Transcript Highlights:

• There's only 14 states that require them in part.
• And that one single examination does not tell you any part of the rest of the story.
• And that one single examination does not tell you any part of the rest of the story.
• I’m actually not completely opposed to this part.
• So we drove, we bought the parts because my husband's a mechanic.

Summary: The House first established a quorum, then took up a package of House Committee Substitutes for House Bills 1838, 1692, 1695, 1983, 2036, 2662, and 2743. The bills were described as eliminating mandatory vehicle safety inspections in Missouri, with supporters arguing the inspections are outdated, costly, inconvenient, and not clearly linked to fewer crashes or fatalities. They cited studies and examples from other states, and several members emphasized the burden on rural drivers and mechanics. Opponents argued inspections help catch tire, brake, and other equipment problems, and warned that removing them could increase risks to children, highway workers, and other motorists. Members debated specific provisions in the merged bill, including exemptions and requirements for street rods, custom vehicles, agricultural vehicles, interstate commerce vehicles, and vehicles involved in accidents or salvage situations. An amendment was offered to correct a drafting error involving commercial vehicles and was adopted. The sponsor repeatedly clarified that the bill would not make inspections illegal, only remove the state mandate, while opponents questioned the studies cited and raised concerns about fatality impacts and unsafe vehicles. The House then adopted the committee substitute as amended and perfected and printed the bill package. After the bill action, members made announcements, including a birthday recognition and committee meeting notices. The House was then adjourned until February 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are part of the environment. Cattle eating grass stimulates the soil. Fertilizes the soil.
• To the part of naming your price tag, we already have that In this state right now, if you go hunt on
• I want Oklahoma to be part of that concept and give another opportunity to hunt something in the state
• And as we look at, yes, I'm part of an urban community but also have rural parts in my urban community
• So, currently, if someone chooses to be a part of this indemnity fund, they pay $100 once their plan

Bills: SB2108 , SB2121 , SB2171 , SB2061 , SB2112 , SB2138

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Wildlife

Keywords: feral swine, nuisance control, wildlife management, hunting permits, agriculture, cultivated meat, food safety, public health, misbranding, advertising, food labeling, food distribution, state regulations, hunting licenses, fishing licenses, veterans, controlled hunts, deer population, wildlife conservation, food policy

Transcript Highlights:

• impact that allowing someone the ability to vote can make in their life and their ability to feel a part
• These individuals are tax-paying citizens that are, for the most part, productive in today's society,
• It didn't pass then on its own on the floor, but it was a part of two Senate bills where it passed 124
• Because in incarceration, there should be a high expectation of education, and part of the education
• You're saying we believe you can be a part of this community in every way that counts.

Committee: House Corrections and Public Institutions

Summary: The House Corrections and Public Institutions Committee held a public hearing on House Bills 2592, 2787, and 2834, which were described as having nearly identical language. The bills would restore voting rights for people with felony convictions who are no longer incarcerated and, in the versions discussed, remove language requiring completion of probation or parole before registering to vote. Sponsors and supporters said the measures would align Missouri with other states, promote civic engagement, and help reduce recidivism. Several members also noted that people on supervision often work, pay taxes, and remain active in their communities, yet cannot vote under current law. Committee members asked about practical implementation, especially how voting would work for people who are incarcerated or serving misdemeanor sentences, and whether absentee voting mechanisms would be needed. Witnesses and sponsors said current law already allows some absentee voting for pretrial detainees and suggested the issue could be addressed through further amendment or discussion. Members also raised questions about exclusions for certain offenses, such as election-related felonies, and about whether people on life supervision would be covered. Sponsors explained that the bills would not restore voting rights to people currently incarcerated, but would restore them upon release or while on probation/parole, depending on the bill language. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support. Bill sponsors Representatives Stennett, Collins, and Anderson testified in favor, along with advocates from Empower Missouri, the Center for Responsive Government Action, the League of Women Voters of Missouri, ACLU of Missouri, Missouri Appleseed, Justice for All, the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, Americans for Prosperity, and the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition. Supporters emphasized rehabilitation, community belonging, and public safety, citing studies and personal experiences showing that voting rights restoration can reduce recidivism and encourage reintegration. No opposition testimony was presented. The committee took no final action and adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a part of the D.D. Council. I'm chair of the policy committee. I'm also a part of the D.D.
• As a federal contractor, we manage this initiative, and we're part of Concepts Communications.
• As part of our efforts, we engage in a number of knowledge-sharing activities, all again focused on disability
• We did have representatives from Massachusetts that participated as part of that task force and helped
• us to discuss them, but we do have those two focus priorities: state as a model employer, which is part

