Transcript Highlights:

• to the flag salute: We were all shocked hearing the news over the weekend about the shooting of Minnesota

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel. On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lake home over in the Walker, Minnesota area, and deer congregate all the time on their own

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then received a gubernatorial message listing numerous bills signed by the governor. The chamber also handled conference committee business, including appointing conferees for House Bills 1003 and 1169 after refusing to concur with Senate amendments, and adopting a conference committee report on House Bill 1053, which repealed a Century Code section related to the length of the state highway system. A major portion of the meeting focused on Senate Bill 2137, which would allow supplemental feed for hunting and include an expiration date. The House divided the proposed amendments into two parts. Division A, dealing with baiting limits and setbacks near livestock facilities, drew extensive debate over private property rights, enforceability, livestock protection, and hunting access, and failed 14-76. Division B, requiring chronic wasting disease surveillance and a report to Legislative Management, also drew debate over whether the reporting requirement was necessary or too late to be useful; it failed 44-46. With both divisions defeated, the House then passed the underlying bill 56-34. The House also laid over Senate Bills 2340, 2326, and 2289. Later, it defeated Senate Bill 2325, which would have created a process for non-federal easements on wetland areas, by a vote of 4-84. It passed Senate Bill 2210, directing a legislative management study on watershed-based water management, 85-3; Senate Bill 2387, establishing rights for sexual violence survivors, 89-0; and Senate Bill 269, allowing state agencies to satisfy legal notice requirements by posting on their websites if newspaper publication is missed, 72-17. The House then excused absent members and adjourned until Monday, April 14, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, literally, it's on the shores of the Red River, which is the barrier, the border to Minnesota

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, committee, the time being 1:02, we will call this committee meeting to order.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its February 13, 2020 meeting, with a correction changing a reference from the America 250 subcommittee to the America 250 Council. Members then received a financial update showing remaining balances in the commemorative and celebration funds, with discussion that some unspent celebration money could revert to the commemorative fund. Haley Domgaard also reported that seven grant applications had made it through scoring and could be approved for disbursement, with additional applications still being reviewed. The committee considered several America 250 spending requests. A proposal to fund special “I Voted” commemorative stickers for counties at a cost of $12,992 was debated, with concerns raised about whether the state should pay for something counties normally print themselves and whether funds should be reserved for later needs. After a roll call vote, the motion failed on a 3-3 tie. Members also discussed the Capitol Celebration and ambassador program, including plans for events, booths, a scavenger hunt, music, food trucks, and school outreach tied to the Liberty Bell and other America 250 activities. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Liberty Bell project, including a custom trailer and steel transport stand to move the replica bell safely around the state. Officials explained the trailer would be decorated to resemble a coach, that the bell is very heavy, and that the stand and trailer were needed to prevent damage during travel. The committee also heard updates on the Governor’s Task Force, White House-related America 250 initiatives, and a proposed Liberty Grove tree-planting project with the Department of Lands. The committee approved grant disbursements for Blaine County and the cities of Dietrich, Grace, Nespers, Orofino, Pierce, and Twin Falls, and tentatively scheduled its next meeting for March 23 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second time I visited there, I think, was after I was elected, and it might have been '01 or '02.

