Transcript Highlights:

• </c> tools we could um find uh to increase tools we could um find uh to increase our<00:08:34.560><c>
• However, with increased pay, it will need to be increased, and so that's primarily driven by salaries
• However, with increased pay, it will need to be increased, and so that's primarily driven by salaries
• However, with increased pay, it will need to be increased, and so that's primarily driven by salaries
• wages have been stolen from them.

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• At the same time, we've increased our financial risk.
• So a portion of the rate in the rate study has to do with wages—what wage you can pay your employees
• Um what wage you can pay with wages.
• ><c> the</c><01:37:06.639><c> resulting</c> same as the wages used in the resulting same as the wages
• </c> health and family services to increase health and family services to increase all<01:42:54.800><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board’s fourth meeting focused primarily on a presentation from University of Kentucky and University of Louisville health leaders about the state university directed payment program. Mark Birdwhistle and Ken Marshall described the program as a long-running, value-based Medicaid arrangement that began in 2019, uses university-provided matching funds rather than provider taxes, and ties a portion of payments to quality outcomes. They said the program has improved measures such as tobacco cessation, diabetes control, depression screening, and cancer screening, while supporting access to specialty care, medical education, and workforce training. They also emphasized that Kentucky’s model is nationally notable and has helped improve health rankings and generate cost savings. A major topic was the federal reconciliation bill signed July 4, which the presenters said will reduce directed payments by 10% annually for 10 years beginning in 2028. UL Health estimated a first-year loss of about $75 million and a cumulative loss of about $600 million over the decade; UK estimated about $100 million in the first year, for a combined first-year impact of roughly $175 million. Both speakers warned the cuts could affect access to care, training capacity, and the sustainability of Kentucky’s value-based model, though they expressed hope that congressional action could alter or delay the changes. They also noted that 340B drug pricing changes could further strain already thin operating margins, but did not provide exact figures during the meeting. Committee members responded positively to the program’s reported outcomes and the institutions’ role in Kentucky health care. Senator Berg praised the quality of care and shared a personal example of being advised to stay at UofL for breast cancer treatment. Representative Moer highlighted Kentucky’s strong cancer-control score and asked for more explanation of the value-based payment structure; the presenters said the system is built around ongoing measurement, accountability, and collaboration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended August 27 minutes by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• What I would like to share with you, though, is the state employees did get a pay increase during this
• In 2027, there is a scheduled increase as well. Okay.
• Thank you. calculate out people's wages and they're going to work till 55 or whatever the age is.
• You know, the numbers still show that there is a significant wage gap for state employment.
• Women in career executive assignment positions has increased from 2013 to 2023.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee first handled several routine items, approving two governor appointments not required to appear: Armin Meyer to the Division of Consumer Financial Protection and Uca Danka to the California State Lottery Commission. The committee also approved referral of bills to committees, a Rules waiver request to suspend SR 55 for guest access on the Senate floor on April 6, and floor acknowledgments, with each action passing 5-0. The committee then heard from Arania Ortega, appointed to the Public Employment Relations Board. Members asked about her background at CalHR and the Department of Finance, her approach to board decision-making, recusal rules, the status of AB 288, PERB’s caseload and backlog, ride-share enforcement, and the legislative employees’ unionization process. Ortega said PERB currently has no backlog, is preparing for possible new workloads, and has recusal procedures that would automatically exclude her from certain state employee and child care cases for one year. Public testimony supported her appointment, and the committee voted 5-0 to move her nomination to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Monica Erickson, nominated to lead the Department of Human Resources. Questions focused on state labor negotiations, CalPERS, recruitment and retention, telework, discipline and HR training, DEIA efforts, hiring pipelines, degree requirements, veteran hiring, return-to-office implementation, and the gender pay gap. Erickson said CalHR has reduced the vacancy rate from 20% to 17%, is expanding recruitment tools and class consolidations, is working on a skills-matching tool and career counseling, and has helped reduce the gender pay gap from 21.1% in 2013 to 12.2%. Public witnesses spoke in support, and the committee approved her nomination 5-0 to advance to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• the market value works on increasing the market value increasing<00:03:57.920><c> markets</c><00:03:
• 58.280><c> and</c><00:03:58.519><c> economic</c> increasing markets and economic increasing markets and
• For every dollar invested by the state for wage reimbursement, private employers contribute $322 in wages
• For every dollar invested by the state for wage reimbursement, private employers contribute $322 in wages
• </c> we are planning is focused on increasing we are planning is focused on increasing employment<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was to increase to $30,000, with no other provisions, and also to increase the discovery from $3,000
• So I'm encouraging the committee to adopt the increase to $30,000 and to consider passing the increase
• White was saying, every time we increase the cap, every time we increase the cap, that cap applies to
• The increase in minimum wage was a 4% cap on the index.
• didn't think it was going to be a significant increase, but it was not a determined increase.

