Transcript Highlights:

• Even Governor Walz has his own package, but given that there's a one-seat majority in the Senate, a tie
• Even Governor Walz has his own package, but given that there's a one-seat majority in the Senate, a tie
• Even Governor Walz has his own package, but given that there's a one-seat majority in the Senate, a tie
• Governor Walz has his own package, but given that there's a one-seat majority in the Senate, a tie in
• difference in the with only one seat difference in the majority<00:26:08.720> of<00:26:09.120

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The program covered three main topics: Minnesota’s February economic forecast, gun violence prevention efforts, and the growing debate over data centers. Minnesota Management and Budget reported a stronger-than-expected outlook, replacing a projected deficit with a $3.7 billion surplus for FY 2026-27 and a projected positive balance for FY 2028-29, though officials warned the state still faces a structural imbalance and possible federal funding losses tied to Medicaid reimbursements and fraud-related federal actions. Lawmakers also discussed affordability concerns, with Senate Republicans promoting a tax-relief package focused on property taxes, vehicle tab fees, and ending taxes on tips and overtime. A lengthy segment focused on gun violence prevention, including a Capitol rally by Annunciation Catholic Church families, students, and advocates. Senator Ron Latz said an interim working group he co-led with Senator Zeinab Mohamed gathered public and expert input and helped shape ideas for the session. He said there is no single solution, but cited measures such as red flag laws, universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, high-capacity magazine limits, safe-storage requirements, ghost gun and binary trigger bans, and more school counseling and wraparound mental health supports. Latz emphasized that he sees these as compatible with the Second Amendment and said he hopes to build bipartisan support, especially around school counseling and other “common-sense” measures. Latz said the short session and narrow margins mean compromise will be necessary, and that if a package does not pass this year, lawmakers will return to the issue next session while voters should hold legislators accountable in future elections. The final segment introduced the data center discussion, with Senator Bill Liske describing how data centers have grown from small server rooms into large industrial facilities and noting that some communities are considering moratoriums or restrictions because of neighborhood impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Having a seat at the table will allow us to have the discussions in transforming this transformative
• Having a seat at the table will allow us to have the discussions in transforming this transformative
• Having a seat at the table will allow us to have the discussions in transforming this transformative
• STR 121 gives gaming operators multiple seats at the table in developing policy meant to regulate them
• seats at the table in developing<00:14:37.680> policy<00:14:38.079> meant<00:14:38.320

