Transcript Highlights:

• I am not only just a co-president right now, but I'm also co-chair of jobs and economic development,
• I am not only just a co-president right now, but I'm also co-chair of jobs and economic development,
• </c><00:07:22.479><c> and</c><00:07:22.720><c> economic</c> co-chair of jobs and economic co-chair of
• jobs and economic development<00:07:24.280><c> uh</c><00:07:24.639><c> and</c><00:07:25.160><c> I've
• </c><00:07:47.280><c> and</c> of minnesot minnesotans from a job and of minnesot minnesotans from a job

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're doing a better job now.
• </c> better job now. better job now.
• Speaker. loses their job. And interestingly loses their job.
• </c> Representative Nadau did a very good job Representative Nadau did a very good job why<02:05:37.360
• :54.080><c> months</c><02:33:54.319><c> earlier</c> lost their jobs three months earlier lost their jobs

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> official capacity of their job? official capacity of their job?
• They're going to come do their job.
• They may be going to come do their job.
• </c> but they're going to come do their job. but they're going to come do their job.
• </c> are out there doing a very thankless job are out there doing a very thankless job that<02:36:34.399

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 29, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened after a snow delay, heard an invocation from Reverend Scott Shelton, and conducted several floor introductions and recognitions, including birthday wishes for staff, a welcome for a temporary office staffer, recognition of the Center for Urban Families, and introduction of the week’s pages. The chamber then approved the prior journal and moved through bill and bond initiative readings, referring the listed measures to their standing committees or the capital budget subcommittee. The first substantive action was adoption of a favorable committee report on Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill authorizing the Baltimore City Board of Licensed Commissioners to issue a related event promoters permit for the CIAA tournament. The floor leader said the bill had no amendments, no fiscal impact, and no opposition in committee. The Senate adopted the report without objection and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 from the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which would require the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to adopt a statewide policy on law enforcement face coverings, apply it to state, local, and federal officers in Maryland, and enforce violations through a civil citation and discipline. The committee report included two amendments: one technical and one making the policy statewide and preempting local policies. During extended debate, the bill’s sponsor argued that masks undermine transparency and trust and that the measure would create a uniform standard. A senator from Frederick County questioned whether the bill would effectively create a policy for federal agents without Maryland-specific training and raised concerns about enforcement, temporary detention, complaints, and possible conflicts with federal authority. The sponsor responded that officers would retain discretion, that the bill would be enforced through civil citations, and that similar civil enforcement mechanisms have been upheld in Maryland. No final vote on the amended report is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• organization, making a donation and directing the use of such donation in order to get her friend a job
• So the state not only got a great end product that really helped legislators do their job, but they got
• And as part of that job, what are your basic duties?
• We said they were probably doing a good job.
• So I expressed that they were doing a fine job.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The hearing concerned a Legislative Ethics Board complaint against Representative Tara Simmons in Washington State OAH Docket 401-645. The judge outlined the process, the two issues on appeal—whether Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070, and, if so, what penalty should apply—and admitted a number of exhibits by stipulation or prior ruling, while taking one exhibit under advisement pending an offer of proof. The board also moved to sequester witnesses, which was granted, and the judge deferred ruling on a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after hearing the board staff’s case. Opening statements followed, with staff alleging Simmons used her position to benefit an outside organization and to secure special privileges, and the defense arguing the conduct was lawful, technical in nature, and consistent with prior ethics guidance. Board staff then called Kimberly Gordon, an attorney and founding board member/treasurer of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), as its first witness. Gordon testified that AEJG used data dashboards to make justice-system data more accessible, received state proviso funding sponsored by Simmons, and also received two donations from Simmons—$10,000 and $40,000. She said the first donation was intended to help hire Antoine Coleman, whom Simmons had recommended and who was later identified as Simmons’s romantic partner, and that AEJG returned the $10,000 and declined the $40,000 after concluding there was a potential conflict of interest. Gordon also testified that AEJG believed Simmons’s involvement in the organization and her communications about Coleman created ethical concerns. Gordon further testified about a second proviso intended to expand AEJG’s work into education data and its subcontract with Equity in Education Coalition (EEC). She said EEC did not perform the expected deliverables, prompting repeated communications with the Administrative Office of the Courts and a meeting involving Chris Stanley, where AEJG raised concerns that EEC was not complying and that Simmons had intervened in the dispute. According to Gordon, Stanley ultimately directed the parties to rewrite the subcontract and continue, but AEJG later moved forward largely without EEC’s assistance. The board staff introduced AEJG’s complaint and related timeline exhibits during her testimony. After direct examination, the hearing recessed for lunch, and cross-examination by Simmons’s counsel began when the hearing resumed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vermont does a very good job and will continue to do a good job to conserve our energy.
• </c><00:23:36.280><c> and</c><00:23:36.400><c> will</c> Vermont does a very good job and will Vermont
• conserve</c> continue to do a good job to conserve continue to do a good job to conserve our<00:23:40.056
• If we don't have the data, then how do we know we're doing a good job?
• Um, I support the substitute amendment, and I think it does a good job balancing two things.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if he was representing that this house here was a retail job.
• So the same job, three different ways.
• So the same job, three different ways. So let me ask you this.
• So the same job, three different ways.
• And their job is to protect our rates and our ratepayers.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 267, which would change the membership rules for the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors by adjusting appointment qualifications, term limits, and nomination procedures. Vice Chair Thomas explained the bill was meant to address the lack of nominations from existing entities and to allow the governor more flexibility, especially in smaller districts. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported HB 267 favorably. The committee then considered House Bill 478 on utility overcharge reimbursements. The bill, as amended, requires utilities to clearly label reimbursements on customer bills and sets a deadline for issuing refunds. After discussion with the Public Service Commission and utility representatives, the committee changed the reimbursement timeline from 45 days to 90 days and clarified that the bill would not interfere with larger settlement or regulatory credits. HB 478 was then reported favorably as amended. The longest discussion centered on House Bill 924, a consumer protection measure aimed at contractors who solicit residential property owners after declared disasters. The author said the bill was intended to curb predatory storm-chasing and fraudulent insurance-related practices, while still allowing emergency mitigation work. The committee adopted technical amendments and then a conceptual amendment shortening the catastrophe response period from six months to 30 days. Testimony was split: the Insurance Commissioner and some roofing industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to deter fraud, while other contractors argued it would hurt small businesses, limit legitimate door-to-door work, and not solve enforcement problems. The bill remained under consideration after extensive testimony and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And she's doing a wonderful job, may I add.
• So I'm not taking my job lightly. Sure.
• And that's their job to do it.
• I would say, good job, Missouri.
• Good job of making sure that we don't have kids confined into jails.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 118-1 vote, and a series of special guest introductions, including family members, student groups, a basketball team, University of Missouri undergraduate researchers, and other visitors. The chamber also received Senate messages and committee reports, including recommendations that several House bills and joint resolutions “do pass.” The main floor debate centered on Senate Substitute No. 3 for Senate Bill 888, a broad juvenile justice and sentencing measure that combined juvenile reform with sentencing transparency and other criminal justice provisions. Supporters said it would improve public safety, clarify sentencing, address serious offenses, and add collaboration between prosecutors and juvenile systems. Opponents argued it was an oversized omnibus bill rushed through the process, warned it would increase prison time, expand adult-court involvement in juvenile matters, and could harm children and rehabilitation efforts. Members also debated the fiscal note, with supporters saying the large prison-cost estimate was speculative and opponents calling it evidence of a major new prison expense. After extended debate, the House invoked the previous question and SB 888 was finally passed 97-53. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, a proposal to change Missouri’s tax structure by reducing and potentially eliminating the state income tax and broadening the sales tax base to transactions involving goods and services. Supporters framed it as a modernization effort that would promote growth, increase take-home pay, and send the question to voters. Opponents said it would be the largest sales tax hike in state history, shift the burden onto working families and seniors, and create a large budget hole. After debate, the previous question was adopted 101-49, and the joint resolutions were third read and passed 98-54. The House then moved on to third-reading business, including House Bill 269 on autonomous vehicles, which was introduced as a transportation and economic development measure and then questioned on liability and taxation issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• And because that is a ministerial required duty, so it is essentially what your job performance would
• And because that is a ministerial required duty, so it is essentially what your job performance would
• And because that is a ministerial required duty, so it is essentially what your job performance would
• </c> their job their job as<00:20:17.720><c> they're</c><00:20:17.840><c> supposed</c><00:20:18.240><
• Um somebody who applied for a job card.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You've done a great job, but I appreciate your advocacy.
• And so it's our job as adults to protect them. Thank you very much.
• And as a result, for them to do their job, the legislature must do its job.
• And as a result, for them to do their job, the legislature must do its job.
• And that is their job.

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our job is to get those applied to the record.
• Of course, that would put me out of a job.
• and your officers do their job?
• In terms of technology, what can we invest in to help you do your job and your officers do their job
• That was my job that paid the bills.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our job is to get those applied to the record.
• And they do a fairly good job of making sure that the information is correct.
• Of course, that would put me out of a job.
• In terms of technology, what can we invest in to help you do your job and your officers do their job
• That was my job that paid the bills.

Summary: The joint Senate Public Safety and Transportation hearing focused on DUI, impaired driving, traffic violence, speed management, and how criminal and administrative systems interact. Chairs Jesse Arreguín and Dave Cortese said the hearing was intended to inform upcoming legislation and noted that no bills would be acted on that day. They emphasized the scale of roadway deaths and serious injuries, the need for a holistic Safe System approach, and the importance of hearing from law enforcement, researchers, victims’ advocates, judges, and DMV officials. The first panel reviewed current DUI law and research. Thomas Nozowitz of the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code outlined California’s DUI penalties, including escalating misdemeanor and felony consequences, ignition interlock device requirements, license suspensions, Watson advisories, and homicide-related offenses. Stephanie Doherty of the Office of Traffic Safety described statewide crash trends, the role of alcohol, drugs, speed, and vulnerable road users, and the state’s Safe System and safety corridor efforts. Dr. Julia Griswold of UC Berkeley presented research supporting systemic interventions such as self-explaining roads, safer speed limits, speed safety cameras, ignition interlocks, sobriety checkpoints, and treatment for chronic offenders; she also noted that many DUI fatalities involve first-time offenders and that punitive measures alone have limited effect on high-risk drivers. Members pressed witnesses on ignition interlocks, speed governors, DUI treatment, diversion, and whether current penalties are strong enough. Several senators, including Archuleta and Blakespear, argued for stronger immediate consequences and better use of in-car technology, while witnesses said chronic offenders often need treatment and that some existing programs may be underused or inconsistently effective. The discussion also touched on data gaps, the need to distinguish alcohol- from drug-involved crashes, and the possibility of allowing diversion for some first-time DUI cases while preserving consequences for repeat offenses. The second panel addressed DMV and court processes. DMV Director Steve Gordon said the department handles mandatory, court-ordered, and administrative actions, and that recent process changes have reduced DMV hearing delays from roughly 170 days to under 70 days in many cases. Judge Lisa Rodriguez explained that county-by-county court practices, case filing delays, sentencing timelines, and paper or mixed electronic systems can slow reporting to DMV, especially for misdemeanors and felonies. She said courts are reviewing reporting requirements, training, and case-management coding to improve transmission of DUI orders, while DMV said it is open to simplification and better coordination but is constrained by aging systems and the motor vehicle account’s financial limits. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been on the job for 15 months.
• </c> I have been on the job for 15 months. I have been on the job for 15 months.
• This is providing to secure these jobs.
• So, if it was up to me, I would eliminate your agency and you people could go find an honest job.
• This committee has done a good job bringing all the different voices forward.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got to get this thing to fix this little hiccup, and we'll produce jobs.
• Our job in Missouri is to say what the law ought to be. I argue the law...
• Our job in Missouri is to say what the law ought to be.
• He's doing a good job there. The bill handler had done an outstanding job.
• He's doing a good job there.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:43:18.079><c> Good</c><00:43:18.319><c> job.</c> &gt;&gt; Thank you. Thank you. Good job.
• Good job.
• I would ask for a no on Senate Bill 16. sponsors did a good job in regards to sponsors did a good job
• And truly that is what this job<01:24:26.159><c> is.
• that it's not like a normal job.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to give a quick summary, last year we did the economic revitalization zone, Coös County job creation
• Our job is to look at where the money's going and whether or not these work.
• </c> hands-on opportunities um at their job hands-on opportunities um at their job sites.<00:31:24.720
• Part of my job is business recruitment and retention.
• Part of my job is manager over at BEA.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met to review tax expenditures, elect a chair and clerk, and hear updates on two credits due for periodic review: the career and technical education (CTE) center tax credit and the research and development (R&D) tax credit. Members first organized the meeting, then heard from Jennifer Ramsey of DRA, who explained the purpose of the tax expenditure review process and summarized the CTE and R&D credits. She said the CTE credit allows donations to CTE centers for a credit against business profits tax, is capped at 25% of a taxpayer’s liability, has a $500,000 aggregate limit, and was extended in SB 98 to fiscal year 2031. She also noted DRA could not provide detailed financial data because of statistical disclosure limits when too few taxpayers claim the credit. Committee members pressed for more historical and aggregate information, arguing they needed numbers to judge whether the credit is effective and worth continuing. The committee then heard from Chrissy Vanderhook of the Department of Education on the CTE credit. She described New Hampshire’s CTE system as serving 26 secondary centers and seven post-secondary centers, with industry partners providing internships, work-based learning, equipment, employee time, and other in-kind support that can qualify for the credit. She said the department reports annually to legislative leaders and that fiscal year 2025 credit activity was down about 48% from FY24, partly due to staffing changes and outreach issues. Members asked whether the program extends to community college-level programs, and she said it can, though she was not sure how broadly it is used that way. The committee also discussed a new Granite Patron of the Arts credit, which DRA said went into effect July 1 and is included in the tax expenditure report even though it is not yet listed in the statute. For the R&D credit, Ramsey explained that it offsets business profits tax and can carry forward to business enterprise tax, is based on incremental research spending, and currently has a $7 million annual aggregate cap. She said the cap has not yet been reached but could require proration as early as fiscal year 2026 if not increased. She noted there were 271 taxpayers claiming the credit in fiscal 2024 and that a proposal last session to raise the cap to $10 million and increase the per-company limit did not advance. Mark Liberty of BEA said the credit is an important recruitment and retention tool, especially for life sciences, aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing, but acknowledged BEA does not track direct revenue return. Andrea Hchvaria of New Hampshire Life Sciences argued the R&D credit is critical for startups and cited growth in applicants from 71 in 2008 to 248 in 2024, with qualified wages rising substantially over that period. Committee members repeatedly asked for more objective economic-impact data, but DRA said it only tracks who claimed the credit and the amount claimed, not broader business outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• We leveraged immigration to drive targeted investments designed to create jobs for U.S. workers.
• </c><00:20:57.840><c> for</c> investments designed to create jobs for investments designed to create
• jobs for US<00:20:58.480><c> workers.
• </c><00:23:18.799><c> for</c> creating jobs for creating jobs for motans.<00:23:20.799><c> I</c><00:23
• And they are applying because they believed us. job in Minnesota of telling our fosters job in Minnesota

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a number of provisions in the tax bill that promote economic development and will create jobs
• uh another uh important area also jobs uh another uh important area also addresses<00:04:08.400><c>
• So it's more than just jobs; it's creating, uh, just the way R&D works.
• And what it does is... terms of jobs but it's a lot more than terms of jobs but it's a lot more than
• </c><00:09:42.399><c> it's</c> so it's more than just jobs it's so it's more than just jobs it's creating

