Video & Transcript : 'bipartisan unity' :
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NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Government Affairs May 30th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Government Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Unity, unity among Republican, Democratic, and independent students.
- Match the unity we have shown, match the urgency we have felt, and help us build the safer future we're
- We ask you to meet our unity with leadership.
- Flores is not honest when he's saying that it's going to be bipartisan.
- No, it's not going to be bipartisan.
Bills:
SB156
Committee:
Assembly Government Affairs
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, July 16, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We are hopeful for unity. We are grateful for pilgrim feet and heroes proved in liberating strife.
- ,</c><00:09:15.680><c> not</c> Give us unity from inspiration, not Give us unity from inspiration, not
- </c> call for unity, and to our community. call for unity, and to our community.
- This bipartisan package initiatives.
- It has passed the Senate committee on a bipartisan vote.
Keywords:
Orland Project, Central Valley Project, Sacramento Canal Unit, water transfer, water rights, drought relief, federal reclamation, Bureau of Reclamation, California water, irrigation, water management, Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act, Reclamation Reform Act, water users association, water supply, drought resilience
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, as we honor Cinco de Mayo, let's honor the full truth, the resistance, the unity, and the Black
- And I look forward to sending that bipartisan message to Congress. Thank you.
- And I look forward to sending that bipartisan message to Congress. Thank you.
- This is a bipartisan moment because stepping up for starving children should be.
- AB 428 has bipartisan support. Joint Powers Agreements, Water Corporations.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment.
After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales.
The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Republican Media Availability 4/.28/26 Apr 29th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It would have been nice um to have seen uh some effort at unity uh beyond just using One Minnesota platitudes
- /c><00:03:33.320><c> some</c><00:03:33.640><c> effort</c><00:03:33.920><c> at</c><00:03:34.040><c> unity
- </c><00:03:34.959><c> uh</c> have seen uh some effort at unity uh have seen uh some effort at unity uh
- Unfortunately, the governor continues to be stuck on things that don’t have bipartisan support and is
- holding hostage, along with the Democrats, things that would have bipartisan support.
Summary:
Republican legislative leaders reacted critically to Governor Walz’s speech, saying it was divisive and focused too heavily on Democratic priorities rather than unity or bipartisan work. Speaker Daudt and Majority Leader Liska argued the governor ignored the state’s affordability problems, including high property taxes, rising business costs, and what they described as mandates imposed under full Democratic control. They also said the speech downplayed poor educational outcomes and failed to offer a unifying vision for the final weeks of session.
A major theme was fraud and accountability. Leaders said the governor waited too long to address the state’s large fraud scandal and then deflected blame to other states. They said Minnesotans want accountability and affordability, and they pointed to the House Fraud Committee and the Senate’s OIG bill as examples of anti-fraud work Republicans say Democrats have blocked. They also criticized the governor’s tax proposals as a “bait and switch,” arguing that promised tax cuts would be offset by new taxes on services and banking fees.
The discussion also touched on school safety, gun policy, child care credits, and the HCMC bailout. Republicans said they were willing to work on bipartisan school safety measures, including mental health supports and funding for public, private, and charter schools, but believed gun-control proposals lacked the votes. On the child care credit, leaders said they would keep evaluating it but were concerned about future deficits and the need for a pay-for. In response to questions, they said they were not surprised HCMC was not mentioned and said conversations were continuing. One leader also objected to the governor’s comments about voting access for people of color, calling them disrespectful.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 22nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The resiliency is demonstrated in its unity to combat hate and hostility against their community with
- I urge you to vote aye, and as we stand together, we stand together for unity, resiliency, to ensure
- He is committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces where unity and pride continue to thrive.
- This historic and bipartisan legislation recognized... And reclamation act.
- This historic and bipartisan legislation recognized two important realities.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Republican Media Availability 4/23/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- fashion, but specifically on bipartisan fashion, but specifically on time<00:02:50.959><c> by</c><00
- </c> in a bipartisan fashion to this point. in a bipartisan fashion to this point.
- Do you think this speech did any harm to the bipartisan work that you will have to do, or do you think
- <00:15:49.759><c> work</c><00:15:50.000><c> that</c><00:15:50.160><c> you</c> bipartisan work that you
- bipartisan work that you will<00:15:51.600><c> have</c><00:15:51.759><c> to</c><00:15:51.920><c> do<
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 8th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- May we find unity in our diverse perspective.
