Transcript Highlights:

• Conference committee reports on House File 1141, an act relating to housing.
• Uh we did accept a conference committee.
• And this will help conference committee.
• conference committee with a clean bill. conference committee with a clean bill. they<01:48:08.239
• The Senate respectfully requests that a conference committee be appointed therein.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House adopted the conference committee report on House File 1141, the housing bill, and repassed the bill as amended by conference. Representative Howard said the compromise bill would help build thousands of homes, keep Minnesotans housed, and improve transparency and collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, while remaining budget-neutral by using MHFA interest earnings and fund transfers. He highlighted investments in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured housing, FHPAP, supportive housing, and added transparency for MHFA board meetings, while noting that some Senate provisions such as a manufactured housing bill of rights and a ban on private equity home purchases were not included. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing housing as a basic need and linking the bill to homelessness, workforce shortages, and health outcomes. Supporters praised the bill’s funding for supportive housing, first-generation homebuyer assistance, tenant hotline services, and manufactured housing, and said the bipartisan conference process improved the measure. Representative Kosowski and others argued the bill would help people stay housed, reduce pressure on schools, hospitals, and emergency rooms, and support communities across all 87 counties and tribal nations. Republican members raised concerns about spending and government growth, arguing the state should prioritize taxpayer relief, school safety, fraud prevention, and asset preservation instead of housing investments. Representative McDonald questioned the growth in MHFA staffing over the past decade, and Representative Howard responded that the agency had taken on many new responsibilities since the state’s larger housing investments and needed staff to administer programs effectively. After the motion to adopt the conference report prevailed, the bill moved to third reading, where further discussion continued in a generally supportive but divided debate.

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:

• . >> 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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning on page 12, Conference Committee Report numbers 2-26 to 10-26 for 48-hour notice.
• Beginning<00:02:46.800> on<00:02:46.920> page<00:02:47.240> 12,<00:02:47.640> Conference
• Beginning on page 12, Conference Beginning on page 12, Conference Committee<00:02:48.400> Report

Bills: SB2876, SB3253, SB2125, SB2781, HB549, HB1768, SB2053, SB2494, SB2851, SB3073, HB1678, HB1721, HB2475, HB2246, HB1667, HB1516, SB2532, SB3131, SB3154, HB2297, HB1737, SB2143, SB2398, SB2623, HB1740, HB1920, HB1682, SB2153, SB3140, HB1515, SB2835, HB2282, SB3083, SB2031, SB2519, SB2667, SB2140, SB2544, SB2069, SB2697, SB874, SB2043, SB888, SB2721, HB2152, HB1334, HB2385, HB1643, HB2314, HB1688, HB1692, SB2568, SB2983, SB2108, SB3136, HB1959, SB3156, HB1511, HB1753, HB1824, HB2137, HB1810, HB2279, HB2309, HB1548, HB2078, HB2293, SB3262, SB2169, SB2607, SB2964, SB3255, HB2576, HB1481, HB1864, HB1550, SB2818, SB3067, SB2061, HB1728, HB1881, HB2361, HB2395, HB1823, SB2050, SB2397, SB2175, SB2852, SB847, SB3001

Keywords: natural hair braiding, hair braiding, braids, braider, braiding license, cosmetology, barbering, barber board, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, registration, licensure exemption, sanitation training, health and safety, hair extensions, cornrows, twists, locks, protective hairstyles, beauty industry, occupational licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• Monday at the latest, Monday or Tuesday, to the floor, because we are going to have to get in the conference
• And I think we all know this is all going to conference committee, and these numbers will be rediscussed
• And I think we all know this is all going to conference committee, and these numbers will be rediscussed
• visited with some of them on and off, saying we're just going to—it's going to be an interesting conference

Bills: SB2004, HB1600

Keywords: ethics commission, immunity, conflict of interest, complaints, public officials, transparency, legislative action, criminal prosecution, complaint resolution, HB 1600, immigration law clinic, University of North Dakota, UND Law, law school clinic, legal aid, immigration attorney, student clinic, pro bono, immigration legal services, caseload limit

