Video & Transcript : 'legislative ethics' :

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AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

04/16/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So it'll kill two birds with one stone, if the humane legislator may use that phrase.
  • President, your Committee of the Whole, having under consideration the legislation listed below, makes
  • President, your Additional Committee of the Whole, having under consideration the legislation listed
  • So I urge the people of the legislators of Arizona to look at that as a solution.
  • She says the amendment addressed some outstanding concerns and hopes future legislation will address
Keywords: 1182, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 19th, 2026

Local Government and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the chairman of the legislative committee. We considered this bill before us as a committee.
  • Is it possible that if, for some reason, this legislation does not make it through and passes, could
  • I want to start by acknowledging that the changes from the legislation that we had last year, as has
  • And it's interesting: there was information that I found about why this legislation went into place in
  • that represent those areas would be in support of this legislation.
Keywords: 989, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/09/2026 - Senate Finance

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chair: Senator, Robert Charles Lockwood, who was a legislative staffer many, many years ago.
  • For the record, Jessica Thomas, legislative liaison for the Arizona State Retirement System.
  • For the record, Jessica Thomas, legislative liaison for the Arizona State Retirement System.
  • If you as legislative liaison for the Arizona State Retirement System.
  • I'd like to start by thanking Representative Way for sponsoring this legislation, and you, Mr.
Committee: Senate Finance
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Finance Feb 26th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have the honor of representing the 33rd Legislative District in South King County.
  • In 2025, the legislative legislation is $1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, $2,000,000,000,000,000, $2,000,000,000,000
  • For the record, Claudia Kaufman, State Senator, the 47th Legislative District, and thank you for hearing
  • I recognize that the fiscal impacts of this legislation are hard to predict, given the degree to which
  • Thank you very much for your consideration, and I urge you to vote no on this legislation.
Bills: SB6114 , SB6244
Committee: House Finance
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
  • I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
  • Ryan Bernard, he'll probably stand, Legislative Affairs Chief.
  • If that legislation passes, yeah, we would continue to use what we have.
  • I'm a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first heard the Joint Millennium Fund Committee’s report. The co-chairs recommended one-time or ongoing funding for several programs: $692,200 for the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund, $1 million for juvenile safety assessment centers, $3 million for child advocacy centers, $150,000 ongoing for the Upper River Youth Leadership Council Recovery Center, $5 million for a statewide drug awareness media campaign, and $25 million one-time for Medicaid claim payments in fiscal year 2027. Members asked about the Medicaid recommendation, noting prior language against using Millennium Fund dollars to offset Medicaid; the co-chairs said the current recommendation was tied to the governor’s request and intended as one-time funding, with any unused money returned to the fund. The report was accepted by unanimous consent. The committee then reviewed the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses budget. Legislative staff outlined the division’s structure, growth, fund balances, and fee-setting framework, including the requirement to keep board balances within a range tied to a five-year rolling average of expenditures. Administrator Russ Barron said the division has reduced costs, consolidated boards, and used fee increases, fee reductions, and fee holidays to bring boards into range; he also said the division had improved retention after inspector pay increases. Members questioned rising personnel costs, the use of opioid settlement funds for DEA license reimbursements, the request to remove a 10% transfer limitation, and whether cash balances should be redistributed among boards. Barron said the transfer exemption was largely a holdover and that cross-subsidizing boards would be possible but unpopular. He also explained that complaints drive enforcement, that a universal discipline bill could improve consistency, and that vehicle replacements were still needed because the fleet is aging despite possible future legislation. Finally, the committee heard the State Lottery budget. Staff reported that the lottery continues to generate dividends for schools and public buildings, with most expenditures tied to prizes and commissions. Director Andrew Arulenandum said the lottery has reduced management layers, renegotiated major contracts, and expects significant savings beginning in fiscal year 2027. Members asked about the role of lottery detectives, advertising spending, and the need for MacBooks and iMacs; the director said detectives investigate theft and other crimes involving lottery inventory, advertising effectiveness depends heavily on jackpot size, and the Apple equipment is needed for in-house design and artwork. The meeting ended with adjournment and a reminder about upcoming budget-setting work groups and future hearings.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Local Government Feb 18th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I represent the 19th legislative district, and the kit homes siding bill, as I call it, is very simplistic
