Transcript Highlights:

• Judge<00:42:00.720> Fritz,<00:42:01.280> weigh<00:42:01.680> in<00:42:01.920>
• Uh,<00:42:05.280> Chair<00:42:05.599> Lets<00:42:06.160> and<00:42:06.480> uh
• don't<00:42:10.000> want<00:42:10.160> to<00:42:10.240> offer<00:42:10.560>
• <00:42:14.720> As<00:42:14.880> a<00:42:15.040> judge,<00:42:15.280> I
• > is<00:42:22.560> one<00:42:22.800> of<00:42:22.880> those<00:42:23.599>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:02.720> This<00:42:02.960> is<00:42:03.119> not<00:42:03.280> a
• And it<00:42:07.680> is<00:42:07.839> failing<00:42:08.160> the<00:42:08.400>
• We deserve<00:42:21.839> a<00:42:22.079> modern<00:42:22.640> eligibility<00:42:
• The<00:42:29.359> state<00:42:29.680> would<00:42:30.240> never<00:42:30.560>
• Hilgurts,<00:42:52.800> are<00:42:52.960> you<00:42:53.280> ready<00:42:53.520><

Bills: HF4421, HF1937, HF4675, HF4715, HF4684

Keywords: county cost share, economically distressed county, human services finance, substance use disorder treatment, SUD services, civil commitment, state aid, county levy, poverty threshold, tax-exempt acreage, property tax exemption, Minnesota human services, county fiscal relief, local government finance, chemical dependency, behavioral health, PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:05.000> the<00:42:05.160> needs<00:42:05.520> as<00:42:05.640> long
• as those<00:42:06.160> are<00:42:06.800> uh<00:42:06.960> provided<00:42:07.400
• this<00:42:09.800> really<00:42:10.040> is<00:42:10.200> an<00:42:10.359>
• <00:42:18.319> fix<00:42:18.599> the<00:42:18.800> problem<00:42:19.319> when
• Sections 15 and 16, which begin on page 37 and page 42, make the same changes and also address two different

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then then then um<00:42:01.520> and<00:42:01.680> then<00:42:01.839> on<00:42
• .<00:42:18.880> And<00:42:19.119> then<00:42:19.359> on<00:42:19.920> uh<
• name<00:42:29.760> is<00:42:30.000> sentencing<00:42:30.560> to<00:42:30.800
• So that<00:42:31.599> makes<00:42:31.839> those<00:42:32.160> three<00:42:32.400
• <00:42:40.319> in<00:42:40.480> favor<00:42:40.800> say<00:42:41.040> I.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How<00:42:01.599> is<00:42:01.760> it<00:42:01.920> handled<00:42:02.240> in<
• >> I'm<00:42:20.240> not<00:42:20.400> I'm<00:42:20.560> not<00:42:20.720>
• 42:39.760> funds<00:42:40.000> in<00:42:40.240> the<00:42:40.400> capacity
• utilities to<00:42:47.599> do<00:42:47.839> that<00:42:48.800> and<00:42:49.680>
• c><00:42:51.280> funds<00:42:51.680> were<00:42:51.839> covered<00:42:52.240>

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:

• And so, I think regardless, they have to follow section 42 CFR. >> Mr. Chair and Senator Kroun.
• they have to follow CFR follow section they have to follow CFR 42,<00:24:34.680> Mr.
• The<00:42:12.760> provider's<00:42:13.280> not<00:42:13.480> kept<00:42:13.720><
• > that<00:42:40.560> section.
• this section. this section.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:41.360> for<00:12:41.680> section section I'll briefly discuss for section section
• <00:42:01.839> That's<00:42:02.079> just<00:42:02.240> a<00:42:02.480> a<
• <00:42:09.280> I<00:42:09.599> got<00:42:09.839> and<00:42:10.079> I<
• > the<00:42:11.359> inbox<00:42:11.680> this<00:42:11.920> morning<00:42:
• <00:42:13.440> to<00:42:13.599> look<00:42:13.760> at<00:42:13.920> this<

