Transcript Highlights:

• , how the product is made, that is all calculated, and the baselines are established with your conventional
• And the baselines are established with your conventional materials, and then, you know, a certain minimum
• So to get the production incentive, you have to have reduced at least 40% below conventional emissions

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 253, a committee substitute dealing with virtual and distance learning programs and school funding. Sponsors and staff explained that the substitute removed several earlier restrictions on virtual education, including residency requirements, the 10% enrollment cap, the ban on K-5 distance programs, and the moratorium on new enrollments. It also changed the State Cyber Academy Act to the Distance Learning Act, added reporting and evaluation requirements for districts and charter schools, and allowed the Public Education Department to withhold funding if programs are out of compliance. Members discussed concerns about impacts on rural districts, charter schools, and programs like Mosquero and the New Mexico Communications Academy, as well as the temporary funding fix for Gallup Public Schools, which was amended to average prior-year and current-year enrollment rather than use current-year membership alone. Public testimony on HB 253 was largely supportive, with school leaders and education organizations backing the amendment and the broader substitute while noting that more work may be needed on oversight and funding formulas. Committee members then debated the bill’s temporary provisions, the study requirement, and whether the changes would adequately address the Gallup funding issue and broader virtual-learning accountability. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for HB 253 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 153, a voluntary industrial decarbonization package that combines an Environmental Product Declaration grant program, a rebate or incentive program for lower-carbon building materials, and production tax credits and capital grants for eligible industrial products. Members asked detailed questions about environmental product declarations, hydrogen, anti-donation concerns, funding sources, and whether the bill would support sawmills, engineered wood, biofuels, and forest-thinning-related industries. Supporters from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and Clean Air Task Force testified that the bill would encourage innovation, attract private investment, and reduce emissions without imposing mandates. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted do pass on the bill, with Representative Brown noted in opposition. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 255, which consolidates public safety workforce funding into a single competitive fund for recruitment, retention, and professional development in law enforcement, firefighting, corrections, and public attorney offices. Testimony from counties, the chamber, AFSCME, and State Police supported the measure as a targeted response to staffing shortages and public safety vacancies. The committee took no extended debate and approved HB 255 with a do pass recommendation. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would meet again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Land is being constantly abused by these conventional practices.
• We try to center ourselves in the population.
• The boundary is the center of the main channel of the Missouri River.
• We also created in the legislature an AI data center committee.
• I'm learning a lot about these data centers.