  • This legislation and this bill will focus in on residential or permanent kit homes.
  • And I do have other legislation that deals with the temporary emergency aspect of those that you may
  • I am Senator Adrian Cortez with the 18th legislative district. For nearly a decade...
  • We worked on this piece of legislation.
Summary: The committee heard four bills. On kit homes (ESSB 5552), staff explained the bill would direct the State Building Code Council to adopt rules for residential kit homes of 800 square feet or less by March 31, 2027. Prime sponsor Sen. Jeff Wilson said the bill would add housing options and asked that kit homes be treated as a distinct category from modular or factory-built structures; members asked whether current rules exist and whether the bill would cover 3D-printed homes. The public hearing was postponed, and later one supporter testified that the bill would help create clearer statewide standards without changing local zoning or safety requirements. On SB 5467, staff said the bill raises the thresholds for water-sewer districts to sell surplus property without notice or by private sale, increasing the personal property threshold to $5,400 and the real property threshold to $7,500. Sen. Keith Goehner said the change simply updates outdated limits to reflect inflation and improve efficiency. A representative of the Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts supported the bill, noting the thresholds had not been updated since 2011 for real property and 1993 for surplus property. The committee closed the public hearing without action. The committee also heard SB 5820, which would repeal Clark County’s authority to apply a freight rail-dependent use overlay to certain lands under prior law. Sen. Adrian Cortes argued the existing exemption has harmed agricultural and forest lands, led to environmental violations, and cost taxpayers money, while local supporters said the overlay has not produced promised economic benefits and should be removed. Opponents, including a railroad operator, the Association of Washington Business, and others, said the rail line supports economic development, rail-served industrial demand, and existing contractual and public investments, and warned repeal could strand investments and limit future freight and climate-friendly transportation options. The hearing was closed with no vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 5995, which would remove the 2031 sunset from the existing prohibition on using public port funds to buy fully automated marine cargo container handling equipment, while continuing to allow zero- and near-zero-emission equipment purchases. The sponsor and labor witnesses said the bill protects family-wage jobs, keeps taxpayer money from subsidizing automation, and preserves human oversight for safety and efficiency. Port and shipping industry opponents argued the bill is premature, could reduce port competitiveness, and should remain subject to the current sunset so the policy can be revisited later. The public hearing was closed with no action taken.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 18th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • You're trying to watch every word that comes through because we all know that in legislation, one word
  • So there is no perfect legislation in this building. It doesn't exist.
  • How can we, as legislators who are...
  • So I think that this bill, this kind of legislation, addresses that.
  • Hart or Marman on printing this important, perfect legislation.
Committee: House Education
Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 10 and 11, 2026. It then heard House Bill 634 from Representative Kyle Harris, which would require funds appropriated for specific education purposes to be used only for those purposes, with any misused money to be repaid or offset. Harris argued the bill was about legislative control and accountability over taxpayer dollars, while several members questioned whether it would limit local flexibility, especially for charter schools and districts facing changing needs. Testifiers from the Idaho Association of School Administrators and the Idaho Charter School Network opposed the bill, saying it would reduce local discretion, complicate budgeting, and undermine charter school flexibility and accountability structures already in place. Some members supported the bill as a way to prevent money from being shifted away from intended uses, while others argued existing audits and local school boards already provide oversight. After debate, the committee first voted on a substitute motion to send HB 634 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; that motion failed. The committee then voted to hold HB 634 in committee, and that motion passed 10-3. Representative Harris and Representative Monica Church then presented a related RS, which Church said would improve transparency by tightening how instructional and administrative staff are defined so teacher salary increases are not diverted to non-classroom roles. After brief discussion, Representative Pickett moved to introduce RS 33152C1, and the committee approved the motion.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture Feb 3rd, 2026

Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • We appreciate Representative Deal for bringing this legislation forward.
  • It is a challenge to try to figure out how to move legislation.
  • You know, the difficulties of... ...try to figure out how to move legislation.
  • You can pass legislation to undo every statute.
  • Katie Gamble, Missouri Railroad Association, want to go on record in support of the legislation.
Summary: The Agriculture Committee first established a quorum and then went into executive session, where it voted House Bill 24-22 do pass by a vote of 18 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 present. The committee then moved into public hearing on House Bills 2713 and 2716, both sponsored by Representative Deal. HB 2713 was described as the larger agriculture tax credit package, including removal of sunsets from several existing ag-related credits and technical changes to programs such as biodiesel, meat processing, specialty crops, wood energy, and rolling stock. HB 2716 focused on the short-line rail tax credit and related rail infrastructure incentives, including track rehabilitation and industrial development credits. Representative Deal said the bills were intended to provide long-term certainty for agriculture and rail investment and noted the programs’ positive return on investment. Committee members raised concerns about eliminating sunsets, how future legislatures would review the credits, and whether some credits could be used if Missouri moved toward eliminating income tax. Questions also focused on whether abandoned or minimally used rail lines would qualify, and on the transferability of rolling stock credits to entities with different tax liabilities. Deal and witnesses said the rail provisions were aimed at active short lines and that data on the credits’ performance could be provided. Testimony in support came from the Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Soybeans, the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri, Missouri Dairy, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Bankers Association, Missouri Eastern Railroad, Missouri Economic Development Council, Osage Valley Electric Cooperative, and the Missouri Railroad Association. Supporters said the credits have stimulated ethanol, biodiesel, dairy, specialty crop, meat processing, and rural economic development projects, and that rail credits help preserve and expand short-line service, reduce truck traffic, and attract industrial investment. No opposition testimony was offered on either bill, and the hearings on HB 2713 and HB 2716 were adjourned without any recorded committee vote on those bills in the transcript.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Session Day 23 Feb 3rd, 2026

Idaho House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , Rules and Administration, report that we have read and approved the House Journal of the 22nd Legislative
  • By the addition of a new section 56-208, Idaho Code, to provide legislative approval for a state plan
  • Amending Section 19-501, Idaho Code, to revise legislative findings; amending Section 19-50502, Idaho
  • And even if you vote for it, I would encourage you to talk to other legislators and talk about this.
  • I move that all bills on the third reading calendar hold their place one legislative day.
Keywords: 989, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Session Day 22 Feb 2nd, 2026

Idaho Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Resolution 113 will be referred to the 10th order of business and held for one legislative day
  • Then we will continue on to the 13th and pick up the three pieces of legislation in the 13th order of
  • He was part of a bipartisan commission made up of legislators, legal professors, entertainment industry
  • So that's part of the reason for the legislation today.
  • The professional land surveyors are having their legislative luncheon. Hope you can attend.
Summary: The Senate convened with 33 members present and one excused absence, then proceeded through prayer, the pledge, and approval of the prior journal. Members also received communications, including notice of a temporary substitute senator and a governor’s letter withdrawing a reappointment to the Idaho Human Rights Commission, which was referred back to State Affairs. The chamber then considered several gubernatorial appointments. The Senate adopted committee reports and confirmed Brian Skigliano and Leighton Lining to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights, Gregory Donica and Nora Carpenter to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and later Salvador Cruz’s appointment was also taken up in the sequence of business. Senators highlighted each nominee’s background and qualifications, and the reports were adopted without recorded opposition. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 108, which urges federal action to protect Idaho livestock owners from adverse grazing-permit consequences when filing depredation claims; Senate Joint Memorial 106 was sent back to committee after a correction was noted. On legislation, Senate Bill 1227 passed after debate over a framework for generative AI in education. Supporters said it would preserve human judgment, local control, and parent transparency while helping schools prepare for AI; opponents raised concerns about vague definitions, implementation, and possible overreach. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1226, expanding DNA sample collection to include misdemeanor sexual battery and misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, with supporters citing public safety and victim accountability and one senator noting budget concerns. Finally, Senate Bill 1225 as amended passed, codifying university presidential search procedures and changing public disclosure rules so only the sole finalist’s name is released, with a minimum 10-day public vetting period. The Senate adjourned after miscellaneous announcements and set its next meeting for the following day.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee Jan 14th, 2026

Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:
  • The legislation is absolutely clear.
  • We will benefit from the legislation when California needs it the most.
  • CAHP is proud to sponsor, with Cal Fire firefighters, a piece of legislation that will keep our best
  • This piece of legislation is smartly written, overdue, and will help secure safety of the state, and
  • amendments with our friends on the other side of this legislation.
Keywords: 988, house, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Legislative Review Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Legislative Review

