Video & Transcript : 'elderly support' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Update on Special Session Negotiations - 09/30/25
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> safety, uh, mental health supports, safety, uh, mental health supports, public<00:04:43.040><c>
- It requires compromise, not just bipartisan support.
- It requires compromise, not just bipartisan support.
- It requires compromise, not just bipartisan support.
- It requires compromise, not just bipartisan support.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Tailor their supports to meet those 264 needs.
- I could support that.
- I could support that.
- They are designed to help support everyone working together to support students.
- They are designed to help support everyone working together to support students.
Bills:
HB8
Committee:
House Public Education
Keywords:
HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Education met to hear House Bill 8, which would replace STAAR with a new assessment and accountability system beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The chair described the bill as reducing testing time, limiting benchmark tests, adding beginning-, middle-, and end-of-year assessments, requiring faster score turnaround, involving Texas teachers in test development, and tightening accountability timelines and transparency rules. Members also discussed provisions on A-F ratings, cut scores, CCMR, local accountability plans, and TEA reporting requirements.
Committee members and invited witnesses split sharply on the bill’s approach. Supporters, including the chair, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, and Ed Trust’s Nicholas Munyon Penny, argued the bill would reduce high-stakes pressure, provide quicker and more actionable data, limit over-testing, and better align assessments to Texas standards while preserving criterion-referenced accountability. They said the new system would help teachers and parents intervene sooner and would improve transparency, including parent access to student responses and automatic rescoring in some writing cases.
Opponents, including Rep. Hinojosa and student witness Ella Moran, argued the bill still increases testing and replaces one high-stakes test with multiple TEA-created tests. Moran testified that STAAR creates anxiety, disrupts instruction, and does not reflect real learning, while Hinojosa said the House had previously passed a better bill based on a nationally norm-referenced model and criticized the new proposal as a concession to the Senate. Questions also focused on AI scoring of writing, rescoring rates, and whether the bill’s new accountability rules would be reliable and fair. The committee did not take a final vote during the portion provided, but the chair said a vote on HB 8 would be called after public testimony later in the day.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS/WAL Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- , okay, also in support.
- Thank you. any thank you testimony and support any thank you testimony and support uh uh uh [Music] [
- </c> in support in support uh<00:14:31.680><c> testimony</c><00:14:32.199><c> and</c><00:14:32.320><c
- We have testimony in support from the Military Affairs Council, testimony in support from the Chamber
- </c> of Education we stand in strong support of Education we stand in strong support of<00:15:18.199>
Summary:
The committee met on March 19, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures before taking up decision-making. Senate Bill 1381, relating to the Hawaii National Guard, received support from the Department of Defense and other testifiers and was recommended to pass as is. Senate Bill 422, relating to education and high school diplomas for veterans, also drew support from the Department of Education, the Military Affairs Council, and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and was recommended to pass as is. Senate Bill 414, relating to restoring access to disaster-affected areas in Lahaina, was discussed with testimony from HHFDC and others; members agreed to amend the bill to refer to the Department of Transportation as the acquiring agency, and the measure was recommended to pass with amendments.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 223, relating to fire prevention. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the bill but recommended changes to make the wildland-urban interface code a matter for the State Fire Council/State Fire Marshal rather than statute, and noted it lacked authority to mandate fuel reduction work on lands outside its control. Members also discussed community fuel reduction funding, with DLNR indicating that $10 million would be an effective amount and describing current funding for equipment, outreach, and positions. The chair proposed amendments to make fuel reduction on non-set-aside lands permissive rather than mandatory, to allow the State Fire Council to amend the state fire code to include easement holders, and to note a defective date and the funding request in the committee report. The bill was recommended to pass with amendments, with one member voting with reservations.
In a later decision-making session, the committee considered Senate Bill 1379, relating to emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers, and Senate Bill 371, relating to property damage of critical infrastructure facilities. For SB 1379, the chair proposed an HD1 incorporating the Hawaii Advisory Council on Emergency Management and county emergency management in site-selection criteria, adding geographic resilience considerations, changing the defective date, and noting $10.8 million for site design plus $1.2 million for contract support; the bill passed with amendments, with reservations from some members over county input and funding. For SB 371, the chair amended the bill to remove recklessly/negligently causing damage and require intentional conduct throughout, while leaving other issues for Judiciary review; the bill passed with amendments, with at least one member voting with reservations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Aug 6th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of this bill up until now with unanimous support.
