Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, and there is no yes-or-no easy answer, and again, an evolving legal landscape.
• There's been no new census. There's been no court order.
• There's no courage in this room. There's no courage to say no to a dictator.
• There's no courage to say no to a husband.
• With no new census data, no court ruling requiring it, and no meaningful public input.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In reality, no.
• And if that's. the case, then no muss, no fuss.
• No, yeah, that's a great question, and it's the first thing that you mentioned. They have no.
• It doesn't directly correspond. on to the blue, but it's slightly above the blue.
• And what you did in Senate Bill 2 is you added a whole harmless just for Senate Bill 2.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• no place... ...storage facility in the United States for nuclear waste and no plans for one to exist
• Another example is one we do for Blue Cross Blue Shield Caring Foundation, where we look at the health
• No, we had no communication with anyone having anything to do with that project at all.
• We're at 2:15 and, or 2:19 actually. Next up is Will with Nucleon.
• No.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No hospital in Alabama, no provider in Alabama, can survive without participating in the Blue Cross Blue
• </c><00:45:38.880><c> Unless</c> Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. Unless Blue Cross Blue Shield plan.
• </c> that from Blue Cross Blue Shield. that from Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• ><01:20:48.560><c> no</c> regulation, with no oversight, with no regulation, with no oversight, with
• The executive no monies, no armies.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• new FTE, no new buildings.
• Obviously, no decisions could be made in a vacuum. No decisions are going to be made immediately.
• We're getting close to $2 billion.
• No, it's ours first.
• Chair: No.

Committee: Joint Water Topics Overview Committee

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have people going without timely medical care, institutions with no heat, no hot water, roofs that
• No. Are there any appearance forms for the amendment? No. Is there any debate on the amendment?
• Now we'll be taking up tab 2, CS for SB 54.
• No. Okay, I have appearance forms. Correct.
• There's no one on the other side to answer.

Bills: S0054 , S0156 , S0296 , S0298

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Keywords: cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 public safety budget, which totals about $8.2 billion within a $117.4 billion overall state budget. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget outlined funding and reductions across the public safety silo, including the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, FDLE, Legal Affairs, the courts, and related entities. Agency heads then presented their requests, with FDLE seeking funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert system upgrades, alcohol testing equipment, officer mental health, criminal alien detection, and statutory staffing needs; DJJ requesting money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential contract rate increases, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requesting major funding for correctional officer pay increases, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications and security technology, offender information system modernization, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members discussed staffing shortages, prison conditions, immigration enforcement, public records burdens, mental health and substance use treatment, and the need for continued investment in corrections. A member of the public also testified about poor conditions in some prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and maintenance issues. The committee then considered and passed CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would clarify that a person may not resist a law enforcement officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties and would increase penalties in cases involving violence against officers. The bill sponsor described the case of Officer Jason Rayner and said the measure was intended to prevent defendants from using claims about unlawful detention or arrest to justify violence. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after support was noted from several law enforcement and municipal groups. Next, the committee passed CS/SB 54, which addresses use of substances affecting cognitive function. An amendment narrowed the medical-records language to records relevant to investigations of violent offenders and clarified privacy protections. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from survivors and advocates emphasized the danger victims face when trying to leave abusive situations. Finally, the committee passed CS/SB 298, the public-records companion bill, which extends confidentiality protections for participants in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating violence victims as well. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a fiscal note from JLARC showing no cost or savings, and while there's no savings, they do mention
• The bill has no revenue impact to the state property tax levy.
• The bill has no expenditure impact.
• My name is Jennifer Mom representing Regents Blue Shield. Our primary...
• So we hope you'll rethink this bill and give it a no vote, please.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on nine bills. Senate Bill 5872 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic donations for ECAP preschool slots; supporters, including DCYF, the governor’s office, and early learning advocates, said it would help expand access to high-quality pre-K with a 10-year Ballmer Group commitment for up to 10,000 new seats annually. Senators asked how the money would flow, and staff and witnesses explained it would be governed by an MOU and deposited annually; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5879 would eliminate two JLARC studies, one on lodging tax reporting and one on training benefits; supporters said the reports were duplicative and burdensome, while the hospitality industry warned against losing transparency, and no action was taken. Senate Bill 6047 would permanently codify various capital budget administration rules, including minor works flexibility and early learning grant changes; testimony focused on technical cleanup and on provisions affecting co-located child care and community projects, with no vote taken. Senate Bill 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to charge fees for accrediting opioid treatment programs, with support from DOH and tribal/nontribal providers who want the state to continue providing the service; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5923 would allow Island Hospital in Skagit County to qualify as a critical access hospital, with local hospital leaders and residents supporting the measure to improve reimbursement and sustain rural care; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5832 would raise the Lemon Law arbitration fee from $3 to $6 to fund the Attorney General’s consumer protection work, and the AG’s office, dealers, and the sponsor said the program is effective and underfunded; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5970 would make permanent the property tax exemption for multipurpose senior citizen centers, with AARP supporting the bill as a benefit to seniors and caregivers; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5994 would preserve timber tax distributions for school districts that recently had qualifying levies, and forest industry witnesses supported the bill while suggesting a possible amendment for state forest transfer lands; no vote was taken. Senate Bill 5949 would narrow the B&O tax exemption for insurance-related businesses so it applies only to the entity paying the insurance premiums tax, retroactive to 2019; the Department of Revenue and bill supporters argued it restores tax equity, while insurers, health plans, and business groups opposed it as retroactive, ambiguous, and likely to raise premiums. The committee heard extensive testimony on that bill, but the transcript ends with adjournment and no recorded vote or executive action.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was no one signed up on the blue sheet or online.
• There was no one signed up on the blue sheet.
• </c><00:31:41.799><c> sheet</c> no one signed up on the blue sheet no one signed up on the blue sheet
• Um, there was no one on the blue sheet.
• [No audible content.] [No audible content.] [No audible content.] Okay, it’s 2:30.

