Transcript Highlights:

• And when we visit these independent school districts, we go to the- and say yeah we need we need help
• , when we need it, and where we need it. my comments.
• TVMDL competes with these new and existing schools for the specialists they need. need to teach, but
• we need to serve as diagnosticians.
• In order to address the state's need for high-functioning, safe and efficient transportation systems,

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• do better enforcement uh and and if need do better enforcement uh and and if need be<00:36:20.400
• Uh, you need land.
• you need a lot of water.
• And so, uh, it needs more work.
• And so, uh, it needs more work.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard several bills, beginning with SB 2010, which would authorize impoundment of motor vehicles for certain alleged or committed traffic violations. The Department of Transportation supported the bill, while the Department of the Attorney General asked for clarification in section 4 on who could seek remedies and what remedies would be available. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, citing unclear officer-initiated impound criteria, potential strain on judicial or administrative resources, and concerns about hardship for families and indigent owners; the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill with amendments, saying it should be limited to traffic offenses and could serve as an alternative to fines or imprisonment. The chair then recessed before moving to the next items. The committee next heard SB 2527 on commercial driver licensing, which would require state and county firefighters exempt from CDL requirements to be subject to an alcohol and substance abuse policy equivalent to or stronger than federal DOT standards. DOT, the Department of Human Resources Development, county officials, and the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association all indicated support. SB 2697, which would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, also drew DOT support, with the Attorney General, judiciary, and others submitting comments. SB 2812, requiring driver license applicants to be tested on the dangers larger vehicles pose to pedestrians and bicyclists, was supported by DOT but opposed by the Public Defender, who argued the excessive-speeding portion was too broad for first offenses and that the DUI-related language was unnecessary because DUI relicensing already requires re-examination. SB 291, clarifying that drivers whose licenses were revoked for certain alcohol-related offenses must undergo re-examination before relicensing, received DOT support. The committee then took up SB 3044, which would remove references to pedestrian countdown timers and the requirement that pedestrians begin crossing before the timer starts. DOT opposed the bill, but Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported it, arguing the current rule is confusing and can lead to citations even when pedestrians can safely cross. The Department of Health submitted late comments emphasizing the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and physical activity, and the chair noted the split in testimony. Finally, SB 2995 proposed a zero-emissions rideshare rebate program funded by a rideshare fee and administered by DOT. Earthjustice strongly supported the bill, describing it as a fee-and-rebate structure to help rideshare drivers transition to zero-emissions vehicles. A witness for Tom Yamachika suggested that if the state wants to tax ridesharing, it should amend existing tax law instead of creating a new chapter, but the bill’s supporters said DOT was better suited to administer the rebate program and that similar models exist in California and Washington. The committee also heard SB 3153, which would authorize DOT to designate airport special district zones at airports statewide to improve security and enforcement; DOT’s airports deputy director supported the measure, saying it would clarify jurisdiction and help address trespassing and hazards, and senators asked about boundaries, mapping, and coordination with the Attorney General. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• help our citizens with these needs. help our citizens with these needs.
• something that's broken and it needs something that's broken and it needs fixing
• that that the work needs to continue. that that the work needs to continue.
• So we are giving up our need to protect our soldiers, and we need your help.
• So we are giving up our need to protect our soldiers, and we need your help.

Bills: HF3560, HF3295, HF2937, HF3540

Keywords: electronic signatures, estate planning, uniform law, legal documents, Minnesota statutes, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, parenting consultant, parenting time, custody, family court, family law, neutral third party, alternative dispute resolution, child custody, visitation, parenting coordinator

Transcript Highlights:

• Carl, you don't need to move.
• I limits would need to sunset after a period of time.
• It's not uncommon to cut those functions.
• We need to do timely permitting.
• have a good, common, functioning urban area, right?

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:34.040> to Commissioner's phone number, you need to Commissioner's phone number, you
• need to get<00:09:34.280> that<00:09:34.560> cuz<00:09:34.800> she<00:09:35.440
• The reduction in the finances that we have for our future needs. anything that changes on the bridge,
• If you need something more than counts, if you need something more than an estimate, then that can be
• So, I need to talk to our IT folks and figure out how to make them accessible.