- For unity is our strength. Let us build a brighter future for all.
- This bill has received unanimous bipartisan support.
- This measure has received bipartisan support.
- It has had bipartisan support.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a long floor file with many Senate bills. Early procedural actions included unanimous-consent motions, a successful roll-call to rescind prior action on SB 351, and a 54-vote suspension of Joint Rule 61(a)(3) to allow floor amendments on SBs 80, 351, and 415. The chamber also made several referrals, moved one item to the inactive file, and welcomed new Assembly Member Natasha Johnson and other guests.
The bulk of the meeting consisted of concurrence and third-reading votes on a wide range of measures, many of them passing with little or no opposition. Topics included tribal gaming grants (AB 221), State Bar fee and bar exam changes (SB 253), AI guardrails in community colleges (SB 241), consumer arbitration clauses (SB 82), due process for law enforcement in Racial Justice Act cases (SB 734), dental payment fee disclosures (SB 386), HOA balcony inspection reports (SB 410), farmland protection and EIFD rules (SB 5 and SB 516), emergency shelter zoning (SB 340), HIV confidentiality (SB 504), election signature-cure reforms (SB 3), contractor workers’ compensation compliance (SB 291), fire training funding (SB 345), wage theft enforcement (SB 355 and SB 261), food allergen disclosures (SB 68), ride-share insurance coverage (SB 371), housing and disaster recovery measures (SB 233, SB 625, SB 21), midwifery education (SB 520), mobile home insurance access (SB 525), epinephrine in schools (SB 568), health facility emergency licensing (SB 582), hair relaxer enforcement (SB 236), wastewater surveillance (SB 317), and several tax, transportation, and public health bills.
A number of bills drew brief policy debate or opposition. SB 388, creating a California Latino Commission, prompted criticism from some members who argued the money should go directly to community needs rather than a new commission; it still passed. SB 50 on digital safety for victims of abuse, SB 20 on silicosis prevention, SB 306 on prior authorization reform, SB 373 on oversight of out-of-state special education placements, and SB 437 on reparations descendant-status verification were among the more substantive and discussed measures. Most bills passed by wide margins, often unanimously, and several urgency or tax-levy measures required 54 votes and were approved. The session ended with continued passage of remaining file items and multiple items retained or passed temporarily for later action.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- week, the legislator affirms his commitment to fostering greater understanding, mutual respect, and unity
- Both grounded in community empowerment, both calling for Black and brown unity.
- And so, as we honor Cinco de Mayo, let's honor the full truth—the resistance, the unity, and the Black
- And I look forward to sending that bipartisan message to Congress. Thank you.
- This is a bipartisan moment because stepping up for starving children should be.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 8th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- May we find unity in our diverse perspective.
- For unity is our strength. Let us build a brighter future for all.
- The bill received unanimous bipartisan support.
- This bill has received unanimous bipartisan support.
- This measure has received bipartisan support.
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and prayer, then handled a long consent and third-reading file with many Senate bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Early procedural actions included rescinding the prior passage of SB 351, suspending the floor-amendment deadline for SBs 80, 351, and 415, and referring several measures to committees. Members also welcomed new Assembly Member Natasha Johnson and recognized guests and an intern.
The floor then took up a wide range of policy bills. Major topics included housing and land use (including SB 5 on Williamson Act land and EIFDs, SB 516 on EIFDs, SB 233 on housing element timing, SB 262 on pro-housing policies, SB 21 on SRO conversions, SB 340 on emergency shelters, and SB 625 on disaster rebuilding), public health and health care (SB 386 on dental virtual credit card fees, SB 504 on HIV confidentiality, SB 520 on nurse midwifery education, SB 568 on epinephrine in schools, SB 582 on inactive licenses for damaged health facilities, SB 306 on prior authorization, SB 454 on PFOS cleanup, and SB 317 on wastewater surveillance), labor and consumer protections (SB 261 on wage theft enforcement, SB 291 on workers’ compensation compliance, SB 355 on wage theft judgments, SB 517 on home improvement disclosures, and SB 82 on limiting arbitration clauses), and elections/government transparency (SB 3 on signature curing, SB 398 on paying people to vote or register, SB 470 on teleconferencing for state boards, and SB 595 on local financial reports).