Bills: SB2015

Committee: Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Summary: The committee first discussed a wastewater infrastructure bill, centered on whether state support should be provided as a grant or through the existing Clean Water State Revolving Fund as a low-interest loan program. Department of Environmental Quality official David Brushwine explained that the SRF already finances wastewater projects, can leverage federal funds with state bond proceeds, and could accommodate the Washburn, Lincoln, and Peasant projects if they are ready to proceed. Members noted that losing federal grant support would make projects harder for local residents to afford because costs would be recovered through utility rates or special assessments, but the projects would still be eligible for loans. Senator Magrum indicated he would likely concur with the budget after this discussion, and the bill was set aside for later consideration. The committee then turned to a proposed amendment for a four-plex housing project for people with disabilities or other special needs. Senator Mathern described Sections 7 and 8 as creating a design consultation appropriation and a revolving loan fund modeled on existing hospital and nursing home loan programs, while Section 9 would transfer $3.3 million from the state infrastructure fund. Members debated ownership, rent subsidies, repayment terms, and whether the state should finance the project directly or leave it to a private developer with Department of Human Services oversight. Concerns were raised that the state should not own the housing and that the proposal needed more work to be workable, but the committee ultimately reached consensus to adopt Sections 7 and 8 and leave out Section 9 for further conference committee discussion. The committee also reviewed provider inflation and long-term care rate issues, with members discussing whether to support a 2% and 1.5% inflation adjustment and how to handle the $5-per-day basic care rate. Staff explained that the $5 payment was already in the base budget, but members debated whether it should remain ongoing or be treated as one-time funding and paired with a study of rate rebasing. The committee agreed to have draft language prepared to remove the $5 from the base budget and add study language, then moved the bill forward for drafting.

Transcript Highlights:

• meet with the opposition and, to the extent possible, try to find common ground on clarity in the statute
• And obviously, you know, those factors are laid out in rules of court and statute.
• We're deeply concerned about the similarity of this proposed statute to the recent retail theft statute
• Minnesota has a similar law that they introduced in the early 2000s, and data shows that prohibition

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• “That they can't be, because I mean, I think we kind of run the risk of getting into a Minnesota-type
• And the representative did mention Minnesota.
• The lady's comments do get into an area where statute probably comes into it, that we do have, since
• It's something, but it probably needs to be explored in statute because there are some discrepancies.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• getting... ...that they can't be because, I mean, I think we kind of run the risk of getting into a Minnesota-type
• And the representative did mention Minnesota.
• Representative Sharpe: The lady's comments do get into an area where statute probably comes into it,
• touching on, I think, has some merit, that it's something, but it probably needs to be explored in statute

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The House Budget Committee met with a quorum and began by taking up a series of budget bills and committee substitutes, including House Bills 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, which were laid over. The chair then walked members through a committee amendment package, explaining a mix of technical corrections, fund swaps, and adjustments involving highway patrol fringe costs, summary budget timing, rural health care, the CCBHO FMAP correction, and marijuana-fund reallocations. Members adopted the chair’s decrease amendments and later adopted the corresponding increase amendments, including partial restoration for Care to Learn, a Title I grant language change, an Overpass and Seymour road project, technical corrections for DPS and health-related items, and restorations for Jordan Valley and FQHC substance abuse funding. After a brief recess for session and lunch, the committee returned to House Bill 2 and began considering member amendments. On House Bill 2, the committee adopted Representative Lewis’s amendment making the curriculum transparency and parent portal item a pilot program, and Representative Davidson’s amendment adding $2 million in federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds for One-Time Wonder School. Representative Steinhoff’s attempt to shift funding from Missouri Star Solutions and WorkKeys to the Success Ready Student Assessment failed, as did Representative Taylor’s proposal to move $1.2 million from career ladder to community college nursing programs. The committee then rejected Representative Steinhoff’s attempt to redirect Title I Innovation and Improvement Grant funds back to the governor’s recommendation, and later adopted Representative Steinhoff’s vocational rehabilitation amendment, which restored the department’s request and drew down additional federal matching funds. The committee also adopted Representative Hyne’s language amendment to allow flexibility between the MOQPK pre-K grant program and the Child Care Works tri-share program, though members discussed concerns about cross-bill flexibility and whether funds would actually be available. Representative Fogle’s amendment to require budget communications sent to committee chairs to also go to the full Budget Committee was defeated after members expressed concern about information overload and the difference between required distribution and requested information. The committee then took up a lengthy debate over Representative Fogle’s amendment to remove language barring Parents as Teachers participation for children already enrolled in public pre-K. Supporters argued the programs serve different purposes and that families should not be forced to choose between them, while opponents said the language was intended to prevent duplication of services and preserve resources for children without other options. After extensive discussion, the amendment failed. The committee continued with additional House Bill 2 amendments, but the transcript ends before final action on the remaining items.

