Transcript Highlights:

• First up, we have the Department of Budget and Finance providing comments only on this measure, not here
• :13:36.920><c> of</c> 554 first up we have um Department of 554 first up we have um Department of budget
• and</c><00:13:37.519><c> finance</c><00:13:38.519><c> providing</c><00:13:39.240><c> comments</c> budget
• and finance providing comments budget and finance providing comments only<00:13:39.920><c> on</c><00

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures related to cultural recognition and arts policy. HB 531 would authorize special license plates recognizing the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, and HB 458 would designate Brother Joseph Dutton Day; both received support testimony, including from the Department of Accounting and General Services and the Joseph Dutton Guild, and both were advanced. HB 345 would establish ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to help protect alkaline pool systems, with support from DLNR and multiple community and environmental groups, and it was also advanced. HB 194, relating to Maritime Day, received limited testimony and was moved forward with amendments to align the observance with National Maritime Day on May 22. The committee also heard HB 554, which originally would have established Lunar New Year as a state holiday. Testimony in support emphasized cultural recognition and community benefits, but the chair explained that creating a new state holiday would cost about $9 million, so the bill was amended to make Lunar New Year a day of recognition rather than a state holiday. The committee noted several supporters, including youth testimony, and advanced the measure with amendments. HB 957, relating to Lāʻau Day, similarly drew broad written support; the committee amended it to designate the first Friday of May rather than May 1 and advanced it. In each case, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations without opposition or reservations. The hearing concluded with HB 925, a short-form bill that would allow the state to levy a 1% tax on concert ticket sales to support arts access statewide; the committee recommended passing the bill with amendments and recommitting it for future public hearings, and that recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• So LFC and LESC both their recommendations for the budget do include a $150 million transfer to the public
• the PERF be adopted by the legislature and signed by the governor, it would allow for multi-year budgeting
• Again, there are different proposals based on the various budget recommendations.
• It's not recreated, or because we start our budgeting process every year, it would not be a recurring

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome everyone to the Conference Committee on State Administration, Budget, Agriculture
• Members, before you, you have an offer from the Senate on the budget spreadsheet, on proviso, on projects

Summary: The Conference Committee on State Administration, Budget, Agriculture, Environmental, and General Government Appropriations met briefly to receive the Senate’s first offer on the budget spreadsheet, proviso items, projects, the back of the bill, and the implementing bill. Senator Brodeur said the offer included many areas already agreed to, with numerous items grayed out or highlighted to show movement toward compromise, and he described it as a strong first offer that would narrow differences on several issues. House members responded positively, saying the proposal looked good and thanking the Senate for its work. No additional substantive comments were offered by Senator Brodeur or other members. There was no public comment. The committee reminded members to watch for notice of the next meeting, noting that only one-hour notice is required. The meeting then adjourned without any votes or formal actions beyond receiving the Senate offer.

Transcript Highlights:

• FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES WE HAVE INCLUDED THE CONFERENCE STARTING POINT ON THE BUDGET SPREADSHEET PROVISO
• BEFORE YOU IS THE SENATE'S FIRST OFFER ON THE BUDGET SPREADSHEET A LOT OF WHAT I MENTIONED.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee will come to order. Connor, please call the roll.
• , we spent our first meeting receiving an overview of all sectors of the state's higher education budget

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met, confirmed a quorum, and heard opening remarks from Chair Busata. The chair reviewed the committee’s prior meetings on the state higher education budget and the state university system, then announced that the committee would leave the Capitol for an on-site visit to FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s Innovation Park. Members were told the tour would include the College of Engineering, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (the MagLab), and the Florida Center for Advanced Aero Propulsion. The chair described the visit as an opportunity to see the facilities firsthand rather than just review budget figures and noted that the committee would adjourn at Innovation Park and return by shuttle later in the afternoon. No bills were heard, no testimony was taken, and no votes or formal actions were recorded beyond the announcement and adjournment for the site visit.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome everyone to the Conference Committee on State Administration, Budget, Agriculture
• Members, before you, you have an offer from the Senate on the budget spreadsheet, on proviso, on projects