- I rise today in strong support of H.R. 117.
- I too rise today in support of SJR 6.
- The supporter of this bill said, 'Let the voters decide.'
- I rise in support of AB 1923.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor actions. Members approved motions to suspend rules for various purposes, removed some bills from consent, and added coauthors to resolutions. The chamber also adopted a Rules Committee request to place ACR 233 on second-day consent.
The body then took up multiple concurrence and resolution items. Among the measures approved were AB 2056 on teacher exchanges with Mexico, AB 2323 on public notice, AB 1778 on controlled substances and testosterone-related scheduling, AB 2692 on common interest developments, H.R. 110 on “food as medicine,” H.R. 117 urging Congress to reform Section 230 to address online harms, SCR 152 designating Dolores Huerta Day, SB 575 reestablishing the Sea Otter Voluntary Contribution Fund, SB 939 simplifying retirement service-credit purchases, SJR 6 urging the federal government to honor infrastructure funding commitments, SB 1165 improving tax compliance for contractors, SB 930 requiring encryption for school exam proctoring services, SB 922 clarifying local road-repair cost recovery tied to public service operations, and H.R. 124 supporting DACA recipients. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition; H.R. 110, H.R. 117, and SCR 152 were adopted by voice vote after adding coauthors.
The most contentious item was AB 1923, which would ensure the Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act appears on the November 2026 ballot. Supporters argued it protects voters’ right to decide on a qualified local initiative and prevents delay from a county-ordered study; opponents said it overrides local authority and changes the rules to facilitate a tax measure. After debate, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments and passed the bill 54-16, sending it to the Governor. The session also included several adjournments in memory honoring Jonathan Gregg Burgess, Jeffrey Mosedo, Brian Haney, Anne Cronin Dunn, and Pastor Darryl Monroe Moore, before the Assembly adjourned until Monday, August 10.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I urge members to support this bill. Thank you, sir.
- I encourage my colleagues to support Senate Bill 1572. Thank you.
- Chair, I rise to support the bill and make comments. Proceed. Mr.
- Chair and members, I rise in support of the bill.
- So with that, I support this bill. Thank you, sir.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 16th, 2026 at 08:30 am
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm testifying in support of House Bill 2309.
- I'm here to encourage you to please support HB 2309 and for support of workplace and workforce diversity
- We're here in strong support for House Bill 1916.
- We're here in strong support for House Bill 1916.
- We're here to testify in strong support of House Bill 1916.
Keywords:
state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation, workforce diversity, hiring reform, employment eligibility, work authorization, DACA
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And I am here in support of Stephanie Weldon.
- And I'm in support of your confirmation. Thank you.
- So I support this confirmation. Thank you.
- And so I really support you in your nomination.
- meaningful. ...in support of you is very meaningful.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules convened with quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Courtney Welsh to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board, Janessa Goldbeck to the California Veterans Board, and Tom Huntington to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, each by 3-0 vote. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees, the 2026 committee chair and membership appointments, the 2026 session schedule, the 2026 Senate holiday schedule, and floor acknowledgments, all by 4-0 votes.
The committee then heard confirmation testimony from Hernando Garzon, M.D., nominated as Chief Medical Officer of the Emergency Medical Services Authority. Senators asked about EMSA’s strategic plan, data integration, local flexibility in statewide standards, ambulance patient offload regulations, stakeholder engagement, disaster response, rural access, and alternatives to transporting 9-1-1 callers to emergency departments. Garzon emphasized data-driven decision-making, technical assistance to local EMS agencies, collaboration with hospitals and providers, and the use of community paramedicine, telehealth, and pre-positioned resources in disasters. Public commenters and members supported his confirmation, and the committee approved the appointment 4-0 for referral to the full Senate.