Transcript Highlights:

• protecting reproductive freedom by updating outdated and restrictive language in Massachusetts abortion statutes
• In fact, it's very similar to the current statute in Maine, and it is popular.
• I think Minnesota has kind of taught us that this is dangerous work, and it shouldn't have to be.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures and time limits, then heard testimony on House 2499, a bill to create a public awareness campaign on menopause and related midlife health issues. Supporters, including a nurse, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and other advocates, said menopause is widely misunderstood by patients and providers, leading to delayed care, unnecessary suffering, workplace impacts, and inequities in women’s health. Several speakers shared personal experiences with symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed and urged the committee to advance the bill. The committee then took testimony on a package of endometriosis bills, including House 2527 and Senate 1564, calling for a task force and broader awareness efforts. Patients, a physician, and advocates described long diagnostic delays, severe pain, infertility, medical gaslighting, and limited access to specialists and effective treatment. They argued for more research, provider education, and a coordinated state strategy, and several asked for favorable reports. The chair also noted the hearing was running behind and extended time to allow more testimony. Later, the committee heard Senate 1579, which would eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass requirements for abortion access for minors under 16. Planned Parenthood representatives, physicians, legal advocates, and students argued the current law creates unnecessary delays and harms vulnerable youth, especially those in unsafe homes or foster care, while supporters said minors can already consent to other reproductive health care. A pro-life witness opposed the bill and emphasized parental involvement and support services. The committee also heard House 2403 and Senate 1560, which would create a Human Service Transportation Consumer Advisory Board; disability advocates and riders described past safety problems and current service gaps, and supported the board as a low-cost way to improve accountability, rider input, and reliability. No votes or final actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And all I'm doing is upgrading a statute that we already have that's already legal in this state. ...
• existing for 50 plus years and I just want to upgrade a... plus years and I just want to upgrade a statute
• Since I've been in legislation since '02. Have you ever seen that done? Oh, yeah.