Summary: The committee reconvened to continue work on water-related appropriations and related bills, with the chair emphasizing the need to move the water bill to conference committee soon because of differences with the House. Members reviewed project funding levels and carryover balances across several water projects, including NAWS, Southwest, Valley City, Cirrus River flood control, Hart River, Redder water supply, municipal and rural water, general water, and discretionary funding. The discussion focused on reduced revenue forecasts, the use of a $150 million line of credit as a working assumption, and concerns about large carryover amounts and piling up cash. No final changes were made to the water funding numbers, but the chair said the committee would revisit the bill after further cleanup of the draft language. The committee then took up House Bill 1600, which would create an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota law school. Members agreed the program should be treated as a one-time pilot rather than ongoing general fund spending, so they adopted an amendment changing the $400,000 appropriation to one-time funding from the strategic investment fund. The amended bill passed unanimously, and Senator Meyer was assigned to carry it. House Bill 1417, dealing with parole and probation-related policy, was also amended. The committee removed Section 8, which eliminated the bill’s appropriations language, based on testimony that the referenced funding was already included elsewhere in the budget. The amended bill then passed unanimously. The committee also discussed possible future amendments to water study language, including earlier reporting deadlines and a proposal to require larger new water project requests to go through the Water Topics Overview Committee before being introduced, but no final action was taken on those concepts. Several other bills, including the AI-related House Bill 1448 and law enforcement bonus bill 1193, were left for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Thursday, March 20th, 2025, at 3 p.m. in Conference Room 225.
• 00:23:41.360> to be added to the reszo if it goes to be added to the reszo if it goes to conference
• <00:23:43.200> We<00:23:43.360> are<00:23:43.440> going conference with the
• We are going conference with the house.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Government Operations Committee met on March 20, 2025, and heard two resolutions. STR 239/SR 215 would request the Department of the Attorney General, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation to provide universal changing accommodations in state facilities, state parks, and city and county parks. The only testimony noted was late comments from DAG; no one testified in person or on Zoom. The committee also heard STR 44, which seeks to convene a legislative working group to recommend family notice and standardized consent provisions for pre-contracts governing cremation. Testimony was mixed: DCCA’s complaints and enforcement office asked to include the Department of Health Environmental branch, while the Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association, Mililani Group, Dodo Mortuary, and Soy Garden Mortuary opposed the measure, saying funeral homes already provide the relevant disclosures; Senator Carol Fukunaga and one individual testified in support. The chair said the issue belonged more properly in the consumer protection committee, but the committee would still move the resolution forward and note the concerns in the report. In decision-making, the committee adopted both measures as Senate Draft 1 with technical, non-substantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style. For STR 44, the committee also agreed to keep DCCA in the working group, add the Department of Health Environmental branch, and change the phrase “mainland jurisdiction” to “other states.” The measures passed with the vice chair and Senator Sam Bentura voting yes, while Senators Morawaki and Favilla were excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• explanation by President Gates on SB 7030, are there any questions from the membership in this conference
• And I look forward to continuing to work with you too, as well as the entire conference and chambers
• You too, as well as the entire conference and chambers on this budget. Awesome. Thank you.

Summary: The conference committee met to discuss the Senate’s second budget offer and its first offer on SB 7030. The chair said the budget proviso and back-of-bill offers were continuing to close out remaining issues, and explained the Senate’s approach to the new academic accelerated option supplement in the FEFP as restoring about 80% of prior weighted FTE funding for acceleration options other than dual enrollment, citing existing statutory requirements and the different cost structure of dual enrollment. Senator Gates then presented the Senate’s modified SB 7030 offer, saying the bill was intended to address problems tracking roughly 23,000 students moving among public schools, private schools, and homeschooling, and to better ensure funding follows students correctly. He said the offer would preserve key parts of SB 7030 while making changes such as extending the fall application window, delaying some spring-term documentation, modifying background screening requirements, and allowing the commissioner to extend deadlines in extenuating circumstances. The offer also kept the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program as a separate FEFP categorical, expanded the Education Stabilization Fund, created fall and spring application windows, required enrollment cross-checks and student IDs, changed scholarship payments to monthly with front-loaded options, and required scholarship funding organizations to return funds tied to Auditor General FTE audit findings. A public commenter, a longtime teacher from Daytona Beach, urged that the financial literacy course be taught at a later grade level, such as 11th or 12th grade, and suggested a system of diverse guest speakers in classrooms to encourage more students from underrepresented groups to consider business ownership. No questions were raised from the committee after the Senate offer, and no vote was taken. The vice chair said the House would take the offer back for review, and the chair announced there would likely be one more meeting with a one-hour notice before the meeting adjourned by motion without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll move that we, the conference committee, accept SB 2180 as amended...
• I move that we, the conference committee, accept SB 2180 as amended. Second. All right.
• So SB 2180 is now a due pass by the conference committee, and we'll pass it to the appropriate chambers

