Transcript Highlights:

• The bill directs the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Department of Transportation to request the
• The Metropolitan Council and MnDOT in this bill will report back to us the outcome of the request for
• The request for a federal waiver and termination of the operations of the Northstar line, uh, if the
• But essentially, we request a waiver of the obligations. I’ll save it for later, thank you.
• If you came before him, he'd say, 'You're fired, and get out of here' with that request.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 269 and House File 749 together, both aimed at ending Northstar Commuter Rail service. The bill author described HF 269 as directing the Metropolitan Council and MnDOT to request a federal waiver and discontinue Northstar operations, with HF 749 setting performance requirements that would trigger a similar termination request. Supporters argued Northstar has low ridership, high operating subsidies, and large maintenance costs, and said the agencies now agree with the intent to terminate the line and possibly replace it with bus rapid transit. The chair moved HF 269 to the general register while also laying HF 749 over in committee, and testimony was heard on both bills at once. Testimony split sharply. Supporters of termination, including the bill author and Annette Meeks, said Northstar has consistently underperformed ridership projections, has required large taxpayer subsidies, and should be ended rather than extended. Opponents, including Jesse Cook, Darwin Scherlan, Joel Mueller, Katie Nicholson, and Annie Buckle, argued the line still serves riders, workers, and communities, that low frequency and underinvestment are the real problems, and that the state should improve service rather than shut it down. Several opponents emphasized Northstar’s role for commuters, special events, and future growth, especially the St. Cloud corridor. Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle and MnDOT Commissioner Danenberger said they support carefully evaluating alternatives to commuter rail and acknowledged the subsidy is not acceptable, but they also said the agencies are working with the federal government and BNSF on possible next steps. Zelle said the agencies believe bus service could provide more frequent and direct service, and when asked directly, he confirmed they are in favor of terminating Northstar and replacing it with bus service if feasible. No final disposition beyond the motion on HF 269 and the laying over of HF 749 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• legislation authorizes KCTCS This legislation authorizes KCTCS in<00:02:40.239><c> to</c> in to in to
• There's no appropriation requests in this bill.
• I just sponsoring this legislation.
• Appropriations remain stagnant or decrease.
• Appropriations remain stagnant the rise.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The request that we've got, that will hopefully be in the capital request, is to complete SERVS across
• </c><00:16:12.079><c> all</c><00:16:12.320><c> that</c> request when when we requested all that request
• It's so our request has somewhere else.
• But we the that appropriate authority.
• ,</c> anything that may happen appropriately, anything that may happen appropriately, but<00:49:23.119

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:02 Statewide Emergency Response System Monthly Update- 00:02:23 Shock Probation: Administrative Office of the Courts-00:34:28 Shock Probation: Department of Corrections Oversight-01:04:04 Adjournment-01:12:22, 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS) and the supporting microwave network, known as KYeS. Michael Brandon Marshall, the state’s statewide interoperability coordinator, explained that the project began as a replacement for Kentucky State Police’s radio system and has expanded into a statewide public-safety trunked radio system. He reviewed work completed in phases 1 and 2, including upgrades to existing tower sites, construction of new sites, installation of generators and DC power plants, and replacement of microwave routers and stations. He said the microwave upgrade is a separate but necessary part of the project and that the remaining microwave work on existing sites is expected to be finished in 2026, with roughly 20 more sites likely to move from blue to green by the next monthly report if conditions allow. Members pressed Marshall on the pace of deployment and the lack of coverage in parts of Eastern Kentucky. Senator Thomas said the coverage map was especially unfavorable to counties from Whitley and McCreary up to Lewis County and asked when that gap would be fixed. Marshall said the eastern buildout is planned, but those areas have not yet been funded; he estimated that by the end of 2026 the areas around Posts 14, 8, and 11 should be live, while other eastern post areas would remain unbuilt until additional funding is provided. He said the decision to start in Western Kentucky was technical rather than political, based on terrain and the relative ease of building coverage over flatter ground. Senator Wheeler asked whether newer low-orbit satellite systems such as Starlink could reduce the need for tower construction. Marshall said satellite technology could be a useful tool, especially for outdoor or disaster-response communications, but it cannot replace terrestrial radio for public safety because responders often work indoors and need reliable penetration through buildings. He also noted that lower-frequency spectrum such as 700 MHz is better suited for that purpose. Representative Smith asked about contracting and delays; Marshall said the Finance Cabinet’s DECA manages the construction contracts, while his office helps define the scope of work and reviews whether it is adequately met. The committee indicated it will continue to receive monthly updates on the project.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this day and age without any legislation this day and age without any legislation that<00:42:31.120
• That's all. appropriate actions could be taken by appropriate actions could be taken by that<01:06:46.520
• </c> an appropriate rate. an appropriate rate.
• ><c> off</c><01:37:43.560><c> the</c> This legislation will build off the This legislation will build
• 01:58:20.200><c> have</c> legislators, such as yourselves, have legislators, such as yourselves, have

