Transcript Highlights:

• this<00:32:05.720><c> in</c><00:32:05.880><c> your</c><00:32:06.040><c> proposal</c><00:32:06.600><c
• </c><00:32:08.360><c> Again,</c><00:32:08.960><c> it</c><00:32:09.120><c> may</c><00:32:09.240><c> not
• </c><00:32:11.640><c> Well,</c><00:32:11.800><c> we</c><00:32:11.920><c> have</c><00:32:12.040><c> a<
• :32:12.760><c> but</c><00:32:12.920><c> we're</c><00:32:13.080><c> going</c><00:32:13.280><c> into</c
• So<00:32:15.760><c> I</c><00:32:15.840><c> think</c><00:32:16.040><c> this</c><00:32:16.200><c> committee

Bills: HF4525 , HF3002 , HF3665 , HF4420

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.560><c> end</c><00:32:01.760><c> up</c><00:32:01.880><c> in</c><00:32:01.960><c> your</
• > as</c><00:32:06.200><c> they're</c><00:32:06.360><c> being</c><00:32:06.520><c> dictated,</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:09.920><c> It</c><00:32:10.040><c> also</c><00:32:10.440><c> feels</c><00:32:10.720><c> like
• <00:32:11.840><c> as</c><00:32:11.960><c> we</c><00:32:12.040><c> think</c><00:32:12.240><c> about</c
• that</c><00:32:15.240><c> happens,</c><00:32:15.800><c> I</c><00:32:15.920><c> think</c><00:32:16.200

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, so I kind<00:32:00.000><c> of</c><00:32:00.080><c> just</c><00:32:00.320><c> sat</c><00:32:00.640
• There are six different<00:32:02.399><c> patterns</c><00:32:02.880><c> in</c><00:32:03.200><c> that</
• patterns in that sentence that my<00:32:04.399><c> student</c><00:32:04.720><c> had</c><00:32:04.960
• and<00:32:41.760><c> the</c><00:32:42.000><c> three</c><00:32:42.240><c> queuing</c><00:32:42.640><c
• Reading<00:32:53.600><c> the</c><00:32:53.840><c> sentence,</c><00:32:54.559><c> the</c><00:32:54.880

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Judiciary<00:32:00.240><c> after</c><00:32:00.480><c> commission</c><00:32:01.039><c> comm
• </c><00:32:01.919><c> the</c><00:32:02.000><c> mayor's</c><00:32:02.320><c> committee</c> consideration
• Senate Bill 70 be<00:32:04.559><c> amended</c><00:32:04.880><c> as</c><00:32:05.039><c> follows.
• </c><00:32:05.519><c> So</c><00:32:05.679><c> amended</c><00:32:06.000><c> be</c> be amended as follows
• So amended be referred<00:32:06.399><c> to</c><00:32:06.480><c> the</c><00:32:06.559><c> committee</c

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the February 23, 2026 journal, and received several committee reports. Education recommended Senate Bill 67 be amended and sent to Appropriations, and Judiciary recommended Senate Bill 70 be amended and sent to Appropriations. The Education Committee also recommended confirmation of several Institute of Cannabis Research Governing Board appointments, and later the chamber confirmed a consent calendar of governor’s appointments, including members of the GOCO Trust Fund board, the Colorado Agriculture Development Authority, and the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee. On the floor, the Senate passed several bills. Senate Bill 85 and Senate Bill 25, both on the consent calendar, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 5, concerning state court remedies for violations of federal constitutional rights during immigration enforcement, passed on a 20-11 vote after a brief reconsideration mix-up and was then repassed. Senate Bill 18, concerning legal protections for a minor and sealing a related name-change record, passed 20-11. Senate Bill 31, concerning lawful use of a prescription drug product containing a Schedule I controlled substance, passed 29-2. The chamber then resolved into Committee of the Whole and took up Senate Bill 46, a property tax administration cleanup bill. After a Finance Committee report and adoption of amendment L003, the bill passed second reading and was ordered engrossed. The committee also laid over Senate Bills 53, 43, and 84 until February 25. Later, the Senate concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 52, concerning coal transition communities and just transition money, and then repassed it. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report and recessed until 11:00 a.m. after announcements and personal privilege remarks recognizing the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District and Musical Therapist Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So So So when<00:32:32.880><c> we</c><00:32:33.120><c> talk</c><00:32:33.279><c> about</c><00:32:33.679
• ><00:32:39.600><c> HHS,</c><00:32:40.240><c> which</c><00:32:40.399><c> I've</c><00:32:40.640><c> not
• > seen</c><00:32:41.679><c> one</c><00:32:42.399><c> related</c><00:32:42.799><c> to</c><00:32:42.960
• :44.720><c> uh</c><00:32:45.120><c> that</c><00:32:45.440><c> it</c><00:32:45.600><c> we'd</c><00:32:
• So<00:32:58.399><c> that's</c><00:32:58.559><c> that's</c><00:32:58.880><c> been</c><00:32:58.960><c>

