Transcript Highlights:

• Back in 2020, Nevada County was in the top 10 of reported fatal overdoses, and now it is no longer doing
• And we're able to collect data to help tell the story of our participants reversing a fatal overdose
• Marburg is a rare but highly fatal disease, similar to the Ebola virus, that spreads through contact
• in Rwanda, CDPH is currently monitoring two new outbreaks: a Marburg outbreak in Tanzania with 10 fatal

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> apparently there's some commercial boats apparently there's some commercial boats going<01:27:02.719
• whether that's through through boating whether that's through aquatic<01:34:39.239><c> resources</c>
• Next up, we have HB 649 relating to small boat harbors. have have have Jeff<01:39:45.880><c> thank</c
• Next up, we have HB 649 relating to small boat harbors.
• </c><02:03:20.000><c> harbors</c> trying to bring our small boat harbors trying to bring our small boat

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 347 relating to goats. The Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments and said its Division of Forestry and Wildlife was available to answer questions. Testimony on the bill was largely opposed, with speakers arguing it would amount to a “free-for-all” rather than game management and urging deferral. DLNR responded that bag limits can be adjusted by area and game management unit under adaptive management rules, and that hunters typically take out their catch. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1278, on which DLNR testified in support. The record in the excerpt does not include discussion of the bill’s substance beyond the department’s support, and no action or vote is shown. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 144, relating to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and proposed exemptions from Sunshine Law requirements during the transition period. The authority’s vice chair testified that the body is a startup agency with a complex transition from the University and needs to be able to discuss strategic planning, operational formation, and other day-to-day matters with more than two members present. Opponents, including the Public First Law Center, Hawaiʻi Environmental Alliance, and community members, argued the bill would cut the public out of the deliberative process, allow decisions to be hashed out in private, and set a poor transparency precedent. One testifier also raised cultural and environmental concerns about Mauna Kea. Committee members questioned whether existing law and narrower guardrails could address the authority’s concerns, and the authority said it had already proposed a narrower alternative but the bill returned in similar form. The excerpt ends before any final committee action on HB 144 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have 38 boat captains that I can call on at any time to volunteer.
• They volunteer their time, their boats, their fishing poles, everything.
• I have 38 boat captains that I can call on at any time to volunteer.
• They also have a wood-heated sauna, pontoon boats, and other boats equipped for people with disabilities
• He continued describing the facility: a wood-heated sauna, pontoon boats, and other boats equipped for

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lot of river boats.<00:33:58.440><c> We're</c><00:33:58.560><c> excited</c><00:33:58.960><c
• > about</c><00:33:59.200><c> biking</c><00:33:59.800><c> coming</c> boats.
• We're excited about biking coming boats.
• I also would mention that that dock wall also includes the first of its kind public safety boat ramp
• I think so. public safety boat ramp allowing access to the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Basically, if I take a child and that child comes here on a boat and lands on our shore, I cannot in
• So I guess my question is I see tens of millions of dollars that will go to boats and planes and physical
• answer the only 2 things I want to point out on where is where we are on the ads or or or ISIS on boats
• Immigrant gangs and the bill secures our elections by creating a felony for any non-citizen who boats
• Whether you, you know, some out you came here on a boat or, you know, or you came from one of the state's

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, our programs also monitor non-fatal overdoses.
• So decrease in the non-fatal overdoses.
• Almost half of our fatalities are now polyuse of drugs.
• Almost half of our fatalities are now polyuse of drugs.
• Almost half of our fatalities are now polyuse of drugs.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Those wishing to vote, change the boat. Declare to vote for 'aye'. Zero 'nays'.
• By your guy boats eye, we have some poles on the roadside. Those wishing to vote, change the vote.

Bills: HB3390 , HB4199 , HB4407 , HB4412

Committee: House A&B Human Services Subcommittee

Keywords: home care, community services, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, rating system, inspection reports, substantiated complaints, agency oversight, child care, workforce, pilot program, affordable care, income eligibility, long-term care, revolving fund, options counseling, funding, consultation services, Medicaid, community-based services, seniors

Transcript Highlights:

• Then I will note on line 95 there is an extension of a previous appropriation for the Dakota County boat
• have $262,000 per year ongoing, and that comes from the water wreck account, which is funded through boat
• <00:21:05.120><c> is</c><00:21:05.280><c> funded</c><00:21:05.600><c> through</c><00:21:05.919><c> boat
• </c> which is funded through boat fees. which is funded through boat fees.
• The Senate AIS boat fee increase is on line 146.