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions focused on economic development, tourism, agriculture, and gaming. It first took up a measure to support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity through the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, with testimony from DBEDT, HTDC, and APE Hawaii in support. Witnesses said the proposal aligns with federal and university partnerships, could help small and medium-sized businesses, and could support use of industrial sites such as the Mililani Technology Park. The committee then considered a resolution asking DBEDT to sponsor a Michelin Guide for restaurants statewide; testimony was mixed, with support for culinary recognition but concerns about cost and uncertainty over the return on investment. The committee amended that measure to require review and evaluation of the cost and benefit before sponsorship. The committee also heard a resolution directing the Agribusiness Development Corporation to assume routine maintenance and repair of the Kohala ditch. ADC testified that it would need to meet with stakeholders, assess the damage, and likely spend the first year determining needed repairs before seeking additional capital funding; members noted a prior $10 million appropriation and asked that the committee report reflect a transfer of those funds to ADC. The measure was moved forward as is, with that comment for the report. The most extensive discussion centered on a resolution to establish a tourism and gaming working group within DBEDT. Supporters included DBEDT, Aloha Halawa District Partners, labor representatives, the stadium authority, and Boyd Gaming, who described it as a first step to gather data and recommendations before any gaming policy decisions. Opponents argued the gaming industry should not help write the rules, warned about problem gambling and outside corporate influence, and urged the committee to reject the measure. The committee ultimately passed the resolution with an SD1 and technical amendments, and members said they would keep the issue open for further discussion, including possible inclusion of AHDP in the working group. The committee also heard and advanced a separate resolution urging the stadium authority to finalize the new Aloha Stadium contract and continue work on the entertainment district, with testimony both supporting the project and opposing it in favor of more housing. The committee voted to pass the stadium resolution as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• All of us in these seats, all of us in this chamber, everyone watching online, we all have that shared
• All of us in these seats, all of us in this chamber, everyone watching online, we all have that shared
• All of us in these seats, all of us in this chamber, everyone watching online, we all have that shared
• All of us in these seats, all of us in this chamber, everyone watching online, we all have that shared
• all of us in all of us in these seats all of us in this this this chamber<00:19:34.919> everyone<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and there are currently five empty seats and there are currently five empty seats and<03:56:57.560
• <04:05:26.960> on<04:05:27.120> the there five open seats on the there five open seats
• of a recognized tribe, if we gave you five seats.
• of a recognized tribe, if we gave you five seats.
• were a recognized tribe you had a seat were a recognized tribe you had a seat at<04:47:43.840>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 610, which would fold the Office of the Consumer Advocate into the Department of Energy rather than fully eliminate consumer advocacy functions. The prime sponsor argued the current office is small, funded by a special assessment on ratepayers, and duplicative of DOE work. He said moving the function to DOE would streamline energy policy review, reduce bureaucracy, and better focus the larger agency on lowering residential energy costs. He also disputed claims that the Consumer Advocate is independent, saying the office is appointed through a political process similar to DOE leadership. Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would actually relocate existing positions or replace them, and whether the Department of Energy would absorb the cost of the transferred staff. The sponsor said the fiscal note shows roughly a million-dollar reduction in both revenue assessment and spending, and that the bill would effectively reduce the office from five positions to three. He also defended his cost estimates for energy-code-related housing impacts and said the Consumer Advocate has sometimes supported policies he считает increase costs, such as energy-efficiency measures and building code changes. He argued the office should focus more on energy supply and generation, including natural gas and nuclear, rather than efficiency alone. Representative Wendy Thomas testified in opposition, saying the Consumer Advocate is an important, fair, and impartial voice for ratepayers and warning that the bill was fiscally irresponsible because the incumbent could still be owed salary and benefits if the office were repealed. She also said the bill’s drafting was confusing and that the Consumer Advocate’s role is to push back on utilities on behalf of consumers. Other members raised questions about whether the DOE would simply inherit the same political appointment structure and whether the bill would meaningfully lower bills. No vote was taken in the excerpt; the chair indicated additional testimony would follow, and the Department of Energy was present to answer questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, first, uh, please uh remain in your seats after we adjourn uh for a safety drill.
• Uh, first, uh, please uh remain in your seats after we adjourn uh for a safety drill.
• /c><00:14:37.440> remain<00:14:37.760> in<00:14:37.839> your<00:14:37.959> seats
• first, uh please uh remain in your seats first, uh please uh remain in your seats after<00:14:38.959

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer by Deacon Bruce Richards of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Waconia, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call establishing a quorum. The journal from the previous day was approved, and reports from standing committees and divisions were adopted without objection. The chamber then moved through second readings of several House Files, introduced House Files 5051 through 5066, and received multiple Senate Files for first reading. Several Senate Files were referred to committees or paired with House Files for comparison, including SF 1943 (commerce), SF 2691 (housing), SF 4282 (forecast adjustments), and SF 4760 (public safety). The House also received a Rules and Legislative Administration report designating a number of bills for the April 23 calendar and requiring pre-filing of amendments for those measures. The Speaker announced a Senate message seeking House concurrence on amendments related to HF 3437. During announcements, Representative Hansen noted Arbor Day tree distribution plans and invited members to help prepare trees the next day. Representative Lilly offered birthday wishes to Representative O'Driscoll. Representative Niska announced a safety drill after adjournment and moved to adjourn the House until 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026; both the adjournment-time motion and the motion to adjourn prevailed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Allow minorities to have uh seats intentionally.
• in the state of Texas has come from Latino and African-American communities, and yet the number of seats
• And when I think about replacing 5 Democrats, stealing 5 Democratic seats and replacing those with 5
• Republican seats for Texans, I think we should be clear about what that means.
• more than 60% of the population is minority, and yet Anglo voters control 65% of the congressional seats

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that seat is now vacant.
• In this case, if they come for four or five what you all call Democratic seats, there are not four or
• five Democratic seats in Texas.
• This isn't about protecting my seat. This isn't about protecting somebody else's seat.

