Video & Transcript : 'legislative appropriation request' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 8th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- And, excuse me, I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 56.
- For others, it was more than appropriate.
- By the way, I'll be requesting...
- He's even refusing to send a disaster recovery request to Congress for $33.9 billion.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HLT/HSH Joint Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:14:22.480><c> from</c> opportunity to address the request from opportunity to address the request
- Is there also an amount of appropriations that you're requesting, and what is that?
- Is there also an amount of appropriations that you're requesting, and what is that? Yes. Yes.
- We actually request that you insert the language from HB 36, which is more clear.
- Um this legislation appears violations.
Summary:
The joint hearing opened with SB 1442, which would update the statute governing the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and clarify its role as the state Medicaid provider of intensive mental health services for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance. The Department of Health testified in strong support, saying the current statute is outdated and warning against any unfunded mandate because the division relies on federal funding and faces uncertainty about future resources. Written testimony from several organizations also supported the bill. The committees took no immediate action and said they would hold decision-making until later.
The hearing then moved to SB 479 on ABLE savings accounts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, arguing that ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save money without losing benefits and that the state needs more outreach and staffing to expand participation. A testifier with a disability said the bill would help people keep Social Security and housing stability. The chair indicated an intention to move the bill forward, and asked about funding; the discussion settled on a requested appropriation of about $75,000 for incentives.
Next, SB 1245 on reimbursement of pharmacists drew broad support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, rural pharmacies, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others, who said the bill would improve access to care, especially on neighbor islands and in rural communities, and help pharmacies participate in 340B-related services. The Insurance Division and HMSA raised concerns about bill language, saying it could be read to cover pharmacists outside an insurer’s network and that the scope of reimbursable services needed clarification; the pharmacists’ association said the bill is intended to apply only to in-network pharmacists and should continue to reference existing scope-of-practice law. The hearing also took up SB 1279, which would allow pharmacists to authorize medications via telehealth under certain circumstances. The State Board of Pharmacy opposed the bill, citing patient safety, a pilot project with reported errors, concerns about controlled substances and unregulated technicians, and the view that in-person pharmacist services are safer and already available on the affected islands. Several pharmacies and health care groups supported the measure as a way to preserve 340B access and improve service on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, while some local pharmacies said they already provide in-person service and opposed remote dispensing. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 12 (1-22-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation has been presented to all the university presidents.
- This legislation carries an beginning.
- </c><00:14:03.760><c> has</c> to be on this uh this legislation has to be on this uh this legislation
- I request a withdrawal of House Bill 284.
- I'm the primary sponsor and have filed the appropriate paperwork to do so.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 06:30
Calendar/2nd Readings 07:18
Report of Committees 08:19
Orders of the Day 09:04
HB 96 09:16
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 15:21
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 21:24
Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 23:35
ConC and Rules Report 31:06
Floor Amendments 32:42
Return to Rules Report 33:28
Adjournment 34:27, 958, all
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Feb 27th, 2026 at 02:30 pm
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- A prerequisite, or excuse me, a pre-request conference with the requesting parties is added to the commission's
- A prerequisite, or excuse me, a pre-request conference with the requesting parties is added to the Commission's
- My name is Adam Bernbaum from the 24th Legislative District.
- This proposed legislation would give counties another tool.
- I urge your support of this important legislation.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
vehicle ownership, insurance, title transfer, consumer protection, motor vehicle, oil tanker, tank vessel, restricted waters, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, Admiralty Inlet, Discovery Island, New Dungeness, tug escort, pilotage, marine safety, spill prevention, oil transport, petroleum shipment
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Mar 25th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Higher Education Funding Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We wouldn't be good as legislators.
- That does not include any state appropriated dollars, whether it's straight appropriation or through
- That's appropriating. We are not appropriating. That $7,000 means nothing.
- But I've talked to a few, and I can only commit, because that would be a legislative process and appropriations
- It just is that, from a legislative appropriator standpoint, something doesn't...
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Charles and to, as requested, the county of Jefferson County was requested by the Senate side.
