Transcript Highlights:

• or a red state, is an American Regardless of whether you live in a blue state or a red state, is an
• We saw it in red states like Texas when they had flooding.
• Palisades was state. Eaton was actually federal. Do you guys hear that?
• Welcome to our State Capitol. Thank you, Assembly Member Johnson.
• Ryan Taylor, California State FFA reporter. Tessa Camacho, California State FFA reporter.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For one, There is a variation in state licensing standards.
• And as stated in the analysis, out-of-state social workers may have less. rigorous requirements than
• We also believe that the state already has a process in which social workers from out of state already
• . state.
• Dozens of states, including the largest of New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, and Oregon

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The 43 states that have joined the Dr.
• By the way, no state has ever left the compact.
• It's important as a state we step up where we can.
• In our state, what are we doing as far as residencies?
• Except New Mexico state revenue may be going down.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one example you are setting for the rest of the state.
• It was just launched a state.
• Texas seed bigger owner Surrey's.
• >> So I think they're different around the state.
• So and the state of Florida, there's areas of the state over in the Hastings area in down in the southern

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Catherine Newsom, Secretary of State, Nancy Landry.
• Yes, Catherine Newsom, First Assistant Secretary of State.
• Is there any other state reps in here? Oh, who was here first?
• Please state your name for the record. Chris Deere, Deputy Director, State Civil Service.
• You don’t have a state senator?” “No, sir. I do have a state senator.

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 6, 2026, approved the April 28 minutes, and heard several bills before moving into confirmation hearings. HB 205, by Rep. Bacala, would allow local governing authorities to supplement election commissioners’ pay by up to $100 per day; supporters from clerks of court and the Secretary of State’s office said the increase is needed to recruit and retain qualified commissioners amid longer days, training demands, and election security changes. The committee also reported HB 210, a cleanup bill clarifying retroactive application of a prior ethics law, and HB 228, which recreates the Department of State Civil Service and related entities through 2033. It likewise reported SR 86, which bars eyeglasses with audio/video recording capability in the Senate chamber without the Senate President’s permission, and HB 1177, which protects the identities of lottery hunt winners until after the drawing. HB 1045, limited to Pointe Coupee Parish, raises an audit threshold for certain water districts from $500,000 to $600,000 to reduce audit costs, and HB 813 would move Orleans Parish sheriff terms so the sheriff takes office in January instead of waiting until May; all were reported favorably. Senator Miller also announced that SB 491 would not be taken up that day. The committee then questioned nominees to the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East. The first group, including Peter Vicari and Ronald Schumann, was asked extensively about recent personnel actions, an internal investigation, and the authority’s handling of a report that members said would likely be released after a board vote. Senators focused on the firing of the chief of police/operations personnel, allegations of payroll fraud, and whether the authority had improperly combined the chief of police role with compliance duties in a way that may conflict with statute and Civil Service guidance. Committee members also raised concerns about the chief’s contract, whether it had board approval, and whether the authority’s bylaws and salary practices complied with law. The nominees and counsel said some matters were still under review and that a separate compliance position was being considered. The committee later heard from additional nominees, including David Martin, Gregory Marsiglia, and Elton Jude Myers, who described backgrounds in engineering, law, procurement, and governmental contracts. Senators again pressed them on the need to separate compliance/auditing duties from the chief of police role, and the nominees generally agreed that those functions should be distinct and that the authority should have qualified auditing expertise. The meeting ended with no public comment and adjournment after the confirmation discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just wanted to state that I have a problem with this state always needing federal help.
• It's detriment for the states. It hurts the states. It increases the federal deficit.
• The national debate suggested that the states decide. And this state decided.
• We're not a poor state, but we're going to be a proud state.
• What happened to us in our state.

Transcript Highlights:

• such as North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Michigan, and Tennessee.
• such as North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Michigan, and Tennessee.
• fee this state.
• </c> the process of updating our um our state the process of updating our um our state rail<00:38:26.839
• Cloud State, so I'm very familiar with it. So, Mr.

