Transcript Highlights:

• discussions with the department since they would be the one overseeing it, that they would have adequate resources
• Chairman, I just, I guess, another procedural question: would it be more efficient or appropriate to,

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first addressed Senate Bill 2387, which had previously included language expanding the definition of a sexual assault victim advocate to include advocates from organizations serving victims of sexual trafficking or other sexual violence. After concerns were raised that the language could broaden participation in forensic interviews beyond appropriately credentialed organizations, the parties agreed to remove that added language. The committee then reconsidered its prior action, adopted the amendment striking the new language, and passed SB 2387 as amended on a 12-0-1 roll call vote. The bulk of the meeting focused on Representative Nelson’s proposed changes to a 340B-related bill, centered on expanding reporting and transparency requirements. His draft would require hospitals to report how 340B savings are used, and would also add reporting by drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and health insurers on rebates, pricing, ownership interests, 340B savings, premiums, claims, and related data. Nelson argued the reporting was needed to give lawmakers better information about how the 340B program affects hospitals, insurers, pharmacies, and public costs, and noted the Department of Corrections also benefits from the program. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of more transparency. Sanford Health Plan said it needed more time to review carrier impacts and had concerns about employer-related language and rebate reporting. The North Dakota Hospital Association supported hospital transparency and said the broader approach was appropriate because hospitals are only one part of the 340B system. Several members raised procedural concerns about the scope of the proposal and the lack of a drafted LC amendment. The committee decided not to take final action on the 340B proposal that day, instead forming a subcommittee led by Representative Hendricks, with Representatives Dobervich and Bolinske, to work with LC and return with drafted language for further review on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• trust and tax collectors to deliver critical state motor vehicle services locally by expanding efficiency
• partnership with Ifas to help establish a more robust native seed industry in Florida with more resources

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As we adjust and refocus, we just want to make sure that we have the proper resources to assist our law
• We get them to where we can get through a lot more efficiently, and that's also the difference.

Committee: Senate Border Security

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a landmark DEI bill that basically instructed our institutions of higher learning to take those resources
• You were very efficient. I'm so thankful.

Bills: SCR7

Keywords: legislature, adjournment, permissions, Texas Constitution, session, legislative authority

Summary: The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators. Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock administered the oath of office to the senators-elect, and Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, emphasizing priorities such as foster care, the budget, border security, school choice, and maintaining Texas’s economic growth and constitutional principles. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also welcomed members and guests, noted the Senate’s bipartisan culture, and highlighted the chamber’s organization for the session. The Senate then held its organizational election for President Pro Tempore. Senator Tan Parker nominated Senator Brandon Creighton, and Senator Paul Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising Creighton’s background, legislative record, and leadership. The chamber voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the front and sworn in as President Pro Tempore by State Minister Scott Wall. Creighton delivered remarks about his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including education, border issues, energy, and Texas sovereignty. After the leadership election, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for either house to adjourn for more than three days during the specified January period. The resolution passed by a recorded vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus at 10 a.m. in the Betty King Room.

Transcript Highlights:

• and produce clean, odorless water while reducing our environmental footprint, protecting natural resources
• She said the efficiency and cost savings matter because doing the work outside the project would be a
• ><c> that</c> project with the highway because of that project with the highway because of that efficiency
• 54.239><c> with</c><01:18:54.360><c> the</c><01:18:54.520><c> cost</c><01:18:54.840><c> costs</c> efficiency
• along with the cost costs efficiency along with the cost costs that<01:18:55.480><c> would</c><01:18

Bills: HF201 , HF217 , HF314 , HF315 , HF406 , HF408 , HF425 , HF426 , HF730 , HF731 , HF652 , HF761 , HF1079 , HF928 , HF1017 , HF1056 , HF1081

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: HF201, Minnesota income tax, tax subtraction, tax deduction, volunteer firefighter, volunteer fire and rescue, emergency responder, ambulance service personnel, EMR, EMS, search and rescue, canine search and rescue, underwater search and rescue, paid-on-call, part-time volunteer, tax relief, state tax law, section 290.0132, drivers license, identification card

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to look at the resources that we have out there to do that.
• We have to look at the resources that we have out there to do that.
• We have to look at the resources that we have out there to do that.
• It's efficient. It's effective.
• It's efficient. It's effective.

