Transcript Highlights:

• years, we have relied way too much on a negotiation that happens in a cabinet room and not in the conference
• , as a creature of this place before I ever ran for office and understand the value of a public conference
• understand the value of a public understand the value of a public conference<00:10:08.640> committee
• <00:10:09.400> with<00:10:09.560> subject<00:10:09.960> matter conference committee
• with subject matter conference committee with subject matter experts<00:10:10.720> that<00:10

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on the Minnesota Senate DFL’s end-of-session accomplishments and frustrations. The senator said the caucus entered the session expecting little to get done in a divided, election-year legislature, but instead passed a range of major measures, including emergency rental assistance, immigration enforcement, gun violence prevention, an independent Office of the Inspector General, consumer protections for homeowners associations, and a $1.2 billion bonding/infrastructure bill for water, roads, and bridges. He said the bonding bill was a success but criticized the limited funding for lead pipe replacement, noting only $15 million was included. He also discussed affordability measures, especially a vehicle tab fee reduction negotiated in connection with the bonding bill, saying Democrats wanted the relief to take effect sooner but Republicans pushed implementation to January. He described other unfinished or blocked items, including a small business relief package tied to Metro Surge and efforts to protect Medicaid and SNAP from federal changes. He said many Senate proposals were developed through committee hearings and were meant to be negotiated publicly, but argued the House often failed to do comparable work, leading to last-minute deals and more party-line votes. The senator was sharply critical of federal actions under the Trump administration, saying cuts and mandates were harming states, counties, Medicaid, and SNAP, and weakening the state-federal partnership. Looking ahead, he said interim work will likely focus on procedural changes and health care, including stabilizing HCMC and supporting rural hospitals. He said the session’s work was aimed at serving Minnesotans first, and expressed optimism about the upcoming election season and the possibility of changing legislative practices next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Republican Caucus will be meeting tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the uh Senate Republican Caucus conference
• Senate Republican Caucus will be meeting tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the Senate Republican Caucus conference
• :15:07.160> Caucus in the uh Senate Republican Caucus in the uh Senate Republican Caucus conference
• <00:15:09.520> Since conference room. All are welcome. Since conference room.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate reconvened with a quorum and took up Budget and Taxation matters first. The chamber considered Senate Bill 283, the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026, with the capital budget subcommittee chair describing a $5.7 billion capital program focused on jobs, reliability, and infrastructure, including funding for transportation, state facilities, local projects, and legislative bond initiatives. The committee report and reprint were explained, and the bill with its 291 committee amendments was special ordered until the next day for further amendment work. The Senate then adopted the favorable committee report for Senate Bill 769, the University System of Maryland Academic Facilities Bonding Authority, and ordered it printed for third reading. On the third reading calendar, the Senate passed Senate Bills 84, 618, 932, 148, 202, and 623 by constitutional majorities. SB 84 concerned collective bargaining for graduate assistants; SB 618 addressed a public ethics exemption for General Assembly members and certain state and local employees; SB 932 dealt with social media platforms displaying user location; SB 148 created an income tax subtraction modification for public safety employee retirement income supporting 911 specialists; SB 202 reinstated an order-to-show-cause process in police discipline, which drew floor opposition from a senator who argued it would revive an unnecessary exception to the streamlined police accountability process; and SB 623 created the Maryland Premium Cigar Lounge Act of 2026. The Senate also handled Senate Bill 463, a second-reading bill on municipal vagrancy and local authority to prohibit it, which the committee chair moved to special order for the following Tuesday without objection. The session concluded with announcements about caucus meetings, a quorum call, and adjournment until Tuesday, March 24 at 11:00 a.m., along with thanks to the secretary’s office, DLS staff, and pages for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am very proud that our conference has this group of bills today that reflect our commitment to a scientifically
• I am very proud that our conference has this group of bills today that reflect our commitment to a scientifically
• STATE DOES THE RIGHT THING BY OUR KIDS AND PROVIDES THAT THE MANDATORY I am very proud that our conference
• The memo confirms what our conference, the Senate Republicans, have been saying for... ...years: that
• While I'm encouraged to see the Governor has finally realized that what our conference has been saying

