Transcript Highlights:

• I've never had a dissenting vote in the House.
• But he said, 'I don't vote on that. The legislature votes to bring it to the people.'
• But he said, 'I don't vote on that. The legislature votes to bring it to the people.
• And we do need to vote on that amendment.
• Let me read in the cards and they will do vote.

Bills: HB156 , HB474 , HB602 , HB633 , HB852

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: severance tax, parish revenue, constitutional amendment, natural resources, local government funding, HB 474, Act 400, Louisiana income tax, tax refund checkoff, refund donation, alumni association, Grambling University National Alumni Association, Louisiana Tech University Alumni Association, Department of Revenue, Title 47, voluntary contribution, tax return designation, state tax refund, nonprofit donation, higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair votes aye. Motion passes.
• I urge you to vote no on this proposal as a measure of good faith.
• And I recommend you vote for this.
• I ask you to vote no. your impact is greater than anything I've ever done.
• I ask you to vote no on House Bill 808.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I urge members to vote no on this House bill. Thank you for your time.
• So I urge members to vote no on this House bill. Thank you for your time. Mr.
• Please vote no on House Bill 710. Do we have any questions? “Vote no on House Bill 710.
• And I'd also request a roll call vote on both these motions. Thank you.
• I will probably vote for the substitute motion, but if it goes to the floor and everyone gets a vote,

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So soliciting a vote, I don't believe, would count. And so votes should never be of monetary value.
• By your vote of 20 ayes and one no, you have voted, Health Commission.
• By your vote of 20 ayes and one no, you have voted House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2658, 2147
• Yes means a vote for this means yes, you can avoid it.
• A vote against this means you're going to get rolling blackouts.

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This one is a challenging vote for some of the reasons been mentioned.
• Oh, I'm sorry, we're going to do a roll call vote. Secretary will commence that vote.
• Oh, I'm sorry, we're going to do a roll call vote. Secretary will commence that vote.
• The vote is five to four, five in favor and four against.
• So I will be voting no on the substitute motion. Thank you, Senator.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee approved the February 10, 2026 minutes and then took up several housing bills from Senator Taves. SB 1277 would have required statewide allowance of accessory dwelling units and limited local restrictions; testimony was split between supporters who said ADUs can expand attainable housing and help families, and opponents who raised concerns about infrastructure, parking, height limits, short-term rentals, HOA/covenant issues, and local control. Senator Taves said he was willing to amend the bill to address height limits, HOA language, and a private cause of action, but the committee ultimately voted 5-4 to hold SB 1277 in committee. The committee then heard SB 1279, which would have promoted smaller starter-home subdivisions and allowed incentives for smaller lots and setbacks. Supporters argued it would help first-time buyers and give builders more flexibility, while opponents said the bill was too broad, too fast, and could create density and infrastructure problems. After testimony and discussion, the committee voted 5-4 to hold SB 1279 in committee as well. Next, SB 1280 proposed allowing duplexes and twin homes in single-family residential areas. Testimony again centered on housing supply versus local infrastructure, with county and city officials warning about septic, water, and retroactive covenant issues, while real estate testimony supported more lower-cost housing options. Senator Taves said he was open to amendments, but the committee voted 5-4 to hold SB 1280 in committee. Finally, SB 1276, which would remove the sunset on a PERSI provision allowing retired teachers and other retirees to return to work, received supportive testimony from the sponsor and PERSI’s director, who said there would be no negative impact on the retirement system; the committee voted to send SB 1276 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The meeting ended with an informational presentation on PERSI COLA concerns from retired public employees, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to be voting with reservations, but I appreciate your changes. >> Okay.
• Chair and Vice Chair vote aye. Representative Halt excused. Representative Hussie aye.
• Chair and Vice Chair vote aye.
• </c> See none vice chair for the vote. See none vice chair for the vote.
• ><c> HP</c><00:46:23.920><c> 1947</c> &gt;&gt; Okay, we're voting on HP 1947 &gt;&gt; Okay, we're voting

Bills: SB2187

Committee: House Tourism

Keywords: housing, economic development, tourism, state department, renaming, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony. HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change. During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I now move that House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1696 be voted do pass.
• By your vote of 14 aye and zero no, you have voted House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1696 do
• By your vote of 14 aye and zero no, you have voted House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2505 and
• I now move that House Bill 1772 be voted do pass.
• By your vote of 14 aye and 0 no, you have voted House Bill 1772 do pass.

