Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the Lone Star card is the ID card for financial assistance programs in Texas, such as the Supplemental
• Assistance Program, known as SNAP, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, known as.
• It wasn't until 2014 when I first. officially, permanently decided to move to Texas to assist Governor
• Because of my role as Commissioner Miller's... assistant and campaign manager at the time.

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• It wasn't until 2014 when I first officially, permanently decided to move to Texas to assist Governor
• Because of my role as Commissioner Miller's... assistant and campaign manager at the time, my inability

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Bills: SB 240, SB 1183, SB 1184, SB 1577, SB 2043, SB 2051, SCR 42, SJR 68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the Lone Star Card is the ID card for financial assistance programs in Texas, such as the Supplemental
• Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program
• It wasn't until 2014 when I officially permanently decided to move to Texas to assist Governor Abbott's
• Because of my role as Commissioner Miller's assistant and campaign manager at the time, my inability

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1183, by Senator Creighton, which would require Lone Star Cards used for SNAP and TANF benefits to display the recipient’s name and photo, add fraud-reporting information, and require HHSC to track replacement-card requests. Creighton argued the bill would reduce fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, citing Texas SNAP theft and overpayment data. HHSC testified that photo IDs on the card are technically possible and explained how authorized secondary users are added. Dr. Amber O’Connor of Every Texan testified against the bill, saying SNAP fraud is a small share of expenditures, that the proposal would be costly and ineffective, and that federal rules limit mandatory photo requirements. Public testimony closed and SB 1183 was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1184, also by Senator Creighton, which would lower from 20 years to 10 years the minimum age of collectible wine that Texas collectors may sell to permitted restaurants. Supporters said the change would help Texas restaurants access desirable vintages, keep collectible wine in-state, and align with market demand; invited witnesses from the wine industry testified in favor. No opposition was heard, public testimony closed, and SB 1184 was left pending. Next, Senator Birdwell laid out Senate Bill 2051 and Senate Joint Resolution 68, both aimed at revising Texas impeachment procedures in response to issues identified during the 2023 impeachment process. The measures would clarify constitutional and statutory impeachment authority, require sworn testimony, extend review periods for House members, address conflicts of interest and presiding officers, require cost reporting, and modify rules for impeaching the governor or lieutenant governor. A committee substitute added protections for the accused, longer review periods, and a fallback presiding-officer option. Witnesses generally supported stronger accountability but raised questions about whether the language should also cover retired or visiting judges. Both measures were left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1577, which would expand Texas Motor Speedway’s alcohol sales authority to include distilled spirits and remove certain event and concession limits; the Speedway’s representative supported the bill and it was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 42 and Senate Bill 240, which would recognize only two sexes and restrict access to sex-designated private spaces in public facilities based on biological sex. Supporters argued the measures were needed to protect women’s privacy and safety, including in schools and shelters, while opponents warned about enforcement problems, privacy concerns, and impacts on transgender Texans and others who do not fit stereotypical sex traits. After extensive testimony, both measures were left pending. The committee then took up multiple pending bills and reported several favorably, including SB 511, SB 33, SB 510, SB 871, SB 2024, SB 2166, SJR 27, SJR 40, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 2420, SB 1999, SB 2309, SB 1860, and SB 2429, with some also certified for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• I personally wouldn't be here without the New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program, which I got to
• Chairman and members, the Health Care Affordability Fund has also been assisting us in filling needs
• So, for example, there's assistance on the exchange with premiums and out-of-pocket cost sharing.
• the one fund that we have that is available to really assist with families accessing...
• That is available to really assist with families accessing private insurance.