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion on House Amendment No. 2. The gentleman from Jackson.
• By your vote of 91 yea and 48 nay, you have adopted House Amendment No. 2.
• The gentleman from Clay moved for the adoption of House Amendment No. 2.
• Further discussion on House Amendment No. 2.
• All those opposed say no. The ayes have it. You’ve adopted House Amendment No. 2.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No, that's a good question.
• No, that's a good question. Uh so &gt;&gt; Yeah. No, that's a good question.
• >> No.
• >> No.
• I was counties, two blue counties.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Nolan West and Representative Pam Oldenorf introduced and defended a bill aimed at tightening Minnesota SNAP eligibility rules. They said the measure would move the net income test to the front of the application process, add asset testing similar to other state programs, and exclude vehicles over $100,000. They argued these changes would reduce overpayments, improve “good governance,” and help the state avoid future financial penalties tied to SNAP error rates. Oldenorf said Minnesota’s SNAP error rate has risen from about 4% in 2013 to about 9% now, and warned that if it stays above 6% the state could owe about $86 million in 2027. She cited a GAO report saying broad-based categorical eligibility is a major driver of payment errors, and pointed to examples she described as fraud or improper enrollment, including a millionaire receiving benefits and a recent Minneapolis SNAP fraud conviction. West and Oldenorf said the bill would not significantly increase county workloads, because counties already do similar eligibility and asset checks in other programs. In response to questions, the sponsors said they had not yet formally consulted many stakeholders because the bill had just been drafted, but they expected bipartisan support and said they had reached out to counties for input. They also said counties would retain some administrative costs, but the bill should not add major new burdens. The discussion then shifted to a separate topic when West raised concerns about access to Hennepin County voter rolls and alleged irregularities in voter data; he said he had obtained some county records and believed the Secretary of State was improperly limiting access, though no bill action or vote was taken on that issue in this transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is scheduled to expire in July 2028, to have no expiration date.
• And there was no travel.
• Yeah, no, thank you. Maybe I could ask the question a slightly different way.
• And we have no data on which to base this assumption or conclusion.
• No business has claimed the preference, and there are no current plans for a facility in the state.