Committee: House Children and Families

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on House Bills 1839, 2921, and 3015, all aimed at requiring age verification for access to online pornography. The sponsors argued the bills are needed to protect children from early exposure, exploitation, sextortion, and related harms, and said the measures mirror laws in other states and recent Texas litigation. Supporters, including the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund, pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners, child advocacy groups, the Missouri Catholic Conference, and the Attorney General’s office, testified that pornography contributes to child sexual abuse risk, addiction, and unhealthy sexual development. Committee members asked about privacy protections, enforcement, penalties, and whether third-party verification or website-based verification would be used; the Attorney General’s office said identifying information should not be retained and that enforcement would occur through court action. No one testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded with the bills remaining under consideration, with a committee substitute to follow for one portion of the legislation. The committee then heard House Bill 2610, which would use the state legal expense fund to cover claims and judgments involving foster care, case management, and residential service providers under contract with the state. Representative Murphy and supporters said the private insurance market for these providers has become unstable and unaffordable, with some agencies facing large premium increases, repeated denials, or inability to find coverage at all. Testimony from the Missouri Coalition for Children, Missouri Alliance for Children and Families, Family Forward, and the Attorney General’s office described the issue as a market failure that could force providers to close and disrupt services for foster children. The Attorney General’s office explained how legal expense fund coverage would work, noted that it can cover negligence and intentional acts for covered entities, and said the bill would shift risk to the state in the absence of adequate private insurance. No opposition was offered. Finally, Representative Terry briefly presented House Bill 24, describing it as the same as Representative Dolan’s grandparents’ bill and emphasizing that grandparents should have first consideration for custody if a child’s parents are unable to care for them. No testimony was offered on the bill. The committee then moved into executive session and voted do pass on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1696, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2505 and 24, and House Bill 1772, each by unanimous 14-0 votes. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was a yes vote, but it was soundly defeated.
• Do you have any indication that the floor votes are going to change this year to yes?
• Would you like to be reported as voting no? Representative Boyle on the record voting no.
• Representative Haas on the record voting no, and Representative Church on the record voting no.
• The polls and vote to put Medicaid expansion in Idaho for very specific reasons.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from January 26 and 27, then introduced RS 33100, a proposal by Representative Alfieri to let county clerks use people excused from jury duty as poll workers, with those volunteers then being excused from jury duty for two years. It also introduced RS 33107 C1, Representative Hill’s revised flag bill, which would restrict government entities from displaying political, religious, or ideological flags on government property while allowing the American flag, state flag, military flags, university flags, and certain older city or county flags; the bill includes a daily penalty and enforcement by the Attorney General. Several members raised concerns about carve-outs, local community displays, and the impact on events such as Basque heritage observances, school and PTA displays, and city boulevard flags, and Representatives Church, Haas, and Bingham voted no on the motion to introduce. The committee then introduced RS 33090, Representative Tanner’s House concurrent resolution calling for an Article V balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Tanner argued that federal debt and spending are unsustainable and that states should push Congress to act; opponents warned about the dangers of a constitutional convention, while Tanner and Alfieri emphasized that Article V provides a state-led amendment process. The motion passed, with Representatives Boyle, Haas, and Church recorded as voting no. After the bill introductions, Tanner gave an extended overview of the state budget process through JFAC. He said Idaho’s revenue remains above forecast, but the state faces ongoing spending pressures, especially Medicaid, conformity costs tied to federal tax changes, and other supplemental requests. He warned against relying too heavily on one-time funds or the rainy day fund, urged caution on fiscal notes and new ongoing spending, and said some cuts and holdbacks may be needed to preserve the ending balance and protect reserves for a future recession. Members questioned him about Medicaid overruns, reserve use, roads, fire funding, and dedicated funds, and Tanner said many large budget drivers are constrained by federal or statutory requirements. The committee adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are striking the COVID-era paragraph that allows members to vote from their offices.
• to vote from their offices. offices. offices.
• Rule 67A will repeal the rule allowing members to pair their vote, basically proxy voting, which we have
• The caucus had its leadership vote and unanimously voted for the senator from Jefferson 19 to be our
• ><c> unanimously</c><00:14:24.480><c> voted</c> leadership vote and unanimously voted leadership vote

