Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:13:08.720><c> Law</c><00:13:08.959><c> Enforcement</c><00:13:09.440><c> Agency</c><00:13:10.160>
• </c><00:13:14.079><c> and</c><00:13:14.320><c> I</c><00:13:14.639><c> make</c><00:13:14.800><c> a</c>
• &gt;&gt; Okay,<00:13:16.560><c> we</c><00:13:16.720><c> have</c><00:13:16.800><c> any</c><00:13:17.040
• <00:13:18.000><c> If</c><00:13:18.160><c> not,</c><00:13:18.320><c> we</c><00:13:18.480><c> have</c><
• </c><00:13:42.320><c> So,</c><00:13:42.560><c> we</c><00:13:42.800><c> have</c><00:13:42.880><c> a</c

Bills: HB97 , HB455 , HB97 , HB455

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: absentee ballot, voting, elections, voter registration, electoral process, defective affidavit, voting rights, HB455, Clarke County, coroner, coroner's office, county commission, local act, local legislation, mileage reimbursement, county vehicle, office expenses, operating expenses, retroactive ratification, remedial and curative

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> addressing</c><00:13:03.800><c> this</c><00:13:04.079><c> with</c><00:13:04.199><c> a</c><00:13:
• ><00:13:19.120><c> Meer</c><00:13:19.639><c> hi</c><00:13:20.279><c> Senator</c><00:13:20.760><c> nun
• ><00:13:27.079><c> Senator</c><00:13:27.720><c> Wilson</c><00:13:28.720><c> senator</c><00:13:29.120>
• c> we</c><00:13:40.320><c> we</c><00:13:40.480><c> finished</c><00:13:40.920><c> a</c><00:13:41.079><
• ><00:13:46.720><c> record</c><00:13:47.000><c> a</c><00:13:47.240><c> I</c><00:13:47.480><c> vote</c>

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, heard brief announcements, and moved quickly through four House bills. House Bill 24, as amended by a committee substitute, would raise the audit threshold for conservation districts from $750,000 to $1 million and also clarify that temporary roads, highways, and structures may be built on certain easements if they are removed when work is complete. The substitute was adopted, the bill passed on a roll call vote, and a title amendment was also adopted. House Bill 304, presented by Rep. Ryan Bivens with support from the Kentucky Soybean Association, would adjust soybean checkoff language so the state checkoff could rise from one-quarter to one-half percent if the federal checkoff ever ends, keeping funding levels effectively the same and allowing the state board to continue promotion, research, and education work. Members asked about the cost impact on farmers, and sponsors said there would be no added cost because the language is intended as a backup to match the current federal rate. The bill passed unanimously with favorable expression. House Bill 186 would streamline rules for churches and nonprofits providing food to homeless shelters or people displaced by declared natural disasters, reducing regulatory barriers for safe, wholesome food service. The sponsor argued current requirements are too restrictive for simple food distribution. The bill passed. House Bill 315, with a committee substitute, would protect agricultural land from entities tied to designated hostile governments, while also allowing some land to be used or leased for research purposes; the sponsor noted the substitute reflected prior work and concerns from bankers about lien priorities, which he said he would address later on the floor. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> are</c><00:13:14.000><c> excused</c><00:13:14.880><c> thank</c><00:13:15.040><c> you</c><00:13:15.880
• <00:13:18.360><c> Mori</c><00:13:18.720><c> Kawa</c><00:13:19.279><c> Madam</c><00:13:19.600><c> speaker
• none</c><00:13:29.560><c> item</c><00:13:29.839><c> number</c><00:13:30.079><c> four</c><00:13:30.480
• 00:13:49.040><c> to</c><00:13:49.279><c> acknowledge</c><00:13:49.760><c> one</c><00:13:49.880><c> of
• <00:13:52.000><c> us</c><00:13:52.199><c> in</c><00:13:52.320><c> the</c><00:13:52.480><c> gallery</c