Summary: The Conference Committee on State Administration, Budget, Agriculture, Environmental, and General Government Appropriations met briefly to receive the Senate’s first offer on the budget spreadsheet, proviso language, projects, the back of the bill, and the implementing bill. Senator Brodeur said the offer included substantial movement and agreement, with many items grayed out or highlighted to show progress toward compromise, and he expressed hope it would bring the chambers closer on several issues. House members responded positively, saying the offer looked good and thanking the Senate for its work, while noting they would review it and follow up soon. No additional substantive comments were made, and there was no public testimony. With no further business, the committee reminded members that the next meeting would be noticed on a one-hour basis and then adjourned without any votes or formal actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Adopting a budget, of course, is the most important thing we do as a legislature, and it is the only
• We will all be working diligently over the next few weeks to craft a final budget that will stay well

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Adopting a budget, of course, is the most important thing we do as a legislature, and it is the only
• We will all be working diligently over the next few weeks to craft a final budget that will stay well

Transcript Highlights:

• A budget was proposed for the conservatorship of roughly $137,000 for nine months.
• The budget—I don't know how, but okay. I don't know how, but okay.
• The budget—how much more do you have, Susan? Just okay, please, please go ahead.
• The budget proposed for the conservatorship was roughly $137,000 for nine months.
• A budget was proposed for the conservatorship of roughly $137,000 for nine months. They pay $2,750.

Committee: Senate Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse

Summary: The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse opened by explaining it was gathering testimony on elder abuse, especially alleged misconduct involving court-appointed systems such as guardians ad litem and fiduciaries, to identify gaps in law and oversight and develop legislative fixes. The chair limited each witness’s time, asked for names and contact information for follow-up, and repeatedly noted that some allegations might warrant referral to law enforcement, the attorney general, or county attorneys if basic criminal elements were present. Several witnesses described alleged abuse in guardianship, conservatorship, and fiduciary cases. Dr. Holly Lauder said her mother, who had Alzheimer’s disease, was subjected to allegedly deficient psychological capacity evaluations that ignored treating doctors and family input, leading to a fiduciary arrangement that later resulted in neglect. Kevin Axson described his mother’s probate case, saying a guardian ad litem and conservator were appointed after a family financial dispute, that the guardian ad litem and fiduciary had little contact with his mother, and that the estate was burdened with substantial fees and a $200,000 bond requirement. Frieda Alvarado testified about a 94-year-old client, Samuel Armento, saying he was isolated, medicated without his request, and treated without dignity after a fiduciary and care team took control. Bill Chalmers, Johnny Hamilton, and Kathy Hamilton also testified about Sam Armento’s case, alleging isolation, excessive fees, conflicts of interest, and poor oversight by fiduciaries and caregivers. Other witnesses raised broader concerns about Arizona probate practices. David Redkey said he has been under a long-running conservatorship despite earning degrees and maintaining capacity, and alleged that court-appointed professionals and fiduciaries overcharged his estate and blocked efforts to terminate the arrangement. Susan Wolfe described the Peyton case, alleging that a wife’s conservatorship and related court actions led to the loss of assets, exclusion of witnesses, and large fees for a relatively small monthly care bill. Dr. Lewis Heller, an OB-GYN and disciplinary committee member, said the medical evaluations he reviewed showed the people involved were competent and that the conduct he observed was unethical and possibly criminal. Renee Self testified that she lost her role as trustee and spent large sums defending her father’s estate, alleging that the probate process stripped her father of assets and limited her access to him despite APS findings that her actions were in his best interests. No formal committee votes or legislative actions were taken in the excerpt, but members repeatedly expressed concern, asked for documents and transcripts, and indicated they would follow up with witnesses and consider stakeholder meetings to craft legislation addressing oversight, transparency, and accountability in guardianship and fiduciary systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• A budget was proposed for the conservatorship of roughly $137,000 for nine months.
• The budget... I don't know how, but okay. I don't know how, but okay.
• The budget—how much more do you have, Susan? Just okay, please go ahead.
• The budget proposed for the conservatorship was roughly $137,000 for nine months.
• A budget was proposed for the conservatorship of roughly $137,000 for nine months. They pay $2,750.