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the legislative affairs senator at the University of St.
• Thomas, as well as the co-legislative senator with the Minnesota Association of Private Colleges.
• </c><00:42:47.839><c> emergency</c> that we receive is requesting emergency that we receive is requesting
• I'm very supportive and look forward to working with you all to keep pushing that legislation.
• Therefore, we were surprised that over half of the last biennium's appropriation went unused.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a process in place to request less screen time by a parent.
• Is there a different piece of legislation?
• First of all, I appreciate this legislation. I have more. Up to a little bit.
• First of all, I appreciate this legislation.
• So, you know, as always, my door is always open when it comes to legislation.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 3239, which would make the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program permanent and move it into the MoCAP framework. Representative Hurlbert and supporters said the program has helped about 1,200 adults earn diplomas, mostly women with children, and that it improves employment and health coverage outcomes. Members raised concerns about funding, the use of the foundation formula, and how the program differs from existing adult education options. Supporters said it is tuition-free, pay-for-performance, and intended for adults with a short path to graduation; no vote was taken on the bill. The committee then took up House Bills 2335 and 2230/2978 in executive session. HB 2335, dealing with teacher training, was amended and then given a do pass recommendation by a 19-0 vote. HB 2230 and 2978, as amended, were also approved do pass by an 18-1 vote after extensive discussion of the Student Screen Time Standards Act, including limits on screen time, a new advisory council, and a related cursive-writing amendment. Members generally supported the direction of the substitute, while some raised questions about local control, implementation, and the role of experts. Later, Representatives Irwin and Steinhoff presented House Bills 2913 and 3228, which would provide legal protection for teachers who intervene in violent situations to protect students or themselves. Supporters said the bills would reduce fear of liability and encourage reasonable intervention, while committee members and witnesses discussed possible limits, training, whether the protection should extend to other school staff, and how the proposal interacts with existing discipline and restraint rules. Public testimony was largely supportive, with school and teacher groups asking for clearer definitions and coordination with federal law; no vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2304, which would require parental consent before major changes to a child’s special education placement or services. The sponsor and advocates said it strengthens parent involvement and collaboration, while members questioned delays, due process, safety exceptions, and the effect on school operations. Testimony from advocates and parents supported the bill, and the hearing concluded without action.

Transcript Highlights:

• [We] got passed legislation to expand the state energy office.
• They are appropriation bonds. There's a difference there.
• for information and requests for proposals for energy procurement.
• Conduct studies and issue requests for information and requests for proposals for energy procurement.
• My only concern is the actual legislation does focus a lot on SMRs.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This was a request for the Medical Commission.
• Jessica Bateman, State Senator for the 22nd Legislative District.
• Without urgent legislative action, we face reduced services and potential clinic closures.
• Again, for the record, Adrian Cortez, State Senator for the 18th Legislative District.
• We did share requested language with him, and I'll briefly share with you what that is.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a public hearing on six bills, with the chair repeatedly emphasizing one-minute testimony limits because of the large number of sign-ins. The committee first heard SB 6292, which would create a joint legislative-executive committee on health care financing to study strategies for improving statewide access and coverage and report in 2027. Supporters, including the Health Care Authority, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, community health centers, carriers, and provider groups, said the bill could help the state respond to affordability and system sustainability challenges and coordinate policy work across branches of government. The committee then heard SB 6258, which would create a non-disciplinary pathway for voluntarily relinquishing certain Washington Medical Commission licenses. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would provide a humane exit option for physicians and other licensees who are medically disabled or otherwise leaving practice, without forcing them into a disciplinary process. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, and the hearing closed with 17 people signed in pro and 2 con. The committee also heard SB 6182, establishing an abortion savings program funded by a new assessment on health carriers. Supporters argued it would recapture funds originally set aside for abortion care under the ACA and protect access amid federal changes, while opponents raised concerns about hidden taxes, lack of opt-out, and the impact on premiums and conscience rights. The hearing drew very large public interest, with 245 signed in pro and 1,775 con. The committee next took testimony on SB 5947, which would establish the Washington Health Care Board and prepare a state universal health care plan contingent on federal authorization and funding. Supporters from labor, health care, tribal, and universal coverage advocacy groups said the bill would position Washington to act quickly if federal waivers become available and argued that health care should be treated as a human right; opponents warned about costs, vagueness, and government overreach. The hearing then moved to SJR 8206, a proposed constitutional amendment declaring access to affordable health care a fundamental right. Supporters framed it as an aspirational commitment and a necessary step toward universal coverage, while opponents argued the language was vague, legally risky, and could create costly obligations. Finally, the committee heard SB 5823, which would require hospitals to employ or provide access to patient advocates to help patients navigate bills, records, and appointments. Hospital and patient coalition witnesses supported the goal but asked for amendments to clarify staffing, exemptions, and scope; the hearing closed with 20 signed in pro, 792 con, and 3 other. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:10.600><c> session,</c> one right after the legislative session, one right after the legislative
• </c> legislative session. legislative session.
• </c> It's very rare that a legislative It's very rare that a legislative committee<00:22:29.080><c> is
• </c><01:44:40.840><c> You</c> appropriate it out of the SIPA?" You appropriate it out of the SIPA?"
• </c> come in for requests for loans on other. come in for requests for loans on other.

Committee: Joint Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't legislative liaison for DCYF.
• Uh are appropriate for New Hampshire.
• Um, it's currently being requested.
• legislation for the same thing.
• legislation for the same thing.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ryan Woolsey with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• Yes, Ann Hollingshead with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• At the appropriate time, I'm happy to take your questions.
• I am introducing legislation today.
• So if you could, if you're willing, I guess it's a request.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s safety net, focusing on Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The chair and vice chair framed the issue as a major federal disruption that would reduce benefits and shift costs to the state, counties, hospitals, and other local systems. The first panel included the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and the Food Research and Action Center, each describing projected enrollment losses, higher state and county costs, and implementation challenges. The LAO outlined H.R. 1’s main changes: new and expanded work requirements, more frequent eligibility redeterminations, restrictions on certain non-citizen eligibility, and financing changes affecting provider taxes and federal matching rates. The LAO estimated that 1 to 2 million people could be disenrolled from Medi-Cal and more than 600,000 could lose CalFresh, with additional costs from reduced federal support and possible state and county administrative burdens. The Department of Finance said the Governor’s budget includes about $1.4 billion General Fund in 2026-27 to respond to H.R. 1, with larger out-year reductions in federal funds and projected Medi-Cal caseload losses of up to 2 million by 2029-30. The UC Berkeley Labor Center projected up to 3 million Californians could lose full-scope Medi-Cal by 2028 when H.R. 1 is combined with state budget changes, while noting the state could choose policies that would reduce some of those losses. The Food Research and Action Center warned that CalFresh cuts and time limits would increase hunger, worsen health outcomes, and strain local economies and emergency systems. Members questioned the witnesses about procedural disenrollments, regional variation, the overall growth in Medi-Cal spending, the future of the MCO tax, the CalFresh error rate, and the downstream effects on hospitals and county indigent care. Several senators argued that the federal law was driven by tax cuts for high-income earners and would disproportionately harm low-income Californians, immigrants, and communities of color. Administration witnesses said some impacts are still being analyzed, that counties and departments are working on implementation, and that the Legislature may need to use statute, reporting, and oversight tools as federal guidance develops. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nothing in the legislation changes the threshold for probable cause.
• I'm here at the request of other state attorneys. This is a problem.
• So I think this is fantastic legislation.
• But I appreciate this outstanding legislation and want to speak in favor of it. Thank you.
• Individuals may voluntarily request this envelope through the department or a tax collector's office.

Bills: S0132 , S0418 , S0442 , S0646 , S0748 , S1326 , S1332 , S1660 , S1734 , S1742 , S1750

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: voting rights, felony conviction, database, Florida Commission on Offender Review, restoration of rights, autism spectrum disorder, law enforcement, communication, training, blue envelope, blue card, search warrant, remote appearance, drones, data privacy, drug paraphernalia, narcotic testing, fentanyl, controlled substances, civil forfeiture

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 646, allowing the use of drug testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants, was presented as a harm-reduction measure and reported favorably after supportive testimony from advocates and criminal defense groups. SB 442, extending the return period for warrants involving digital evidence from 45 days to one year, also passed unanimously amid testimony from prosecutors and law enforcement about encryption, backlogs, and large volumes of child exploitation evidence. SB 418, creating autism-related law enforcement training and a Blue Envelope Program for traffic stops and other encounters, was reported favorably with support from police, disability advocates, and families. SB 132, creating a public database to help people determine eligibility for restoration of voting rights, and SB 748, requiring notice of voting-rights restoration information on sentencing score sheets, both passed with broad support from voting-rights and criminal defense advocates. The committee also approved SB 1734, recognizing juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under Florida law and extending related training and benefits, and SB 1660, designating June as Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month. SB 1742, which repealed the existing “unnatural and lascivious acts” statute and created a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a minor, was amended with a delete-all amendment and then reported favorably. SB 1750, a major overhaul of career offender registration requirements, was later reconsidered after a bill-number mix-up and then reported favorably as SB 1332, with FDLE and sheriff’s association support. The most contentious measure was SB 1326, which would eliminate the traditional insanity defense and replace it with a lack-of-culpable-mental-state defense, require malingering assessments in competency evaluations, and limit downward departures based on mental illness. Criminal defense attorneys and disability advocates argued it lacked a treatment component, raised scientific and cost concerns, and could worsen public safety by sending mentally ill defendants to prison without adequate care. Supporters, including the sponsor and the Attorney General’s office, argued it would close gaps and better protect the public. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote, with several members voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on some bills, and Senator Pizzo moved for reconsideration of SB 1326 for a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation corrects that.
• We can't legislate to force parent involvement. But this is a good piece of legislation.
• </c> But this is a good piece of legislation. But this is a good piece of legislation.
• </c> that you submitted this uh legislation that you submitted this uh legislation to?
• President. co-sponsor request. request. request. &gt;&gt; Please<01:19:38.640><c> proceed.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• happened was that the DHHS came back with FTEs, requiring five FTEs to... be able to Manage and do this request
• We do have a fiscal note, but the House Companions author and chairwoman of the Appropriations Article
• No state appropriations whatsoever, and it requires grant applications to match funds dollar for dollar
• So first of all, no state. appropriation. Period. Gifts and grants. It would be administered by...
• Well, just from an appropriation perspective, I think the likelihood of success with this approach is

Bills: SB128 , SB640 , SB672 , SB904 , SB1141 , SB1263 , SB1525 , SB1528 , SB2041 , SB2306 , SB2308 , SB2357 , SB2446 , SB2695 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2583

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, SB 640, Texas Family Code, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, child welfare, foster care, managing conservatorship, suicide attempt, youth suicide, mental health, child protective services, state custody, annual report, reporting requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there an objection to referring to other legislation?
• I brought a very similar piece of legislation in 2018.
• Unanimous request has been requested not to read House Bill 514. Is there objection?
• I request that you give this your green light.
• The request has been made to hold the remaining bills in the Third Reading Calendar one legislative day

Summary: The House convened with 69 members present and one absent and excused, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal. Members also received notice that Representative Donald Hall had designated a substitute and that Senate Bill 1222, dealing with domestic wells and related water provisions, had been transmitted from the Senate and referred to the Resources and Conservation Committee. The House introduced House Bills 572, 573, and 574, covering pediatric transition-related parental rights, concealed carry instruction, and medical mandate/immunization changes, and sent them to Judiciary for printing. Several bills and memorials were advanced on the calendar, including measures on transportation tax, private forest land, federal land policy, human trafficking, unmanned aircraft systems, and artificial sweeteners. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 493, which would make purchasing sex a felony on a first offense for those 21 and older, while keeping a misdemeanor-first-offense structure for ages 18 to 20. Supporters argued the bill would better combat human trafficking by targeting demand and closing a gap in current law when a buyer does not know the person is being trafficked; opponents raised concerns about unequal treatment by age, the fiscal impact of incarceration, and whether the law should instead treat both parties equally or rely on existing trafficking statutes. The House passed HB 493 by a vote of 50-19, and the title was approved for transmission to the Senate. House Bill 514 was then taken up and described as allowing students to take a state test after completing 80% of coursework so they can enter the workforce sooner. With no opposition, the House passed HB 514 by a vote of 69-0, approved the title, and transmitted it to the Senate. The remaining third-reading bills were held one legislative day by unanimous consent. The House then moved to announcements, including committee meeting notices and several caucus, reception, and visitor announcements, and adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> GOOD AFTERNOON THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WILL COME TO ORDER.
• WE HAVE ANOTHER MOTION TO ACCEPT THE APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FISCAL 25/26
• BUDGET PROPOSAL IS RECOMMENDED TO THE FULL SENATE APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE.
• Burton: THANK YOU THIS LEGISLATION IS WHERE PRODUCT BETWEEN DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
• TO ME IT IS NOT A COST DRIVER BUT IT HELPS STREAMLINE THE PROCESS SO THEY ARE APPROPRIATELY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a million-dollar appropriation.
• It's a $73,100 appropriation.
• appropriation appropriation that<01:42:30.000><c> this</c><01:42:30.239><c> is</c><01:42:30.480><c>
• </c> And the Secretary of State can request And the Secretary of State can request this<02:28:32.080>
• </c> include a request from law enforcement. include a request from law enforcement.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:38.240><c> Madam</c> from the original legislation. Madam from the original legislation.
• And here we have a legislative appropriation. that have looked at this but uh you know that have looked
• And here we have a legislative<01:36:03.679><c> appropriation.
• </c><01:36:05.040><c> So,</c><01:36:05.199><c> I</c><01:36:05.360><c> think</c> legislative appropriation
• So, I think legislative appropriation.

Bills: HF3579 , HF3549 , HF3548 , HF4388 , HF3566

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: eggs, donation, quality assurance, food assistance, charitable programs, agriculture, grain indemnity, financial security, crop insurance, Minnesota agriculture, farm assistance, down payment, state funding, loan modification, rotational grazing, grazing management, livestock, pasture management, soil health, erosion control

Transcript Highlights:

• And without legislative guardrails, it is already causing harm to children.
• It was part of the effort to discover what we needed to carry in legislation.
• The motion is do pass as amended to Appropriations. AB 2555.
• I and other legislators have introduced a collection of legislation targeting digital wellness, online
• The motion is do pass as amended to Appropriations. Hoover, aye.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appropriate to do so. appropriate to do so.
• We are required to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence in order to support the conclusions that we
• </c><00:26:22.320><c> to</c> office as it's needed appropriately to office as it's needed appropriately
• Their problem was with the legislative branch asking an executive branch contractor for the data.
• </c><00:30:34.080><c> branch</c><00:30:34.880><c> directly,</c> with the legislative branch directly,

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received an update from the LBA on three audits related to education programs. Christine Young reported that the special education audit is in report-writing, with 44 of 81 observations completed, and that a draft is expected early in the third quarter with a final report later in the summer. She also said the doorway program audit has a draft report with 12 observations, auditee responses were received May 14, an exit conference was held May 18, and the report is now expected to be presented at the June fiscal committee meeting. The bulk of the discussion focused on the education freedom accounts audit and a proposed expansion of scope. Beulah Skids explained that the original audit, required by the 2022 law creating the EFA program, would be expanded to examine whether students were New Hampshire residents at enrollment and throughout participation, and whether records of educational attainment satisfied program requirements. She described the current work, the draft cooperation agreement being developed with the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund, and the department’s concerns about the audit period and the term "educational progress," which the LBA said it would revise. The committee discussed that the expanded work would depend on a written agreement giving the LBA access to needed records, policies, and staff, with the Department of Education potentially serving as an intermediary for data access. Members raised concerns about the scope period and data access. Senator Lang asked that the residency review be limited to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, rather than the broader 2022-25 period, because those years captured the major program expansions; the committee appeared to agree, with clarification that the reference was to school years, not fiscal years. Members also discussed reconciliation of EFA funds, noting that the department has agreed to reopen rulemaking to make reconciliation more frequent so unused funds can be returned to the state sooner. Several members expressed frustration that access to data had been delayed, while LBA staff said the cooperation agreement is intended to prevent further roadblocks and that the AG’s office could review it if needed.