The committee also heard from Stephanie Weldon, nominated as Deputy Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Department of Public Health. She described her tribal background, prior state, county, tribal, and nonprofit experience, and her focus on serving communities facing health disparities. Senators questioned her about how the office sets priorities, measures outcomes, balances equity work amid political opposition to DEI language, and tailors technical assistance to rural and tribal communities. Weldon pointed to work on tribal consultation, behavioral health, youth mental health, the California Reducing Disparities Project, gender-affirming care, reproductive health, housing and climate-related supports, and community advisory boards. Numerous public witnesses, including tribal and health equity advocates, spoke in strong support, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 for the full Senate.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor May 31st, 2025 at 11:30 pm
Commerce and Labor
Transcript Highlights:
- We are here in support of SB 316.
- We urge your support of SB 316. Thank you.
- We are here in strong support of SB 260.
- We support keeping public workers safe in situations where there is poor air quality and support OSHA
- of SB 260 and urge you to support it as well.
Committee:
Assembly Commerce and Labor
Keywords:
public employees, police officers, benefits, appropriation, law enforcement, medical debt, collection agency, healthcare, consumer protection, financial assistance, occupational safety, air quality, greenhouse gases, employee monitoring, safety program, hemp, hemp products, cannabidiol, CBD, cannabis
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We support this bill and have supported this bill since it originally started the transition and change
- We appreciate y'all supporting this. Have a great day. Thank you.
- 20 nursing specialty organizations who support this bill and appreciate your support as well.
- I'm here representing myself and I support the bill. ...myself and I'm testifying in support of HB 1211
- I'm representing myself and testifying in support of House Bill 1211.
Bills:
HB173 , HB184 , HB484 , HB678 , HB 1211 , HB1507 , HB1705 , HB1868 , HB2290 , HB2851 , HB2856 , HB3041 , HB3204 , HB173 , HB184
Committee:
House Higher Education
Keywords:
foreign donations, higher education, public institutions, national security, funding, prohibition, Texas law, healthcare, insurance, affordability, access, public health, foreign influence, education policy, student loan repayment, prosecuting attorneys, border prosecution unit, financial assistance, tobacco, cigarettes
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So I did see this bill before, and I do support it.
- ACA to support deficits in the Medicaid program.
- You waive in support. Thank you. And Edward Tennant. Where's the support? Thank you.
- The original legislation and its purpose I fully support.
- And with that, I ask for your favorable support. Thank you.
Committee:
Senate Health Policy
Summary:
The Health Policy Committee heard and advanced several health-related bills. SB 1546 on background screening for athletic coaches was explained as another extension of the deadline for coaches to be added to the background screening clearinghouse; it passed favorably with support from athletic and youth sports organizations. SB 958 on type 1 diabetes early detection was amended to match the House version, requiring the Department of Health to provide school districts, school boards, and charter schools with informational materials for parents; it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. CS/SB 1070 on electrocardiograms for student athletes drew extensive discussion about sudden cardiac arrest prevention, implementation timelines, costs, funding through private and public sources, and whether insurance, KidCare, or Medicaid should cover screenings; after supportive testimony from school and athletic groups, it was reported favorably as a committee substitute.
The committee also heard SB 1060, which would create a joint legislative oversight committee for Medicaid managed care to review encounter data, financials, audits, and rebate calculations with assistance from an actuary and the Auditor General. The sponsor and several senators framed it as a transparency and verification measure in response to large mid-year Medicaid funding increases and concerns about network adequacy and vertical integration; it passed favorably. CS/SB 944, which shortens the insurer overpayment recovery look-back period for claims involving psychologists from 30 months to 12 months, also passed favorably with support from the Florida Psychological Association. SB 1370, moving ambulatory surgical centers into their own statute rather than under hospital licensure provisions, was supported by surgery center representatives and reported favorably.
The committee approved SB 768, as amended, to narrow the foreign-country-of-concern licensure attestation for health care entities to direct controlling interests and clarify the “reasonable efforts” standard; it passed after questions about how the standard would work in practice. SB 1544 on opticianry prompted significant debate over whether the bill would limit nonlicensed staff in ophthalmology and optometry settings; after a proposed amendment was withdrawn and multiple witnesses spoke both for and against, the bill was temporarily postponed. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to SB 1808 requiring health care practitioners and facilities to refund patient overpayments within 30 days, with enforcement through AHCA fines or professional discipline, and then reported the bill favorably.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- I come before you in strong support of a bill...