Bills: HB2, SB152

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Summary: The committee heard a series of capital, bond, environmental, economic development, juvenile justice, and health care bills. Senate Bill 240, the capital outlay package, was presented as a $1.3 billion statewide appropriation, including discretionary capital projects and agency projects; after questions about CYFD projects and House/Senate capital allocations, the committee voted do pass on the committee substitute. House Bill 248, the general obligation bond package totaling about $392.5 million for senior centers, libraries, higher education, and tribal projects, also received a do pass after questions about project vetting, bond timing, and school bus funding. House Bill 80, which increases the share of oil and gas conservation tax revenue going to the Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund to speed orphan well plugging and site cleanup, drew strong support from business, environmental, and industry groups; members discussed funding balances, procurement bottlenecks, and the distinction between abandoned and orphan wells before voting do pass. House Bill 184, making technical fixes to the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund and related distribution rules, passed with little debate. The committee also heard Senate Bill 172, which expands the TRIGGER program allowing companies to access national laboratory expertise; supporters from the labs, the governor’s office, universities, and business groups cited job creation, follow-on investment, and commercialization gains, while one senator raised concerns about the long extension of the program. The bill passed do pass. House Bill 95, creating a judge for the First and Second Judicial Districts, was described as matching a previously heard Senate bill and passed do pass. Senate Bill 165, a major juvenile justice bill, generated the most extensive debate: the sponsor said it updates the juvenile code, raises the age for certain serious offenses, extends services for youth sentenced as adults, and expands community corrections; law enforcement supported it, while the Public Defender, youth advocates, the ACLU, and a Bernalillo County commissioner opposed it, arguing it expands adult sentencing and relies too heavily on incarceration. Despite those objections, the committee voted do pass. Finally, House Bill 4, which increases the Health Care Affordability Fund distribution to support premium assistance and related coverage programs, was amended so that a portion of the premium surtax would go to the Behavioral Health Program Fund and any unexpended balance would revert to the affordability fund. Supporters from BeWell, health advocacy groups, the insurance office, and homeless services said the bill would protect coverage gains and help offset federal changes; members asked about the amendment’s effect on the behavioral health fund and the bill’s flexibility if revenues decline. The amendment was adopted, and discussion on the bill continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe we have daily technical assistance for providers that they can log on and get daily technical
• assistance if they're having trouble with the process.
• from direct care and treatment, the A6-1 amendment for EIDBI, the A8 amendment, which is technical assistance
• So again, technical assistance was given. We appreciate that.
• So again, technical assistance was given. We appreciate that.

Bills: HF729

Keywords: human services, provider enrollment, medical assistance, healthcare, housing stabilization, substance use disorder, vulnerable adults, fraud prevention, 1183, house

Bills: HB 12, HB 149, SB 229, SB 1361, SB 1749, SB 1897, SB 2113, SB 2566, SB 2677, SB 1652, SB 2327, SB 2344, SB 2696

Keywords: artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, automobile sales, finance, retail seller, motor vehicle purchase, motor vehicle sales, pricing restrictions, third-party financing, education, funding, student assessment, accountability, standards, motor vehicle, financing

Transcript Highlights:

• Meaning folks who make less money and have assistance provided will also experience less of a benefit
• Meaning folks who make less assistance.
• </c><00:24:18.720><c> provided</c><00:24:19.679><c> will</c> money and have assistance provided will
• money and have assistance provided will also<00:24:20.280><c> experience</c><00:24:20.840><c> less</c
• For physical or mental assistance. And many people have used flexible spending accounts for this.

Bills: HF495, HF4321, HF3902, HF4161, HF3755

Keywords: day care, tax subtraction, child care costs, licensed child care, dependent care assistance, HF4321, dependent care assistance programs, gross income exclusion, federal conformity, Internal Revenue Code, individual income tax, Minnesota tax law, tax conformity, child care assistance, employer-provided dependent care, taxable income, state income tax, retroactive tax change, family care benefits, housing tax credit

Transcript Highlights:

• Part six relates to the Veterans Assistance Property Tax Levy and the mental health and developmental
• disabilities assistance property tax levy.
• The veterans assistance property tax levy and the mental health and developmental disabilities assistance
• by dedicating 0.2% of the utility tax revenue to ratepayer assistance.
• by dedicating 0.2% of the utility tax revenue to rate payer assistance.

