Transcript Highlights:

• So this would allow the part of the appropriation that was originally appropriated to be used for admin
• So this would allow the part of the appropriation that was originally appropriated to be used for admin
• So this would allow the part of the appropriation that was originally appropriated to be used for admin
• So this would allow the part of the appropriation that was originally appropriated to be used for admin
• So this would allow the part of the appropriation that was originally appropriated to be used for admin

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 71 is a measure that was requested by the Kentucky Public Pension Authority, KPPA.
• </c> Bill 71 is a measure that was requested Bill 71 is a measure that was requested by<00:20:56.520>
• thank you and just a quick appropriately thank you and just a quick followup<00:26:04.240><c> Mr</c>
• word is not appropriate for our legislation<00:30:18.120><c> I</c><00:30:18.399><c> agree</c><00:30:
• how it is done thank you any legislating how it is done thank you any any<00:30:28.120><c> further</

Keywords: Consideration of HJR 15 02:26 Consideration of HB 30 16:18 Consideration of HB 71 20:05 Consideration of HB 182 23:51, 958, all

Summary: The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and first took up HJR 15, as amended by a committee substitute, which would return the granite Ten Commandments monument to permanent display on the new State Capitol grounds. Representative Baker described the monument’s history, its removal during construction in the 1980s, the 2000 effort to restore it, and recent Supreme Court changes that he said make the historical-tradition analysis more relevant than the former Lemon test. Members asked about the monument’s location, possible amendments to allow other faiths to place similar monuments, and church-state concerns. Several members explained their votes by saying they supported the historical display but wanted further discussion about religious representation. The resolution passed the committee 16-1 with two pass votes and was reported favorably to the House floor. The committee then considered House Bill 30, sponsored by Representative Blanton, which addresses pension spiking in the Kentucky Public Pension Authority. Blanton said the bill codifies a court ruling clarifying that across-the-board pay raises are not pension spiking and noted support from fire, police, and state employees. Representative Tipton reminded members that pension bills should be reviewed by the Public Pension Oversight Board first and said this bill had been reviewed there without issue. The committee approved HB 30 unanimously, 20-0, with favorable expression. House Bill 71, sponsored by Representative Duval, was next. KPPA Executive Director Ryan Barrow said the bill was requested by KPPA, vetted by the Public Pension Oversight Board, and would restructure KPPA by creating an Office of Financial Management and moving the current CFO into an executive director-level role overseeing that office, without affecting system funding requirements. Representative Johnson supported the measure as an administrative codification of current practice. The committee passed HB 71 unanimously, 20-0, with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 182 from Representative Frasier Gordon, which would prohibit state government from using the word “free” to describe taxpayer-funded services. Gordon said the bill is intended to increase transparency and ensure taxpayers are credited for funding public services, while not changing any programs or benefits. Members questioned how the bill would be enforced, what alternative wording should be used, and whether the restriction could affect communication with low-income or low-literacy residents; Gordon said terms like “provided at no cost” or “paid for by taxpayers” would be acceptable and that the bill contains no penalty. The committee passed HB 182 17-3 with favorable expression and sent it to the House floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:51.040><c> days</c> all members have five legislative days all members have five legislative
• </c> appropriation act of 2026. appropriation act of 2026.
• </c> this legislation is about defunding ICE. this legislation is about defunding ICE.
• </c> I I urge a yes vote for this legislation I I urge a yes vote for this legislation and<00:55:34.400
• The gentleman's request is granted. What was the request?

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, March 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then followed by Senate File 453, back of Museum, then Senate File 861, Country Fair Museum appropriation
• requests requests $150,000<00:19:38.880><c> in</c><00:19:39.159><c> both</c><00:19:39.559><c> fiscal
• </c> around so this is um a a renewal request around so this is um a a renewal request if<00:20:02.240
• </c><00:29:52.519><c> we</c> last one-year Legacy appropriation we last one-year Legacy appropriation
• </c> parks and trails Legacy appropriation parks and trails Legacy appropriation and<01:10:03.080><c>

