Transcript Highlights:

• your bonds, art, your antiques to be taxed at a lower rate than the income tax that we all pay on regular
• your bonds, art, your antiques to be taxed at a lower rate than the income tax that we all pay on regular
• Thank you." "...tax that we all pay on regular work, so we're just trying to close that loophole.
• Yes, that is something that I think is valid and should be a regular process.
• Yes, that is something that I think is valid and should be a regular process.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 422, relating to school impact fees. The Education Committee recommended passage with amendments, and Ways and Means concurred. The amendments would repeal the construction fee component of the school impact fee while retaining the land impact fee and in-lieu fee requirements, remove related statutory language, exempt certain developments from school impact fees, raise the unit threshold for satisfying the land component to 100 units, require the School Facilities Authority to adopt rules and policies, and require a report to the Legislature on the effect of repealing the construction portion of the fee. The measure was also given a sunset date of June 30, 2029, with the committee report to note that the changes are intended to test the efficiency and efficacy of the fee structure and could be made permanent if the report supports that outcome. The committees adopted the recommendation, with one senator initially voting no and then changing to yes after the amendments were explained. The meeting also included a separate hearing on House Bill 1155, concerning procurement for Department of Transportation projects and construction manager/general contractor procurement. DOT testified that it supported the concept but wanted to narrow the bill, saying the current language was too broad and that the goal was to allow more innovative procurement while preserving selection safeguards. The State Procurement Office said it supported the bill’s language but was willing to work with DOT on alternative wording. Several construction-related organizations, including subcontractors, iron workers, elevator constructors, and building trades representatives, opposed the bill, arguing that exemptions from the procurement code would weaken protections such as retainage, equality, and prompt payment and could invite favoritism or corruption. In response to those concerns, the chair proposed amendments limiting the exemption to DOT, narrowing the qualifying contracts, adding a two-year sunset, requiring a report after the first year, and clarifying that project management could not be procured under the section. The amended recommendation passed, though several members voted with reservations. A separate item, House Bill 476, was briefly called up at the end of the agenda, with a recommendation to pass with amendments to increase a rate from 7.25% to 8%, but discussion was not completed in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It shouldn't matter whether or not the video recordings are made by drone or by regular people because
• It shouldn't matter whether or not the video recordings are made by drone or by regular people because
• <00:10:02.279> people made by drone or by regular people made by drone or by regular people
• <01:28:21.280> court recruitment other than the regular court recruitment other than the regular
• <01:38:11.080> um court and cona court is in session um court and cona court is in session

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several fireworks-related bills. On HB 550, which would allow law enforcement to use drone recordings to establish probable cause for fireworks arrests in public areas and appropriate funds for drones, the Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure. The Public Defender and some public testifiers opposed it, arguing that a statute cannot mandate probable cause and that the bill raises constitutional concerns. A prosecutor later explained that the bill is intended to address Hawaiʻi case law, especially State v. Kit, which limits aerial surveillance over homes under the state constitution, and suggested that changing “shall” to “may” could reduce constitutional problems. Members also questioned whether current law already allows video evidence of fireworks violations and whether the bill was necessary. Testimony included both support and opposition from individuals and organizations, and no vote was taken during the hearing. The committees then heard HB 806, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The department and police supported the bill, while the Libertarian Party of Hawaiʻi opposed it, arguing that fireworks are already illegal and that the measure adds unnecessary enforcement powers and constitutional risk. Committee members asked what “sting operation” means and whether the term should be defined more clearly; the department said it refers to police or criminal investigations involving deception and agreed a definition would help guide use of the funds. The department also said the funding would support training, storage, and other operational costs for undercover investigations. Finally, the committees heard HB 1483, a broader fireworks enforcement bill that would create an adjudication system for fireworks infractions, revise definitions and penalties, establish new offenses, and increase penalties when fireworks offenses cause injury or death. The Attorney General’s office strongly supported the bill, saying it would improve enforcement by clarifying definitions and allowing cases to be proven without particle testing or expert witnesses when fireworks leave no physical evidence. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported it. The Public Defender opposed the bill, focusing on the bill’s penalty enhancements for offenses that are rarely enforced and its concurrent trial provision, which it said raises problems because of the differences between civil and criminal proceedings. No final committee action or vote was reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's because January through May, a few big things are occurring: the legislative session, for one,
• So after the legislature ends its session in May, we then will start to synthesize, or look at, all of
• After the legislature ends its session in May, we then will start to synthesize, or look at, all of the
• <01:05:41.240> kind a bank for just doing like regular kind a bank for just doing like regular
• <01:10:09.719> Bank<01:10:10.000> fees having sort of more regular Bank fees having