Summary: The conference committee on the Environment budget for Senate File 2077 met to introduce members and staff, then walked through the Senate and House budget spreadsheets side by side. Nonpartisan staff explained that the Senate budget was built around a smaller general fund increase and more use of environmental and dedicated funds, while the House met its target through several reductions, including cuts to DNR, PCA, and Board of Water and Soil Resources appropriations. The committee reviewed major agency items for the Pollution Control Agency, DNR, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Zoo, and other accounts, including operating adjustments, permit-related funding, and transfers between funds. Several major differences were highlighted. For the PCA, the Senate included operating adjustments, permitting efficiency funding, composting grants, outreach funding, and a closed landfill investment fund approach that repeals an expiring statutory appropriation, while the House instead extends that appropriation for four more years. For the DNR, the Senate included operating adjustments, groundwater and AIS fee increases, aquatic invasive species funding, trail grants, outdoor schools for all, abandoned watercraft enforcement, and a sustainable foraging task force; the House had fewer of these fee and policy items and used reductions to meet its target. The committee also noted Senate-only policy provisions on outreach to diverse communities, field citations and mercury certification for skin-lightening products, disabled veteran license fee changes, and a moratorium on foraging rulemaking until July 1, 2027. Agency testimony followed. The MPCA commissioner praised both chambers for recognizing core agency work and urged adoption of operating adjustments, the closed landfill fund access, and the air appropriation increase. The DNR assistant commissioner supported operating adjustments, groundwater and AIS fee increases, and the veteran license proposal, but raised concerns about the Senate’s foraging task force language, saying it overweights consumptive users and could limit the agency’s ability to manage foraging without clear data. He also noted support for the land transfer funding and said the agency would continue working with the committee on unresolved issues. No votes were taken in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here today because our community has been directly impacted by e-scooter and e-bike fatalities
• Head injuries are far more likely to be fatal when helmets are not worn.
• Head injuries are former likely to be fatal when helmets are not worn.
• In the months that followed, traffic fatalities dropped sharply.
• Iowa implemented a very strict hands-free law, and in 2025 had 260 traffic fatalities.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a large slate of bills, beginning with HB 1405, which would reestablish a pilot program at four state universities to screen people with special needs who are at risk of elopement and provide families with tracking devices. Members spoke in support, citing real-life incidents involving missing children and adults, and the bill passed 18-0. HB 4037, a Pasco County mosquito control cleanup bill, also passed unanimously, as did PCS for HB 639, which expands eligibility for an existing Fraternal Order of Police specialty license plate to all Floridians and adds nonprofit and financial reporting requirements for specialty plate organizations. HB 667, brought by Rep. Valdés with Freedom High School students through the Ought to Be a Law program, would raise the helmet requirement for electric personal assisted mobility devices from under 16 to under 18; the students testified about e-bike and e-scooter injuries and fatalities, and the bill passed 18-0. The committee also approved PCS for HB 975, which clarifies management and security authority for the Capitol Center and Complex, and HB 695, a public records exemption tied to a health care interstate compact, by a 17-1 vote. HB 181, expanding a pawnbroker transaction records exemption to FDLE, and HB 1087, making Florida Retirement System pension-plan member and payee information confidential, both passed unanimously. HB 1515, a public records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database, also passed unanimously after the sponsor explained the Department of Health had been unable to implement the database because of data-identification problems. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1283, which would allow anonymous complaints against law enforcement officers only when accompanied by corroborating evidence and would bar non-disciplinary investigative outcomes from being used in promotions and other personnel decisions. Police chiefs and sheriffs opposed the bill as amended, arguing the corroboration standard should include evidence developed by agencies and warning about personnel-management consequences, while law enforcement supporters said the bill protects officers from malicious complaints. Civil rights and advocacy groups opposed it, warning it would chill reporting and harm victims, especially in sexual misconduct cases. After extensive debate, the committee adopted an amendment to align the bill with the Senate companion and then passed HB 1283 18-0. The committee also passed HB 139, expanding whistleblower protections to adverse actions by individuals and placing investigations with the Florida Commission on Human Relations, and HB 953, which gives county tax collectors authority to partner with DHSMV in overseeing commercial driving schools and combating fraud; both passed unanimously. The meeting also included HB 627, which directs officers in the field to refer public records requesters to the proper custodian rather than processing requests during active incidents; despite opposition from protest and civil liberties advocates, it passed 18-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 1473, a public records exemption for portions of domestic-terrorism designation materials. Supporters said it was needed to protect sensitive security information, while opponents argued it was vague and could be used to hide executive decision-making and target protesters or Muslim communities. After an amendment and lengthy debate, the bill passed 13-4.