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, we passed legislation that commits revenues available through the 2021 compact to make sure
• To my knowledge, there is not a state appropriation for legal aid. Senator Berman. Thank you, Mr.
• And I hope that we pass this piece of legislation for the people of Miami Gardens. Thank you, Mr.
• Or do they have flexibility to decide that they're not going to approve that request?
• Today is the birthday for my legislative aide.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions and moments of silence recognizing recent tragedies and public figures, including students affected by the FSU shooting, John Thrasher, Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, and conservation and youth groups visiting the chamber. The body also adopted Senate Resolution 1878 honoring Coach Abdur-Rahim and Senate Resolution 1892 recognizing Florida Wildlife Corridor Week. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, passing several bills with little or no opposition. Measures approved included child care and early learning provider regulation updates (SB 738, 37-0), false reporting/swatting penalties and cost recovery (SB 726, 38-0), health care billing and collection protections/medical debt (SB 656, 38-0), hazardous walking conditions for schoolchildren (SB 650, 38-0), young adult housing support for foster and homeless students (SB 584, 38-0), the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program disclosure bill (SB 508, 37-1), trust fund interest for court-approved purposes after a debated amendment (SB 498, 28-10), transportation and traffic-safety changes including school bus camera hearings and micromobility rules (SB 462, 37-0), public records exemptions for AHCA investigators and JQC/appellate court clerks (SB 342, 34-4; SB 302, 35-3; SB 300, 35-3), municipal water and sewer utility rate fairness for Miami Gardens/North Miami Beach (SB 202/HB 11, 36-2), motor vehicle offenses involving obscured plates and impersonation (SB 44/HB 253, 36-0), trespass at large-scale ticketed events and law-enforcement-controlled sites (SB 1828/HB 1447, 35-1), patient refund of overpayments (SB 1808, 37-0), stem cell therapy standards (SB 1768, 37-0), insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives (SB 1736/HB 1567, 38-0), and pre-arranged transportation services/rideshare impersonation (SB 1696/HB 1525, 37-0). Several bills were temporarily postponed, including cardiac emergencies, chemicals and consumer products, motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers, and education. Debate centered most heavily on the trust fund interest bill, with supporters arguing it would stabilize funding and better reflect market rates, and opponents warning it would sharply reduce legal aid funding and hurt access to justice. The transportation bill also drew extensive questions and amendments, including removal of a speed-limit increase, changes to school bus infraction hearing procedures, micromobility regulation, and flood-wake enforcement. The municipal water bill prompted constitutional and fairness concerns, while the public records bills were defended as necessary to protect investigators and court personnel from doxing and harassment. Most measures ultimately passed with strong bipartisan support, though the scholarship disclosure bill and trust fund interest bill drew the most visible dissent.

Transcript Highlights:

• As of this past April, 16 states have proposed legislation. Three have passed legislation.
• States have proposed legislation, three have passed legislation, and there are now 10 pilot initiatives
• In June, the Special Legislative Commission to Study Poverty recommended passing legislation to establish
• We respectfully request a favorable report on this legislation.
• This is not just a request to rectify the unintended impact of transfer legislation from over a decade

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on a proposed Massachusetts baby bonds program, including H. 3429, S. 2146, and the Treasurer’s related bill H. 48. Treasurer Goldberg and a broad coalition of advocates, researchers, health professionals, and people with lived experience said the program would create trust accounts for children born into low-income families or in DCF custody, with funds available at age 18 for education, homeownership, business startup, or other long-term asset-building uses. Supporters argued the program would help close the racial wealth gap, improve economic mobility, and not affect eligibility for financial aid or public benefits. Committee members asked about administration, investment returns, eligibility, and withdrawal rules; the Treasurer said the accounts would be held in trust and managed by her office with an advisory board, with funds accessible at 18 and usable through age 35 if the beneficiary remains a Massachusetts resident. No vote was taken during the testimony shown. The committee also heard testimony on legislation establishing Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, including S. 2666 and H. 4625. Senator Ross, Representative Badger, physicians, survivors, and advocates described invasive lobular carcinoma as difficult to detect because it often grows in lines rather than forming a lump, can be missed on mammography, and is underfunded and underrepresented in research and clinical trials. Witnesses said the bill would codify an annual October 15 proclamation to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and encourage more targeted research and treatment. Committee members asked why the disease is so hard to detect, and medical witnesses explained the imaging challenges and the lack of lobular-specific protocols. The witnesses urged favorable reports. The committee then took testimony on H. 4648, a bill concerning the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm in Stockbridge by the Stockbridge-Munsee community. Representative Davis, the Stockbridge Land Trust president, and the tribal president testified that the bill would remove a conservation restriction tied to a state MVP grant so the tribe could manage the land without a restriction that they said would conflict with tribal sovereignty and Indigenous stewardship practices. They said the parcel is a sacred site connected to Monument Mountain and that the restriction is unnecessary because the land is already surrounded by conserved property. The witnesses asked for favorable action on the bill. Finally, the committee heard testimony on H. 3416, a resolution urging Congress to create a national infrastructure bank. Representative Senna and several advocates argued that an off-budget infrastructure bank could finance major repairs and upgrades to roads, bridges, rail, water systems, broadband, and housing without adding to the state budget, while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Witnesses cited historical precedents for national infrastructure banks and said Massachusetts could benefit substantially from such a program. The transcript shown does not include a committee vote or final action on the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• “A roll call vote has been requested.
• Your legislation does not ban three-cueing, right? Right.
• This legislation is not a mandate on anyone.
• So not only is this a good and appropriate amendment, this is a good and appropriate amendment.
• Speaker, this is a request to move the bill to legislative review so that we may create a comprehensive

