Transcript Highlights:

• The meeting of the Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee was called to order, and we
• On the agenda, we will start with Jeff Sigerson, the executive director of the Minnesota Campaign Finance
• Jeff Sigerson, the executive director of the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board,
• major programs, as you all are aware because you all participate in those programs, are the campaign finance
• <00:30:37.039> of corporate uh corporate financing of corporate uh corporate financing of

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Jeff Sigerson, executive director of the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, who outlined the board’s mission and core programs: campaign finance disclosure, economic interest statements, and lobbying registration/reporting. He described the board as an independent agency with six members, noted current vacancies and confirmation requirements, and said the board’s budget request was essentially flat, with a base budget of about $1.793 million and most costs tied to salaries, office space, and other fixed expenses. He also reviewed the board’s enforcement structure, emphasizing civil-only penalties, a complaint-driven process, and the availability of reports, enforcement actions, and advisory opinions on the board’s website. Sigerson highlighted several recent and upcoming changes. Local ballot question committees for city, school district, levy, and bond issues now must register with the board if they exceed $750 in activity, and the board is preparing outreach and online registration tools to help local committees comply. He also discussed the public subsidy and political contribution refund programs, saying the board paid out about $2.12 million to 230 House candidates in 2024, that 93% of candidates signed the subsidy agreement, and that 2023 PCR refunds totaled about $447,000 for candidates and $1.616 million for party donors. He noted that the PCR maximum refund was recently increased from $50 to $75 per donation, and that payments could drop significantly in 2026 if the one-time supplement is not renewed. A major focus of the presentation was the board’s lobbying report and related legislative recommendations. Sigerson said the board is moving from tracking marginal expenses to tracking the subjects and entities being lobbied, and that lobbying will be expanded from certain metro-area governmental units to all cities, counties, school districts, townships, and other political subdivisions, potentially adding thousands of lobbyists. He said the board held two public hearings and received 23 written comments on proposed changes. The board’s main recommendations were to broaden the expert-testimony exception so that certain paid experts at local hearings would not need to register as lobbyists, while still requiring disclosure of who testified, before whom, and on what subject, and to adjust the current lobbying definition for local government employees and officials who spend more than 50 hours a month on intergovernmental lobbying work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pool forward Gracie Pool and<00:18:57.800> Nate<00:18:58.640> Oilau.
• <00:22:26.840> Poole, sexuality with their faith. Ms. Poole, sexuality with their faith.
• out to finance. out to finance.
• . finance. finance.
• on Finance. on Finance. Thank<02:13:33.480> you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 12, this is the data that's reported to my agency, so you can see how in-depth this data collection pool
• They did do a data collection and pool of that data across all of our higher education institutions that
• My recommendation is due to the Department of Finance and Administration before October 1st.
• We actually did a performance evaluation under the Legislative Finance Committee.
• It could probably be an answer from the Department of Finance Administration in terms of...

Transcript Highlights:

• There's our finance and administration, compliance, Henry's team, and licensing, Farah's team.
• There's<00:04:48.880> our<00:04:49.120> finance<00:04:49.440> and<00:04:49.680><
• c> administration, There's our finance and administration, There's our finance and administration
• 09:50.080> that<00:09:50.320> offer<00:09:50.720> electronic<00:09:51.200> pool
• <00:09:51.519> tabs, states that offer electronic pool tabs, states that offer electronic

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its August 21 meeting and then received an update from Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation leadership on implementation of Senate Bill 299 and House Bill 566. Jamie Eids and staff described the agency’s new structure after charitable gaming was brought under the corporation, including new divisions, staffing, banking, payroll, insurance, procurement, and reporting systems. They also unveiled the corporation’s new logo and tagline, and said the transition had been designed to avoid interruption for charities, licensees, and racing operations. A major focus was the fee structure required by House Bill 566. Eids outlined current licensing fees across racing, sports wagering, and charitable gaming, compared Kentucky’s fees with other states, and recommended keeping the status quo for one more year because the agency has only recently brought all three components fully in-house. Members asked about whether charitable gaming had harmed veterans’ groups or other nonprofits, whether any revenue should be transferred back to the state, and whether the charitable gaming licenses cover one-off raffles as well as standing operations. Eids said she had not heard complaints, said the licenses include all such activity with some exemptions, and agreed to look at the question of future transfers. The committee then heard from Melissa Combs Wright on pari-mutuel wagering and Hannah Sims on sports wagering. They reported continued growth in historical horse racing, more than $11 billion in total pari-mutuel wagering in fiscal year 2025, over $10.5 billion in HHR wagers, and about $161 million in pari-mutuel tax revenue, with most of that supporting the general fund and horse-breeding development funds. They also said sports wagering has generated nearly $5 billion in wagers since launch, $73 million for the public pension fund, and more than $2 million for problem gambling services, while expanding to 13 retail locations and 92 additional sports events. Members raised concerns about players being cut off after winning, the lack of local government revenue sharing from gaming facilities, and the growth of computer-assisted wagering; the witnesses said they were reviewing CAWs and that Kentucky does not license poker rooms through the corporation.

Transcript Highlights:

• enrollment or shopping means that there will be a price increase because of the change in the risk pools
• This is why this bill is essential to promote and stabilize the risk pool, because the larger the pools
• This is what stabilizes the premiums and the risk pool.
• Representative Hardin, as I mentioned earlier, this would actually allow for a mix of the pool.
• This was a joint activity between Senate Finance and also Natalie Figueroa.

Bills: SB101, SB21, HM52, HB132, SB14, SB20

Keywords: SB 101, Health Care Delivery and Access Act, repeal of repeal, sunset repeal, delayed repeal, health care, healthcare, access to care, medical services, provider regulation, state health law, New Mexico, SB 21, Medicare supplement, Medigap, open enrollment, guaranteed issue, birthday month enrollment, health insurance, insurance regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• 22 years, building swimming pools.
• My name is Dallas Tison with the Florida Swimming Pool Association.
• contractors on pool projects.
• The pool contractors, I'd like Section 5, Section 6 language.
• The third process, though, is a final applicant pool.

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended, would align Florida law more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” requiring providers to furnish requested records within set timeframes, allowing a limited extension with notice, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several members asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill affected meaningful-use rules or post-mortem access. Multiple witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with existing privacy rules, and burden providers; supporters said it would improve patient access and consistency. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. The bill would direct DEP to establish rules for synthetic turf and limit local governments from banning it if state rules are followed, while also addressing change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor work, building code updates, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and single-trade inspections. Amendments removed the pool and spa contractor provisions and the tall mass timber language. Testimony on the bill centered heavily on the pool industry, with contractors and the Florida Swimming Pool Association opposing expansion of scope to general and building contractors, while some speakers supported other parts of the bill. After adopting the amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. The bill would allow minors to be tested for STDs without parental consent but require parental consent for treatment, expand parents’ rights to access records and control certain health decisions, and restrict health care services, medical procedures, and biofeedback devices for minors absent consent or an exception. An amendment moved survey and questionnaire provisions into the education code, added an explicit court-order exception, clarified DNA and biofeedback provisions, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions. The committee heard extensive public testimony both for and against the bill, with supporters emphasizing parental authority and opponents warning it could delay STI treatment, mental health care, and other services for vulnerable minors. The transcript ends during public testimony on the bill, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:44.800> companies and their uh, captive finance companies and their uh, captive finance
• <01:16:42.960> programs accessing innovative financing programs accessing innovative financing
• financing entity of Ford Motor Company. financing entity of Ford Motor Company.
• Uh providing consumers with financing.
• At this point before I turn financing.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The risk pool that these individuals are in are the risk pools that they are currently in.
• I who would be managing this risk pool? I who would be managing this risk pool?
• The risk pool that these risk pool.
• <05:01:20.400> It with the risk pools themselves. It with the risk pools themselves.
• risk pool has a diversity of members. risk pool has a diversity of members.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural announcements about report turnaround, amendment submission methods during split operations, a possible January 29 session, the governor’s State of the State on February 5, parking, cafeteria opening, and the plan to finish work by February 10. It then moved into executive session on HB 1123, which would require certain companies to post salary ranges on public job listings. Representative Granger moved ITL, arguing the bill would interfere with negotiations, especially for higher-level jobs, and raise compelled-speech concerns. Supporters, including Representatives Schultz, Sullivan, Cahill, Staub, and others, said salary ranges help applicants avoid wasted time and travel, improve transparency, and are already a common workplace disclosure. The committee voted 10-9 to ITL HB 1123. The committee next took up HB 177, concerning a definition of remote work in labor law. Representative Murphy moved ITL, saying the bill could burden employers, create vague obligations, duplicate existing protections, and potentially require intrusive compliance measures. Representative Sullivan described a proposed amendment that would narrow the bill to a definition of remote work and remove broader requirements, but the committee ultimately voted 11-9 to ITL HB 177. Members also noted that the amendment had not been fully circulated in time and that the issue might merit further review. Finally, the committee opened HB 1352, a workers’ compensation bill focused on repricing and payment practices. The sponsor withdrew an initial ITL motion and moved OTP after amendment review. Members discussed concerns raised at the hearing about delayed payments, third-party administrators, and the need for better accountability. Representative McKenzie’s amendment would define good faith, create a voluntary three-year dispute-resolution pilot, restore fines to prior levels, and add reporting/accountability requirements for carriers that miss the 30-day payment deadline. Several members supported the amendment as a way to help small businesses and providers, while others said repricing needed broader study through the workers’ compensation advisory council. The Department of Labor explained that the amendment would require carriers and related payers to report missed determinations to the department and would increase oversight of payment timeliness.

Transcript Highlights:

• reports that are published online... ...of individual campaign contributors from the campaign finance
• work in practice because if we're going to try to incentivize more poll workers from a potential jury pool
• might be hard to find enough jury members, especially in election years. ...from a potential jury pool
• Perhaps an explanation of the jury pool system might be in order here, since some people may not know
• The jury pool is drawn from registered voters and from people who have driver's licenses, and it is a

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the journal, and welcomed several guest groups, including the City of Maricopa Youth Council, students from Alpha School in Scottsdale, Brianna Andrew, and students from Gilbert Edu-Prize. The chamber also adopted a proposed amendment to Senate Rule 7A and then adopted the rules of the 57th Legislature, and the President announced a temporary committee appointment for Senator Shamp and a request to adjourn after Wednesday’s session until Monday, March 16. The floor then considered a long list of bills, with several third-reading votes. Measures that passed included SB 1654 on elections funding, SB 1711 on school safety-related information, SB 1743 on campaign contribution address disclosure, SB 1747 on access technology content, SB 1284 on moving violations, SB 1336 on State Land Department issues, SB 1365 on property tax exemptions for veterans, SB 1655 on juror summons/poll worker service, SB 1662 on probation, SB 1803 on Department of Veterans’ Services claims assistance, SB 1494, SB 1497 on school insurance, SB 1503 on pension benefit plans, SB 1584 on Department of Corrections recruitment, SB 1632 on DES, SB 1723 on bail, SB 1206 on insurance claims, and SB 1827 on aviation. Several bills failed, including SCR 1047 on marijuana establishment licenses, SB 1134 on political signs before reconsideration, SB 1544 on probation, and SB 1585 on sex offender monitoring. SB 1134 was later reconsidered and passed. Many of these votes featured debate over elections administration, privacy, health care access, veterans’ benefits, probation, and public safety. The Senate then resolved into the Committee of the Whole for Calendar One and later Calendar Two. In Committee of the Whole, members adopted amendments and recommended do pass on SB 1009, SB 1050, SB 1054, SB 1071, SB 1086, SB 1317, SB 1461, and SB 1672, with discussion focusing on school training standards, veterans’ park passes, local measures, Arizona Rangers oversight, AHCCCS provider reimbursement, reentry programming, allied health workforce development, and anti-psychotic drug authorization. On Calendar Two, the committee also advanced SB 1173, SB 1234, SB 1295, SB 1611, and SCR 1022 after amendments and extended debate, especially on AHCCCS fraud, juvenile court proceedings, inmate medical release, and the American Indian Health Program. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the bills were properly assigned, and committee announcements were made for the next day’s meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 8 just simply asks the Louisiana Asset Management Pool as a participating employer in MERS
• Senate Bill 8 just simply asks the Louisiana Asset Management Pool as a participating employer in MERS
• Senate Bill 8 just simply asks the Louisiana Asset Management Pool as a participating employer in MERS
• any insurance company, because basically that's what we're utilizing the MCOs for, when you have a pool
• In reviewing the history of this bill, it started off in finance on the Senate side and then went to

Bills: HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, HR257, HR258, HR259, HR260, HR261, HR262, HR263, HCR105, HCR106, SCR30, SB57, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB276, SB450, SB465, SB501, SB525, HR3, HR80, HR197, HR243, SCR5, SCR35, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, SB398, HB646, HR84, HR188, HR205, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB302, HB819, HB1257, HB1258, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, HCR72, HB633, HB603, HB940, HB251, HB775, HB998, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, HB842, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: Pineville High School, Lady Rebels, softball, LHSAA, Louisiana High School Athletic Association, Class 5A, state championship, high school sports, student athletes, commendation, resolution, athletics, girls softball, championship team, Pineville, school recognition, sportsmanship, coach Allison Frye, Louisiana legislature, House Resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• want to clarify for the caucus that it was brought by private insurers and not the public insurance pools
• not the only insurers that provide workers' comp to firefighters; there's also a public insurance pool
• to the finance authority.
• to the finance authority.
• This requires these districts to apply to the finance authority and petition for these districts.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with staff giving brief descriptions and members flagging which items were on consent, had unanimous committee votes, or should be pulled for further discussion. Topics included education, health care, public safety, labor, water, taxation, housing, and elections. Several measures were noted as party-line or mixed votes, while many others were reported as unanimous and placed on third-read or consent calendars. Among the more discussed items were bills on school and labor policy, including a proposal to prohibit teacher strikes, a measure restricting school district bond actions, a bill requiring school safety protocols and assigning felony penalties for noncompliance, and a resolution limiting public money for labor organization activities. Members also raised concerns or requested further review on bills involving pharmacist testing authority, expired opioid antagonists, a county sheriff-related measure, a housing affordability district proposal, and a tobacco/vape regulation bill. Some measures were explicitly pulled from consent, including a Medicaid audit resolution, a budget-related pay-withholding resolution, and several education and public safety bills. The caucus also heard multiple health and human services measures, such as genetic counselor licensing, nursing board and pharmacy board continuations, foster care rights, psychiatry access funding, and free school meals. In addition, there were water and energy bills on Colorado River management, groundwater, transmission-line review, and renewable energy valuation, plus election and campaign-related proposals. The meeting ended with announcements, including an upcoming Colorado River breakfast briefing and an internal award recognizing Representative Brian Garcia, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We referred the bill then to Finance.
• We referred the bill then to finance. We referred the bill then to finance.
• from Representative Keith F in finance. from Representative Keith F in finance.
• the consent calendar and the finance the consent calendar and the finance division<00:20:44.159>
• It's hard enough to a finance director.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Minnesota Housing Finance.
• affordable housing finance programs. affordable housing finance programs.
• . >> You'll be on finance.
• . >> You'll be on finance.
• . >> You'll be on finance.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Spring Lake watershed district have been investigating the feasibility of forming a self-insurance pool
• And just last pool for health benefits.
• . and we really would like the pools. and we really would like the opportunity<00:30:52.640> to
• Finance. So it's going to finance. So obviously the Democrats plan to move this bill.
• Senate File 2757 as amended is recommended to pass. >> And referred to finance, and staff will take a

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We must push forward a housing bond that creates a financing tool.
• Agency to operate as the financing tool.
• the financing startup costs to developing this.
• the financing startup costs to developing this.
• And I think that. ...financing startup costs to developing this.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 1157, the Affordable Rent Act, which would lower California’s annual rent cap, remove the single-family home exemption, and eliminate the sunset on existing tenant protections. The author and supporters argued that renters are facing severe affordability pressures, especially in single-family rentals, and that stronger statewide rent stabilization is needed to prevent displacement and homelessness. Opponents, including apartment, building, and property-owner groups, said the bill would discourage housing production, harm small landlords, and override a deal they said was intended to be temporary while the state focused on building more housing. Public testimony on AB 1157 was extensive, with many renters, tenant advocates, labor groups, and community organizations speaking in support, while many landlords, business groups, and property-owner representatives spoke in opposition. Committee members were split: some praised the bill as a necessary response to the rent crisis, while others warned it could reduce investment and worsen the housing shortage. The committee ultimately voted 7-5 to pass AB 1157 to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then approved the consent calendar, including AB 413, AB 1152, and AB 1275, on a 9-0 vote. It also heard ACA 3, which would require the University of California to make available a limited number of down payment loans for eligible long-term support staff who are first-time homebuyers. Supporters said the measure would help lower-wage UC workers afford homeownership and improve retention, while UC and other opponents argued the proposal was duplicative of existing state programs, unnecessary, and potentially harmful to UC finances. The discussion focused on financing mechanics and the relationship to CalHFA, but no final vote on ACA 3 was included in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But relatively straightforward, they would like to widen the range of and the pool of potential applicants
• Representative Hawkins. but relatively straightforward they would like to widen the range of and the pool
• The select board unanimously supports the change because they believe it would increase the pool of here
• Initially, my friends and I were planning to pool child care at home and rotate into vote, but that isn
• Initially, my friends and I were planning to pool child care at home and rotate into vote, but that isn't

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on bills related to land use, zoning, permitting, municipal governance, and homelessness. Early testimony focused on a home rule petition for Ipswich to remove a residency requirement for a town manager, with supporters saying it would broaden the applicant pool and help fill a vacant permanent manager position. Another panel backed legislation to change the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission’s governance so ratepayers in surrounding communities would have representation, arguing the current board structure leaves many users without a voice in rate-setting and capital decisions. Several housing and zoning bills drew testimony. Senator Keenan and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association supported a bill to toll the one-year period for acting on a variance while an appeal is pending, saying appeals should not consume the time needed to implement approved projects. Representative Murray and the Real Estate Bar Association also testified on broader zoning reforms, including changes to undersized lots, merger rules, hearing deadlines, appeals, and variance standards; they argued the proposals would reduce delay and uncertainty and help housing production. Committee members questioned whether shifting zoning appeals from de novo to closed-record review would limit new evidence, and the witnesses said the change would speed cases while preserving limited opportunities to supplement the record. The committee also heard testimony on bills to end the criminalization of homelessness. Representatives, advocates, and shelter organizations said local camping bans and fines are counterproductive, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision, and urged a statewide response centered on housing and public health rather than punishment. Other municipal bills included remote participation in open town meetings for Wayland and a statewide local option, Fairhaven and Mattapoisett charter changes, and Cambridge’s request to use automated parking enforcement and mail parking tickets. The hearing also included testimony supporting fairground zoning flexibility, a Shrewsbury solar siting bill, and an Inspector General bill clarifying county land disposition procedures by requiring written notice to DCAM and a defined response period. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• HE GOT THE FINANCES IN THE STATE STRAIGHTENED OUT. RETIRED THREE-STAR GENERAL.
• FLORIDA SWIMMING POOL ASSOCIATION. COME ON UP. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> THANK YOU MR.
• I AM WITH FLORIDA SWIMMING POOL ASSOCIATION MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS.
• WE HAVE A BUILDING AND POOL IMPLICATED PROJECT.
• THE POOL CONTRACTORS COMING OUT TODAY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:26:13.760> city<00:26:14.040> is<00:26:14.160> finance<00:26:14.800> is
• <00:26:15.000> facing<00:26:15.400> a The city is finance is facing a The city is finance
• improvements at our at pool improvements at our at pool and<01:07:09.840> eight<01:07:10.080
• <01:07:48.880> that's<01:07:49.080> located Center, the swimming pool that's located
• Center, the swimming pool that's located in<01:07:49.640> Roslyn<01:07:50.080> Park,<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I guess there was a pool and I Senator Hoffman won, so when I would get here, but I did not.
• was a pool and I Senator<00:42:08.400> Hoffman<00:42:08.800> won,<00:42:09.280> so<
• So we ask that this provision be removed and that as this bill and the finance bill move forward, that
• So we ask that this provision be removed and that as this bill and the finance bill move forward, that
• <00:58:01.599> of consider identifying a small pool of consider identifying a small pool of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we can provide economies of scale by offering our investment pools to them.
• scale by offering our investment pools scale by offering our investment pools to<00:23:07.960>
• <00:23:27.800> of<00:23:27.920> capital one of our pools of capital one of our pools
• which is what I learned in my finance which is what I learned in my finance classes,<00:31:27.360
• advisor, living in the world of finance advisor, living in the world of finance for<01:09:41.480

Keywords: 1187, senate, all