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> it</c><00:13:03.200><c> is,</c><00:13:03.360><c> I</c><00:13:03.600><c> think,</c><00:13:03.680>
• in</c><00:13:05.600><c> that</c><00:13:05.920><c> we've</c><00:13:06.240><c> got</c><00:13:06.480><c
• </c><00:13:11.920><c> "Hey,</c><00:13:12.240><c> what's</c><00:13:12.480><c> going</c><00:13:12.560><
• <00:13:13.120><c> But</c><00:13:13.279><c> what's</c><00:13:13.519><c> going</c><00:13:13.600><c> on<
• c> Uh</c><00:13:21.920><c> we</c><00:13:22.079><c> do</c><00:13:22.240><c> take</c><00:13:22.399><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:02.800><c> then</c><00:13:03.199><c> we'll</c><00:13:03.480><c> impose</c><00:13:03.800><c> a<
• time for the majority<00:13:12.240><c> of</c><00:13:12.399><c> EAS</c><00:13:12.839><c> to</c><00:13
• challenged</c><00:13:16.760><c> activities</c><00:13:17.199><c> do</c><00:13:17.560><c> go</c><00:13:
• ><c> some</c><00:13:20.839><c> sometimes</c><00:13:21.040><c> eises</c><00:13:21.600><c> go</c><00:13
• c><00:13:30.399><c> than</c><00:13:30.519><c> one</c><00:13:30.680><c> year</c><00:13:30.839><c> to</

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a series of Senate bills and generally advanced most of them, often with technical or substantive amendments. SB 15 on the definition of historic property was amended to narrow the definition to properties at least 50 years old that are culturally significant or otherwise significant for Hawaii Register purposes, and it passed. SB 97 on excessive speeding was amended to clarify felony penalty language, license revocation timing, and fingerprinting procedures, and passed. Other bills passed as is or unamended included SB 145 on water shortages, SB 108 on accessible parking enforcement, SB 660 on hospitality anti-harassment measures and panic buttons, SB 1662 on landlord application fees and tenant screening reports, SB 1421 on Department of Health provider arrangements, SB 1439 on DOH nuisance authority, and SB 1452 updating controlled substances law. SB 1454 on wage payment violations passed with technical amendments only, while SB 1481 on motorcycle instruction permits was deferred as not ready. Several bills received more substantial changes. SB 253 on condominium association budget summaries was amended to require a single document and to shift the standard to substantial compliance; it passed. SB 371 on critical infrastructure damage was amended to remove a section affecting manslaughter law and to apply specifically to broadband and cable networks; it passed. SB 984 on water pollution liability for large landowners was advanced with a defective date. SB 1517 on public land leases for recreational residential use was amended to change the lease term to five years and add a defective date. SB 1074 on temporary continuation of challenged activities during environmental review was significantly amended to limit the provision to currently authorized activities, add a one-year limit with possible court extension, and clarify other terms; it passed. SB 1322 on emergency mental health transport was amended to restore provider-initiated transport language, require notice and coordination, remove special immunity provisions, and clarify court-ordered treatment procedures; it passed. The committee also passed SB 1496 on disability access to information in public accommodations, with a request that the committee report discuss the Roe v. St. Pizza case and the distinction between physical and digital accommodations. SB 1255 on Uniform Information Practices Act record retention was deferred as not ready. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that both agendas were completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:08.360><c> And</c><00:13:08.520><c> so,</c><00:13:08.720><c> I</c><00:13:08.839><c> would</c><
• </c><00:13:13.520><c> I</c><00:13:13.600><c> know</c><00:13:14.000><c> folks</c><00:13:14.280><c> in<
• ><00:13:16.680><c> talk</c><00:13:16.839><c> to</c><00:13:16.920><c> you</c><00:13:17.240><c> about</
• And so, um I<00:13:20.600><c> I</c><00:13:20.640><c> hope</c><00:13:20.839><c> those</c><00:13:21.040
• </c><00:13:25.520><c> Madam</c><00:13:25.720><c> Chair,</c><00:13:25.880><c> if</c><00:13:26.000><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• of that data.<00:13:02.880><c> So,</c><00:13:03.120><c> I</c><00:13:03.360><c> want</c><00:13:03.440>
• <c> to</c><00:13:03.600><c> support</c><00:13:03.920><c> you</c><00:13:04.160><c> on</c><00:13:04.320
• Um, but<00:13:07.519><c> today</c><00:13:08.720><c> um</c><00:13:09.440><c> until</c><00:13:09.760><c
• </c><00:13:15.839><c> Um,</c><00:13:16.240><c> especially</c><00:13:16.639><c> in</c><00:13:16.959><c
• You know, we<00:13:21.920><c> have</c><00:13:22.079><c> all</c><00:13:22.240><c> of</c><00:13:22.320>