Bills: HJR 98 , HB 142 , HB 912 , HB 2525 , SCR 19 , SB 66 , SB 128 , SB 209 , SB 250 , SB 317 , SB 383 , SB 393 , SB 397 , SB 517 , SB 571 , SB 612 , SB 614 , SB 715 , SB 731 , SB 801 , SB 865 , SB 867 , SB 872 , SB 905 , SB 913 , SB 945 , SB 946 , SB 986 , SB 1013 , SB 1015 , SB 1071 , SB 1086 , SB 1087 , SB 1113 , SB 1117 , SB 1181 , SB 1212 , SB 1241 , SB 1250 , SB 1263 , SB 1278 , SB 1285 , SB 1444 , SB 1483 , SB 1525 , SB 1528 , SB 1553 , SB 1556 , SB 1588 , SB 1660 , SB 1708 , SB 1802 , SB 1833 , SB 1844 , SB 1854 , SB 1957 , SB 1965 , SB 1999 , SB 2056 , SB 2082 , SB 2119 , SB 2133 , SB 2138 , SB 2203 , SB 2221 , SB 2337 , SB 2340 , SB 2373 , SB 2419 , SB 2422 , SB 2452 , SB 2477 , SB 2487 , SB 2501 , SB 2533 , SB 2586 , SB 2587 , SB 2615 , SB 2622 , SB 2633 , SB 2675 , SB 2681 , SB 2690 , SB 2713 , SB 2717 , SB 2753 , SB 2781 , SB 2782 , SB 2835 , SB 2841 , SB 2857 , SB 2891 , SB 2929 , SB 2933 , SB 2994 , SB 3016 , SJR 3 , SB 5 , SB 29 , SB 72 , SB 326 , SB 494 , SB 509 , SB 530 , SB 616 , SB 769 , SB 783 , SB 963 , SB 985 , SB 1143 , SB 1172 , SB 1238 , SB 1267 , SB 1271 , SB 1273 , SB 1506 , SB 1759 , SB 1786 , SB 1967 , SB 2312 , SB 2361 , SB 1 , SB 260 , SB 1506 , SB 1637 , HJR 98 , HJR 99 , HJR 2 , HJR 1 , HB 1109 , HB 1392 , HB 22 , HB 2525 , HB 3093 , HB 517 , HB 912 , HB 1130 , HB 142 , HB 1689 , HB 2018 , HB 136 , HB 2884 , HB 1393 , HB 2730 , HB 1399 , HB 1244 , HB 467 , HB 331 , HB 2559 , HB 29 , HB 26 , HB 166 , HB 353 , HB 2000 , HB 2756 , HB 3248 , HB 3513 , HB 3204 , HB 3135 , HB 3012 , HB 2763 , HB 2523 , HB 2457 , HB 2415 , HB 2198 , HB 2143 , HB 1708 , HB 1672 , HB 767 , HB 1327 , HB 2723 , HB 451 , HB 140 , HB 109 , HB 3096 , HCR 6 , HCR 12 , HCR 29 , HCR 50 , HCR 55 , HCR 56 , HCR 58 , HCR 70 , HCR 71 , HCR 74 , HCR 78 , HCR 80 , HCR 107 , HCR 116 , HCR 117 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SJR 59 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 48 , SCR 19 , SB 2023 , SB 1844 , SB 2533 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 507 , SB 1434 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 1122 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 261 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 510 , SB 1085 , SB 1975 , SB 2717 , SB 1262 , SB 636 , SB 2056 , SB 884 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1845 , SB 2681 , SB 2458 , SB 801 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 758 , SB 1013 , SB 2797 , SB 2076 , SB 2876 , SB 2929 , SB 715 , SB 1640 , SB 2538 , SB 1449 , SB 986 , SB 1181 , SB 1359 , SB 410 , SB 1234 , SB 2926 , SB 2138 , SB 2615 , SB 2972 , SB 2841 , SB 3016 , SB 1856 , SB 1528 , SB 1373 , SB 672 , SB 2891 , SB 1854 , SB 317 , SB 2539 , SB 2532 , SB 1250 , SB 2082 , SB 2203 , SB 1285 , SB 1454 , SB 2520 , SB 1237 , SB 1586 , SB 2819 , SB 629 , SB 2342 , SB 2903 , SB 2477 , SB 3029 , SB 1957 , SB 375 , SB 250 , SB 777 , SB 2367 , SB 2703 , SB 2608 , SB 2965 , SB 2521 , SB 865 , SB 