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silent reflection, approval of the prior journal, and several ceremonial introductions. Senator Mayer welcomed students and alumni from the New York Alliance for Early College Pathways, highlighting early college opportunities for high school students. Senator Zellner introduced members of the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Union Local 282 and honored fallen Buffalo firefighter Jayson Arno, with remarks praising firefighters’ service and sacrifice. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 1489, commemorating the 182nd anniversary of Dominican Republic independence. Senator Sepúlveda presented the resolution and spoke about Dominican history, sovereignty, the Dominican diaspora in New York, and the role of Consul General Jesús Vásquez Martínez. Senators Jackson, Weber, Bailey, and others spoke in support, emphasizing the contributions of Dominican New Yorkers. The resolution was adopted and opened for co-sponsorship. The Senate next moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills on insurance, public health, education, social services, tax, penal law, and workers’ compensation. Several bills were approved by wide margins, including measures related to vaccination policy and education law; Senator Weik opposed the public health/vaccination bill, while Senator Mayer defended it as science-based. Senator Fernandez explained and secured passage of a workers’ compensation bill that would raise a pre-authorization threshold, clarify medical treatment guidelines, and restore access to out-of-network providers for injured workers. The only contentious item was Calendar 117, a bill amending the Executive Law related to climate resilience and the Office of Resilience. Senator Walczyk offered an amendment to repeal the statewide cap-and-invest program, but the chair ruled it nongermane; the Senate upheld that ruling on a 21-aye vote. Senators Harckham, Borrello, Krueger, Lanza, Martins, and Gianaris spoke at length on climate policy, energy costs, and the bill’s merits. The bill ultimately passed 51-9. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• their own buildings are allowed greater independence from the authority of OMES, even though statute confers
• vacancies, and then they fill out the information about their other needs for the space, such as a conference
• Next, it asks for the amount of space needed for special space, which includes conference rooms and training
• example on the screen and on appendix K of the report shows an agency with 11 staff requested a conference
• The special space that can be added to that is like conference rooms, courtrooms, the reception area,

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ALL FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES CONFERENCE
• HAS BEEN ABLE TO SERVE THIS POPULATION THROUGH THE INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOP MENTAL DISABILITIES CONFERENCE
• THE FACT THIS CONFERENCE A BENEFITS. THERE BENEFITS THAT CAN BE DELIVERED THROUGH FLEXIBLE MODEL.
• I DID WANT TO REMIND EVERYBODY IT REALLY IS A CONFERENCE OF BAGGAGE AND I DON'T KNOW OF ANY OTHER PROGRAM
• WE ARE REALLY PROUD TO OFFER THIS CONFERENCE AND SET OF BENEFITS. IS WITH THE FULL LIST LOOKS LIKE.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we're going to convene conference committees on several House bills and Senate bills.
• We're in Conference Room 309 for the 10:30 agenda on April 23rd.
• I got to announce the conference. Oh, yeah. I got to read it. It's a Senate bill. Sorry.
• I got to announce the conference. Oh, yeah. I got to read it. It's a Senate bill. Sorry.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know they had a press conference earlier today.
• 04:10.560> press the recalls I know they had a press the recalls I know they had a press conference
• :11.680> today<00:04:12.519> um<00:04:12.720> at<00:04:12.879> this conference
• earlier today um at this conference earlier today um at this point<00:04:13.239> there<00:04:

