Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the bill is not really geared toward punishment as much as it is deterrent. I know.
• You know, the bill is not really geared toward punishment as much as it is deterrent. I know.
• It’s certainly probably a deterrent for the embarrassment and having to do it.
• But it's definitely, we're showing we have no regard for whether this is a deterrent anymore.
• We're showing we have no regard whether this is a deterrent anymore.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It may indicate that there's a deterrent effect of the new prepayment review process, but it might also
• ><00:26:44.400> that<00:26:44.480> there's<00:26:44.720> a<00:26:44.880> deterrent
• It may indicate that there's a deterrent It may indicate that there's a deterrent effect<00:26:45.760
• There might it might be driven by a deterrent effect, knowing that this review is happening, but also
• might it might be driven by a deterrent might it might be driven by a deterrent effect<00:44:12.319

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget officials presented the February 2026 budget and economic forecast, saying the state remains in a strong financial position but faces continued structural imbalance and significant uncertainty. Commissioner Aaron Campbell said the FY 2026-27 balance is now projected at more than $3.7 billion, up about $1.3 billion from November, and the FY 2028-29 planning period is projected to end with a $377 million positive balance. He emphasized that the improvement comes largely from higher projected revenues, especially individual income and corporate franchise taxes, but warned that the state is increasingly reliant on more volatile sources such as capital gains, interest income, and corporate profits. State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker said the national outlook improved slightly, with stronger projected GDP, consumer spending, and investment, but weaker payroll growth and ongoing trade-policy uncertainty. He noted that the forecast was complicated by missing federal data because of the federal shutdown, and that tariffs, immigration policy, equity markets, and possible AI-related shifts all present risks. Revenue projections were raised for the current biennium, including individual income tax receipts, sales tax revenue, corporate franchise tax revenue, and other revenues, while Becker stressed that federal funding threats, especially involving Medicaid and other entitlement programs, could materially alter the outlook. State Budget Director Anna Mingi said general fund spending in the current biennium is projected to be $68 million lower than previously estimated, but planning-year spending is up $152 million. The biggest spending changes came from education, where special education costs rose sharply after updated local spending data, and from human services, where a new prepayment review process for certain Medicaid benefits reduced projected spending by $133 million this biennium and $105 million in the next. She also said discretionary inflation is now estimated at $1.04 billion, up $104 million from November. Campbell closed by saying the state’s reserve remains at a record $3.8 billion and that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy help protect against downturns. He cautioned, however, that the long-term structural imbalance remains about $3.4 billion in the planning years, or $2.3 billion excluding discretionary inflation, and urged policymakers to offset any new spending with reductions. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session on the forecast.

Transcript Highlights:

• So enforcement and deterrence are best accomplished... ...by involving the California agency that is
• So enforcement and deterrence are best to account. who would seek to violate the law.
• I think deterrence is also critical here.
• And compliance is going to be improved through enforcement and deterrence, I think, with a state agency
• that everyone knows is well equipped... ...and deterrence, I think, with a state agency that everyone

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard a long agenda of housing-related bills, beginning with AB 518 on low-impact camping areas. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting for small rural camping operations on private land, expand outdoor access, and support rural economies, while opponents from campground associations and counties warned it could undermine existing regulation, create enforcement problems, and allow advertising of unpermitted sites. Members raised concerns about fire safety and local control, but the bill was ultimately passed as amended on an 8-0 vote. The committee then approved AB 635, which would require HCD to refer up to 25 of the most serious mobile home residency law complaints to the Attorney General. Supporters said mobile home residents need stronger enforcement against egregious park-owner violations, while opponents argued the existing program is underused, costly, and should remain subject to a sunset. After discussion of the program’s surplus and enforcement role, the bill passed 9-1. AB 893, which expands ministerial approval for mixed-income housing near college campuses and broadens eligibility for affordable units to students, faculty, and staff, also drew strong support from student advocates and housing groups and respectful opposition from the League of California Cities over local control and height limits; it passed 10-0. AB 925, the Mobile Home Emergency Safety Act, would require stronger emergency preparedness measures in mobile home parks, including accessible exits, working fire hydrants, and gas shutoff access, with a fee increase to fund enforcement. Supporters framed it as a life-safety measure in disaster-prone areas, while opponents argued the bill duplicates existing requirements and imposes an unnecessary fee increase. The committee voted 6-1 to send it to Appropriations, with the bill left on call. The consent calendar, including several other housing and local government bills, was approved 8-0. The committee also heard AB 712, which would increase penalties and attorney-fee protections for applicants enforcing state housing laws against public agencies; supporters said it would improve compliance, while special districts opposed the bill as overly broad and unclear. Members discussed indemnification and timing issues, and the bill was advanced with amendments to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we need some kind of deterrence, and we're hoping to change these definitions will allow that
• deterrence by the fact that these charges will stick.
• c> we're<00:36:04.119> hoping<00:36:04.319> to<00:36:04.480> change of deterrence
• and we're hoping to change of deterrence and we're hoping to change these<00:36:05.079> definitions
• by the fact that these deterrence by the fact that these charges<00:36:09.520> will<00:36:09.720