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are kind of on the legislators’ decisions around that, Chair.
• Yes, uh, request for DOAX. Thank you. Good afternoon, Deputy Director.
• </c> Travelers however one of the requests Travelers however one of the requests that<00:35:09.680><c
• </c> those are prioritized and appropriated those are prioritized and appropriated out<00:57:31.280><
• Appropriations among we are passing this Appropriations among we are passing this bill<01:12:15.639><

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and on Water and Land heard testimony on HB 504, a measure relating to environmental stewardship and funding for natural resource protection and restoration. Supporters included multiple state agencies and advocacy groups, such as DLNR, HTA, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resources Legacy Fund, the Hawaiʻi Climate Action Coalition, and others, who said the bill would create dedicated funding for environmental, climate, and cultural resource needs and help address wildfire, flood, coastal storm, and tourism-related impacts. Several witnesses emphasized that Hawaiʻi’s environmental funding gap is large and that visitor contributions should be directed to stewardship and restoration. Some supporters also urged that the measure be applied equitably across all visitor accommodations and related uses, including cruise ship cabins and state rooms, while a few suggested amendments to broaden coverage or create a working group for implementation. Opposition and concerns focused largely on the bill’s tax structure and legal/administrative issues. The Department of Budget and Finance and the Tax Foundation questioned the reimbursable general obligation bond special fund in part two, suggesting it be converted to a regular special fund or deleted. The Attorney General’s office said part two may violate the single-subject rule in the state constitution and recommended deleting it. The Department of Taxation said the proposed points-and-miles language would be difficult to audit and enforce, and Expedia and others said the proposed tax treatment of loyalty points and certain payment forms would be operationally difficult. Industry witnesses also warned the bill could raise costs in a high-tax destination and asked for more marketing support if the tax is increased. The committee also heard concerns that a new tax on cruise ship cabins could raise federal preemption issues. The chair noted the testimony count as 23 in support, 179 in opposition, and one with comments. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and the hearing ended with questions from senators and agency responses about possible amendments, enforcement, and constitutional concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:38.199><c> named</c> competitive and legislatively named competitive and legislatively named
• </c> or other organizations uh through legisl or other organizations uh through legisl legislatively<
• </c> that sort of in the in the legislation that sort of in the in the legislation that<00:34:48.599>
• all of the, or that we're administering all these programs that have funds appropriated in an appropriate
• </c> ready to produce our leg legislative ready to produce our leg legislative mandated<01:31:47.480>

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, given the dynamics of the current negotiations of HB2, he has requested Senator Flores to lay
• And on behalf of Senator Creighton, Senator Flores is recognized to address the urgent request for Congress
• I think they're very appropriate.
• That in this piece of legislation.
• Would that be appropriate if it's a breach of the security system for a public conveyance?

Bills: HCR40 , HB214 , HB214

Committee: Senate Border Security

Keywords: HCR 40, House Concurrent Resolution, Operation Lone Star, border security, southern border, Texas border, reimbursement, federal reimbursement, Congress, immigration, migrant crossings, illegal immigration, Texas National Guard, Department of Public Safety, DPS, human smuggling, cartel, fentanyl, border enforcement, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Worthington, is going to try to kind of just give you a summary, but I've had a request already that
• Thanks for attending the reception that we had for legislators last night downtown. I'm here to...
• Secondly, on ESA-listed species that are in these rules, we feel as though it's not appropriate right
• Secondly, on ESA-listed species that are in these rules, we feel as though it's not appropriate right
• Worthington, request for just a general question. Questions in order.