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with SEED (the State Exchange on Employment and Disability) staff for a presentation on state disability employment policy options and possible collaboration with Massachusetts. After roll call, the committee approved prior meeting minutes and heard an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall emphasizing that every individual matters and can make a difference. Members then introduced themselves and described their roles in disability employment, accessibility, state government, and advocacy. SEED staff Katya Alpanis and Dina Klumkina explained that SEED provides technical assistance, research, peer-state examples, and policy resources to help states advance disability employment. They outlined seven policy areas, including career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health and retention, stay-at-work/return-to-work supports, employer recruitment and accommodation tools, disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state-as-model-employer strategies. They shared examples from other states such as Kentucky, Virginia, Alaska, Washington, Minnesota, New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado, New York, and others. In response to questions, they clarified that PEAT has been refunded and is expected to return online, and that SEED’s role is policy support rather than implementation of accessibility requirements. Committee members discussed Massachusetts-specific interests, including digital accessibility, existing state efforts, and prior SEED engagement with Massachusetts agencies and legislators. Members raised concerns about upcoming Medicaid work requirements and the risk that people with disabilities could fall through the cracks, and asked whether SEED could help inform state policy responses. The group identified two likely project areas: a Massachusetts state-as-model-employer roadmap and a youth/young adult employment and volunteer pipeline, potentially linked to transition supports and civic engagement. SEED agreed to follow up with briefs and a questionnaire, and the committee planned an offline follow-up discussion to narrow priorities and develop a scope of work. No formal votes beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• He does his part every month, but he's actually given back to the state of Idaho with his efforts.
• And to that, obviously, it's a huge time commitment and a huge sacrifice on your part.
• And this is part of the system that I really didn't know very much about.
• part of the system and we're the decision makers.
• Part of that was salary adjustments.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Exports are a huge part of cash receipts for Idaho in general Come from.
• Exports are a huge part of cash receipts for Idaho in general, but also for agriculture.
• And our largest trade part Of anything that we have access to.
• But for the most part, there's a purple section there, which is conservation payments.
• Those folks are going to benefit from the highest part of the value chain.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The committee approved the January 14, 2026 minutes and then heard a presentation from the University of Idaho on the financial condition of Idaho agriculture in 2025. Presenter Brett Wilder said Idaho agriculture is a major part of the state economy and forecasted record cash receipts of about $12.1 billion, driven largely by livestock, especially cattle and dairy. He contrasted strong livestock performance with weaker crop markets, noting declines in potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, and barley, along with rising labor, storage, transportation, and interest costs. He also said export activity remains important, with agriculture accounting for a large share of Idaho exports, and projected overall net farm income to rise modestly in 2025 despite continued pressure on crop producers. Committee members asked about cattle herd rebuilding, heifer retention, dairy-beef crossbreeding, Canadian cattle imports, processing capacity, hemp, land values, and producer leverage. Wilder said herd expansion appears to be starting, but the official federal inventory data was still pending; he also said beef-on-dairy production and the eventual reopening of the Mexican border could help rebuild supplies. On the crop side, he described severe financial stress from low prices, high debt, and reduced capital spending, and said sugar beets were likely to see the largest further drop in value in 2026. He added that land values remain strong but are closer to fair value than the peaks seen a few years ago, and that he was tracking rental rates and regional land trends. Wilder also discussed the broader supply chain, saying the beef sector depends on multiple links from genetics through processing and that packers and processors need enough cattle flow to remain viable. He said current conditions favor cow-calf producers more than processors, while crop producers face continued margin pressure. The committee thanked him for the presentation, asked no further questions, and adjourned the meeting until Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So last session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1662 and the governor signed into law as part of
• There's effects. >> I'll just sad for most commercial service airports that are certified under part
• The will be under part. 35, which is a little bit different than one. 21, but still the highest safety
• >> So we're looking at to aircraft from 4 seats, 2.30, seats because they all fall under the part one
• But for the most part, it hybrid and then the short takeoff and landing, there are 9 seats also.