Committee: Senate Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Elder Abuse

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We the Senate had a very strong position on our response to the federal budget bill.
• Senate Democrats, um, ready to work, um, to respond to what we've experienced and put forth a strong budget
• to it next hopefully when we get back to it next year,<00:24:31.800><c> it's</c><00:24:32.600><c> budget
• <c> and</c><00:24:33.240><c> a</c><00:24:33.640><c> chance</c><00:24:34.040><c> to</c> year, it's budget
• year and a chance to year, it's budget year and a chance to do<00:24:34.400><c> some</c><00:24:34.600

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The program reviewed the end of Minnesota’s 94th Legislature and featured interviews with Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Minority Leader Mark Johnson about the session’s major outcomes. Murphy said Senate Democrats used their one-seat advantage to advance priorities including emergency rental assistance, immigration enforcement, stabilization of HCMC, gun violence prevention, and a $1.2 billion infrastructure/bonding bill. She also highlighted a one-year reduction in vehicle tab fees, some property tax and business tax relief, and the creation of an independent Office of Inspector General, while saying more should have been done on lead pipe replacement and that some work was delayed by House inaction and federal policy changes. Murphy argued the session was shaped by a divided legislature and by negotiations that often happened late and behind closed doors, which she said made the process frustrating and left some Senate proposals without House counterparts. She said the Senate also worked on protecting Medicaid and SNAP from federal cuts and on stabilizing hospitals, especially HCMC and rural facilities. She described the gun violence and immigration debates as examples where bipartisan demands did not match what she saw as the needs of Minnesotans, and said the state should return to more public conference committee negotiations next session. Johnson said Senate Republicans focused on fraud prevention, affordability, and education. He pointed to the Inspector General bill and the “Take It Back Act” as major bipartisan wins, and said Republicans used their leverage to secure the tab fee reduction and other tax relief. He also said the caucus wanted stronger protections against fraud without harming legitimate service providers, and criticized DFL priorities on government growth and education outcomes. Both leaders said relationships across the aisle improved over the session, though they differed sharply on how much was accomplished and what should be prioritized next year.

Transcript Highlights:

• The notice is clear, and you are given an opportunity to remove that service if your budget doesn't allow
• They just know how much their budget can afford and how much they budgeted for. Right.
• Maura Blyans, subject to appropriation, does that mean within LED's budget, or will it take a separate
• Maura Blyans, subject to appropriation, does that mean within LED's budget or will it take a separate
• Again, I think most people, once they understand the issue, they say, wow, I don't know and so that. budget

Bills: HB471 , HB798 , HB947 , HB1140 , HB1186 , HB1195 , HB1222

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: surveillance, price discrimination, consumer protection, automated decision systems, data privacy, broadband, cable service, price increase, notification, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, telecommunications, spoofing, call authentication

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 4881, so I will move that this is an informational hearing for the governor's supplemental budget
• I'm here to testify on House File 4881, the supplemental budget bill.
• That's showing up in a budget bill because there's a very small amount of licensing impact.
• These are all budget neutral and they reflect the department priorities for the session.
• This is a governor's budget proposal.