Bills: SB223 , SB271 , SB223 , SB271

Committee: Senate State Governmental Affairs

Keywords: expungement, nonviolent felony, criminal record, restoration of rights, human trafficking, SB271, Alabama, municipalities, city fees, town fees, franchise fees, utility franchise, natural gas, manufactured gas, gas utility, public streets, public places, right-of-way, municipal consent, gross receipts tax

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:11.480><c> to</c><00:13:11.600><c> step</c><00:13:11.880><c> in</c><00:13:12.040><c> and</
• ><00:13:19.000><c> bill</c><00:13:19.320><c> title,</c><00:13:19.760><c> so</c><00:13:20.400><c> But<
• </c><00:13:25.360><c> I</c><00:13:25.480><c> introduced</c><00:13:26.160><c> that</c><00:13:26.720><c
• And<00:13:44.240><c> uh</c> especially<00:13:47.600><c> when</c><00:13:47.800><c> we</c><00:13:48.160
• <00:13:50.240><c> of</c><00:13:50.320><c> whom</c><00:13:50.520><c> are</c><00:13:50.720><c> under</c

Bills: HB2241 , HB1163 , HB1514 , HB1696 , HB2021 , SB2135 , SB2466 , SB2727 , SB3082 , SB3097 , SB2861 , SCR100 , SB3096 , SB99 , SB2138 , HB2289 , HB2319 , HB1711 , HB2270 , SB3138 , SB3076 , HB1642 , HB2338 , HB2171 , HB1785 , SB2881 , HB2505 , SB2552 , HB1518 , HB1815 , SB3125 , SB3234 , SCR162 , SB2614 , SB3118 , SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB2158 , HB1718 , HB2207 , HB1801 , SB3229 , SB2338 , SB3069 , SB2600 , HB2300 , HB1800 , HB1960 , SB2999 , SB2060 , SB2866 , SB2239 , HB1741 , HB1713 , HB2023 , HB2417 , SB2877 , SB2598 , SB2921 , SB2645 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2329 , HB2339 , HB1838 , HB1509 , HB1661 , HB2271 , HB2272 , HB2344 , HB1888 , HB1707 , SB2340 , HB2474 , HB1576 , HB1853 , HB1804 , HB1854 , HB2095 , HB2050 , HB472 , SB3215 , SB2247 , SB2400 , HB1618 , HB1802 , HB1969 , HB1541 , HB2310 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB2218 , HB649 , HB2104 , HB1710 , SB2802 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1894 , HB1891 , HB1890 , SB177 , SB2101 , SB3320 , SB2487 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1839 , HB2583 , HB1391 , HB2094 , SB2671 , SB2673 , SB2892 , SB2057 , SB3245 , HB306 , HB2592 , SB3157 , SB3204 , SB3324 , SB2580 , SB2074 , SB411 , SB3025 , SB2934 , SB2567 , SB2125 , SB3238 , SB2367 , SB2599 , SB3007 , SB2001 , SB2756 , SB3029

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:03.760><c> not</c><00:13:04.079><c> work</c><00:13:04.480><c> for</c><00:13:04.720><c> the
• colleges<00:13:05.680><c> is</c><00:13:05.760><c> that</c><00:13:06.160><c> you're</c><00:13:06.320>
• So<00:13:10.959><c> I</c><00:13:11.200><c> want</c><00:13:11.279><c> to</c><00:13:11.440><c> make</c>
• <00:13:11.600><c> sure</c><00:13:11.760><c> that</c><00:13:12.079><c> that</c><00:13:12.399><c> is</c
• </c><00:13:13.839><c> They</c><00:13:14.079><c> did</c><00:13:14.320><c> not</c><00:13:14.480><c> ask