2165 , SB 2501 , SB 2675 , SB 2452 , SB 2835 , SB 872 , SB 1212 , SB 1278 , SB 1588 , SB 1602 , SB 1704 , SB 1723 , SB 1833 , SB 1858 , SB 1946 , SB 2009 , SB 2177 , SB 2460 , SB 2785 , SB 2373 , SB 1660 , SB 614 , SB 867 , SB 1608 , SB 1525 , SB 905 , SB 640 , SB 2487 , SB 1698 , SB 383 , SB 705 , SB 748 , SB 1113 , SB 1117 , SB 1802 , SB 2340 , SB 2586 , SB 2680 , SB 2690 , SB 2994 , SB 2747 , SB 1950 , SB 913 , SB 1071 , SB 1086 , SB 1087 , SB 1483 , SB 1444 , SB 1553 , SB 1556 , SB 1703 , SB 2133 , SB 2297 , SB 2298 , SB 2622 , SB 2955 , SB 3059 , SB 2782 , SB 2781 , SB 2637 , SB 2633 , SB 2337 , SB 2334 , SB 1861 , SB 2043 , SB 1367 , SB 946 , SB 945 , SB 2857 , SB 128 , SB 571 , SB 1263 , SB 3058 , SB 612 , SB 2221 , SB 2587 , SB 2044 , SB 2363 , SB 2713 , SB 2311 , SB 1986 , SB 2565 , SB 2943 , SB 1888 , SB 2417 , SB 3048 , SB 3052 , SB 3053 , SB 3036 , SB 3057 , SB 3056 , SB 3043 , SB 3037 , SB 3050 , SB 3063 , SB 3047 , SB 3035 , SB 2446 , SB 466 , SB 2611 , SB 2794 , SB 2105 , SB 2017 , SB 1790 , SB 1778 , SB 1730 , SB 2995 , SB 2847 , SB 205 , SB 2619 , SB 1903 , SB 203 , SB 3061 , SB 1581 , SB 2600 , SB 2799 , SB 2790 , SB 2688 , SB 2515 , SB 1230 , SB 876 , SB 2522 , SB 2639 , SB 2137 , SB 2519 , SB 2403 , SB 2459 , SB 3051 , SB 2655 , SB 2251 , SB 2764 , SB 2878 , SB 1884 , SB 111 , SB 582 , SB 2617 , SB 1835 , SB 2751 , SB 2959 , SB 250 , SB 614 , SB 865 , SB 872 , SB 905 , SB 986 , SB 1113 , SB 1212 , SB 1278 , SB 1525 , SB 1588 , SB 1660 , SB 1802 , SB 1833 , SB 2487 , SB 2586 , SB 2675 , SB 2690 , SB 2929 , HB 912 , HB 2525 , SB 1844 , SB 2533 , SB 1957 , SB 1999 , SB 2138 , SB 2615 , SB 3016 , SR 469 , SB 29 , SB 326 , SB 494 , SB 530 , SB 769 , SB 783 , SB 1238 , SB 1967 , SB 2312 , SB 1506 , HJR 34 , HB 42 , HB 198 , HB 247 , HB 367 , HB 449 , HB 632 , HB 668 , HB 677 , HB 766 , HB 1105 , HB 1160 , HB 1169 , HB 1592 , HB 1778 , HB 1781 , HB 1868 , HB 2017 , HB 2038 , HB 2128 , HB 2240 , HB 2316 , HB 2510 , HB 2516 , HB 2563 , HB 2582 , HB 2663 , HB 2712 , HB 2715 , HB 2760 , HB 2788 , HB 3010 , HB 3069 , HB 3112 , HB 3120 , HB 3146 , HB 3157 , HB 3305 , HB 3348 , HB 3464 , HB 3474 , HB 3505 , HB 3512 , HB 3560 , HB 3597 , HB 3686 , HB 3783 , HB 3860 , HB 4063 , HB 4081 , HB 4214 , HB 4215 , HB 4224 , HB 4273 , HB 4325 , HB 4361 , HB 4386 , HB 4395 , HB 4665 , HB 4783 , HB 5032 , HB 5180 , HJR 34 , HB 42 , HB 198 , HB 247 , HB 367 , HB 449 , HB 632 , HB 668 , HB 677 , HB 766 , HB 1105 , HB 1160 , HB 1169 , HB 1592 , HB 1778 , HB 1781 , HB 1868 , HB 2017 , HB 2038 , HB 2128 , HB 2240 , HB 2316 , HB 2510 , HB 2516 , HB 2563 , HB 2582 , HB 2663 , HB 2712 , HB 2715 , HB 2760 , HB 2788 , HB 3010 , HB 3069 , HB 3112 , HB 3120 , HB 3146 , HB 3157 , HB 3305 , HB 3348 , HB 3464 , HB 3474 , HB 3505 , HB 3512 , HB 3560 , HB 3597 , HB 3686 , HB 3783 , HB 3860 , HB 4063 , HB 4081 , HB 4214 , HB 4215 , HB 4224 , HB 4273 , HB 4325 , HB 4361 , HB 4386 , HB 4395 , HB 4665 , HB 4783 , HB 5032 , HB 5180

