Transcript Highlights:

• THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. >> THANK YOU CHAIRMAN. GOOD AFTERNOON COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
• LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING THE DIALOGUE AND WORKING TOGETHER ON SOLUTIONS AND BOUNDS WITH THE TECHNOLOGICAL
• FIND THEM, SUSPEND THEIR LICENSE, WE HAVE HISTORICALLY USED ALL SORTS OF TECHNOLOGY AND TOOLS THAT CALCULATE

Transcript Highlights:

• FOLD DOORS, AIRBAGS, CRUSHING PROOF TOPICS, CRASH PROTECTIVE CRUMPLE ZONES AND DOZENS OF OTHER TECHNOLOGIES
• TRAINEES THAT WILL EXPERIENCE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING AND LEARNING AND BRING THE LATEST AND GREATEST TECHNOLOGIES
• WEBSITE BY REGION NOT FOCUSES IN ON DEMOGRAPHICS AND IS INTERACTIVE SO WE CAN PROVIDE SOMEWHAT OF A SERVICE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, small businesses frequently face unpaid invoices, minor contract breaches, and service disputes
• Despite the high demand for these services, ASL interpreters remain excluded from the same employment
• , as amended, to Human Services.
• AB 1846, Stephanie, as amended, to Human Services; AB 1875, Hart, to the floor; AB 1950, Heribedian,
• So I just want to repeat: I support the online updating and technological improvement.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to subsidize their service.
• Service is honorable, but unpaid service limits who can realistically serve.
• But unpaid service limits who can realistically serve.
• I want to thank you for your service because I know how hard this is.
• and in-service educators.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or a lot of another type of service.
• The barber stylist does not get trained in nail technology, aesthetics, which is the skin care.
• The cosmetology license also includes hair color, chemical services like perms, nails, esthetician services
• That who is providing the service somehow is ultimately qualified to do it.
• We've all gotten bad service from a doctor at some point. The licenses did not protect us.

