Transcript Highlights:

• And even on a good week, a 3% profit margin is considered a win in this industry. but also a restaurant
• And even on a good week, a 3% profit margin is considered a win in this industry.
• It can accept multiple payment types and position small merchants for the future without betting on a
• And so we can get in quite a bit of trouble as a bank, as a financial institution in general, if we are
• That's a lot of money. That's a lot of money.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses held a public hearing focused on interchange fees, sales tax and tip processing, chargebacks, fraud, surcharging, and the broader future of payment systems. Chair Paul Feeney and co-chair Rep. Jamie Murphy opened by explaining the commission’s charge and inviting testimony from small businesses, industry groups, banks, and policy experts. Representative Sean Garballey testified first, arguing that Massachusetts tourism depends on universal card acceptance and stable interchange, and urging the commission not to disrupt the current system ahead of major events expected to bring millions of visitors to the Commonwealth. A large portion of the hearing featured independent restaurant owners and advocates describing thin margins and the burden of paying percentage-based processing fees on sales tax and tips that are not business revenue. Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, Kerry Colzer, and others said restaurants often operate on very small profits and that processing fees on taxes and gratuities can amount to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Ryan Lotz also urged reforms to chargebacks, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses before disputing charges, and limiting repeat abuse. Commission members pressed witnesses on whether tax and tip amounts could be separated at the point of sale, and several witnesses said current consumer card systems do not transmit that level of detail. Testimony from credit union, banking, and payments representatives largely opposed state-level changes that would carve out taxes or tips from interchange, warning of compliance burdens, higher costs, reduced rewards, and possible effects on fraud protection and access to credit. Alex Verine of America’s Credit Unions and Deb Peters and Keely McEwen of the Electronic Payments Coalition said the payment system is complex, that interchange funds fraud prevention and network infrastructure, and that new state mandates could create operational and legal uncertainty. Dan Swanson argued states have authority to act and pointed to Illinois litigation and federal court rulings, while Julian Morris and Brad Popolado emphasized the benefits of card acceptance, the decline of cash, and the need to consider other payment methods and check fraud as well. Several witnesses discussed international payment systems, instant payments, and QR standards as possible future directions. The chairs and members engaged in extended back-and-forth with witnesses about whether Massachusetts could exempt sales tax from swipe fees, whether surcharging should be revisited, and whether vendor compensation or other targeted relief might be more workable than broad changes to interchange. No votes were taken. At the close of the hearing, the chairs said the commission would hold one additional public hearing date to be determined, after which members would begin developing next steps and a report.

Transcript Highlights:

• which is a childhood type 1 diabetes which is a childhood onset.<00:10:57.360> This<00:10:57.519
• Now, this is a unique type of study design that is very rigorous.
• um a couple two or three different types um a couple two or three different types of<00:59:35.599
• If it's a bag of Lays potato chips, it might allow one a month or, you know, that type of thing.
• on it, has a limit, that type of thing.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call and housekeeping, including moving standing attendees to an overflow room and asking the audience to avoid interruptions. The task force then heard testimony from Allison Adams of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who presented statewide health trend data showing Kentucky ranked 41st overall and 44th in health outcomes, with especially poor performance on premature death, chronic disease, diabetes, and vaccination rates. She emphasized that Kentucky has the highest rates of residents with multiple chronic conditions, that diabetes remains above the national average, and that childhood immunization rates have worsened. She also highlighted major provider shortages in rural areas, noting that 43 of 120 counties meet shortage criteria and that more than half of primary care providers are concentrated in Fayette and Jefferson counties. Adams urged the task force to focus on prevention, early intervention, access to care, physical activity, and healthier school and community environments, and said the foundation is prepared to share results from its demonstration projects. Task force members asked follow-up questions about the age range for chronic-condition data and whether the diabetes figure reflected type 1 or type 2 diabetes; Adams said the chronic-condition measure spans all ages and that the diabetes figure likely reflects type 2, though she offered to provide the full report. The task force then approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The committee next turned to SNAP benefits and heard from Lisa Dennis, commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services, and Roger McCann, director of the Division of Family Support. They explained that SNAP is not only a food assistance program but also a public health and family stability tool, arguing that poor diet contributes to chronic disease and that food insecurity is linked to family stress, child welfare involvement, and neglect-related CPS referrals. They cited research showing that more generous SNAP policies are associated with fewer CPS reports, fewer substantiated reports, and fewer foster care placements, and said SNAP helps reduce risk and promote stability across vulnerable populations including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pregnant women. They also described SNAP-Ed as the nutrition education component that teaches healthy eating, cooking on a budget, and how to use fresh produce, but warned that recent federal legislation eliminates federal funding for SNAP-Ed beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. McCann outlined the remaining SNAP outreach and employment-and-training components, noting that outreach is typically run by nonprofits with a 50% match and that employment and training funds job-skills programs to help recipients move toward better jobs and self-sufficiency. The discussion emphasized that access to nutritious food, education, and job supports are all part of improving health outcomes and reducing food insecurity.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, whether it's working on a car, mechanically, construction industries, types of jobs, whether
• But we also offset for the employers; we offset a portion... Quite a good living.
• It would be a little daunting to start as a baby apprentice in something.
• I was in a place of employment where I was a steelworker.
• Make a motion for a due pass. Madam Chair, thank you.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee met to hear House Bill 7, sponsored by Representative Garrett and Representative Cates, which would continue and support apprenticeship and workforce training funding. The sponsors and the Department of Workforce Solutions described strong growth in apprenticeship participation, especially in the building trades, and said the fund has helped expand programs while maintaining high retention and employment outcomes. They emphasized that the bill would provide predictable, sustained investment in skilled labor needed for construction, infrastructure, and other growing sectors. Supportive testimony came from contractors, chambers of commerce, trade unions, and a small business owner, all of whom said apprenticeship funding is essential to meeting workforce shortages and keeping workers in New Mexico. Committee members asked about program demographics, geographic distribution, rural participation, reentry and high school dropout data, and how apprenticeships connect to displaced workers from energy and industrial closures. The secretary explained that the department uses Rapid Response and economic transition programs for layoffs and closures, and also surveys current energy workers to gauge retraining interest. Several members praised the bill’s return on investment and retention of workers in the state, while Representative de Rassas suggested adding more public transparency and performance metrics. Representative Ortiz asked about future funding after 2031 and whether the program could scale with more money. After discussion, Representative Hall moved a do pass, Representative de Rassas seconded, and the committee approved House Bill 7 with no opposition. The chair also announced upcoming committee meetings and asked members to consent to sharing contact information for committee purposes.

Transcript Highlights:

• :38.959> have<00:03:39.120> a<00:03:39.280> a where you're going to have a a where
• basically a a flash freeze of sorts. basically a a flash freeze of sorts. and and and our<00:05:
• <00:09:00.480> guard<00:09:00.800> rail, any type of issue, a damaged guard rail, any
• type of issue, a damaged guard rail, a<00:09:01.600> dead<00:09:01.839> animal<00:09:02.160
• a a area that had You're talking about a a area that had over,<00:09:31.040> you<00:09:31.200

Keywords: Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 18 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard from Brad White, head of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, as part of his confirmation process. White said the department has improved staffing and funding over the last four years, citing support from the legislature, supplemental appropriations, ARPA funds, and fuel tax adjustments. He emphasized that MDOT is still rebuilding its engineering and maintenance workforce and needs continued salary flexibility to remain competitive and respond to disasters. A major portion of the discussion focused on MDOT’s response to the recent severe ice storm. Several senators questioned whether the response was adequate and whether district lines, coordination with local governments, and emergency task-force planning should be changed. White said the storm was unusually severe, with freezing rain, flash-freeze conditions, widespread power outages, and more than 15,000 miles of highway impacted. He said MDOT crews were spread thin, but still logged more than 26,000 man-hours, worked with law enforcement and rescue units, and were aided by about 400 employees in the affected area plus 500 others from other regions. He said the department is reviewing lessons learned and expects winter-storm response to change going forward. Senators also asked about comparisons with Tennessee and whether the storm response was a funding issue. White said it was not primarily a money problem, but that Mississippi’s budget and weather patterns differ from neighboring states, making stockpiling materials less practical. He said cities and counties could help in emergencies if coordinated with MDOT, and he supported properly funding agencies such as MDOT, MEMA, the National Guard, and public safety. Another senator raised long-delayed road projects, including Highway 61 and the Port Gibson bypass, and White said the capacity program remains active and that emergency response had not stopped project work. The committee then considered several appointments to the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission and related boards. Kenneth Jeffrey Smith of Pontotoc, William J. Van Deender, and Ranatada Tracy McGawan of Jackson were each introduced, praised, and recommended by motion. The committee voted unanimously to advise and consent on each nomination, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> subject to a civil penalty and a subject to a civil penalty and a driver's<00:12:20.160> license
• Section 20 repeals all the Vermont statutes related to a type of guardianship called a spendthrift guardianship
• a hearing in a the court must schedule a hearing in a contempt<00:19:52.080> case<00:19:52.800
• /c> through a joint tenancy or through a through a joint tenancy or through a tenancy<00:20:31.840>
• > a individual from a group a group that's a individual from a group a group that's a a a a trans-exclusionary

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seventy percent plus in Minnesota are against this type of mining, specifically if it is done in a way
• What they’re trying to do is bring an entirely new type of mining that has a perfect record of toxicity
• But this is a once it actually is here at our doorstep and we’re looking at what that type of mining
• So, there's a there's<00:26:24.040> a there's a there's a there's<00:26:26.040> a<00:26
• That type of dam, Brazil decided, was a bad type of dam.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota legislators held a press event responding to a U.S. Senate vote that they said would remove federal protections and allow copper-nickel mining activity that could affect the Boundary Waters. Senator Foung Hawj opened by condemning the vote as favoring corporate interests over Minnesotans, and Representatives Leach Kozlowski and Shelley Buck, along with Senator Jen McEwen and Senator Ann Johnson Stewart, framed the Boundary Waters as both an environmental treasure and, for Native communities, homelands with treaty-protected rights. They argued that copper sulfide mining poses irreversible risks to water quality, wildlife, and tribal fishing, gathering, and hunting rights, and said the federal action lacked adequate government-to-government consultation with affected tribes. The speakers highlighted several state bills they said are intended to fill the gap left by the federal vote. McEwen described her “Prove It First” bill, which would require a mine of the same type to have operated in the U.S. for 10 years and closed for 10 years without pollution before a similar project could be permitted in Minnesota. Johnson Stewart outlined three measures: a permanent protection bill for state-owned lands in the Rainy River watershed, a taxpayer protection/financial assurance bill requiring non-iron mining companies to fully fund cleanup guarantees in cash up front, and a “bad actor” bill barring permits for companies with records of corruption, bribery, or environmental destruction. The speakers said these bills need hearings and discussion and urged Governor Walz and state agencies to take action now, including possible permit revocations. In response to questions about economic arguments for mining, McEwen said she understood why some Northland residents might hope for jobs but argued that mining companies exploit economic desperation with propaganda and that most Minnesotans oppose this type of mining near the Boundary Waters. She said there is limited Republican support for some narrower bills, especially financial assurance, and suggested the issue could become a political liability for Rep. Pete Stauber. The event ended with a call for bipartisan action, state-level enforcement, and continued public pressure to protect the Boundary Waters.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also includes a catch-all to prohibit other types of... ...to 287(g) agreements.
• It also includes a catch-all to prohibit other types of state and local deputization as ICE officers
• I'm a member of the Center of Equality and Dereo. I'm a proud of a mother and immigrant.
• They had a chef who would cook for every different type of place that you could be held from.
• There's not a lot of data about the impact on these types of bans because there are so many possibilities

Bills: SB100

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That type of project, much like the interchange that we drove through this morning, is a project that
• So this will be a bridge that includes all types of users, from vehicles to pedestrians, bicyclists of
• So I've got a talented set of engineers that are experienced to do these types of projects.
• One might be that people who live in lower housing cost cities have a diversity of different job types
• WSDOT has a very challenging program in terms of different types of work, sizes of projects, and that

Summary: The meeting began with introductions from members of the Joint Transportation Committee and a presentation from the Association of Washington Cities and the public works directors of Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and West Richland. The cities described the Quad Cities region as one of the fastest-growing in the state and outlined shared transportation priorities that align with the committee’s focus on safety, multimodal access, climate resilience, and economic development. They emphasized Vision Zero efforts, complete streets, ADA accessibility, regional trail and bike/pedestrian planning, and coordinated long-range transportation and land-use planning to manage growth. The city officials also discussed major funding and delivery challenges, including rising construction costs, project phasing, pavement preservation, right-of-way acquisition, and delays caused by state and federal permitting and review processes. They highlighted regional cooperation through the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments, Good Roads, and local funding tools such as impact fees, transportation benefit districts, REET, tax increment financing, and state and federal grants. Specific projects discussed included Richland’s SR 240/Aaron Drive complete streets project and downtown connectivity work, Kennewick’s Columbia Center Boulevard improvements and rail study, Pasco’s Court/Road 68, Sylvester Street corridor, I-182 bridge/interchange work, and a new north-south bridge study, and West Richland’s SR 224 Red Mountain corridor project, which officials said was awarded under budget and is scheduled to begin construction. Committee members asked questions about sidewalk connections to schools, state-agency right-of-way timelines, apprenticeship utilization, contractor selection, and whether complete streets requirements add burdens to pavement preservation projects. The city officials said new development is generally meeting sidewalk standards, but older infill areas remain a gap; that state right-of-way transactions can take much longer than expected; that apprenticeship requirements are common but harder for smaller contractors and local labor markets; and that low-bid contracting leaves little room to screen for performance history. They also said complete streets requirements are usually manageable on major projects but can be difficult to absorb in smaller preservation work. The committee then shifted to a JTC-funded study on transit-oriented development, presented by Urban Institute researcher Yona Freemark. The study examined TOD conditions in 33 cities in Snohomish, King, Pierce, Clark, and Spokane counties near rail and bus rapid transit stations. Freemark said Washington’s housing affordability crisis is severe, especially near transit, and found that high-cost cities have seen more development near stations but also signs of gentrification and loss of affordable housing, while lower-cost cities have had less development and worsening affordability relative to income. He identified barriers including high debt costs, land costs, infrastructure costs, zoning and parking rules, and limited subsidies for affordable housing. He recommended more neighborhood infrastructure funding near stations, stronger affordable housing investment, and better use of public land, noting that HB 1491 and related legislation are already changing some local requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Using a coming to the panhandle to ask for funding for a pilot type of program that we can do using state
• It's considered a Type 2 large air tanker, so the Type 1 large air tanker starts at 3,000 gallons and
• But until we see that type of contract, we can't respond to a quick... enough so long answers to a short
• Abraham. said, I think buying the right type of aircraft for a state is not a bad idea whatsoever.
• Depending on the aircraft type and how it's used in a given year, you're going to spend one and a half

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've obviously made a limitation around that to particular types of drugs, which I think was our committee
• One of my patients, a 28-year-old who had type 1 diabetes, recently shared that he sometimes has to choose
• Christine Christensen from Danville, California, mother of a type 1 diabetic; we are both in support.
• Colleagues, we know that it is quite common that a provider decides that there is a certain type of medical
• You need a motion and a second. Moved by Patel, seconded by... We need a motion and a second.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, oversight, and affordability. The first major item was SB 306 by Senator Becker, a prior authorization reform bill. Becker and supporters, including the California Medical Association and California Hospital Association, argued that prior authorization delays care, adds administrative burden, and can lead to serious patient harm. The bill was substantially amended late in the process to have DMHC and CDI identify services and drugs to exempt from prior authorization based on utilization data, with safeguards for fraud, waste, abuse, and patient safety. Health plans and insurers opposed the measure as written, saying prior authorization remains an important utilization-management tool and raising concerns about the 90% threshold, drug inclusion, and how modifications are counted. The committee also heard SB 35 by Senator Umberg, which would let cities or counties inspect unlicensed sober living homes if DHCS does not act promptly on complaints. Supporters said the bill would address weak enforcement and protect residents, while one behavioral health directors group opposed it unless amended. Members generally supported the measure, citing problems with unlicensed facilities and the need for local enforcement backup. The committee then heard SB 62, which would codify California’s updated essential health benefits benchmark if approved by the federal government. Senator Wiener said the package would add hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and infertility treatment including IVF, acknowledging that premiums could rise but arguing the benefits were worth it. Health Access California and other advocates supported the bill, while the California Family Council opposed it. The committee also took up SB 596 by Senator Menjivar, which would tighten the rules for hospitals claiming an on-call list as a defense to nurse staffing ratio penalties. Supporters, including nurses and SEIU, said hospitals have used vague or ineffective on-call practices to avoid accountability and that the bill would improve enforcement and patient safety. Hospital groups opposed it, arguing that staffing is highly dynamic, that hospitals need flexibility to manage acuity and emergencies, and that the bill could increase costs and interfere with collective bargaining arrangements. Finally, the committee heard SB 40 by Senator Wiener, the Insulin Affordability Act, which would cap insulin copays at $35 for a 30-day supply and restrict step therapy unless a plan covers at least one insulin in each drug type. Supporters, including physicians, diabetes advocates, nurses, students, and patient groups, said insulin is life-saving and too often unaffordable, forcing patients to ration or choose between medication and basic needs. There was no formal opposition testimony, though one member questioned why insulin remains so expensive. The committee also began discussion of SB 363, but the transcript cuts off before that bill’s full presentation or any action on the measures. No votes are recorded in the portion provided, and several bills were noted as consent items earlier in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the uncodified districts are those types of TIF districts that don't have a normal type because
• a quick a reminder I'll start with just a quick a reminder of<00:02:35.280> how<00:02:35.520>
• <00:04:55.919> Um used when a a parcel is polluted. Um used when a a parcel is polluted.
• <00:05:00.320> was district, uh a a TIF district that was district, uh a a TIF district that
• /c> types of TIF districts that don't have a types of TIF districts that don't have a normal<00:05:17.480

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we do have a role in planning for those types of utilities.
• day, over a whole year, and that determines the type of unit.
• day, over a whole year, and that determines the type of unit.
• And utilities will select a mix of these units, different types I'll get to in a little bit, to meet
• the reliability Utilities will select a mix of these units, different types I'll get to in a little bit

Summary: The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs. Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency. The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• The case types most impacted by the surge in March of 2023 show a clearance rate.
• This next slide provides a breakdown of the types of drug courts currently in operation, along with the
• It hits close to home for everyone I talked to, whether you're a judge, a lawmaker, a citizen, or a teacher
• The definition also applies to a person previously found by a court to be a vexatious litigant under
• A plaintiff subject to a pre-filing order may file a new action only upon a showing that the proposed

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• now uh to a certain degree. now uh to a certain degree.
• There has to be a balance.
• a budget and a means to a budget and a means to perpetually perpetually perpetually maintain<00:16:03.040
• /c><00:20:05.160> blanket that if you just do a blanket that if you just do a blanket a<00:20:
• Is that a yes? >> Perhaps it could, yes. Is that a yes? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard and acted on three measures related to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) and affordable housing policy. First, it considered GM 681, the nomination of Garth Yamanaka to the HHFDC Board of Directors. Yamanaka testified that he supports using all available tools to increase housing production, including open space and park dedication where feasible, more revenue-neutral and workforce housing, and a broad mix of housing types. Senators questioned him on priorities such as perpetual affordability, state- and county-owned projects, and whether HHFDC should focus more on revenue-neutral housing; he generally supported greater flexibility and more options, while emphasizing the need to consider feasibility and local market needs. The committee recommended GM 681 for advise and consent and adopted that recommendation unanimously, with Senator Fevella excused. The committee then heard GM 764, the nomination of Susan Coons to the HHFDC Board. Coons said she supports prioritizing state and government lands for affordable housing but stressed that the government cannot solve the housing shortage alone and should continue to engage private and nonprofit partners. In response to questions, she said HHFDC should give greater priority to perpetual affordability and could potentially devote more resources to revenue-neutral, income-blind housing, but she cautioned against blanket policies and said decisions should be guided by data, community needs, and project readiness. She also supported the idea of a 100,000-unit housing plan and said HHFDC should focus on more specific policies and projects. The committee recommended GM 764 for advise and consent and adopted the recommendation. Finally, the committee considered HCR 83, which supports using the dwelling unit revolving fund for pre-development costs through interim loans for government affordable housing projects. HHFDC testified in support and explained that it already has authority to make pre-development loans, but the resolution would provide policy support and comfort to the board. Members asked about loan security and default; HHFDC said such loans would typically be secured by land collateral and that it would not expect to forgive the loans. The committee agreed to pass the resolution with amendments, including adding committee report language about default and collateral and noting HHFDC’s existing authority. In a joint portion with the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, the committees also took up HCR 98 HD1 and recommended it pass with amendments to clarify that the countywide housing pattern book applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and involves collaboration between Honolulu housing and planning agencies. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, there is not a single Democrat today that showed that type of strength or leadership.
• And to not show up for work doesn't help with any type of agreement or negotiating a way forward.
• Should we return to a tie to some type of an agreement? But they need to show up for work.
• He is regarded right now as a member of the House. He has a seat. He has a button.
• Should we return to a tie to some type of an agreement? But they need to show up for work.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republican leaders held a press availability focused on the ongoing Minnesota House stalemate caused by the absence of Democratic members, which left the chamber without a quorum. Speaker Lisa Demuth and Leader Harry Niska said Republicans were present and ready to work, argued that Democrats were refusing to attend session, and said the Secretary of State had not allowed motions to be taken on the floor. They also criticized Secretary of State Steve Simon for adjourning the House and for not recognizing Republican motions or members. Niska described a proposed motion under Article 4, Section 13 of the Minnesota Constitution that would have compelled absent members to attend the next session and would have withheld their legislative salary and per diem until they returned. He said the motion was blocked and argued that the Constitution gives the House authority to compel attendance and impose penalties. The leaders repeatedly said Democrats needed to “show up for work,” and said the situation was delaying negotiations over a power-sharing agreement and other House business. The discussion also touched on Representative Brad Tabke, whose seat has been part of the dispute. Republicans said Tabke had not appeared in the chamber and that his absence was not helping negotiations. Demuth said Republicans would return the next day at 3:30 p.m. and continue working if Democrats appeared. No votes were taken, and no motion was adopted during the availability.

Transcript Highlights:

• somewhat like our SAKI and Rape Kit type cases, is if we can prove these cases beyond a reasonable doubt
• So how many of which type? There's a myriad of cases that are addressed.
• Whether you're a celebrity, a powerful tech type, or an official, whether you are a former resident of
• For being here, coming forward and sharing any type of abuse that anyone has endured says a lot when
• It's also for the same type of patients, just for a different class of drugs.

Bills: SB41, SB33, SB32, SB30

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, individualized treatment, investigational treatment, health care, life-threatening illness, patient rights, physician recommendation, informed consent, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child protection, prosecution, crime amendments, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• So in terms of there are a couple of different types of deals that a HFC might enter.
• If we have a local HFC or other affordable housing project that's sponsored by a different type of entity
• Then you're going to have a problem. And so you just put a different type of problem.
• The distribution of a certain type and a certain amount, and so. without a prescription, and I think
• I suggest that a safeguard of this type is increasingly necessary as there have been a spate of illegally

Bills: HB21, HB211, HB223, HB323, HB524, HB530, HB636, HB762, HB21, HB211, HB223

Keywords: housing finance, multifamily residential, low income, tax exemption, audit requirements, affordable housing, local government, development bonds, housing assistance, financial assistance, low income housing, community support, affordability, veterans housing, community involvement, air conditioning, tenant support, healthcare, elderly, taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• vehicles and sets out a new type of special plate for rental motor vehicles and sets out a new type
• vehicles and sets out a new type of special plate for rental motor vehicles and sets out a new type
• vehicles and sets out a new type of special plate for rental motor vehicles and sets out a new type
• vehicles and sets out a new type of special plate for rental motor vehicles and sets out a new type
• vehicles and sets out a new type of special plate for rental motor vehicles and sets out a new type

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so there's a... ...A multitude of different types of claims.
• Um, so I think the mechanics of implementation of a change, as long as a change maintains the same type
• Um, so we bring that in in a stress test type model.
• a stress test type bring that in in a stress test type model.<01:13:49.920> Um<01:13:50.159>
• Whether that's<02:12:18.320> a that's a that's a um<02:12:21.639> uh<02:12:22.639> type

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Somebody who was calling from Florida was inquiring about a specific type of merchandise, a very popular
• They were inquiring about a specific type of merchandise, very popular brand, popular product.
• They pay a higher price. They pay a handling fee. Sometimes they pay a delivery fee.
• If you choose a different type of POS system, you can choose between different processors.
• A different type of POS system, you can choose between different processors, but it's not really the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met for its second hearing to study the future of credit card payments and sales transactions and their impacts on small businesses. Members heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, restaurants, and payment-industry representatives on interchange fees, processing fees, fraud, chargebacks, rewards programs, and the ability of businesses to pass fees on to customers. Several witnesses argued that swipe fees have risen sharply, are especially burdensome for restaurants and other small businesses, and are charged on taxes and tips that are merely pass-through amounts. They urged state action to prohibit fees on tax and tip portions, improve transparency, and allow surcharging or convenience fees, while opponents warned that state regulation could reduce fraud protections, increase compliance costs, and threaten consumer rewards programs. Business owners and trade groups described thin margins, rising costs, and the difficulty of understanding merchant statements or negotiating with processors. Restaurant witnesses said card-not-present and online transactions create the greatest fraud and chargeback risk, with money often removed immediately from merchants’ accounts and disputes rarely resolved in their favor. Retail witnesses gave examples of rising effective rates, higher fees on rewards cards, and the burden of processing fees on low-value transactions. A representative from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and others said restaurants are effectively paying fees on meals tax and gratuities, which they argued should not be subject to interchange charges. On the other side, the Cooperative Credit Union Association said interchange revenue helps credit unions fund fraud prevention, rapid card replacement, and member protections, and warned that state limits on interchange could weaken those safeguards and lead to higher consumer costs or reduced services. Airlines for America testified that airline credit card rewards are popular, support travel and jobs in Massachusetts, and could be harmed by interchange reform. The National Restaurant Association and a payments-policy attorney countered that interchange fees are set by card networks rather than competitive markets, that banks remain highly profitable even with rewards, and that states can act after recent court decisions. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questions from commissioners.