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:55 Bridge Improvement Program 18:56 County Priority Projects Program 38:10 Transportation Alternative Program 51:47 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for the first interim meeting of the 2025 Budget Review Committee on Transportation and heard from Bobby Jo Lewis, commissioner of Rural and Municipal Aid at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. She reviewed the new County City Bridge Improvement Program, created in the 2024 regular session, reporting that phases one and two are complete, 45 bridges have been funded so far, and about $18.45 million has been authorized. She said roughly $6.549 million remains for phase three in the current fiscal year, with about $26.445 million in bridge applications still pending. For fiscal year 2026, the program will again have $25 million and will use four application phases. She also described a training resource, Local Bridges 101, and said a new executive advisor, Greg Meredith, has been brought in to help with the bridge program. Members asked how rollover applications would be handled, whether they would be re-evaluated with new applications, how the program would account for bridge longevity and load posting, and how isolated communities would be prioritized. Lewis said applicants not funded in FY25 would be contacted and could choose to roll their applications into FY26, and all applications would be evaluated together at the end of each phase. She said preservation projects are assessed for how much they extend a bridge’s life, and isolated community access bridges or closed bridges with no detour access receive priority. She also said the department aims for equitable distribution across regions and plans to produce a map showing where funds have been awarded. Lewis then turned to the County Priority Projects Program and the Local Assistance Road Program established in House Bill 546 and related resolutions. She said the application cycle opened June 1 and closes October 1, with 106 memoranda of agreement being prepared for awards in House Joint Resolution 46. She described updated application and reporting forms, a scoring matrix, and a County City Pavement Evaluation Manual used to rate projects based on preservation of assets, average daily traffic, recent improvements, safety, cost, and district priority. She said projects must be rehabilitation projects designed to restore the original condition of the road, cannot exceed $500,000, and must use local match percentages tied to the economic development grant program formula. She also reported on funding status for prior road projects, including completed, partially completed, pending, and underrun amounts that may be reauthorized. Committee members asked about photo documentation, online access to project materials, how to measure whether projects truly restore roads to original condition, and what happens when project costs exceed estimates. Lewis said the department is still working on how best to store and share the large volume of photos, and that projects are certified through district offices and local sign-off after completion. She said overages are the responsibility of the applicant because the state does not have additional money beyond the awarded amount. No formal votes were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not fully funded; it still needs more money. It doesn't need more.
• Looking forward, it needs more funding and it needs longer authorization, I believe.
• We need to move things out faster. Do you need more help? Do you need support from the legislature?
• We need to look at what systems we need to put in place, the statutes that we need to implement.
• Costs—what needs to be replaced, what needs to be modernized, what needs to be made smart and more efficient

Transcript Highlights:

• They maybe need the helping hands. They maybe need them. coordinated care model.
• maybe need their children home at night. maybe need their children home at night.
• They They maybe need the helping hands. They maybe<00:26:50.800> need<00:26:51.160> them.
• , >> If they're doing the same functions, >> If they're doing the same functions, some
• >> And we need to be able to compare them >> And we need to be able to compare them with<

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Votruba Young Scholars Academy 00:01:55 Taxation of Financial Deposit Institutions 00:36:50, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just show up and whatever the group needs, whatever veterans and their families need, I just make
• The needs are different.
• But we need to help them help you.
• They still need help from the VA.
• And I'm assuming your brother at the time was in need of every dollar they needed to him.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I need to find it now.
• individuals have more complex needs individuals have more complex needs putting<00:03:09.720>
• The need has risen immensely.
• out there to meet those needs.
• treatment they need report they need treatment they need report they need services<00:28:32.080> and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That assessment determines need. It determines need. It is ideal when people's needs decrease.
• needs and need access hospital level of needs and need access to<00:34:45.040> direct<00:34:45.520
• support needs. support needs.
• "You need to speak from the heart." "You need to speak from the heart."
• to function.