Summary: The Resources and Conservation Committee met to approve prior minutes and then considered three Idaho Department of Fish and Game administrative rule dockets under the governor’s zero-based regulation process. The first docket covered public use of Fish and Game lands and added definitions for camping and leash, clarified restrictions on dogs and domestic animals on wildlife management areas, and added prohibitions on exploding targets and airsoft guns to reduce fire risk and litter. Members questioned whether the leash language and related references to dogs versus other domestic animals were fully consistent, and whether a separate provision about livestock grazing could be read to conflict with open-range law; department staff said the livestock language was existing rule text and that the intent was not to alter open-range obligations. The committee approved the docket. The second docket addressed trapping and taking fur-bearing animals. Changes included defining natural liquid scent as bait, increasing reimbursement for non-target species, moving lynx and wolverine reporting to a separate section, allowing certain trap sets on snow-covered routes and under bridges or culverts except at wildlife crossings, allowing trapping of gray wolves on private property near an active feeding site, and removing a fixed July 31 reporting deadline. Testimony was mixed: the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association said it was neutral, while the Idaho Conservation League supported the incidental bycatch reporting changes but opposed including ESA-listed species such as grizzly bears in the rules, arguing it was unnecessary and confusing. The committee approved the docket. The third docket revised rules for selecting, operating, suspending, and discontinuing Fish and Game license vendors. It removed outdated vendor classifications and low-numbered vendor criteria, replaced them with community-benefit factors, lowered the active vendor ceiling from 475 to 400, ended acceptance of out-of-state vendor applications, expanded suspension/termination review to include employee and contract violations, changed transaction-count language, and allowed vendors to pass through credit card processing fees. Members asked about the impact of online sales and the nonresident draw on local vendors, how the department would monitor credit card fees, and how smaller rural vendors would be treated; staff said discretion would remain for small or seasonal communities and that fee enforcement would rely largely on customer complaints. The committee approved this docket as well, then adjourned after noting more contentious rules would be taken up later.

Transcript Highlights:

• > the</c> specifically requested that the specifically requested that the legislature<00:47:33.280><c
• Minority and expend to legislate.
• <00:53:01.380><c> [clears throat]</c> legislation [clears throat] legislation [clears throat] uh<00:53
• </c><01:16:21.600><c> under</c> medical record upon their request under medical record upon their request
• Um I believe good piece of legislation.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> corrected and provide the appropriate corrected and provide the appropriate remedy<00:24:25.799>
• A losing candidate may request to have the results of their contest recounted.
• A losing candidate may request to have the results of their contest recounted.
• </c><01:09:10.159><c> report</c> so that is a required legislative report so that is a required legislative
• </c><01:24:42.119><c> for</c> know there were some media requests for know there were some media requests

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Javier Valdez, from the 40 state senator from the 46 legislative district.
• We think that would be appropriate.
• I know that there are a few different pieces of legislation.
• I'm coming to you not too far away from the 35th Legislative District.
• Thank you for your time and consideration of this very important legislation.

Bills: SB6196 , SB6204 , SB6195 , SB5882 , SB6134

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: kratom, taxation, regulated substances, health safety, state revenue, cannabis, marijuana, home grow, home cultivation, personal cultivation, adult use cannabis, recreational marijuana, 21 and older, controlled substances, RCW 69.50, Liquor and Cannabis Board, LCB, plant limits, cannabis possession, cannabis concentrates

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:37:42.800><c> to</c> probably be more more appropriate to probably be more more appropriate to
• think is very appropriate.
• There's both federal legislation and state legislation around that.
• :36.960><c> right,</c> sometimes when you legislate, right, sometimes when you legislate, right, it's
• </c> appropriate for you to dransition? appropriate for you to dransition? &gt;&gt; 18.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That would put it to nearly $4 billion annually in recurring appropriation for that research.
• We are seeking $35 million in congressional appropriations to continue to grow that program that was
• So I would ask, perhaps, as you craft legislation and I've helped write legislation in the past.
• In all your work, you were right; there was a lot of legislation.
• I met you when I was just a baby legislator, although I came in old.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> are testifying today I would request are testifying today I would request that<00:10:14.000><c>
• So that's what they recommend. legislation and is there anyone hear legislation and is there anyone hear
• requested requested uh<00:49:13.160><c> to</c><00:49:14.000><c> uh</c> uh to uh uh to uh reinsert<00
• We have requested that the effective date be upon approval.
• Aloha, legislators. Jason Hanley of the Waʻah Cannabis Farm Alliance.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard Senate Bill 1322, SD2, HD1, a comprehensive measure revising Hawaii’s mental health code. The bill would clarify emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization procedures for people who may be mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and deemed imminently dangerous, expand notice requirements, allow certain information-sharing for assisted community treatment petitions, and add liability protections for emergency responders and providers. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill as a collaborative update to the law, while the Department of Health asked for a copy of provider-generated emergency transport documentation within five days for data and planning purposes. Testimony was sharply divided. Queen’s Health System, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, HHSC, and the Institute for Human Services supported the measure or parts of it but requested amendments, including clarifying whether a second psychiatric exam is required, restoring a 72-hour rather than 48-hour stabilization window, and adjusting where patients are taken when an MEO cannot be reached. The ACLU of Hawaiʻi strongly opposed the bill, arguing it weakens due process and civil liberties, especially around involuntary commitment, assisted community treatment, emergency transport by police, and reduced procedural safeguards; it urged the committee to hold the bill and consider an interim working group. Louie E.K. of the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center also opposed the bill, focusing on immunity from negligence, the use of police for transport, and the reduction of a three-provider review to one in state-hospital treatment orders. Other testimony included support from an individual who said the bill could improve mental health care delivery amid provider shortages, and a comment from Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center warning that the substance use portion of the bill lacks evidence of effectiveness and could be misused. In response to committee questions, the Attorney General’s office said the measure was developed with input from multiple stakeholders, including state agencies, hospitals, the ACLU, HHSC, and IHS, and that it aims to make assisted community treatment more accessible and effective by streamlining the legal process and improving consequences for noncompliance. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll see some record-keeping requirements in this legislation.
• We worked really hard with this legislation with industry.
• We worked with them to get them in support of this legislation.
• So, We worked with them to get them in support of this legislation.
• Ben Taves, Legislative District 4, Senator.