Transcript Highlights:

• Manufacturing, we have Monterey Boats in Williston, as well as Shadow Horse Trailers.
• Manufacturing, we have Monterey Boats in Williston, as well as Shadow Horse Trailers.
• And we're number one in the country in boat, ship, and yacht manufacturing.
• Florida represents 19% of the country's boat and ship manufacturing.
• a unique opportunity in that the Italian businesses that we met with—they are the world's biggest boat

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met for its first meeting of the year, took roll, and heard member introductions centered on the importance of workforce pathways beyond the traditional four-year college route. Members repeatedly emphasized manufacturing, trades, rural workforce needs, apprenticeships, and helping students and adults find multiple paths to good jobs. The chair outlined the subcommittee’s focus on policies that build a skilled workforce and announced the day’s theme would be manufacturing, with presentations from the Florida Department of Commerce, the Florida Semiconductor Institute, and Fleet Force CDL training. Secretary Alex Kelly presented Florida’s manufacturing report, saying manufacturing is a major economic driver and that Florida has become the 10th largest state in manufacturing employment. He highlighted strong job multipliers, rapid growth in manufacturing GDP and establishments, the importance of logistics and ports, and the state’s small-business-heavy manufacturing base. He also stressed the aging manufacturing workforce, the need for modern skills such as robotics, cybersecurity, and data analytics, and the role of public-private partnerships, apprenticeships, and workforce education investments in supporting reshoring and industry growth. Dr. David Arnold described Florida’s semiconductor sector and the Florida Semiconductor Institute’s mission to grow research, workforce, and ecosystem development. He said semiconductors are strategically important, Florida ranks fifth nationally in semiconductor workforce, and the main bottleneck is mid-level technician talent rather than engineers or entry-level workers. He pointed to NeoCity, Valencia College, and other regional partnerships as models, and said the state needs more proactive planning, better instructor capacity, and stronger pathways from K-12 through postsecondary. Evan Agiloff of Fleet Force discussed Florida’s CDL shortage, saying trucking is essential to the supply chain, Florida has about 18,000 open CDL positions, and Fleet Force’s college-based model can quickly move students into middle-class jobs. Members asked about apprenticeships, CTE pathways, semiconductor training, infrastructure needs, and how to expand and better fund workforce programs; no votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had a very interesting and alarming number of fatalities in the recent months.
• </c><02:36:02.359><c> in</c><02:36:02.520><c> the</c><02:36:02.680><c> recent</c> of fatalities in the
• things that we see in nearly every fatality.
• </c><03:40:19.840><c> rates</c><03:40:20.840><c> these</c> injuries and fatality rates these injuries
• and fatality rates these strategies<03:40:21.600><c> may</c><03:40:21.800><c> take</c><03:40:21.960>

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• rebuilding of the David Malo Circle and Pi'ilani Homes; for DLNR, the rebuilding of the Hana Small Boat
• > for DLNR, the rebuilding of the Hana for DLNR, the rebuilding of the Hana Small<00:19:55.560><c> Boat
• Harbor,</c><00:19:56.720><c> for</c><00:19:56.880><c> State</c><00:19:57.120><c> Libraries,</c> Small Boat
• Harbor, for State Libraries, Small Boat Harbor, for State Libraries, the<00:19:57.760><c> rebuilding