Bills: HF4881 , HF4867 , HF4422 , HF4223

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, regulation, financial institutions, prescription drug affordability, consumer protection, restitution account, financial compensation, attorney general, distributions, property insurance, homeowners insurance, fire and allied lines, hail insurance, appraisal clause, loss adjustment, alternative dispute resolution, insurance claims, claim valuation, actual cash value

Transcript Highlights:

• Her daughter, a young adult in the self-determination program, had no one recognized to support her budget
• original version of this bill had the section that was referred to by the author, where I know the budget
• committee had some concerns about how it related to the budget deal on this issue last year, and you
• original version of this bill had the section that was referred to by the author, where I know the budget
• committee had some concerns about how it related to the budget deal on this issue last year, and you

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But in 2025, my priority was getting a budget across the finish line.
• But in 2025, my priority was getting a budget across the finish line.
• But in 2025, my priority was getting a budget across the finish line.
• But in 2025, my priority was getting a budget across the finish line.
• But in 2025, my priority was getting a budget across the finish line.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But I know my colleagues on the Budget Committee and in our special hearing on this are working very
• We have budget, collective bargaining, and civil service protections against that.
• We've seen in California our efforts in the budget to try to increase the share of Medi-Cal-eligible
• I've operated very large nonprofits with multimillion-dollar budgets where I had HR, I had access to
• I've operated very large nonprofits with multimillion-dollar budgets where I had HR, I had access to

Committee: Senate Governmental Organization

Summary: The committee began with an informational hearing on the second amendment to the tribal-state gaming compact with the Yurok Tribe. Governor’s office staff and Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph James explained that the amendment is a narrow, technical one that extends the existing 2006 compact through December 31 to preserve the status quo while longer-term negotiations continue. Members asked about the compact process and why Bureau of Indian Affairs approval is not needed for a simple extension; staff said only substantive compact changes require federal approval. No vote was taken on the informational item. The committee then heard AB 2156, which would designate March 31 as Farm Workers’ Day in California. Supporters, including the authors’ representatives and members of the committee, described the bill as a way to honor farmworkers and the broader farmworker movement, especially in light of recent allegations involving the holiday’s prior namesake. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the floor. The committee also approved several consent calendar items and later advanced SB 1044, which raises the small business procurement cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and indexes it to inflation; supporters from the Hispanic and Asian Pacific chambers of commerce and veteran business groups said the change would expand access to state contracts for small, micro, and disabled veteran-owned businesses. That bill was sent to Appropriations. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 1114, which would restrict state agencies from sharing LGBTQ-related SOGI and intersex data with federal agencies except where legally required. Equality California and other supporters said the bill would protect trust and prevent misuse of sensitive data, while no opposition testified. The committee passed the bill to Privacy. Cabaldon also presented SB 1248 on automated decision systems in state government, arguing it would create baseline guardrails, require human review for adverse decisions, and improve service delivery. Labor groups opposed it, saying the bill authorizes use before establishing enforceable standards and that workers were not adequately included in stakeholder discussions. After extensive debate about AI, collective bargaining, and implementation, the committee voted to send the bill to Privacy. The committee also advanced SB 1273, which would allow short-form social media videos to promote instructional events at wineries, and SB 917, which would loosen farmers’ market rules so more small wineries can sell wine there; both were supported by wine industry representatives and sent forward on due pass motions. The transcript then began SB 1240, which would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement, grants, and payment systems, with strong support from nonprofit organizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I know my colleagues on the Budget Committee and at our special hearing on this, we're working very
• But I know my colleagues on the Budget Committee and at our special hearing on this, we're working very
• We have budget, collective bargaining, and civil service protections against that.
• We've seen in California our efforts in the budget to try to increase the share of Medi-Cal-eligible
• I've operated very large nonprofits with multimillion-dollar budgets where I had HR, I had access to