Summary: The Tribal and State Relations Committee met at Standing Rock with tribal council members, state legislators, and agency representatives to discuss state-tribal coordination and local priorities. Early discussion focused on process concerns, including the short agenda time and the need for better communication, more advance notice, and more relevant state department staff at future meetings. Tribal leaders asked for lists of state tribal liaisons and bills affecting tribes, and state members said they would follow up, share grant and deadline information, and plan another meeting in Bismarck with program experts and agency staff. A major portion of the meeting centered on health, child welfare, law enforcement, housing, infrastructure, and sovereignty issues. Tribal speakers said rural health transformation funding and other state programs often do not fit direct-service tribes or IHS-funded systems, and they raised concerns about Medicaid, ICWA, foster care delays, human service zones, housing shortages, and the placement of Native children off-reservation. They also discussed missing and murdered Indigenous people, search-and-rescue cooperation, cross-deputization, extradition and banishment ordinances, and the need for stronger law enforcement partnerships that respect tribal sovereignty. Other concerns included poor roads, water and sewer needs in Sioux County communities, census accuracy, and the impact of data centers and other development on water and health. Economic development and regulatory issues were also discussed. Standing Rock representatives raised concerns about charitable gaming and e-pull tabs, saying the machines function like Class III gaming and have harmed tribal revenue while spreading into local businesses. They also described problems with county-issued fireworks permits and state/county liquor licensing rules that they said undermine tribal authority within reservation boundaries. In response, legislators said the committee would continue to look at these issues, and one member suggested possible legislation such as limiting e-tabs near tribal lands. The committee also heard from Joseph McNeil of Sage Development Authority about a 235-megawatt wind project on tribal, allotted, and fee land; he said federal permitting delays have stalled the project and asked for state support to help move it forward. The meeting concluded with a presentation from Dave Archambo of Wojou, a nonprofit focused on land regeneration, buffalo, food sovereignty, cultural programming, and youth wellness. He described the organization’s work on buffalo processing, gardening, fishing, hunting, language, and arts programs, and framed it as a response to historical trauma and community healing. The committee then broke for lunch and planned to resume with the Wojou presentation after the recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> treatment because the conventional treatment because the conventional approaches<00:18:27.440><c
• </c> conventional chemotherapies anymore. conventional chemotherapies anymore.
• </c> truly unique center. truly unique center. &gt;&gt; Yeah. &gt;&gt; Yeah. &gt;&gt; Yeah.
• </c> centers that we heard today on HB734. centers that we heard today on HB734.
• We could have direct pay centers.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• California's climate and air quality policies have accelerated the adoption of highly fuel-efficient conventional
• , Marine Corps Sergeant, Diamond Bar; Tobin Noah Michael, Navy Petty Officer Second Class, Valley Center
• Tobin, Noah, Michael, Navy, Petty Officer Second Class Valley Center.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a Memorial Day prayer, and welcomed a third-grade class from Sacred Heart Parish School to the chamber. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending a joint rule to allow budget subcommittees to meet during blackout period and removing certain bills from inactive or consent files. The chamber confirmed multiple gubernatorial appointments, including Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board, Chris Ferguson to the California Student Aid Commission, and Brian Haynes to the same commission. The Senate also adopted several resolutions, including SR 102 recognizing National Safe Boating Week, SCR 172 proclaiming Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, SCR 177 declaring World No Tobacco Day, SR 107 for Lupus Awareness Month, and SR 115 marking the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris in California wine history. On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills on topics including beverage container recycling fees (SB 1341), school employee misconduct procedures (SB 1083), wildfire preparedness for water suppliers (SB 1153), insurance cost-sharing accounting (SB 1199), nonprofit government liaison services (SB 1240), energy coordination and fuel supply planning (SB 1337), language access in elections (SB 1360), gaming fee transparency (SB 920), mental health evaluation in Care Court-related cases (SB 1016), reckless driving penalties (SB 1198), greenhouse gas reporting for subsidized medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (SB 1213), the Go Green financing program (SB 1265), repossession transport interference (SB 1338), and wildlife coexistence (SB 1135). Most measures passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 920 passed 28-1, SB 1265 passed 26-5, and SB 1135 passed with two no votes. The session concluded with a Veterans Caucus adjournment-in-memory ceremony honoring 82 fallen service members, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• which is the joint partnership of the Evans School at the University of Washington, the Ruckelshaus Center
• project, which is an acronym standing for what I don't recall, but... ...it was basically a Ruckelshaus Center
• I'm at the Potato Convention. Anyway, so, you know, are we going to have a chance?

Summary: The Joint Select Committee on Civic Health met to revisit its work and discuss next steps before the committee’s resolution expires unless reenacted. The chair updated members on related efforts, including the Project for Civic Health’s three principles—engage with respect, seek common ground, and disagree constructively—and a successful WASLE training program for newly elected city council members. Members also reviewed a draft committee statement condemning political violence and supporting nonviolent, non-abusive, productive dialogue. The group made several edits, including removing the word “crazed,” adding “non-abusive,” and changing the closing language to be more inclusive of nonreligious members by using “hope and pray.” The committee then discussed a proposed Evans School research project to survey legislators about civility, collaboration, and legislative working relationships. Members generally supported the idea, while one member asked how the project would measure progress and achieve its goals. The chair said the survey would help gather broad input and that the committee would encourage participation, with results expected by December. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on how to improve civility and relationship-building in the legislature. Members described the value of informal dinners, breakfasts, and one-on-one conversations across party lines, and several said there are now fewer opportunities for such interaction than in the past. Suggestions included in-person committee meetings, a retreat, mentoring newer legislators, and bringing back outside facilitators such as Tom Little from the National Institute for Civil Discourse. No formal votes were taken, but the committee agreed to proceed with the violence statement and to move forward with the Evans School survey, pending remaining digital signatures from several members.