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on three fireworks-related bills. On SB 1226, which would create a shipping container inspection program and require Department of Law Enforcement reporting, the Department of Law Enforcement supported the measure, while the Attorney General recommended deleting references to explosives to avoid a single-subject constitutional issue and noted possible federal limits on military involvement. Harbor users raised concerns about logistics, delays, and cost, and HPD supported the bill; members also discussed how inspections would work and whether DLE would coordinate with county and federal partners. No vote was taken during the testimony portion. On SB 32, which would sharply restrict consumer fireworks by requiring permits for cultural use, repealing the general holiday exceptions, and imposing a $25 permit fee, the State Fire Council supported the bill as a public safety measure but said it was willing to work on problematic language. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill’s use of “culture” could create constitutional and discrimination problems because permit decisions would effectively define culture. Fireworks retailers and other opponents said the bill would push consumers toward illegal fireworks and hurt lawful sales, while supporters said it would reduce injuries, fires, and respiratory harm. Members questioned whether the permit fee was new, whether the bill would affect commercial display companies, and whether permit caps should be added. On SB 1324, which expands fireworks offenses, increases penalties for injuries or death, creates new criminal offenses and an infraction adjudication system, and appropriates funds, the Attorney General strongly supported the bill and said it would give law enforcement and prosecutors better tools, while DLE said the current weight-based definitions make prosecutions difficult and labor-intensive. DLE also said disposal of seized fireworks is expensive and hazardous, and suggested violators should bear more of that cost. HPD and the Maui County prosecutor supported the bill, but some opponents argued it would overcriminalize conduct and create constitutional issues; a commercial pyrotechnics company asked for amendments to preserve lawful display work. Members asked about the appropriation, enforcement challenges, and whether existing exceptions would still allow commercial shows. The hearing ended with no final decision reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Generally, a deterrent.
• So you want this deterrent piece. >> So, Mr.
• >> Generally, a deterrent.
• So you want this deterrent piece. >> So, Mr.
• So you want this deterrent<00:48:02.000> piece. deterrent piece. deterrent piece.

Bills: SF0087, SF0088, SF0092

Keywords: felony, law enforcement, police officer, criminal penalties, public safety, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, false claims, civil penalties, state accountability, whistleblower protection, fraud prevention, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, maybe there's more deterrent than, well, I can at least get into the interlock system and it won't
• Um, maybe there's more deterrent than, well, I can at least get into the interlock system and it won't
• factor from doing it in the deterrence factor from doing it in the first<00:26:20.240> place.
• Um, maybe<00:26:38.640> there's<00:26:38.960> more<00:26:39.279> deterrent<00:26
• more deterrent than, well, I<00:26:41.200> can<00:26:41.279> at<00:26:41.360> least

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, such measures promote fairness, deterrence, and consistency by providing appropriate protections
• <00:05:24.000> fairness, such measures promote fairness, such measures promote fairness, deterrence
• > and<00:05:25.520> consist<00:05:26.080> consistency<00:05:26.880> by deterrence
• and consist consistency by deterrence and consist consistency by providing<00:05:27.600> appropriate