Summary: The committee began with an informational hearing on the second amendment to the Yurok Tribe’s 2006 tribal-state gaming compact. Governor’s office staff and Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph James explained that the amendment is a narrow, technical one that extends the compact’s expiration to December 31 of this year to preserve the status quo while the parties negotiate a long-term replacement. Members asked about the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ role, and staff explained that because the change is only a deadline extension and not a substantive compact change, it does not require BIA approval. No vote was taken on the informational item. The committee then heard AB 2156, which would designate March 31 as Farm Workers’ Day in California. The authors and supporters said the bill is intended to honor the farm worker movement and shift the holiday away from any one individual in light of recent allegations, while recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of farm workers. Several members spoke in support, including personal reflections on family histories in farm labor and on the need to center victims and farm workers’ dignity. The bill was moved to the floor, with the roll held open for absent members. Next, the committee heard SB 1044, which would raise the small business procurement cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and index it to inflation. The author and supporters from the Hispanic and Asian Pacific chambers of commerce argued the current cap is outdated and limits opportunities for small businesses, microbusinesses, and disabled veteran business enterprises. Some support was qualified, with one coalition noting concerns about access to capital for microbusinesses but still leaning in favor. The bill passed to Appropriations, with the roll held open. The committee also heard SB 1114, which would restrict state agencies from sharing LGBTQ-related data with federal agencies except where legally required. The author and Equality California said the bill is meant to protect sensitive data from misuse and preserve trust in voluntary state data collection. Support came from Planned Parenthood affiliates and Health Access California, with no opposition. The bill passed to the Privacy Committee, with the roll held open. Finally, the committee heard SB 1248 on automated decision systems in state government, SB 1273 on short-form video advertising for winery instructional events, and SB 917 on allowing more small wineries to sell at farmers’ markets. SB 1248 drew the most debate: the author said it would create baseline guardrails for automated systems, require human review for adverse decisions, and help state agencies use automation responsibly, while labor groups opposed it as authorizing use before meaningful stakeholder engagement and collective bargaining input. Several members supported moving it forward but stressed the need for labor participation in future negotiations; it passed to the Privacy Committee with the roll held open. SB 1273 and SB 917 were both presented as modest measures to help the wine industry adapt to current marketing and sales conditions, and both passed to Appropriations with roll calls held open. The hearing then moved on to SB 1240, which would create an Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to help nonprofits navigate state procurement and grant processes; the author described nonprofits’ economic importance and the need for a liaison, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, the departments are already operating under financial constraints under their existing budgets
• So to ask the departments to then have to find that money within their budgets would put strains in other
• the</c> &gt;&gt; So those 35 new positions are in the &gt;&gt; So those 35 new positions are in the budget
• > and</c><00:24:44.559><c> that's</c><00:24:44.799><c> for</c><00:24:45.120><c> psychiatrists</c> budget
• bill and that's for psychiatrists budget bill and that's for psychiatrists and<00:24:46.799><c> PRNs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first considered Governor’s Message 574, confirming Michael Tenoi to continue serving on the Commission to Promote Uniform Legislation through June 30, 2028. Several supporters testified, and Tenoi said he valued working with Hawaii and national commissioners and hoped to focus on emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data security. The committee recommended advise and consent and adopted the measure, with a photo taken afterward. The committee then heard HB 1519 on campaign contributions, which would require disclosure of compensated officers and immediate family members of certain state contractors and grantees. The Campaign Spending Commission and State Procurement Office supported the bill but asked for clarifying amendments; several advocacy groups supported the measure but urged stronger language, including removing branch-of-government limits and narrowing loopholes. The chair proposed amendments to remove monetary thresholds, limit the bill to paid officers, add appropriations for the Campaign Spending Commission and State Procurement Office, define “officer” more broadly, and note that false-name contributions are already felonies. The committee voted to pass HB 1519 with amendments. HB 2250, the claims against the state bill, drew testimony from the Attorney General and multiple departments in support, but members raised extensive questions about why many claims would be paid from the general fund, how corrective action is being pursued, and the handling of several specific claims, including wrongful imprisonment, a cesspool citation, Department of Corrections deaths, a large special education settlement, a charter school lease dispute, and an outdated check. Because of those outstanding questions, the committee postponed decision-making on HB 2250 until Tuesday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 016. Later, the committee also considered Governor’s Message 725, confirming Daniel M. Gluck as an associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals; the committee recommended consent and adopted the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I hate to be the one that asks the budget question.
• Um, but how are you hoping that this kind of fits into the grander state budget, especially where things
• I'm not sure $25 million is going to be in the budget this year, but you know, dream big.
• going to<00:24:16.320><c> be</c><00:24:16.400><c> in</c><00:24:16.559><c> the</c><00:24:16.720><c> budget
• this year, but you to be in the budget this year, but you know,<00:24:18.080><c> dream</c><00:24:18.480