Other measures addressed transportation and infrastructure, including SB 371 on TNC insurance coverage, SB 78 on dangerous highways, SB 419 on hydrogen vehicle tax treatment, and SB 86 on the clean energy financing tax exclusion. The Assembly also approved bills on criminal justice and public safety such as SB 734 on due process for law enforcement officers, SB 701 banning signal jamming devices, SB 380 on transitional housing for sexually violent predators, and SB 20 on silicosis prevention. Several bills focused on education and equity, including SB 241 on AI guardrails in community colleges, SB 670 on immigrant integration in adult education, SB 411 on Sun Bucks and student food insecurity, SB 437 on descendant-status verification for reparations-related work, SB 388 creating a California Latino Commission, and SB 373 strengthening oversight of out-of-state nonpublic schools for students with disabilities.
Most measures passed overwhelmingly, often unanimously; a few drew notable debate, especially SB 388, which saw opposition over creating another commission, and SB 398, which prompted discussion about election-related incentives. The session ended with continued passage of additional bills, including SB 514 on wildfire defensible space reporting, with the chamber moving through the file and recording numerous aye votes and immediate transmittals where required.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/12/2026 - State of the State Address
Transcript Highlights:
- This joint session reflects that unity.
- If that unity holds, it means a more productive session, better outcomes for the people of Arizona, and
- And the budget we passed was bipartisan and balanced, while the Washington budget was partisan and skyrocketed
- These are real-world examples made possible through our vision of the Arizona Promise and bipartisan
- However, if this And bipartisan solutions.
Summary:
The transcript is the opening joint session of the Arizona Legislature’s 57th Second Regular Session, featuring remarks from House and Senate leaders and Governor Katie Hobbs. House and Senate leaders emphasized a conservative governing agenda focused on affordability, public safety, parental rights, accountability, school choice, election integrity, and water policy, while also highlighting plans for tax cuts and cooperation across chambers.
Governor Hobbs centered her address on the “Arizona promise,” stressing affordability, security, and freedom. She highlighted prior actions on job growth, medical debt relief, housing, public safety, border security, water management, and economic development, and announced new proposals including a middle-class tax cut package, a capacity and efficiency initiative to save state funds, a new active management area for La Paz County, a Colorado River Protection Fund, elimination of the data center tax exemption, a housing acceleration fund, and an Arizona Affordability Fund funded in part by a short-term rental fee. She also called for more accountability in the ESA program and for renewing Prop. 123 to support public schools.
The governor and legislative leaders also addressed political violence, honoring retiring Senator Lela Alston and recognizing public safety and firefighting personnel. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the session; it concluded with the joint session being dissolved after the governor’s remarks.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/12/2026 - State of the State Address
Transcript Highlights:
- This joint session reflects that unity.
- If that unity holds, it means a more productive session, better outcomes for the people of Arizona, and
- And the budget we passed was bipartisan and balanced, while the Washington budget was partisan and skyrocketed
- These are real-world examples made possible through our vision of the Arizona Promise and bipartisan
- However, if this And bipartisan solutions.
Summary:
The transcript is the opening joint session of the Arizona Legislature’s 57th Second Regular Session, featuring remarks from House and Senate leaders and Governor Katie Hobbs. House and Senate leaders emphasized a Republican governing agenda focused on affordability, public safety, parental rights, tax cuts, election integrity, school choice, and holding government accountable, while also highlighting cooperation on water policy and border security reimbursement. Senate President Warren Petersen said the legislature would pursue a major tax cut, send an election integrity measure to voters, defend women’s sports and school choice, and continue negotiations on Colorado River guidelines.
Governor Hobbs framed her agenda around the “Arizona Promise,” stressing affordability, public safety, water security, housing, and economic opportunity. She highlighted prior-year accomplishments including job growth, medical debt relief, lower costs for child care and housing, public safety investments, and major business recruitment. She called for an immediate middle-class tax cut, more efficient government spending, and new initiatives including a Colorado River Protection Fund, elimination of the data center tax exemption, a housing acceleration fund, and an Arizona Affordability Fund financed in part by a nightly fee on short-term rentals.