Transcript Highlights:

• If someone shows up to work, is willing to do the work, they should be compensated for the wage of labor
• So we know that you and I, that wage theft is a huge problem in Washington State, and this labor and
• So we know that you and I, that wage theft is a huge problem in Washington State, and this labor and
• It helps with so many works, increasing power consumption and energy production across Washington.
• He talked about the increased socialization of students.

Bills: HB2720, HB2073, HB2487, SB5816, SB5919, SB5995, SB5831, SB6134, SB6136, SB6137, HB2689, SB5922, SB5944, SB5957, SB5988, SB5994, SB6011, SB6065, SB6103, SB6151, SB6244, SB5420, SB5868, SB6044, SB6132, SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House took up a series of Senate bills and moved most of them quickly to third reading and final passage, often suspending the rules and adopting committee amendments without objection. Early action included Senate Bill 5944, which addresses compensation for interpreters working for L&I when appointments are canceled or missed; it passed 86-10. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5837, dealing with guardianship and supported decision-making, drew debate over a new right to counsel in guardianship cases and concerns about expanding civil legal obligations, but it passed 73-23. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6197, a plumbers enforcement/discipline measure tied to task force work on wages and the underground economy, passed unanimously. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6019, fixing a loophole in home care worker parity law, also passed unanimously, as did Senate Bill 6011, which extends authority for Court of Appeals bailiffs to assess threats against judges and staff, though members noted concerns about access to non-conviction data. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6058, aimed at improving Labor and Industries’ ability to address wage theft complaints and backlog, passed 96-0 after House amendments. Substitute Senate Bill 5923, allowing an island hospital in Skagit County to become a critical access hospital, passed 96-0 amid support for rural health care. Senate Bill 5994, which changes how timber tax revenue is distributed so school districts are not penalized when levies fail, also passed 96-0. Substitute Senate Bill 6076, streamlining public utility district procurement and raising spending thresholds, passed 95-1 after a capital budget amendment. The House then moved to second reading of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5925, a major bill expanding the Attorney General’s authority to issue civil investigative demands in constitutional and discrimination-related matters. The bill prompted extensive debate over civil liberties, due process, and the potential for government overreach. Amendment 2160, which would have required clear and convincing evidence before a CID could issue, was rejected 38-48. Amendment 2149, creating a right to cure before a CID, was also rejected. Amendment 2150, requiring assistant attorney general approval and a reasonable suspicion standard, failed 38-48. Amendment 2151, requiring the Attorney General personally to approve CIDs in writing, failed as well. However, several narrowing amendments were adopted, including limits on scope and relevance (2288), a prohibition on CIDs to federal agencies (2289), a ban on sharing CID-derived information for criminal law enforcement purposes (2290), and a requirement that the Attorney General’s office consult with other agencies in certain overlapping investigations (2154 was rejected, but later amendments continued). Other proposed protections, such as fee-shifting for successful CID challenges and reimbursement when a CID produces no action, were debated at length but not adopted in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Brings us to section three, the incarcerated wage study.
• </c> benefit with increased ties to family. benefit with increased ties to family.
• The bill incarcerated wage study.
• </c> Corrections, to evaluate current wages Corrections, to evaluate current wages wages<00:49:59.560
• It does not set new wage levels today.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department is requesting a one-time increase of $225 million.
• Living wage, opportunities for advancement, and worker voice. Okay. Living wage doesn't cut it.
• Living wage is barely above minimum wage, so I'm not—I don't think that's part of the high road jobs.
• That's nearly a 300% increase.
• We believe that will reduce risk and reduce costs and also increase speed.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee heard several Caltrans, CHP, and DMV budget and trailer bill items. On Caltrans fleet replacement, the department requested a one-time $225 million augmentation to replace aging medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and expand zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. LAO said the request was consistent with state policy, but senators criticized the high cost of electric fleet purchases and Caltrans’ delayed zero-emission fleet report; the chair said the report must be delivered within 30 days before the request could be fully considered. Caltrans also presented trailer bill language to replace an originally intended $50 million federal transfer for the High Road Construction Careers Program with $30 million in state Highway Account funds after federal eligibility problems prevented use of the federal dollars. Members questioned the reduction, the delay in implementation, where the remaining funds would go, and whether the program would keep jobs in California and meet labor standards; Caltrans