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: A House Republican spokesperson gave an update on the ongoing Minnesota House standoff, saying Republicans continue to seek formal recognition from the Secretary of State and objecting to what they described as the executive branch blocking duly elected members from being recognized on the House floor. They said the Minnesota Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments Thursday in a case filed against the Secretary of State over that issue, and they argued that motions had been placed at the desk for several days and that the Secretary’s court filings mischaracterized the parties’ communications. The spokesperson also said negotiations with Democratic colleagues over starting the session were continuing, describing Democrats as showing increased motivation to reach a deal and attributing that, in part, to public pressure. They said House Republicans have been present and working each day, while criticizing absent Democratic members and noting that more than $200,000 in taxpayer funds has been paid to members who have not shown up. They said another meeting was planned for that evening, with no meeting scheduled yet for the next day. Questions also touched on recall efforts and the status of Representative Brad Tab. The spokesperson said recall petitions are a separate process handled by the state party and, once initiated, cannot be stopped by House leaders. On seating Representative Brad Tab, they said the House retains authority to judge the eligibility of its own membership and that their position had not changed.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> WELCOME TO THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING JUNE 12, 2025. THE MEETING IS NOW CALLED TO ORDER.
• I THINK THAT I WOULD NOT ANTICIPATE ANOTHER CONFERENCE MEETING THIS EVENING.
• SEEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE McCLURE MOVES WE ADJOURN.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in conference room 411. This is the last day of our final mandatory 5-day recess.
• and an annual training conference. and an annual training conference.
• We are hosting a resilience conference We are hosting a resilience conference this<00:16:19.600>
• So, an annual conference for emergency response for communities, statewide. Okay.
• sure that all of these conferences get publicized through our various networks.

Bills: HB2437, HB1815, HB1614, HB1613, HB1612, HB2411, HB2597, HB2583, HB2474, HB1863, HB2590, HB1813, HB1838, HB2138, HB1967, HB1576, HB2139, HB1605, HB2113, HB812, HB1831, HB1707, HB2561, HB1805, HB2469, HB2472, HB2387, HB1658, HB1661, HB1664, HB1859, HB2276, HB2335, HB1656, HB2116, HB2272, HB2273, HB2340, HB2158, HB2339, HB2489, HB2159, HB2171, HB2338, HB2005, HB1952, HB1872, HB1676, HB2384, HB2614, HB20, HB1776, HB1565, HB2310, HB1975, HB1801, HB1668, HB2114, HB1972, HB1546, HB1518, HB1131, HB2208, HB2156, HB2268, HB2622, HB2581, HB2498, HB2443, HB1577, HB2033, HB2031, HB2023, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2315, HB2343, HB2501, HB2505, HB816, HB1562, HB1591, HB1853, HB1854, HB1871, HB1965, HB1966, HB1537, HB1541, HB276, HB2606, HB2270, HB1920, HB1756, HB1727, HB1718, HB1715, HB1713, HB1711

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund, one percent for art, public art, art in public places, relocatable works of art, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, DAGS

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I don't think all of us who are on this conference committee are familiar with those procedures,
• <00:02:45.360> committee are who are on this conference committee are who are on this conference
• And so I just would point that out<01:07:15.200> to<01:07:15.359> confer.
• out to confer. Thank you, Madam Chair. out to confer. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• negotiated in a conference committee. negotiated in a conference committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we have committee of conference to appoint on those bills.
• Pursuant to the request of the Senate for a committee of conference, the chair appoints the following
• Pursuant to the request of the Senate for a committee of conference, the chair appoints the following

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate Bill 212, relating to potable water supply and wastewater system connections, but postponed action on it for one legislative day after a member from Ferrisburg moved to delay consideration because an amendment was still pending. No vote count was recorded, but the chair announced the ayes appeared to have it. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had refused to concur in House amendments to Senate Bill 223, concerning water quality of Vermont waters, and Senate Bill 325, concerning regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction. In response, the Speaker appointed House conferees for both bills. For S. 223, the House conferees were Representatives Sheldon, Labor, and Satroits; for S. 325, the conferees were Representatives Sheldon, Labor, and Chapin. Additionally, the Committee on Ways and Means reported Senate Bill 328, relating to housing and common interest communities and carrying an appropriation, favorably with amendment. The bill was referred to the Committee on Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The House then agreed to journalize remarks from a member from Berrytown and adjourned until the next day at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The agreement protects conference committees by ensuring equal bipartisan membership, and we are optimistic
• The agreement protects conference committees by ensuring equal bipartisan membership, and we are optimistic
• The agreement protects conference committees by ensuring equal bipartisan membership, and we are optimistic