Hobbs also announced a new active management area for La Paz County to address groundwater depletion, defended her administration’s water and housing policies, and urged renewed funding for public schools while criticizing the ESA program for lack of accountability. She called for bipartisan action on disaster relief after floods in Globe and Miami, and condemned political violence. No legislative votes were taken; the joint session concluded with the governor’s address and the session was dissolved.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Dec 9th, 2025
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- ...in school and listening to the rhetoric of Charlie Kirk in a time when we are trying to preach unity
- I am challenged to understand why holding up such a figure is someone that would promote unity among
- people of ...is someone that would promote unity among people of different ages, races, genders, and
- meaningful ties to Florida or Florida's civic life and a record rooted in division that weakens the bipartisan
- meaningful ties to Florida or Florida's civic life and a record rooted in division that weakens the bipartisan
Summary:
The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability heard three bills and reported all three favorably. First, the committee took up Senator Gates’ employee protection bill, which was amended with a delete-all to create whistleblower protections for people who file ethics complaints based on personal knowledge. Gates and the Florida Commission on Ethics said the measure would reduce retaliation against insiders who report misconduct, while the commission said it supported the proposal and expected low implementation costs. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended.
The committee next considered Senator McClain’s bill to reclassify certain district assistant regional counsel supervisor positions in the Florida Retirement System to the senior management class. Supporters said the change would align those positions with comparable attorneys in public defender and state attorney offices and help with recruitment and retention. A late-file technical amendment aligning class codes with statute was adopted, and the committee then reported the bill favorably.
The final bill, Senator Martin’s SB 194, would designate October 14 each year as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance in Florida. Martin argued the day would honor Kirk’s advocacy for free speech, civic engagement, and debate, and said it would not create a state holiday or require closures. The bill drew strong opposition from Senator Polsky and Senator Bracy Davis, who cited Kirk’s public statements on race, women, guns, and systemic discrimination and argued he was divisive and unworthy of a state honor. Supporters, including representatives from the Venezuelan American Republican Club and the Christian Family Coalition, backed the measure. After debate, the committee voted to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, November 17, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation is simple, bipartisan, and just.
- This is a bipartisan bill.
- THIS IS A BIPARTISAN BILL.
- It is rightfully a bipartisan effort.
- We returned hoping for Democratic unity.
Keywords:
cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, CISA, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, FBI, interagency task force, Volt Typhoon, People’s Republic of China, PRC, state-sponsored cyber actors, Chinese cyber threats, cyber espionage, critical infrastructure protection, homeland security, national security, information sharing, threat intelligence, digital forensics, sector risk management agencies
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, September 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Why fight a bipartisan abused them?
- bipartisan bipartisan uh<01:06:04.559><c> immigration</c><01:06:05.280><c> bill</c><01:06:05.680><c>
- Our resilience, our compassion, and our unity.
- </c> compassion, and our unity. compassion, and our unity.
- </c><02:31:25.040><c> We</c> and unity. We must never forget 9/11. We and unity.
Keywords:
appropriations, military construction, veterans affairs, VA funding, USDA, agriculture appropriations, legislative branch appropriations, fiscal year 2026, omnibus, spending bill, rural development, rural housing, broadband, SNAP, WIC, school lunch, food safety, FDA user fees, veterans health care, toxic exposure
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- WE CANNOT ALLOW THE HEROISM, THE SACRIFICE AND THE UNITY THAT FOLLOWED BE FORGOTTEN.
- I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan, commonsense legislation.
- I urge all members to support this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.
- I URGE ALL MEMBERS TO SUPPORT THIS COMMONSENSE, BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION.
- THESE ARE THE KINDS OF WILLS THAT SHOULD BE BIPARTISAN AND THEY SHOULD BE OUR FOCUS.
Keywords:
Coptic Christians, human rights, Egypt, religious freedom, US-Egypt relations, minority rights, violence prevention, inauguration, Congress, House attendance, ceremony, legislative session, inaugural ceremony, House of Representatives, President, Vice President, adjournment, aviation, transportation, centennial
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 60 (4-15-26) - Part 3
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> by a bipartisan vote of 73 to 14. by a bipartisan vote of 73 to 14.
- Unity, bipartisanship, all those opposed say nay. Ayes have it. Senator from Taylor, with that, Mr.
- Unity, bipartisanship, all those opposed say nay. Ayes have it. Senator from Taylor, with that, Mr.
- Unity, bipartisanship, all those opposed say nay. Ayes have it. Senator from Taylor, with that, Mr.