- The request is incomplete if the political subdivision determines a request fails to contain all of the
- But you look at the definition of request, and I think it's a little broad.
- Only if it's requested. Okay, so it's requested and then they will all vote.
- I don't care if there's legislators on there.
Committee:
House Government Efficiency
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 2330 in executive session. A committee substitute narrowed the bill’s annexation-related scope to St. Charles and Jefferson counties and removed water and sewer language because those services are provided by private entities in those counties. The committee adopted the substitute, but the final do-pass motion failed on a 6-8 vote after the chair changed his vote to no.
The committee then considered House Bill 1817, which drew discussion about reporting public assistance information in a generalized way rather than identifying individual households. An amendment clarifying that the report would use averages and not specific addresses was adopted, rolled into a committee substitute, and the substitute was then passed on an 11-1 vote with one present. Members raised concerns about SNAP, TANF, and WIC-related provisions and about consistency in the bill’s population threshold, but the bill advanced.
Public hearing testimony followed on House Bill 2291, a bill creating deadlines for local governments to act on building permit applications. Supporters, including the sponsor and industry advocates, said permit delays raise costs, slow housing and economic development, and argued the bill would not change zoning or inspections. Opponents, including the Missouri Municipal League, warned the bill’s language could be read to affect zoning and that a single 30-day deadline may not fit projects of different sizes or allow enough time for public input and safety review. No vote was taken on the bill.
The committee also heard House Bill 2336, a state property disposal bill. The sponsor said a substitute would be needed because additional properties and corrected legal descriptions had been identified, and the Office of Administration confirmed support and explained that five properties, including former DESE schools and a Springfield regional office, would be added. Finally, House Bill 2403, the “Rue Wells Act,” was heard to create an independent appeal board for student transfer eligibility decisions by activities associations. Supporters described the case as unfair and costly to challenge in court, while others questioned whether a new board would add bureaucracy or bias. Testimony from school administrators said most appeals are already resolved within the existing process, but they were open to a narrowly tailored appeals mechanism with clear recusal rules and independence.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Eighteen - Tuesday, February 10 -Morning Session-
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 1908 is more than common sense legislation.
- And finally, this is pro-life legislation. And finally, this is pro-life legislation.
- And I'm asking for your support once again to pass this legislation.
- I am not saying that this legislation, Mr.
- I am not saying that this legislation, Mr.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (9-23-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- And um be sure to get us a copy of the legislation you're referring to.
- And um be sure to get us a copy of the legislation you're referring to.
- And um be sure to get us a copy of the legislation you're referring to.
- Recently, TRS issued two requests Okay.
- So that was just tremendous legislation.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:35
Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:55
Approval of Minutes: 00:02:56
Deferred Compensation Authority Update: 00:03:12
Retiree Health Update - TRS: 00:15:58
Retiree Health Update - KPPA: 00:56:13
Adjournment: 01:20:33, 958, all
Summary:
The Public Pension Oversight Board received updates from the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority and the Teachers Retirement System. Chris Biddle reported that deferred compensation assets had grown to about $4.787 billion with roughly 88,000 participants, crediting auto-enrollment, targeted marketing around pay raises, and retiree-focused services. He said the board’s self-directed brokerage account, authorized by last year’s legislation, is being designed around a $40,000 account-balance threshold with up to 25% transferable into the brokerage window, tentatively for July 1 of the coming year. He also described the free financial planning program, which has been used by about 3,300 to 3,500 participants with an 87% return rate, and noted that the plan is currently in a fee holiday; members asked about the fee structure and whether the CFP service is provided through Nationwide, which Biddle confirmed.
Board members praised the deferred compensation program’s growth and asked for the legislation referenced by Biddle. He said the plan’s annual fees are capped, with a $1 monthly fee plus other charges up to a $225 cap, for a maximum of $237 per year absent a managed account. He also said the program is seeking unified payroll access to expand participation, especially among teachers, and that prior lineup changes saved about $6 million annually in participant fees.