Transcript Highlights:

• and learning and building relationships and getting to know some of the communities and different parts
• I don't know if you knew this, but wildland firefighters are not part of the left fiscal impact.
• I don't know if you knew this, but wildland firefighters are not part of the left pension system.
• That is a big part of the, And we also engage with our tribal partners.
• That is a big part of the ranking criteria: their tribal support, their tribal opposition to it.

Summary: The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session with an update from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Commissioner Dave Upthe Grove outlined DNR’s size and scope, previewed agency-request legislation, and emphasized budget priorities. He said DNR will seek authority to sell ecosystem service credits, better use underutilized water rights with tribal consultation, add a tribal representative to the State Board of Natural Resources, make minor timber-sales efficiencies, and include wildland firefighters in the LEOFF pension system. He also urged restoration of wildfire prevention and preparedness funding, warning that reduced funding would mean fewer firefighters, less forest health work, and less support for rural fire districts. He noted DNR’s wildfire suppression costs are rising and argued prevention spending can reduce larger, more expensive fires. State Forester George Geisler followed with a detailed wildfire season review. He said Washington now responds to fires year-round and also assists other states, including Texas. He described DNR’s use of 31 aircraft, 691 firefighters, and corrections-based crews, and said the agency’s success rate for keeping fires under 10 acres improved slightly from 93.7% to 94.1%. He highlighted increased arson activity, especially around Spokane, and described the Crescent Road Fire as an example of early detection, rapid response, and the use of bulldozers, aircraft, and hand crews to contain a fire to 182 acres with no structure losses. Senator Saldan praised the emphasis on prevention and the use of bulldozers as cost-effective tools. Assistant deputy supervisor Dwayne Emmons then reviewed the trust land transfer program, which was codified in statute in 2023 after being funded through the capital budget for decades. He said more than 130,000 acres of underperforming trust land have been transferred since the 1990s to other public or tribal entities for more appropriate use, while DNR acquires replacement lands to keep the trust whole. He described the current application and ranking process, including tribal input, and said DNR is requesting funding for remaining parcels from the last round, including portions of Tract C, Babcock Bench, and Middle Fork Snoqualmie. In questions, Senator Wagoner raised concerns about DNR’s decision to remove some acres from timber harvest rotation and its impact on local revenue and mills; the commissioner responded that current five-year harvest plans provide short-term stability and that any changes would be explored through the Board of Natural Resources process, not through immediate reductions in supply. The committee then received a history briefing from staff member Jeff Olson on the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission and agency structure. He traced the evolution from early fish and game commissioners to the current commission-appointed director model adopted by voter-approved Referendum 45 in 1995. Olson explained the commission’s statutory duties, membership requirements, and how Washington compares with other states. Chair Chapman said he had no plans to hear a bill this session changing the commission’s makeup, but he expressed personal interest in exploring reforms, accountability, and possibly a future broader coalition or referendum process. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair adjourned the session with holiday and New Year’s wishes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Access for families is an integral part of CalABA's activities, and we are constantly evaluating barriers
• And this is an industry that is now really struggling, in part because of the illicit market, which is
• easy for miners to purchase and what i'd like to underscore is that that is not incidental that is part
• The main part that I want to, because we're in Business and Professions, that I want to talk about is
• The main part that I want to talk about, because we're in Business and Professions, is the hemp aspect