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• um, we are here today, a bipartisan, bicameral bill and effort around bringing forward a strong deterrent
• We need to create a much stronger deterrent for the thievery of taxpayers' money in our state.
• We need to create a much stronger deterrent<00:04:44.600> for<00:04:44.760> the<00:04:44.880
• > thievery<00:04:45.440> of<00:04:45.600> taxpayers' deterrent for the thievery
• of taxpayers' deterrent for the thievery of taxpayers' money<00:04:46.600> in<00:04:46.720>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Senator Steve Drazkowski and Representative Anderson held a press event promoting the bipartisan, bicameral “Take It Back Act,” a bill aimed at recovering taxpayer money lost to government fraud. They cited major Minnesota fraud cases, including medical assistance fraud, CCAP, and Feeding Our Future, and argued that the state has become a destination for fraud. They said the bill would impose a 100% tax or excise tax on money obtained through fraud, with proceeds deposited into a tax relief fund for income and property tax relief. The sponsors said the measure is intended to create a stronger deterrent and to recover money even when criminal restitution or prosecutions do not fully recoup losses. They discussed examples of unrecovered funds, said the Department of Revenue could use criminal findings, data analytics, and IRS-sharing data to identify fraud, and noted that the bill includes an appeal process through tax court. They also said the current draft focuses on convicted fraudsters and people or organizations determined by the commissioner to have obtained money by fraud, while trying to avoid sweeping in innocent employees or others who were unaware of wrongdoing. Anderson said the bill already has significant bipartisan support, including 11 House Democrats and Senator Rest, and that the House Tax Committee hearing is scheduled for April 30. He said the sponsors are working with the Department of Revenue on implementation and may revise the bill to make administration easier. The sponsors said they hope to move the bill through the House and Senate this session, and they closed by encouraging the press to review the fraud website they referenced, mnfraudfiles.com.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nuclear deterrent.
• special place in my heart, not just as an economic driver for northern New Mexico... for nuclear deterrence
• The Defense Science Board was a national board that discussed our nuclear deterrence and helped us recapitalize
• our nuclear deterrence, which is near and dear to my heart as a retired Air Force officer. retired Air
• continue to do great things for our number one priority in the Department of Defense, our nuclear deterrence

Transcript Highlights:

• Navy maintain its maritime warfighting and strategic deterrence capabilities.
• Navy maintain its maritime warfighting and strategic deterrence capabilities for another 250 years.
• So our mission is extending the reach for deterrence, as well as airlift reach all around the world to
• So our mission is extending the reach for deterrence, as well as airlift reach all around the world to
• So our wing priorities: Number one priority is our nuclear deterrence, our number one mission in the

Summary: The committee heard updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Navy Region Northwest, Fairchild Air Force Base, the Coast Guard, state licensing agencies, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Washington National Guard, and a veterans behavioral health presenter. Across the military briefings, common themes were readiness, infrastructure, and quality-of-life issues for service members and families, especially child care, housing, food insecurity, medical and dental access, and military spouse employment. JBLM highlighted its role in Indo-Pacific readiness, ongoing PFAS cleanup, 212 new family housing units under construction, efforts to expand child care, and continued work to keep the Lewis Army Museum open. Navy Region Northwest discussed its major installations and economic impact, the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan, future carrier and submarine homeporting needs, and asked the legislature to continue support for licensure compacts, educational stability for military children, housing, and medical access. Fairchild emphasized its tanker and survival missions, child care shortages, food insecurity, aging housing, and concerns about wind turbine development near flight paths, while the Coast Guard focused on rebuilding Base Seattle for new icebreakers and on rural access to housing, medical care, and child care at dispersed stations like Neah Bay. Members repeatedly raised food insecurity and asked for follow-up on solutions. JBLM and Fairchild both described increased demand for food assistance during the shutdown, and committee members noted progress in getting mobile food vans onto JBLM. The presenters also praised state action on military spouse licensure and child care, including Senate Bill 5545 and related compact and portability efforts. The Department of Licensing reported about 9,000 self-identified military members or spouses licensed, with average time-to-license just under nine days, and said applications are prioritized when military status is self-identified. The Department of Health said its military-to-civilian crosswalk now covers more than 35 health professions, that temporary practice permits and expedited processing are in place, and that 1,300 credentials were issued to military spouses and domestic partners and 129 to military-trained health professionals in the last fiscal year, all within 30 days. The Professional Educator Standards Board explained that military spouses and service members can receive expedited teacher certification with reduced documentation, and that they are moved to the front of the review queue when they self-identify. Members asked about verification, and staff said the process relies on attestation with investigatory safeguards if needed. The Washington National Guard briefed on its dual state and federal mission, the impact of the recent shutdown on nearly 700 employees who worked without pay, and policy and budget requests including youth academy protections, alignment of the Washington Code of Military Justice with the UCMJ, making Civil Air Patrol a division of the Military Department, 911 funding, disaster assistance, and capital funding for headquarters and readiness facilities. The Guard also warned about drone threats and said it wants authority to identify, track, and monitor suspicious drones. A veterans behavioral health presenter, an Army combat veteran and clinical social worker, described high suicide risk, barriers to care, and the need for more culturally competent services, especially for women veterans and caregivers. He said Washington veterans’ suicide rate remains above the national average and emphasized that childcare, transportation, and provider shortages can prevent timely treatment. Members generally responded supportively throughout, asked for follow-up on food security and other issues, and encouraged agencies to bring forward legislative ideas for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's start at the deterrent. The tool it needs. Enforcement. Okay, let's start there.
• What data do you have to suggest that this bill will actually be a sufficient deterrent?
• What data do you have to suggest that making this a mandatory minimum will be a deterrent?
• And this will be a deterrent to him behaving in ways that he shouldn't.
• That's obviously not a sufficient deterrent.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Do they know how can this be a deterrent >> Do they know how can this be a deterrent
• I do believe that it is a deterrent and a good tool for everybody.
• So, as it stands today, is it not a deterrent?
• >> is it not a deterrent? Is it not >> is it not a deterrent?
• But I think be a significant deterrent.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about ensuring accountability and deterrence.
• It's about ensuring accountability and deterrence.
• So, it's a deterrent effect, something that's a deterrent effect. Hopefully, it'll never happen.
• So, it's it's a deterrent effect again.
• :30.880> a<00:40:31.040> deterrent with something that's a deterrent with something that's