Committee: Joint Universities and Colleges

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:04.240><c> One</c><00:13:04.399><c> of</c><00:13:04.560><c> those</c><00:13:04.880><c> is<
• We're asking<00:13:08.079><c> for</c><00:13:08.240><c> that</c><00:13:08.399><c> to</c><00:13:08.560>
• </c><00:13:11.519><c> Um</c><00:13:11.680><c> if</c><00:13:11.920><c> you</c><00:13:12.079><c> all</c
• </c><00:13:13.279><c> it's</c><00:13:13.519><c> getting</c><00:13:13.680><c> lower</c><00:13:13.920><
• ><c> It'd</c><00:13:14.639><c> be</c><00:13:14.720><c> a</c><00:13:14.880><c> good</c><00:13:14.959><

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met for its third meeting, approved the minutes, and heard a budget presentation from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Department representatives Brandon Reid, Lee Macintosh, and Mark Bolan outlined the agency’s funding mix and requested support for several priorities in House Bill 500, including continuation of existing items, county fair grants, and an additional $5 million for the new economic development fund. They also discussed a capital request to replace two aging scale trucks, noting the vehicles are from 2002 and 2006 and have become unreliable and expensive to repair. The department emphasized several additional needs: funding to begin regulating and inspecting electric vehicle charging stations through the weights and measures division, retention and recruitment funding after losing 108 employees over three years, and a request to pay off tobacco-related debt service so more money can flow through the tobacco formula. They also cited House Bill 417, filed by Speaker Osborne, as supporting farmland preservation, saying the agency has a program ready but needs funding to implement it. Officials said the farm-to-food-banks and rural mental health items in the budget were acceptable as reduced by the tobacco formula. Members asked questions about pump inspection fees and staffing losses. The department said the inspection fee is $100 per station, not per pump, and that the same fee applies even to larger stations. On retention and recruitment, officials said the cost of turnover is significant but they did not have a dollar estimate. No votes were taken beyond the motion to approve the minutes, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:08.360><c> So,</c><00:13:08.960><c> I</c><00:13:09.080><c> can</c><00:13:09.200><c> get</c
• And I do<00:13:12.440><c> remember</c><00:13:12.880><c> being</c><00:13:13.160><c> a</c><00:13:13.200
• c><00:13:20.720><c> a</c><00:13:21.000><c> a</c><00:13:21.120><c> low</c><00:13:21.920><c> reporting<
• I know<00:13:29.480><c> you</c><00:13:29.600><c> folks</c><00:13:29.800><c> are</c><00:13:29.880><c>
• accurate<00:13:31.080><c> with</c><00:13:31.200><c> your</c><00:13:31.360><c> information,</c><00:13

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The joint hearing of the Committees on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs considered two resolutions related to Red Hill and PFAS contamination. HCR 186 urged the U.S. Department of Defense and Defense Health Agency to extend the renewal period for secretarial designee health care authorization for people affected by the Red Hill water contamination crisis and to improve access to care. Testimony from Moira Flanary and Board of Water Supply’s Ernie Lau supported the measure, emphasizing lasting health impacts, the need for continuity of care, and National Academies recommendations for continued eligibility and access to treatment. The second measure, HCR 200, urged the U.S. Department of Defense to reassess prior determinations and closure decisions under CERCLA in light of evolving scientific understanding of PFAS and recent federal hazardous substance designations. Mr. Lau testified in support, arguing that military investigations should not rely only on old records or AFFF documentation and should instead use current testing methods to identify contamination. He said PFAS is persistent, mobile in groundwater, and likely to require long-term remediation, and he also answered questions about cleanup challenges and the Board of Water Supply’s ongoing litigation against the Navy over Red Hill-related costs. At the end of the hearing, the committees voted to pass both HCR 186 and HCR 200 unamended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on both measures. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee did not have quorum, so its votes were deferred until April 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Room 225.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:01.680><c> Um</c><00:13:02.079><c> there</c><00:13:02.240><c> were</c><00:13:02.399><c> a<
• c> got</c><00:13:05.760><c> left</c><00:13:06.000><c> behind</c><00:13:06.399><c> in</c><00:13:06.639
• <00:13:09.279><c> back</c><00:13:09.440><c> to</c><00:13:09.600><c> those</c><00:13:09.760><c> policy
• > the</c><00:13:14.639><c> ones</c><00:13:14.800><c> that</c><00:13:14.959><c> are</c><00:13:15.120><
• Um,<00:13:15.920><c> and</c><00:13:16.079><c> in</c><00:13:16.320><c> some</c><00:13:16.480><c> cases