Committee: House Business

Summary: The House Business Committee first introduced and approved two RS requests. RS 33044, brought by Rep. Ehart, would examine changes affecting military chaplains so their counseling work could be considered toward licensing requirements; the committee introduced it without opposition. RS 33004, brought by Rep. Cornelis, would require businesses to allow restroom access to people with Crohn’s disease or similar medical conditions who present documentation; it was also introduced unanimously. The committee then heard House Bill 513, which would reduce cosmetology training from 1,600 to 1,000 hours and apprenticeship hours from 3,200 to 2,000, with a proposed implementation date of January 1, 2027 in the related RS 33099. Supporters argued the bill would lower barriers to entry, reduce student debt, speed entry into the workforce, and still preserve safety through existing board standards and testing. Opponents, including cosmetology instructors, school owners, and industry representatives, argued the change would weaken training, shift costs to salons, and harm reciprocity for Idaho licensees moving to other states. After public testimony and committee discussion, HB 513 was held in committee, while RS 33099 was introduced and sent to the second reading calendar, with Reps. Birch and Cheatum recorded in opposition. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 514, which would allow cosmetology students to take their licensing exam after completing 80% of the program rather than waiting until the end. The sponsor said this would get students into the workforce sooner and reduce delays caused by test scheduling and results. Testimony was generally supportive, with some comments that earlier testing could help students and employers, though one member noted the need to balance free-market goals with public safety and consumer protection. The committee voted to send HB 514 to the House floor with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• 40 to 45% of those are faculty, while the rest are staff providing academic and student support services
• This is for classroom technology, scientific equipment, maintenance and grounds equipment, all supplies
• Utilities, excuse me, professional and other services make up around 4% of our budget.
• We use them for audit services. We use them for custodial. We use them for audit services.
• It's not done now, but those users in certain areas are using those services more.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to examine how Florida’s state universities are funded and to begin discussing a possible university funding model. The panel included the State University System chancellor and CFOs from FSU, UF, FAMU, FAU, UNF, and UCF. Members first reviewed major cost drivers, which the universities said are broadly similar across institutions: wages and benefits, equipment and supplies, financial aid, professional services, utilities, IT, and maintenance. Several institutions noted unique pressures from geography, growth, research intensity, and mission, such as UCF’s size and engineering focus, UF’s land-grant and research enterprise, FAMU’s need to recruit top talent while serving a high-Pell student population, and FSU’s large facilities and research obligations. The chancellor also summarized systemwide cost growth since 2012-13, including higher health insurance, retirement, and salary costs, while noting tuition had been held flat. The committee then discussed other revenue sources, including auxiliaries, restricted funds, capital projects, and component units such as foundations and health systems. University leaders explained that many of these funds are restricted to specific purposes, and some, like UF Health, account for a large share of operating expenses. Members also discussed the current performance-based funding process. University representatives generally praised it for transparency, accountability, and its focus on student success, but said the heavy use of one-time funds, nonrecurring appropriations, and unfunded mandates makes long-term planning difficult. FSU and others argued that rising employee costs, waivers, and facilities expenses are not fully covered, while FAMU said performance funding has improved outcomes but can disadvantage institutions serving more low-income students. In response to questions about improvements, the universities suggested more recurring and predictable funding, better coverage of mandated costs, more flexibility in fees, and continued investment in research and strategic priorities. The chancellor said the Board of Governors is considering a version 3.0 of performance funding that would benchmark institutions against peers and Carnegie classifications. The committee also explored whether universities should have more flexibility to set out-of-state tuition and professional school tuition. Most university leaders favored giving boards of trustees more authority, while the chancellor cautioned that increasing out-of-state enrollment or tuition too much could affect legislative support. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair thanking the panel and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're having a hearing on a fish and game rule that has to do with technology.
• First, it is important to be clear: mRNA technology is not gene therapy.
• You've heard many experts talk to you about the dangers of the technology.
• You've heard many citizens in opposition to this technology.
• Figuero, do you believe, in your opinion, that mRNA technology is gene therapy? **Mr.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the February 10, 2026 minutes and then took up Senate Bill 1346, a measure proposing a two-year pause on mRNA-based COVID-19 products for pregnant women and children. Senator Shippey presented the bill as a targeted safety pause to allow more long-term review, saying it was not a blanket ban and that amendments were likely needed to clarify the bill’s language and the process for reviewing safety data. He also said the committee should send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendments. The committee heard extensive testimony both for and against the bill. Supporters, including Nicholas Holster, Christina Parks, James Thorpe, Laura Dembray, Xavier Figueroa, and several others, argued that mRNA products are unsafe, described them as gene therapy, and cited alleged harms to fertility, pregnancy, children, and broader health outcomes. Opponents, including physician Stephen Montemot, Primo Castro of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, and parent Stephanie Neymour, argued that mRNA vaccines are not gene therapy, that the bill would restrict parental choice and access to medical care, and that decisions should remain with patients and doctors. Committee members also questioned the bill’s definitions, the legislature’s ability to review scientific data, the scope of the exemption for cancer and genetic disorder therapies, and whether the measure would affect other vaccines. After debate, members expressed mixed views: some supported further work on the bill, while others raised concerns about government overreach, the breadth of the definitions, and whether the legislature had the expertise or mechanism to evaluate safety data. Senator Lenny moved to send SB 1346 to the 14th order for possible amendments, and the motion passed by roll call vote, 5-4. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Current law requires background checks for school employees, volunteers, and youth service organizations
• Our members provide ABA services across a range of settings, including homes, schools, clinics, and community
• recognize the importance of implementing clear and enforceable safety measures within behavioral health services
• their past and a collaborative future together in policies ranging from agriculture and labor to technology