Keywords: Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15 Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14 Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all

Summary: The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf. Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• H.B. 1871 focuses on this threat and will provide a stronger deterrent to those willing to take the lives
• H.B. 1871 focuses on this threat and will provide a stronger deterrent to those willing to take the lives
• It serves as a necessary deterrent against violent acts toward our law enforcement.

Summary: The Subcommittee on New Offenses and Changed Penalties met with a quorum present and first handled witness-registration corrections for House Bill 2461, changing one witness from support to neutral and deleting another registration; HB 2461 was left pending. The subcommittee then heard House Bill 3507, which would create a tiered penalty structure for repeat theft offenders by increasing penalties for those with five or more prior theft convictions. Representative Wharton and Walker County District Attorney Will Durham testified in support, arguing current law treats chronic shoplifters the same regardless of how many prior convictions they have. No opposition was presented, and HB 3507 was left pending. The committee next heard House Bill 1871, which would increase penalties for attempted capital murder of a peace officer, raise the minimum sentence to 25 years, and deny parole and mandatory supervision for those convicted. Representative Dyson, Brazos County District Attorney Jarvis Parsons, Lieutenant Ed Ramirez, and Chief Deputy Constable Calder Lively testified in support, describing attacks on officers and arguing the bill would provide stronger deterrence and truth in sentencing. No questions or opposition were recorded, and HB 1871 was left pending. House Bill 4911 followed, updating child exploitation laws to address AI-generated and deepfake child sexual abuse material by expanding definitions and criminalizing knowing possession or viewing of fake or computer-generated images depicting minors. Representative Fairly and Harris County DA’s Office division chief Steven Driver supported the bill, saying technology had outpaced existing law and that the measure would help protect children. A committee member raised concerns about broad affirmative defenses in the bill, and Representative Fairly said the office would work on an amendment. HB 4911 was left pending. Finally, on HB 795, Representative Bowers moved that the subcommittee report completion of deliberations and recommend the bill for full committee consideration; the motion passed 3-2, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think it's a major deterrent to development when you decide you're going to develop that piece
• /c><00:09:30.560> it's<00:09:30.720> a<00:09:31.000> major<00:09:31.360> deterrent
• <00:09:32.079> to don't think it's a major deterrent to don't think it's a major deterrent

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• grant program, also known bird deterrent grant program, also known as<00:59:51.200> you<00:59
• Producers implement real-world deterrent strategies that reduce risk at the farm level.
• Again, the bird deterrent example is one that she wanted me to convey to you.
• Again, the bird deterrent systems.
• <01:04:21.200> funding support of the bird deterrent funding support of the bird deterrent