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :42:35.400> file<00:42:35.720> 7<00:42:36.240> stands<00:42:36.960> as<00
• that damage<00:42:42.640> specific<00:42:43.200> to<00:42:43.599> Criminal<00:42
• :45.319> data<00:42:46.319> house<00:42:46.599> file<00:42:46.960> 7<00:42
• of sentencing<00:42:52.040> data<00:42:53.000> and<00:42:53.200> charging<00:42
• um what I can control<01:42:03.360> and<01:42:03.520> what<01:42:03.679> I<01:42

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > um<00:42:04.800> House<00:42:05.079> Bill<00:42:05.319> 1022<00:42:06.040
• :42:09.000> to<00:42:09.119> defect<00:42:09.440> the<00:42:09.599> date
• > there<00:42:23.040> any<00:42:23.200> reservations<00:42:23.720> or<00:42:
• force we're<00:42:32.079> just<00:42:32.240> going<00:42:32.440> to<00:42:32.720
• > none<00:42:36.200> Vice<00:42:36.480> chair<00:42:37.480> on<00:42:37.720

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on a series of energy, transportation, climate, and waste bills. HB 977 would provide additional funding to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority for low-interest financing of rooftop solar and storage for underserved ratepayers; HB 1295 would require state and county agencies to use federal energy tax credits; HB 1051 concerns energy efficiency portfolio standards; HB 1019 addresses long-duration clean energy storage; HB 344 concerns EV charging infrastructure at state facilities; HB 733 would change EV parking requirements; HB 242 creates a working group on EV battery reuse and recycling; HB 1022 expands access to energy industry information reporting; HB 1017 repeals the greenhouse gas sequestration task force; HB 787 asks for a feasibility study on a Buy Clean program; and HB 751 sets composting goals. Testimony was largely supportive across the bills, with some agencies standing on written testimony or offering comments, and a few measures drawing opposition or concerns, including HB 751 from county agencies and HB 242 from Redwood Materials requesting inclusion of a specialized battery recycler on the working group. Members asked several questions, including about EV charging siting, whether bike parking and showers should be considered in EV facility planning, how often EV charging stalls are relocated to other sites, and whether Hawaiʻi has in-state capacity to prepare EV batteries for shipping and recycling. On HB 751, the committee discussed county diversion rates and Maui’s composting capacity, with the Department of Health noting Maui’s diversion decline was tied to closure of the EKO co-composting facility at Central Maui landfill and that reestablishment was planned. On HB 242, Redwood Materials explained it handles lithium-ion batteries, including work related to the Maui wildfire response, and said a full in-state recycling chain is unlikely, though local facilities can safely prepare batteries for shipment. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures with amendments. For HB 977, the committee noted a recommended appropriation of $50 million and made technical amendments. HB 1295, HB 1051, HB 1019, HB 344, HB 733, HB 242, HB 1022, HB 1017, and HB 787 were all advanced with technical or substantive amendments, including changes to dates, appropriations, and working group membership. For HB 344, the committee accepted DAGS’s suggestion to make HSEO the expending entity and adjusted the appropriation to one year. For HB 242, the committee added a battery storage industry member, included stationary storage as a consideration, and extended the reporting date to 2027. HB 787 was advanced with a request that the Climate Commission and State Procurement Office work together on more specific amendments if the bill continues moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• , regardless<00:42:10.120> of<00:42:10.400> who<00:42:10.600> they<00:42:10.800>
• :24.840> year<00:42:25.640> is<00:42:25.800> that<00:42:26.040> the<00:42
• > largest<00:42:37.840> funding<00:42:38.120> cuts<00:42:38.400> in<00:42
• decisions this<00:42:50.120> year<00:42:50.280> presents<00:42:50.720> an<00:42
• I<00:42:57.720> appreciate<00:42:58.160> this<00:42:58.320> bill's<00:42:58.560>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Arguably<00:42:06.200> that<00:42:06.400> was<00:42:06.520> already<00:42:06.920
• :24.200> in<00:42:24.320> the<00:42:24.400> bill<00:42:24.680> for<00:42:
• :42:33.280> concern<00:42:33.560> that<00:42:33.680> I<00:42:33.760> have
• Sometimes<00:42:36.240> I<00:42:36.360> feel<00:42:36.640> like<00:42:36.920>
• > to<00:42:38.360> take<00:42:38.560> our<00:42:38.680> keys<00:42:38.960