Transcript Highlights:

• :13:07.399><c> have</c><00:13:07.560><c> a</c><00:13:07.920><c> senator</c><00:13:08.240><c> Yates</c
• > this</c><00:13:16.560><c> bill</c><00:13:16.800><c> at</c><00:13:16.920><c> this</c><00:13:17.040><
• happens it's a good<00:13:26.519><c> time</c><00:13:26.639><c> to</c><00:13:26.760><c> buy</c><00:13
• </c><00:13:29.480><c> sell</c><00:13:29.680><c> on</c><00:13:29.839><c> the</c><00:13:29.959><c> up</
• <c> what</c><00:13:30.440><c> I</c><00:13:30.600><c> I</c><00:13:30.639><c> mean</c><00:13:30.760><c>

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and moved quickly through several House bills related to health insurance, insurance regulation, dental benefits, and digital assets. Members repeatedly noted the need to keep testimony brief because of overlapping committee schedules and the late-session pace. The chair also reminded House members to coordinate floor sponsors since consent calendars were not being used this year. House Bill 421, presented by Rep. Amy Neighbors with support from Dr. Russell Williams, would require full coverage of FDA-approved bowel preps with no out-of-pocket cost and no prior authorization barriers. House Bill 814, presented by Rep. Mike Klein and explained by Sen. Girdler, would extend the insurance regulatory sandbox through December 2030; supporters said the committee substitute was a vetted NAIC model already adopted in 28 states. House Bill 210, presented by Rep. Pollock with Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association, would clarify assignment-of-benefit provisions so dentists are paid directly and with more transparency. House Bill 415, also by Rep. Pollock, would clarify that health insurance coverage mandates apply only to primary major medical policies. House Bill 701, presented by Rep. Adam Bowling with Ash Gun of Coinbase, would establish clearer rules for blockchain and digital assets, affirm Kentuckians’ right to hold and transact digital assets, align money transmission licensing with digital assets, and specify that certain crypto activities are not securities. Members discussed the bill in general terms, including a light exchange about crypto market volatility, but no substantive opposition was raised. Each bill received a favorable expression by roll call, and the committee adopted the committee substitute and title amendment on HB 814. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, and the chair said another meeting later in the week was possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• :13:08.000><c> comment</c><00:13:08.399><c> i</c><00:13:08.480><c> would</c><00:13:08.720><c> say</c>
• c> just</c><00:13:13.040><c> the</c><00:13:13.200><c> amount</c><00:13:13.440><c> of</c><00:13:13.519
• <00:13:16.240><c> goes</c><00:13:16.560><c> out</c><00:13:17.200><c> but</c><00:13:17.440><c> also</c
• > impact</c><00:13:18.320><c> it</c><00:13:18.399><c> has</c><00:13:18.959><c> on</c><00:13:19.200><c
• ><00:13:20.480><c> that's</c><00:13:20.720><c> the</c><00:13:20.880><c> position</c><00:13:21.279><c>