Transcript Highlights:

• You may be seated. Report of committees. Report of committee.
• The Chair would like to take this opportunity to recognize, seated in the third and fourth divisions,
• The Chair would like to take this opportunity to recognize, seated in the first division, guests of Representative
• The Chair would like to take this opportunity seated in the First Division guests of Representative Barber

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. Members adopted a resolution designating August 8 and 9, 2026, as a sales tax holiday, concurred with the Senate on a sick leave bank petition for Edward Suber of the Department of Youth Services, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow two additional petitions to move forward: one concerning contract and coverage standards for health care worker platforms and another allowing firefighters of the Adams Fire District to continue serving past age 65. The House also received and approved a scheduling report for several bills, including two additional sick leave bank measures and a bill on firefighter and police officer age requirements. The chamber then moved through third-reading and engrossment actions on several bills. It passed Senate Bill 2574, providing accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of a former Boston firefighter, and Senate Bill 2967, addressing ownership and maintenance of the Town Line Brook and Lindenbrook culverts and dams. The House also enacted House Bill 5392, authorizing the town of North Attleborough to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption. Later, it passed to engrossment House Bill 4716, amending the charter of the city of Pittsfield, and House Bill 5358, authorizing the City of Newton to place municipal charge liens for unpaid local charges or fines. The House observed a moment of silent tribute for Michael P. Higgins of Woburn, recognizing his long service to the community, local courts, politics, and addiction awareness efforts. The session concluded with adoption of an order to meet again Monday at 11:00 a.m., followed by adjournment to an informal session at that time.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:24:31.360> because easier to fill alternate seats because easier to fill alternate seats
• You're now a seated member.
• You're now a seated member. It could of. You're now a seated member.
• I mean, you might have seated member?
• Now airport given a a seat at the table.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• go to their police department and get a seat.
• go to their police department and get a seat.
• go to their police department and get a seat.
• go to their police department and get a seat.
• go to their police department and get a seat.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have a candidate for the 26th Judicial District for a brand new seat.
• One, two, three, four, five — five spots, three vacancies, two new seats. Come on up.
• Thank you. ...able to just say, hey, have a seat. Please wait a minute.
• We have one vacancy and one new seat. We have two seats, three names. First up, we have Leslie A.T.
• We have one vacancy and one new seat. We have two seats, three names.

Keywords: House Committee Room C, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then there's plenty of seats. Yeah. Do we both sit there? No, it doesn't matter.
• The new map has only that goal, adding safe seats.
• The new map has only that goal, adding safe seats.
• You can literally move around the boundaries to make sure you get more votes to remove public seats.
• People voted for the state of republic, and you can remove those seats by stealing an election.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on August 19, 2025, to consider ACA 8, SB 280, and an informational hearing on AB 604. The meeting began with several failed motions to adjourn, to read public comments into the record, and to recess so members could review the roughly 16,000 public comments submitted through the committee portal. The chair emphasized the hearing’s expedited format, transparency measures, and rules limiting witness testimony, and noted a letter from Speaker Rivas authorizing Assemblymember Berman to present ACA 8. ACA 8, described by supporters as the “Election Rigging Response Act,” would place before voters a temporary congressional redistricting plan tied to AB 604 and triggered only if another state, especially Texas, adopts a partisan mid-decade redistricting. Supporters, including Assemblymember Berman, labor groups, CTA, Planned Parenthood affiliates, SEIU, and other allied organizations, argued the measure was a response to partisan gerrymandering elsewhere and a defense of democracy, with voters having the final say in a November 4, 2025 special election. Opponents, including current and former redistricting commissioners, good-government groups, business and taxpayer organizations, and many members of the public, argued the proposal undermines California’s independent redistricting model, was rushed without adequate public review, could cost roughly $200 million or more, and would invite litigation and partisan manipulation. The committee also debated a proposed amendment that would bar legislators who voted for ACA 8 from later running for Congress in districts adopted under the measure. After extended procedural disputes, the committee voted to lay the amendment on the table. The hearing then continued with extensive public testimony, overwhelmingly divided between strong support and strong opposition, but the transcript provided does not show a final committee vote on ACA 8 or SB 280 before the excerpt ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, members, we're going to be getting started shortly if you can find your seats.
• Members, we're going to be getting started shortly if you can find your seats.
• As everyone's getting to their seats, I want to recognize a couple of groups that are here today.
• As everyone's getting to their seats, I want to recognize a couple of groups that are here today.

