Transcript Highlights:

• So anyone can say, "I'm a building inspector."
• So anyone can say, "I'm a building inspector."
• So anyone can say, "I'm a building inspector."
• So anyone can say, "I'm a building inspector."
• Anyone can say, "I'm a building inspector."

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 94, which would prohibit municipal amendments to the state building code and move New Hampshire toward a more uniform statewide code. Senator McConi and several supporters, including the Josiah Barlo Center for Public Policy, the State Fire Marshal, the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association, argued that local variations create confusion, raise housing costs, and make compliance harder for builders operating in multiple towns. The Fire Marshal said the goal is a single state building and fire code with only limited administrative amendments at the local level, not technical changes, and noted that municipalities could still seek exceptions through the Building Code Review Board if needed. The chair explained that a similar House bill was already moving forward with fire code and administrative amendment language, and members agreed that retaining SB 94 would avoid conflicting bills. The committee then voted to retain SB 94 by roll call, 13-0, with no minority report. The committee then took up Senate Bill 30, which would designate the Virginia opossum as New Hampshire’s state marsupial. Senator Fenton presented the bill as a light-hearted measure inspired by Chesterfield School fourth graders, who had submitted written testimony and supported the idea. Members discussed the bill in a humorous but mostly supportive way, with one member objecting that it trivialized the legislature, while others said it could help engage students in the legislative process. The committee voted ought to pass on SB 30, 11-2, and agreed to place it on consent with no minority report. Later, the committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 95, concerning youth camp cabins and state fire/building codes. Senator McConi said the bill would exempt new residential cabins in youth recreation camps from sprinkler requirements and allow them to omit electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems, while requiring any such systems that are present to comply with state code. He said the measure was intended to resolve recurring interpretation problems that have caused expense and uncertainty for camp owners, and he praised work with the Fire Marshal’s office to reach a workable compromise. Representative Schmidt asked about cabin sizes and whether larger cabins with multiple occupants would still be safe; the senator explained that camps typically use counselors, drills, and supervision, and that the people behind him could answer more detailed questions. The transcript cuts off before the hearing concludes or any vote is taken on SB 95.

Transcript Highlights:

• Building inspectors do.
• . inspector. inspector.
• in lie of a town building inspectors in lie of a town building inspector.<04:12:54.160><c> What</c><
• What are the requirements to inspector.
• </c><04:12:56.800><c> Do</c> become a town building inspector? Do become a town building inspector?

Transcript Highlights:

• So the DFL senator has proposed the creation of a new office of Inspector General to kind of combat these
• c><00:03:36.480><c> new</c><00:03:36.760><c> office</c><00:03:37.040><c> of</c><00:03:37.280><c> Inspector
• </c> creation of a new office of Inspector creation of a new office of Inspector General<00:03:38.200
• 38.519><c> of</c><00:03:38.799><c> combat</c><00:03:39.319><c> these</c><00:03:39.599><c> issues</c> General
• to kind of combat these issues General to kind of combat these issues you<00:03:40.120><c> know</c><

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally speaking, behavioral health patients fall into three categories.
• I generally agree with those concerns.
• We want to make our customers happy and generate sales.
• There are building inspectors, fire marshals, health inspectors, ABC agents, and others.
• If their materials have been used to train generative AI models.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. AB 416 would allow emergency room physicians to initiate 5150 mental health holds, with supporters saying it would reduce emergency room bottlenecks and speed care for patients in crisis. County and behavioral health representatives opposed the bill, and some members raised broader concerns about the 5150 system and juvenile placements. The bill was ultimately approved on a do-pass as amended vote. AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Act, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued it would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service, describing the practice as discriminatory and exploitative. Business and industry groups opposed the bill, warning that its language was too broad, could affect discounts and loyalty programs, and would create litigation risk through a private right of action. After discussion about enforcement and possible amendments, the bill passed on a do-pass motion. AB 632 would give local governments a faster way to collect penalties for serious code violations, including unsafe housing, fire hazards, and illegal cannabis activity, by allowing certain fines to become money judgments and clarifying lien authority. It had support from county and city groups and no opposition was voiced in the hearing; the bill passed as amended. ACA 7, a constitutional amendment intended to clarify and limit misuse of Section 31A, also moved forward after brief support testimony. The committee then took up AB 649, which would extend protections for businesses that proactively obtain certified access specialist inspections and fix accessibility violations; the author, a small business owner, and others testified in support, while disability rights groups moved to neutral after amendments. Members discussed the balance between access enforcement and reducing predatory litigation, and the bill was still under consideration as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• DHS's Office of Inspector General oversees 390,000 providers.
• </c><00:09:36.000><c> General</c><00:09:36.839><c> oversees</c> office of Inspector General oversees
• office of Inspector General oversees 390,000 390,000 390,000 providers<00:09:40.800><c> 142</c><00:09
• General as well as of Inspector General as well as investments<00:20:10.960><c> in</c><00:20:11.080>
• </c> Management putting in a new Inspector Management putting in a new Inspector General<00:50:59.760

Transcript Highlights:

• :44.640><c> General,</c><00:18:45.160><c> Health</c> Office of the Inspector General, Health Services
• Allow the Inspector General to grant a waiver if a center is unable to secure a hospital or ambulance
• I'm the Deputy Inspector General for the cabinet. >> Valerie Moore, policy specialist, OIG. >> Kevin
• ><c> to</c><00:20:22.360><c> grant</c><00:20:22.800><c> a</c> Allow the Inspector General to grant a
• </c> Inspector General for the cabinet. Inspector General for the cabinet.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up a series of administrative regulations from several agencies. Early items included Attorney General consumer protection rules on removal sales, health spas, liquidation sales, and nonresident sellers of visual aid glasses; Finance and Administration Controller rules on clearinghouse validation and fraud prevention; and Board of Dentistry rules updating exam requirements, controlled substance prescribing, training for neuromodulators and dermal fillers, infection control, sedation/anesthesia continuing education, and required education on pediatric abusive head trauma and controlled substance ingestion prevention. The committee also approved staff amendments on these items, generally to conform to KRS Chapter 13A, and members asked a brief question about the dentistry controlled-substances changes, which was answered as an alignment with statute. The committee next approved regulations for the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, Board of Nursing, and Board of Emergency Medical Services. The ophthalmic dispensers package would revise meeting and recordkeeping language, raise renewal fees, set reinstatement and apprentice-license rules, add complaint and hearing procedures, and repeal a duplicative regulation. The nursing regulations would streamline approval of training programs and require notice and documentation of site visits and deficiencies. EMS rules would create five EMS medical director certifications, set expiration and renewal requirements, require publication of disciplinary sanctions, and exempt currently approved directors before October 1, 2026. Staff amendments were adopted without objection on each set. The Education and Labor Cabinet’s school transportation regulation drew extended discussion. The agency explained the changes were intended to implement Senate Bill 46 and update references affected by later legislation, including an oral amendment to delete a subsection reference tied to KRS 160.380. The committee adopted both the agency and oral amendments without objection after brief questions about the scope of the bill changes and van transportation for students. The committee then heard a lengthy package from the Department for Public Health on WIC and related nutrition program regulations, including updates to infant and child certification periods, documentation requirements, vendor criteria, sanctions, hearing procedures, and high-risk vendor standards. Staff amendments were adopted without objection. Finally, the committee considered the Inspector General’s regulation for freestanding birthing centers, which included both staff and agency amendments. The agency changes would require two neonatal resuscitation program-certified staff, set rules for medical director vacancies and appeals, revise facility and staffing terminology, adjust transfer-agreement requirements, and allow waivers when agreements cannot be secured. Mary Katherine DeLodder of the Kentucky Birth Coalition testified in support, saying the parties had worked through concerns and were ready to move forward. The committee then moved on to Medicaid’s 1915C child waiver regulations, where staff amendments were adopted, but Lucy Heskins of Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified against the package because it did not include person-directed services, which she said are required by Kentucky law and important for families using the waiver.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we're more general.
• </c> do and so he's the new your general do and so he's the new your general counsel<02:46:25.120><c>
• </c><03:07:26.040><c> who</c> sort of have uh building inspectors who sort of have uh building inspectors
• <03:15:35.680><c> are</c><03:15:35.920><c> dedicated</c> inspectors are dedicated inspectors are dedicated
• Thank you, General. Welcome back.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• And how are we creating generational wealth?
• But we want truly neutral inspectors, right?
• The inspector, the independent inspector aspect is challenging to try to figure out how to determine
• The inspector, the independent inspector aspect is challenging to try to figure out how, to determine
• I'm a Deputy Attorney General in the Office of Legislative Affairs for Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on public safety, consumer protection, and youth harms. AB 1557 by Assemblymember Papin would clarify e-bike motor power limits and set lower speed-related standards for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, cities, the California Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, argued the bill would reduce severe injuries and deaths among young riders. Opponents from People for Bikes warned it could conflict with federal law, create legal uncertainty, and disrupt the bicycle market. The author and committee members acknowledged industry concerns and urged continued work on the bill. AB 1770 by Assemblymember Garcia would place large health care service plan arbitration under California Department of Justice oversight and require compliance with the California Arbitration Act. Supporters described cases where patients were forced into private arbitration with little transparency or accountability, arguing the bill would make the process fairer and more neutral. Kaiser Permanente and the Civil Justice Association of California said they were still reviewing amendments and had not settled on a final position. Committee members expressed sympathy for the personal stories shared and encouraged continued negotiations. The committee also heard AB 2075, which would require fire suppression equipment to be kept closer at hand during brush work, and AB 1864, which would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism. AB 2075 was presented as a response to a Ventura County wildfire, with support from the Ventura County District Attorney’s office and no opposition heard. AB 1864 was backed by the author, Stanford biosecurity expert Dr. Milana Trout, and Encode AI, while Biocom opposed unless amended and California Life Sciences remained neutral. Members discussed implementation details and the role of the Department of Public Health. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with harmful features and create an e-safety advisory commission. Supporters, including youth advocates, parents, medical groups, and Common Sense Media, said addictive design features are harming children’s mental health and safety. Opponents, including EFF, the ACLU, TechNet, and other civil liberties and industry groups, argued the bill is overbroad, raises First Amendment and privacy concerns, and could limit access to important online communities. Despite those objections, the bill was moved forward after committee discussion, with members emphasizing the need to protect children while continuing to work on carveouts and implementation details.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department had made this request from the general fund.
• The total general fund reduction is $148,600.
• general fund, prior to the work that we've done, our general fund was probably about 9.9% of our budget
• hire third-party inspectors—and then you also have department inspectors that are... ...you hire third-party
• inspectors, and then you also have department inspectors that are inspecting some of these buildings

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations for the Department of Administration and the Permanent Building Fund. For Administration, analysts reviewed the agency’s divisions, staffing, dedicated-fund structure, recent budget growth, and the governor’s and JFAC’s recommended changes. The department requested shifts of utility costs from the general fund to dedicated funds, three new positions and funding for Medicaid procurement and contract management, transfers of some positions between divisions, and one-time IT replacement funding. Members also discussed office-space utilization, vacant buildings and land at Chinden and elsewhere, and the department’s efforts to consolidate space and reduce general fund reliance. Director Bailey said the department has reduced or repurposed positions, closed duplicate printing operations, is exploring digital workflows and AI tools, and is trying to move toward a fully dedicated-fund model. He also explained the decision to remove GLP-1 weight-loss coverage from the state health plan due to rapidly rising costs, while noting diabetes coverage remains in place. Committee members questioned the need for higher-level procurement staff for Medicaid contracts, the role of Deloitte and the Department of Health and Welfare in the process, and the status of the MMIS procurement, which Bailey said is currently stayed by the courts after a legal challenge from the second-place vendor. He said the delay will affect MMIS implementation and, in turn, the timing of the broader managed care rollout. Members also asked about vacant state office space, the possible sale of older buildings, and whether agencies such as ITD and Health and Welfare could be moved into state-owned space to reduce lease costs. Bailey said the department is actively working on those facility-planning questions and that agencies at Chinden are paying rent for occupied space. The committee then reviewed the Permanent Building Fund budget, which finances state construction, repairs, and deferred maintenance through dedicated revenue sources and interest earnings. Analysts highlighted the fund’s multi-year project structure, the large deferred maintenance program funded in prior years, and a proposed one-time transfer of $33.75 million in canceled capital project balances to the general fund. They also described a possible redirection of fiscal year 2027 interest earnings to the general fund and a recommended new capital project for an Idaho National Guard readiness center. Administrator Barard reported that the Division of Public Works is managing 595 active projects, with most FY 2025 projects under construction, in design, or complete, and said the division continues to face labor shortages and rising construction costs. Members asked about canceled projects, including the North Idaho reentry center, the Carnegie Library purchase, the ISU pedestrian crossing, the Idaho State Police Lewiston facility, and other projects; staff said some are unlikely to return soon, while others may come back once land or other prerequisites are secured. The committee concluded the hearing and announced it would meet the next day for the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Office of the State Public Defender.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> General's uh the the office of Inspector General's uh the the office of Inspector General<00:20:
• There are, um, at the same time that inspectors general have been fired, the head of the Department of
• There are, um, at the same time that inspectors general have been fired, the head of the Department of
• At the same time that inspectors general have been fired, the head of the Department of the Office of
• She added that the Attorney General was appointed by a president who fired 17 inspectors general, gutted

Bills: HF23 , HF1355

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: whistleblower, whistleblower protections, public employees, state employees, retaliation, reporting fraud, misuse of authority, personal gain, state government, state services, state programs, legislative auditor, constitutional officer, public corruption, fraud reporting, government accountability, employee rights, labor law, Minnesota Statutes 181.931, Minnesota Statutes 181.932

Transcript Highlights:

• And the then Inspector General in DHS tried to stop the head of the criminal investigation unit from
• And the then Inspector General in DHS tried to stop the head of the criminal investigation unit from
• And the then Inspector General in DHS tried to stop the head of the criminal investigation unit from
• And the then Inspector General in DHS tried to stop the head of the criminal investigation unit from
• ><c> General</c> uh the then Inspector General uh the then Inspector General in<00:15:37.600><c> DHS<

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Heather Gustafson joins me to explain why Minnesota still needs an independent Office of Inspector
• General and why this is the year the bill will finally cross the finish line.
• So, as a refresher, you introduced the idea of the Office of the Inspector General last session, and
• General, would be able to have jurisdiction over that.
• One of those voices is the governor and he has introduced his idea, the Office of the Inspector General

Transcript Highlights:

• So on those when you get into where we start to lose people generally out of our programs is...
• Medicine or general surgery or something like that. And then we lose them.
• And it is those people stay generally.
• Currently, we provide the ER and we provide the general surgery training.
• We did have all of our inspectors certified this year as national certified investigators and inspectors

Committee: House A&B Health Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> generation needed to meet demand. generation needed to meet demand.
• This is very similar to a generator.
• This is very similar to a generator.
• </c> This is very similar to a generator. This is very similar to a generator.
• </c> to general orders. to general orders.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Burton said he wanted to go over a few things inspectors actually look at to make sure
• He said that is the mentality that has been going on for people like him in general.
• And once again, it's not just about, do we have a vehicle inspector person here?
• And so that's the kind of mentality that's been going on for people like me, but just in general.
• I have six inspectors in all four counties. So talk about a wait list, talk about a drive time.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> material uh the this inspector material uh the this inspector identified<01:40:35.199><c> that</
• </c> also generally also generally individuals<01:46:11.280><c> who</c><01:46:11.520><c> are</c><01:46
• </c><01:46:41.679><c> as</c> report from a certified inspector as report from a certified inspector as
• So, uh, report of a certified inspector.
• We don't generally find those situations.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• The state's Office of Inspector General is an asset, strengthening oversight through active review of
• Inspector General Winter, we will start with you. Good morning. Excuse me.
• My name is Raymond Winter, and I'm the Inspector General for Health and Human Services.
• And with me is Susan Biles, our principal...” “...deputy Inspector General.
• As Inspector General Winter had described, similar to OIG's scope here, we also...

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> can be requested through our general can be requested through our general adult<00:36:07.440><c>
• That would be something that the Attorney General's Office or the Inspector General would pursue.
• That would be something that the Attorney General's Office or the Inspector General would pursue.
• </c><00:45:11.920><c> general</c><00:45:12.240><c> would</c> office or the inspector general would office
• or the inspector general would pursue.

Summary: The Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children opened its first meeting with roll call and a reminder about the number of children in out-of-home care with active placements, which the chair said was 8,641 as of June 1, 2025. The committee then heard a presentation from the Center for Courageous Kids, a donor-funded camp in Scottville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medically safe and inclusive model, and examples of campers gaining confidence and independence. They said the camp has served more than 43,000 campers from Kentucky, other states, and other countries, and that it is seeking legislative support for two capital projects: a new art barn and a medical lodge, with a combined request of $3.2 million. Members praised the program and asked about awareness, staffing, volunteer recruitment, accreditation, and how the projects would expand capacity; the camp said the medical lodge would help increase volunteer housing and allow future growth beyond its current summer cap of 128 campers per session. The committee then moved to adult protective services and state guardianship programs. Jessica Wayne, director of the Division of Guardianship, and Cliff Bryant of DCBS explained the legal framework for guardianship and conservatorship, including state guardianship as a last-resort option when no family member or private entity is available or appropriate. They outlined the court petition process, emergency appointments, and the distinction between full and limited guardianship or conservatorship. They emphasized that guardianship is based on legal incapacity to make decisions, not simply on a medical disability diagnosis, and noted that state guardianship can be arranged for some 17-year-olds aging out of youth services. The presenters said the state currently serves 4,645 individuals under guardianship, with most cases involving developmental intellectual disabilities, supported community living waiver participants, and people in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. They also described the division’s three branches: field services, which handles visits and day-to-day decisions in all 120 counties; a benefits branch that applies for public benefits; and a fiduciary branch that manages funds and pays bills. They reported 89 field workers statewide, an average caseload of 52, and said the agency is hiring to reduce that load. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• As Florida's Attorney General, Ms.
• Florida's Attorney General.
• general and agency board members. to fire inspectors general and agency board members, and he put an
• General.
• Generals.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• General Court at times. Yes. General Court at times. Yes.
• </c> what is up for a vote versus a general what is up for a vote versus a general proxy<00:52:33.280
• fund. the general fund.
• </c> this on the building inspector. this on the building inspector. &gt;&gt; Correct.
• </c><02:18:51.679><c> out</c> that there's a building inspector out that there's a building inspector

Committee: House Housing