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 1335, a bill to authorize Minnesota digital/mobile driver’s licenses and related electronic credentialing. Chair Tapkey moved the bill as amended to Ways and Means, and the committee adopted the A2 author’s amendment changing the effective date. Tapkey described the bill as a modernization measure modeled on other states, intended to add convenience and security for ID checks at bars, restaurants, airports, hotels, and car rentals, while keeping physical IDs in place. Chair Kosnick objected that the bill’s subject matter should be heard in other committees, especially Commerce, Public Safety, and Judiciary, citing privacy and law-enforcement concerns, but the hearing continued. Several testifiers supported the broader move toward digital credentials and e-titling. Brian McDaniel of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association said the hospitality industry supports tools that make it harder for minors to access alcohol, while noting privacy concerns and wanting a role in developing the system. Amanda Doerr of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association supported the A3 amendment as an incremental step toward electronic titles and electronic signatures, saying Minnesota is behind other states and that the transition should be gradual. Jim Hurst of the Minnesota Deputy Registrars Association said deputies support moving toward e-titling but raised concerns about liability for fraudulent electronic documents and strongly opposed the A4 revenue-sharing amendment, warning it could put deputy registrars out of business. Sam Krieger, representing private deputy registrars, said the A4 amendment could exclude private deputies and close about half the offices in the state. Chair Tapkey said the A3 and A4 amendments were intended to improve customer service, digital access, and future title transfers, but after hearing objections, both amendments were withdrawn. The committee then considered the A5 amendment offered by Rep. Anderson, which would bar electronic driver’s licenses for people not lawfully present in the United States. Anderson argued it would prevent issuing credentials to people in the country illegally, including suspected terrorists. Opponents, including Rep. Kegel and Rep. Lucero Nicolai, argued it would create unequal treatment and could wrongly affect refugees or asylum seekers. DVS Director Pong Xiong testified that current applications do not include NCIC checks and that standard credentials are validated through document review rather than broader database screening. The transcript ends amid continued debate over the A5 amendment and related privacy and eligibility questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:42:33.360> know<00:42:33.560> that<00:42:33.720> this<00:42:33.880> is
• > work<00:42:35.400> to<00:42:35.480> protect<00:42:35.920> all<00:42:36.080
• <00:42:42.320> Your<00:42:42.480> data<00:42:42.960> is<00:42:43.200> yours
• /c><01:42:07.520> what<01:42:07.720> some<01:42:07.960> of<01:42:08.080> the<
• It<01:42:17.080> means<01:42:17.320> they're<01:42:17.480> subject<01:42:17.960>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House first returned to Senate Bill 71, a consumer data privacy and online surveillance bill. Members debated a proposed amendment that would have removed language allowing companies to rely on consumer consent to sell certain sensitive data. Supporters argued consent pop-ups and terms-of-service notices are not meaningful consent and that sensitive data should be categorically protected, citing Maryland and other states. Opponents, including the committee presenter, said the bill was a carefully negotiated compromise needed to establish Vermont’s first data privacy framework and warned that adopting the amendment could jeopardize passage in the Senate or with the governor. The committee reported the amendment unfavorable on a 9-0 straw poll, the House rejected the amendment, and then approved the committee’s recommended proposal of amendment by roll call vote, 129-3. During questioning on S. 71, members discussed the bill’s applicability thresholds, with the presenter explaining that the 35,000-consumer threshold was modeled on Connecticut, while lower 3,000 thresholds for sensitive data and data sales were based on business testimony and intended to capture smaller entities such as accountants, lawyers, nonprofits, and trade associations that share or sell lists. Members also asked about the bill’s many exemptions, which were described as covering entities already regulated by state or federal law, including health care entities under HIPAA and banking and insurance sectors. The presenter and supporters emphasized that the bill still requires clear privacy notices, limits data collection to what is reasonable and disclosed, and gives consumers rights to opt out, correct, and delete data. After the roll call vote, the House ordered third reading, suspended rules to place S. 71 in all remaining stages, passed it in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith. The House then moved to Senate Bill 193, relating to establishing a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons. The committee presenter from South Burlington previewed that the bill would create a permanent forensic facility, with a separate amendment expected to address interim arrangements while the facility is being developed. The transcript ends as the House begins second reading of S. 193 and the committee reports are introduced, with further debate not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• 29 sections 24 to 28, and section 29 sections 24 to 28, and section 29 paragraph<00:01:50.080>
• as section 40, Section 5, uh as well as section 40, section<00:04:28.560> 40<00:04:28.840>
• Um,<00:42:33.160> and<00:42:33.360> so,<00:42:33.720> I<00:42:33.840> think
• think waiting is uh,<00:42:36.960> makes<00:42:37.200> me<00:42:37.280> a<00:42:
• I'm<00:42:39.120> glad<00:42:39.400> that<00:42:39.520> this<00:42:39.760> is