Summary: House Finance met in work session on January 13, 2026, beginning with the introduction of new member Rep. Janice Zahn and a reminder about short-session amendment deadlines. The committee then heard JLARC’s 2025 tax preference performance reviews, covering nine preferences. JLARC recommended continuing several preferences, including natural gas transportation fuel exemptions, reduced B&O rates for travel agents and tour operators, a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income housing developers, a property tax exemption for multipurpose senior centers, a sales and use tax remittance for disabled veteran adapted housing, a trade convention attendance nexus exemption, a B&O exemption for agricultural fertilizer and seed sales, and a hazardous substance tax exemption for certain pesticides. JLARC also recommended allowing unused silicon smelter-related preferences to expire. Members asked about legislative intent, data limitations, and how performance metrics should be tied more clearly to policy objectives; committee leaders and JLARC staff discussed a new standardized rubric for future tax preference performance statements and fiscal note review. The committee also noted that bills related to some of the reviewed preferences were already introduced. For the low-income housing exemption, JLARC said nonprofit developers were building homes as intended but that the current spending-based metric did not fully reflect the policy goal, and it recommended the legislature decide whether to continue or modify the preference. For multipurpose senior centers, JLARC said the exemption met its inferred objective and recommended continuation, with possible consideration of making it permanent. For the disabled veteran adapted housing remittance, JLARC said few eligible veterans were claiming the benefit and recommended continuation with changes to improve access and consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs. On the trade convention attendance exemption, JLARC said use was unknown but the preference likely helped keep Washington competitive with other states and recommended continuation, though members questioned the lack of direct evidence and the administrative-burden rationale. The committee then received an update from the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. The forecast showed the U.S. economy slowing but still growing, with Washington expected to have modest growth, weak employment gains, continued personal income growth, and slow construction. ERFC said tariffs and trade policy remained the biggest risks, inflation was expected to stay elevated in the near term, and the Federal Reserve had cut rates three times in 2025 with two more cuts projected in 2026. State revenues were up $105 million in the current biennium compared with the November forecast, but down $185 million in the next biennium, with growth driven in part by recent legislative changes and improved estate tax collections. Members asked about sector-specific employment trends, the impact of high-income households on retail sales, and how state revenues compare with personal income over time. The meeting adjourned after the forecast presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• No evidence, no charges, no trial, no due process.
• <c> no</c><00:36:24.160><c> trial,</c><00:36:24.560><c> no</c> No evidence, no charges, no trial, no
• No evidence, no charges, no trial, no due<00:36:24.960><c> process.
• no</c><01:19:57.120><c> temporary</c> There's no tr there's no temporary There's no tr there's no temporary
• No, I don't think so. Is obscenity? No, I don't think so.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• million with no we're stuck with $2 million with no plan. speaking<01:07:33.760><c> to</c><01:07:34.160
• Vote closed. 51 aye, 8 no, 1 conflict, 2 excused.
• Vote closed." "28 ayes, 31 no, 1 conflict, 2 excused."
• Vote closed." "28 ayes, 31 no, 1 conflict, 2 excused."
• Vote closed. 59 aye, 2 no, 1 excused.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, if it if it will take 2 hours.
• No, I I Thank you for the question.
• No. Okay.
• And on the written uh blue neutral.
• The bill includes no members.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no anti-competitive. There is no competitive. This add-on, it's been implemented.
• So there's there's really 2 2 streams of of capital of money.
• what, one or 2 times.
• All this no cause a ban.
• We've got 2 minutes just but you have 2 minutes that you're recognized chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• This would be a five-year request, but we need $2 million to start.
• No? Okay. Thank you. I think we will go now... Any discussion, senators? No? Okay. Thank you.
• And so there's no one vendor that does it. So you're having to work with that.
• There's no one vendor that does it, so you're having to work with each vendor.
• No. Senator Martin moves that we adjourn. So is there any objection?