Summary: The committees met in decision-making sessions and considered a long list of Senate bills, with no oral testimony taken. Several measures were advanced unamended, including SB 2178 on industrial hemp, SB 2277 on hospital price transparency, SB 2387 on digital financial asset transaction kiosks, SB 2688 on compassionate release, SB 3132 on syndromic surveillance data reporting, SB 3219 on housing infrastructure growth bonds, and others. Many bills were also advanced with technical or substantive amendments, including SB 2114 on collective bargaining grievance rights, SB 2601 on procurement penalties, SB 2698 on cruise ships/transportation, SB 2757 on digital asset charters, SB 2948 on insurance fraud, SB 2002 on water governance, SB 2022 on state water code penalties, SB 2190 on inclusionary zoning, SB 3294 on wrongful imprisonment compensation, and SB 17, SB 2407, SB 2811, SB 2907, SB 2930, SB 3084, SB 3103, and SB 2808 in the later agenda segment. The committee also discussed SB 2080, relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact, where one senator objected to interstate compacts as opening local jobs to out-of-state professionals; despite that objection, the measure was adopted. SB 3133 on preventive medicine drew amendment discussion to remove unnecessary language about committee members not being state employees and to delete an immunity subsection, while preserving ethics-code coverage and provider immunity. SB 3000 on insurance was amended to remove a savings clause, and SB 2921 on fund transfers received extensive amendments removing or revising numerous special funds and revolving accounts across agencies. Most votes were unanimous or near-unanimous, often with members present voting aye or with reservations. A few measures drew recorded no votes or reservations, including SB 2080, SB 3133, SB 2921, and SB 2401, where one member voted with reservations and the committee report was to reflect the Attorney General’s comments. In each case, the committee adopted the recommendation and moved the bills forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Krebs, they are working on the Lock 8 boat ramp in Hale County.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Krebs, they are working on the lock 8 &gt;&gt; Krebs, they are working on the lock 8 boat
• </c> boat ramp in Hail County. boat ramp in Hail County.

Transcript Highlights:

• requirements for some group in front of this body tonight, because we seem to completely miss the boat
• And so I got on the boat and drove over to where she was and brought... ...of a couple weeks ago.
• And so I got on the boat and drove over to where she was and brought her into the ER of a non-public
• And I got back on the boat and went over there and brought her to the hospital and got her checked into

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several bills, many of them after moving substitutes and suspending the rules to advance them directly to final passage. Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with access to voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, was described as a civic engagement measure that would require county auditors and the Secretary of State to work with federally recognized tribes and explore a secure voting portal. Supporters emphasized outreach, access, and helping overseas and disabled voters; opponents raised concerns about online voting security, paper ballot integrity, and emerging technologies. The bill passed 38-19. Substitute Senate Bill 6034, which statutorily establishes the Governor’s Office on Indian Affairs, passed unanimously 49-0 after supporters said it would formally anchor an office that has existed for decades and better reflect the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, on school district financial management and training, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was adopted to delay implementation and clarify funding for training. Supporters said the bill would help school boards, superintendents, and ESDs identify districts sliding toward financial distress and improve fiscal oversight. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 5922, giving school districts more flexibility to transfer unused school bus depreciation funds when declining enrollment means replacement buses may not be needed, and Senate Bill 6278, requiring ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs so training better matches classroom needs; both passed with broad support. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6246, concerning emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act, drew the most extended debate and passed 27-22 after a striking amendment was adopted and a proposed reporting amendment was rejected. Supporters said it creates a framework for future emissions allowance reductions while protecting jobs and competitiveness; opponents warned it would drive mills and other industrial employers out of Washington. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5906, the SAFE Act limiting ICE access to non-public areas of schools, colleges, health care facilities, daycares, and similar sites without a warrant, after adopting amendments related to model policies and union notification; supporters framed it as a safety and due process measure, while opponents called it an attempt to obstruct federal law enforcement. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5905, addressing PERS membership for certain port workers in federal railroad retirement plans, passed 49-0 as a technical pension fix.

Transcript Highlights:

• It helps streamline the bill, make sure that we are keeping this bill afloat and getting our boats off
• We can't afford to let this effort sink because we can't afford to let our boats sink.
• We have to get these boats out of the water a lot sooner because it costs us millions of dollars.
• So, yeah, we have to get these boats out of the water.