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:32:02.480><c> I</c><00:32:02.639><c> think</c><00:32:02.840><c> the</c><00:32:02.960><c> risk<
• :32:10.799><c> would</c><00:32:11.000><c> you</c><00:32:11.399><c> say</c><00:32:11.679><c> it's</c><
• 00:32:11.840><c> fair</c><00:32:12.039><c> to</c><00:32:12.120><c> say</c><00:32:12.279><c> we</c> now
• </c><00:32:12.880><c> our</c><00:32:13.000><c> lesson</c><00:32:13.240><c> from</c><00:32:13.360><c>
• <00:32:43.360><c> we're</c><00:32:43.600><c> kind</c><00:32:43.720><c> of</c><00:32:43.880><c> at</c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The informational briefing focused on the City and County of Honolulu’s effort to site a replacement landfill for Oahu before Waimanalo Gulch landfill closes in 2028. Department of Environmental Services officials outlined the solid waste system, including curbside collection, convenience centers, transfer stations, H-POWER, and the existing landfill, and explained that H-POWER reduces the volume of waste going to the landfill by about 90%. They reviewed the siting history, including the 2019 Land Use Commission deadline, the 2020 enactment of Act 73 with landfill setback and conservation-district restrictions, and the 2021-2022 landfill advisory committee that evaluated six sites but recommended none because they were within the Board of Water Supply’s no-pass zone. The city said it ultimately selected a site in central Oahu, on agricultural land near Wahiawa and the Dole Plantation, as the best legally permissible option and described it as requiring about 150 acres, with 90 acres for the landfill itself. City officials also described the proposed landfill design and safeguards, emphasizing a modern sanitary landfill with double liners, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring wells, and post-closure monitoring. They said the ash from H-POWER is dry and that leachate would be pumped to a wastewater treatment plant. They stated the site is away from residences and groundwater wells, accessible by highway, and can be permitted under state and federal rules, though they acknowledged that a full environmental review, public hearings, and multiple permits would still be required. When asked whether the new landfill could be operating before the 2028 closure date, the city said it did not yet know and that an extension of Waimanalo Gulch might be needed if the new site is not ready in time. The Board of Water Supply strongly opposed the city’s decision to site a landfill above Oahu’s freshwater resources. Its representative said the agency’s mission is to protect safe, dependable water for the future and that it had disapproved all six previously proposed sites because they were located over freshwater aquifers. In response to questions from legislators, the Board said it could not guarantee the liner system would remain impermeable forever and warned that leachate can contain hazardous chemicals, including so-called forever chemicals. The Board characterized the proposal as a long-term risk to the island’s drinking water supply and compared the decision to past infrastructure choices that later proved problematic. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Thank<00:32:24.320><c> you,</c><00:32:24.480><c> Mr.</c><00:32:24.799><c> Chairman.
• :32:29.840><c> avoiding</c><00:32:30.320><c> one.
• Is there<00:32:30.960><c> a</c><00:32:31.120><c> wait</c><00:32:31.279><c> list</c><00:32:31.519><c>
• <00:32:36.320><c> That's</c><00:32:36.559><c> been</c><00:32:36.640><c> that</c><00:32:36.880><c> way
• &gt;&gt; It<00:32:38.080><c> has</c><00:32:38.159><c> been</c><00:32:38.320><c> that</c><00:32:38.480

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting opened without a quorum, so approval of the prior draft minutes was deferred until later. The committee then heard a DHS update from Commissioner Lori Weaver and COO David Weers, who described the recent flood at the Brown building and the relocation of nearly 400 DHS staff while operations are restored. They also outlined New Hampshire Care Connections, a privacy- and consent-focused closed-loop referral platform intended to improve referrals among providers, reduce duplication, and support continuity of care, with an Upper Valley implementation partnered with Dartmouth Health and an Epic integration already underway. Members asked whether the system would merge medical records or simply track referrals. DHS said it is not intended to store or transmit full medical records, but to integrate with providers’ electronic health record systems so referrals can be sent, received, and tracked, with consent controls limiting what information can be shared. Officials said the project will be tested over the coming months, with metrics, governance, and advisory committee oversight, and that it is tied to broader rural health transformation efforts and statewide implementation after the regional pilot. The committee also received the annual report from the Child Care Advisory Council. Maryanne Barter and Jessica Carver said the council worked with licensing to streamline the child care licensing rules, reducing the handbook by about 30%, and is now helping develop an informal dispute resolution process, revising the Granite Steps for Quality system, and creating a clearer handbook for providers handling state scholarship audits. They reported ongoing concern about child care closures and workforce shortages, said there is currently no wait list for child care assistance, and discussed questions about federal CCDF immunization requirements, which DHS said it would follow up on with federal technical assistance partners. After quorum was established, the committee moved to approve the minutes from the prior meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President. So the bill passes.
• Lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President.
• Lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President.
• The Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President.
• The Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened in special session for budget conference work, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and moments of silence honoring Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer and former Senator Bill Posey. The Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the special session, which was limited to budget and related conforming legislation, including appropriations, implementing bills, collective bargaining/state employees, retirement, law enforcement radio system, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, correctional facilities, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup, fuel taxes, and taxation. Senators also heard Chair Hooper outline the process for moving identical Senate bills and House companion bills into conference posture. The Senate then took up and passed several Senate bills and House companion bills, generally by 32-0 votes, after adopting delete-all/insert-nothing amendments to place the Senate language onto the House vehicles. Bills addressed fuel taxes and Inland Protection Trust Fund distributions, the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, judicial certification, K-12 education conforming changes, retirement, higher education, health care, collective bargaining/state employees, government administration, correctional facilities financing and capital improvements, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, and taxation. In debate on the tax bill, Leader Berman urged consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax to provide relief at the pump, but the House-passed tax bill did not pass as received, and the Senate requested conference instead. The chamber also processed the main budget measures: Senate Bill 2500E and House Bill 5001E for the General Appropriations Act, and Senate Bill 2502E and House Bill 5003E for the implementing bill. After substituting the House bills and adopting conforming amendments, the Senate passed them and requested conference. For the remaining House bills, the Senate either passed them as amended and then acceded to or requested conference on the House request. The session concluded with a motion to waive rules for publishing the Special Order Calendar for the remainder of the special session, an announcement that the Special Order Calendar Group would not meet on May 12 or 13, and adjournment upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other Senate business.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:32:00.480><c> But</c><00:32:00.960><c> how</c><00:32:01.200><c> much</c><00:32:01.279><c> is</c>
• <00:32:01.440><c> normal</c><00:32:01.760><c> to</c><00:32:02.000><c> raise?
• &gt;&gt; Um<00:32:03.360><c> I</c><00:32:03.600><c> think</c><00:32:03.679><c> our</c><00:32:03.919><
• c> number</c><00:32:04.159><c> last</c><00:32:04.399><c> year</c><00:32:04.960><c> overall,</c> &gt;&
• ,<00:32:58.799><c> but</c><00:32:59.120><c> it</c><00:32:59.360><c> is</c><00:32:59.519><c> our</c><00

Bills: HB2384

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: student-athletes, compensation, name image likeness, NCAA, Title IX, transparency, education, Hawaii, athletic programs, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees heard HB 2384, relating to student athlete compensation, with testimony largely in support from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Athletics, and several other supporters. UH Mānoa said the bill would create a framework for name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies, including education, financial literacy, agent regulation, transparency, and reporting. Supporters argued NIL is now a necessary part of college athletics to recruit and retain athletes, keep Hawaiʻi talent in-state, and remain competitive, while also helping student athletes develop as future leaders. One supporter also emphasized the need for financial guidance so young athletes do not mishandle NIL income. Committee members questioned why the bill would direct public funds to NIL payments rather than broader athletic operations or other student groups, whether other states are funding NIL directly, and whether the approach could create a bidding war. UH representatives said the university already has NIL contracts in place, but the bill would strengthen and formalize policies. They said the requested funding model includes about $5 million for NIL and $10 million for athletics operations, with the NIL amount intended to supplement private fundraising; they also noted UH has raised roughly $1.5 million to $2 million for NIL since July 1 and is targeting $3 million this fiscal year. Members also raised concerns about fairness, public spending priorities, and whether the university’s policies adequately protect student athletes. The committees voted to pass HB 2384 HD1 with amendments. The chair said the bill should be amended to explicitly state that allocated funds may be used by UH for NIL payments to student athletes, and asked the next committee to examine whether a different payment scheme, similar to those used elsewhere, might be more appropriate for public funds. One member announced a no vote, citing concerns about direct public funding of NIL and unequal treatment of student athletes versus other students. The JHA committee adopted the same recommendation, with some members voting with reservations. Afterward, the meeting moved on to HB 644 HD1 on single-use plastics, where the first testimony was in opposition from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Biodegradable Products Institute, both arguing the bill as drafted would improperly exclude certified compostable products and should better align with composting and certification standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:32:03.199><c> So</c><01:32:03.440><c> I</c><01:32:03.600><c> have</c><01:32:03.760><c> to</c>
• ><c> document</c><01:32:15.920><c> this</c><01:32:16.239><c> is</c><01:32:16.400><c> going</c><01:32:
• You<01:32:21.840><c> might</c><01:32:22.159><c> remember</c><01:32:22.639><c> and</c><01:32:23.440><c
• </c><01:32:32.320><c> We</c><01:32:32.639><c> we</c><01:32:33.120><c> fill</c><01:32:33.360><c> up</c
• 01:32:35.520><c> of</c><01:32:35.679><c> a</c><01:32:35.840><c> ballot</c><01:32:36.639><c> bigger</c

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.159><c> to</c><00:32:00.640><c> that</c><00:32:01.760><c> um</c><00:32:02.000><c> real</c><00:32:
• ><c> as</c><00:32:07.039><c> we're</c><00:32:07.279><c> seeing</c><00:32:08.080><c> um</c><00:32:08.240
• </c><00:32:17.600><c> Um</c><00:32:18.080><c> it</c><00:32:18.399><c> provides</c><00:32:18.720><c> a
• </c><01:32:01.040><c> I</c><01:32:01.280><c> think</c><01:32:01.360><c> you</c><01:32:01.520><c> guys
• you on in a second.<01:32:08.000><c> So,</c><01:32:08.080><c> if</c><01:32:08.239><c> you</c><01:32:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Stable Token Study Commission held its first regular meeting, welcomed all remaining appointed members, and completed brief introductions from legislators and agency designees. The chair outlined the commission’s plan to use the first part of the enabling legislation as a “level-setting” discussion, focusing this meeting on the basics of blockchain, the current landscape for stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets, and leaving blockchain-based trust for a later meeting. No votes were taken. The main presentation came from Deanna Bario Zales of the Global Blockchain Business Council, who described stablecoins as increasingly converging toward fiat-backed or asset-backed models, with algorithmic designs viewed more cautiously. She said stablecoins are being used for payments, remittances, DeFi activity, cross-border transfers, retail use in high-inflation markets, and treasury functions, while noting risks such as peg instability, reserve transparency, counterparty and network risk, and possible capital flight from weaker banking systems. She cited growth in supply, wallet activity, and transfer volume, and said U.S.-pegged stablecoins dominate the market, with USDT and USDC leading. Zales also discussed tokenized real-world assets, describing them as digital representations of physical assets that can enable fractional ownership, liquidity, and faster settlement. She said the market is growing quickly, with institutional participation from firms such as BlackRock and Franklin Templeton, and projected continued expansion. She closed with an overview of regulatory developments, emphasizing the new U.S. stablecoin framework under the Genius Act, the proposed Clarity Act, OCC guidance, and similar regimes in the EU, UK, UAE, Singapore, Japan, and elsewhere, all of which she said are shaping compliance requirements and market development.

Transcript Highlights:

• house<00:32:43.639><c> uh</c><00:32:43.960><c> uh</c><00:32:44.360><c> HR</c><00:32:45.360><c> uh</c
• </c><00:32:51.600><c> include</c><00:32:52.080><c> things</c><00:32:52.320><c> like</c><00:32:52.720>
• ><c> we</c><04:32:31.479><c> may</c><04:32:31.680><c> not</c><04:32:31.840><c> be</c><04:32:32.040><c
• > were</c><04:32:34.640><c> you</c><04:32:34.760><c> know</c><04:32:34.920><c> a</c><04:32:35.040><c>
• ><c> so</c><04:32:39.720><c> then</c><04:32:39.840><c> if</c><04:32:39.960><c> we</c><04:32:40.080><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 402, a bill to repeal a provision in RSA 194-F:2 stating that Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds “shall not constitute taxable income” to the parent or student. The bill sponsor argued the current language is misleading because the state cannot determine federal tax liability, and said the bill would simply remove inaccurate tax advice from state law. He cited IRS guidance and prior federal legislation, including a Ted Cruz proposal, to suggest some EFA uses may be taxable under federal law, while others may not, and said the bill could be amended if needed to avoid confusion. Testimony was sharply divided. Py Campbell opposed the bill, arguing it would unfairly single out EFA students and could amount to a tax on education funds, including for self-employed families, and recommended it be voted inexpedient to legislate. Stephen Matthew French, a tax preparer, also opposed the bill, saying IRS Publication 970 already makes clear that scholarship-type payments used for tuition and related expenses are not taxable, and that the bill addresses a problem that does not exist. He warned that adding tax reporting requirements could create administrative costs for families and the program administrator. Bill Ardinger, a tax attorney, supported the repeal of the statutory language, saying the state should not place potentially incorrect tax advice into law. He explained that under federal tax law, only certain scholarship-like uses are exempt, while many EFA-eligible expenses may not be, especially for families using the program for homeschooling or other nontraditional expenses. He said the current statute could mislead families into thinking all EFA payments are tax-free and could expose the state to future legal problems. The hearing ended after questions from committee members; no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a reminder we are on House Bill 527, an act relating to extending the sunset of 30 V.S.A. chapter
• location in title 13 to the existing RFA relinquishment statute in the Department of Public Safety chapter
• 00:59:13.000><c> Safety</c> in the Department of Public Safety in the Department of Public Safety chapter
• </c> chapter of title 20. chapter of title 20.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on to the next chapter in life has always been hard for me, but this chapter is ending and, hopefully
• And this is the end of a chapter for me. God willing, I'll be a judge next year in my hometown.
• But thank you for sharing this chapter with me. Thank you, lady. Thank you, lady.
• So while this chapter comes to a close, the work is far from over.

Summary: The House met on the final day of session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 126-0 vote. Much of the early floor time was devoted to points of personal privilege, with members and the Speaker offering lengthy tributes to departing colleagues, House staff, law enforcement, veterans, and family members. Several members reflected on their service, discussed the challenges of the session, and thanked staff in the chamber and across the Capitol for their work. The chamber then took up Senate messages and committee reports, followed by several bills and resolutions. House Bill 2636, dealing with mortgage modification and related consumer protections, was adopted as amended and finally passed by votes of 142-1 on adoption and 144-1 on final passage. House Bill 2397, concerning water district dissolution procedures and related safeguards, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 129-16 and 127-17. House Bill 2576, a naming and designation bill adding observances and memorial highways/bridges, was adopted and finally passed by votes of 136-4 and 134-6. The House also debated Senate Joint Resolution 95, which proposed creating a constitutional Show Me Prosperity Fund as a sovereign wealth fund intended to eventually replace state taxes through long-term investment returns. Supporters argued it was a forward-looking fiscal strategy based on compound interest and could reduce reliance on taxes over generations. Opponents warned that the state was facing near-term budget shortfalls and that locking money away could make it inaccessible during emergencies or when needed for current services. The transcript ends during continued debate on the resolution, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• When that report came back, much of it was redacted, citing Minnesota Statute chapter 13.37.
• was redacted uh citing Minnesota of it was redacted uh citing Minnesota statute<00:13:22.959><c> chapter
• </c> statute chapter 13.37. statute chapter 13.37.
• My goal is to help other veterans who are struggling just like I once was so they can begin a new chapter

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of RIMA, Pacific Northwest Chapter, I am the lobbyist.
• snickering that's happening around, I think there might be consensus on what needs to happen with this chapter
• CJTC law, so Chapter 43.101 RCW, already says—and you heard— Chapter 43.101 RCW already says, and you
• that what would be helpful for the public and for rank and file is for those related statutes in Chapters

Summary: The committee held a work session in Mill Creek focused first on the eviction process. Judge Michael Scott of King County Superior Court described historic highs in unlawful detainer filings across Washington, especially in urban counties, and said King County has reduced its backlog and average time to resolution to about 60 days by adding two dedicated eviction judges and using more judges when needed. He also described how King County and other counties are implementing the right to counsel for indigent tenants, and noted that additional housing commissioners may help. Office of Civil Legal Aid representatives Philippe Knapp and Jane Paxe said the statewide appointed counsel program has represented more than 30,000 tenants, referred clients to social services, and helped many remain housed, but they warned of a funding shortfall that could eliminate about 17 attorneys and leave roughly 2,000 tenants without representation. A landlord-side panel argued that eviction timelines remain too long and fragmented, creating unpaid rent, safety issues, and uncertainty for both landlords and tenants; they urged more uniform procedures, streamlined rental assistance, and procedural changes to reduce refiling and delays. The second work session addressed theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure, especially copper and telecom cable theft. Committee staff reviewed existing criminal and regulatory laws covering malicious mischief, theft, scrap metal businesses, and metal property deception. Comcast, Mason Public Utility District, and the Recycled Materials Association testified that theft of aerial cable and copper has become a crisis affecting power, internet, 911 service, schools, hospitals, and line-worker safety. Utility representatives described outages, hazards, and rising costs, and asked for stronger audits of scrapyards, tougher penalties for theft affecting critical infrastructure, and tighter rules on payment and identification. Recyclers said they oppose the thefts and already operate under heavy regulation, but acknowledged enforcement gaps and the need for better coordination; committee members discussed possible bill concepts and asked for written recommendations. The final work session covered standards for law enforcement personnel. Criminal Justice Training Commission Executive Director Monica Alexander and Assistant Director Kimberly Bliss explained current certification and decertification rules, including background checks, training requirements, mandatory and discretionary grounds for decertification, and the hearing process. They said elected sheriffs are not currently required to undergo the same pre-election background check as other applicants, though they can still be decertified if already certified, and they reported a backlog of more than 1,000 cases with about 70 to 80 new cases coming in each month. Retired Judge Ann Levinson then outlined ways the legislature could strengthen and align standards for chiefs, sheriffs, and marshals, including requiring certification within a set time, setting a minimum age, requiring recent state background checks, and making loss of certification a vacancy in office. Committee members asked questions about accountability for elected sheriffs, background-check administration, and decertification outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lock the board, record the vote. 32, yay, zero nays, Mr. President. So the bill passes.
• Lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President.
• The Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr.
• President. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President. Show the bill passes.
• The Secretary will lock the board and record the vote. 32 yeas, 0 nays, Mr. President.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> funds</c><00:32:20.880><c> and</c><00:32:21.039><c> endowments</c><00:32:21.919><c> and</c><00:32
• </c> The<00:32:28.399><c> task</c><00:32:28.640><c> force</c><00:32:29.440><c> took</c><00:32:29.679>
• <00:32:36.000><c> specific</c><00:32:36.480><c> to</c><00:32:36.720><c> the</c><00:32:36.880><c> facts
• fund.<00:32:40.399><c> AON</c><00:32:40.799><c> Investments,</c><00:32:42.000><c> another</c><00:32:
• Then<00:32:48.159><c> the</c><00:32:48.480><c> task</c><00:32:48.720><c> force</c><00:32:49.120><c> worked

Bills: HF3900

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: permanent school fund, school endowment fund, Minnesota constitutional amendment, school aid, public school funding, State Board of Investment, investment income, distributable amount, school districts, property taxes, income taxes, voter approval, ballot question, constitutional amendment 2026, education finance, fund perpetuity, purchasing power, trust lands, swamp lands, internal improvement land fund

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; And<00:32:38.160><c> you</c><00:32:38.240><c> know</c><00:32:38.720><c> is</c><00:32:38.800>
• <c> that</c><00:32:38.920><c> going</c><00:32:39.040><c> to</c><00:32:39.120><c> force</c><00:32:39.400
• to have to request<00:32:42.040><c> a</c><00:32:42.120><c> single</c><00:32:42.720><c> line</c><00:32
• :32:48.240><c> that's</c><00:32:48.600><c> what</c><00:32:48.800><c> concerns</c><00:32:49.240><c> me
• ><c> an</c><00:32:55.360><c> actuarial</c><00:32:55.920><c> study,</c><00:32:56.880><c> then</c><00:32

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board met on January 12, 2026, to approve the December 10, 2025 minutes and continue finalizing its findings and recommendations. Members reviewed findings on administrative inefficiencies, Medicaid and workforce participation under HR 1, Medicaid budget growth, rural health transformation fund development, and provider tax/state-directed payment changes. The board approved a motion to change “pilot” to “partnership” in the workforce-related recommendation, and also adopted a technical amendment clarifying overlapping HCBS services by removing reference to adult daycare waiver services and revising the language to focus on reducing duplication, simplifying provider contracting, and standardizing processes across programs. A separate technical correction was noted to change “DMS” to “DPH” in the rural health transformation finding, to be handled in the final edits. Several findings drew discussion but no final substantive vote during the meeting. On the rural health transformation fund, Dr. Berg said Kentucky had done well in federal funding and noted limits on what could be shared publicly, while Commissioner Lee said a public website had been created and recommended the department reference be changed to the Department for Public Health. Finding five prompted extended discussion about provider taxes, state-directed payment reductions under HR 1, and whether the board should address the relationship between actuarial studies, MCO payments, and actual provider reimbursement more directly. Senator Meredith and others argued for a broader, more transparent baseline review of rates across provider groups, while Commissioner Lee said CMS will require certain fee schedule comparisons to Medicare beginning July 1, 2026, and that quarterly expenditure reports already go to LRC. The board did not finish resolving finding five during the meeting and agreed to return to it after staff prepared more explicit language. Members also discussed the possibility of an all-payers claims database as a better way to understand what is being paid across payers and services. No final vote on the full findings package was taken in the portion of the meeting provided, but the board did adopt the noted amendments and continued working through the remaining language.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, welcome them<00:32:37.279><c> to</c><00:32:37.519><c> here</c><00:32:37.840><c> today.
• Thank<00:32:46.000><c> you,</c><00:32:46.320><c> Madam</c><00:32:46.640><c> Speaker.
• The first is if<01:32:09.920><c> the</c><01:32:10.320><c> bank</c><01:32:10.639><c> fails</c><01:32:11.199
• /c><01:32:13.679><c> piece</c><01:32:13.920><c> is</c><01:32:14.159><c> if</c><01:32:14.320><c> they<
• </c><01:32:16.800><c> Um</c><01:32:17.600><c> I'm</c><01:32:17.920><c> okay</c><01:32:18.560><c> if</

Keywords: 981, all