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other reductions elsewhere in the budget to core existing services.
• Dan Reagan, Deputy Director of Fiscal Service Division for the department.
• Certainly, I want to thank you, Secretary, for years of service to the state.
• TIRCP is important for long-term capital projects that improve service quality and reliability.
• The important role of 211 plays in our community, connecting people with vital services.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and teach their students to engage with the technology?
• Their lesson and their work, their educational work is being guided by the AI technology.
• students to engage with the technology.
• I've never seen a technology move this fast.
• So it's a yes-and that this technology is incredible.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first heard an informational presentation on artificial intelligence in education and workforce development. Presenters described AI as a rapidly changing tool that can support student AI literacy, help teachers with differentiation and data analysis, and operate through platforms such as chatbots and reading tutors. They also emphasized both opportunities and cautions, including concerns about screen time, overreliance on technology, and the need for human connection, especially for struggling students. Members discussed the potential for AI to change jobs and education pathways, and the presenters suggested schools and the state should thoughtfully develop safe, closed systems and prepare students for future work. The committee then considered three RS requests from Rep. Jordan Redman. RS 33434 would require daily recess for elementary students and unstructured activity time for middle school students, with at least 20 minutes and no withholding of recess for discipline; it was introduced after questions about local control and discipline. RS 33254 would define inappropriate online behavior by students directed at school employees and others, allowing school boards to investigate and discipline harmful online conduct; it was also introduced. RS 3331 would allow school boards and administrators to extend school levy cycles from the current two-year cap to as long as four years to reduce levy fatigue and improve budgeting stability; it too was introduced. The committee approved each RS for introduction by voice vote and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One in seven children are eligible for services who actually receive those services.
• We received this one-time state funding that allowed us to enhance our service and put more service out
• We were looking at hourly service to now where we get 15-minute service.
• We were looking at hourly service to now where we get 15 minutes service.
• We were looking at hourly service, and now we get 15-minute service, and we're not dropping routes.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Services were delivered. Uh, Mr.
• Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.
• Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.
• Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.
• Looking also into the technology needs for us to be able to be in compliance.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, is there that kind of technology out there?
• Not necessarily the state-sponsored, but is that technology out there?
• Allowing cities to publish online or in new technology will allow a new channel for publishing notices
• Allowing cities to publish online or in new technology will allow a new channel for publishing notices
• Allowing cities to publish online or in new technology will allow a new channel for publishing notices

Bills: HF1532 , HF1290 , HF2231 , HF2013

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: eminent domain, reimbursement, property acquisition, appraisal, landowner rights, HF1290, AED, automatic external defibrillator, defibrillator signage, wayfinding signs, roadside signs, directional signage, public access AED, emergency medical response, cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac arrest, public safety, Minnesota Department of Transportation, road authority, transportation law

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, and welcome to the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee.
• And so it just assesses options to reduce emissions, includes best-available technology.
• Assess options to reduce emissions include best available technology.
• And so gathering that information, what is best available technology?
• There's technology limitations, reliability, implementation, et cetera.

Bills: SB6172 , SB6246 , SB5932

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: Washington climate policy, greenhouse gas, GHG emissions, cap-and-invest, carbon market, emissions trading, allowances, covered entity, coal-fired power plant, coal plant, electric utility, electric generating facility, fossil fuels, natural gas, imported electricity, emissions leakage, air pollution, renewable energy transition, industrial emissions, railroad emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires a deep knowledge of the waiver services, of budgets, cost plans, non-waiver services in one's
• When families are properly guided, services and funding are used appropriately.
• I'm proud of my public service.
• Thank you, Superintendent, for your service.
• Navy and a public service worker.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with several measures that were amended and reported favorably, including a strike-all to SB 4 on child protective investigations and specific medical diagnoses, SB 1570 restoring a statewide missing-persons project for individuals with special needs, and SB 182 creating a teacher training and mentoring program for schools needing improvement. Members also advanced SB 794 on APD background screening and support coordination standards, SB 1168 on background screening for athletic coaches and related entities, and SB 214 to let rural special districts pay verified invoices directly for state- and federally funded work. Supporters emphasized improved child welfare investigations, help for families of vulnerable individuals, teacher retention, and better administrative efficiency; the APD bill drew especially strong testimony from waiver clients and providers about the importance of competent support coordinators and stable services. The committee also favorably reported SB 1376 on grants for genetic counseling education, SB 1574 requiring newborn screening for biliary atresia, SB 1510 as the DEP agency package with environmental, septic, water quality, solar, and permitting changes, and SB 598 updating funeral and cemetery licensing and consumer protections. SB 688, after a delete-all amendment, would create licensure for naturopathic doctors and a board of naturopathic medicine; it drew strong support from naturopathic advocates and sharp opposition from a critic who argued the bill would authorize diagnosis and treatment beyond appropriate limits. SB 1318 made a technical change to scholarship account reversion language, with senators clarifying that remaining funds would return to the scholarship funding organization for future use rather than to the state. Later, the committee approved SB 682 on domestic violence and protective injunctions, SB 130 on workforce training for current and former inmates, and SB 1548, the latest Live Local Act iteration expanding affordable housing options and limiting local barriers. It also reported favorably SB 536 on criminal gang membership criteria after extensive debate about constitutional issues and modern gang activity, SB 762 allowing cross-jurisdiction assignment of capital cases among regional conflict counsel offices, SB 1332 strengthening career offender registration requirements, SB 1742 creating a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a minor, and SB 1750 increasing penalties for serious sex offenses and child sexual abuse material crimes. The most contentious discussion came on SB 1226, which would overhaul Public Employee Relations Commission rules, require majority support for union certification, and impose new limits on union activities and dues-related practices; members debated constitutional concerns, differences between first responders and other public employees, and the bill’s impact on union representation and public-sector labor rights. Most bills were reported favorably by roll call, with SB 536 drawing several no votes and SB 1226 still under active debate at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• of service, those are 10 years of service, those are consistent<00:39:05.119><c> numbers.
• </c> public<01:03:33.520><c> service.</c> public service. public service.
• </c> state like we do like for 911 service. state like we do like for 911 service.
• </c> services that we're designed to provide. services that we're designed to provide.
• </c> having to pay those services. having to pay those services.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 21 January, 2026: 1:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was ordered to report to pretrial services, but never did.
• He was ordered to report to pretrial service, but never did.
• They go out and try to do service and get people connected to services.
• They go out and try to do service and get people connected to services.
• We have all the technology there.