Bills: HB2668 , HB1735 , HB2131 , HB2199 , HB2463 , HB2598 , HB2619

Committee: House Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: relocation, wildlife, game farm, agriculture, environmental impact, animal welfare, force-feeding, birds, humane treatment, sea lion, predation control, salmon preservation, fishing industry, voluntary donations, derelict vessels, marine environment, coastal management, environmental protection, maritime economy, farmers

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of the people were having to just park their boats and find other jobs for work.
• in over 550 jobs in the area, whether it's direct at a farm or indirect working for, let's say, a boat
• I was able to get my first lease in the aquaculture use zone down there, and I got a loan for a boat
• leaning toward more of a five-foot-deep area so that I can stand in the water and not just work off a boat

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard three presentations focused on Florida aquaculture, agricultural nutrient reduction, and land preservation. First, clam farmer Tim Solano of Cedar Key described the economic and environmental importance of the state’s clam industry, noting Florida’s strong national production, the industry’s recovery role after the net ban, and the severe damage caused by recent hurricanes and red tide. He said the Dislocated Workers program helped farmers return to work and asked that existing state programs be written more broadly to include aquaculture. Oyster producer Canaan Greg of Pelican Oyster Company then discussed the growth of off-bottom oyster farming, the losses his industry suffered from Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, and the need for better access to recovery loans, student internships, local seed production, and waterfront protection. Members asked questions about leases, production, predators, and storm resilience, and the presenters emphasized that aquaculture is a sustainable, year-round industry that filters water and supports local economies. The committee next heard from UF/IFAS regional extension agent Dr. Bob Hockmouth on education, research, and extension efforts to reduce nitrogen in the Suwannee Valley Basin Management Action Plan area. He explained that the region’s agricultural load reduction target has increased from about 4.2 million to 5.8 million pounds of nitrogen, and that extension programs are helping farmers adopt practices such as precision fertilizer placement, soil moisture sensors, controlled-release fertilizer, petiole sap testing, and irrigation automation. He highlighted corn and watermelon as major examples, saying on-farm demonstrations and cost-share programs are essential because the equipment and technology are expensive. He reported substantial reductions from participating farms and said growers are generally cooperative when funding is available. Finally, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented an update on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program acquires development rights through voluntary conservation easements to keep working agricultural lands in production, protect water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve taxable land without transferring ownership. The presenter said the program has expanded rapidly in the last two years, with more acreage acquired, faster application review, and more properties in the Florida wildlife corridor. He noted new online application and monitoring tools, a shortened review timeline, and stronger partnerships with federal and defense-related programs. Committee members asked about long-term maintenance responsibilities and the Board of Trustees approval process, and the presentation closed with support for continued funding and efficiency improvements before the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• A public warning was issued, and kratom can be fatal. And yet this bill keeps it on the market.
• pain management because kratom, nor 7-OH, cause respiratory depression, making it impossible for a fatal
• pain management because Kratum, nor 7-0, cause respiratory depression, making it impossible for a fatal
• Despite a possible fatal interaction, this drug remains a frontline medication for more than 3 million
• I have unfortunately had to be the lead investigator in multiple kratom-related fatalities.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• U.S. 12, or Highway 12, is a known high-freight corridor, and then we continue to see fatalities in that
• U.S. 12, or Highway 12, is a known high-freight corridor, and then we continue to see fatalities in that
• don't want to have a, you know, when you hear about them on the state highway, these projects, fatalities
• don't want to have a, you know, when you hear about them on the state highway, these projects, fatalities
• fatalities. How can we do this, not under traffic, you know.