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll call roll and vote when we get a quorum.
• We will vote on the nominees.
• We will have two votes today.
• The community, the voters, they don't have a vote on you.
• You are appointed, but I have a vote, we have a vote, and many times you are that lifeline between us

Committee: Senate Nominations

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations held its final nomination hearing of the session and considered three nominees: J.B. Goodwin for the Texas Real Estate Commission, Courtney Yaltman for the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and Thomas Gleason as PUC chairman. Goodwin described his long career in real estate and charitable work, and senators questioned him extensively about the Real Estate Commission’s self-directed, semi-independent status, housing affordability, institutional homebuyers, property insurance costs, disclosure issues, and the Burnett v. National Association of Realtors case. Yaltman and Gleason were questioned about PUC oversight of ERCOT, post-Winter Storm Uri reforms, utility resilience and vegetation management after Hurricane Beryl, water and telecommunications oversight, staffing and transparency, and rising infrastructure and utility costs. Much of the discussion focused on housing and utility affordability, with several senators urging the nominees to keep consumer protection and public trust at the forefront. Goodwin said housing affordability and large-scale investment purchases were not within the Real Estate Commission’s direct purview, though he supported further study. Yaltman and Gleason said the PUC had increased oversight of ERCOT, improved communication and accountability with utilities, and was working on resiliency plans, rate-setting issues, and infrastructure planning while trying to avoid overburdening ratepayers. The committee first voted to favorably report nominees left pending from the May 5 agenda by a 6-0 roll call vote. After public testimony was opened and closed, the committee then voted on the nominees heard that day and favorably recommended all three to the full Senate for confirmation by a 7-0 vote. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we're going to take a vote here and then we'll take a vote on the floor on this matter, correct
• We're going to take a vote here and we'll also take a vote on the floor on this matter.
• So we really need, I know Senator Miles, I think yours has been voted out of committee in the House.
• But it allows you to look at it, study it before you vote on the bill. What a concept, right?
• Be voting tomorrow. You'll get the vote list. So we'll be voting sometime in the morning.

Bills: HB35 , HB138 , HB754 , HB1314 , HB1612 , HB2254 , HB2510 , HB2789 , HB3560 , HB3597 , HB4224 , HB4273 , HB4643 , HB4783 , HB138

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, human trafficking, trafficking prevention, medical assistant training, health care facilities, hospital compliance, clinic compliance, anti-retaliation, whistleblower protection, employee reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2225 increases the approval threshold to adopt impact fees from a simple majority vote. vote
• Three quarters vote should be simple majority. That's how we run in time.
• Members, we will. vote on pending business as a matter.
• members present and voting.
• That concludes the voting.