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House took up Representative Nisa’s resolution to adopt temporary rules for the 94th regular session. The resolution provided that the House would operate under the same rules as the 93rd session’s permanent rules, with modifications from the February 6, 2025 House organization agreement, until new permanent rules are adopted. Nisa described the measure as the product of a long bipartisan negotiation and urged members to support it so the House could begin its work. Representative Long also spoke in favor, saying the agreement preserved power sharing in the absence of a numerical majority, limited unilateral action in election contests, required bipartisan committee votes and equal bipartisan conference committee membership, and ensured bipartisan negotiation over House rules. Long said the framework would help members work together on issues such as affordable housing, health care, and child care. After discussion ended, the Clerk pro tem called the roll. The House adopted the temporary rules by a vote of 130 ayes and 2 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• :03:41.920> leadership events or some of our leadership events or some of our leadership conferences
• that we have FFA is incur so conferences that we have FFA is incur so to<00:03:46.080> be<00:
• in and whenever we our ual conference in and whenever we ask<00:41:29.560> we<00:41:29.760>
• Apparently the four or fewer language was dropped somewhere in conference, and so I just want to point
• committee got pulled out so a conference committee got pulled out so again<01:53:23.400> half

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Uh, so, Chair, Representative, our understanding is that that was in conference committee, but it
• /c><00:29:57.679> in understanding is that that was in understanding is that that was in conference
• committee, but it did not conference committee, but it did not make<00:29:59.919> it<00:30:00.080
• Chair, I was going to say I wasn't on that committee, so the conference committee.
• committee, so the conference committee. committee, so the conference committee.

Bills: HF3540, HF3522, HF3544

Keywords: veterans rights, employment discrimination, human rights, Minnesota laws, protected classes, veterans, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs, Secret War in Laos, SGU veteran, Hmong veterans, Laotian veterans, honor guard, military funeral honors, state veterans cemetery, burial eligibility, veterans home, temporary closure, state active service, National Guard

Transcript Highlights:

• Our conference will begin soon. Congratulations. Please excuse Mr.
• I move to grant the request of the Senate to appoint a conference committee on Senate Bill 5.
• Well, what it is talking about is the meet and confer agreements that the cities have currently with
• I'm happy to talk to you about the meet and confer requirement.
• From what I'm reading in the bill, it does have a conflict between the meet and confer agreements where

Bills: HB17, HB16, SB 10, HB27, HB23, SB 15, SB 18, HB 17, HB 16, SB 10, HB 27, HB 23, SB 15, SB 18

Keywords: property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support

Transcript Highlights:

• we're going to just do a quick walkthrough of policy items as agreed to by Senate File 1740 in the conference
• 02:39.200> the agreed to by Senate File 1740 in the agreed to by Senate File 1740 in the conference
• 02:40.800> I<00:02:41.120> will<00:02:41.360> ask<00:02:41.840> our conference
• And I will ask our conference committee.
• And thank you to our finance chairs for consideration of the work that we did in our conference committee

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a little bit of a battle on the floor, but we'll see if it comes out of conference committee.
• It was a little bit of a battle on the floor, but we'll see if it comes out of conference committee.
• You can watch floor sessions and conference committees live.
• You can watch floor sessions and conference committees live.
• You can watch floor sessions and conference committees live.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One incident that we shared was when we were in Louisiana, and I can tell you, as much as the conference
• that we were as much as the conference that we were at<00:30:13.480> and<00:30:13.600> the
• At 2:20, all the members are invited to join the advocates for a press conference, with a group photo
• <00:36:56.200> with<00:36:56.319> a advocates for a press conference with a advocates
• for a press conference with a group<00:36:56.599> photo<00:36:56.920> to<00:36:57.000>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, the chairs having conferred, we're going to decision-making recommendations to pass with amendment
• Okay, the chairs having conferred, we're going to decision-making recommendations to pass with amendment
• Okay, the chairs having conferred, we're going to decision-making recommendations to pass with amendment
• Okay, the chairs having conferred, we're going to decision-making recommendations to pass with amendment
• Okay, the chairs having conferred we're Okay, the chairs having conferred we're going<00:13:33.240>