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:

• All right, we have a presentation from Arkansas State University. Okay. All right.
• And it has been done in other states.
• And before I get started, I want to say, wow, to Arkansas State and that program.
• I want to say wow to Arkansas State and that program.
• So A-State, they mentioned some of the roadblocks.

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from November 17 by motion and voice vote. It then heard a presentation from Arkansas State University on its inclusive postsecondary education programs, HOWL and ATLAS, led by Dr. Kristen Johnson and Shane Broadway. The programs serve students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, by providing on-campus living, academic support, life-skills training, financial literacy, internships, employment support, and community integration. Johnson explained that HOWL is a comprehensive transition program that does not lead to a degree but is eligible for financial aid, while ATLAS is degree-seeking and provides additional supports. She reported strong outcomes, including high goal attainment and a majority of graduates working full time, and emphasized that the programs are designed to help students build autonomous adult lives. Members asked about recruitment, eligibility, costs, school outreach, business partnerships, and transition planning. Johnson said the programs have done extensive outreach through IEP meetings, transition symposia, email blasts, and school visits, but that awareness remains a challenge. She identified major roadblocks as business concerns about liability, fragmented collaboration, and difficulty navigating funding streams such as vocational rehabilitation and Medicaid. She also said more coordinated statewide communication and coalition-building are needed, and noted that ASU is helping launch a state alliance for similar programs, with new programs opening at ASU Mountain Home and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. The committee then heard from the University of Central Arkansas about Project Ascend, a new low-sensory living-learning community for neurodiverse students in Hughes Hall. Dr. Debbie Daly and Jeremy Gillum described it as a voluntary, self-identified program focused on community building, belonging, and retention rather than remediation or degree planning. The program has hosted a few low-sensory social events and plans to expand outreach through campus tours, orientation, and targeted communications. Members asked about recruitment, participation, success measures, and how to avoid duplicating ASU’s efforts; UCA said it is still in its infancy and will measure success mainly through participation, retention, and student engagement. The meeting ended with general support from members, discussion of collaboration across institutions and agencies, and adjournment of the task force.

Transcript Highlights:

• Registry and at Washington State University.
• Apples are not just an industry for our state.
• As we now are at the state board, and I apply to be a member of the state board, I think my experience
• We are mirroring the state of Washington's goals.
• There's a lot of geothermal in Hawaii within the United States.

Bills: SGA9314 , SGA9282 , SGA9288 , SGA9296 , SGA9232 , SGA9233 , SGA9235 , SGA9236 , SGA9237

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now they get to say, hey, go talk to the state legislator.
• Let Florida be the state that leads the nation in protecting young hearts.
• Let Florida be the state that leads the nation in protecting young hearts.
• This month here in the walls of the capital of our beautiful state of Florida.
• While the state has strong supports, trainings, and interventions for early grade literacy, our state