and the Workforce Development Board said the program had prior success and that the state-funds transfer was intended to preserve the original policy goal. The committee then reviewed CHP’s request for a $60 million augmentation for equipment and operating costs, which CHP said was needed because vacancy savings no longer covered rising fuel, vehicle, and other operating costs. CHP argued that recruitment success had reduced vacancies and that costs had risen sharply since 2006, while LAO recommended rejection, citing that the expenses were ongoing, CHP still had vacancies above pre-pandemic levels, and the Motor Vehicle Account faces structural insolvency by 2028-29. Members discussed whether the account can sustain these costs and whether the Legislature should consider broader funding changes. CHP also sought a permanent $885,000 augmentation for seven analyst positions for the Highway Violence Task Force; CHP said freeway shootings had fallen sharply since 2021 and that analysts were essential to solving cases, while LAO noted the request was smaller than prior years but would create an ongoing commitment. Senators generally supported the task force but asked for clearer metrics and reporting, especially because the data categories had changed over time. Finally, the DMV presented the State-to-State verification system and related modernization work under DXP. DMV said State-to-State is required for Real ID compliance and that California must join the system by February 2027, with live testing planned for the summer. Senators focused heavily on privacy and data security, especially the inclusion of Social Security number digits in the system, the role of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, and whether Californians understood their information would be shared in a nationwide database. DMV said the system only shares federally required data, uses encryption, and is designed to de-duplicate records across states, but members pressed for more information on governance, audit authority, and whether the Legislature had explicitly approved the data-sharing approach. The chair asked DMV to follow up with the Attorney General and indicated the committee would continue reviewing the issue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Especially as the rising cost of food places increasing strain on household budgets.
• This delay would increase food insecurity for vulnerable populations and really will strain not just
• Wages have grown too, but the sticker shock is still real.
• So in terms of wages and all that, again, the immigrant labor cannot be substituted.
• Nothing changed while everything increased.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and Agriculture, held at Fresno State, focused on cost pressures in California’s food system, household affordability, and the Central Valley’s role in agriculture. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s regional importance, the Central Valley’s outsized contribution to food production, and the connection between agricultural health, food security, and the broader economy. Members also noted the impact of the federal shutdown on CalFresh benefits and the state’s efforts to respond with food assistance funding and National Guard support for food banks. The first panel featured academic and policy experts who described agriculture’s economic importance in the San Joaquin Valley and the rising pressures on farms and households. Dr. Conduro highlighted agriculture’s large share of regional GDP, farm receipts, jobs, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market volatility, invasive pests, and production cost inflation as major barriers. Caroline Danielson of PPIC said food prices remain about 30% above 2019 levels, food insecurity affects about 1.8 million California households, and nutrition programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and school meals are essential in reducing poverty, especially in the Central Valley. Susie Pryor of the Central California Small Business Development Center described technical assistance, capital access, and training for small food and farm businesses, while warning that reduced funding limits support for rural and immigrant entrepreneurs. The second panel brought testimony from a small produce business owner, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau. They said input costs for fertilizer, fuel, irrigation, labor, land leases, and compliance have risen sharply while commodity prices have remained flat or fallen, squeezing small farms and food businesses. Panelists stressed the need for small-batch processing facilities, local supply chains, education on food manufacturing compliance, land access for small farmers, and more pathways into agriculture through trade programs, community colleges, and FFA. Ryan Jacobson said California agriculture is facing a prolonged downturn, with farm bankruptcies, weak commodity prices, export-market uncertainty, water reliability problems, and costly ag-burning rules all contributing to financial strain. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible policy solutions and continued engagement with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> learning environment with increasing learning environment with increasing concern<00:59:54.640><
• He said they never touch the minimum wage because they knew they had to pay a livable wage, and this
• and they don't touch the minimum wage and they don't touch the minimum<01:34:35.800><c> wage</c><01:
• and they never touch the minimum wage and they never touch the minimum<01:34:37.119><c> wage</c><01:
• </c><01:37:44.880><c> since</c><01:37:45.080><c> the</c> been an increase since the been an increase