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several measures, including SB 402 by Senator Valadares, which would move existing qualification requirements for qualified autism service providers and related professionals from the Health and Safety Code and Insurance Code into the Business and Professions Code without changing the standards. Supporters said it was a technical cleanup that would improve consistency and legislative oversight, while an opponent argued the bill was unnecessary and could create access issues; another witness urged inclusion of the QABA credentialing board. The committee approved SB 402 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health. The committee also heard SB 378 by Senator Wiener, aimed at online platforms that facilitate sales of illicit cannabis and intoxicating hemp products. Supporters, including labor, local government, and cannabis industry representatives, said the bill would help protect consumers, minors, legal businesses, and tax revenue by creating accountability for online marketplaces. Opponents from the hemp industry and TechNet argued the bill was overly broad, could sweep in legitimate platforms and payment services, and should better distinguish bad actors from compliant hemp businesses; members discussed implementation, enforcement through a private right of action, and coordination with AB 8. The committee passed SB 378 to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. Senator Arreguín presented SB 779, which would establish minimum enforcement fines for Contractors State License Board citations where minimums are currently very low or absent, and would raise the board’s reserve cap from six months to 12 months. The sponsor said the changes would better match penalties to violations and help support consumer protection and board operations during economic downturns. There was no opposition, and the committee approved SB 779 as amended to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, which included SB 344 and AB 652, both sent to Appropriations. SB 508 was not heard because it had been pulled by the author.

Transcript Highlights:

• Was it part of the governor's budget? Yes. All right.
• Yeah, that's part of that $15 million. So that we do need that. Okay.
• So it's like hospital care, but it's partial in that it's only part of the day. Okay.
• You part of those guys will treat us right, huh?
• There's like eight core services that are required as part of that grant.

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The HR division continued work on the behavioral health budget, with members revisiting several funding items and generally agreeing to hold provider inflation increases until the full division picture is clearer. They tentatively supported additional funding for Community Connect and Free Through Recovery, as well as increases for the drug court program and peer support, while clarifying that some items were already in the House version and others were one-time or grant-related expenditures. The committee spent considerable time on a proposed $2 million behavioral health services program for nursing homes and basic care facilities. Senator Mathern brought revised language to describe a capitated payment model for training, consultation, and direct patient care for residents with medically based behavioral disorders and disruptive behaviors. Some members remained skeptical and wanted to see the amendment before deciding, but the discussion centered on whether the funding would help nursing homes accept patients who otherwise end up in state hospitals or acute care settings. Members also discussed several one-time funding items, including electronic health record and legacy system upgrades, network redundancy for the state hospital, partial hospitalization/intensive day treatment expansion, and a bathroom remodel at the Southeast Human Service Center. The committee restored the bathroom project to the original $972,000 estimate after concerns that the House reduction would not cover the needed ADA and plumbing work. They also debated a $12.96 million behavioral health facility grant for Altru in Grand Forks, with some members opposing it and others supporting it as a regional service expansion, but ultimately set it aside for later consideration. The meeting ended with staff flagging other sections of the bill, including the opioid settlement advisory language, the state hospital steering committee, behavioral health education grants, and the system of care grant. The chair announced that medical services would be taken up the next day, and members agreed to adjourn after planning to revisit unresolved behavioral health items and vote on the held bill later.

Transcript Highlights:

• are trends we've known about for the last 10, 20 years, but that's growing and it's definitely a big part
• of the budget and growing to be a bigger part.
• </c> growing and it's definitely a big part growing and it's definitely a big part of<00:03:39.040><c
• So when people say, "Oh, we can part.
• It has huge impacts in parts of the economy. So, all of those changes could throw one of them.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And frankly, that part of CYFD actually works pretty well. But the key is this... Funding, Mr.
• Touch on that—the pilot program part of it.
• Is that just that part, or are there other things in here that are part of the program?
• So is that kind of part of it, like an anger management program?
• We all know about alcohol and drugs; we understand that part of it, but what about the anger part of

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think a big part of that is the infrastructure aspect of it.
• Thank you for coming to Sweden as part of that delegation, being part of the Select Committee, for all
• Hopefully this will be a part of that, an important part of that, so that the market can function better
• This is part of our yes-and-all-of-the-above strategy of housing.
• In fact, we’re part of the genesis of it.