Transcript Highlights:

• which is the joint partnership of the Evans School at the University of Washington, the Ruckelshaus Center
• project, which is an acronym standing for what I don't recall, but it was basically a Ruckelshaus Center
• I'm at the Potato Convention. Anyway, so, you know, are we going to have a chance?

Summary: The Joint Select Committee on Civic Health met to discuss next steps for its work on civic health, including related efforts by the Project for Civic Health and a proposed Evans School research survey of legislators. The chair reviewed the committee’s mandate and described ongoing partner initiatives, including shared principles of engaging with respect, seeking common ground, and disagreeing constructively. Members generally supported the Evans School proposal, though one member asked how the project would measure success, and the chair said the goal was to gather broad input from legislators on strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. A major portion of the meeting focused on a draft committee statement condemning political violence. Members agreed to remove the word “crazed” from the description of a recent assassination, with concerns raised that the term implied irrationality and could stigmatize disability. Members also suggested broadening the language to include non-abusive and productive dialogue, and replacing or supplementing “pray” with more inclusive wording; the final phrasing settled on “hope and pray.” The committee also briefly debated whether to describe the United States as a democracy or a representative republic, ultimately agreeing on “representative democratic republic” and approving the statement for posting and distribution, with several members still needing to provide digital signatures. The rest of the meeting was an open discussion about how to improve civility and relationship-building in the Legislature. Members emphasized the value of in-person meetings, shared meals, mentoring newer legislators, and more intentional cross-party conversations. Several said there are fewer informal opportunities now than in the past, especially after the pandemic, and suggested ideas such as retreats, regular gatherings, and bringing in outside experts like the National Institute for Civil Discourse. The chair said he would relay the committee’s support for the Evans School survey and adjourned the meeting after noting the discussion had produced several constructive ideas for future work.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and the Minnesota Association Convention and the Minnesota Association Convention of<00:14:07.040
• 29:54.840><c> of</c><00:29:54.960><c> Minnesota</c><00:29:55.480><c> Tourism</c><00:29:55.919><c> Center
• </c> University of Minnesota Tourism Center University of Minnesota Tourism Center found<00:29:56.640
• I'm the public policy coordinator for PACER Center and a manager of our parent training and advocacy
• When families contact PACER Center, they often do not understand what transition should or could look

Bills: HF1124 , HF1457 , HF1803

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Fuji for AIDS Support Center.
• After the Republican convention in 2014 about medical cannabis.
• I was inspired as a kid to actually work at Johnson Space Center. I had an interest.
• I love the innovation of the smart people that we had at the Space Center.
• CBD and Nutrition Centers for the past six years.

Bills: SB3 , SB810 , SB965 , SB1073 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB 3

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• The lack of transparency by treatment centers undermines public trust, leading patients and families
• Whether they are center-based, whether they are home-based, we need them all, but it may look differently
• And thinking about the last state Democratic convention where he presided, and the crowd got Democratic
• convention where he presided, and the crowd got rowdy and was uncontrollable, and he walked out on the
• As you all know, he was the pro tem, he was the State Center, and he was an assembly member, and he had