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems. DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support. The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no rigs on the reservation. That's the best rock in the world. This is Tier 2...
• So no, no threat at all, Representative Munson, just sharing the reality of the situation.
• That's the blue bar.
• That's the blue bar. The green, Continues to be commercial and ag loans. That's the blue bar.
• That'll be at 2%.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee received a compliance and status update on Industrial Commission programs and the Bank of North Dakota. Staff reviewed appropriations and spending for several Industrial Commission funds and grant programs, including lignite research, oil and gas research, clean sustainable energy, grid resiliency, salt cavern analysis, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members discussed the timing of reimbursements, uncommitted balances, and the structure of the pipeline capacity and enhanced oil recovery funding. The Industrial Commission also reported on its administrative budget, grant management system project, and recent leadership transitions across several agencies. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described active grant rounds and the status of major projects. She said the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority approved three projects in its sixth round, with remaining uncommitted cash and loan capacity still available, though no new funding was appropriated this session. She also said the Oil and Gas Research Council approved six enhanced oil recovery projects and expects additional funding after a federal Department of Energy award replaces one project’s state funding. For grid resiliency grants, she said some projects have been funded, some commitments were returned or reallocated, and some DOE funds remain pending. She also updated the committee on the salt cavern business case study, which replaced an earlier larger development proposal, and on the NDSU research park grant, where the nonmatching portion was paid and the matching portion has moved slowly because the match must be in cash. Ron Ness then gave an extended presentation on enhanced oil recovery and North Dakota oil and gas trends. He said production remains steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, especially gas takeaway and projects like the Bakken East pipeline. He argued that enhanced oil recovery using CO2, natural gas, surfactants, and other methods could extend Bakken production for decades, but that the state needs more CO2 supply, better storage, and updated tax and regulatory incentives. Members asked about lateral lengths, CO2 availability, pipeline impacts, and the role of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and Ness emphasized that the projects are intended to share technical learning across operators and attract follow-on investment. The Bank of North Dakota then presented its compliance report and strategic update. President Don Morgan said the bank’s mission remains to support North Dakota agriculture, commerce, and industry while cooperating with the state’s financial sector. He reviewed the bank’s main business lines: participation lending with community institutions, student loans, disaster lending, mission-based programs, and a new fintech-focused effort. Morgan said deposits are flattening, so the bank is managing balance sheet growth carefully, while still reporting improved net income and strong efficiency. He also introduced Rough Rider Coin as a bank-to-bank payment rail, not a public cryptocurrency, intended to speed and modernize payments within North Dakota’s banking and credit union system. Committee members asked about student loan eligibility, disaster program use, and how credit lines and liquidity would be affected if deposits shrink.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no state guidelines.
• No, I, I'm not aware that they've specifically that they're mandated to report to us.
• No, no, not at all. And thanks for pointing that out.
• Uh, no, I, I think it was more of a just a general concern about, uh, uh, Ben Barkley.
• And um a battery can be put on the system in less than 2 years.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• No? All right, no appearance forms. So let's go on. Is there any debate?
• No, this vessel is in great condition.
• Seeing no questions, any appearance cards? No appearance cards. Any debate? No debate.
• Seeing no questions, are there any appearance forms? Seeing none. Seeing no questions.
• Seeing no debate.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up several memorials and bills. It first reported favorably Senate Memorial 1714, which urges Congress to pass the No Tax Dollars for Terrorist Act to prevent U.S. taxpayer funds from benefiting the Taliban in Afghanistan. The committee then heard and approved SB 1512, expanding tax exemptions and procurement flexibility for Space Florida, with support from Space Florida and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. It also approved SB 1656, designating the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, replacing the Western Union, after discussion of the ship’s World War II service, museum role, and no known fiscal impact. The committee next approved SM 1186, urging Congress to increase the Florida National Guard’s force structure, with members noting Florida’s population growth and emergency response needs. It then considered SB 1602, creating the Homes for Veterans Property Management Incentive Pilot Program in selected counties to help landlords house veterans through vacancy relief and risk mitigation funds; the bill was amended twice, including technical and clarifying changes, and reported favorably as a committee substitute. Senator Sharief expressed support and asked to co-sponsor the veterans housing measure. Finally, the committee passed SB 1604, which creates the associated vacancy relief and risk mitigation trust funds within the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to support the veterans housing pilot program. That bill also received a technical amendment before being reported favorably as a committee substitute. After the bills were disposed of, members were invited to record votes if needed, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I completely understand. However, it is a deterrent.
• There being 8 ayes, 2 nays, the motion prevails.
• So this will allow a blue, blue collar workforce to come to the state and with that, I will answer any
• So your bill indicates that they have to report it within 2 days. Yes, 2 business days.
• I was left scrambling with no co-signer, no stable housing, and no real guidance, and that's when I entered

Bills: HB232

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: disaster recovery, natural disaster, weather disaster, emergency relief, flood relief, hurricane relief, storm damage, wildfire, tornado, hail, windstorm, extreme heat, ice storm, snowstorm, property damage, personal injury, temporary housing, relocation assistance, lost wages, state emergency management