- By supporting an act to promote the development of abandoned buildings, we are not just providing tax
- I'm here in support of Representative Cahill and Senator Edwards' residential improvement bills.
- Okay, we will now turn it over to Nicole Steele, who's also testifying in support of that bill.
- PACE specifically is an innovative financing mechanism that we're fully supportive, that not only supports
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on several housing-related bills, with chairs Adrienne Madaro and James Eldridge framing the discussion as part of the Legislature’s broader response to the state’s housing crisis and noting that many of the bills build on the 2024 Affordable Homes Act. The chairs reviewed hearing procedures, including the three-minute oral testimony limit, the option to submit written testimony, and the hybrid format. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Testimony began with support for H. 3278, a bill to create a graduated deed excise tax for affordable housing. Representative Worel argued that higher-end real estate transactions should contribute more to fund affordable housing production, saying the measure would not burden working families and would help address racial inequities in homeownership and displacement. Representative Soder then supported H. 3247, which would promote redevelopment of abandoned buildings through expanded tax incentives for renovating vacant properties for sale or rent, arguing that it would bring blighted units back into use and generate future tax revenue.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3040/S. 1969, residential improvement or R-PACE legislation. Robert Giles of Home Run Financing and Nicole Steele of Amalgamated Bank described the program as a voluntary, assessment-based financing tool that could help homeowners pay for energy efficiency, resilience, and other major repairs without upfront costs, and said it could complement existing Mass Save programs while expanding access to more homeowners. In contrast, Judith Lieben of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute opposed H. 3039/S. 1946, the Housing Development Incentive Program bill, arguing it would expand subsidies for market-rate and luxury housing in Gateway Cities instead of directing resources to low-income renters. Representative Hawkins also testified in support of H. 3121, which would end large investor control of homes in Massachusetts by imposing an excise tax on large owners of small residential properties and using the revenue for first-time homebuyer down payment assistance. After testimony and a few member questions, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then adjourned the hearing.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Children and Families Apr 28th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Children and Families
Transcript Highlights:
- The same thing is as child support.
- Okay, because I know whenever you said child support, many times in child support agreements, you know
- Okay, because I know whenever you said child support, many times in child support agreements, you know
- I'm going to be in full support of it.
- supported them in if he had not been killed by a drunk driver.
Committee:
House Children and Families
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, because I know whenever you said child support, many times in child support agreements... ...would
- Okay, because I know whenever you said child support, many times in child support agreements, you know
- I'm going to be in full support of it.
- supported them in if he had not been killed by a drunk driver.
- And MADD is, of course, in support of that. But we don't want to change the bill.
Committee:
House Children and Families
Summary:
The committee heard Senate Bill 1135, “Bentley and Mason’s Law,” which would require a person convicted of driving drunk or otherwise impaired and causing the death of a parent or parents to pay child support-like maintenance to the victim’s children until age 18, or 21 if in college. The sponsor explained that the amount would be determined through a clerk and court process similar to child support, based on the offender’s finances and the children’s prior standard of living. The bill also includes a provision intended to avoid “double dipping” by barring the maintenance claim if the family has already pursued a civil case against the insurance company, and it allows a one-year grace period after release from prison before payments begin. Committee members asked about the amount, whether health care or FAFSA would be affected, and whether penalties would apply for nonpayment; the sponsor said those issues were not fully specified and could be strengthened later. Members also raised concerns about enforceability and bankruptcy, while others supported the bill but suggested possible amendments.
Public testimony was strongly in favor. Brooke Stewart described how her husband was killed by a drunk driver in Tennessee and said Bentley’s Law has provided her children with restitution that will help support them through adulthood, including college. She said the offender had prior DUI-related arrests and that the law gave her family relief and accountability. Heather Elder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving testified for the bill and said Missouri should pass it without amendment, noting that similar laws exist in other states and territories. She said the bill was created in response to Cecilia Williams’ family tragedy and that Bentley and Mason, the children named in the bill, have been attending hearings and understand what the legislation means. Witnesses also referenced related impaired-driving and social-host bills as broader prevention efforts. No one testified in opposition, and the committee took no vote, ending the hearing after the public testimony.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm representing the Texas Farm Bureau and here in support of, uh, HCR 77. Uh, Mr.
- tax support for new and existing nuclear technologies.