Bills: HB2559, HB2135, HB2133, HB2442

Keywords: affordable housing, local government funding, housing programs, community development, financial assistance, adaptive housing, disabled veterans, tax preferences, housing affordability, retail sales tax, property tax, senior citizens, tax exemption, permanent legislation, local government, tax authority, sales tax, use tax, real estate excise tax, REET

Summary: House Finance heard briefings and testimony on several bills. HB 2559 would let cities and counties impose an additional 4% excise tax on lodging and short-term rentals starting in 2027, with revenues dedicated to affordable housing programs; staff explained the existing lodging-tax structure and caps, and the prime sponsor said the bill is a local option aimed at addressing housing loss from short-term rentals. HB 2133 would make permanent the property tax exemption for multipurpose nonprofit senior citizen centers; staff described the current exemption and fiscal note, and the sponsor and one supporter said it helps keep senior centers open, while a question was raised about whether other nonprofit community centers could qualify. HB 2135 would increase and extend the disabled veterans adaptive housing sales-tax remittance, raising the lifetime cap from $2,500 to $5,000, increasing the statewide cap, extending the expiration to 2038, and adding JLARC review; the sponsor and a veterans coalition testified in support, saying it helps federal grant dollars go further for accessible housing. The committee then heard HB 2442, an eight-part local government revenue and flexibility bill. Staff said it would expand or authorize several local tax tools and uses, including broader use of real estate excise tax revenues, a new voter-approved affordable-housing REET option for cities, a county public utility tax, a new local sales tax for children and family services, broader uses for housing and related services taxes, changes to county mental health and veterans levies, longer levy lid-lift periods, and expanded uses for rental car tax revenue. The sponsor argued the bill gives local governments needed flexibility without creating a new statewide tax, while supporters from counties, cities, housing groups, and some service providers said local governments need more tools to address housing, behavioral health, children’s services, and infrastructure. Opponents from utilities, realtors, water and sewer districts, wireless carriers, auto dealers, and tax groups argued the new or expanded taxes would be regressive, raise housing and utility costs, or lack a sufficient nexus to the stated uses. No votes were taken in the portion provided. After that, the committee returned to HB 2559 for public testimony. Supporters, including county and city representatives and housing advocates, said short-term rentals reduce long-term housing supply and that the bill would give local communities a targeted tool to fund affordable housing. Opponents, including short-term rental owners and managers, said the bill would hurt small operators, reduce supplemental retirement income, and could be better addressed through broader lodging taxes rather than singling out short-term rentals. The hearing also included questions about the bill’s tax structure and how revenues would be used, but no action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the American Legion Department of Minnesota legislative chair, and I'm an assistant county veteran
• I'm the American Legion Department of Minnesota legislative chair, and I'm an assistant county veteran
• everybody, but it's very costly, and the way that it works is that it's significant ongoing rental assistance
• is that it's significant ongoing works is that it's significant ongoing rental<00:53:51.400><c> assistance
• </c><00:53:52.280><c> and</c> rental assistance and rental assistance and services<00:53:54.280><c> including

Bills: HF169, HF195, HF194, HF1756, HF2133

Keywords: HF169, Minnesota insurance, health plan, summary of benefits and coverage, SBC, patient assistance program, deductible, health insurer, consumer disclosure, out-of-pocket costs, medical assistance funds, copay assistance, health coverage transparency, chapter 62Q, enrollee, HF195, Fairmont, street reconstruction, bonding bill, capital investment

Bills: SB5188, SB6313

Keywords: broadband, infrastructure, loan assistance, economic development, technology access, Capitol Centennial Stewardship, funding, gifts, grants, donations, legislative support, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the consumer more front and center in the process whereby referral agencies for long-term care and assisted
• And we need a long-term care and assisted living facility that is viable.
• This bill simply clarifies what is in statute for long-term, or excuse me, for assisted living centers
• animals can really easily use their service animals, and this would be to require people who are selling dogs

Bills: HB4336, HB1818, HB3194, HB3538, HB3682, HB3762, HB3793, HB3930, HB3931, HB3934, HB4124, HB4200, HB4410, HB4457, HB4473, HB3884, HB1912