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> but just to use it as a resource. Mhm. but just to use it as a resource. Mhm.
• This is a new nonprofit, and I think it's a really important resource for Minnesota, um, particularly
• Um, the Alabama program, I talked with them earlier this morning, they set aside a pool of resources
• Um, the Alabama program, I talked with them earlier this morning, they set aside a pool of resources
• ,</c> building homes that are efficient, building homes that are efficient, resilient,<01:32:53.360><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And basically, that's what the amendment, the whole purpose, is just to merge the two resources.
• That's what the amendment, the whole purpose, is just to merge the two resources.
• He did not have enough time or resources to redirect his search at that point.
• It just allows them to use their resources to create this initiative.
• It just allows them to use their resources to create this initiative.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee took up several House measures. HCR 66, as amended, asked Louisiana Economic Development and the Governor’s Office of Rural Development to study rural parish assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities, and it was moved forward without objection. HB 387, a clarification to allow the fire marshal’s office to review architectural and engineering plans equally, also passed favorably without objection. HB 1223, which would have LED promote Louisiana’s clinical trial capacity and adjust internal review board processes, was amended and moved favorably. HB 950, aimed at helping older adults recognize and avoid fraud through materials and resources from the Office of Elderly Affairs, was reported favorably. HB 975, a routine measure to recreate the Public Service Commission, was also reported favorably. HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, was amended and moved favorably. HB 1222, described as a Grocery Initiative Act to let LED identify ways to address food deserts and food insecurity, was introduced near the end of the meeting. The most extensive debate centered on HB 617, a consumer transparency bill requiring mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing. The author said the bill was intended to curb hidden fees and help consumers compare prices, with examples such as hotel resort fees and automatic restaurant service charges. Supporters argued it would improve transparency, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups said the bill was too broad, vague about terms like “total price,” unclear on enforcement and penalties, and could create compliance burdens and litigation risk, especially for small businesses. Housing advocates opposed the bill’s housing carve-out, arguing it could weaken renters’ ability to bring unfair-practice claims. Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard lengthy testimony on HB 797, which would create a Bayou Gold certification for certain transactional gold vendors that meet state-defined standards such as segregation, insurance, and nearby storage. The sponsor said the goal was to give consumers confidence and encourage vendors to keep gold closer to Louisiana, while critics argued the program would amount to a state endorsement of private companies, create misleading consumer impressions, and expose the state to confusion or liability. The bill drew opposition from the Sound Money Defense League and others, but the committee ultimately reported HB 797 favorably, with the understanding it still had to go to Finance. HB 1228, a hearing-aid cleanup bill updating definitions, contracts, testing periods, and licensing rules, was also moved favorably without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then Assemblymember Isaac Bryan from Los Angeles, who chairs our Natural Resources Committee, which
• We're also partnered with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Gabe will talk quite a bit about
• Atec, Chief Innovation Officer for UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
• However, it takes a lot of resources to grow high-quality almonds.
• and that and those resources can go to academic institutions as well as non-profits and others that