Summary: The committee convened with a quorum, recognized visiting student groups from Jonesboro High School and Hendrix College, and then moved through its agenda. Item B1 was passed over. Under item C1, Senator Rice offered an amendment to Senate Bill 30 concerning the governor’s office that would eliminate funding for a senior advisor position tied to former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri, arguing the state had spent too much on the position and citing concerns about his performance and lack of responsiveness. Representative Wooten supported the amendment, criticizing Profiri’s failure to appear before the committee. The chair referred the amendment to the personnel committee for further review and cut off further discussion in this meeting. The committee then referred item C2, an amendment by Senator Johnson to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, to special language. Item C3, House Bill 1080 by Representative Laddeman relating to the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities, was also referred to special language. Under other business, Senator Dismang presented a revised special language amendment for the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (ADEQ) waste tire program to correct a timing issue in the governor’s letter. The committee voted to suspend the rules so the revised language could be considered, then referred it to special language for the next day’s agenda. The meeting adjourned with notice to reconvene the following morning at 9:00.

Transcript Highlights:

• So he wanted the back seat where I am right now. And I’ve been in that seat, but that’s okay.
• And I know the best seat in the house is right there.
• Then we got to pick our seats; we got in the back row.
• And we didn't have a seat at the table here.
• And we didn't have a seat at the table here.

Summary: The House convened with Girl State participants presiding for part of the session, including introductions of the student leadership and a unanimous voice vote passing House Concurrent Resolution 152 honoring the young women participating in Delaware Girl State. The chamber also welcomed congressional interns and other guests, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and observed a moment of silence for Nathan Cynix and Kara Feeley before prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes for Representative Ron Gray, who was recognized for his 14 years of service and his work on issues such as bond bills, dredging, bike paths, small business, constituent service, and agriculture-related funding. Multiple members from both parties praised his humor, honesty, mentorship, and dedication to the House and his district. Gray responded with extended remarks reflecting on his family legacy, legislative service, and appreciation for colleagues and staff, and the chamber later sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at his request. The House then received communications, including Senate messages returning several bills and informing the chamber of Senate passage of additional measures. Members were also told that the FY27 bond bill, House Bill 500, had been placed on desks as a gift for review. The House read in Consent Agenda S, which included House Bill 476, House Joint Resolution 13, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 168, Senate Bill 297, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 319, and Senate Joint Resolution 21, and began a roll call vote on the consent agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please be seated.
• Please be seated.
• Please be seated.
• Please be seated. Please be seated.
• Please be seated.

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seat belts prevent tragedies. Seat belts get passengers home safe. Seat belts save lives.
• We knew that seat belts are shown to reduce fatalities by 44 percent and severe injuries by 45 percent
• But since that legislation was passed, passengers still aren't aware it is required to put their seat
• WE NEED THAT WE NEEDED SEAT BELT WHICH IS ARE SLOAN TO REDUCE FATALITIES, BY 44% AND SEVERE INJURIES
• BUT SINCE THAT LEGISLATION WAS PASSED, PASSENGERS STILL AREN'T AWARE IT IS REQUIRED TO PUT THEIR SEAT