Bills: HB602 , HB1322 , HB1930 , HB2225 , HB2304 , HB2494 , HB3275 , HB3810 , HB3919

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: affordable housing, land use, zoning, urban planning, community development, housing crisis, mixed-use development, sustainability, municipal utility district, board of directors, qualifications, land ownership, Texas, taxation, residency, municipal approval, subdivision plans, local governance, plats, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, by a vote of seven to zero, you have a do pass.
• Elections were the only elections that women were authorized to vote in.
• We weren't allowed to vote for.
• By a 5-3 vote, we have a do pass. Thank you, Madam Chair, Representatives.
• Madam Chair, by a vote of 5-3, the motion passes.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, by a vote of 7-0, you have a do pass.
• for governor or representative or senator or something we weren't allowed to vote for.
• I'm the Voting and Election Director for the League of Women Voters of New Mexico.
• I'm from the Pueblo of Santo Domingo, and I register as a lobbyist for NMNATIVE VOTE.
• Madam Chair, may I vote to hate the motion? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Winkler was a co-author, and it passed unanimously in the Senate, and there were only six no votes in
• So I mean, just speaking for myself, I'm comfortable voting for this and hopefully keeping it moving
• So I am not ready to vote for the bill in its current form, but I would be happy to work with you to
• </c> I'm going to ask my team to just vote I'm going to ask my team to just vote their<00:25:04.720><
• </c> hands to count the people that voted hands to count the people that voted against<00:26:36.760><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 289, authored by Representative Quam, and adopted a technical A1 amendment before moving the bill forward. Quam explained that the bill is intended to create a mechanism for frontline state employees, faculty, and management to identify waste, inefficiency, and possible savings in agency budgets, with a portion of any savings going back to the state budget and the remainder placed in a special fund for mission-related spending decided by a joint committee. He said the idea grew out of earlier faculty union discussions and that the bill had previously passed with bipartisan support, though it was underused when first enacted. Members generally praised the goal of empowering employees and improving efficiency, but several raised concerns about the bill’s practical operation and low historical use. Representative Jones asked why uptake had been limited and whether current conditions would improve participation; Quam responded that larger budgets and more employee engagement could make the program more useful now. Representative Freiberg and Representative Bonner both supported the concept but questioned whether employees would understand budget constraints and whether the structure might discourage managers from saving money intentionally. Quam argued that employee input would improve decisions, morale, and credibility, and could help justify needed investments. Representative Koznick asked how the bill interacted with the Odyssey Fund, and staff clarified that the two are separate accounts and do not directly affect each other. Representative Koznick also objected to comments he viewed as attacking the administration, and the chair reminded members not to impute motives. Representative Kosnik/Quam indicated openness to future improvements, but Representative Bonner said she was not ready to support the bill in its current form because of concerns about the approval process through MMB and the Legislative Audit Commission. Despite those reservations, the committee ultimately voted to send House File 289, as amended, to the General Register.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's take a vote. Thank you, Mr. Miller. Yes. Michael Graves. Motion passes.
• Okay, we'll take a vote. Brandon Gill. Yes. Edward Hillary. Yes. Michael Graves. Yes. Sir Vanero?
• Okay, all in favor, by vote. Randy Gilbert? Yes. Edward and Hillary? Yes. Michael Grace? Yes. Yes.
• . ...with you all, and then take a vote on that action.
• If not, all in favor, through vote. Randy Gilbert? Yes. Michael Grace? Yes. Yes. Yes. Okay.

Summary: The meeting was called to order after the chair announced compliance with the Open Meeting Act and confirmed a quorum. Members then voted to enter executive session under 25 O.S. 307(B)(1) to discuss personnel matters involving salaried positions. After returning to open session, the body voted to accept Kyla’s resignation and end the severance package. The group then went back into executive session to discuss additional agenda items, later returning to open session and voting to withdraw the request for RIFs. Members also discussed re-engaging 9-29 to help sort out next interim steps and develop a long-term plan. It was noted that 9-29 already has a state contract, and a statement of work had been requested. The body voted to approve re-engaging 9-29 and authorized the chair to work with Melissa to finalize the statement of work, with the draft to be shared for feedback before completion. The meeting concluded with expressions of thanks and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I and we might actually... vice chair voting I. Representative Chan vice chair voting I.
• House vice chair, please take the vote.
• Seeing none, vice chair vote. vote. vote.
• Chair and Vice Chair voting aye.
• Chair and vice chair voting amendments.