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:42:51.839> and<00:42:52.079> then<00:42:52.240> it<00:42:52.480> makes<
• <00:42:58.160> and<00:42:58.480> I<00:42:58.720> suppose<00:42:58.960> that
• In<01:42:04.560> this<01:42:04.800> legislature<01:42:05.440> and<01:42:05.760><
• ><01:42:09.360> of<01:42:09.840> money<01:42:10.560> in<01:42:10.800> our
• 42:30.960> in<01:42:31.119> the<01:42:31.280> sand<01:42:31.520> in<01:42

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• People<00:42:06.880> have<00:42:07.240> died<00:42:07.880> because If<00:42
• you're you're paid<00:42:14.360> for<00:42:14.520> 12<00:42:14.880> hours<00:42
• :42:16.520> 12<00:42:16.880> hours<00:42:17.160> of<00:42:17.280> services.
• Not<00:42:18.240> checking<00:42:18.560> on<00:42:18.720> somebody<00:42:19.080>
• States Code Title 42, section 1320A-7B (B) (3) (D).

Bills: HF4491, HF4338, HF4288, HF4566

Keywords: Medical Assistance, Medicaid, prepayment review, claims review, fee-for-service, provider integrity, high-risk provider, high-risk service, fraud prevention, program integrity, Department of Human Services, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health care billing, medical claims, provider enrollment, Indian Health Service, Minnesota Statutes chapter 256B, human services, medical assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriation until uh appropriation until uh 2026.<00:42:08.000> Section<00:42:08.800> 10<
• Section 10 is uh what Miss Hoverer went<00:42:11.760> through<00:42:11.920> on<00:42:12.079
• section<00:42:23.599> 11<00:42:24.560> and<00:42:24.800> that<00:42:25.280><
• articles starting on page the teachers articles starting on page 41.<00:42:45.920> Section<00
• Section one is uh um from Senate file<00:42:49.839> 1462<00:42:50.800> for<00:42:51.040