Summary: The committee reviewed a side-by-side comparison and fiscal analysis of Senate File 3472, a reinsurance-related bill affecting the premium security plan account, MinnesotaCare, and related health care funding. Staff explained the Senate and House versions of the bill, including how the Senate proposal extends reinsurance for five years and uses a projected $1.087 billion general fund transfer to fully fund claims and administrative costs through fiscal year 2028, while the House version conditions continuation of the program on federal approval of the state innovation waiver. The fiscal presentation also covered appropriations for MNsure, a mental health parity and substance abuse office, and House provisions for delivery reform and a public option study, along with a House transfer of $110.674 million to the health care access fund. Members debated the budget horizon and whether costs should be forecast beyond fiscal year 2025. Representative Schultz argued that the spreadsheet understated the broader fiscal impact of reinsurance and warned about future funding cliffs for MinnesotaCare and other health programs, while other members and staff noted that the state’s standard forecast ends in fiscal year 2025 and that the fiscal note only estimated reinsurance costs through the five-year extension. Supporters said reinsurance was the best available option to reduce premium increases, especially in rural areas, and some pointed to a public option as a longer-term alternative. Opponents argued reinsurance does not address underlying health care costs or deductibles and urged consideration of other reforms. House Research then walked through the policy differences. House-only provisions would change Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association board membership, require platinum plans in certain markets, expand postnatal coverage, require a prescription drug benefit in some plans, set a minimum actuarial value for MinnesotaCare, create an Office of Mental Health Parity and Substance Abuse Accountability, and direct reports on delivery reform and a public option. The shared provisions would extend the premium security program to 2027 and delay the transfer of remaining premium security plan funds to the health care access fund until 2029, with the House language again contingent on federal waiver approval. No formal vote was taken in the excerpt; the chair closed discussion after hearing no further questions and indicated members would be contacted about next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:13:05.120><c> check</c><00:13:05.920><c> minority</c><00:13:06.240><c> leader</c><00:13:06.399>
• ><c> the</c><00:13:10.560><c> amendment</c><00:13:10.880><c> is</c><00:13:11.040><c> a</c><00:13:11.200
• :11.839><c> I</c><00:13:12.079><c> just</c><00:13:12.240><c> think</c><00:13:12.399><c> it</c><00:13:
• I I was intending<00:13:18.160><c> to</c><00:13:18.320><c> talk</c><00:13:18.399><c> about</c><00:13:
• </c><00:13:47.200><c> Our</c><00:13:47.440><c> desk</c><00:13:47.760><c> is</c><00:13:47.920><c> clear

Summary: The Maryland Senate met on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with a quorum present. The session opened with an invocation by Chaplain David Stadler, followed by journalization of his remarks and several introductions recognizing guests in the chamber, including dentists, an intern, a former legislative staffer, and representatives from the University System of Maryland and other groups. Senators also noted upcoming committee meetings and a Legislative Black Caucus photo the next day. The main floor action centered on a resolution honoring Maryland Career and Technical Student Organizations for Career and Technical Student Organization Week. The sponsor described the role of CTSOs in serving more than 12,000 students statewide and in building leadership, professional, and career skills. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with the Senate expressing congratulations and appreciation for the organizations’ work with young people. The Senate then took up layover items and calendar bills. Senate Bill 56, concerning Maryland Longitudinal Data Center external data sharing for multi-state reporting, was special ordered for one day after members raised privacy-related questions. Senate Bill 99, the Open Meetings Act/Local Board of Education Transparency Act measure, was also special ordered for one day after discussion of its committee amendment. The chamber also received administrative corrections from the Governor and referred them to the Executive Nominations Committee, and the majority leader later moved adjournment until February 19 at 10:00 a.m., which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:13:06.600><c> long</c><00:13:06.880><c> before</c><00:13:07.200><c> Minnesota</c><00:13:07.760><
• <00:13:21.240><c> in</c><00:13:21.360><c> the</c><00:13:21.440><c> nation</c><00:13:21.880><c> to</c>
• ><c> And</c><00:13:27.440><c> The</c><00:13:27.480><c> member</c><00:13:27.800><c> from</c><00:13:28.000
• Whereas<00:13:31.440><c> American</c><00:13:31.920><c> Indian</c><00:13:32.200><c> Month</c><00:13:32.520
• Whereas<00:13:48.680><c> the</c><00:13:48.760><c> state</c><00:13:49.000><c> of</c><00:13:49.080><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• board</c><00:13:01.360><c> and</c><00:13:01.680><c> having</c><00:13:01.839><c> a</c><00:13:02.079><c
• </c><00:13:10.720><c> Um</c><00:13:10.959><c> but</c><00:13:11.200><c> as</c><00:13:11.360><c> I</c><
• ><00:13:12.959><c> and</c><00:13:13.279><c> sort</c><00:13:13.440><c> of</c><00:13:13.839><c> you</c>
• :13:17.440><c> a</c><00:13:17.680><c> board</c><00:13:17.920><c> member</c><00:13:18.240><c> myself.
• Um board<00:13:20.480><c> when</c><00:13:20.639><c> when</c><00:13:20.959><c> you're</c><00:13:21.120