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I have serious problems with the bill, and first of all, you know, I'm looking at this whole session.
• First of all, you know, I'm looking at this whole session.
• When these vehicles are stored, records need additional space that can be taken up by regular cars and
• They're regular, and these cars are kind of like tanks, so it takes a lot.
• So why aren't we going to take appropriate measures with regular vehicles?

Summary: The committee took up several claims bills first and reported both favorably without debate. SB 20, relating to relief of J.N., a minor, would pay the remaining $400,000 of a $600,000 settlement after an 11-year-old was injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk with a known defect; SB 14, relating to the estate of Pineal Januier, would authorize payment of the remaining $1.7 million of a $2 million settlement after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. Both bills were supported by the sponsors and the Senate Special Master’s favorable recommendations, and both passed on roll call votes. The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, both by Senator Avila, which would create a new property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead residential property for more than six months in order to encourage more affordable rental housing. Local governments, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, impacts on public safety and services, and uncertainty for local budgets; several senators also questioned whether landlords would pass savings on to renters and whether the measure would worsen density and parking issues. Despite the opposition, both measures were reported favorably after the sponsor said the bills would be refined and revised. SB 674, by Senator Wright, was reported favorably with support from property appraisers who said it would let them budget and pay hiring or retention bonuses, similar to authority already given to tax collectors, to help compete for specialized staff. CS for CS SB 268, by Senator Jones, also passed after an amendment adding congressional members; the bill would create a public-records exemption for certain home-address information for elected officials, and debate centered on balancing transparency with safety after members described death threats and harassment. The committee then approved SB 100, by Senator Fine, which would bar government buildings from displaying flags representing political viewpoints and allow active or retired military or National Guard members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag; the bill drew extensive opposition from transparency, civil rights, and LGBTQ advocates who argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride flags, while supporters said government should not endorse political messages. Finally, CS for SB 1664, by Senator Trumbull, was reported favorably after a strike-all amendment. The bill would require voter reapproval every eight years for certain local discretionary taxes, including tourist development taxes and some local option taxes, unless pledged to revenue bonds. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the lodging industry opposed it, saying the measure would create uncertainty, threaten tourism marketing and beach restoration funding, and make long-term infrastructure and debt planning difficult. Senator Trumbull argued the proposal simply gives voters a recurring chance to decide whether they still support the taxes and the projects they fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to, because of the time of the session we're in, we're going to try and give these opportunities
• Senator Sessions, here. We have a quorum. Um, I'll handle this for my clerk. We have a quorum.
• They wouldn't tell us why or anything else, and that was at a regular board meeting.
• that meets or liability insurance that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements as outlined for a regular
• And the fines would be that of a regular traffic violation.

Bills: HB352, HB366, SB272, SB296

Keywords: HB352, cotton, cotton bale assessment, cotton levy, cotton producers, agriculture, forestry, Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, per bale fee, commodity assessment, producer referendum, cotton sales tax, Alabama Code 2-8-199, cotton commission, agricultural funding, HB366, Lakyn Canine Act, police dog, K9, K-9

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just would ask, would you please pass SB 38 so that we can have a permanent law and a regular source
• Can have a permanent law and a regular source of spay-neuter services. Thank you. That is it.
• including a public website that explains the law and grant process, transparent reporting of awards, regular
• The Health Care Delivery and Access Act was created through legislation during the 2024 session.