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and discharged several identical Assembly/Senate bills from committee so they could be substituted on the calendar. The chamber then took up and previously adopted two commemorative resolutions: one designating April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and another honoring Korean War veterans. Senators from both parties spoke in support of the Sikh resolution, emphasizing the community’s contributions, service, and the need for recognition and inclusion; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and the Sikh guests in the gallery were recognized. The Korean War resolution drew remarks from members recalling family service and the sacrifices of veterans, with repeated calls to preserve their stories and honor their legacy. The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills. Among them were measures related to charter bus safety and seat belt awareness, coverage for doula services under insurance, social services/EBT-related changes, education, navigation, highway, public service, and hospital-closure reporting. Several bills passed unanimously or with only one dissenting vote; the social services bill drew the most opposition, with Senator Murray objecting that New York should first address EBT chip technology and skimming before adding new vendor requirements. One bill on the calendar was laid aside for the day. The chamber also adopted a supplemental bill authorizing the South Country Central School District to finance certain deficits, described by Senator Murray as a necessary rescue to keep the district operating and pay staff. Senators discussed the state budget impasse during debate on an extender bill, with the sponsor explaining it was a “clean extender” to keep government running through May 4 and cover payroll, health, education, and other essential payments. Senator Helming raised concerns about the lack of rural health transformation funding and the consequences of the delayed budget for schools, local governments, and hospitals. The extender passed, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, May 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• that would allow the neighborhood boards to conduct discussions of businesses with a majority of the seats
• But in order to vote on such business, it would be the majority of all seats. Very good.
• majority of the seats that are filled. majority of the seats that are filled.
• c><00:23:13.760> majority<00:23:14.320> of<00:23:14.440> all<00:23:14.679> seats
• would be the majority of all seats. would be the majority of all seats.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Increasing capacity, increasing seats, and the beauty of this is that individuals can use this beyond
• When you look at the total impact in terms of seat capacity for the applicants, we're looking at a 96%
• Increasing capacity, increasing seats, and the beauty of this is that individuals can use this beyond
• When you look at the total impact in terms of seat capacity for the applicants, we're looking at a 96%
• So it's more at the granular level of the actual content, more so than seat time.

Summary: The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met for its first meeting of the session and heard presentations focused on workforce education in the Florida College System and district technical colleges. Members introduced themselves and discussed their personal connections to higher education, then heard from Department of Education senior chancellor Kevin O’Farrell, South Florida State College president Fred Hawkins, and Pinellas Technical College representative Mark Hunt. O’Farrell outlined the department’s budget request, including increases for adult education, Florida College System program funds, workforce development capitalization grants, apprenticeship and teacher apprenticeship programs, Open Door scholarships, and CAPE industry certification funding. He emphasized record growth in enrollments, completions, dual enrollment, and program offerings, and described grant-funded expansion in fields such as health sciences, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, and AI-related programs. Committee members raised concerns about whether current programs match actual labor-market demand, how artificial intelligence may reduce future human labor needs in some fields, and how the state should avoid unwarranted duplication of programs. O’Farrell said the department uses economic forecasts, employer demand data, and a CTE audit process to review programs and phase out those that do not meet performance thresholds. Members also asked for more detail on the teacher apprenticeship model, the transition from technical college clock hours to college credit, job placement and salary outcomes, and the LPN-to-RN pathway. O’Farrell said he would provide additional information later. Hawkins described South Florida State College’s rural service area, low college-going rates, and difficulty recruiting and retaining faculty and staff because salaries lag behind local market alternatives and nearby school district pay. He said the college has had to turn away students in high-demand programs due to staffing and operational limits, while also noting strong outcomes in nursing, dental hygiene, EMT/paramedic, and radiography. Hunt said Pinellas Technical College serves about 5,000 students annually, including many dual-enrolled high school students, and reported a placement rate above 90% and strong local economic returns. He said many programs have waiting lists and that additional operational funding is needed to meet demand, maintain equipment, and keep pace with salary and cost increases. The meeting ended after public comment was opened and no further business was brought before the committee, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, please take your seats. The clerk will read the proclamation.
• as prima facie evidence of election and that Hillary Holley, Samantha Scott, and Emily Gregory be seated
• as prima facie evidence of election and that Hilary Holley, Samantha Scott, and Emily Gregory be seated
• as prima facie evidence of election and that Hilary Holley, Samantha Scott, and Emily Gregory be seated

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests, please take your seats and silence your cell phones.
• I've been in that seat, but that's okay.
• And then we got to pick our seats. We got in the back row.
• No one will take your place, but somebody will take your seat. Thank you.
• Speaker, everyone please grab your seats and silence your cell phones. Mr.

Keywords: 1064, all