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and began with prayer and a moment of silence in response to the shooting of Charlie Kirk, with members and the presiding officer condemning political violence and urging decorum. The body then recessed briefly for caucuses and later resumed floor business, including a series of procedural motions to move bills to the inactive file, suspend rules, and allow committees to meet on specified measures. No substantive committee votes were taken in the opening portion beyond those procedural suspensions and referrals. The main floor action was on Senate third-reading bills and later concurrence items. Members approved a wide range of measures covering consumer protection and privacy (SB 709 on self-storage contracts, SB 683 on unauthorized use of name/image/likeness, SB 361 on data brokers), family and health issues (SB 450 on adoptions, SB 418 on health care coverage and hormone therapy, SB 313 on birth certificate confidentiality), public safety and government operations (SB 47 on the State Bar exam audit, SB 509 on transnational repression, AB 1370 on legislative NDAs), energy and environment (SB 630 on state parks acquisitions, SB 500 on Energy Star alternatives, AB 527 on geothermal projects), labor and education (SB 578 on the Workplace Outreach Program, AB 563 on child care planning, SB 472 on Holocaust and genocide education), and transportation, taxation, and elections-related bills. Several measures were passed unanimously or with broad bipartisan support, while others drew some opposition, including SB 630, SB 825, SB 418, and SB 578. The Assembly also took up multiple concurrence items from the Senate, including AB 64 on diacritical marks in vital records, AB 260 on reproductive health care, AB 288 on collective bargaining rights, AB 515 on civil procedure, AB 524 on agricultural land, AB 543 on Medi-Cal and field medicine, and AB 1370 on transparency and NDAs. Most of these were concurred in by comfortable margins. The chamber also adopted several rule waivers and committee meeting notices, and moved some items to the inactive file at the request of authors. Toward the end of the session, the Assembly paused for adjournment-in-memory tributes honoring Ermilo Don Rodas, John Burton, Nina Chomsky, and Barbara “Bobby” Samperey, with members highlighting their public service, community advocacy, and lasting impact. After the memorials, the House recessed and later returned to continue concurrence votes on additional bills, including SB 472, SB 820, SB 243, and a series of Assembly bills, with recorded roll-call votes generally showing passage and concurrence in Senate amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's also not a pro-data center bill. This is, Anti-data center bill.
• centers.
• Hyperscale centers show a capacity of as much as 100 megawatts or more, depending on the type of center
• Missouri Rural Crisis Center. Okay.
• Missouri Rural Crisis Center. Okay.

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• the use of data centers.
• Hyperscale centers show a capacity as much as 100 megawatts or more, depending on the type of center.
• Missouri Rural Crisis Center. Okay. Where does that center stand?
• Missouri Rural Crisis Center. Okay.
• center stand?

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Summary: The Conservation and Natural Resources Committee heard Senate Bill 953, sponsored by Sen. Jason Bean, which would address a projected shortfall in the Department of Natural Resources’ air pollution control program. Bean and supporters from Associated Industries of Missouri, quarry and sand producers, engineering firms, the Missouri Chamber, forest products, and municipal utilities said the bill would stop sweeping unused program funds into general revenue and dedicate a portion of existing sales and use tax revenue from utilities to keep the program solvent without raising permit fees on businesses that have reduced emissions. One informational witness from Armour Vine warned that moving funds out of general revenue could affect broader state revenue and tax triggers. DNR also testified that the fee fund is projected to become insolvent in fiscal year 2028 if current trends continue. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill hearing was closed. The committee then heard House Bills 3362 and 3364, sponsored by Reps. Colin Wellenkamp and Mike Koslow, which would create guardrails for AI/data center buildout around electricity and water use. The sponsors said the bills are intended to protect ratepayers and local water systems by requiring large-load customers to bear their own infrastructure costs, extending consumer protections to co-ops and municipal utilities, and requiring permits and review for major water withdrawals, with emergency shutoff provisions in water shortages. Support came from environmental groups, conservation organizations, rural advocates, Renew Missouri, the Sierra Club, Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Ameren Missouri, and Missouri American Water, though some witnesses urged tighter thresholds, more frequent reporting, stronger water-quality protections, and clearer definitions to avoid legal ambiguity. Several witnesses also raised concerns about transparency, local impacts, and whether current thresholds are high enough to protect aquifers, springs, and utility customers. The chair closed testimony after noting time limits and adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill streamlines standards for licensing and experience of evaluators at residential treatment centers
• marriage and family therapist to be a qualified evaluator and place children in a residential treatment center
• marriage and family therapist to be a qualified evaluator and place children in a residential treatment center
• ... ...family therapist to be a qualified evaluator and place children in a residential treatment center
• And what we've seen is that providers use conventional medical diagnosis codes to hide these tragic procedures

