Video & Transcript : 'legislative ethics' :
Page 425 of 500
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/03/2026 - Senate Natural Resources
Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- The main provision this legislation would add is that applicants would be asked to outline their plans
- The main provision this legislation would add is that applicants would be asked to outline their plans
- I will note this legislation only makes this change for cesspool remediation.
- So that is how this legislation came about.
- This is a priority for our association this legislative session.
Summary:
The Natural Resources Committee heard three bills related to water policy and all were given do pass recommendations. HB 2029 would require disclosure information for applicants to the Water Conservation Grant Fund, and an amendment broadened the disclosure requirements from only certain water users to all eligible entities. WIFA testified neutral on both the bill and amendment, noting it already collects much of the information; the committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 8-0.
HB 2096 would allow counties to receive WIFA financial assistance, including forgivable principal, for cesspool remediation, closure, or replacement when there is a risk to water or public health. WIFA and county representatives from the County Supervisors Association and Gila County supported the bill, explaining that counties need clearer authority to accept loans and grants for cesspool cleanup, especially in rural areas with thousands of aging cesspools and flood-related contamination. Members discussed impacts in Gila County and other areas, and the bill passed 8-0.
HB 2116 would appropriate $1 million from the State General Fund in FY 2027 to the Colorado River Litigation Fund. The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association supported the measure as preparation for possible Colorado River litigation, while members emphasized that the funding is a placeholder and that they hope litigation will not be necessary. The committee passed the bill 8-0 and then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- As chair of the California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I rise to present
- I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus to wish everyone a Gong He Fa Cai in
- Fellow Assembly Members, on behalf of the Latino Legislative Caucus, I rise today in support of House
- Today I rise as Chair of the California Native American Legislative Caucus in recognition of the Lunar
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of a motion to withdraw SB 107 and SB 117 from the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and place them on third reading. Members also approved procedural requests for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, and later took up the daily file.
The main floor item was H.R. 80, a resolution recognizing Lunar New Year. Assembly Member Fong presented the resolution, and several members from different caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the holiday’s cultural significance, themes of renewal and family, and California’s large AAPI community. The resolution was opened for coauthors, received 62 coauthors, and was then adopted by voice vote. Fong also distributed prosperity cookie boxes to members after passage.
The chamber also observed moments of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson and later for Babatunde Akinlola and Harold Tripp during adjournments in memory. Members gave tributes highlighting Akinlola’s film and education career and Tripp’s leadership in the Karuk Tribe and work on tribal restoration and natural resources. The session ended with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 9 a.m.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- senator from District 6 is off the floor today, but we'll be taking up the other two pieces of legislation
- senator from District 6 is off the floor today, but we'll be taking up the other two pieces of legislation
- President, I ask unanimous consent that Senate Bill 1233 be placed on the calendar for one legislative
- The Idaho State Board of Education unanimously approved this legislation to move forward on April 16,
- Just a reminder that next Monday, the 16th, is the 36th Legislative Day.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 32 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. It then received committee reports referring newly printed Senate Bills 1261-1268 to the appropriate committees, and heard a gubernatorial appointment of Trent Ney to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, which was referred to the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. The Senate also received House Concurrent Resolution 25 from the House for introduction.
In the 10th order, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 116, concerning findings related to Water District 1. It also adopted Senate Resolution 113, a bipartisan measure condemning political violence and affirming the importance of peaceful political engagement. The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, supporting consolidation of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources, with supporters citing efficiency, improved coordination, and continued support for local soil and water districts.
Under final consideration, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1239, which revises Idaho sex offender law to extend residency protections to legally operating daycares approved by local governments as well as state-licensed facilities. It also passed Senate Bill 1234, which changes Lewis-Clark State College’s name to Lewis-Clark State University throughout Idaho Code, with supporters arguing the change better reflects the institution’s degree offerings and would reduce confusion without changing its mission or adding ongoing costs. Both bills were transmitted to the House, and the Senate adjourned until the next day after miscellaneous announcements about upcoming deadlines and the final day for non-privileged committee bill introductions.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- the senator from District 6 off the floor today, but we'll be taking up the other two pieces of legislation
- the senator from District 6 off the floor today, but we'll be taking up the other two pieces of legislation
- Nothing in this legislation shall be interpreted to imply a change in mission or academic classification
- The Idaho State Board of Education unanimously approved this legislation to move forward on April 16,
- Just a reminder that next Monday, the 16th, is the 36th Legislative Day.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee members, for your consideration for introduction today is a piece of legislation that may be
- So based on some feedback we got last legislative session, ABC engaged in the proposed rulemaking process
- And again, I ask that you would consider introducing the legislation.
- The summary is that a legislator would be allowed 25 drafts and 10 completed RS in a given year, and
- there are several exceptions you can see in the legislation.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This is legislative cleanup language.