Bills: HB25, SB38, SB101, HB199

Keywords: juvenile delinquency, firearm possession, criminal background checks, state law, gun control, youth offense, conviction, public safety, SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration

Transcript Highlights:

• It is actually, unfortunately, regular.
• It is essential that we integrate this as much into regular health care.
• They'll sit in my regular exam room with a blood pressure cuff on the wall.
• So those are five best practices for integrating substance use disorder within our regular care.
• I’d be moved to a step-down unit and a regular floor in the hospital.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• too much time, so I guess I would say, you know, I would be interested maybe it's this committee session
• I would be interested maybe it's this committee session, maybe it's a different date, to hear kind of
• But here in the state we’ve been able to advocate a lot in our last session for that.
• <00:47:02.000> hours care center um not working regular hours care center um not working regular
• of their regular medical and dental<00:51:31.680> care<00:51:32.079> folks<00:51:33.079

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so of course they come on a regular basis.
• And so of course they come on a regular basis.
• And so of course they come on a regular basis.
• and so of course they come on a regular and so of course they come on a regular basis.<01:02:12.400
• <01:59:21.040> and<01:59:22.000> regular uh moneymaking scheme. and regular uh moneymaking

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do note that the resolutions do specifically cite three bills from past sessions.
• And we would recommend that if the committee were to consider maybe a more fresh bill from this session
• <00:15:41.279> Um three, um, bills from past sessions.
• Um three, um, bills from past sessions.
• <00:25:18.640> basis being there daily on a regular basis being there daily on a regular basis

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard three resolutions focused on condominium management, insurance, and landlord-tenant issues. For HCR 24/HR 23, which sought a follow-up Sunrise review of condominium association managers, Hawaii Realtors and the Real Estate Commission supported the measure, while several condo owners and advocates described alleged embezzlement, misconduct, and lack of accountability in association management. The Real Estate Commission suggested using a more current bill, HB 1312, as the basis for the review. In decision-making, the committee adopted an HD1 to direct the auditor to conduct a Sunrise analysis on HB 1312 instead of the older cited bills, and the measure passed with amendments by unanimous votes, with one member excused. For HCR 85/HR 79, which asked the Insurance Commissioner to study alternative insurance models for condominium associations and unit owners, the acting insurance commissioner said the division supported the concept but warned the study could be costly and time-sensitive, estimating roughly $1.5 million based on the breadth of the requested work. A committee member and the commissioner discussed whether the scope could be narrowed, and the commissioner said a narrower study could reduce costs. The committee ultimately deferred the measure for possible revision and future discussion. For HCR 158/HR 153, which proposed an Attorney General-led working group to improve landlord-tenant code provisions, the Attorney General’s office said another agency with housing expertise would be better suited to convene the group and suggested LRB for legal research support. Hawaii Realtors supported the idea but said the chairing agency could be changed, while Maui Tenants and Workers Association urged stronger tenant representation and warned against framing the effort in a way that favors investors over tenants. A mediator also noted procedural gaps in court filing requirements for tenants and landlords. In decision-making, the committee adopted an HD1 to shift the convening role from the Attorney General to the judiciary, narrow the scope, and make technical changes; the amended resolution passed unanimously, with one member excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we do have a time the floor session.
• So we lands or just regular a lands.
• They still have to go through their regular process. >> Okay. Thank you.
• to go through the regular process but to go through the regular process but they<01:41:11.600> could
• their regular process. their regular process.

Bills: HB1881, HB2218, HB1956, HB2151, HB1845, HB1844, HB2103, HB2424, HB1650, HB376, HB2599, HB1861

Keywords: land use, ropeway, transportation, state regulation, government exemption, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Board of Land and Natural Resources, BLNR, public lands, public trust resources, community co-management, co-management agreement, community-based organization, Native Hawaiian, malama aina, ahupuaa, subsistence, cultural resources, religious practices