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation was held at UC Davis and focused on how alternative proteins can support California agriculture, the bioeconomy, and farmers. Opening remarks from UC Davis leaders and committee members emphasized the university’s food science, fermentation, and sustainability strengths, and the state’s prior investments of $5 million for UC alternative protein research and an additional $1 million for ICAMP. Members framed the topic as a way to grow new markets, keep more value in-state, and address climate, food security, and commercialization challenges. The first panel featured Sana Beg of the Plant-Based Foods Institute, who argued that California agriculture and alternative proteins are complementary, not competing, and stressed that farmers are essential to the sector. She highlighted the need for ingredient processing capacity, technical assistance for growers, and predictable demand through public procurement, including schools, hospitals, and state facilities. Committee members asked about financing and market development, and Beg said guaranteed loans, grants, and state- and USDA-backed support could help de-risk investment and build the supply chain. The second panel focused on research and development. Beam Circular described the circular bioeconomy in the San Joaquin Valley, including efforts to turn agricultural residues into higher-value products, build shared infrastructure, and expand workforce training. ICAMP and UC ANR described UC Davis-centered research, pilot facilities, and a proposed plant innovation center to bridge lab-scale work to commercial manufacturing. USDA researchers discussed using byproducts such as brewer’s spent grain, tomato pomace, lima beans, and chickpeas for new food ingredients. Members repeatedly emphasized the importance of public R&D funding, consumer acceptance, and food-grade scale-up facilities. The final panel highlighted company perspectives from Optimized Foods and Blue Diamond Growers. Optimized Foods described using fungi fermentation to convert almond hulls, cocoa waste, and tomato pomace into protein-rich ingredients and stabilized nutrients. Blue Diamond outlined its grower cooperative model, sustainability practices, almond ingredient portfolio, and the Sacramento almond innovation center. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with discussion centered on research, commercialization, infrastructure, and market-building for California-grown alternative protein products.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also partnered with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Gabe will talk quite a bit about
• KBi Atec, Chief Innovation Officer for UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.
• Yeah, Senator O'Brien being chair of our Natural Resources Committee, he's a very deep thinker on these
• , and those resources can go to academic institutions as well as nonprofits and others that are doing
• , and those resources can go to academic institutions as well as nonprofits and others that are doing

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill comes to you by request of the Department of Natural Resources.
• This bill comes to you by request of the Department of Natural Resources.
• The fiscal note from the Department of Natural Resources is pending and will highlight what additional
• So the bill before you may be useful for efficiency, but it does not solve the problem that we face.
• That way we can ensure that individuals who choose to quit have the resources and the resources...

Bills: SB6073 , SB6113 , SB6116 , SB6129 , SB6162 , SB6114 , SB5857

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: SB 6073, LEOFF, Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System, retirement system, pension, public safety retirement, wildland firefighter, aviation firefighter, wildland fire, forest firefighter, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, firefighter benefits, retirement benefits, service credit, disability retirement, survivor benefits, employer contributions, Washington RCW, public employees

Transcript Highlights:

• We just don't have the resources for it.
• , and how they had a say through community-based care. ...how they got resourced, and how they had a
• Trying to resource that, if you have any question about what occurred here, that's where it came from
• nor built service arrays for those. ...that we have not historically been resourced nor built service
• It really does require a... agency resources, and I mean that beyond just the fiscal cost.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee held its first meeting of the term and heard introductory remarks from the chair, vice chair, ranking member, and members, who broadly described their interest in child welfare, mental health, aging services, homelessness, and agency accountability. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction, including child welfare, mental health and substance abuse safety net services, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, elder services, and child support, and introduced the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as the first agency panel for the term. DCF presented an implementation update on HB 7089, a 2024 law aimed at increasing accountability and transparency for community-based care (CBC) lead agencies that deliver most child welfare services under contract. The department said the bill was prompted by forensic examinations that found problems such as noncompetitive procurement, related-party transactions, excessive executive compensation, and weak financial oversight. DCF described new contract requirements and monitoring tools covering board governance and annual training, conflict-of-interest disclosures, financial penalties for noncompliance, fidelity bond requirements, limits on direct service provision by lead agencies, related-party procurement rules, procurement thresholds, real-property approvals, compensation caps, expanded public reporting, and a new Future of Child Protection and Funding Work Group. DCF reported that some lead agencies had completed required board training, others were still on schedule, and two agencies exceeding the direct-service threshold had been referred to the Auditor General. Members asked DCF about the reasons for the bill, the impact on children, the work group’s regional representation, aging-out youth, the Embrace Families transition, board training requirements, and whether enforcement actions had been taken. DCF said the bill was intended to protect funds for children and families and improve oversight, and clarified that the Central Florida lead agency contract was awarded through competitive procurement rather than an absorption. DCF also said the board training was designed to be meaningful but not overly burdensome, with timing left partly to lead agencies as they implement the new requirements. The committee then heard from two CBC leaders, who generally supported the accountability goals of HB 7089 and said their agencies had already addressed most of the new governance and disclosure requirements. They reported that board training had been completed or was being scheduled, but both agencies said the fidelity bond requirement has been difficult or impossible to obtain in the market as written, though they were able to secure the separate performance bond. The CBC witnesses also warned that recruiting providers is increasingly difficult, especially for higher-acuity children and group-home placements, due to limited provider supply, regulatory burden, insurance costs, and rising risk. They said these pressures are contributing to budget deficits in some areas and urged lawmakers to consider the funding model, insurance and indemnification issues, and the risk of overregulation reducing provider participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, committee, we're going to move to the Department of Mineral Resources.
• My name is Nathan Anderson, Director of the Department of Mineral Resources.
• Stephen Freed: I work for our Department of Mineral Resources as a petroleum engineer.
• happening with those efficiencies.
• , but you can't use city resources and city staff just to say, 'Vote yes,' right?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to continue its tax reform and relief study agenda, approved the December 3, 2025 minutes, and announced a new subcommittee to examine property tax statement issues with counties, auditors, and the tax office. Representative Headland was named chair, Senator Rummel vice chair, and Representatives Dressler and Dr. Dr. and Senator Patton were also assigned. The chair noted the group may need an additional meeting and thanked staff and attendees. A major portion of the meeting focused on economic development incentives. The Department of Commerce presented on the Renaissance Zone program and TIF districts, describing Renaissance Zones as locally tailored tools that combine local property tax relief with state income tax incentives. Commerce said the program has supported thousands of projects since 1999 and cited examples from Beach and Mandan showing increases in property and taxable value, business retention, housing, and downtown revitalization. Committee members raised concerns that smaller rural communities often lack the staff and expertise to apply, and Commerce said it provides outreach through conferences, office hours, and one-on-one assistance. League of Cities and local officials from Bismarck and Ellendale echoed the capacity issue, discussed how the programs have worked in their communities, and suggested possible reforms or more targeted support for small towns. Ellendale’s mayor also described two TIF districts, one for industrial infrastructure in Oaks and one for housing infrastructure tied to a data center project in Ellendale. The committee then turned to stripper oil taxation. The Tax Department gave a comparison of oil and gas tax structures in selected states, noting that most have some form of stripper or marginal well provision, while Alaska does not appear to have a specific stripper-well exemption. Members asked for more detail on definitions and North Dakota’s annual adjusted rate. The Department of Mineral Resources followed with a detailed presentation on North Dakota stripper wells, explaining the statutory thresholds, the 12-consecutive-month production test, and the fact that once a well qualifies it remains on stripper status even if production later rises. DMR said about 11,332 stripper wells are active, representing roughly 54% of wells and about 16% of state production, and emphasized that stripper status can extend well life, preserve tax revenue, and reduce orphaned wells. Committee members and industry witnesses discussed refracs, the economics of keeping marginal wells active, and the competitive disadvantage created by North Dakota’s oil price discount. No votes were taken on these informational items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Taking care of our children is always a good use of our resources. >> Will the sponsor yield?
• It is about the Mohawk River, which is one of our most important natural economic resources, stretches
• New Yorkers deserve to know how public funds are being used and whether the resources are Research and
• New Yorkers deserve to know how public funds are being used and whether the resources are reaching the
• NEW YORKERS DESERVE TO NOW HOW PUBLIC FUNDS ARE BEING USED AND WHETHER THE RESOURCES ARE REACHING THE