Committees: Joint Transportation , Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee met in the Quad Cities area and first heard a joint presentation from public works directors from Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and West Richland on regional transportation priorities, challenges, and project delivery. The cities said their priorities align with JTC goals such as safety, multimodal access, climate resilience, and economic development. They highlighted regional coordination through the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments and Good Roads, use of multiple funding sources including TIB, REIT, impact fees, transportation benefit districts, and tax increment financing, and a shared approach to Vision Zero, complete streets, ADA access, and active transportation planning. They also described major projects such as Richland’s downtown connectivity and SR 240/Aaron Drive improvements, Kennewick’s Columbia Center Boulevard corridor and rail study, Pasco’s Court/Road 68, Sylvester Street, Broadmoor interchange, and north-south bridge concepts, and West Richland’s SR 224 Red Mountain project. The directors also described common obstacles: rising construction costs, project phasing, permitting and right-of-way delays, utility coordination, pavement preservation needs, and workforce shortages. West Richland emphasized that its SR 224 project stayed on schedule by setting clear roles, maintaining frequent communication, resolving right-of-way issues early, and reducing contractor risk through detailed plans and utility relocation. Committee members asked about sidewalk connections to schools, state-agency right-of-way timelines, apprenticeship utilization, contractor selection, and whether complete streets requirements add burdens. The cities said sidewalk gaps are most common in older infill or unincorporated areas, state right-of-way processes can be slow, apprenticeship requirements are generally built into funded projects but are hard for smaller contractors to meet, and there is no easy fix for low-bid contractors with poor performance histories. After the local presentations, staff introduced a JTC-funded study on transit-oriented development policy, and Urban Institute researcher Yona Freemark presented findings from work covering 33 cities in the Puget Sound, Spokane, and Vancouver regions near rail and bus rapid transit stations. He said Washington faces a severe housing affordability problem, with rising rents and home prices, and that TOD can help connect housing and transit but must be tailored to different market conditions. The study found that higher-cost cities near transit have seen more development but also signs of gentrification and loss of affordable housing, while lower-cost cities have had less development and still face worsening affordability. Freemark identified barriers including high debt and construction costs, limited subsidy resources, high land costs, regulatory and parking requirements, and impact fees, and he said HB 1491 and related legislation may address some zoning and parking constraints. He recommended more targeted state support for neighborhood infrastructure around stations and policies that reflect the different conditions of high- and low-demand communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2937 simply allows for the carrying of firearms on boats.
• those that are otherwise qualified to carry a weapon in the state will be qualified to do so on a boat

Bills: HB2937 , HB3419 , HB3264 , HB3266 , HB3267 , HB3268

Committee: House Criminal Judiciary

Summary: The Judicial Criminal Committee met for its first meeting of the session, with the chair noting the committee had roughly 55 bills assigned and urging members to review them in advance to move hearings along efficiently. A new committee member, Representative Clinton, was welcomed, and Vice Chair Harris later introduced a legislative intern, Allie Burwell, who will be working in his office during the session. Several bills were heard and advanced. HB 2937 would allow otherwise qualified individuals to carry firearms on boats, as a cleanup measure related to constitutional carry; it received a due pass. HB 3419 would extend the felony offense for corruptly disclosing private bid information from state officials to officials of counties and cities, and it also received a due pass. HB 3264 would make domestic violence by strangulation an 85% crime, and HB 3266 would increase penalties for reckless driving tied to collisions and street racing/takeovers; both were advanced. HB 3267 would make breaking and entering into an occupied dwelling a felony in itself, and members discussed how accidental entry or prosecutorial discretion would be handled; it also received a due pass. HB 3268 addressed fake or fictitious tags, including problems involving commercial vehicles, and was described as a response to concerns from Oklahoma City police and the Corporation Commission. Members asked about drafting changes and title references, which were explained as cleanup language tied to recent reclassification and drafting procedures. The bill was then advanced with a due pass. Two other bills, HB 3495 and HB 3497, were held over, and the committee adjourned after the chair again asked members to review bills and raise concerns beforehand.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Governor's office really<00:05:13.800><c> missed</c><00:05:14.040><c> the</c><00:05:14.120><c> boat
• </c> really missed the boat on this year. really missed the boat on this year.

Summary: A Minnesota Senate Republican leader reflected on the just-ended session, saying the caucus focused on affordability and fraud while operating with limited leverage in the minority. He highlighted a $254 million reduction in tab fees, saying it would keep money in Minnesotans’ pockets, and said Republicans also advanced anti-fraud measures, including tighter payment processes and provisions to prevent fraudsters from benefiting after being caught. He also noted support for infrastructure investments in roads, bridges, drinking water, and wastewater. The leader said Republicans were disappointed that many priorities were left on the table, especially because Democrats and the governor controlled the process. He criticized the late-session handling of bills, saying members did not have enough time to read or digest measures that appeared at the end. He also said the tax bill included a property tax measure and that Republicans would take their affordability and anti-fraud message into the fall elections. On health care, he explained his no vote on a bill tied to Hennepin County Medical Center, saying the package was too centered on one Minneapolis hospital and did not do enough for outstate and critical access hospitals. He said the session did include the bipartisan OIG bill and other tightening measures, but argued the administration had not been aggressive enough in pursuing fraud. He closed by agreeing that more transparency and compromise would be preferable, and said he hoped future sessions would be more open, especially if Republicans gain the majority.