Summary: The committee on Water and Land met on February 10, 2026, with Chair Mark Hashem outlining strict testimony rules and noting a time constraint because of later hearings and floor session obligations. The committee then took up several bills, hearing mostly supportive testimony on HB 1881 relating to land use, HB 2218 relating to DLNR/community management, and HB 1956 relating to freshwater waves, while HB 1845 relating to the Land Use Commission drew legal concerns and opposition. HB 2151 relating to building materials had no substantive testimony presented in the excerpt, and the committee moved through it quickly. On HB 1881, testimony focused on protecting North Shore lands from overdevelopment. A supporter described the area as valuable precisely because it remains largely undeveloped, and a member asked whether the bill’s restrictions on “finculars” would affect existing or future private residential installations; the response suggested the bill was aimed at future commercial uses and that grandfathering or personal-use exceptions might be possible, but the exact wording would need legal refinement. HB 2218 received broad support from OHA, DLNR, Kua, Sierra Club, Hui Maka Aana, the Honlay Initiative, and others, who said the measure would expand community-based co-management across DLNR divisions, build on existing park partnerships, and produce real benefits such as better stewardship, safer access, local jobs, and stronger community trust. Members asked about the bill’s five-year review structure, how multiple community groups would be handled, and whether the model could apply to ocean or nearshore areas; DLNR said the board would retain authority, agreements would be non-exclusive and subject to review, and the department was still working through how the approach would function across different divisions and marine settings. For HB 1956, the Attorney General offered technical comments, urging clearer definitions of “residing” and “freshwater way,” clearer timing for citations and arrests, and more explicit procedural safeguards and agency roles. On HB 1845, the Attorney General and Land Use Commission raised concerns that the bill could conflict with constitutional protections for important agricultural lands and could not be reconciled with existing voting requirements; the LUC also said commissioners cannot vote by proxy under sunshine law and warned that the bill could allow too few commissioners to approve major boundary changes. Members questioned how the bill would work in counties without designated important agricultural lands, and the LUC explained that Kauai is the only county to have completed the IAL process, while the broader statutory process remains county-driven and has been the subject of litigation. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Action right now and creating a work session and figuring out which way we go from the work session.
• totally for general education regular totally for general education regular education<00:23:20.960
• See none, I'll ask the clerk to take the roll. regular calendar regular calendar and<01:05:14.279>
• <01:05:46.599> on<01:05:47.039> HB session on HB session on HB 747<01:05:49.720> and
• It's over a million bucks, so it's got to go on the regular calendar. Okay, regular calendar.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline. The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it. Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Coos County has two nursing homes that would probably be two notary sessions for them.
• Coos County has two nursing homes that would probably be two notary sessions for them.
• Okay, do I have a motion to go into executive session? So moved.
• I have a motion to go into executive session. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed?
• When I have it, we are in executive session. Going right down the list, Senate Bill 11.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But not the regular kind of question. Good morning, everybody.
• The Legislature may wish to ask the administration for regular updates on the details of that guidance
• We strongly urge the legislature to take action this session and into the next sessions to strategize
• And we strongly urge the legislature to take action this session and into the next sessions to strategize
• This is the urban Indian, the California Indian, and the regular Indian population.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held its fifth hearing of the year to examine the newly enacted federal H.R. 1 and its effects on California. Members and the chair described the law as a major threat to state health, food, education, and climate programs, and emphasized that California would not be able to fully backfill the federal cuts. Several members also highlighted the bill’s tax provisions, including temporary deductions for tips, overtime, seniors, and auto loan interest, while warning that the largest benefits flow to higher-income taxpayers and that major cuts to Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and clean-energy incentives are delayed or phased in over time. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance presented detailed overviews of the bill’s likely impacts and implementation timelines. They identified the main affected areas as health care coverage and financing, food assistance, higher education, personal income taxes, and clean-energy/electric-vehicle credits. They explained that H.R. 1 limits provider taxes used to finance Medi-Cal, adds work and redetermination requirements, restricts CalFresh eligibility and increases state costs, changes student loan and Pell Grant rules, extends and modifies federal tax provisions, and phases out many clean-energy credits. Finance also noted major rescissions of Inflation Reduction Act funds, new border and immigration enforcement spending, and the possibility of PAYGO sequestration if Congress does not act to offset the deficit increase. During member questions, the committee focused on likely enrollment losses, administrative burdens, and fiscal exposure for the state and counties. Witnesses said many details still depend on federal guidance, but they estimated significant impacts on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and graduate/professional student borrowing, and noted that California’s high CalFresh error rate could increase state costs. UC testified that the elimination of Graduate PLUS loans would affect thousands of professional students, especially in health, law, and other high-cost programs. Members asked for follow-up data on county, health, and tax impacts, and staff agreed to provide additional tables and estimates as implementation guidance becomes clearer. Public commenters from counties, early childhood advocates, health coalitions, disability rights groups, immigrant-rights organizations, and other stakeholders urged the Legislature to mitigate the law’s effects. They warned of higher county costs, reduced access to health care and food assistance, increased administrative burdens, and harm to children, immigrants, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Several urged new state revenue solutions and stronger protections for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, child care, and home- and community-based services. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with a commitment to continue monitoring federal guidance and to work on state responses in the budget process.