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and took up seven bills, all of which were reported favorably. First, HB 1367 on school attendance was presented as a response to rising chronic absenteeism; it would standardize attendance definitions and reporting statewide, and it passed 18-0 after supportive testimony from education and business groups. HB 949 would prohibit student use of wireless devices during the school day, while allowing district policies for designated use areas and existing medical/disability exceptions; members discussed classroom disruption, bullying, public safety, and accommodations, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved PCS for CS for HB 1135, requiring ECGs for student athletes in grades 9-12, with exemptions for religious objections and provisions on cost, liability, and medical clearance; the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates who described children lost to sudden cardiac arrest and was reported favorably after unanimous support. Members then approved CS for CS for HB 597 on diabetes management in schools, which would allow schools to keep glucagon pens and authorize trained personnel to administer them in emergencies; an amendment clarified charter schools are included as public schools. HB 1309 on reading interventions and instruction would expand reading support and training for grades 4-12 and require district reading plans to include evidence-based interventions; it also passed without opposition. CS for HB 981 on athlete representation and compensation would cap certain NIL agent fees, allow some high school athletes to earn NIL compensation, and create a framework for registered advisors; members raised concerns about predatory practices and coach involvement, but the bill passed favorably after amendment. Finally, HB 1111 would eliminate the certificate of completion option for students who do not meet graduation requirements, with the sponsor arguing it would better motivate students to earn a standard diploma and improve postsecondary and workforce opportunities. Members discussed the need for stronger supports to help students meet graduation standards, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after completing all agenda items.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other data that we can get from local transportation departments and other state agencies.
• This is also extremely important in a state like New Mexico because of the rural nature of our state.
• Delaware is the only state that was able to get out of the top five.
• State DOTs are not eligible to apply for that.
• Chair, Representative, we could, which becomes a costly measure for the state, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm state representative for the 85th District. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• State Capitol that was just a few years after the case here in Kentucky.
• Kentucky is the 23rd most regulated state in the country.
• </c> rails under the process the state rails under the process the state agencies<00:13:01.279><c> must
• I am State Representative DJ Johnson, 13th District for Davis County, and James Tipton, State Representative

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:25 Attendance Roll Call: 00:31 HJR 15 (Rep. Baker): 01:15 HB 462 (Sen. Nemes for Rep. Dietz): 09:01 HB 6 (Rep. Williams): 10:18 HB 73 (Rep. Johnson): 15:21 Adjournment: 18:48, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government first considered HJR 15, a resolution to return a Ten Commandments monument to the new state Capitol grounds. Representative Shane Baker described the monument’s history, its removal to storage in the 1980s, and a prior 2000 effort that was blocked by the courts. He argued recent Supreme Court decisions, including Van Orden and Kennedy, support a history-and-tradition approach and said the resolution would direct the Historic Properties Advisory Commission to retrieve and reinstall the monument in Monument Park. Senator Herron raised concerns about religious neutrality and whether other faiths would also be represented at the Capitol. Baker and Chair Petrie responded that the resolution was limited to restoring a specific historical monument and did not bar future proposals for other displays. Senator Armstrong voted no, saying the legal landscape remained uncertain and the state could face costly litigation. The committee approved HJR 15 on an 8-1 vote. The committee then took up House Bill 6, which would limit administrative agencies from issuing regulations with an economic impact of more than $500,000 over two years, with exceptions for imminent public health or safety threats, protection of federal or state funds, and compliance with certain court orders. Representative Wade Williams said the bill would rein in costly agency rulemaking and cited LRC data showing only about a dozen regulations in 2024 would have met the threshold, with roughly six after closer review. Senator Chambers Armstrong expressed concern that the bill could tie the government’s hands in emergencies, but the bill passed 8-1. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 73, which had a committee substitute. Representatives Johnson and Tipton explained that one part would add We Lead CS to the list of educational service providers allowed to administer their own retirement program participation, and the other would require the Teachers’ Retirement System actuary to provide additional information on each employer’s share of unfunded liability. The committee approved HB 73 unanimously, 10-0, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's make Florida the 19th state to be smoke-free. Thank you. Thank you.
• Let's make Florida the 19th state to be smoke-free. Thank you. Thank you.
• Yes, there are currently 19 states... For camera use. You recognized?
• Two of them are two-party consent states. So this has happened in states very similar to ours.
• All of the states, there are 19 states that already have camera laws.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard HB 103, which would require hospitals and surgical centers to adopt policies using surgical smoke evacuation systems during procedures. Representative Woodson and several nurses and health care advocates testified that surgical smoke contains harmful chemicals and pathogens, poses respiratory risks to operating room staff and patients, and that the bill is needed to protect nurses and address workforce shortages. Members from both parties voiced support, and the bill was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. The committee then took up HB 223, as amended, which would allow residents of nursing home or assisted living rooms to use fixed cameras, with guardrails on consent, non-rotatable placement, and prohibitions on posting footage online. The sponsor said the measure is intended to help families monitor loved ones and deter abuse or neglect, while supporters from AARP and some caregivers described cameras as tools for accountability and peace of mind. Facility and industry representatives raised concerns about privacy, dignity, roommate consent, and the potential impact on personal care conversations and resident autonomy. After questions and debate, members discussed how consent would work, who could access recordings, and how the bill would handle roommate changes and misuse of footage. The sponsor said the bill would continue to be refined in later committees. HB 223 was reported favorably as amended by a 16-2 vote, with Representatives Campbell and Franklin voting no. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It establishes a state definition of what is a plan-based methodology.
• Courtney Mooney: For the reasons stated earlier, we do oppose the bill in its entirety. Thank you.
• I really do appreciate all the work that you do for the residents in the State of Florida.
• I'm here today on behalf of our 155 newspaper members across our great state of Florida.
• Florida Press Association operates the largest public notice website in the state of Florida.