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um people who are, you know, lower-wage workers just have really immense challenges.
• Um people who are, you know, lower-wage workers just have really immense challenges.
• Um people who are, you know, lower-wage workers just have really immense challenges.
• Um people who are, you know, lower-wage workers just have really immense challenges.
• Um people who are, you know, lower-wage workers just have really immense challenges.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 18 was taken up in committee, with the chair noting a preference to hear testimony from people who had traveled farther before hearing from lobbyists or other local witnesses. Representative Engan presented the bill as a family-support measure that would exempt certain infant care items from sales tax, arguing that the cost of raising children has risen sharply and that the bill would provide immediate relief to parents. He cited examples of potential savings on cribs, mattresses, strollers, and baby bottles, and said he was open to expanding the list of covered items. Chair Gomez offered a DE1 amendment that would replace the blanket sales tax exemption with an expansion of Minnesota’s child tax credit, arguing that the child-rearing cost burden is better addressed through targeted assistance rather than a broad exemption that could also benefit higher-income purchasers. After discussing the policy differences and the fiscal impact, Gomez withdrew the amendment. Members then asked questions about the bill’s scope, whether luxury items should be excluded, and why the exemption was limited to baby items rather than older children’s needs. Engan said he would be open to excluding luxury items and to discussing broader expansions, including school supplies. The committee then heard testimony in support from Sarah Gangelhoff of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, who said the bill would help families facing high housing, food, and child care costs and would especially benefit women and single-mother households. Maggie Hanggi of the Minnesota Catholic Conference also supported the bill, saying the tax relief could help families afford essential infant items and reduce fear for prospective parents. Members raised concerns about whether tax exemptions effectively reach the families most in need, with one member noting that low-income families may not even be in a position to shop for these items; Engan responded that the savings would still be real for those who do purchase them. No final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> deposits but they manage increasing deposits but they manage increasing amounts<00:04:39.919><c>
• </c> significant re risk of Premium increases significant re risk of Premium increases of<00:20:02.039
• despite increased costs just to decades despite increased costs just to operate<00:20:47.400><c> the
• </c><00:35:26.599><c> uh</c><00:35:26.920><c> wage</c> two uh another one in the wage uh wage two uh
• </c> 87% a substantial rise in the increase 87% a substantial rise in the increase in<01:12:02.280><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Prices on school supplies are not immune from the recent price increases.
• So nothing's going to stop those rate increases.
• We've been talking about the minimum wage ad nauseam for years, trying to get that increase.
• I rise today because it's been 7,292 days since Pennsylvania last raised the minimum wage.
• The people earning minimum wage are not asking for luxury. They are asking for dignity.

Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• EXCESSIVE WORK HOURS CAN LEAD TO ACADEMIC DECLINE AND AN INCREASED DROPOUT RATE.
• IN LOW WAGE AND UNREGULATED INDUSTRIES.
• THIS IS NOT A WORKER SHORTAGE BUT A WAGE SHORTAGE.
• IT ALSO COMPROMISES THEIR HEALTH AND INCREASES THEIR STRESS AND SLEEP DEPRIVATION.
• SINCE 2016 CHILD LABOR LAW VIOLATIONS HAVE INCREASED.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• PE investors also increase the use of ancillary services such as lab tests and imaging services.
• PE investors also increase the use of ancillary services such as lab tests and imaging services.
• </c> resident outcomes, including increased resident outcomes, including increased mortality,<00:11:52.240
• </c><00:12:12.560><c> These</c> increased risk for residents. These increased risk for residents.
• Perennially low wages result in live in.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Wage thresholds can protect lower-wage employees and support worker mobility while applying targeted
• Wage thresholds can protect lower-wage employees and support worker mobility while applying targeted
• Hourly wage worker contracts should not have non-compete agreements in there.
• Hourly wage worker contracts should not have non-compete agreements in there.
• </c> of innovative new products increased of innovative new products increased productivity<00:15:45.800

Bills: HF1355, HF1469, HF1768

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:28.600><c> in</c> financial payments or the increases in financial payments or the increases
• We were asked by the Department of Commerce to increase the number of agents and to increase collecting
• </c><00:29:29.960><c> consumer</c> protection or increasing consumer protection or increasing consumer
• </c><01:06:10.400><c> the</c> catch our breath you just increase the catch our breath you just increase
• </c> fraud and other white Coller crime wage fraud and other white Coller crime wage theft<01:08:10.880

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, is there anything in the budget for those caregivers to get a better wage, to get a worthy wage?
• Arizona families feel it through increased tuition and increased property taxes.
• Arizona families feel it through increased tuition and increased property taxes.
• That's an increase of $8.474 billion, or an increase of 86.3% over that same 10-year period.
• Last year, we saw the budget increase by 8.2% when population and inflation increased by less than half