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee met on Senate Bill 2180, relating to the opportunity to provide public comment at meetings of public entities. Members reviewed the 2002 House version and a proposed 2003 amendment, which largely kept the House language but clarified wording and added a provision allowing public comment to be limited by policy to the current meeting’s agenda topics and at least one preceding meeting’s agenda topics. Several members discussed the balance between allowing public participation and keeping meetings orderly, with comments from both House and Senate members supporting the restriction as a practical compromise based on experience with local boards. Representative Vorey moved adoption of the 2003 amendment, seconded by Senator Wallen. The amendment was approved by majority vote on both the House and Senate sides. The committee then moved to accept SB 2180 as amended, and that motion also passed with majorities on both sides. The bill was declared a due pass by the conference committee and was to be forwarded to the appropriate chambers. The committee also designated carriers for the bill: Senator Castile on the Senate side and Representative Osley on the House side. The meeting then concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE WILL HIGHLIGHT THE BIG DIFFERENCES AND MAKE SURE WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME PAGE HEADED INTO CONFERENCE
• Maney: THANK YOU CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS. >> Chair: AS WE PREPARE FOR BUDGET CONFERENCE I WANT TO TAKE A
• I WILL REMIND YOU THAT THE MOST CRITICAL ASPECT OF THIS PROCESS WILL BE CONFERENCE ALLOCATIONS.

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:

• Peisch of Wellesley moves that the committee on conference be appointed.
• Representative Michael Witts of Boston appoints a committee on conference. The ayes have it.
• Representative Michaelowitz of Boston appoints a committee, or the Chair will appoint a committee on conference

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with ceremonial recognitions, including the United States of Wales girls swim team for its third consecutive state championship, the Weston High School girls indoor track team for its state title, and students visiting from the Squantum Schools. The chamber then adopted a resolution honoring Carl F. Kowalski of Whitman for more than 40 years of public service after suspending the rules. The House also took up a Senate amendment to the fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, House No. 528. After suspending the rules, the House voted not to concur with the Senate amendment and instead agreed to appoint a committee of conference. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then recommended several bills for immediate consideration, including measures on Milton school land timing, tolling reform, LIHEAP automatic re-enrollment, Massachusetts identification cards, Quincy public safety records, and parity among Massachusetts beaches; the House suspended Rule 7A, ordered them to third reading, and advanced them. On third reading, the House concurred in the Senate amendment to House No. 4259, designating the Weeder Park tennis courts as the Kim O'Connell tennis courts. It then passed to be engrossed bills on Haverhill election procedures (House Nos. 4203 and 4204), extending Dalton Fire District interim fire chief employment (House No. 4321), and regulating elections in Conway (House No. 4498). Finally, the House took up the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill, House No. 5500, but postponed further consideration until April 27, adopted an order to meet the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ask for a conference committee be appointed.
• on the floor a little bit, not to concur on amendments to SB 1 and request the appointment of a conference
• Conference Committee on Senate Bill One, Senator Huffman, chair, members, Senators Creighton, Khorse,

Transcript Highlights:

• MAY HOSTED UNDER THE GREAT WORK OF THEIR DIRECTOR THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE BRINGING TOGETHER SOME
• I'M HAPPY TO SAY WE WILL BE FEATURING A SYMPOSIUM IN THE UPCOMING VOLUME WITH SELECTIONS ON THE CONFERENCE
• AND PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED THE CONFERENCE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all