Transcript Highlights:

• CEREMONY FOR FOUR MONTHS AND THAT IS GOING TO BE ON MAY 9 SO WE ARE ALREADY SUPPORTING IT FOR THE STATE
• JOHNS COUNTY BUT THE STATE OF FLORIDA. >> Sen. McClain: YOU CAN BRING THOSE TO THE NEXT COMMITTEE.
• I OFFER MY SUPPORT TODAY OF ALL THE GREAT CITIES IN THE GREAT STATE OF FLORIDA.
• THE BILL STATES WHEN A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SUCH AS AN ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER SIGNS AND STEALS BUILDING
• WE ARE THE SECOND LARGEST IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Heart disease, cancer, diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.
• I don't need to take care of people in a state of disease.
• To say the very least, we're the third oldest state in the country.
• In all honesty, there's so many in my state that need help in every... single way.
• And I think this will be replicated across the whole country, red and blue states. I agree.

Committee: Senate Aging (Special) Committee

Keywords: health policy, lifespan, quality of life, community health, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting was marked by discussions surrounding health policies aimed at enhancing the lifespan and quality of life for the community members. The chairperson initiated the session with personal reflections on the importance of extending not just the years of life but also the quality of those years, especially from the perspective of parents and grandparents. Members engaged in thoughtful dialogue regarding potential legislative measures that could address public health in a more holistic manner, emphasizing the need for community outreach and effective health education programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> institutions in the state of Minnesota. institutions in the state of Minnesota.
• </c> student in the form of a state grant. student in the form of a state grant.
• state grant program.
• . state. state.
• </c> students who received the state grant. students who received the state grant.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> been admitted to into the United States been admitted to into the United States and<00:29:30.000
• </c> attempts to solve a problem in our state attempts to solve a problem in our state that<00:30:55.080
• <00:37:30.560><c> of</c><00:37:30.680><c> the</c> state of the state of the vote<00:37:33.839><c> you
• has</c> housing insecurity that this state has housing insecurity that this state has ever<01:01:20.039
• </c> increase in homelessness that any state increase in homelessness that any state is<01:01:25.440>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh, just wanted to acknowledge that tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning in the Old State Library, uh,
• So, uh, just wanted to acknowledge that tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning in the Old State Library, uh,
• the United States.
• <01:14:13.440><c> States.
• </c> state of Colorado. state of Colorado.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> information to the Secretary of State information to the Secretary of State um,<00:14:07.040><c>
• /c><00:14:57.760><c> then</c><00:14:57.920><c> the</c><00:14:58.160><c> DMV</c> state or within the state
• then the DMV state or within the state then the DMV or<00:14:58.959><c> the</c><00:14:59.279><c> voting
• </c><01:35:04.080><c> local</c><01:35:04.400><c> enabling</c> state goes to change local enabling state
• </c> the state level? the state level?

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all