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on two Parkinson’s-related bills in Minnesota: one to ban paraquat and another to create a state Parkinson’s research trust fund. Rep. Christy Purcell said the research bill would create a dedicated pot of money to coordinate and fund Parkinson’s research in Minnesota, with Sen. Mann as the Senate author. Supporters said Minnesota should act because Parkinson’s is growing rapidly, there is no cure, and state institutions could serve as a research hub. Several people living with Parkinson’s testified about the personal and family impact of the disease, including early-onset diagnoses, loss of work, mobility challenges, and the burden on caregivers. Speakers from the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation supported both bills, arguing that paraquat is strongly linked to Parkinson’s, that exposure can affect farmers and nearby residents, and that prevention and research are both needed. The paraquat bill was described as especially important because alternatives exist and the chemical is reportedly used very little in Minnesota. During the discussion, Rep. Hansen said the paraquat bill would be held over and not voted on that day because a fiscal note was requested. He said the committee would hear the bill later that day and urged colleagues to keep an open mind. In response to questions, supporters said they anticipated little opposition beyond chemical-industry interests, and they emphasized that the bill was aimed specifically at paraquat rather than other chemicals. The research bill was discussed as a possible $25 million request, though no vote was taken on that proposal in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe Cerna farmworker funding not allow for infrastructure dollars to be incorporated as part of the budgets
• dollars to be incorporated as part of the budgets. What are the challenges there?
• Additionally, since 2020, the state budget has provided TCAC $500 million in state tax credits to be
• Additionally, since 2020, the state budget has provided TCAC $500 million in state tax credits to be
• know if there's anything more to share about that, but that's helpful for us as we're looking at the budget

Summary: The committee held an outcomes review hearing on AB 457 and related farmworker and rural housing policy, with members and witnesses discussing whether recent streamlining laws are actually increasing production. Chair Haney, Assembly Members Soria and Pellerin, and others described the purpose of AB 457 and its predecessor bills AB 1783 and AB 3035: to make farmworker housing easier to build through ministerial approval and other reforms. Witnesses emphasized that farmworkers face severe overcrowding, high rents, long commutes, and limited access to housing in both rural and coastal agricultural regions. The first panel focused on practical barriers and local models. Napa County described its county-owned farmworker centers, which provide nightly lodging, meals, and services, funded by lodger fees, a grower assessment, and state support. Testimony stressed that these centers function as navigation hubs rather than permanent housing, and that stable, inflation-adjusted operating funding, language access, transportation, and local set-asides are critical. United Farm Workers urged that local farmworkers be prioritized over H-2A workers and warned against displacing long-term resident workers. Several witnesses said the biggest barriers remain infrastructure, land costs, local opposition, and insufficient subsidy rather than approval streamlining alone. The second and third panels addressed AB 457’s implementation and broader state funding issues. Santa Clara County said the bill could help on a county-owned Gilroy site, but financing remains the main obstacle. Self-Help Enterprises said AB 457’s expanded geography and project-size rules may help future sites, but rural projects still struggle with water, sewer, and environmental review costs, and with the state’s Super NOFA process, which tends to favor deeper-income projects that do not match farmworker household incomes. HCD reported that CERNA and other programs have increased farmworker housing production in recent years, but witnesses argued that rural regions still receive too little funding, that infrastructure dollars are too fragmented, and that more rural-specific set-asides, local funding incentives, and predictable allocations are needed. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.