Bo Barnes of TRS then addressed retired teachers’ health insurance, first clarifying a prior question about declining federal contributions to the retirement annuity trust. He explained that federally funded school positions generated contributions that rose from $72 million in 2019 to $109 million in 2022, then fell to $85 million this year, with a projection of $80 million over the next three years; if those dollars do not come from federal sources, they would have to be replaced through the SEEK formula. Barnes then reviewed TRS health coverage, explaining that the statutory contract guarantees access to group coverage but not fixed premium levels, and that TRS administers two retiree plans: KEHP for retirees under 65 or otherwise not Medicare-eligible, and MEHP for retirees 65 and older or Medicare-eligible.
Barnes said TRS completed RFPs for the 2026 plan year, retaining Express Scripts for prescription drugs and switching the Medicare Advantage medical provider from UnitedHealthcare to Humana, while keeping plan design, provider access, out-of-pocket costs, and benefits materially unchanged. He noted a modest hearing-aid improvement of $500 per ear beginning in 2026. He also reported that the TRS Board approved the maximum state contribution for KEHP at $1,044.96, up from $930.76, an 18% increase that he said would require about $15 million to $16 million more annually, while the MEHP premium would drop from $210 to $200 per month because of the new contract. Using the 2024 valuation, he said the KEHP increase would slightly reduce the health trust funded ratio from 80.4% to 80.1% and raise unfunded liability from $4.036 billion to $4.051 billion. Barnes closed by reviewing the 2010 shared-responsibility reforms that shifted retiree health costs away from a pay-as-you-go model, including phased employee and district contributions and Commonwealth stabilization funding. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This was a legislative add. It was $3 million.
- We have a budget... ...We have a budget request that some of you have seen.
- We have a budget request that some of you have seen. We're asking for $31 million.
- I think it's appropriate that I go last.
- Rick Roberty, Sierra Valley Rancher, and I think it's appropriate that I go last.
Summary:
The hearing focused on human-wildlife conflict in California, especially predator management involving bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and wolves. The chair and Assemblymember Hadwick framed the issue as a balance between protecting people, livestock, and property while preserving wildlife and biodiversity, citing habitat loss, development, drought, wildfire, and climate change as drivers of conflict. Department of Fish and Wildlife officials described their conflict-response work, including public education, depredation permits, wildlife incident reporting, and coordination with sheriffs, counties, and other agencies. They also noted that wildlife sightings and conflicts are increasingly common in both rural and urban areas, including recent mountain lion activity in San Francisco and ongoing bear conflicts in places like Tahoe and Sierra Madre.
CDFW staff outlined the department’s human-wildlife conflict program, including the WEIR reporting system, a public toolkit, limited-term staff, and regional response efforts. They said the program grew out of drought-related incidents and later state funding, but that one-time money has expired, creating service gaps. Officials also discussed specific management approaches such as Tahoe’s trap-tag-haze bear program, DNA-based incident tracking, and the use of nonlethal deterrents before lethal action. For wolves, they explained that the species is protected and managed differently from bears and lions, that there is no general depredation-kill process for wolves, and that the department is working on data-sharing agreements, county liaisons, compensation programs, and improved coordination with ranchers and local law enforcement.
Members pressed the department on underreporting, trust in state agencies, the need for sheriffs to participate in investigations, and whether more authority should be given for public-safety removals or hazing. Assemblymember Gonzalez also raised wildlife trafficking and border enforcement issues in Southern California. The panel repeatedly emphasized that more resources, technology, and local partnerships are needed. Officials gave budget context, saying roughly $17 million in one-time funding over several years supported conflict response and wolf compensation efforts, but that staffing and program capacity remain limited. The chair concluded by noting interest in further work on technology, funding, and institutionalizing collaboration, and the hearing then moved to a second panel of university researchers who presented on wolf and mountain lion conflict, habitat planning, trust, and the need for flexible, science-based, locally tailored mitigation strategies.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/28/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> project costs this legislation project costs this legislation strengthens<00:04:54.639><c> New</
- The legislation could say pervious, but giving these the appropriate rights for a particular project
- The legislation could say pervious, but giving these the appropriate rights for a particular project
- The legislation could say pervious, but giving these the appropriate rights for a particular project
- The legislation could say pervious, but giving these the appropriate rights for a particular project
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Hello, uh, Representative Nathan... request is for bonding to complete the request is for bonding to
- So can you talk a little bit about the 2023 appropriations?
- So can you talk a little bit about the 2023 appropriations?
- We're here today requesting to be a part of the bonding bill.
- </c> Lafayette uh we're here today requesting Lafayette uh we're here today requesting to<00:31:44.039
Bills:
HF343 , HF446 , HF448 , HF674 , HF811 , HF832 , HF1661 , HF1528 , HF1536 , HF1541 , HF1670 , HF1438 , HF1714 , HF1748 , HF1835 , HF1904 , HF1929 , HF1942
Committee:
House Capital Investment
Keywords:
HF343, Chisago County, Shorewood Park Sanitary Sewer District, Rush Lake, sewer extension, wastewater infrastructure, sanitary sewer, treatment pond, sewage treatment, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, local infrastructure, municipal utilities, water quality, sanitation, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, HF446
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We get a lot of requests for vacation leave.
- </c> mayor's requests. mayor's requests.
- Uh maybe she was a more appropriate person to ask a question about complaints. appropriate person to
- But appropriate standards that may fit.
- to</c> blank appropriation and request WHM to blank appropriation and request WHM to consider<00:44:24.400
Committee:
Senate Labor and Technology
Summary:
The joint hearing covered SB 2120, which would allow certain state and county employees rehired within one year to transfer accrued vacation and sick leave and extend the break-in-service period for health benefits. Testimony was split: the Department of Human Resources explained current leave payout and pension credit rules and raised concerns about the long transfer window, while labor representatives supported the measure. During decision-making, both committees recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed the bill by changing the break-in-service period to 180 days for leave beginning on or after July 1, 2026, making the benefit transfer voluntary with a 90-day notice deadline, and changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. The recommendations were adopted by vote.
The committees also heard SB 2523, an appropriation for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Information Technology to modernize the driver’s license and motor vehicle system. DIT described the current COBOL-based mainframe as decades old, said the project would use a code-share arrangement with Arizona, and estimated a $10 million, two-year conversion and rollout. Members questioned the cost, the city-state funding arrangement, and the feasibility of the project, including whether it would move to a cloud-based system. After testimony, both committees deferred the measure.
In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs portion, SB 2032 on consumer protection for solar sales drew broad support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Office of Consumer Protection, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and others. Testifiers said the bill was needed in response to misleading solar door-to-door sales and urged amendments to clarify “contractual affiliation,” exclude balcony/portable solar devices, and require disclosure of cash and financed prices. The committee then moved on to SB 2079 on vehicle titles, which had one supporter and one opponent but no testimony in person or online, and SB 2241 on zero-emission vehicles, for which the Hawaii State Energy Office submitted written support. The hearing also began discussion of SB 2579 on water-related grants, where agencies said any program would need clearer statutory standards and likely a feasibility study before implementation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- In these procedures, which they do, we have them request a location.
- So, they request a locate ticket.
- I returned again and we got more meaningful legislation passed.
- As the legislation evolves through the process, we look forward to working with legislators, industry
- That would be more appropriate.
Committee:
House Energy Resources
Keywords:
inactive wells, oil and gas regulation, environmental protection, Railroad Commission of Texas, well plugging, Railroad Commission, penalties, violations, pipeline safety, civil penalties, criminal penalties, wildfire prevention, oil and gas, safety inspections, administrative penalties, excavation, notification, utilities, underground facilities, regulatory compliance
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/18/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- They strongly support this legislation.
- They strongly support this legislation.
- A request is automatically approved if action is not taken within the 30 days.
- The other allows the appropriate city to inspect new county buildings under the state's fire code.
- With that, I would respectfully request your support and am happy to answer any questions.
Keywords:
AHCCCS, lactation care, breastfeeding, health services, healthcare access, HB2324, fire code, fire marshal, state fire marshal, municipalities, cities and towns, county-owned buildings, county buildings, intergovernmental agreement, IGA, fire inspection, occupancy certificate, building inventory, local government, county government
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- As we get close to wrapping things up, this piece of legislation that we're appreciative that you're
- sit in on a couple of meetings, but yeah, you'll... it's kind of fascinating because I think as legislators
- For other educational entities, the bill creates a structured process to request that same information
- So this legislation simply ensures that when something does arise, there is a clear and consistent process
- I'm honored to have collaborated on this legislation with Senators Nichols, Representative E.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The committee first approved minutes from March 17, 19, 20, and 23, 2026, and briefly recognized a page who spoke about his experience and future plans. The main item of business was Senate Bill 1412, presented by Senator Tammy Nichols and Representative Barbara Ehart, which aims to strengthen student safety in schools by requiring suspected abuse to be reported to law enforcement, standardizing hiring disclosures about prior investigations or misconduct, and referring certain resignations or terminations during investigations to the Professional Standards Commission. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes, improves consistency across schools, and helps protect students and whistleblowers.
Testimony in support came from Dr. Loretta Bolton, who described years of mandatory reporting that she said were not properly investigated and alleged retaliation after reporting misconduct, and from Moses Espinoza, who said his autistic, nonverbal son was affected by a school employee later identified in the discussion and that the school did not notify his family. Both urged stronger reporting and accountability for school personnel. The sponsor also said the bill was developed with input from the Department of Education, State Board of Education, and Attorney General’s Office.
Members asked several technical questions about possible loopholes, including whether an employee could avoid disclosure by resigning before an investigation or by being placed on leave, and whether districts would have to continue paying employees while Professional Standards Commission proceedings are pending. Superintendent Debbie Critchfield responded that the bill’s definitions and other provisions were intended to cover those scenarios and that districts would still have reporting and disclosure obligations. After discussion, Representative Hostetler moved to send Senate Bill 1412 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, and the committee approved the motion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Please stand for the prayer by Donna Kfar, our legislative chaplain, and remain standing for the Pledge
- President, the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation Technology has had under consideration
- President, the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation Technology has had under consideration
- Chairman, I move the Appropriations and Transportation Technology amendment be adopted. All right.
- Okay, Madam, it does not say the city council in this legislation.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and announced that several House messages and Senate bills had been transmitted to the governor. Members also noted a planned recess to recognize the University of Arizona men’s basketball team later in the morning. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider bills on multiple calendars.
On Calendar 4, House Bill 2812, dealing with accumulated sick leave payments and compensation/insurance issues, received a do-pass recommendation after an amendment, but it later failed on third reading by a vote of 15-11. House Bill 2032, on school assessment accountability and testing, was amended with a floor change extending a timeline from four to six weeks and then passed 26-0 on third reading. House Bill 2033, also on school assessment accountability and written versus digital testing, drew debate over a Diaz floor amendment limiting written-test authority to grades 3-8; the amendment failed on a 15-10 division vote, and the bill then received a do-pass recommendation and passed the Senate. House Bill 293, relating to school curricula and mental health instruction requirements, prompted extended floor debate, with supporters arguing it preserved evidence-based mental health and social-emotional learning instruction for students; it passed 16-10. House Bill 4033, concerning education bond elections, also passed 16-10.
In a second Committee of the Whole, members considered House Bill 2016 on tax administration and late filing penalties, House Bill 2140 on depository state money and financial institutions, House Bill 2308 on the State Board of Dental Examiners, House Bill 2320 on school district bonds and financial advisors, House Bill 2439 on public health and exempting certain submissions, and House Bill 2873 on competitive bidding. HB 2320 was retained on the calendar, while the others received do-pass recommendations, with HB 2439 and HB 2873 amended. HB 2873 generated the most debate: a Bullock floor amendment added an emergency clause, and supporters said the measure was needed to allow withdrawal of referendum petitions before ballot qualification, while opponents argued it would undercut the referendum process and voter rights, especially in the Marana data center dispute. The amended bill ultimately received a do-pass recommendation.