Summary: The committee heard a long housing agenda with several bills presented before quorum was established. AB 1725, as amended, would require disclosure of nearby oil wells and methane monitoring issues in a specific district; the author and community witnesses described serious health and safety risks in Vista Hermosa Heights, while the California Apartment Association, California Building Industry Association, and California Chamber of Commerce opposed, arguing the bill targeted the wrong industry and that the state should instead fix abandoned wells directly. AB 2110, a local finance tool to create tax increment districts for workforce housing for education, health care, manufacturing, and public safety workers, drew no witnesses in support or opposition and was presented as a way to help workers live closer to jobs. AB 1732 would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and college housing projects; UC and several housing and labor groups supported it, while housing advocates raised concerns about amendments affecting existing 100% affordable housing exemptions. AB 1771, amended into a study bill, would direct HCD to report on the long-standing resident manager requirement for apartment buildings with 16 or more units; the rental housing industry supported studying the issue, while the chair emphasized the need to consider tenant protections and the impact on current resident managers before changing the law. The committee also heard AB 2185, which would direct state affordable housing programs to update guidelines to better support factory-built housing; it drew broad support from housing, labor, technology, and local government groups, with no opposition. AB 2748 would delay new EV-readiness requirements for 100% affordable housing developments, keeping the prior 40% standard through 2035; supporters said the higher standard would add significant costs and threaten project feasibility, while clean air and transportation advocates argued the code changes are modest, important for equity, and should not be rolled back. Members split along those lines, with some emphasizing housing production and others urging more public subsidy for EV infrastructure rather than delaying the code. SB 417, a proposed $10 billion affordable housing bond for the November ballot, received extensive support from housing organizations, local governments, labor, and business groups, but Habitat for Humanity and the Los Angeles mayor’s office asked for specific allocations for CalHome and interim housing; the bill was ultimately moved to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote, with members noting ongoing negotiations over funding priorities. Finally, AB 1740 would create an urban multimodal community designation for Santa Monica, allowing local approval of certain low-impact coastal-zone activities—such as some housing, bike and bus lanes, outdoor dining, and building changes—without Coastal Commission review. The author and Santa Monica officials said the bill would reduce delays and uncertainty for infill housing and local economic recovery while preserving protections for sensitive coastal resources; supporters included housing, business, and city groups. The Coastal Commission and environmental organizations opposed, saying the bill would carve out broad exemptions, weaken public access and appeal rights, and bypass the local coastal program process that Santa Monica has not completed. Committee members debated the Commission’s role, with some criticizing it for opposing legislation and others arguing the bill was a common-sense way to modernize coastal permitting. A motion and second were made on AB 1740, and the bill was left pending with the committee’s action to be taken when appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:02.880><c> report,</c> it's nicely outlined in a part report, it's nicely outlined in a part
• </c> part in maybe the increase. part in maybe the increase.
• </c><00:49:27.640><c> DOT,</c><00:49:28.320><c> the</c> Well, part of New Hampshire DOT, the Well, part
• </c><00:57:25.160><c> of</c> for federal projects in other parts of for federal projects in other parts
• So, two-part.

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, that's part of the solution. It's all of this.
• Have you figured that as part of... Who's going to pay for that?
• Have you figured that as part of your presentation?
• We're all part of Feeding America. They audit us as well.
• are part of the public safety paradigm.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Everyone wants to be a part of food as medicine. They do see the value in it.
• They do be a part of food as medicine.
• So, part of the food is medicine conversation comes with these opportunities.
• of every part of Kentucky.
• </c> emergencies are part occur in every part emergencies are part occur in every part of<01:01:38.240