Transcript Highlights:

• ICE have intensified across our country, from Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Minnesota
• Both federal and state statutes have standards for the safe operation of an OHV.
• is a proposed state statute.
• Is a proposed state statute.
• been, in the mock-up language, we disagree on this, but because the language goes back to existing statute

Transcript Highlights:

• Indeed, Madam Speaker, this section of law is called the Parental Rights Statute.
• If I may read from the first provision in the Parental Rights Statute. Please proceed.
• The parental rights statute states the legislature finds that parents are the primary stakeholders.
• It's Maine, Minnesota, California, and then temporarily they took it away from Pennsylvania.
• One that sticks out is the statute of limitations on student abuse.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , HB2711 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Indeed, Madam Speaker, this section of law is called the Parental Rights Statute.
• If I may read from the first provision in the Parental Rights Statute. Please proceed.
• The parental rights statute states the legislature finds that parents are the primary stakeholders.
• It's Maine, Minnesota, California, and then temporarily they took it away from Pennsylvania.
• One that sticks out is the statute of limitations on student abuse.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , HB2711 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then moved through caucuses and a series of transportation, elections, energy, historical records, cannabis, abortion-access, and fiscal bills. Members repeatedly emphasized that several measures were supplemental or technical updates to existing law, while others involved larger policy disputes over taxes, fees, clean energy, election security, and reproductive health. The chamber also received Senate messages on other bills and briefly recessed for caucus during the day. The most prominent action was final passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget, after adopting a technical amendment and a larger striker amendment. Supporters highlighted preservation and maintenance funding, rail investments, ferry maintenance, road safety, and continued work on major projects statewide; opponents largely reserved comments or noted concerns about future needs. The House passed the bill 93-0 with five excused. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711 on transportation resources, after adopting a technical amendment that removed the aircraft tax and delayed an RV-related tax change; supporters said it protected businesses and jobs, while opponents objected to trade-in treatment and other tax changes. That bill passed 83-10. On elections, the House considered Senate Bill 5892 to protect the voter registration database. An amendment to reduce penalties from a felony to a civil infraction and remove the emergency clause failed, while the committee amendment passed 50-34. Supporters said the bill was needed to safeguard sensitive voter data and clarify access; opponents argued it created conflicts with federal law and imposed excessive penalties on local election officials. The bill then passed 57-36. On energy, Substitute Senate Bill 5982 updating consumer-owned utility provisions drew debate over carbon capture, resource adequacy, data centers, and clean energy policy. Amendments on carbon capture and blackout-triggered termination failed, while an amendment preserving cogeneration exceptions passed; the bill then passed 57-37. The House also passed Senate Bill 5863 on preservation and inspection of state historical records, after rejecting an amendment to require longer retention but adopting the committee amendment; supporters stressed preserving the history of residential habilitation centers and the value to families seeking records. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing the Employment Security Department to waive penalties for minor employer reporting errors, passed unanimously. Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising cannabis license fees while removing an escalator, passed 52-42. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5917 on access to abortion medications saw several failed amendments from opponents seeking to narrow, reframe, or add fiscal limits to the bill; supporters said it preserved flexibility to ensure access and avoid waste, and the bill passed 57-36.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've seen in Minnesota that the feds are willing to hold hostage Medicaid dollars because of, you know

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the administration’s transportation bond bill centered on Chapter 90 roadway funding and related capital programs. Administration officials described the bill as a roughly $5.5 billion package that would continue $300 million per year for Chapter 90 over four years, with part of the funding distributed by the traditional formula and an additional $100 million based solely on road miles to better support rural and smaller communities. They also highlighted authorizations for municipal pavement work, Shared Streets and Spaces grants, accelerated bridge and pavement repairs, MBTA rail modernization and reliability, housing-related transportation improvements, and a new DCR-focused PRISM program for parkways and related infrastructure. Officials emphasized that the bill is financed through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues, and said it would help municipalities plan more predictably, speed project delivery, and support housing, safety, and climate goals. Committee members and witnesses discussed the bill’s broader scope beyond traditional Chapter 90, especially the $200 million for transportation projects that support housing development and the $200 million for MBTA modernization and rail reliability. Members asked about the rationale for a four-year authorization amid fiscal uncertainty, federal funding volatility, and the status of commuter rail electrification. Administration officials responded that the capital authorization is backed by dedicated transportation revenues rather than the operating budget, and said multi-year certainty helps cities and towns make better long-term repair decisions. They also said the MBTA’s rail modernization funds would support locomotive procurements, including battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives, as part of a longer-term regional rail and electrification strategy. Municipal officials and regional advocates strongly supported the bill. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, along with town and city officials from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth, said the increased Chapter 90 funding and road-mile-based distribution are especially important for small and rural communities with limited local revenue capacity, and that multi-year funding would let them bundle projects, bid at better prices, and address backlogs more proactively. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to treat it like a traditional bond bill by adding policy provisions and considering new transportation revenue tools, such as TNC fee changes, road pricing, parking taxes, and other mechanisms. The committee took no vote during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• officers and support their surviving families, including Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Maryland, and Minnesota