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:03.080> least<00:42:03.320> a<00:42:03.400> year<00:42:04.000> to<
• 00:42:04.120> do<00:42:04.280> this<00:42:04.520> to<00:42:04.640> accomplish
• You know, why why<00:42:09.360> is<00:42:09.520> that<00:42:09.760> person<00:42
• of<00:42:27.880> the<00:42:27.960> test,<00:42:28.320> and<00:42:28.400>
• I just I<00:42:29.600> just<00:42:29.840> I'm<00:42:29.920> trying<00:42:30.200>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection. Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection. Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:30.440> was<00:42:31.040> uh<00:42:31.120> experience<00:42:31.720>
• <00:42:33.560> It's<00:42:33.720> been<00:42:34.200> going<00:42:34.480>
• > be<00:42:46.440> sent<00:42:47.040> to<00:42:47.160> this<00:42:47.440>
• >> Are<01:42:00.280> you<01:42:00.440> for<01:42:00.560> questions,<01:42:
• simplified reporting<01:42:08.280> have<01:42:08.760> on<01:42:09.000> the<01:42

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 11 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Reverend Anthony Phillips, and dispensed with the reading of the journal and committee reports. The chamber also recognized several guests in the galleries, including family members of senators, medical professionals for Early Childhood Day, and advocates and local officials. After introductions, the Senate moved into the calendar and began considering bills and motions. Among the measures taken up, the Senate passed House Bill 1393 to create the Mississippi Energy Infrastructure Fund, with the sponsor explaining it would allow MDA to support energy projects and require compliance with state procurement laws. The Senate also passed House Bill 420, which provides a full homestead ad valorem tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans age 85 or older and allows an unremarried surviving spouse to keep the exemption; senators asked about eligibility, age limits, and safeguards against improper exemptions. Another bill passed was House Bill 1941 on the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, which would allow funding through bonds or other means in addition to direct appropriation and raise the DFA processing cap from 2% to 3%; several senators raised concerns about state debt and the funding mechanism. The Senate concurred in Senate Bill 2906, which gives the Secretary of State additional time to establish minimum cybersecurity standards for county election systems. It also adopted motions to table reconsideration on several House bills, including House Bill 908 on absentee ballot receipt dates, House Bill 525 on mandatory minimum penalties for sexual battery, and House Bill 538 on sanctuary policies and immigration enforcement. The chamber voted to reconsider and then again pass House Bill 1613, described as a bill on aggravated trafficking weight and pill counts that also included a chemical abortion ban, after some senators who were absent earlier asked to go on record. For House Bill 2409, dealing with a comprehensive mitigation program for retrofitting insurable homes, the Senate voted not to concur and invited conference. The Senate also passed and retained numerous other items as it worked through the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• um on R5 Senate section 6 house section um on R5 Senate section 6 house section 9 9 9 um<00:07:13.599
• <00:42:04.800> Um<00:42:05.280> but<00:42:05.839> I<00:42:06.079> think
• c><00:42:07.359> think<00:42:07.440> we<00:42:07.599> need<00:42:07.760> to
• forward.<00:42:08.640> Um<00:42:08.800> but<00:42:09.040> I'd<00:42:09.280>
• like<00:42:09.359> to<00:42:09.520> see<00:42:09.680> this<00:42:10.160>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• you um<00:42:18.800> David<00:42:19.119> if<00:42:19.240> you<00:42:19.319
• <00:42:21.640> testimony<00:42:22.640> yeah<00:42:22.880> I'm<00:42:23.240><
• :00.239> I'm<01:42:00.360> sorry<01:42:00.599> is<01:42:00.679> it<01:42:
• ><01:42:03.199> correct<01:42:03.679> okay<01:42:03.880> I<01:42:04.080> I
• <01:42:04.599> know<01:42:04.760> that<01:42:04.920> I'm<01:42:05.080> pretty

Bills: HF1051, HF16

Keywords: sacred communities, micro units, religious institutions, housing regulations, homelessness, conditional use permits, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, sanctuary city, noncooperation ordinance, ICE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal immigration authorities, deportation, undocumented immigrant, undocumented person, immigration status data, data sharing, preemption, local government