Summary: The joint House and Senate Appropriations committees met to hear the FY 2027 budget package, beginning with the General Appropriations Act (HB 4154/SB 1847). Staff outlined the overall budget, including one-time fund transfers, lump-sum reductions, funding for state employee health insurance, school facilities, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, education and child care, and other ongoing and supplemental items. Members briefly discussed the absence of a requested $1.5 million for the oversight office, but the chair said no amendments would be taken in committee and that only limited technical changes were likely later in the process. Public testimony on the feed bill was largely supportive but focused on specific funding concerns. Testimony highlighted school safety funding, Alzheimer’s services, small business tax expensing provisions, disability oversight for group homes, county use of opioid settlement dollars, adult education/community college funding, victim notification funding, and ESA oversight. Several speakers praised the budget for funding DDD and other services, while others opposed or sought changes to items such as the COMIT group home monitoring program, Maricopa Community Colleges’ lack of operating aid, and a possible cut to the victim notification program. The chair repeatedly emphasized that changes to the negotiated budget would be difficult and should be routed through leadership. The committee then moved quickly through the remaining budget reconciliation bills. Staff summarized bills covering amusement and wagering, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, and K-12 education. Notable provisions included continued wagering assessments, highway and building renewal funding, defense innovation and economic development changes, corrections and wrongful conviction provisions, groundwater and water banking measures, health insurance oversight and opioid settlement provisions, higher education funding and ABOR operating caps, SNAP and housing trust fund changes, and a 2% inflation increase for K-12 formula components. The K-12 bill also included a biometric school safety pilot and a child sexual abuse prevention pilot. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue through the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:55.320><c> is</c><00:01:55.520><c> not</c> him or herself wages is not him or herself wages
• there is increased consistency across state<00:02:42.200><c> law.
• I think the question is the actual wages that are paid and what that impact would be.
• ><00:13:21.600><c> everyone,</c> increasing the premiums for everyone, increasing the premiums for everyone
• Increase the taxes, one of the highest corporate tax rates in the nation.

Bills: HF3843, HF3597, HF4003, HF3167, HF4193

Keywords: workforce development, appropriations, nonprofit organizations, employment services, state funding, paid leave, S corporations, employment law, exemptions, Minnesota Statutes, cancer, healthcare, appropriation, Rural Cancer Institute, Minnesota clinicians, pilot program, nursing, education, University of Minnesota, equity

Transcript Highlights:

• I would argue that increased knowledge of the virtual immunity that manufacturers have with regard to
• Those damages, if appropriate, may include incurred medical expenses, lost wages and future earnings,
• With that, senators throughout numerous states, we've seen how electricity bills are increasing, mainly
• one-gigawatt facility can generate 45,000 temporary construction jobs, thousands of permanent high-wage
• Florida can either welcome billions in capital investment, high-wage jobs, and substantial tax revenue

Bills: S0408, S0986, S0678, S0800, S1050, S0484, S1118

Keywords: vaccine advertisement, manufacturer liability, harmful vaccine, healthcare, court action, smoking regulation, public health, vaping, marijuana, public places, Florida Statutes, alcohol distribution, tax deductions, extraordinary losses, warehouse breakage, regulatory compliance, veterinary, prescription, pharmacy, client rights

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and heard testimony from sponsors, industry groups, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders. SB 986 would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places, including rooms and bars, and drew support from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association with concerns about preserving designated smoking areas on private property. The Florida Cannabis Action Network opposed the bill as overly broad and potentially harmful to patients and property rights. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 678, which restores statutory authority for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; an amendment made clarifying changes and applied the act retroactively to January 1, 2025. SB 800, dealing with unlicensed engineering practice penalties and creating an engineering student loan assistance program for state agency and water management district engineers, was amended and reported favorably. SB 408, which creates a cause of action related to vaccine manufacturers advertising in Florida, generated extensive debate. Supporters argued it would address declining public trust in vaccines and provide accountability, while opponents said it is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, and duplicates existing compensation systems. Despite opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then took up two data center bills by Senator Avila. SB 484 would regulate large-scale data centers by preserving local planning authority, requiring PSC tariff rules so large load customers pay their own costs, and limiting consumptive use permits unless water impacts are avoided and local zoning is satisfied. Testimony was mixed: some speakers supported consumer protections and economic development, while others urged carve-outs for self-powered facilities and warned against overregulation. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for information about proposed data center locations and proprietary business information; members raised concerns about how much local officials could disclose, and the sponsor said he would work on clarifying language. That bill was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 1050, which requires veterinarians to provide written prescriptions so pet owners can choose their pharmacy while preserving veterinary discretion, passed without opposition and was reported favorably.