Keywords: interventional pain management, pain management clinic, chronic pain, acute pain, spinal injections, epidural steroid injection, peripheral nerve block, nerve ablation, spinal cord stimulator, intrathecal infusion pump, endoscopic diskectomy, fluoroscopy, physician supervision, allopathic physician, osteopathic physician, CRNA, certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse anesthetist, freestanding pain management facility, medical licensure

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I'm willing to work with most everybody that's, you know, has a dog in the fight, so to speak

Bills: HB4336, HB1818, HB3194, HB3538, HB3682, HB3762, HB3793, HB3930, HB3931, HB3934, HB4124, HB4200, HB4410, HB4457, HB4473, HB3884, HB1912

Keywords: interventional pain management, pain management clinic, chronic pain, acute pain, spinal injections, epidural steroid injection, peripheral nerve block, nerve ablation, spinal cord stimulator, intrathecal infusion pump, endoscopic diskectomy, fluoroscopy, physician supervision, allopathic physician, osteopathic physician, CRNA, certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse anesthetist, freestanding pain management facility, medical licensure

Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, if you have an extra car that's worth more than $6,500, you get turned down for food assistance
• Now, I don't think I could buy... ...assistance.
• All of them get assistance under SNAP programs.
• , they don't get... during the summer, they don't get that, and we are trying to put that back to assist
• That little bit of food assistance they get really helps them.

Bills: SB245, SB246, HB30, HB30

Keywords: SB245, public assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, food assistance, Alabama Medicaid Agency, Department of Human Resources, eligibility verification, self-attestation, data matching, fraud prevention, improper payments, program integrity, benefit eligibility, income verification, residency verification, asset verification, electronic benefit transfer, EBT, cross-checks

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:03.960><c> for</c> physical therapist assistants for physical therapist assistants for purposes
• These limit retroactive eligibility for medical assistance, as Ms. Stern described.
• </c> eligibility for um, medical assistance eligibility for um, medical assistance as<00:26:10.920><c
• We appreciate efforts to maintain federal financial participation in medical assistance.
• So, um um assistance without dollars.

Bills: HF4401, HF4466

Keywords: HF4401, Minnesota Medical Assistance, dental reimbursement, dental rates, critical access dental providers, Medicaid dental, MinnesotaCare, managed care plans, county-based purchasing plans, fee-for-service, oral health access, safety-net clinics, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, Indian health services, state-operated dental clinics, low-income patients, children's dental care, provider reimbursement, dental access

Bills: HB2, SB152

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• We are creating a low-income telecommunications assistance program in light of the, the only word I can
• It creates a low-income telecommunications assistance program so families can access affordable connectivity
• Chair, the Senate Finance Committee did fully fund early childhood assistance using the trust fund.

Bills: HB2, SB152

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, I appreciate your assistance in this and stand for questions.

Bills: HF1346, HF1169, HF1276

Keywords: mandatory reporting, training requirements, child maltreatment, abuse detection, local welfare agency, child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:52:18.079><c> and</c> kin Northstar kinship assistance and kin Northstar kinship assistance and
• Northstar adoption assistance improve Northstar adoption assistance improve permanency<00:52:21.040>
• , and kinship assistance.
• </c> need we can extend financial assistance need we can extend financial assistance to<01:12:14.000>
• um children in the Northstar assistance um children in adoption<01:29:17.639><c> assistance</c><01:29

Bills: HF1346, HF1169, HF1276

Keywords: mandatory reporting, training requirements, child maltreatment, abuse detection, local welfare agency, child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Uh, money for rental assistance and housing assistance.
• </c><00:38:01.520><c> shelter</c> public assistance and emergency shelter public assistance and emergency
• </c><00:39:19.520><c> program</c> homeless prevention assistance program homeless prevention assistance
• </c><00:40:00.480><c> through</c> direct financial assistance through direct financial assistance through
• </c> financial assistance across the state. financial assistance across the state.

Bills: HF1141

Keywords: housing, finance, affordable housing, infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, supportive housing, homeless prevention, elderly assistance, community development, 1183, house