Transcript Highlights:

• Today, more than a century later, UTMB students are the next generation of healthcare workers and scientists
• revenues is paid through property taxes, more and more of that burden is placed on average, everyday workers
• HB 4251 by Reynolds, relating to the protection for certain essential workers and health care practitioners
• HB 4261 by Ward, relating to the licensing of certain social workers and imposing a fee, for the Committee
• Davis of Dallas relating to allowing a dual credit course to be offered through remote instruction under

Bills: HJR4, HJR6, HB195, HB 13, HB143, HB135

Keywords: occupation tax, securities, financial regulation, tax exemption, legislative amendment, capital gains tax, realized gains, unrealized gains, investment income, asset sale, capital assets, wealth tax, estate tax, trust tax, tax limitation, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, property tax, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• It's really typically designed for remote, isolated industrial applications, mission-critical infrastructure
• While these issues are remote in time, it is best to discuss the solution before it becomes a problem
• While these issues are remote in time, it is best to discuss the solution before it becomes a problem
• verbally, coming out of, like, for example, Alaska and I think northern Canada, is because of the remoteness
• But it also has left this legacy of workers dead and... ...of workers dead and sick.

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• and also the added $1 million provided for public health priorities, including obesity management, remote
• including um public health priorities including obesity<00:32:22.799> management,<00:32:23.360> remote
• <00:32:23.679> patient obesity management, remote patient obesity management, remote patient
• House Bill 1922, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist Examiner.
• House Bill 1922, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist Examiner.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 12 March, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee began by noting the plan to suspend the rules later that afternoon so several measures could be taken up on the floor, including bills that may be on final passage or contain reverse repealers. Members were reminded to clearly identify which bills were final passage measures so the chamber would know it might be the last opportunity to vote on them. The committee then moved through a series of appropriations bills. In the education and judicial budgets, Senator DeBar explained House Bills 1928, 1933, 1935, 1936, and 1937, covering the legislative operations budget, DFA buildings reappropriations, K-12 education, MPB, and the library commission. He described increases for teacher pay, special education supplements, testing contracts, ELC coaches, financial literacy, ESA funding, and other adjustments, along with reductions in some areas and a decline in student enrollment affecting the funding formula. The bills were adopted by title sufficient, do pass, with strike-all motions where applicable. Senator Wiggins presented House Bills 1924, 1926, 1927, 1930, and 1931, covering the Attorney General, Capital Postconviction Council, district attorneys and staff, the Office of State Public Defender, and the Supreme Court/AOC budget. He highlighted salary increases for agency attorneys, human trafficking funding, new district attorney positions from judicial redistricting, public defender support for family defenders and the rural legal services pilot, and major court-system items such as judicial salary increases, youth court intake, CCID courts, and the MyCIDS replacement system. Questions focused on the meaning of personal services, vacancy funding, and possible use of opioid settlement funds for AOC; the committee was told those issues could be handled through the reverse repealer or other vehicles. The bills were advanced, with the committee noting which ones contained reverse repealers and which were final action. Subcommittee 5 and 6 then handled human services, health, licensing, and transportation-related measures. House Bills 1906, 1909, 1912, and 1921 covered Child Protective Services, Human Services, Medicaid, and Rehabilitation Services, with explanations for new attorney positions, salary and vacancy funding, SNAP administration, Medicaid agency funding, and restoring positions in rehab services. House Bill 1908 for the Department of Health added money for Jackson water litigation and public health priorities such as obesity management, remote monitoring, cancer screenings, and maternal-infant health. House Bills 1913, 1914, 1915, 1917, and 1918 were taken up together for licensing boards, with most changes described as cloud services, PIN restoration, or vacancy funding; only the Board of Medical Licensure bill had a reverse repealer. Finally, Senator Thompson handled special fund and transportation bills, including the Port Authority, waterway and river districts, Yellow Creek, and MDOT. He noted overtime concerns at the Port Authority, special-fund increases for contractual services and capital improvements at the water districts, and MDOT increases for salaries, commodities, equipment, and the three-year highway plan. Senator Wiggins raised a question about utility relocation costs in transportation projects, saying some municipalities were being told to pay those costs themselves; Senator Thompson said he would follow up with MDOT.

Transcript Highlights:

• I AM ALSO A SOCIAL WORKER. I RECEIVED MY MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK FROM FSU.
• IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A BALANCE BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND I LOVE THAT YOU SAID YOU ARE A SOCIAL WORKER
• PUBLIC AND DOORS FROM BEHIND THAT ARE ACCESSED BY THE JUDGES AND THERE WAS NOT THE PRESENT ABILITY TO REMOTELY

Transcript Highlights:

• So in FY26, we will continue The doors for early-career disabled workers.
• We represent 5,000 workers at the community colleges.
• I am a licensed independent clinical social worker.
• We even educate landlords, social workers, and real estate agencies.
• We heard from a lot of workers and families today, and we know that workers who are keeping our economy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• organizations that would qualify, which from my perspective, if you consider the number of local workers
• Noi, members of the committee, Kakon Kimal, United Public Workers.
• Hawaii already has local professionals, including accountants and specialists that work remotely all
• that we can do remotely, and we have<03:03:08.960> very<03:03:09.200> few<03:03:09.439
• ,<03:03:42.800> the while hiring few local workers, the while hiring few local workers, the

Bills: HB1977, HB1764, HB1934, HB2533, HB1790, HB2181, HB1870, HB2140, HB2468, HB2358, HB1588, HB1688, HB1986, HB2030, HB2195, HB1949, HB1695, HB1950, HB2094, HB2115, HB2297, HB2336, HB2416, HB2049

Keywords: maternal health, infant health, mobile application, Medicaid, healthcare access, state programs, music education, public concerts, Hawaii State Library, cultural collaboration, music accessibility, libraries, education, reading programs, early childhood, nonprofit, community engagement, teacher retention, Hawaiian language education, special needs schools

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. >> Raric. >> Okay, they're ready for
• But in my community, two workers while they were on the job at Target, two young men, two young workers
• Target, two young men, two young workers were violently assaulted by ICE agents.
• The workers were backing away.
• The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's frustrating for workers. It's time-consuming for workers.
• It does in place for our county workers.
• I'm sure you've heard stories from the workers.
• I'm sure you've heard stories from the workers.
• I'm sure heard stories from the workers.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 334, a bill to modernize Minnesota’s county-administered human services technology systems, including those used for Medicaid, SNAP, and related programs. The author described the current systems as outdated “green screen” platforms from the late 1980s and early 1990s that are cumbersome for county workers, slow service delivery, and make it harder to retain staff. The bill would create an integration layer over legacy systems, establish a long-term technology modernization fund with about $90 million in spending over time and a $50 million cap, and place MNIT in charge of holding and disbursing funds. It also creates governance structures, including an interagency group with county representation and a legislative working group, and includes a $15 million fund for the Office of the Inspector General’s technology needs. Several members spoke in strong support, emphasizing that modernization would improve efficiency, help counties serve residents better, and strengthen fraud detection and data sharing. Representatives from Winona, Washington, Olmsted, Stearns, Hennepin, and others cited local experiences with hacked county systems, obsolete software, and the difficulty of recruiting workers to outdated systems. One member urged that the effort be made enterprise-wide and suggested adding the Office of Legislative Auditor to oversight. Another noted the bill’s potential to improve identity verification tools and support broader agency collaboration. No amendments were offered. After third reading and debate, the clerk called the roll and the House passed the bill with 134 ayes and 0 nays; the title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:21:03.600> Um, reduce speeding and protect workers.
• Um, reduce speeding and protect workers.
• <01:23:06.159> in If we want to retain skilled workers in If we want to retain skilled workers
• :23:24.960> to<01:23:25.120> the workers deserve protection equal to the workers deserve
• I'm opportunity to participate remotely.

Bills: HF3429, HF3418, HF3431, HF1597

Keywords: intelligent speed assistance, transportation, speeding offenses, public safety, license restrictions, speed control, pedestrian safety, traffic safety, roadway improvements, nonmotorized transportation, crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, complete streets, Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, MnDOT, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, local road authority

Transcript Highlights:

• From MassHealth eligibility workers to SNAP workers, every day our workers answer heartbreaking phone
• When a worker is unable to work...
• If an employer has less than 25 workers, they are only responsible for remitting their workers' contributions
• , are always taxable income to the worker.
• worker.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on H. 4975, Governor Healey’s bill to manage the impact of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) on Massachusetts tax law and state revenues. Administration officials, led by Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorowitz, said OB3 would otherwise reduce FY26 revenue by about $442 million and argued for a phased-in conformity approach that would preserve the current-year budget while still adopting selected federal business tax provisions over time. The proposal would phase in the research and experimental expenditure deduction first, delay other major corporate provisions for two years, extend the pass-through entity excise to income subject to the 4% surtax, add a one-year delay mechanism for future federal tax changes over $20 million, limit opportunity zone benefits to Massachusetts investments, and make smaller technical changes to DFML contributions and casino reporting thresholds. Committee members questioned the rationale for phasing in rather than fully decoupling, the effect on the budget if the bill did not pass, and the treatment of opportunity zones, the surtax, and future federal tax changes. Public testimony was split. MassBudget, Progressive Massachusetts, and several labor and public-sector groups urged the committee to permanently decouple from the federal corporate tax changes rather than delay them, arguing that the bill would still send state revenue to corporate tax breaks, often for investments outside Massachusetts, and that the state should protect funding for schools, health care, human services, and other public services. The Massachusetts Society of CPAs supported the administration’s timing and the research-and-development provisions, citing filing deadlines and the importance of certainty for businesses and startups. Business and tax experts also testified that rushed conformity can create revenue losses and that the governor’s review-and-delay framework was a prudent improvement, though some said decoupling should be the default if the Legislature does not act. Unite Here Local 26 testified against sections 3 and 4, which would raise the slot-machine jackpot reporting threshold from $1,200 to $2,000, arguing the current threshold helps with problem-gambling intervention, preserves slot attendant jobs, and generates revenue. Several union leaders, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, AFT Massachusetts, SEIU 509, the Massachusetts Building Trades, the AFL-CIO, and 1199 SEIU, urged permanent decoupling, warning that OB3’s federal tax cuts and related spending reductions would worsen budget pressures, harm public services, and shift costs onto workers, patients, and schools. No votes were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, the ability of a publisher to remotely disable a product for which a consumer has paid $60, $70,
• established a pilot project authorizing Superior Courts in 13 counties to study the potential use of remote
• Michelle Caldwell: In addition, AB 2783 continues a much-needed remote reporter pilot program necessary
• for testing the viability of remote reporting statewide in California courts.
• Sam Appell with UAW Region 6, representing 100,000 workers in manufacturing, higher education, state

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we have some remote testifiers.
• 1418 thank you now we have some remote 1418 thank you now we have some remote testifiers<01:18:22.159
• consideration thank you the next remote consideration thank you the next remote testifier<01:20:
• The next remote testifier is Laurel Webster. Laurel, are you with us?
• consideration thank you the next remote consideration thank you the next remote testifier<01:22:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , your Committee on Health and Human Services, having had under consideration SB 1115 relating to remote
• SB 1115 prohibits access from allowing its employees to work remotely. This might be okay.
• You know, lots of different companies allow agencies, allow people to work remotely.
• 1,200 people, workers, employees that work across the state, and currently they do not have a facility
• or a building to house these workers, because they work in our districts all over the state, servicing

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened, recorded attendance, dispensed with reading the journal, and recognized several guest groups, including landscape architects and FFA representatives who delivered plants to senators. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, considering a large number of bills and resolutions, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations, often after committee or floor amendments. Topics included public monies and cryptocurrency/stablecoin use by the state (SB 1042, SB 1043, SB 1044, SB 1045, SCR 1003, SCR 1033), attorney discipline and family court matters (SB 1039, SB 1139, SB 1147, SB 1148, SB 1328), public records, scholarship organizations, HOA flag rules, deed conveyances, environmental restrictions on solar radiation management, federal land acquisition consent, small modular reactors, water quality testing, and state revenue-related constitutional changes (SCR 1028). One notable procedural dispute occurred when an Epstein amendment to SB 1043 was ruled not germane; the chair’s ruling was upheld on a 14-10 division vote, and the bill later advanced without that amendment. The Senate also retained SB 1419 on the calendar. On later calendars, the Senate advanced health and human services measures focused on Arizona’s Access program and DCS, including SB 1052, SB 1115, SB 1149, SB 1193, SB 1233, SB 1345, SB 1346, and SB 1631. Testimony on SB 1115 centered on whether Access employees should be barred from remote work, with supporters arguing in-person work was needed and critics warning of staffing and service disruptions without a new facility or appropriation. SB 1233 drew discussion about a short cure period for administrative deficiencies; supporters said the bill addressed retaliatory enforcement practices, while opponents said the timeframe was too short. SB 1345 and SB 1346 also drew Access-related debate, including a floor amendment removing Access from SB 1345 and an objection that the bill could conflict with federal Medicaid law. The committee reports for these bills were adopted, and the measures were sent forward with do-pass recommendations. The Senate also advanced regulatory and utility-related bills on another calendar, including SB 1137, SB 1144, and SB 1205. SB 1137 dealt with underground facilities excavation notification and passed with a Kavanaugh floor amendment described as stakeholder-driven technical detail. SB 1144 addressed veterinary technician certification and education alternatives and passed with committee amendment. SB 1205, concerning motor vehicle booting fees regulation, was amended to require an appeals process for private parking lots using booting services after a senator described a personal experience of paying a boot fee and receiving no response to an appeal. The calendar was still in progress at the end of the transcript, with SB 1286 just beginning to be read.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need the workers. Wisconsin dairy We need the workers. Wisconsin dairy farmers.
• Manufacturing, farm workers, food processing. Farm workers, food processing.
• Mainly undocumented workers.
• The gentleman reserves. workers to work legally and let workers to work legally and let employers<00:
• <02:08:55.840> Workers Islanders with disabilities. Workers Islanders with disabilities.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the program should treat child care workers equally because I think every child care worker is
• I think the program should treat child care workers equally because I think every child care worker is
• I think the program should treat child care workers equally because I think every child care worker is
• I think the program should treat child care workers equally because I think every child care worker is
• I think the program should treat child care workers equally because I think every child care worker is

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It also concerns me because in the smaller rural communities where our school districts are remote, and
• On our side, and see, I come from an area that is remote.
• People don't—I mean, these are good paying jobs too, you know, utility workers and things like that.

Transcript Highlights:

• DMS has yet to provide any real, tangible work produced by these remote workers.
• We have also found up to five additional staff working remotely within Florida with little to no oversight

