government entities, license suspension, immigration compliance, state grant funding, E-Verify, compliance, penalties, immigration, government contracts, employee status, state contractors, E-verify program, legally present, employment practices, legal services, public money

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm wondering, are there other stakeholders involved in this, like the Association of Social Workers
• widespread issue of wage theft in Minnesota, particularly in the construction industry, where one in five workers
• This unethical practice harms workers, undercuts honest businesses, and reduces state tax revenue.
• House File 689 strengthens enforcement efforts and ensures workers receive fair compensation.

Bills: HF2233, HF1999, HF1995, HF1614, HF2781, HF1775, HF1316, HF2127, HF2521, HF689, HF2380, HF1273

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<01:35:10.239> one<01:35:10.400> in<01:35:10.639> five<01:35:10.960> workers
• <01:35:11.760> experience workers, one in five workers experience workers, one in five workers
• <01:35:14.880> This This unethical practice harms workers, undercuts honest businesses, and
• House File 689 strengthens enforcement efforts and ensures workers receive fair compensation.
• enforcement efforts and ensures workers enforcement efforts and ensures workers receive<01:35:52.400

Bills: HF2233, HF1999, HF1995, HF1614, HF2781, HF1775, HF1316, HF2127, HF2521, HF689, HF2380, HF1273

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• That represent workers within the state agency.
• Because the coverage comp ratio didn't change significantly through implementation, there's probably
• But if we are talking about engineers, or attorneys, or nurses, or social workers, right?
• Workers, right?
• With their job, school work, boss, co-workers, or peers.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, insurance companies fund the workers' comp division of the Department of Labor.
• In addition, insurance companies fund the workers' comp division of the Department of Labor.
• In addition, insurance companies fund the workers' comp division of the Department of Labor.
• In addition, insurance companies fund the workers' comp division of the Department of Labor.
• Often, you want to give your client essentially like a real estate comp and say these things usually

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first reviewed its schedule, noting that 13 bills were being executed the next day and that additional subcommittee work would be scheduled around Town Meeting Day and the following session days. The chair explained that the committee would not meet on Town Meeting Day, would handle the remaining bills on the next available subcommittee day, and would continue any unfinished items later in the month. The committee then took up House Bill 774, which concerned Medicare-related coverage issues. Members discussed the bill’s purpose and the differences between Medicare standard and Medicare Advantage, with one member saying the proposal was informative but did not offer a workable solution. The committee also moved to inexpedient to legislate on House Bill 185, and the motion passed on a 6-0 vote. House Bill 241, relating to alternatives to opioids, was retained for further work. Members said the bill raised concerns about insurers effectively practicing medicine and about the lack of evidence on the efficacy of some alternative treatments, while also noting that chiropractic coverage mandates already exist in statute. The committee voted to retain the bill, with the motion passing 6-0. The most extended discussion was on House Bill 648, which would expand insurance coverage for glucose monitoring. Testimony and committee comments focused on whether coverage should be tied to insulin use or instead to a physician’s medical judgment, the role of continuous glucose monitoring for people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, and the potential cost impact. An insurance department fiscal analyst said the original $22-per-member estimate was based on the unamended bill and that the amended version would require updated analysis; members agreed to retain the bill to narrow the eligible population and revisit the language later.

Transcript Highlights:

• wrong with these young people and their families, how can we fix them via, you know, more social workers
• > more<00:12:38.920> counselors<00:12:39.920> it's<00:12:40.279> neither workers
• or more counselors it's neither workers or more counselors it's neither it's<00:12:41.480> neither
• record of success in<01:03:54.480> increasing<01:03:55.079> student<01:03:55.440> comp
• <01:03:55.760> competency in increasing student comp competency in increasing student comp

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake