Transcript Highlights:

• So there is No expected reduction in the Head Start program.
• The Just Right Reader is a new program Follow up, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• chosen for that program?
• a This would be a program that is anticipated to be a three-year, yeah, it's a one-year pilot program
• for the program.

Bills: SB1177

Committee: Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget

Keywords: education funding, mental health services, public safety, housing, state budget, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think we kept the programs.
• And we establish an Agra Works program.
• ><c> though</c> the bill in the programs even though the bill in the programs even though they<00:01:
• programs.
• </c> would like to be a part of the program. would like to be a part of the program.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up the conference committee report on House File 2446, the agriculture budget bill for the Department of Agriculture. Representative Anderson explained that the conference agreement kept the core House and Senate priorities while accepting some Senate policy provisions and fee increases, including grain license fees and food handling fees. He said the overall target was reduced, but major programs were preserved, including funding for the Board of Animal Health, egg emergency and inspection programs, elk and wolf compensation, milk processing capacity, farm safety and innovation, a new bioefficiency program to reduce fertilizer use in limited areas, and increased meat inspection funding. Representative Hansen and several other members urged adoption, describing the bill as a bipartisan “hybrid” that reflects changing agriculture and includes both traditional farm support and newer priorities. Supporters highlighted food assistance and worker protections, including funding to offset federal cuts to local food purchasing and milk distribution programs, farm-to-school and early care programs, avian flu testing, urban agriculture, and a study to expand Olmsted County’s soil health and nitrate reduction work. Some members noted concerns about fees, while others emphasized support for all types of agriculture, cottage food bakers, and the role of farm workers. After debate, the House adopted the conference committee report and advanced the bill. Following further discussion, the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a roll call vote of 130 ayes and 4 nays, and its title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• funding by each program.
• Since the risk of litigation program is the only means of finance in that program, the interagency transfers
• It's civil and criminal in terms of our program.
• We are working on building that program up.
• program.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> program, a a wonderful robotics program, program, a a wonderful robotics program, great<01:47:13.440
• EFA program.
• This could be a clever way to kill the program.” programs all over the country and that programs all
• Is that money going into which program? program? program?
• </c><03:36:19.680><c> But</c> these programs. But these programs.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, is the RESHAB program.
• And again, they're also optional programs.
• , 15% of each program every year.
• And that is going to happen in these programs.
• And when we continue to have this program and continue to grow this program, we do see cuts for pediatrics

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to our Florida traditional programs.
• These programs.
• Once a candidate completes one of those Florida traditional programs, these programs result in the issuance
• , which is our professional learning certification program.
• Maybe didn't go through what that additional preparation programs or you don't have the alternative program

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now doing a fee-for-service program, not a capitated program.
• So far the program has cost less than $4 million. It is costing... program.
• ,</c> would be eligible for this program, would be eligible for this program, which<00:16:01.680><c>
• </c><00:16:14.520><c> The</c> program, not a capitated program.
• The program, not a capitated program.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House and Senate DFL lawmakers, joined by Unidos Minnesota and other allies, held a press event responding to a budget deal they said would end MinnesotaCare coverage for roughly 20,000 undocumented adults at the end of the year while preserving coverage for children. Speakers, including Rep. Cedrick Frazier, Sen. Sandy Leafman, and Emilia Gonzalez Davalos, argued the agreement was cruel, would harm vulnerable families and essential workers, and was being justified under a false claim of fiscal responsibility. They said the affected people are Minnesota residents who work, pay taxes, and contribute to the state, and they rejected the idea that private insurance markets are a viable substitute. The speakers emphasized that many enrollees are receiving ongoing care such as cancer treatment, dialysis, insulin, and asthma medication, and warned that losing coverage would push people into emergency rooms and increase costs for hospitals and communities. They also said the deal set a dangerous precedent by using mixed-status families and undocumented workers as bargaining chips in negotiations. Several speakers framed the issue as part of broader attacks on immigrant communities at the federal and state levels. In response to questions, the lawmakers said they had not been given meaningful input on the agreement, that the DFL leadership had tried to make the “least harm” choice, and that the members speaking would vote no on the provision. They said their focus was on this specific health-care agreement rather than other budget bills, and they indicated the program’s cost was within projections, citing about 20,000 enrollees, roughly 17,000 adults, and spending under $4 million so far. The event ended with a call to continue fighting the deal and to pursue a Minnesota public option and broader long-term coverage solutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We deserve to have access to retirement programs and to age with dignity.
• for immigrants so we could have access to this program.
• immigrants so we could have access to this program.
• program, since they would not have otherwise come to our center.
• Having these programs engaged on site at shelters leads to better outcomes.

Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on April 22, established a quorum, and adopted its 2023-24 committee rules. The hearing then considered five bills focused on aging, long-term care, immigrant seniors, nutrition, and emergency preparedness. AB 450 would create a task force to study the needs of undocumented Californians age 55 and older; supporters from CHIRLA and other advocates described barriers to housing, health care, retirement, and digital access, while members raised questions about eligibility and process. The bill was approved on a due pass motion and re-referred to the Committee on Human Services. AB 508 would require residential care facilities for the elderly to disclose staffing information upon request at admission and when rates increase. The author and supporters argued that staffing levels are closely tied to quality of care and that families need transparency to make informed choices; a witness described her father’s death in an understaffed facility. Assisted living industry representatives opposed the bill as burdensome but said they were continuing discussions with the author. The committee adopted amendments and passed the bill to Appropriations. AB 1476 would allow senior congregate meal programs to continue offering to-go meals, a practice expanded during the pandemic. Supporters said the option improved access for homebound and food-insecure seniors and helped bring people into senior centers; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1068 would create a working group on evacuation and sheltering needs for older adults and people with disabilities in long-term care during disasters, and AB 1069 would ensure area agencies on aging and aging/disability resource programs have access to emergency shelters to provide services. Both measures drew broad support from aging, disability, and advocacy groups, with testimony citing recent fires and evacuations, and both were approved and re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. The committee also left rolls open for additional members to add votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• They take programs. Um we I believe and we believe programs.
• </c><00:10:23.600><c> to</c> state dollars back into programs to state dollars back into programs to
• This program needs assistance program.
• </c> compromise on program integrity. compromise on program integrity.
• and Assistance Program, HECAT, and the Greater Minnesota Workforce Housing Development Program.

Bills: HF1141

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing, finance, affordable housing, infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, supportive housing, homeless prevention, elderly assistance, community development, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It remains a limited program that way.
• I know like when we have our WIC program, we have special labels for WIC programs.
• I know like when we have our WIC program, we have special labels for WIC programs.
• when the program started.
• No, we're talking about two programs.

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2300 by a unanimous roll call vote of 18-0. The substitute combined a number of previously approved professional registration items, including emergency suspension authority, chiropractic and massage therapy provisions, accountant regulations, the athletic trainer compact, social worker regulations, a speech-language pathologist fix, telehealth, nonprofit pharmacies, and the physician assistant compact. Members noted that work was still ongoing on bell bondsman language before the committee moved into public hearing. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ authority to perform certain laser and in-office procedures. Representative Farnan and optometry supporters argued the bill is about patient access, especially in rural areas, and said it would allow three laser procedures—YAG capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and laser iridotomy—plus clarify other already-performed office procedures, while still excluding major surgeries such as cataract surgery, LASIK, and corneal transplants. Supporters said optometrists already receive relevant training, that a 32-hour certification course would serve as a safeguard, and that patients often face long waits or long travel times for care. Opponents, including ophthalmologists, argued the bill would blur the line between optometry and surgery, create safety risks, and rely on insufficient training and ambiguous language. They cited complications from laser procedures, questioned emergency care claims, and said optometrists should not be regulated as surgeons unless placed under the State Board of Healing Arts. No vote was taken on HB 2897, and the chair recessed the hearing for later continuation. The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education then took up House Bill 3239 and adopted Amendment 0.01H, which capped the program at $4 million to keep it from becoming an open-ended cost. The committee then adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass by 11-7. The committee also combined House Bills 2913 and 3228 into one substitute and voted that combined measure do pass by 19-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2195, which would create the Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program and encourage school districts to incorporate driver-safety content into existing courses without adding a fiscal note or mandating a standalone driver’s ed class. Sponsor Representative Reedy and supporters from AAA Missouri and the Missouri Driver Education Coalition said the bill would address teen crash rates, improve access to driver education, and help schools use existing curriculum time more flexibly. The hearing remained in discussion with testimony continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would create a new testing program, $5 million in each fiscal year to develop a comprehensive program
• The whole blood pilot program, this would appropriate $10 million for a whole blood pilot program and
• This is not a current program at the agency. That's Article 11.
• Is additional funding to maintain women's health, uh, program services.
• Page 119 home visiting program is Representative Ross.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now doing a fee-for-service program, not a capitated program.
• </c> that after an MCO capitated program. that after an MCO capitated program.
• </c> the program at 27 to 28,000 people. the program at 27 to 28,000 people.
• The capitated a capitated program.
• </c> you know, kids on the program for all. you know, kids on the program for all.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:49.400><c> we</c> program we program we have<00:02:51.640><c> Department</c><00:02:52.080><c>
• He noted that the first program increased and said the program added 73 health care providers and 55
• So the program is not working, and by the way, I think your idea of going to a full buy-in program is
• So the program is not working, and by the way, I think your idea of going to a full buy-in program is
• </c> buyin program buyin program so<00:53:27.319><c> how</c><00:53:27.920><c> how</c><00:53:28.400><c

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• participants and to program staff.
• </c> program participants and to program program participants and to program staff.<00:40:31.920><c>
• </c> participants or program staff or both. participants or program staff or both.
• </c><00:42:39.119><c> staff</c> HRS and is limited to program staff HRS and is limited to program staff
• Defense is one of the few programs where Defense is one of the few programs where the<00:56:56.640><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're relatively new programs.
• As programs, they’re comparatively new.
• Yes, there are significant challenges that this program has experienced.
• We want to get them into our intervention program.
• We want to get them into our intervention program, which is the alternative to discipline program.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget proposals, beginning with Exposition Park. Park leadership described the 160-acre state property’s historic role, growing visitation, and major upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup fan fest and the 2028 Olympics. The governor’s proposal sought $96.5 million for utility replacement, site improvements, code compliance, accessibility, and public safety/traffic systems, plus $1.698 million for operational sustainability. The LAO said the proposals had merit but suggested the Legislature could consider downscaling some work given the budget condition. Members generally supported the requests, emphasizing deferred maintenance, public access, and the park’s statewide importance; both Exposition Park items were held open. The California Science Center requested funding to open and operate the new Air and Space Center, a major expansion featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour. The LAO supported the proposal but suggested the Legislature consider alternative funding sources such as admission fees, higher parking fees, or private funds. Members debated whether the state should continue to fund operations without charging admission, with the Science Center explaining its public-private funding model and warning that fees could sharply reduce attendance, especially for underserved communities. The item was held open. The committee also reviewed continuation funding for the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation’s consumer protection and debt collection programs. DFPI and Finance said the requests would extend existing expenditure authority and were not General Fund asks. The LAO supported limited-term funding but urged cumulative reporting or a sunset-style review before permanent funding. Members pressed DFPI on outcomes, workload, and the high cost of the debt collection licensing program, noting that the number of licensees was far below early estimates and that assessments on the industry were substantial. Public commenters from the debt collection industry echoed those concerns, while others supported DFPI’s consumer protection work. The committee then heard a Board of Registered Nursing request for $1.4 million to fund eight special investigators. The board said complaint volume has risen with licensee growth and more complex cases, and members asked about complaint outcomes, regional caseloads, med spa oversight, viral complaints, and bias-related complaints. The board explained its investigation, probation, and intervention processes and said most cases reaching the Attorney General result in discipline. That item was also held open. After public comment on additional agenda items, the committee voted on several vote-only items. Items 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17 were approved 4-0. Items 7, 9, and 14 were also approved, with the chair correcting the tally to 4-0. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we actually don't do the letters program.
• I went out and found a reading program.
• We have a sports administration program, career in tech technology, uh, uh, education program that are
• In your programs, do you have a program to train CTE teachers on the pedagogy of teaching their trade
• or so about the alt license program.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a two-part program.
• This is the Department of Labor program.
• We have an outreach program, a communication outreach program, because one of the biggest issues is that
• We also have the Voices of Veterans program, which is a, we think it's the largest oral history program
• Uh, it's, it's a wonderful program.