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for budget day, heard agency follow-up questions, and then presented its recommended budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. Chair Lopez opened with remarks about reducing spending, emphasizing vacancy reductions and recurring savings across agencies. The recommendation eliminated 452.5 vacant positions and produced recurring savings of $57.2 million overall, while still funding selected priorities. Notable funded items included $500,000 for a new DBPR website for condominium complaints and document filing, $481.3 million for the MICEF Florida Home Program in DFS, funding for Florida PALM implementation, $330,000 for a Tampa office in the Office of Insurance Regulation, $835,000 for warehouse space for confiscated gambling machines, $821,000 for the Lottery gaming system contract, and major DMS capital and facilities funding. Lopez also criticized DMS leadership and said the secretary’s salary would be held in reserve pending answers on fleet management, remote workers, SUNCOM billing, and other issues. The committee then questioned DBPR Secretary Griffin about condominium records, structural integrity reserve studies, and milestone-inspection compliance. Members focused on how the division tracks condominiums, whether it can identify buildings with three habitable stories, and whether the current filing system can be improved to better capture building height and story count. Griffin said the division relies heavily on self-reporting and complaint-driven checks, but has updated forms to capture whether a condominium has buildings three stories or higher and has received additional submissions. Members also asked about staffing and the Miami-area office; Griffin said DBPR now has two Fort Lauderdale offices and a Doral office, with about 82% of new positions filled. Secretary Davis of the Florida Lottery also testified, defending travel to Paris and other conferences as part of industry engagement, technology research, and best-practice sharing. He said the travel was reimbursed through lottery-related organizations, described the Lottery as an enterprise fund that receives no general tax revenue, and said the agency has remained a top revenue generator nationally. Members questioned Orlando travel reimbursements and dues to the Multi-State Lottery Association, and asked for more information on how increased revenue translates into more Bright Futures scholarships. Davis said he would provide additional details. The subcommittee then unanimously passed two conforming bills. PCB SAB 25-01 removed statutory references to the legacy FLAIR accounting system in preparation for Florida PALM and was reported favorably. PCB SAB 25-02 addressed Capitol Center space after the planned House lease cancellation, declaring the governor, cabinet, and legislature permanent tenants, protecting existing space and parking allocations, giving the legislature first right of refusal on vacant space, and giving legislative leaders control over utilities in their space; it also passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned after the bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Think of somebody dangling from a helicopter to pick somebody up in a very remote spot.
• to fly at night and do night operations, which, as we know, if somebody is maybe camping in a very remote
• uh<00:04:32.759> they're<00:04:32.960> doing<00:04:33.320> very very remote
• spot uh they're doing very very remote spot uh they're doing very dangerous<00:04:34.800> uh<
• area they might need help remote area they might need help overnight<00:05:05.520> it's<00:05

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And when workers are misclassified...
• Those who are bending the rules in terms of worker classification.
• Those who are bending the rules in terms of worker classification.
• , by putting all of the burden of the risk onto the worker.
• None of that is up to the driver or the workers.

Bills: LB815A, LB838A, LB912A, LB972A, LB1126A, LB962A, LB1114, LB921, LB937, LB803, LB803A, LB1032, LB1032A, LB1075, LB1075A, LB889, LB878, LB933, LB304, LB304A, LB1096, LB1096A, LB1165, LB1165A, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787

Keywords: LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill, Nebraska Department of Revenue, Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement and Collection Cash Fund, motor fuel tax, gas tax, fuel tax, tax enforcement, tax collection, cash fund, budget, state spending, per diem, salaries, fiscal year, enrollment and review, final reading, Nebraska

Transcript Highlights:

• recommendation to the health care practitioner or health care practitioners, family member, employees, or co-workers
• This will simply give employers another way to use their credits, helping to cover their workers' child

Bills: LB815A, LB838A, LB912A, LB972A, LB1126A, LB962A, LB1114, LB921, LB937, LB803, LB803A, LB1032, LB1032A, LB1075, LB1075A, LB889, LB878, LB933, LB304, LB304A, LB1096, LB1096A, LB1165, LB1165A, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787

Keywords: LB815A, LB815, appropriation, appropriations bill, Nebraska Department of Revenue, Motor Fuel Tax Enforcement and Collection Cash Fund, motor fuel tax, gas tax, fuel tax, tax enforcement, tax collection, cash fund, budget, state spending, per diem, salaries, fiscal year, enrollment and review, final reading, Nebraska