- This bill is a critical piece of cleanup legislation.
- This bill is a critical piece of cleanup legislation, Thank you for placing it on the hearing today.
- support of this legislation.
- The very reason this legislation is before you today is because of an incident The very reason this legislation
Committee:
House Commerce
Keywords:
insurance, financial surveillance, regulations, assessments, Arizona Revised Statutes, mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, technical registration, engineering, architect, land surveyor, reciprocity, endorsement, qualification standards, firefighter
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 12th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- In 2014, Monica began her legislative career by joining the office of Assembly Member Tom Amiano.
- This is a pivotal point for us as legislators. And for me, as your legislator, I see the pain.
- We have to continue to use our responsibilities as legislators to protect our children.
- And as we honor these young lives, as legislators to protect our children.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informational interview with Rep. Isaac Schultz (R-Elmdale Township) Dec 18th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- living a roller coaster of emotion, a roller coaster of dynamics, an ever-changing landscape that legislators
- our work, because of the focus on these issues that weren't getting their daylight through other legislative
- to correct the program legislation to correct the program integrity<00:03:24.159><c> failures</c><00
- getting their daylight<00:03:56.560><c> through</c><00:03:56.959><c> other</c><00:03:57.519><c> legislative
- </c><00:03:58.480><c> um</c> daylight through other legislative um daylight through other legislative
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Sep 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- we will not permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of legislative
- And I know that this bill came shortly after the legislators in Minnesota were gunned down.
- And thank you to my fellow legislators. We can fix this place together. Thank you.
- The existing crime was originally put in place by this legislative body in 1980.
- The existing crime was originally put in place by this legislative body in 1980 after the Republican
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on September 12, 2025, with a quorum present and heard two bills. AB 1392 by Assemblymember Sharp-Collins would make candidates’ residence addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses confidential in county election records for the duration of the election cycle or term, with access provisions for journalists and government offices after amendments removed prior opposition. The author and a representative from the Secretary of State argued the bill was needed in response to rising political threats and violence, and several members from both parties spoke in support, citing personal experiences with harassment and concern for family safety. No opposition was heard.
The committee then heard SB 851 by Senator Cervantes, a measure described as responding to federal threats to California’s election administration. The bill would require notice to the Secretary of State and Attorney General for certain federal election-related court actions and settlements, extend the prohibition on unauthorized law enforcement presence at voting locations to federal agents, reaffirm California’s voting system standards, and make county registrar certification duties ministerial and non-discretionary. The author and Secretary of State’s representative said the bill was needed to defend election integrity and protect against federal interference, while some members criticized it as fearmongering and argued California should focus on cleaning voter rolls and preventing fraud. Other members defended the bill, saying isolated fraud cases do not undermine the overall security of California elections.
AB 1392 was approved on a 6-0 vote with a recommendation that Senate amendments be concurred in, and SB 851 passed on a 5-2 vote. The hearing then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 3rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- Moving to motions and resolutions, the absences for the day are: for legislative business, Assembly Member
- And she also told that... so masterfully together to bring this piece of legislation in mind to bring
- this kind of piece of legislation before us today.
- But certainly, I don't want to forget my legislative director, Selena, who was tireless, hundreds and
Summary:
The Assembly convened on June 4, 2025, first addressing a quorum call before proceeding with the day’s business. Members handled several procedural motions, including a failed attempt to withdraw AJR 4 for immediate consideration, approval of requests to notice bills pending re-referral, and a successful motion to withdraw SB 119 from Budget and Fiscal Review and place it on third reading. The chamber also rescinded prior action on SB 47, re-referred SB 355 and SB 685 to Appropriations, and authorized notice for a Housing and Community Development hearing on SB 522.
On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 369, a measure on emergency services that increases access to life-saving medication for people with seizure disorders, by a unanimous vote. Members then took up AB 1138, the major film and television tax credit measure, with extensive support from the author and other members who described the bill as a response to California’s declining production and job losses; the bill’s urgency clause and Senate amendments were concurred in, and it was sent immediately to the Governor. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 313 on student financial aid.
The body adopted SJR 2, which urges Congress to protect the rights of classified school employees, after debate emphasizing the importance of paraeducators, bus drivers, custodians, clerical workers, and food service staff. The Assembly then adopted the second-day consent calendar, including SCR 25 on nuclear fusion and several other Senate concurrent resolutions, and added coauthors to SCR 74 on Flag Day. The session concluded with announcements, birthday acknowledgments, and adjournment until Monday, July 7 at 1 p.m.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Apr 15th, 2025 at 03:30 pm
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Then the Legislative Management shall report its findings and recommendations, together with any legislation
- , together with any legislation required to implement the record.
- Findings and recommendations, together with any legislation required to implement the recommendations
- , to the 70th Legislative Assembly.
