Transcript Highlights:

• So, we actually asked for this change to section 7 within 26312. That adds that language.
• Actually, section 6 mirrors what was in section 7 unless authorized by the director.
• /c><01:24:35.920><c> within</c> this change. um to section 7 within this change. um to section 7 within
• six um that mirrors what was in section six um that mirrors what was in section<01:24:44.719><c> 7</
• And the tire section does break out some things about fabric brakes and things like that.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :18.200><c> education</c><02:27:18.760><c> and</c><02:27:18.960><c> Outreach</c><02:27:19.520><c> section
• </c> advocacy education and Outreach section advocacy education and Outreach section under<02:27:20.359
• for the senior Medicare Outreach section for the senior Medicare Patrol<02:27:52.000><c> so</c><02:27
• And, Senator, to answer that, I think what we want to look at is probably expanding section 349-4, which
• </c><02:28:53.439><c> because</c> statute within that section because statute within that section because

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Health and Human Services committees heard Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s biennium budget request, with testimony from HHSC leadership on the Hilo/Big Island region (HTH 212) and the Oahu region (HTH 215), plus discussion of capital improvement projects and systemwide partnerships. HHSC described its role as the rural healthcare safety net, serving a high share of Medicare, Medicaid/Quest, and uninsured patients, and said its costs are elevated by state employee fringe benefits, which it said are about 64% compared with roughly 30% in the private sector. HHSC also said pandemic-era federal aid, including relief funds and PPP loans totaling about $100 million, reduced the need for general fund support in prior years. For HTH 212, HHSC said its general fund request for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 was higher than the governor’s recommendation because of rising insurance, pharmaceutical, and contractor labor costs, and because it includes $13.2 million in FY 2026 and $2.3 million in FY 2027 for Epic electronic medical record implementation in East Hawaii. For HTH 215, HHSC said the requested general funds were aligned with the governor’s recommendation, in part because of increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for long-term care facilities under prior legislation. HHSC also said it was restoring a special fund ceiling so the region could spend its cash collections on operations. Members asked about the 64% fringe rate, and HHSC explained the difference was mainly due to defined-benefit pension and retiree health insurance costs, which private hospitals generally do not bear at the same level. Members also asked about the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home, and HHSC said operations would be funded through the general fund corporation for the home when it opens, with management by Ohana Pacific, but no additional legislative operating funds were being requested at that time. Other questions focused on staffing and vacancies, including an abolished procurement position and an ongoing IT help desk recruitment need. HHSC highlighted several capital and partnership projects, including a $25 million state CIP request matched by $25 million from the Benioff family for the Benioff Health Center, an ER expansion and reconfiguration at Corner Community Hospital, and $7.5 million in each fiscal year for Kauai EMR capital funds to join the Epic platform. Testimony also described collaborations with Queen’s, the University of California San Francisco, Hawaii Pacific Health, the Hawaii Cancer Consortium, the Department of Health, and the state hospital to improve specialty access, clinical trials, behavioral health, and patient placement across the system.

Transcript Highlights:

• create don't carry a fund balance, but the fund balance is maintained, if you remember from the budget section
• The second section covers a memorandum on ERP systems in other states presented at the December 2025
• The third section covers the business value assessment conducted by Oracle that was presented at the
• The fourth section covers the results of the request for information that was also presented to the March
• And the final section is regarding the higher education enterprise resource planning system needs.

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then received a quarterly update on major IT projects from NDIT. Staff reported the portfolio included 116 major projects totaling about $546 million, with the overall portfolio under budget but slightly behind schedule. They reviewed projects over the 20% variance threshold, including an Industrial Commission grants management system and DOT’s roadway pre-construction replacement, and then heard startup and closeout reports from HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT. Several previously troubled projects were closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning; some projects finished under budget and ahead of schedule, while others were significantly behind schedule or over budget but were now closed or being remediated. The committee also reviewed NDIT’s annual report, including service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how service-fund revenue and grant administrative charges are accounted for, how chargebacks work, and whether NDIT tracks customer satisfaction scores. NDIT said it does track CSAT-type measures in some service areas and has survey data, but it is not planning another customer survey this summer. Members encouraged more regular reporting of customer satisfaction, service-level metrics, and performance data to help guide future improvements. A major portion of the meeting focused on the state’s mainframe modernization effort. NDIT said the overall effort is still targeting about 2030, with multiple HHS and DOT projects underway and a $15 million tech-debt appropriation already removing some components. Staff described the main obstacles as data cleanup, complex integrations, limited staff capacity, retirements, and vendor constraints, and said they are seeking a vendor with modernization support in the next contract cycle. Members pressed for clearer accountability and faster progress, and NDIT and HHS emphasized that they are working jointly but need continued support and better tools. The committee then heard a cybersecurity update on NDIT’s statewide services and maturity assessments. NDIT explained that it provides vulnerability scanning, endpoint protection, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that these services are tied to a cybersecurity maturity assessment based on CIS controls. Members questioned the sharp drop in participation since 2020 and whether the self-assessment should be mandatory or tied more strongly to StageNet access or insurance incentives. NDIT said participation is voluntary, but Enderf is now requiring annual assessments to keep a 4% insurance discount, and members discussed whether stronger requirements or audit authority may be needed. The meeting ended as the committee began a follow-up discussion on BEAD broadband connection costs and why some locations are much more expensive to connect than others.