The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, including a failed attempt by Senator Diaz to add her HB 2033 amendment back into the report by roll call (10-16). After third readings, HB 2032 and HB 293 passed, while HB 2812 failed. The chamber then recessed to honor the University of Arizona men’s basketball team with a proclamation recognizing its 2026 Final Four appearance and Big 12 championships. The Senate later reconvened briefly, received committee announcements, and adjourned until Monday, April 13, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Please stand for the prayer by Donna Kfar, our legislative chaplain, and remain standing for the Pledge
- President, the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation and Technology have under consideration
- Chairman, I move the Appropriations and Transportation and Technology amendment be adopted.
- Okay, Madam, it does not say the city council in this legislation.
- Okay, madam, it does not say the city council in this legislation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/19/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:10:07.640><c> session</c> including in this legislative session including in this legislative
- </c> um the bill just the basic appropriation um the bill just the basic appropriation so<00:37:44.760
- One additional question: We've got $4 million per year appropriation that is on top of the base appropriation
- We've got $4 million per year appropriation that is on top of the base appropriation.
- Really simple, and I request a roll call.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The former Secretary of Natural Resources has requested to make a statement and make a motion on this
- The former Secretary of Natural Resources has requested to make a statement and make a motion on this
- It's very appropriate for my nomination discussion. I've done it just for you then.
- In terms of what are the rules in place... ...respond appropriately and support its residents.
- They then raised another issue: a legislative letter signed by a number of legislators about a mobile
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules met to consider a series of gubernatorial appointments, bill referrals, and two Senate Rule 26 authorship-change requests. The committee first approved, on 4-0 votes held open for absent members, a slate of appointments not required to appear, including J. Bradshaw to the Transportation Commission, Kylie Bolser to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and several appointments to the Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training, as well as Monique Moyer to the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority Board. The committee also approved bill referrals and, after a clarification that only authorship changes were before the committee, approved the Rule 26 requests involving former Assembly Member James Gallagher’s bills AB 2676 and AB 2700. After absent members arrived, those earlier actions were confirmed by 5-0 votes.
The main hearing was on Megan Hurdle’s appointment as Director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hurdle emphasized a science-based, collaborative approach balancing conservation with the needs of farmers, ranchers, local governments, tribes, and communities. Senators focused on human-wildlife conflict, including wolves and mountain lions, the Western Joshua tree program and its costs for homeowners and local projects, invasive golden mussels, staffing shortages among wildlife officers, marine protected areas and 30x30, tribal co-management and land return, and oil spill prevention and response. Hurdle said the department is using data sharing, less-lethal tools, task forces, public education, and partnerships to address these issues, while also trying to improve permitting and reduce burdens where possible.
The committee then heard from Caroline Thomas Jacobs, nominated to lead the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Jacobs highlighted her prior leadership roles in wildfire safety and her earlier service at Cal OES, and said her priorities include statewide preparedness, next-generation 911, recovery from the Los Angeles fires, and planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Senators questioned her about disaster debris clearance, public safety power shutoffs, governance for the 911 rollout, earthquake preparedness, mutual-aid equipment, and how Cal OES coordinates with local and out-of-state law enforcement for major events. Jacobs said Cal OES should show up quickly, coordinate clearly, and use lessons from past disasters to reduce delays and improve response. Both nominees received broad support from public witnesses, and each was advanced to the Senate floor by committee vote; Hurdle’s appointment was later confirmed 5-0, and Jacobs’s appointment was confirmed 5-0 after the committee reconvened.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Regulating AI in psychotherapy 3/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Legislation has passed in Illinois, Utah, and Colorado.
- A group of Minnesota mental health professionals have been working for many months with the legislators
- to draft a months with the legislators to draft a bill<00:02:34.440><c> that</c><00:02:34.600><c> will
- </c><00:07:30.440><c> I'm</c><00:07:30.560><c> a</c><00:07:30.640><c> past</c> Legislative Committee.
- I'm a past Legislative Committee.