- :08.200><c> opposed</c> Unity, bipartisanship, all those opposed say nay.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 3rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- New Year is a year of... and the celebration is occasion for the community to celebrate, to be in unity
- And it is critically important we do this, and I wish we could do it in a bipartisan way because at the
- For everyday Californians who have been having bipartisan work groups talking about how we can lower
- Many of these legal aid programs have traditionally enjoyed bipartisan support.
- We want to be bipartisan.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-25 (5:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We pray that they would come together in unity of purpose, and that even when there are strong differences
- , they would have In unity of purpose, and that even when there are strong differences, they would have
- But I just think that these bipartisan efforts to enhance safety around swimming in pools, especially
- These bipartisan efforts to enhance safety around swimming in pools, especially with our youth in Florida
- And I want to applaud you both for continuing that great pattern of bipartisan work.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator Charlie Dean. Senators also introduced guests, including family members, church leaders, and visiting students. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar, where several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on Citizens Property Insurance, artificial intelligence, public records, and data centers.
The Senate passed a series of bills focused on consumer protection, transportation safety, health, and financial regulation. CS/HB 505 on virtual currency kiosks passed 37-0 after being substituted for SB 198 and amended to adopt Senate language aimed at limiting fraud and setting transaction controls. SB 382 on electric bicycles passed 37-0 after amendment to broaden the task force to micro-mobility devices. SB 844 on sickle cell disease continuing education passed 37-0, requiring certain health professionals to complete training on care management. SB 1014 on municipal utility service outside city limits passed 37-0, and SB 428 on the swimming lesson voucher program passed 36-0 after amendments expanding the program to ages 1 through 7 and adding drowning-prevention education for new parents.
The Senate also passed CS/CS/CS/SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation, which creates cybersecurity program requirements for certain licensees, expands oversight of some investment advisers, and updates credit union and anti-money-laundering provisions; it passed 36-0. CS/CS/SB 1440 on public records passed 35-1 after technical amendments tied to related cybersecurity exemptions and reporting requirements. SB 1594 on veteran benefit payments to minor clients passed 36-0, directing certain benefits for foster youth toward post-secondary education or aftercare rather than agency reimbursement. At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to certify all passed bills to the House and retain postponed bills on the special order calendar, and the Senate adjourned until the next day.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Its companion did secure a strong bipartisan vote on the House floor.
- Its companion did secure a strong bipartisan vote on the House floor.
- It gives our bipartisan board of directors... ...the ability to apply access and affordability criteria
- I am Lisa Nelson, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Unity Care Northwest, a community health center based in
- At Unity Care Northwest, 340B savings allow us to stretch limited resources and provide discounted care
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on several health-related bills. SB 5904 would restrict nursing titles such as RN, NP/ARNP, and LPN to licensed human people and prohibit non-human entities, including AI chatbots, from using those titles. The sponsor and nursing advocates said the bill is meant to prevent confusion and protect public trust, while preserving the use of AI as a support tool. SB 5877 would add a $70 surcharge for certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and access HealWA resources; supporters said it closes a technical gap and aligns CAAs with other medical professions. SB 5185 would create a pilot pathway for certain international medical graduates with clinical experience licenses to obtain full primary care licensure; supporters from the medical commission, physicians, and IMG advocates said the program has worked well, has shown no patient safety issues, and could help address workforce shortages.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on ESSB 6210, which would let the Health Benefit Exchange adopt additional market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, including standards aimed at preserving access and affordability in underserved counties. Supporters, including the exchange, OIC, consumer advocates, tribal representatives, and patient groups, said the bill is needed to respond to federal policy changes, rising premiums, and disappearing coverage in places like San Juan County. Opponents from carriers and employer groups argued the timeline is too fast, the criteria are too discretionary, and the bill could reduce competition and raise costs. The committee then heard SB 5981, which would strengthen protections and reporting requirements for the federal 340B drug pricing program and limit manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies and data requests. Hospitals, clinics, and patient advocates said the bill protects safety-net care and rural access, while manufacturers, employers, and business groups argued it would expand a program that already raises costs and lacks transparency.
In executive session, the committee took action on SB 5917, related to Department of Corrections distribution of abortion medications, rejecting five proposed amendments and then advancing the bill on a 10-6 vote with three excused. The committee also advanced SB 5988, which concerns Department of Health opioid treatment program accrediting activities, on a do-pass recommendation after brief discussion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Apr 10th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I also pray for unity.
- There are issues that sometimes we disagree with, so I do pray for unity and understanding.
- This bill has received incredible bipartisan backing.