Bills: SB100

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to those very people that you’re talking about through our tax system, which funds the services that
• to those very people that you’re talking about through our tax system, which funds the services that
• to those very people that you’re talking about through our tax system, which funds the services that
• Through our tax system, which funds the services that we provide as a state.
• First of all, Representative Johnson, I want to thank you for your service as a county commissioner.

Bills: HF4 , HF173

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief, state surplus, fiscal forecast, wealthy taxpayers, high-income exclusion, 2026 ballot, referendum, surplus distribution

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your continued service.
• Last Congress, Senator Rounds and I introduced the Rural Housing Service Reform Act to do that.
• The Forest Service has been playing an amazing role in the emergency response.
• There's gotta be a better way to ensure that the technology we can secure is effective.
• Forest Service timber sales as the primary factor. primary factor.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• But at the end of the day, if we need to get services to people more quickly, qualified, capable services
• And 80 and out means their years of service plus their age.
• It is now in the hands of the Department of Social Services.
• It's technology. Sure. It's going to be policies.
• I think the liaison for the Department of Social Services left.

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2300 by a unanimous roll call vote of 18-0. The substitute combined a number of previously approved professional registration items, including emergency suspension authority, chiropractic and massage therapy provisions, accountant regulations, the athletic trainer compact, social worker regulations, a speech-language pathologist fix, telehealth, nonprofit pharmacies, and the physician assistant compact. Members noted that work was still ongoing on bell bondsman language before the committee moved into public hearing. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ authority to perform certain laser and in-office procedures. Representative Farnan and optometry supporters argued the bill is about patient access, especially in rural areas, and said it would allow three laser procedures—YAG capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and laser iridotomy—plus clarify other already-performed office procedures, while still excluding major surgeries such as cataract surgery, LASIK, and corneal transplants. Supporters said optometrists already receive relevant training, that a 32-hour certification course would serve as a safeguard, and that patients often face long waits or long travel times for care. Opponents, including ophthalmologists, argued the bill would blur the line between optometry and surgery, create safety risks, and rely on insufficient training and ambiguous language. They cited complications from laser procedures, questioned emergency care claims, and said optometrists should not be regulated as surgeons unless placed under the State Board of Healing Arts. No vote was taken on HB 2897, and the chair recessed the hearing for later continuation. The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education then took up House Bill 3239 and adopted Amendment 0.01H, which capped the program at $4 million to keep it from becoming an open-ended cost. The committee then adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass by 11-7. The committee also combined House Bills 2913 and 3228 into one substitute and voted that combined measure do pass by 19-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2195, which would create the Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program and encourage school districts to incorporate driver-safety content into existing courses without adding a fiscal note or mandating a standalone driver’s ed class. Sponsor Representative Reedy and supporters from AAA Missouri and the Missouri Driver Education Coalition said the bill would address teen crash rates, improve access to driver education, and help schools use existing curriculum time more flexibly. The hearing remained in discussion with testimony continuing.