Transcript Highlights:

• to this program and the $2.8 million in annual savings that results are dependent on the federal Section
• The Section 318 STD program was explicitly named in the original OMB memo as one to eliminate.
• The Trump administration will use Section 318 to deny PPLM funding as part of their pledge to defund
• But the Hampden County Sheriff's Department continues to operate a Section 35 program.
• This must change. ...to operate a Section 35 program. This must change.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held an introductory informational hearing for the new session, with Chairs Marjorie Decker and Senator Michael Driscoll outlining the committee’s scope and emphasizing the impact of the federal landscape on Massachusetts public health. They noted the hearing would focus on testimony from agencies and advocates, with short testimony limits due to the hybrid format. No votes were taken; the meeting was for briefing and discussion of priorities. Commissioner Robbie Goldstein of the Department of Public Health described the department’s budget and federal funding, warning that recent CDC grant terminations could cut nearly $100 million and affect lab testing, surveillance, vaccines, and community engagement. He highlighted DPH priorities including racial equity, maternal health, substance use and child welfare coordination, emergency preparedness, data transparency, and public hospital quality. MassHealth Assistant Secretary Michael Levine discussed MassHealth’s role covering about 2 million residents and its priorities in health equity, behavioral health, primary care, member independence, and customer service, while noting the agency relies heavily on federal Medicaid dollars and would face major strain from federal cuts. Several advocacy and provider groups focused on reproductive health and maternal health. Planned Parenthood warned of threats to Title X, 340B savings, and other federal funding, and supported a bill to eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass for abortion care for young people. Reproductive Equity Now urged stronger shield-law protections and changes to Massachusetts’ later-abortion framework. Dr. Indyamaka Anugaka called for full implementation of the maternal health law, better reimbursement for doulas and midwives, stronger data collection, and support for full-spectrum pregnancy care coverage. The Health Policy Commission said new maternal health and primary care task forces would begin work soon. Mental health and health system access were also major themes. The Mass Medical Society urged action on vaccine hesitancy, removal of non-medical school vaccine exemptions, and primary care reform. The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and the Children’s Mental Health Campaign opposed proposed cuts to DMH and substance use services, called for more school-based supports, and raised concerns about inpatient capacity, including a unit serving LGBTQ youth. The Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199 SEIU warned that staffing shortages, low wages, workplace violence, hospital closures, and possible Medicaid cuts threaten patient care and the health care workforce. The Betsy Lehman Center also urged investment in automated patient-safety monitoring to reduce harm and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are some shalls in this new part of this section, but they deal with the fact that the candidate
• And they're listed in this section.
• And they're listed in this section.
• When this bill was drafted, it changed the language in the first sentence of that section and then did
• When this bill was drafted, it changed the language in the first sentence of that section and then did

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the rest of the committee is, in some ways, we may not be prescriptive enough in the kindergarten section
• the rest of the committee is in some ways the we may not be prescriptive enough in the kindergarten section
• where we are putting the pressure We may not be prescriptive enough in the kindergarten section, where
• So it might be a little overly simplistic in terms of the direction in Section B of the bill right now
• The quality and rigor clause mentioned in the language of SB 1147 is found in several other sections