Bills: HB1618

Keywords: cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans, homeowner financing, environmental infrastructure, public health, wastewater treatment, low- and moderate-income households, revolving loan fund, Department of Health, memorandum of agreement

Summary: The committees held a joint hearing on HB 1618 HD1, which would create and fund a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority to help homeowners upgrade, convert, or connect cesspools. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies and advocacy groups, with witnesses emphasizing that cost is the main barrier to cesspool conversion and that recent Kona flooding underscored the public health and pollution risks of cesspools. One testifier suggested the fund should actively pursue outside funding sources, and another urged an effective date that would allow counties to contribute sooner. A member raised concerns about whether loans would be affordable and whether other financing tools, such as tax credits, should also be considered; another member opposed the bill as not adequately addressing district-level sewer and septic issues. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, and the motion was adopted. The joint Judiciary and Ways and Means committees then considered HB 2592 on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. The chair outlined amendments to clarify that the authority would assume property and liability associated with transferred assets, preserve existing liability rules, transfer conditional use permits if not already transferred, allow lease extensions before transfer, and set reversion triggers if the authority fails to adopt a management plan by June 30, 2028, or administrative rules by December 31, 2029. Members asked about preserving the public trust and whether the amendments would keep the Board of Land and Natural Resources’ role intact; the chair confirmed the fee and board role would remain unchanged. The committees voted to pass the bill with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The committees also took up HB 2033, making further amendments to clarify the definition of state, delay certain effective dates, allow rental and U-Drive lessors to avoid liability by identifying renters, delete one section, and add administrative hearing language and bus-camera clarifications. HB 1888 was amended to expand protections for educational workers to include sports officials, define sports official, make intentional bodily harm a felony with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses, and authorize the attorney general to assist with restraining orders. Both measures were recommended for passage with amendments and adopted. Later, several bills were moved with little or no discussion: HB 1515, HB 1713, HB 1718, HB 2022, and HB 2385 were recommended for passage unamended; HB 2375 was deferred; and HB 1741 was amended to reflect Honolulu’s concerns, narrow study requirements, add exemptions and a delayed implementation date, and was recommended for passage with amendments. The committees adopted the recommendations on these measures, with some members noting reservations or prior opposition on certain bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference.
• The North Dakota Catholic Conference strongly supports common-sense legislation to fight against the
• All three of the last popes and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have publicly decried
• And I think it might be better than going into conference, because I think...
• If you do that, you may end up in a conference committee. Okay. Senator Luick will carry.

Bills: HCR3028

Keywords: human trafficking, victim services, re-entry programs, legislative study, public safety, mental health, law enforcement, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several measures related to human trafficking, criminal procedure, and child protection. It first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3028, which would direct a legislative study of human trafficking victim services and re-entry programs. The sponsor and supporters emphasized helping victims rebuild basic life and workforce skills and better understanding existing services; YouthWorks and the North Dakota Catholic Conference described current programs and the trauma victims face. The committee discussed overlap with other interim studies, then voted unanimously to give the resolution a due pass, with Senator Braunberger designated to carry it. The committee then considered House Bill 1263, concerning sealing criminal records, and moved it forward without changing the House version after members noted the House had removed presumption language and reduced the waiting period. That bill also received a due pass recommendation. Next, House Bill 1226, which revises the state’s mask law for public places, drew testimony from the sponsor and an expert witness who argued that masking to conceal identity during group criminal conduct undermines public safety and law enforcement. Members debated the House-added requirement that law enforcement request unmasking; the committee adopted an amendment to remove that language, then passed the bill as amended, with Senator Luick to carry it. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1410, a study resolution on criminal conduct against children, including child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and the use of artificial intelligence in exploitation crimes. Supporters from the Child Sexual Assault Prevention Task Force, YouthWorks, and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota said the study would help update outdated terminology, review AI-related issues, and improve investigation and prosecution tools. The committee approved the resolution with a due pass recommendation, and Senator Cory was assigned to carry it. The committee also received a brief report that, in a quick review, there were 82 active studies introduced, including 10 shall studies and 35 shall-consider studies, with limited overlap identified beyond the trafficking-related measures.