- I did get clarification on hoghousing and on amendments and germaneness from Legislative Council, and
Committee:
House Human Services
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and took up the final bill on its agenda, Senate Bill 2370, which had been converted into a 340B drug transparency measure tied to insulin and broader prescription drug pricing issues. Representative Hendrix outlined the latest bill draft, explaining that it would require reporting by covered entities, contract pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and health insurers, with confidentiality protections, civil penalties, and staggered effective dates. He also noted unresolved questions about the scope of required reporting, possible overlap with federal reporting, and whether the Insurance Department would need a consultant to analyze the data.
Representative Dobervich then proposed an alternative amendment that would replace the bill language with a Legislative Management study on 340B transparency reporting during the 2025-26 interim. Her proposal would remove the detailed reporting mandates and instead direct a study of what information should be collected, how it should be used, who should receive it, staffing or contracted support needs, and stakeholder input from hospitals, pharmacies, FQHCs, rural health, state agencies, insurers, and manufacturers. Members discussed germaneness, the late-stage nature of the changes, and whether the issue had been adequately heard, while the Insurance Department testified that it had not previously studied 340B-specific data but supported transparency and could see value in either a study or reporting approach.
The committee first adopted the Hendrix amendment by a vote of 8-5, then voted on a do not pass motion on the amended bill, which passed 7-6. Representative Frelich was selected to carry the bill. The chair then adjourned the committee for the last time and reminded members about the committee dinner.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation addresses a very real and frustrating issue faced by retailers, law enforcement, and
- questions that you may have, I'd like to defer to him to speak directly to the necessity of this legislation
- I'd like to defer to him to speak directly to the necessity of this legislation and perhaps answer any
- This last session, Senator Huffman passed legislation making it illegal to possess or distribute...
- So, this last session, Senator Huffman passed legislation making it illegal to possess or distribute
Summary:
The Subcommittee on New Offenses and Changed Penalties met with a quorum present and first handled witness-registration corrections for House Bill 2461, changing one witness from support to neutral and deleting another registration; HB 2461 was left pending. The subcommittee then heard House Bill 3507, which would create a tiered penalty structure for repeat theft offenders by increasing penalties for those with five or more prior theft convictions. Representative Wharton and Walker County District Attorney Will Durham testified in support, arguing current law treats chronic shoplifters the same regardless of how many prior convictions they have. No opposition was presented, and HB 3507 was left pending.
The committee next heard House Bill 1871, which would increase penalties for attempted capital murder of a peace officer, raise the minimum sentence to 25 years, and deny parole and mandatory supervision for those convicted. Representative Dyson, Brazos County District Attorney Jarvis Parsons, Lieutenant Ed Ramirez, and Chief Deputy Constable Calder Lively testified in support, describing attacks on officers and arguing the bill would provide stronger deterrence and truth in sentencing. No questions or opposition were recorded, and HB 1871 was left pending.
House Bill 4911 followed, updating child exploitation laws to address AI-generated and deepfake child sexual abuse material by expanding definitions and criminalizing knowing possession or viewing of fake or computer-generated images depicting minors. Representative Fairly and Harris County DA’s Office division chief Steven Driver supported the bill, saying technology had outpaced existing law and that the measure would help protect children. A committee member raised concerns about broad affirmative defenses in the bill, and Representative Fairly said the office would work on an amendment. HB 4911 was left pending. Finally, on HB 795, Representative Bowers moved that the subcommittee report completion of deliberations and recommend the bill for full committee consideration; the motion passed 3-2, and the meeting adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We urge Texas legislators to champion policies recognizing and maximizing the contributions of Texas
- I urge your support in passing this critical legislation for veteran-owned businesses. Thank you.
- I’m Jim Brennan, and I’m the Legislative Director for the Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations.
- I’m the Legislative Director for the Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations, and I’m testifying on
- This legislation makes it possible to animate that appreciation by sending a clear message to veterans
Committee:
Senate Veteran Affairs
Keywords:
veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, 1185
Summary:
The Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills related to military installations, veterans, and contracting opportunities. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to spaceports, with exceptions for authorized users; no public testimony was offered at the first hearing, and the bill was left pending before later being reported favorably. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, which would allow Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations so state and local authorities could handle certain juvenile offenses and provide more rehabilitative options; a committee substitute was explained, but the bill was left pending after no initial witnesses appeared.
The committee also considered SB 390, which would expand the state historically underutilized business definition to include SBA-certified veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability rating. Supporters from the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and other veterans argued the change would improve access to state contracting, strengthen the economy, and better recognize veterans’ contributions. Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category to all veterans might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB classifications, and Jim Brennan echoed that concern while suggesting a separate category might be more workable.