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we need deterrence.
• :07:36.880> a<00:07:37.120> drug<00:07:37.360> dealer, deterrence.
• So if you're a drug dealer, deterrence.
• minimums do not provide a deterrence. minimums do not provide a deterrence.
• Um, so hasn't served as that deterrent.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• mess for them uh there is no deterrent mess for them uh there is no deterrent for<00:10:33.440><
• So as far as the deterrence, I think they're very important.
• So as far as the deterrence, I think they're very important.
• So as far as the deterrence, I think they're very important.
• So as far as the deterrence, I think they're very important.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, this is meant to be a deterrent.
• So, it's a layer of deterrence for those who have bad intentions to do business in our state.
• This is meant to be a deterrent.
• Yes, this is meant to be a deterrent.
• <04:02:14.960> The this is meant to be a deterrent. The this is meant to be a deterrent.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 297 and a new amendment, 2462, which combined the original Senate bill with the Carson amendment and added a proposed alternative regulatory system, RSA 420R. The chair and members discussed that the amendment was intended to give the Senate what it had asked for while also creating a dual system for public entity risk pools. Members asked whether the new structure would affect ownership or governance of health trusts, and the chair explained that 420R would be a separate regulatory statute while existing 420J-style arrangements could remain in place. The committee also noted that a paragraph had been accidentally deleted from the amendment and that another amendment would be prepared to correct it, with the subcommittee recessed while that was done. Public testimony focused on School Care, represented by Executive Director Lisa Ducette, who opposed the shift to Department of Insurance oversight under 420R. She argued that public entity risk pools are not insurance companies, that they are accountable to member entities and taxpayers, and that the proposed dual regulation would add unnecessary costs through examinations, higher reserves, and additional accounting requirements. She said the change could threaten tax-exempt status and create an uneven playing field, and she urged the committee to support SB 297 with the Carson amendment instead of moving to 420R. Committee members questioned whether the amendment would actually affect pools that stayed under the Secretary of State model, and one member cited support from the New Hampshire Municipal Association for the dual system. The discussion then shifted to amendment 245 on ambulance reimbursement and contracting timelines. Members reviewed a provision giving insurers 45 days and ambulance providers 60 days in the contracting process, and one member suggested making both periods 60 days. The chair and others said the current language was intentional and part of a broader compromise aimed at ending balance billing and forcing insurers to establish reimbursement rates. Members noted that the measure was unusual and that its effects would be reviewed over the next two years, with one member saying the bill would likely be difficult to roll back later. No final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think what you have to understand is the 1970s: we had a great deterrent for mainland buyers.
• It was a deterrent.
• <00:32:29.799> had<00:32:29.919> a<00:32:30.120> great<00:32:30.399> deterrent
• <00:32:31.279> for 1970s we had a great deterrent for 1970s we had a great deterrent for Mainland
• so you can't compare 70 to deterrent so you can't compare 70 to today<00:33:08.080> and<00:33

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most witnesses supporting bills aimed at expanding affordable housing tools and financing. SB 1169, creating a Community Land Trust Equity pilot program, drew support from HHFDC and Nahal UI, which said revolving funds would help community land trusts build permanently affordable housing more efficiently. SB 1200, establishing a workforce housing regulatory sandbox within HHFDC, also received support from HHFDC and others, though HHFDC noted concerns about whether the measure could be read to preempt county permitting and zoning powers. SB 511, which would require county legislative bodies rather than HHFDC to approve certain housing project exemptions, prompted HHFDC to suggest revised language and a possible processing deadline for applications; the discussion focused on avoiding indefinite delays and clarifying county and state roles. SB 1283, creating an emergency home loan assistance revolving fund, was introduced with comments from the Department of Budget and Finance and HHFDC. SB 612, on rent-to-build equity agreements for exempt housing projects, drew support and questions about how many affected projects are rentals versus for-sale units. SB 944, extending and expanding low-income housing tax credit provisions, received support from Sugar Creek Capital, Hawaii Housing, and the Chamber of Commerce, while the Tax Foundation raised a technical concern about inconsistent use of the term “taxpayer.” HPHA-supported bills SB 1413 and SB 1412 were also heard, along with SB 1632, which would direct DBEDT to develop a comprehensive action plan for a local housing market; testimony on that measure was strongly supportive but included calls to examine constitutional and legal issues and broader market-structure concerns. The committee also began discussion of SB 1033 and noted it was closely related to SB 1131, with the chair indicating an inclination to move only one of the two similar tax proposals forward.