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee heard SB 1067, which would require annual math screening for kindergarten through second grade students beginning in 2028-29 to identify early numeracy difficulties and connect students to evidence-based supports. Senator Weber and supporters, including EdVoice, UC Davis researcher Charles Wilkes, and several education and community advocates, argued that California’s math performance is too low and that early screening would help close gaps before they widen. Opponents, including the California Mathematics Council, county superintendents, and the CTA, said the bill could narrow instruction, overemphasize deficit-based measures, and should instead be paired with stronger investments in teacher training and implementation of the California Mathematics Framework. Committee members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals while discussing how the screener would work and what kinds of follow-up supports would be needed. The committee also heard SB 1110 on child care subsidy administration, which would restructure funding for alternative payment programs and core contracts as the state moves to enrollment-based funding. Supporters said the bill would stabilize child care providers, improve payment timelines, and better reflect the administrative work of enrolling families and managing services; there was no opposition testimony. SB 1374, supported by the CSU and UC systems, would allow public higher education institutions to seek temporary restraining orders when credible threats are directed at a campus rather than a specific person. Supporters described recent campus threats that created safety concerns but did not fit current restraining-order law; there was no opposition. Senator Nilo presented SB 1321, which would direct the State Auditor to review remedial course use and student preparedness at selected UC and CSU campuses after a UC San Diego report showed a sharp decline in incoming students’ math readiness. Supporters argued the audit would help identify gaps in college readiness and the effects of K-12 changes, while some members raised concerns about bypassing the usual legislative audit process; the bill was held on call. The committee then took up SB 1086 on microschools, which would define microschools and direct model ordinances for local land-use regulation. Supporters said it would create a clearer path for small, individualized learning communities, but several members questioned whether the concept was sufficiently defined and whether the state had enough information to draft model ordinances; the bill was also placed on call after a quorum was established. Finally, SB 1181 was presented as a limited pilot program in Central Valley counties to connect schools with regional threat assessment centers when credible safety concerns arise. The author and supporters, including the mother of a student killed in a shooting and several students, said it would improve early intervention and communication; committee members raised privacy and federal-sharing concerns but indicated support, and the bill was moved forward on a vote once quorum was present.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> And Senator, yes, so the AG has under their, I think it's section 8.31, they do have investigative
• Madam Chair. >> And Senator, yes, so the AG has under their authority, I think it's section 8.31, they
• >> And Senator, yes, so the AG has under their authority, I think it's section 8.31, they do have investigative
• fall within their authority. >> And Senator, yes, so the AG has under their authority, I think it's section
• particular end, but I do want to make note as we're having the conversation that this particular section

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Bratcher, would you expand on the section two of the committee sub about a member of the
• Brer, would you expand on &gt;&gt; Representative Brer, would you expand on the<00:24:45.039><c> section
• two of the committee sub the section two of the committee sub about<00:24:48.080><c> a</c><00:24:48.177
• And my question is about, um, under section one, 2A, establish a process through which a student may
• Under section one, 2A, establish a process through which a student may request an exemption.

Committee: House Postsecondary Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 98 was passed, but there are a couple of provisions in there that are attempt, that try to insulate
• SB 1183, which says the state librarian shall coordinate with a nonprofit entity qualified under Section
• Section 19352 says a state librarian shall coordinate with a nonprofit entity qualified under Section
• The first-hand community college districts will cut classes, cut sections.
• part-time faculty with their jobs, the first-hand community college districts will cut classes, cut sections

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• looking at the Chair's budget documents, you'll see this represented in the special appropriations section
• looking at the chair's budget documents, you'll see this represented in the special appropriations section
• First, please strike the sentence at the end of Section 113, subsection 3.
• However, this is not a perfect budget, and we have serious concerns about Section 602, However, this
• is not a perfect budget, and we have serious concerns about Section 602, subsection 44, the proviso to

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on proposed substitute House Bill 2289, the House operating budget. Budget staff Mary Monroe gave a detailed overview of the proposal’s near general fund outlook, reserve levels, major revenue assumptions, and major spending and savings items. She highlighted assumed revenue from capital gains and a proposed “millionaires tax,” a transfer from the budget stabilization account, administrative reductions across agencies, and several major policy shifts, including changes affecting Working Connections Child Care, K-12 education, higher education, long-term care, behavioral health, wildfire response, and state employee compensation. Members then asked questions, including about the higher education building account/operating fee swap and its interaction with the capital budget and Climate Commitment Act funds. The committee also announced amendment deadlines for the budget process. The bulk of the meeting was public testimony, with many speakers generally supporting or opposing specific parts of the budget. Supportive testimony praised funding for wildfire prevention, public health, reproductive health, civil legal aid, the Poison Center, some higher education institutions, and certain disability and child welfare services. Many speakers urged restoration or protection of funding for K-12 education, especially transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, bus depreciation, and Running Start; others opposed cuts to child care, early learning, public defense, long-term care, adult day and home care services, occupational/physical/speech therapy for Medicaid patients, and community and technical colleges. Several local government, health, and nonprofit representatives also asked the committee to preserve public works, homelessness, energy assistance, environmental justice, and recovery/diversion programs, while some business and public safety groups sought continued funding for organized retail crime prevention and related initiatives. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee recessed briefly and later resumed with virtual testimony, where additional witnesses repeated concerns about education cuts, long-term care, health care access, disability services, dispute resolution, early childhood programs, and the need for ongoing or increased funding in those areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, the original language in Section 1 was just real short, and all it said was that the Wyoming
• I want you to look at that on Section 1. You know, and there's a word on page nine.
• I want you to look at that on Section 1. You know, and there's a word on page nine.
• I want you to look at that on Section 1. You know, and there's a word on page nine.
• I want you to look at that on Section 1. You know, and there's a word on page nine.