Summary: The House took up several Senate and House bills, mostly under suspension of the rules, and advanced a number of measures to third reading or engrossment. Early in the session, the House dealt with a Senate bill on student learning and mental health by insisting on its position and appointing a committee of conference. It also referred a Senate petition on alleviating poverty to the Committee on Children and Families after the House declined to concur with a Judiciary referral. The chamber then considered and advanced multiple Ways and Means bills, including legislation on police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder, honoring Blue Star families, land conveyance in Bolton, newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus, affordable housing and cultural space in Brighton, increasing access to epinephrine, and civil rights and technology. Several bills drew extended floor debate. Supporters of the epinephrine bill emphasized its life-saving purpose and described the death of Michael Brown as a catalyst for the measure; the House adopted the bill after a roll call vote of 149-0. The newborn CMV screening bill also prompted substantial testimony in favor from public health advocates and parents, who argued that universal screening would enable earlier treatment and reduce long-term harm; an amendment to add other rare diseases was withdrawn, and a later amendment creating a broad opt-out was defeated 1-153 before the bill passed 154-1. The civil rights and technology bill focused on banning weaponized drones and robotic devices, restricting misuse, and preserving law enforcement and civil liberties; it passed 154-1. The Blue Star families bill, creating commemorative plates for families of fallen law enforcement officers, passed 156-0 after emotional remarks from members and supporters. The House also passed without recorded opposition a bill facilitating better interactions between police and people with autism, and it approved a Bolton land conveyance bill and the Brighton affordable housing/cultural space bill. The chamber observed moments of silence for former Congressman Barney Frank and State Trooper Kevin Traynor, welcomed several guest groups, and concluded by adopting an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• officers and support their surviving families, including Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Maryland, and Minnesota

Summary: The House took up several Senate and House bills, often suspending rules to advance them quickly. Early in the session, the chamber handled a Senate bill on student learning and mental health by insisting on its position and appointing a conference committee. It also referred a poverty-related petition away from Judiciary to the Committee on Children and Families after suspending Joint Rule 12. The House then considered a series of Ways and Means bills, including measures on police interactions with people with autism, honoring Blue Star families, Bolton land conveyances, newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus, affordable housing and cultural space in Brighton, increasing access to epinephrine, and civil rights and technology; most were amended, ordered to third reading, or passed to be engrossed. The most extensive debate centered on House 5441, requiring newborn screening for congenital CMV. Supporters described CMV as a common but often overlooked infection that can cause hearing loss, developmental delays, and other serious harms, arguing that universal screening would allow earlier treatment and better outcomes. An amendment to add several rare diseases was withdrawn, and a later amendment to create a broad parental opt-out was rejected by a roll call vote of 153-1. The bill then passed to be engrossed by a vote of 154-1. The House also passed House 5443 on expanded public access to epinephrine after emotional testimony about fatal anaphylaxis cases; that bill passed 149-0. Another major measure, House 5444 on civil rights and technology, would prohibit weaponized drones and robotic devices, restrict threatening or harassing use, and set rules for law enforcement use and warrant requirements. Members emphasized both public safety and civil liberties, and the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 154-1. The House also passed the Blue Star families bill, which creates commemorative license plates for immediate family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, with members speaking about fallen officers and the importance of honoring their families. Additional bills passed included the autism-related Blue Envelope bill, the Bolton land conveyance bill, and the Brighton affordable housing/cultural space bill. The session included multiple recesses, quorum checks, memorial tributes to Barney Frank and State Trooper Kevin Traynor, and concluded with the House adjourning to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a couple in Washington and Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a couple in Washington and Minnesota.