Committee: House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• A number of programs in the education world are forecast programs, or entitlement programs, and they
• </c><00:30:15.600><c> and</c> programs um or entitlement programs and programs um or entitlement programs
• program.
• </c> programs and those entitlement programs programs and those entitlement programs are<00:35:04.760
• </c><01:27:26.000><c> or</c><01:27:26.199><c> the</c> programs or they reflect programs or the programs

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• program and the local tax increment financing program, which was created by the legislature in 2021.
• program and the local tax increment financing program, which was created by the legislature in 2021.
• Codifying HB 2523 does not expand the program, but it does strengthen the program.
• These investments don't just fund programs.
• This program would specifically include them, ask them where the need periods are, and then build programming

Bills: HB1069 , HB2091 , SB6355 , HB2104 , SB6003 , HB2441 , HB2124 , HB2610 , HB2338

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: collective bargaining, retirement benefits, employee rights, public sector, supplemental benefits, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation, electric transmission, energy policies, infrastructure, regulatory framework, transmission systems, aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response

Transcript Highlights:

• program program Nationwide<01:01:18.240><c> I</c><01:01:18.400><c> first</c><01:01:18.599><c> want</
• </c><01:02:01.160><c> is</c> well-being the school meal program is well-being the school meal program
• &R program is used statewide.
• </c><03:21:24.199><c> is</c><03:21:24.359><c> used</c> program yet the f&amp;r program is used program
• and</c><03:56:31.439><c> as</c> f&amp;r lunch program uh meal program and as f&amp;r lunch program uh

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up HB 651, a school-funding bill that would raise the base cost of an adequate education and increase differentiated aid for students in poverty, English language learners, and special education. The chair opened with housekeeping notices about parking and eating in committee spaces, and noted a revised fiscal note would be distributed. Representative David Luneau presented the bill as part of a broader package of public school funding measures, explaining that HB 651 builds on HB 550 and is intended to respond to court rulings and the ongoing school-funding litigation by adjusting both the base adequacy amount and equity-based funding factors. Luneau said the bill would raise the state’s adequacy grant from about $4,100 to $7,351 per student and increase differentiated aid, while also updating statutory language so future recalculations include the court-identified resource elements. He argued the measure is about fairness and shifting more of the burden from local property taxpayers to the state, not about increasing overall education spending. He reviewed fiscal-note figures indicating the bill would add roughly $576 million to the state share of school funding, bringing the total state share to about $1.65 billion, and said the note also mentions possible effects on charter schools and vouchers. Committee members asked about the evidence supporting higher costs for low-income and English learner students, how long ESL funding should continue, why free-and-reduced-lunch aid remains higher than special education aid, whether the formula is based on enrollment or average daily membership, and whether the bill is truly equitable across districts of different sizes and needs. Luneau and later witness Zach Shen of the New Hampshire School Funding Fairness Project said the bill is supported by research and court findings, that the current formula relies heavily on local property taxes, and that shifting more funding to the state would reduce property-tax pressure and help address disparities among districts. Shen also cited broad public support for the related HB 550 testimony and said HB 651 is intended as a step toward a more equitable funding system. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.