Bills: HF3174, HF3800

Keywords: background study, disqualification, set-aside, permanent disqualification, Office of Administrative Hearings, chief judge, human services licensing, substance use disorder treatment, SUD treatment, chemical dependency, recovery, rehabilitation, abstinence, foster care, child foster care, vulnerable adults, caregiver background check, license holder, direct contact, risk of harm

Transcript Highlights:

• I was a big supporter of law enforcement because we needed to have not to take over HPD, but to have
• and the Department of Law Enforcement in addition to HPD to help us bring the enforcement that we need
• and the Department of Law Enforcement in addition to HPD to help us bring the enforcement that we need
• <00:25:53.039> as attire to support individuals in need as attire to support individuals in
• need as they<00:25:53.520> enter<00:25:53.760> the<00:25:54.080> workforce.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, took roll, approved the previous day’s journal, and spent much of the first portion of the meeting recognizing Education Week honorees. Senators introduced students and coaches from the LifeSmarts Consumer Education Competition, including first-place Iolani School, second-place Kahalani High School, and Oahu teams placing third and fourth. The Senate also recognized 2025 Senate Youth Delegate Wilson Chow and thanked staff and community partners for supporting Education Week 2025. The chamber then moved to executive business, adopting standing committee reports 1210 through 1349 and confirming Governor’s Message No. 644, Steven Logan, as Adjutant General of the Department of Defense by unanimous consent. Senators spoke in support of Logan’s military and public safety experience, and he was confirmed with 23 ayes. The Senate also confirmed Governor’s Message No. 645, Mike Lambert, as Director of the Department of Law Enforcement, with senators citing his HPD background, work on homelessness, vice, agricultural crimes, and school enforcement; the confirmation passed with 22 ayes. After the confirmations, the Senate recognized the newly appointed officials and their families and guests. The body then passed House Bill 991, Senate Draft 1, relating to criminal history record checks, on third reading by unanimous consent with 22 ayes. The session concluded with announcements, including a YWCA clothing drive, a personal letter from Representative Gene Ward announcing his resignation from the House effective at the end of the month due to health issues, and a motion to adjourn until Monday, March 24th at 11:30 a.m., which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:39.880> only only please use the chat function only only please use the chat function
• definition of qualified taxpayer needs definition of qualified taxpayer needs to<00:18:56.400>
• repeated over over and over Farmers need repeated over over and over Farmers need stronger<01:11
• <01:24:18.440> for put technical amendments needed for put technical amendments needed for
• amendment at this time I think we need amendment at this time I think we need to<01:37:18.719>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that we need to start looking at preventing problems from arising, and we need to start treating
• We need to take care of it. They're in support of this amendment.
• We need the stopgap, so we'd love to work with you and the entire body.
• We're committed to any ongoing conversations that may be needed moving forward.
• This is needed. It is desperately needed, and we have to take action on this.

Bills: HB2050, HB2082, HB2176, HB2195, HB2202, HB2307, HB2584

Keywords: radiologic technologist, radiologist assistant, radiology, imaging, x-ray, diagnostic x-ray, fluoroscopy, mammography, computed tomography, CT technologist, nuclear medicine technologist, bone densitometry, radiation safety, radiation licensing, scope of practice, health workforce, rural health care, critical access hospital, supervision, telehealth