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh you've done a great job here today.
• And our job as this committee, and I'll commend Mr.
• </c><01:28:21.360><c> and</c><01:28:21.520><c> I'll</c> our job as this committee and I'll our job as
• It supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs to the tune of about $2 billion and almost 25,000 jobs
• ,</c><01:45:00.000><c> the</c> just outlined, including the jobs, the just outlined, including the jobs

Committee: Joint Agriculture

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20 Approval of June 4, 2026 Minutes 00:03:09 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Medical Cannabis 00:03:38 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Bourbon 01:41:03, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These jobs, and, you know, as I said, become good citizens.
• </c> for for college spots compete in the job for for college spots compete in the job market<00:24:30.679
• So the value of this is that every student, whether the school does a good job or a poor job with classes
• > the school does a good job or a poor job the school does a good job or a poor job with<04:06:21.159
• That’s your job, is to look into it.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on HB 366, which would increase school building aid for eligible projects. Representative Cahill, the prime sponsor, said the bill would raise the annual minimum from $50 million to $60 million and help address a long backlog of school construction and renovation needs after years of a moratorium on applications. He argued that districts forced to build during the moratorium were left to shoulder costs through local property taxes, and he cited examples such as Londonderry, Claremont, and other communities with aging or inadequate facilities. He also said the current aid structure, including paying 80% upfront and 20% at completion, concentrates too much spending at once and limits how many projects can be funded. Several committee members asked about the fairness and structure of the program. Representative Maguire questioned whether aid should be distributed more broadly to all districts rather than only a few selected projects, and Representative Luneau noted that the committee would also be considering related bills on catastrophic aid, special education aid, and the school foundation formula. Cahill responded that building aid has historically been targeted to property-poor communities and that the state should be a reliable partner in school construction. He also said the bill includes a small retroactive component for communities that built during the moratorium, which he described as a compromise. Testimony in support came from Representative Cluder, who described Claremont’s Stevens High School project as a case where a bond issue narrowly failed and the city later had to fund renovations without state aid, contributing to high property taxes. He said the bill would help property-poor communities and urged passage. Tony Weinstein of New Market also supported the bill, saying his community had serious facility and safety needs, had moved forward with scaled-back renovations during the moratorium, and still faced debt-service burdens without state participation. Robert Thompson, superintendent in Hampstead, testified that his district needs an addition for overcrowding, safety, and special education space, and said building aid would help reduce out-of-district placements and transportation costs. No vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• They come in at all hours and go out at all hours, and it's, um, but I like that part of the job where
• all</c><00:09:55.080><c> do</c><00:09:55.240><c> a</c><00:09:55.320><c> great</c><00:09:55.560><c> job
• <00:09:56.600><c> You're</c><00:09:56.760><c> worth</c><00:09:57.320><c> far</c> You all do a great job
• You're worth far You all do a great job.
• for us and and you're you do a great job for us and we<00:10:11.800><c> appreciate</c><00:10:12.400>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission met on June 9, 2026, with a quorum present and first elected David Nicholas as chair and Mike Soles as vice chair by acclamation. The commission then approved the prior meeting minutes and received staff reports, including March and April financial reports showing the office remained within budget. Staff also reported that the April filing cycle for employers and lobbyists had been completed and that the next reporting period would open September 1 and be due September 15. The commission approved a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for staff for fiscal years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, consistent with the state budget. Staff also updated members on office space: the current lease, in place since 1995, is being extended for six months at the current rate while the office evaluates whether to renew or move to a larger space. Members discussed the need for a better work environment and a small conference room, and staff said they would keep the commission updated as the process develops. The commission then considered its annual recommended legislative changes to the LRC. Staff explained that the first three items were the same as last year’s recommendations and the fourth corrected a drafting issue where a confirming amendment had been missed. Members discussed the timing and usefulness of the recommendations, including a brief joke about hiring lobbyists, and then approved all four items for recommendation. Finally, the commission voted to enter executive session to discuss confidential complaints and, if necessary, informal opinions.