During the pending-legislation portion, the committee voted on several bills. SB 651 and SB 897 were each substituted and reported favorably to the full Senate, with both also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was likewise reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1197 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 was left pending after a motion to report the committee substitute favorably, and SB 390 was left pending after testimony concluded. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 5th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation creates a new section of law governing the operation of UTVs on certain roadways and
- So I'm reading this as a clear objection to the legislation. Is that incorrect? Senator Wright.
- And as such, Honda respectfully opposes this legislation.”
- We have legislative committees that refuse all legislation and solicitive committees.
- We have legislated committee that refuse all legislation and the legislative committee is asked in the
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered two bills. The first, CS for SB 88 by Senator Wright, would create a framework for local governments to allow or prohibit utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on certain low-speed roads, define UTV equipment and driver requirements, and make violations noncriminal traffic infractions. An amendment was adopted to correct the insurance requirement to match automobile-style minimums of $10,000 personal injury and $10,000 property damage liability.
Testimony on SB 88 was divided. The Florida Justice Association and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association opposed the bill, arguing UTVs are designed for off-road use, do not meet federal safety standards, and could increase crash risk on public roads; Honda’s letter was cited as opposing road use. Supporters, including the sponsor and agencies waiving in support, argued the bill would address an existing loophole, provide insurance and licensing requirements, and help rural users and law enforcement by creating a clear legal pathway. Senators raised concerns about nighttime visibility, taillight spacing, speed limits, and whether the bill should be more restrictive, but the committee ultimately voted to report CS for SB 88 favorably.
The committee then heard SB 274 by Senator Arrington, which designates a portion of International Drive in Orange County as Harris Rosen Way in honor of hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen. The sponsor and several senators praised Rosen’s business success, philanthropy, and support for education, cancer research, veterans, and the Central Florida community. There was no opposition, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Mar 3rd, 2025
Banking and Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- We will not permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of legislative
- This legislation would allow homeowners impacted by wildfires to pause their mortgage payments for up
- When I think about previous legislation, what comes to mind is PPP allocation during the time of COVID
- I just want to also thank the author. for bringing this piece of legislation.
- So I look forward to seeing the end product of this piece of legislation.
Committee:
House Banking and Finance
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.
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.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
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
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 04/08/26
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?
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.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 41 (3-6-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> in this legislation in this legislation condemnor<00:13:56.240><c> employees</c><00:13:57.120><c
- c> required</c><00:40:20.320><c> school</c> piece of legislation required school piece of legislation
- She was the first woman elected to any state legislator in the South.
- She was the first woman elected to any state legislator in the South.
- She was state legislator in the South.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Management and Budget Press Conference 2/27/26
Transcript Highlights:
- :04.559><c> changes</c><00:24:05.520><c> um</c> attributed to legislative changes um attributed to legislative
- session, then the end of the 2025 legislative session, and finally November 2025.
- </c> legislative session. legislative session.
- </c> important work done last legislative important work done last legislative session<00:34:51.599><
- </c><00:35:00.480><c> As</c> legislative session and the next. As legislative session and the next.
Summary:
Minnesota Management and Budget officials presented the February 2026 budget and economic forecast, saying the state remains in a strong financial position but faces continued structural imbalance and significant uncertainty. Commissioner Aaron Campbell said the FY 2026-27 balance is now projected at more than $3.7 billion, up about $1.3 billion from November, and the FY 2028-29 planning period is projected to end with a $377 million positive balance. He emphasized that the improvement comes largely from higher projected revenues, especially individual income and corporate franchise taxes, but warned that the state is increasingly reliant on more volatile sources such as capital gains, interest income, and corporate profits.
State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker said the national outlook improved slightly, with stronger projected GDP, consumer spending, and investment, but weaker payroll growth and ongoing trade-policy uncertainty. He noted that the forecast was complicated by missing federal data because of the federal shutdown, and that tariffs, immigration policy, equity markets, and possible AI-related shifts all present risks. Revenue projections were raised for the current biennium, including individual income tax receipts, sales tax revenue, corporate franchise tax revenue, and other revenues, while Becker stressed that federal funding threats, especially involving Medicaid and other entitlement programs, could materially alter the outlook.
State Budget Director Anna Mingi said general fund spending in the current biennium is projected to be $68 million lower than previously estimated, but planning-year spending is up $152 million. The biggest spending changes came from education, where special education costs rose sharply after updated local spending data, and from human services, where a new prepayment review process for certain Medicaid benefits reduced projected spending by $133 million this biennium and $105 million in the next. She also said discretionary inflation is now estimated at $1.04 billion, up $104 million from November.
Campbell closed by saying the state’s reserve remains at a record $3.8 billion and that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy help protect against downturns. He cautioned, however, that the long-term structural imbalance remains about $3.4 billion in the planning years, or $2.3 billion excluding discretionary inflation, and urged policymakers to offset any new spending with reductions. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session on the forecast.