Bills: HB2245 , HB1618 , HB1985 , HB2079 , HB1921 , HB2232 , HB1567 , HB1984 , HB2608 , HB2435 , HB1623 , HB1774

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: wastewater systems, denitrification, environment, pollution, coral reefs, nearshore waters, public health, shoreline regulations, cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, wastewater, and clean water protections. On HB 2245, which would require additional denitrification capacity in wastewater systems near shorelines, the Department of Health offered comments, DLNR supported the bill, and multiple environmental and ocean groups testified in strong support, emphasizing nitrogen pollution from cesspools, reef damage, and the need to prioritize shoreline systems. Testifiers said the bill should move forward, with technical issues such as GIS mapping to be worked out later. No member questions or votes were taken on this measure. On HB 1985, concerning the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and accessible conversion loans for cesspool homeowners, HGI supported the bill and suggested making the program a revolving loan fund; DLNR and the Public Utilities Commission also supported it, while the Department of Health supported the concept. Committee discussion focused on program design, possible forgivable loans for low-income homeowners, and whether the program should be administered through existing infrastructure rather than a new procurement process. The committee then moved to HB 1985’s companion discussion on cesspool conversion outreach and deadline extensions, where DLNR and DOH supported outreach but DLNR and ocean advocates expressed reservations about extending deadlines, especially for financial hardship, saying that issue would need careful work. The committee also heard testimony on HB 2079, which would reestablish the accessible upgrades inversion or connection income tax credit. The Department of Taxation raised administrative and fraud concerns about refundable credits, explaining that nonrefundable credits reduce tax debt while refundable credits can function like cash payments and require more oversight. DOH, DLNR, OPSD, counties, Hawaii Realtors, and environmental groups supported the bill, with one ocean coalition witness saying tax credits could help homeowners but grants would be preferable. Members asked about the difference between refundable credits and grants and about whether the credit would cover sewer connections versus individual wastewater systems. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 1921, allowing certain priority-three cesspools to add a bedroom, with support from Hawaii Realtors and some other groups and no opposition discussion. HB 2232, preserving state water-quality protections at least as strong as the federal Clean Water Act, drew support from DOH and ocean advocates, with no questions. The committee also began hearing energy-related bills, including HB 1567 on energy equity and HB 1984 on self-certification for distributed energy resources, with a mix of support and some opposition or requested amendments, but no votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, and we'll vote on it at that time. Let's go on now to the next one.
• </c><00:33:54.000><c> on</c> you to vote on you to vote on 137<00:33:55.799><c> we're</c><00:33:55.919
• </c> the handout right or do you want to vote the handout right or do you want to vote on<00:34:00.440
• Should we vote?
• The vote we just took was that on 155 or an amendment to repeal it?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Department of Labor on several House Bill 2 sections. Members discussed raising the annual elevator certificate fee, which had been $50 since at least fiscal year 2014; the commissioner said the Inspection Division generates more revenue than its costs, and members agreed to amend the fee to $75 and later voted unanimously to accept Section 137. The department also explained a proposed change to civil penalty/warning language in Section 139 to align enforcement across labor laws; that section was accepted unanimously. The commissioner then gave a detailed overview of the second injury fund, describing how it is financed by assessments on insurance carriers, how claims are reviewed for reimbursement, and how the fund is intended to reimburse certain workers’ compensation costs. Members questioned whether the program still serves its original purpose, whether it is revenue-neutral, and whether it should be sunset; the department said the fund is a mixed bag for the state and industry, but no sunset language was adopted. Sections 140 and 141 were then accepted unanimously. The committee next heard from the Judicial Council on Sections 125 through 127. The witness said the changes would streamline payment for indigent defense services other than counsel, reduce the number of bills requiring judge review, and expand the council’s ability to contract with providers for services such as translation and evaluations. He also explained a proposed fail-safe allowing the executive director to decline to process questionable invoices and send them to a judge instead. Members generally supported the streamlining, and Sections 125 through 127 were accepted unanimously. Toward the end of the discussion, members asked about the cost impact of changing the misdemeanor/felony threshold from $1,000 to a higher amount. The Judicial Council said felony cases are significantly more expensive than misdemeanors because they involve more hearings, more discovery, and more attorney time, with assigned felony cases costing several times more on average. No action was taken on that question in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Has everyone recorded their vote? Anyone wish to change their vote? Explain their vote.