Committee: House Business

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All groundwater sustainability agencies have a minimum, Legislation.
• The North Fork King's GSA was created via special legislation.
• Item number three, SB 1021, motion is due pass as amended to Appropriations. Pappin, aye.
• So with that, I'd like to respectfully request your support.
• We respectfully request your aye vote on SB 1085. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to wildlife access, groundwater enforcement, desert plant regulation, outdoor equity, and water supply planning. SB 1021 would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create accommodations for children with life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities; supporters described the bill as therapeutic and family-centered, while an opposition group argued the state should focus on non-lethal outdoor activities. SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and penalties under SGMA; the author and agency said the bill closes an enforcement gap for a special-legislation GSA, and it drew broad support from local government and agricultural groups. The committee also considered SB 1061, which would streamline relocation permits for Western Joshua trees on private property; the author and local officials said the current law creates burdens for homeowners and infrastructure, while supporters framed the bill as a balance between conservation and property rights. Members also heard SB 1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative to expand park access and outdoor equity, especially in underserved communities; it received strong support from environmental, parks, local government, and community organizations, with members praising the effort to improve access. SB 1085 would restore water supply assessment requirements for large developments even when CEQA exemptions apply, so local agencies still receive early information about water availability; the sponsor and water agencies said the bill helps prevent “paper water” problems and supports planning in drought conditions, and the building industry indicated it would remove its opposition after amendments. The committee accepted amendments on several bills, took roll once quorum was established, and advanced the measures by vote. Votes taken included SB 997, SB 1021, SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268, all of which were reported out of committee, with SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268 later recorded as passing 11-0. SB 997 was approved on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, SB 1021 was sent to Appropriations as amended, SB 1061 and SB 1085 were sent to Appropriations and Local Government respectively, and SB 1268 was sent to Natural Resources. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• session that were specifically requested by employers.
• session that were specifically requested by employers.
• session that were specifically requested by employers.
• </c><00:42:12.240><c> to</c> goals of esst I urge legislators to goals of esst I urge legislators to
• </c><01:10:18.679><c> by</c> this place where we're legislating by this place where we're legislating

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1325 and adopted the author’s A2 amendment before hearing testimony. Representative Schultz presented the bill as a set of bipartisan changes to make Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law more workable for small businesses, public employers, and taxpayers, arguing the current law is an unfunded mandate that increases costs and property taxes. The bill’s supporters said it would add flexibility, including changes affecting coverage for certain workers, employer size thresholds, front-loading, weather-related exceptions, and a delay on penalties. Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry opposed the bill, saying it would exclude about 800,000 workers, or roughly 30% of the workforce, from earned sick and safe time protections and create confusion and enforcement problems. She also objected to the proposed penalty delay, saying the department already uses compliance assistance and needs penalty authority for serious violations. The Minnesota Chamber supported modifications to the mandate, saying businesses—especially small ones—have struggled with compliance and that the law has had unintended effects on PTO policies and leave use. The League of Minnesota Cities supported parts of the bill, especially changes affecting more generous city leave policies and weather-event exemptions, saying current language creates confusion and can interfere with emergency staffing. Opponents from Education Minnesota, SEIU Minnesota, TakeAction Minnesota, and a nurse from Unity Hospital argued the bill would strip protections from part-time workers, minors, and workers with family caregiving needs, and would weaken a law they said has helped workers avoid discipline or lost wages when sick. Supporters from counties and an HR consultant emphasized administrative burdens, emergency staffing needs during weather events, and the difficulty of applying ESS rules to existing leave policies. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the bill was laid over for further consideration.