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered several bills. SB 590, by Senator Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement, with a retroactivity amendment adopted. Supporters said it would help hold mandatory reporters accountable in institutional abuse cases; it was reported favorably. SB 778, by Senator Simon, would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency could be housed in the same secure setting under Chapter 916, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at APD; it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 560, by Senator Garcia, which streamlines psychotropic medication procedures for children in DCF custody, clarifies when new medical reports are needed, reduces duplicative background checks, and simplifies consent documentation. An amendment removed language expanding who could serve as a qualified evaluator and revised the Road to Independence Program changes to focus only on post-secondary education services and support, extending eligibility ages to 26 while keeping a five-year maximum. Members discussed fiscal impacts and funding sources, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 1010, by Senator Yarbrough, which strengthens enforcement of existing prohibitions on sex-reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors and adds civil and criminal penalties, along with Attorney General enforcement authority and related parental rights provisions. An amendment clarified that actions could be brought by individuals as well as the Attorney General and that the provisions apply only to minors. The bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against, with supporters emphasizing child protection and accountability and opponents warning about chilling effects on medical care, schools, and parental rights. Senators raised concerns about standing, scope, and impacts on teachers and clinicians, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably on a 5-1 vote, with Senator Sharif voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill streamlines standards for licensing and experience of evaluators at residential treatment centers
• The bill streamlines standards for licensing and experience of evaluators at residential treatment centers
• marriage and family therapist to be a qualified evaluator and places children in a residential treatment center
• marriage and family therapist to be a qualified evaluator and place children in a residential treatment center
• And what we've seen is that providers use conventional medical diagnosis codes to hide these tragic procedures

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered four bills and reported each favorably. SB 590, by Senator Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure by mandatory reporters to report suspected child abuse until the offense is known to law enforcement; an amendment made the change retroactive for offenses not already time-barred by the bill’s effective date. Senator Bradley said the bill is intended to ensure accountability in institutional abuse cases, and it passed unanimously. SB 778, by Senator Simon, updates the definition of forensic client so certain defendants with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency can be housed in the same secure setting as other Chapter 916 residents, reducing duplicative staffing and costs; it also passed unanimously. The committee then took up SB 560, by Senator Garcia, which streamlines psychotropic medication procedures for children in DCF custody, reduces duplicative reports and background checks, and simplifies consent documentation. Amendments removed language allowing certain social workers and marriage and family therapists to serve as evaluators and narrowed changes to the Road to Independence Program’s post-secondary education services and support, while extending eligibility ages from 18-23 to 18-26 with a five-year maximum benefit period. Senator Garcia and supporters said the bill improves continuity of care and support for foster youth; Senator Harrell raised fiscal concerns about the education stipend expansion. The bill was reported favorably, and Chair Grall later recorded her vote in the affirmative. Finally, the committee heard SB 1010, by Senator Yarbrough, which strengthens enforcement of Florida’s existing prohibitions on sex reassignment prescriptions and procedures for minors and adds civil and criminal penalties, including Attorney General enforcement authority and damages for injured minors. An amendment clarified that the cause of action applies only to minors and that damages benefit the affected minor. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing it protects children and parental rights, and opponents warning it would chill medical care, school conversations, and access to support for transgender youth. Senators Harrell and Sharief expressed concerns about breadth, standing, and impacts on therapists, teachers, and confidential conversations; Sharief voted no while the rest of the committee voted yes, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:54.720><c> and</c> Health and Harm Reduction Center and Health and Harm Reduction Center and
• Conventional treatments helped, but often not enough.
• Conventional treatments helped, but often not enough.
• Conventional treatments helped, but often not enough.
• Okay, standing on your Hawaii Disability Rights Center in support.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 3025, relating to medical debt, with multiple organizations and individuals, including the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Queens Health Systems, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Aloha Care, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction, Hawaii Data Collaborative, and Hawaii Appleseed, all speaking in support. No opposition was heard, and the member present had no questions. The committee then took up SB 3199, which would establish a mental health emerging therapies task force. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with speakers including veterans, clinicians, researchers, and advocacy groups describing personal experiences with PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, and treatment-resistant conditions, and arguing that Hawaii should prepare for regulated access to emerging therapies such as MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and ibogaine. The Department of Health and some medical organizations provided comments, and one opposition witness was called but not present. The chair noted broad support, especially from veterans, and no vote was taken during the excerpt. The final measure discussed was SB 3324, relating to Medicaid. The Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Aloha Care, and numerous care-provider and aging/disability organizations testified in support, while one witness was in opposition and several others offered comments. The discussion then moved to SB 2563, relating to homelessness, where the Department of the Attorney General offered comments on specific sections and recommended adopting suggested amendments if the bill proceeds. Additional testimony on SB 2563 began with support from several individuals, including Shelby Pikachu, who emphasized the severity of homelessness and related social problems in the community.