Summary: The Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its second hearing, focused on cradle-to-college-and-career pipelines and education. Members opened with remarks emphasizing bipartisan support, the need to address opportunity gaps, and the committee’s prior hearing in Los Angeles, which helped generate legislation. The chair framed the day around school safety and discipline, community schools, and college/career pathways, and noted that public comment would be included at the end. In the first panel, witnesses described persistent disparities in school discipline and policing, even as suspension rates have declined statewide. Dr. David Turner cited reductions in suspensions tied to reforms such as bans on willful defiance suspensions, but warned that Black and Native boys remain disproportionately suspended and that “ghost suspensions” and police referrals still push students out of class. Other advocates called for stronger accountability, more restorative and culturally rooted practices, and greater investment in community-based supports. Members asked about the role of state and local policy, rural versus urban differences, and how to measure which interventions work best. The second panel centered on community schools. Advocates from Californians for Justice, Reclaim Our Schools LA, MILE, and the Sierra Health Foundation argued for the governor’s proposed $1 billion ongoing investment in the California Community Schools Partnership Act. They said community schools improve attendance, reduce suspensions, strengthen belonging, and create shared decision-making with families and students. Panelists described the role of community school coordinators, the importance of authentic partnerships, and the need to track informal discipline practices. Committee members pressed for a plain explanation of community schools and heard that the model is intended to be a high-return equity strategy that can save the state money over time. The final panel addressed college and career pathways. Speakers from the California Faculty Association, UC Student Association, Brotherhood Crusade, A Men, and Improve Your Tomorrow highlighted barriers facing Black, Latino, Native, and other boys and men of color in higher education, including financial aid gaps, weak transfer pathways, underinvestment in student support, and low campus belonging. They urged continued funding for community schools, expanded dual enrollment and ELOP access, and support for mentorship and culturally responsive programs. Public commenters echoed support for community schools and youth investment, including calls to redirect prison spending toward education and prevention. The chair closed by thanking the panelists, reflecting on his own school struggles and the role of mentorship, and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I actually grew up in Minnesota. I came here with the nuclear Navy in 1980.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• So I actually grew up in Minnesota. I came here with the nuclear Navy in 1980.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Summary: The meeting was a presentation and Q&A at Idaho National Laboratory focused on the state of nuclear energy, advanced reactors, and the lab’s role in testing, regulation, and commercialization. Speakers described INL’s broader mission beyond nuclear, including cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, but emphasized its major nuclear capabilities: the Advanced Test Reactor, TREAT, the Materials and Fuels Complex, and other test beds used to accelerate fuel and materials testing. They also highlighted the lab’s size, workforce, internship pipeline, and partnerships with DOE, DHS, DOD, and private companies. A major topic was the federal push to speed up nuclear deployment through executive orders and regulatory reform. Speakers said DOE and the NRC are reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, streamlining environmental reviews, and working toward a goal of having three new nuclear systems achieve criticality by July 4, 2026. They discussed the difference between microreactors, small modular reactors, and traditional gigawatt-scale plants, arguing that advanced reactors can be factory-built, safer, and better suited for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, and other nontraditional uses. They also said the U.S. is rebuilding its nuclear supply chain, including enrichment and fuel fabrication, and that states willing to host parts of the fuel cycle could see major economic benefits. The speakers addressed questions about cost, safety, waste, and international competition. They said advanced reactors rely on passive safety features, TRISO fuel, and natural circulation, and that the industry’s challenge is often cost uncertainty rather than a precise fuel or materials limit. They argued used nuclear fuel should be viewed as a resource rather than waste if recycling becomes policy, and said microreactors should produce relatively small amounts of spent fuel. They also noted that China and Russia continue to build aggressively, with China on pace to surpass the U.S. in total nuclear generation, while U.S. projects such as Palisades, Crane Clean Energy Center, Duane Arnold, Oklo, Aalo, MARVEL, and Project Pele are moving forward under DOE and private-sector partnerships.