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and then heard House Bill 2050, which updates Department of Health Services rules for radiologic technologists and radiologic assistants. The bill changes school accreditation and training requirements, reduces clinical hours, revises supervision and scope-of-practice rules, adjusts fees, and removes radiologic technologists from the telehealth health care provider definition. Testimony from a radiologic technologist supported the bill as an update to outdated standards and a response to workforce shortages, while a nurse practitioner supported the section allowing NPs to use diagnostic x-ray machines under nursing board standards. HB 2050 passed 7-0 with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 2082, which creates a Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Commission and expands the research fund to include appropriations, gifts, donations, and federal grants. An amendment shifted grant-awarding authority to the DHS director, required the commission to set criteria and review applications, and added public meeting requirements; it also tied funding to at least $5 million in available resources and removed the return-on-investment reporting requirement. Supporters said the bill would strengthen pediatric cancer research and leverage an underused funding source, though members raised concerns about oversight. The bill was amended and then passed 7-0. House Bill 2176 and House Bill 2195 both dealt with DHS licensing and complaint-investigation procedures for health care institutions and nursing care institutions. HB 2176 allows DHS to deny licenses or ownership changes based on serious prior licensing problems or safety risks, and it sets notice, investigation, and deficiency-statement rules; speakers from public health and hospital groups supported it as improving transparency and preventing bad actors from cycling through ownership. HB 2195 limits DHS access to certain personnel records, requires deficiency statements within 10 business days, and bars investigations of incidents older than 12 months; an amendment delayed implementation to July 1, 2027 and added corrective-plan and off-site review provisions. Both bills passed 7-0 as amended. The committee also approved House Bill 2202, which appropriates $300,000 annually for a dementia care tele-mentoring program to train providers statewide, especially in rural and underserved areas. The Alzheimer’s Association and a patient with younger-onset Alzheimer’s testified that the program would improve early diagnosis and care, though one senator opposed state funding on the view that medical schools should teach the material. HB 2202 passed 6-1. Finally, House Bill 2307, addressing placement for dangerous, incompetent, non-restorable defendants when secure state hospital beds are unavailable, drew the most debate. An amendment replaced out-of-state placement with a temporary, limited-use solution involving up to three beds at the Arizona State Hospital forensic campus, created a study committee, and shifted some non-psychiatric costs to counties; counties and hospital stakeholders opposed the county-cost language, while sponsors and DHS said the measure was an emergency stopgap. The amended bill passed 4-3. The committee then passed House Bill 2584 4-3, which prohibits public funds from being used for genetic sequencing equipment from foreign adversary countries or entities; supporters framed it as a national security measure, and opponents voted no. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this won't be, but there are some things I need to get out.
• I just need help.
• We need your leadership now more than ever. Thank you. Beautiful, beautiful.
• your voice, we need your heart, we need your tenacity to hold the systems of power that aim to thwart
• The centers of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and executive functioning grew in size.

Transcript Highlights:

• work here to access data that they need work here to access data that they need for<00:09:46.840
• I think I need help. I think I need to try something, anything."
• At the time, I only used faith when I needed it. My faith needed to be a bigger character.
• I think I need help. I think know what? I think I need help.
• My faith needed to be when I needed it.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: This episode of Senate Spotlight focused on several nonpartisan Senate offices and programs that help lawmakers and the public understand the legislative process. It highlighted the Civility Caucus, where Republican Sen. Zach Duckworth and DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild work to build relationships across party lines, especially important in a closely divided Senate and during a bonding year that requires a two-thirds vote for infrastructure spending. Speakers emphasized that the caucus is about civility, empathy, and laying groundwork for future bipartisan work rather than guaranteeing agreement on specific bills. The program also explained how Minnesotans can track legislative activity through the Senate Journal and the fiscal review. Staff described the Journal as a public record of votes, amendments, roll calls, and other actions, useful for checking how senators voted on bills that passed or failed. The fiscal review was presented as a nonpartisan, award-winning summary of the enacted budget, with examples of how readers can find spending details by page and a discussion of plans to make the document more interactive and web-based. Viewers were also directed to the Senate website to look up senators’ contact information and to the Legislature’s bill-tracking system. Another segment covered Senate File 901, a bipartisan bill by Sen. Eric Pratt that funded an equine-assisted therapy program for first responders dealing with trauma. Testimony described how the program has helped police, firefighters, dispatchers, and correctional officers stay on the job and recover mentally, with lawmakers noting its strong support and practical benefits. The episode also featured Senate pages and interns, who described their behind-the-scenes work supporting committee meetings and learning the legislative process, and concluded with a segment on Capitol art and a new public gallery meant to inspire good government and showcase Minnesota artists.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a very useful function to educate people.
• it's a very useful function it's a very useful function to<00:09:50.600> educate<00:09:51.200
• <00:28:06.000> to I think you've convinced me we need to I think you've convinced me we need
• As a procedural matter, I think we need to return the nomination to the governor.
• <00:29:29.520> to procedural matter, I think we need to procedural matter, I think we need