• Explain wish to change their vote? Explain their<02:01:37.600><c> vote.</c> their vote. their vote.
• Has everyone recorded their vote? Anyone wish to change their vote?
• Has everyone recorded their vote? Anyone wish to change their vote? Explain their vote.
• Has everyone recorded their vote? Anyone wish to change their vote? Explain their vote.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum present and then proceeded through committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports and amendments without objection. Early measures included SB 530, which funds grants for multigenerational social connection programs for older adults; SB 731, clarifying the legal status of the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council; SB 809, directing a feasibility study on a caregiver infrastructure program; SB 860, creating an Aging Resilience Fund with reporting and budget protections; SB 910, requiring insurance reimbursement for services provided by graduate-level clinical interns under supervision; and SB 972, making several Baltimore City alcoholic beverages licensing changes. Each of these bills was advanced to third reading after committee amendments were adopted. The Finance Committee also advanced SB 555, establishing a Dementia Services and Brain Health Program and a provider resource toolkit for dementia care; SB 757, creating a Maryland Local Sourcing Portal to connect businesses with local sources for tariff-impacted goods; SB 772, creating an employment training and opportunity database to help people qualify for or maintain Medicaid and SNAP; SB 792, requiring hospitals to adopt and train staff on immigration-enforcement policies consistent with Attorney General guidance; SB 869, establishing a workforce training pilot program through Commerce and community colleges; SB 905, creating an advanced manufacturing grant program through TEDCO; and SB 974, changing who may serve as inspector for the Caroline County Board of License Commissioners. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or narrowing amendments and then ordered printed for third reading. Budget and Taxation advanced SB 28, which would create binding arbitration for state employee collective bargaining impasses and include a proposed constitutional amendment requiring funding in the Governor’s budget; SB 466, expanding a physician preceptor tax credit and adjusting training-hour requirements; and later SB 704, concerning estate tax treatment for qualified agricultural property transferred to an LLC. SB 557, a gaming-related bill, was laid over until the end of the evening at the majority leader’s request. In the Education, Energy, and the Environment report, the committee advanced SB 35 on a state natural science museum designation, SB 166 on shellfish aquaculture permit sanctions, SB 189 on municipal drainage inlet safety requirements prompted by a child’s death, SB 242 on civil relief for service members and spouses, SB 266 on local regulation of invasive trees and tree-of-heaven, and SB 267 on a corporate rental-property registry and local housing application review process. SB 267 drew a brief question from the minority leader, who asked whether prior opposition remained and how the amended bill differed; the sponsor said the opposition had gone away and described the bill as now focused on a responsible-owner registry and an administrative review process.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill passed with only Republican votes in Congress.
• I don't anticipate that we will get votes from them.
• So, that's a great didn't vote for it."
• This is one of the worst things I've had to vote for.
• That's a devastating vote to take.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate DFL senators discussed the Health and Human Services supplemental budget on the floor, framing it as a response to federal HR 1 and related Trump administration policies that they said shift costs to states, counties, hospitals, and families. Senators Liz Bolden, Lindsey Port, Erin Murphy, Alice Mann, and Rob Kupec argued the bill is needed to backfill cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, stabilize hospitals, and prevent property tax increases and service disruptions. They said the package totals about $700 million, with more than $250 million aimed at hospital support and roughly $300 million to help counties absorb food-support cost shifts. Members described the federal changes as adding red tape and work-reporting requirements that would cause eligible people to lose coverage, with estimates cited of more than 150,000 Minnesotans losing Medicaid and about 62,000 losing individual-market coverage due to higher premiums. They also said counties would face new administrative burdens and hiring needs, and that rural hospitals, safety-net providers, and EMS systems would see more uncompensated care. One senator noted Dakota County could face an additional $11 million next year and property tax increases, while another said Minnesota hospitals could see charity care rise by more than $269 million next year. The discussion also covered specific funding in the bill, including $300 million for hospital stabilization, with $150 million for HCMC, nearly $115 million for other hospital stabilization grants, almost $18 million for community safety-net providers, and $15 million for rural EMS uncompensated care. Senators said these funds are short-term measures, not long-term fixes, and that if the state did nothing, the health care system and SNAP administration could collapse. They said they do not expect Republican support in the Senate and suggested longer-term options could include federal changes after the next election or state-level tax changes on the ultra-wealthy. No vote outcome was stated in the excerpt, but the senators indicated the bill would move forward with DFL support.