Transcript Highlights:
  • I present to you all for your consideration H.J.R. 154, which the design of this legislation is to model
  • And so it is the intention of this legislation and of myself to look for that better way.
  • And would you say that the requirements that we're proposing in this legislation go further than the
  • legislative intent on how statutes and constitutional provisions are carried out.
  • The Committee on Legislative Review on House Joint Resolution 154 is now closed.
Keywords: 959, house, all
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We will reconvene the Senate Committee K through 16, and Chairman Bettencourt, I know you have legislation
  • Senate Bill 19 can also lay the foundation for future legislation. ...will also inform how we create
  • I think it's an excellent piece of legislation, and we're fully supportive.
  • And thank you, Senator Bettencourt, for bringing this great piece of legislation forward.
  • It's a legislative council draft. Members, are there any questions for Senator Creighton?
Committee: Senate Education
PA

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session (Jun 25 2026)

Pennsylvania House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • A number of years ago, legislation was enacted that would exempt data centers from paying sales tax on
  • Now we are in a situation where we're working on moratorium legislation with regard to data centers.
  • He agreed in that document to pass legislation to do so by his own signature.
  • We advance legislation to shield utility payers from surging costs.
  • To advance legislation to shield utility payers from surging costs, and just yesterday we passed House
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests, including the Civil Air Patrol Pennsylvania Wing Cadet Color Guard, district office staff, and a guest page. A quorum was established with 202 members voting on the master roll. The chamber also noted that Deputy Sergeant Hopkins is retiring after three years of service, and several committee meetings were announced for later in the day. The main floor action was on House Bill 2198, which repeals the sales and use tax exemption for computer data center equipment. Supporters argued the exemption is no longer needed because data centers are large, profitable companies that should pay their share, and cited a projected future cost to the Commonwealth of about $517 million annually. Members in favor also said data centers place heavy burdens on local water, land, and electricity resources and should not receive taxpayer subsidies. Opponents argued the bill conflicted with broader data center policy discussions and that the House was moving too quickly after passing related infrastructure legislation the day before. After debate, the House took a recorded final vote and passed House Bill 2198 by a vote of 197-5. The bill was sent to the Senate for concurrence. The House then moved several bills from the table calendar to the active calendar and adjourned until Friday, June 26, 2026, at 12 noon unless recalled sooner by the Speaker.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Special Session 2026 May 7th, 2026