Transcript Highlights:

• session.
• <00:17:34.000> session<00:17:35.000> uh<00:17:35.120> first<00:17:35.360> up<
• /c><00:17:35.520> on<00:17:35.760> this<00:17:35.960> is regular session uh first
• up on this is regular session uh first up on this is Rodney<00:17:36.960> Miley<00:17:37.360>
• will also just cost money to have special sessions.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Although there is important policy work ahead of us this legislative session.
• This is our regular meeting. Room.
• We pulled out of Eric last session. Yes, sir.
• Um, the redacting piece, so we... -...passed House Bill 5180 last session. Yes, sir.
• The amount of testimony that we had the last session and the session before last, the efficacy... the

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• risk assessment that's however a regular risk assessment that's maybe<00:30:18.600> done<00:30
• And again, at this point, we don't need funding for this because of the last session.
• of the last session um but we<01:21:02.840> will<01:21:03.280> um<01:21:03.560> but
• I really appreciate this session today. I've learned a lot. I do want to say that, um, Mr.
• <01:29:31.679> today really appreciate the this session today really appreciate the this session

Bills: HF1060, HF1062

Keywords: sports facilities, Minnesota, legislative commission, financial oversight, accountability, HF1062, driver and vehicle systems oversight committee, MNLARS, VTRS, vehicle title and registration system, driver's license system, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, MN.IT, legislative oversight, transportation finance, state government, committee repeal, sunset provision, information technology audit, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• highest priorities of the session.
• And yes, this session, I'm committed to staying. consistent with last session, we're keeping these issues
• You know sometimes we have to keep passing that bill a few sessions before we get it right.
• This last... session ago, special session after special session, this body through its leadership, sent
• We're doing a lot, and we're going to continue to focus this session after session. session of the Texas

Bills: SB26, SB28, SJR36, SB26, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB28

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:41:04.200> session.
• <00:41:05.200> Section<00:41:05.599> 52<00:41:06.400> on the 2025 regular session
• Section 52 on the 2025 regular session.
• session law, as does section 55 on page 86. regular driver's license um and which it regular driver's
• uh an analysis of high subsidy regular uh an analysis of high subsidy regular route<01:03:17.839

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would love to have like a half-day session for us to really delve into a lot of these issues.
• for us to really like a halfday session for us to really delve<00:18:35.880> into<00:18:36.240
• I would love to have like a half-day session for us to really delve into a lot of these issues.
• <00:36:34.359> and legislature to continue next session and legislature to continue next session
• That won't be this session, thank you. Any closing remarks, Chair Pinto? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 22, 2024 minutes and then took up House File 3761, the Safety Through Support Act, with a motion to lay the bill over. Representative Lee Finke said the bill is intended to improve re-entry outcomes and public safety by expanding prison visitation, including mentoring and access for mental health and medical professionals, and by creating a task force to support rehabilitation and re-entry. Testifiers in support included Holly Bot, who described how family visits helped her through incarceration and later into successful re-entry and business ownership, and Zeke Caliguri, who argued that consistent visitation and community connection are essential to humanity, rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism. Elliot Bhai of NAMI Minnesota also supported the bill, framing visitation as a form of needed mental health support in prisons. Members raised several concerns and suggestions. Representative Hudson questioned the bill’s strip-search limitation language, asking what would count as a credible, documented security concern, and also worried the task force could create discriminatory access or favor certain viewpoints. Representative Finke said she did not view a conviction as making someone permanently a security risk and said the task force was meant to ensure meaningful visitation for everyone, not to enable discrimination. Representative Hollins and Representative N. supported the bill’s overall goals while suggesting language could be tightened and noting that maintaining outside ties helps people return as productive members of society. Representative Witte asked about the Department of Corrections commissioner’s presence, and the chair said questions for him could wait for a later bill. Representative Mu asked about the fiscal note and the research behind the bill. Staff said a fiscal note had been requested but not yet signed off by the LBO, which was one reason the bill was being laid over. Finke said she could share the visitation study and noted that the bill responds to research linking visitation to lower recidivism; she also said remote visitation data shows value but can be costly. After closing remarks emphasizing that visitation is “medicine” and that most incarcerated people will return to the community, the chair renewed the motion and laid over House File 3761. The committee then moved on to House File 4959, with a motion to re-refer it to the Committee on State and Local Government Finance and Policy.