Transcript Highlights:

• center with misclassified labor.
• That same bad actor, Joshua Giles Ministries, for the record, stiffed the convention center uh with with
• convention center uh with with misclassified<00:26:24.280><c> labor.
• Center for over $110,000.
• </c> non-traditional worker resource centers. non-traditional worker resource centers.

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Summary: The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target. Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then. Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, right next to El Rio Vista playground, I think it's called, the Wellstone Center now.
• </c><00:13:55.240><c> of</c> it's one of the largest urban centers of it's one of the largest urban centers
• center in 2024, so all the tribal colleges helped host that, and we had almost 2,000 people.
• </c> Downtown Minneapolis at the convention Downtown Minneapolis at the convention center<00:15:52.759
• </c><01:13:44.440><c> of</c> partnering with the Minnesota Center of partnering with the Minnesota Center

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And to his point, he has an amendment to call us into constitutional convention, probably to deal with
• And to his point, he has an amendment to call us into constitutional convention, probably to deal with
• Looks like you'll also be supporting HB 4, which is the convention, which we will come back, have committees
• I like Representative Macon's bill, number four, that would basically have the Constitutional Convention

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee took up several House bills dealing mainly with ethics, elections, and legislative procedure. HB 858 by Rep. Riser, creating a public records exception for GPS data on wildlife and aquatic life held by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, was reported favorably without objection. HB 661, which expands existing nepotism exceptions to allow school board members and superintendents to hire immediate family members as paraprofessionals and janitors, drew support from members concerned about staffing shortages in schools; the Ethics Administrator noted the board’s concern that repeated exceptions erode the nepotism rules, but the bill was still reported favorably without objection. HB 359, a cleanup bill on the death of a non-major-party primary candidate, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 258, which clarifies that volunteer firefighters are not subject to dual office-holding restrictions and allows retired judges to serve on certain boards while still being available for ad hoc judicial service, passed on an 8-4 roll call vote. Rep. Newell’s HB 705, which would strengthen contempt of the legislature penalties and add provisions addressing disorderly conduct and interference with legislative proceedings, generated the most debate. Members raised concerns about the proposed jump in fines from $1,000 to $50,000, due process, and the breadth of language that could be read to cover ordinary advocacy or passionate testimony. After discussion, the author agreed the bill needed more work, and it was voluntarily deferred in committee. The committee also heard HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to return on a contractual basis to address shortages, which was amended and then reported favorably without objection. HB 238, which would remove a waiting period and population-based restriction for former school board members or certified psychologists to return to work in school districts, prompted a lengthy debate about the judiciary and per diem rules because of related ethics concerns raised in the discussion; the author ultimately asked to voluntarily defer the bill, and the committee agreed. Finally, HB 398, which would cap lodging, meal, and incidental expense reimbursements for state officials and employees at GSA rates and limit emergency exceptions, drew sharp opposition from several members and a retired judge who argued the current judicial per diem is reasonable and tied to safety and travel needs. The author said he would work on amendments and voluntarily deferred HB 398. The committee then began discussion of HB 752, which would move the timing of regular legislative sessions into joint rule and change the session start/end dates, with the author explaining it was intended to give the Legislature more flexibility without needing constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this health center has something that I think every health center ought to have, and I don't think
• we ought to build another outpatient facility unless we're willing to put a wellness center in it.
• Well, at our Salina Health Center, they don't just tell you you want to get exercise.
• He was flown to OU Medical Center.
• We can challenge the status quo, upset convention, and think, why can't this be made better?