Summary: The committee took up House File 2037, which would replace the current executive board model for Direct Care and Treatment with a commissioner-led structure. Representative Frederick moved the DE1 amendment, which was adopted, to conform the bill with Senate language and place the CEO under the commissioner. Frederick said the change was intended to preserve some continuity while increasing accountability and insulating direct health care services from politics. Frederick argued that the existing executive board, which meets only a few times a year and hires the CEO, would leave the legislature and governor with limited ability to respond quickly to serious problems in a billion-dollar agency. He said the bill is about accountability to Minnesota taxpayers and creating a structure more like other state agencies. Public testimony was closed without any outside witnesses. Members discussed the tradeoffs between board governance and a commissioner model. Chair Schumacher noted Frederick would become chief author of the bill, and several members said they appreciated the effort to balance accountability, continuity of care, and operational expertise. Questions focused on the role of the advisory council; Frederick said it would remain in place so stakeholders could advise the commissioner and CEO, and that legislators are included among its members. The committee then laid over House File 2037, as amended, for possible inclusion in a later bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; HR<00:13:24.720><c> 162</c><00:13:25.120><c> by</c><00:13:25.279><c> Oliver</c><00:13:25.680
• </c><00:13:28.160><c> to</c><00:13:28.399><c> evaluate</c><00:13:28.880><c> the</c><00:13:29.040><c>
• </c><00:13:36.639><c> All</c><00:13:36.800><c> in</c><00:13:36.880><c> favor</c><00:13:37.200><c> say
• </c><00:13:48.880><c> All</c><00:13:49.040><c> in</c><00:13:49.120><c> favor</c><00:13:49.360><c> say
• &gt;&gt; HR<00:13:52.160><c> 179</c><00:13:52.639><c> by</c><00:13:52.880><c> Brown</c><00:13:53.279>

Committee: House Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:03.440><c> so</c><00:13:03.560><c> Vermonters</c><00:13:04.800><c> can</c><00:13:05.000><c> go
• college<00:13:05.839><c> and</c><00:13:05.960><c> get</c><00:13:06.120><c> the</c><00:13:06.240><c>
• </c><00:13:18.760><c> And</c><00:13:18.880><c> then</c><00:13:19.000><c> finally,</c><00:13:19.360><c
• <00:13:20.600><c> 1.3</c><00:13:21.200><c> million</c><00:13:22.160><c> uh</c><00:13:22.520><c> to</c
• </c><00:13:26.240><c> uh</c><00:13:26.360><c> for</c><00:13:26.760><c> disaster</c><00:13:27.280><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• :13:14.399><c> hashed</c><00:13:14.800><c> out</c><00:13:15.680><c> and</c><00:13:16.079><c> argued</
• </c><00:13:19.360><c> Um,</c><00:13:20.720><c> and</c><00:13:20.959><c> I</c><00:13:21.120><c> don't<
• :13:22.079><c> put</c><00:13:22.240><c> that,</c><00:13:22.560><c> but</c><00:13:23.200><c> this</c><
• <00:13:25.839><c> out,</c><00:13:26.240><c> worked</c><00:13:26.560><c> out</c><00:13:26.800><c> bill
• </c><00:13:34.079><c> Chair,</c><00:13:34.320><c> and</c><00:13:34.560><c> thanks</c><00:13:34.880><c