Bills: SJ0001

Committee: House Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: mineral leasing, federal lands, Wyoming, energy policy, local control, federalism, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Where I cannot support this bill is the addition of abortion clinic to a section of state law that would
• We've seen that on Section 230's poster problem on that issue.
• I've highlighted a section in there under section C.
• Now I also want to bring your attention to the next page, section 8, or suboperator fees...
• Now I also want to bring your attention to the next page, section 8, or suboperator fees...

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills. SB 1668, dealing with funeral and disposition timelines and related requirements for unborn children and minors, drew emotional testimony from funeral industry representatives and a parent about burdensome deadlines and problems obtaining signatures from an ex-partner; it also drew opposition over language referencing abortion clinics and reproductive freedom. The committee adopted a due-pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote. SB 1286, on veterinary telemedicine prescription limits, was amended to shorten non-antimicrobial prescriptions to 30 days and allow antimicrobial prescriptions for up to 14 days without an in-person exam; veterinarians and industry representatives were neutral with caution or supportive, while opponents warned about overprescribing and inadequate diagnosis. The amended bill passed 4-3. The committee then passed SB 1235, joining the emergency services personnel licensure interstate compact, on a 7-0 vote, with the sponsor describing it as a reciprocity measure for EMTs and paramedics. SB 1446, which changes dialysis social worker documentation from monthly to quarterly to match federal and most state practice, also passed unanimously after support from DaVita. SB 1515, an Industrial Commission cleanup bill that renames positions, removes obsolete private employment office oversight language, and shifts publication of fee schedules online, was amended and passed 7-0. SB 1678, concerning documentation and oversight in health care institutions and group homes for vulnerable adults, was amended to remove a patient-form requirement and instead require DHS investigation when EMS personnel complain that a DNR was not provided; providers moved to neutral or support after the amendment, and the bill passed 6-0 with one not voting. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1747, which would require social media platforms to terminate accounts for minors under 14 and certain 14- and 15-year-olds without parental consent and impose age-verification and harmful-content restrictions. Opponents from NetChoice, TechNet, and Meta raised privacy, security, and constitutional concerns and argued for app-store-based parental controls instead, while a parents’ advocate supported the bill as a starting point for child safety. The transcript ends during that hearing without a final committee action on SB 1747.

Transcript Highlights:

• gave them a few years ago, and I think the physicians and dentists have some language in their code section
• /c><00:10:29.440><c> in</c><00:10:29.680><c> their</c><00:10:29.839><c> code</c><00:10:30.160><c> section
• </c><00:10:30.399><c> that</c> some language in their code section that some language in their code section
• Is impairment defined anywhere in this particular section of the code, maybe not in this bill but the
• section of the code?

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 21 January, 2026; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So section five of the bill should be deleted, as it conflicts with existing law and the timeline for
• Like there's a separate section at Sephora that is just anti-aging?"
• Board to hold a public hearing on water quality certifications for hydroelectric facilities under Section
• Section 401 certifications under the Clean Water Act apply mandatory conditions that must be accepted
• board to hold a public hearing on water quality certifications for hydroelectric facilities under Section

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• relief for families struggling with housing stability; and lastly, $250,000 annually for the federal Section
• relief for families struggling with housing stability; and lastly, $250,000 annually for the federal Section
• relief for families struggling with housing stability; and lastly, $250,000 annually for the federal Section
• relief for families struggling with housing stability; and lastly, $250,000 annually for the federal Section
• relief for families struggling with housing stability; and lastly, $250,000 annually for the federal Section

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So for this first page, it is essentially just all the sections from House Bill 1, the back of House
• So last year when House Bill 2 was introduced, 80-some-odd sections of the bill were referred to Division
• So for this first page, it is essentially just all the sections from House Bill 1, the back of House
• So last year when House Bill 2 was introduced, 80-some-odd sections of the bill were referred to Division
• So for this first page, it is essentially just all the sections from House Bill 1, the back of House