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled several referred administrative regulations, including a package from the Board of Respiratory Care described as a substantive housekeeping update to its regulations and incorporated materials. There were no questions from members, and the committee also heard from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, which was present in case questions arose but did not require action. Members then took up an amendment to the state health plan for facilities and services, specifically 900 KAR 5:02. Wesley Duke explained that a previously proposed criteria related to mega-voltage requirements, originally suggested by the Kentucky Hospital Association, was now being removed because the association no longer considered it necessary. The committee moved to accept the agency amendment, with a motion and second, and approved it without opposition. The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 23, a “food is medicine” resolution sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer. Supporters from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Hospital Association described the initiative as a voluntary, statewide effort already adopted by 52 hospitals, aimed at improving patient health while supporting Kentucky farmers and local food systems. Members discussed access to healthy food, grocery-store availability, school nutrition, and the need to reduce barriers to local procurement; the resolution was adopted unanimously after a roll call vote, with one senator briefly explaining a late vote due to weather. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 12, which would allow mid-level practitioners to serve as the leader of a Level IV trauma center under physician direction. The sponsor and witnesses from Appalachian Regional Healthcare argued the change would help address rural trauma-care shortages, align with national standards, and improve access without changing scope of practice or other trauma-center requirements. Several members raised questions and comments about rural access, liability, costs, and the broader health impacts, but no vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are parts of it that stayed behind.
• The parts that are related to the remaining Department of Human Services will remain at that agency,
• Harney covers, and sort parts of it are Ms.
• That is the residual part of those budget activities that I mentioned, the parts that were related directly
• on the county from differing parts of on the county from differing parts of where<01:19:35.440><c> they

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The second part of this would be on page four.
• The second part of this would be on page The second part of this would be on page four.<00:54:19.599>
• I don't represent the part of PBLO where the steel mill was.
• And this bill addresses that part of the affordability crisis: wages.
• </c> employee that's part-time, young girl. employee that's part-time, young girl.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:11:16.560><c> We</c> it was a mistake on our part. We it was a mistake on our part.
• </c> parts of the world. parts of the world.
• </c><02:52:52.960><c> of</c> that is still an important part of that is still an important part of society
• </c><05:08:10.718><c> Um</c> that are part of other countries. Um that are part of other countries.
• </c><05:08:15.600><c> of</c> US grid are ti um are tied to parts of US grid are ti um are tied to parts

Committee: House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> care grants, uh, part of statute. care grants, uh, part of statute.
• </c><01:05:03.359><c> Chelsea,</c> for-profit part. Mr. Chelsea, for-profit part. Mr.
• </c><01:09:38.960><c> of</c> four-year institutions as part of four-year institutions as part of Minnesota
• Um and as uh as part of the about 670.
• Um, I'm not sure part of those meetings.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The conference committee received a nonpartisan walkthrough of the House and Senate side-by-side for higher education-related legislation, with staff identifying Senate-only, House-only, identical, and technical-difference provisions. Topics included paid blood donation leave for Minnesota State employees, a revised higher education attainment goal, athletic fee restrictions, developmental course disclosures, American Indian Scholars Program eligibility, protections and definitions for pregnant and parenting students, online program management contracts, student aid reporting, work-study and dual training grants, private and out-of-state postsecondary education regulation, private career school licensing and data privacy, college savings plan changes, and several University of Minnesota-related provisions. House-only items also included an unemployment insurance aid adjustment, a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and $5,000 for Bemidji State University reforestation; Senate-only items included Board of Regents appointment language, limits on for-profit control of medical school curriculum, and reporting on for-profit funding in medical education. After the walkthrough, the committee moved to adopt the same and similar provisions and direct staff to make technical corrections. A senator asked about proposed adjustments to the pregnant and parenting student language, and the chair said amendments would be considered after adopting the same and similar provisions. The motion to adopt prevailed. During public testimony, Sydney Spre of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the Senate’s paid blood donation leave language, saying it would create parity for Minnesota State employees and encourage blood and plasma donation. Commissioner Dennis Olsen of the Office of Higher Education thanked the committee for adopting most of the agency’s proposed language and said he was available to help clarify remaining differences. In response to questions, he explained the Senate’s higher education attainment goal proposal, saying it would extend and broaden the existing goal, raise the target from 70% to 75%, expand the age range, and use additional metrics and partner agencies; he also said the overall attainment rate had been 63.5 under the prior goal. The transcript ends as the commissioner was being asked whether the proposal would require additional appropriations.