Bills: SB1287 , SB1983 , SB1796 , SB1806 , SB1558 , SB2135 , SB483 , SB1198 , SB1265 , SB2154 , SB2139 , SB1552 , SB2118 , SB1775 , SB259 , SB1344 , SB1380 , SB2007 , SB1572 , SB2074 , SB1423 , SB1425 , SB1502 , SB1503 , SB1833 , SB1561 , SB1555 , SB2044 , SB1749 , SB904 , SB1565 , SB1500 , SB667 , SB1484 , SB1562 , SB1644 , HR1045 , SB227 , SB1627 , SB1475 , SB1966 , SB2049 , SB1531 , SB80 , SB1734 , SB1630 , SB1894 , SB1975 , SB1432 , SB1437 , SB1812 , SB346 , SB710 , SB1489 , SB1614 , SB2045 , SB1250 , SB1304 , SB1501 , SB1946 , SB592 , SB65 , SB1257 , SB444 , SB640 , SB2178 , SB1242 , SB1642

Summary: The House convened with a roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then heard several introductions and special recognitions, including students and civic groups in the galleries, the Morris Eagles High School Academic Team, Calumet state champion teams, and Cherokee Nation Day at the Capitol. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. delivered extended remarks focused on tribal investments in public education, health care, housing, child care, rural infrastructure, and workforce development, and he urged lawmakers to preserve Medicaid expansion, saying it has brought major health-system revenue, jobs, and broader economic benefits to Oklahoma. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Abby Woods, and Nurse of the Day, Kara Delapena. Members made personal remarks about the Pauls Valley High School incident and a trooper accident, with prayers offered for those affected. Representative Rowe highlighted the courage of school officials and first responders in Pauls Valley and tied the event to the Legislature’s recurring school safety funding. On legislation, the House adopted House Resolution 1045 designating the second week of April as Lung Cancer Action Week. Senate Bill 227, dealing with gross production tax and ad valorem taxation of oil and gas production equipment and flow lines, drew extensive debate over alleged double taxation and fiscal impacts; it passed 76-14. Senate Bill 1627, a criminal statutes cleanup measure addressing duplicate sections from modernization, passed 89-0 and its emergency clause also passed 89-0. The House also approved motions to request further conference on House Bills 2155 and 2157, and then adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked to the National Center for State Courts, and it was very clear that the current $20 per day
• We talked to the National Center for State Courts, and it was very clear that the current $20 per day
• for state courts to the National Center for state courts and<00:27:04.520><c> it</c><00:27:04.640><c
• area and Greater Minnesota, and it has a statewide center as well.
• </c><01:54:34.480><c> Morris</c> Minnesota Alexandria sock Center Morris Minnesota Alexandria sock Center

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2297, constitutional convention finance delegates. Federalism.
• House Resolution 2016, voting centers, precinct voting.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call showing 25 members present. The journal was approved, and several guests were introduced, including Pastor Caden Metcalf as Pastor of the Day and Dr. Jane Peterson as Doctor of the Day. The chamber also took up a motion to reconsider SB 1827, which passed on a division vote, and then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider bills on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate considered and advanced several bills, generally by adopting committee strike-everything amendments and then recommending each bill do pass. Measures included SB 1041 (Arizona Trail Fund), SB 1131 (cardiac emergency response plans in schools), SB 1140 (expungement of misdemeanor records), SB 1249 (Alzheimer’s disease/state brain appropriation), SB 1275 (sentencing and imprisonment), SB 1517 (Barbering and Cosmetology Board), and SB 1673 (Crime Victim Notification Fund). SB 1275 drew the most debate: Senator Ortiz argued a floor amendment would gut judicial discretion and preserve prosecutorial power, while Senator Gowan said the amendment preserved a veterans diversion program; the amendment was adopted on a 15-13 division vote. The Committee of the Whole then reported the bills back to the Senate, which adopted the report. The Senate then took up third-reading votes on multiple bills. SB 1161, SB 1209, SB 1598, SB 1118, SB 1399, SB 1563, SB 1564, SB 1629, SB 1754, SB 1041, SB 1131, SB 1140, SB 1249, SB 1517, and SB 1673 all passed, with recorded votes ranging from unanimous to more divided outcomes. Several members explained votes, especially on SB 1598 and SB 1754, which involved community garden funding and special education/parent complaint issues, respectively. The Senate then recessed, received a large batch of House bills for first reading and committee referral, announced upcoming committee meetings, and adjourned until Monday, March 9, 2026.