Alabama Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Wagner moved that we dispense with the reading of the journal from the previous legislative day
  • day and that we adopt said legislative day and that we adopt said journal.<00:03:30.920><c> All</c><
  • This bill has received a second reading and be placed on the calendar for next legislative day.
  • </c><00:04:30.320><c> That</c><00:04:30.520><c> concludes</c> legislative day.
  • That concludes legislative day. That concludes committee<00:04:31.360><c> reports.
Keywords: 920, all
Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with a prayer and pledge led by Todd Russell of ALCAP, followed by roll call showing 32 senators present, establishing a quorum. Senator Wagner moved to excuse absent senators and to dispense with reading the previous day’s journal; both motions were adopted without objection. No bills were introduced during the bill introduction segment. Under committee reports, the Committee on County and Municipal Government reported House Bill 1 favorably by a vote of 6 yeas and 3 nays. The bill concerns primary elections and would authorize a special primary election for congressional districts affected by a federal court ruling, require the governor to call such an election under certain conditions, set an election calendar, and address qualification of affected candidates. The title was read, and the bill received second reading and was placed on the calendar for the next legislative day. After committee reports concluded, Senator Gudger moved to adjourn until 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 8, and the Senate adjourned by voice vote. Before adjournment, the presiding officer recognized special guests in the gallery, including fourth graders from Springville Elementary, guests of Senator Bell.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Joel Anderson, and I'm Associate Director of Legislative and External Affairs at the Student
  • This legislation also eliminates the requirement for the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating
  • I'm Associate Director of Legislative and External Affairs at the Washington Student Achievement Council
  • But this legislation would enable WOSAC to promise Aid to these students sooner, as early as 13 years
  • I represent the 28th Legislative District, and it sounds like the panel already did a really good job
Summary: The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee held public hearings on two bills. Substitute Senate Bill 5931 would make administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, including extending co-chair terms from one to two years, allowing more than four meetings per year, requiring consultation with the Student Achievement Council when evaluating outcomes, and removing the statutory public dashboard requirement. Staff and the bill sponsor, Senator Warnick, described it as a technical, no-fiscal-impact measure requested by the Student Achievement Council. Joel Anderson of WOSAC testified in support, explaining that the board’s role is advisory, that the bill would improve operations, and that WOSAC has spent significant staff time tracking Workforce Education Investment Account spending, especially carry-forward appropriations. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5963, which would modify Passport to Careers and Washington College Grant eligibility. The bill would automatically make Passport to Careers students income-eligible for the Washington College Grant beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, align the Passport financial-need formula with the federal student aid index, and direct Passport funds into the state financial aid account. Staff noted the bill was identical to the House companion. Testimony from WOSAC, the Washington Student Association, and a Western Washington University student representative all supported the bill, emphasizing the high barriers faced by former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth and the value of guaranteed, earlier access to aid. Senator Nobles said the bill would fulfill the state’s promise to help these students access higher education and would not increase costs. At the close of the hearing, the chair announced amendment deadlines for possible Tuesday executive action: requests due Monday at 10 a.m. and approval by 6 p.m. The committee planned to caucus and did not meet on Friday.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please stand for the prayer by Donna Kafer, our legislative chaplain, or remain standing for the Pledge
  • Their goal is to work with us to reduce gun violence and pass gun safety legislation.
  • Their legislators about this issue: Moms Demand Action, Giffords, and Arizonans for Gun Safety.
  • SCR 1024, legislator. SCR 1017, environment constitutional amendment.
  • SCR 1025, legislative sessions opening date.
Keywords: 1182, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 29th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
  • I wasn't planning to speak on this, but it reminded me that I had a request to the Legislative Audit
  • I believe we must address it before the end of the legislative session.
  • We had a long conversation a few weeks ago about the budget and about our legislative deal.
  • We listened to our friends at the Legislative Analyst's Office. We worked hard. We dove in.
Keywords: 988, house, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:30 pm

Joint Committee on Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • If we do have legislators in attendance, we may take them out of turn.
  • So that's why this legislation is important.
  • My hope is that this legislation will get naloxone throughout the Commonwealth.
  • When legislators hear these stories, it really hits home.
  • This legislation gives thousands of residents here what we need.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on a wide range of bills, with testimony first focused on H. 1315/S. 824, which would require insurance coverage for pain management options during IUD insertion. Representative Sabadosa, Planned Parenthood clinicians, and policy advocates said sedation can reduce fear and trauma, improve access to effective contraception, and should be reimbursed so providers can continue offering it. A Tufts OB-GYN resident also testified that pain control should be standard care for intrauterine procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee then heard extensive testimony on firefighter health bills, especially H. 1230/S. 690 requiring insurance coverage for cancer screenings for firefighters. Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts leaders, a Dana-Farber oncologist, and firefighters themselves described occupational exposure to carcinogens and personal stories of late-stage cancer detection, arguing that early screening can save lives and reduce long-term costs. Representative Crichton and Representative Howitt also spoke in support, and Representative Ayers testified for H. 4012, which would require neurological disorder screenings for firefighters. Committee members expressed support and sympathy, but no action was taken. The hearing also covered H. 3946/S. 756 on hearing aid coverage, with testimony from students, adults with hearing loss, disability advocates, and HLAA representatives describing the educational, social, and financial barriers caused by lack of coverage and urging broader insurance mandates. Later, Representative Donahue and Representative Vargas testified for H. 1337 to expand insurance coverage for opioid antagonists and related medications, including naloxone dispensed at discharge. The committee additionally heard testimony on H. 1134 to improve chronic pain care coordination and non-opioid access, and H. 4162 to improve ostomy supply coverage and access to certified ostomy care, with patients and clinicians describing denials, quantity limits, and non-medical switching. The transcript ends while testimony on H. 1315/S. 824 is still ongoing; no votes or formal committee actions are recorded in the excerpt.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • We ask you legislative adjustments.
  • I'm Trent Dilks, legislative director for the Disabled American Veterans Department of Minnesota.
  • </c> leaders, adjutants, and legislative leaders, adjutants, and legislative staff<00:44:55.320><c> from
  • Would we have to come back with legislation to add those?
  • with legislation to add those?
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.