- Again, uh, Reed Clay on behalf of the Texas Nuclear Alliance testifying in support of HCR 102.
- So those are the three reasons why we support these tax credits. We support HCR 102 as well.
- And so to that end, I appreciate your support and, uh, would be happy to answer any questions.
Committee:
House S/C on State-Federal Relations
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/26/2026 - House Health & Human Services
House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- And then caregiver supports.
- Thank you for your support. Thank you, Dr. Burke.
- We're here in support of House Bill 2202.
- So I support this bill.
- So I support this bill.
Summary:
The committee began with a presentation from the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter and Dr. Anna Burke of Barrow Neurological Institute on the growing impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Arizona, the need for earlier diagnosis, better provider education, caregiver support, and continued research funding. They described current gaps in training and access to specialists, but also highlighted new therapies, lifestyle interventions, and Arizona-based research efforts. Members expressed support and optimism, but no action was taken on the presentation.
The committee then heard HB 2202, which appropriates $300,000 from the general fund over fiscal years 2027 through 2029 for a dementia care tele-mentoring grant program through the Department of Health Services. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, a dementia specialist, and a patient advocate, said the program would help primary care providers diagnose dementia earlier and improve care. The bill was passed out of committee on an 11-0 vote.
Next, the committee took up HB 2251, the midwifery bill, which would authorize certain licensed midwives to dispense and administer specified medications and devices, require liability insurance disclosure and annual reporting, and create a Midwifery Advisory Committee. A committee amendment removed some medications and renamed the bill the Jordan and MacTerry Act. ACOG and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association opposed the bill as drafted, citing concerns about oversight, peer review, and the medication list, while licensed midwives and other supporters argued the bill would improve safety, transparency, and alignment with national standards. The bill was held for further stakeholder work, with members indicating more amendments were likely.
The committee then heard HB 2252, which would allow certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, or licensed midwives to accompany a patient in a ground ambulance during an out-of-hospital birth if approved by medical direction. Supporters described cases where continued midwife involvement during transport helped newborns and mothers, while firefighters and EMS representatives opposed the bill as written, saying it created ambiguity about command and scene control and could raise safety concerns. The chair said the bill would be held for further stakeholder meetings and possible language changes. After a recess, the committee reconvened for presentations on federal Medicaid and rural health funding impacts, beginning with JLBC’s overview of H.R. 1’s Medicaid provisions and the rural health transformation grant program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State of the State preview with House DFL Floor Leader Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis) Apr 27th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And you're going to have to have bipartisan support here in the House.
- the public, even if they're not supported up here.
- </c> bipartisan support here in the house. bipartisan support here in the house.
- In the healthcare supported up here.
- </c><00:02:41.800><c> and</c> are issues that have broad support and are issues that have broad support
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there anyone else here in support of SB 26? Mr.
- Good morning, Andrea DeVoe on behalf of Rivian in support. Thank you.
- Good morning, Beverly, on behalf of Hyundai in support. Thank you.
- Sarah Brennan on behalf of Lucid in support. Thank you. Good morning.
- Amy Lillie, on behalf of Mercedes, in support. Thank you.
Summary:
The Assembly Judiciary Committee met in a subcommittee setting to hear SB 26, a follow-on bill to last year’s AB 1755 dealing with California’s Song-Beverly “Lemon Law” process. Senator Umberg explained that the measure is intended to preserve the compromise reached last year while allowing automakers to opt out of the new framework and return to the prior law, with the goal of speeding up discovery and helping consumers resolve claims more quickly. Committee members and the author also noted the bill’s connection to concerns about court congestion and the need to revisit the law as vehicle technology evolves.
Support came from Consumer Attorneys of California, Toyota, and several automakers and manufacturers, including General Motors, Rivian, Honda, Hyundai, Lucid, Tesla, Kia, Volkswagen Group, and Mercedes. Toyota said the bill gives automakers a five-year opt-in choice and reflects the negotiated deal. In soft opposition, Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety said it preferred more manufacturers opt out, but remained concerned about AB 1755’s reduced statute of limitations and repose, negative equity deductions, and the broader impact on consumers with defective vehicles.