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and then moved through a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber also received and accepted a Finance Committee report on nominations for Kathleen Mosier as Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Terrence O’Leary as Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and John Kagia as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. All three nominees were confirmed, with Mosier and O’Leary confirmed unanimously and Kagia confirmed 57-1, with Senator Walczyk voting no. The Senate adopted previously approved resolutions recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and mourning the death of Susan Irene Wright of Harlem. Senators Brisport and Bottcher spoke at length in support of Pride Month, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and ongoing threats to the trans community. On the Susan Wright resolution, Senators Cleare, Bailey, and Bottcher praised her community leadership, philanthropy, and family legacy, and Assembly Member Jordan Wright was recognized in the chamber. The body then considered and passed many bills on the calendar, including measures on insurance, environmental conservation, public health, education, business law, labor, social services, highway law, and local tax exemptions. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote, including a measure to end higher insurance premiums for widows, a bill to prohibit correctional facilities from denying visitation because of menstrual products or IUDs, and a Medicaid-related bill to expand access to blood pressure monitors for pregnant people. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable opposition from a small group of senators. Late in the session, the Senate took up a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting. Senator Stewart-Cousins sponsored the measure, and Senator Walczyk questioned it extensively, arguing voters had previously approved an independent redistricting process and objecting to changes that would remove the Legislature’s two-thirds map-approval requirement and alter the commission’s role. The sponsor said the changes were needed in response to aggressive partisan redistricting in other states and would still require voter ratification in future sessions. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote on the amendment shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• also creates a trustee obligation on government officials to protect the environment and natural resources
• of the state. officials to protect the environment and natural resources of the state.
• It already protects our air, water, land, and natural resources. Under H.J.R. 3, resources.
• that As resources protected only when the government decides they benefit the people.
• Chair, representatives, and Senator, New Mexico is so rich and abundant in God’s natural resources.

Committee: House House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• can operate these systems efficiently.
• can operate these systems efficiently.
• can operate these systems efficiently.
• can operate these systems efficiently.
• can operate these systems efficiently.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4808, as amended by a DE3, a human services technology modernization bill. The author described the measure as a multi-year effort to modernize outdated county systems, improve data integration, and strengthen program integrity and fraud detection. The bill would create a Human Services Modernization Fund with a $50 million cap, establish an advisory council with strong county and tribal representation, and create a legislative commission to oversee the work and receive annual reports. It also includes a $10 million county-focused grant fund and a $15 million appropriation for the Office of Inspector General’s technology needs. Testimony from the Association of Minnesota Counties and related county groups strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for immediate modernization, the importance of county and tribal involvement, and the value of legislative oversight. Members from both parties echoed support, saying the bill would help county workers spend less time on outdated systems and more time serving clients, and that better system integration could reduce errors and fraud issues. One member suggested that audits should be considered in the future in addition to reporting requirements. The committee adopted the DE3 amendment without opposition. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to refer House File 4808, as amended, to the general register, and the motion passed on a voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• There still needs to be some tightening and maybe a more efficient way to get people appointed.
• So, um I what I heard was of resources.
• time</c><02:14:00.079><c> and</c><02:14:00.480><c> to</c> resources and people's time and to resources
• I did provide some information on what TechFirst framework is, and I provided some resources.
• </c><02:29:16.399><c> for</c> council is always here as a resource for council is always here as a resource

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the best and most efficient way to deliver housing to smaller communities in Greater Minnesota
• It is the best and most efficient way to deliver housing to smaller communities in Greater Minnesota
• to bridge the gap um which is resources to bridge the gap um which is ever<01:10:15.600><c> apparent
• </c><01:10:56.440><c> from</c> thresholds uh to also get resources from thresholds uh to also get resources
• </c><01:13:39.239><c> for</c> they then went to secure resources for they then went to secure resources

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Since 2012, we've been acting as the federally designated National Telehealth Policy Resource Center,
• with that, we talked a little earlier about investments in, you know, particularly... ...for under-resourced
• to access crucial services via telehealth without having to worry about the additional time and resources
• When the world shut down, there were limited resources for our underserved low-income population in Shasta
• When the world shut down, there were limited resources for our underserved low-income population in Shasta

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When Brian was elected head of the firefighters, I was Resources Secretary, and from the beginning he
• Motorcycles also provide an efficient form of transportation that helps reduce roadway congestion, parking
• ambulance rides, delayed emergency care, fewer maternity options, and fewer potentially life-saving resources
• It was a difficult thing to adjust to and difficult resources to garner because we allow resources for
• they serve a larger population, but they're still in the middle of nowhere and have very limited resources

Keywords: 987, senate, all