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory House Finance Division Two session focused on committee procedures, staffing, and the upcoming budget process. Mickey Landrian, the division analyst, introduced himself and explained that the subcommittee operates more informally than the full committee, does not hold executive sessions or public hearings itself, and makes recommendations back to House Finance. Members were told that public hearings on legislation occur in the full committee, while Division Two will hold work sessions and vote on recommendations such as ought to pass, retain, or ITL. The chair also welcomed new members and a new clerk, and noted that meetings will be recorded and streamed, with microphones required for audio capture. A substantial portion of the meeting covered the division’s workload and schedule. Landrian outlined the agencies assigned to Division Two, including Safety, Fish and Game, Transportation, Education, the Lottery Commission, Police Standards and Training, the University System, and the Community College System. He explained the different fund types the division will handle, especially Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund, and reviewed reference materials distributed to members, including agency budget requests, prior recommendation tracking sheets, and surplus statements. He emphasized that the agency budget requests and related handouts are available online and useful for members to review before budget work begins. Members discussed the compressed timeline for the session, with a target date of March 26 for completing Division Two recommendations. Landrian said only a few bills had been referred to Finance so far, none yet to Division Two, but that more bills and amendments were expected, including many amendments to House Bill 2. He noted that the committee would need to move efficiently and frontload meetings. Representative Papich added that Fish and Game may require closer scrutiny than in prior years because of its push for direct general fund appropriations, and members also discussed the importance of getting preliminary budget documents before the governor’s budget is finalized. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported beyond the procedural overview and distribution of materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair rules that sections of &gt;&gt; Okay.
• </c> This would amend the bill by deleting sections five and six and renumbering the original section
• the original section six to read as four. >> Senator, do you mean amend the bill by deleting sections
• </c> amending the bill by deleting sections amending the bill by deleting sections five<04:17:37.520>
• </c> original section six to read as four. original section six to read as four.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh, I'll need to find the specific section.
• Uh this was modeled specific section.
• Um, for this, the section that I did modify was the section regarding having an online form. possible
• was the section that I did modify was the section<00:12:29.360><c> regarding</c><00:12:29.920><c> having
• </c><03:52:56.638><c> Any</c> in the real estate section. Any in the real estate section.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 24, delete sections<01:16:58.159><c> 18</c><01:16:58.480><c> to</c><01:16:58.800><c> 21.
• This is the A30 sections 18 to 21.
• 24 beginning at lines 2.16 all section 24 beginning at lines 2.16 all the<01:43:39.520><c> way</c><01
• Page 36, delete section<02:50:22.479><c> 12</c><02:50:22.880><c> and</c><02:50:23.040><c> insert.
• This is the A6 section 12 and insert.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These types of legal claims are made under what is called Section 1983.
• </c> under what is called section 1983. under what is called section 1983.
• </c> is not currently allowed under section is not currently allowed under section 1983. 1983. 1983.
• There is no equivalent of section eased.
• All you have to do to Section 1983 is add 'or the United States.'

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The hearing of the Minnesota Senate Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability focused on federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, especially ICE and CBP operations, and their alleged constitutional and civil-rights impacts. Opening remarks from both parties emphasized the need for calm, cooperation, and public safety, though they sharply differed on the causes of the current situation. Republican members argued that violent criminal undocumented immigrants should be removed and that state and local officials should cooperate with federal authorities. Senator McEwen and other Democrats described the federal presence as abusive and terrorizing, citing deaths, family separations, and community fear, and called for accountability and truth-telling. The chair also held a moment of silence for Renee Mlin Good and Alex Prey before testimony began. Testimony from the ACLU of Minnesota and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota described what they said was a large-scale federal enforcement operation, including Operation Metro Surge, with widespread alleged violations of the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Tenth, and other constitutional amendments. Witnesses cited alleged racial profiling, warrantless arrests, excessive force, denial of counsel, detention out of state, and failure to comply with court orders. They referenced specific cases involving Susan Tinure, Abdi Khadir Nure, Victor Manuel Diaz, and others, as well as reports of journalists and community members being threatened or detained while documenting ICE activity. The witnesses also said the federal government’s lack of transparency makes it difficult to know how many people have been detained or deported and argued that the harm extends to both immigrants and citizens. Committee members asked questions about ICE entering homes without judicial warrants, federal claims about constitutional limits, and access to counsel for detainees moved out of state. The witnesses said that out-of-state detention, poor locator systems, paid phone access, and lack of privacy make legal representation difficult or impossible, and that civil-rights remedies often come too late because people are removed before cases are resolved. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee moved from opening statements into testimony and member questions.