After quorum was established, the committee took up the motion and passed SB 26 on a roll call vote, with all members present voting aye. The chair thanked the stakeholders for reaching a compromise and indicated the bill would move forward, with immediate referral anticipated after floor action.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources, February 10, 2026
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:21:39.039><c> that</c> we recognize and very much support that we recognize and very much support
- </c><00:35:21.200><c> of</c> opportunity to testify in support of opportunity to testify in support of
- Chairman, we support the bill.
- of Wyoming did not support.
- I support post-election audits.
Keywords:
wastewater, stormwater, infrastructure, environmental quality, public data, data collection, funding, study, water development, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, grazing lands, subleasing, non-owned livestock, state lands, rental fees, agricultural policy, land management
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Workforce committee debates HF1325 to change MN's earned sick, safe time law 3/12/25
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:12:30.760><c> the</c> these reasons the league supports the these reasons the league supports
- </c><00:12:43.120><c> the</c> cities across the state also support the cities across the state also support
- Minnesota counties support earned sick and safe time. We support paid leave.
- Minnesota counties support earned sick and safe time. We support paid leave.
- </c> would like are very supportive would like are very supportive of<00:41:03.640><c> I</c><00:41:03.680
Summary:
The committee took up House File 1325 and adopted the author’s A2 amendment before hearing testimony. Representative Schultz presented the bill as a set of bipartisan changes to make Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law more workable for small businesses, public employers, and taxpayers, arguing the current law is an unfunded mandate that increases costs and property taxes. The bill’s supporters said it would add flexibility, including changes affecting coverage for certain workers, employer size thresholds, front-loading, weather-related exceptions, and a delay on penalties.
Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry opposed the bill, saying it would exclude about 800,000 workers, or roughly 30% of the workforce, from earned sick and safe time protections and create confusion and enforcement problems. She also objected to the proposed penalty delay, saying the department already uses compliance assistance and needs penalty authority for serious violations. The Minnesota Chamber supported modifications to the mandate, saying businesses—especially small ones—have struggled with compliance and that the law has had unintended effects on PTO policies and leave use. The League of Minnesota Cities supported parts of the bill, especially changes affecting more generous city leave policies and weather-event exemptions, saying current language creates confusion and can interfere with emergency staffing.
Opponents from Education Minnesota, SEIU Minnesota, TakeAction Minnesota, and a nurse from Unity Hospital argued the bill would strip protections from part-time workers, minors, and workers with family caregiving needs, and would weaken a law they said has helped workers avoid discipline or lost wages when sick. Supporters from counties and an HR consultant emphasized administrative burdens, emergency staffing needs during weather events, and the difficulty of applying ESS rules to existing leave policies. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the bill was laid over for further consideration.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty One - Wednesday, March 25 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So it supports our desire as a state to spend less money.
- And that, you know, that I think I can support.
- And that, you know, that I think I can support.
- I support them both, and I would ask the body to certainly support both of these efforts to streamline
- So with that, I strongly encourage this body to support the bill.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 40th day by a roll call vote of 122-1. The chamber then spent a long period on points of personal privilege and introductions, including tributes to Scott Bell and the late Ernie Dempsey, recognition of numerous student, civic, and advocacy groups visiting for Child Advocacy Day, and several special guests and pages for the day.
The main floor business centered on House Bill 3239, which would make the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program permanent and move it into the MoCAP framework with a $4 million annual cap and continued pay-for-performance funding. Supporters said it helps adults complete high school, especially women and parents who need flexible online access, while opponents argued the state should not divert foundation formula money from K-12 students and questioned the program’s cost and structure. An amendment to add college admissions and financial aid task force language failed 55-82, then the previous question was ordered 88-42, and the bill was perfected and printed.
The House also took up House Bill 1768/2016, which would prevent county assessors from reclassifying single-family short-term rental homes from residential to commercial for tax purposes. Supporters framed it as a property rights and tax relief measure for homeowners and small investors, while some members raised concerns about LLCs, commercial use, and local control; the bill was perfected and printed. House Bill 2944, dealing with the senior property tax freeze, was also amended and perfected and printed; it would simplify the application process, make the freeze easier to maintain, clarify that it applies across taxing districts, and add notice requirements for changes in eligibility. An attempted Jackson amendment was ruled out of order as previously amended material.