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 24 March, 2026; 11:15 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first considered nominees to the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering: Tom Elkins, Todd Freeman, and Aaron Washington. Each described their background in the hair industry and expressed support for making licensing and regulation more workable while still protecting health and safety. Members discussed the need for a balance between oversight and burden, with the chair emphasizing that inspectors should educate rather than intimidate. The committee then voted to advise and consent on the nominees, and the motion carried. The committee next took up the reappointment of Jim Perry to the State Board of Health. Perry described his background in state and federal policy, finance, and health-related work, and said his board service had highlighted operational problems in state government, including personnel and procurement bottlenecks, staffing shortages, succession challenges, and the need for better, more consistent data to guide the state health plan and certificate-of-need decisions. He suggested continued budget support for policy and planning staff, more frequent updates to the health plan, and a review of whether prior procurement and personnel reforms went too far. Members asked about his statement of economic interest and discussed the broader need for better health care information and administration. The committee voted to advise and consent on Perry’s reappointment. It then handled a block of nominations to the Board of Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists, voting to take them up and to advise and consent. Finally, the committee addressed the nomination of Dr. Anthony to the State Board of Health, noting that the seat had become vacant due to a recent death and voting to return the nomination to the governor as a procedural matter. The meeting concluded with a motion to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, just a fair way of saying that we've got a really great functioning board.
• <00:15:26.000> a<00:15:26.240> really<00:15:26.480> great<00:15:26.800> functioning
• got a really great functioning board. got a really great functioning board.
• And it's because there's so much that is politicized that we need to be doing everything we can

Bills: HB139, HB220, SB274, SB282, SB277

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so he's excited to see that ability because his business can then grow and function really well.
• <00:04:40.960> grow<00:04:41.520> um<00:04:41.600> and<00:04:41.919> function
• <00:04:42.240> really can then grow um and function really can then grow um and function really
• In fact, they need to be pretty dry. And they have hydrometers.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that they need.
• need.
• We need accurate also not what we need.
• to their needs.
• of these needs. So, while we won't solve of these needs.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• provides a vehicle to serve the needs provides a vehicle to serve the needs for<00:05:20.880>
• We need to do the right thing.
• We need to do the right thing.
• their needed products. their needed products. >> Go<01:28:24.400> ahead.
• Minnesota does not need to act.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 11, 2026 minutes, then heard House File 4048, which would exempt chiropractors from Minnesota’s provider tax if they are no longer eligible to provide chiropractic benefits under Medicaid/MinnesotaCare. Representative Robbins said the bill corrects an unfair situation because chiropractors still pay the tax even though the benefit was eliminated. Testifiers from the Minnesota Chiropractic Association and a longtime chiropractor supported the bill, arguing that most chiropractors are small-business owners and should not pay a tax for services they can no longer provide. Several members said they supported restoring chiropractic coverage instead of changing the tax, and there was discussion about whether the tax applies to all providers and whether it is effectively passed on to patients. The committee adopted a motion to recommend HF 4048 to the Committee on Taxes. The committee then took up House File 3893, as amended, a bill to restrict artificial intelligence from engaging in psychotherapy or counseling with humans. The author and supporters said the bill is intended to prevent AI chatbots from posing as therapists or counseling vulnerable people, citing reports of suicides and other harms linked to chatbot interactions. The A2 amendment was adopted; the author said it reflected stakeholder concerns and added informed-consent language. Testifiers in support, including a psychologist and a suicide-prevention nonprofit leader, urged strong safeguards and said AI should not replace licensed professionals in crisis settings. Other testimony raised concerns about overbreadth and unintended effects. TechNet and a rural mental health provider said the bill should be narrowed so it applies to clinical therapy rather than wellness or educational tools, and should allow supervised AI uses such as transcription and administrative support. Members discussed rural access, existing licensing-board authority, privacy laws, and whether the bill should target AI companies directly rather than licensed clinicians. The transcript ends during continued discussion of HF 3893, with no final committee action shown in the excerpt.