Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, we estimate voter turnout using voter data that is coming from voter registration files.
• So the files that everyone has to fill out to be able to vote, you all have access to that material.
• could be encouraged more often and in a good positive way, to tribes, to tribal members, or even candidates
• doing outreach to Tribal members, or even candidates doing outreach to tribes or tribal members, you
• some real strength in training, and a lot of people can't get through it, and whoever's the best candidate

Summary: The committee heard a work session on voting access on tribal lands, beginning with a presentation from Dr. Chelsea Jones of the Brennan Center. She described barriers affecting Native voters and voters on tribal lands, including long travel distances to polling places and drop boxes, nontraditional addresses, unreliable postal service, language access, and limited broadband. Citing research, she said turnout on tribal lands trails turnout off tribal lands by about 10 percentage points nationally and about 10% in Washington, with larger gaps in some convenience voting measures. Members asked about the meaning of “lost votes,” the role of tribal leadership and community trust, and whether outreach by election officials and candidates could help; Dr. Jones emphasized that the study measured missed voting opportunities, not missing ballots, and that partnerships with trusted community leaders are important. The University of Washington Elections Database then presented data on voter registration, turnout, signature challenges, curing, and ballot rejection for voters whose addresses fall within tribal reservation boundaries. The presenters said registration on reservations increased from about 107,000 in 2010 to 137,000 in 2024, turnout on reservations remained about 8 to 9 percentage points lower than outside reservations in recent general elections, and signature-challenge and rejection rates were generally low but somewhat higher in off-year elections. They reported that about 60% to two-thirds of signature-challenged ballots are cured, with cure rates similar inside and outside reservations, and that late return is the most common reason for primary ballot rejection while signature mismatch is the leading cause in general elections. A question was raised about USPS postmarking issues and how those might affect future data; the presenters said they plan to track return method and cure timing more closely. The committee also received an overview of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. Staff reviewed the office’s history, the Centennial Accord, the Millennium Agreement, and related state-tribal frameworks, and GOIA Director Tim Rainan described the office’s role as a bridge between the state and tribal governments, including consultation, policy coordination, training, and convening work groups. He said GOIA now has six positions, is part of the governor’s executive cabinet, and is working on a statewide tribal relations training module and consultation handbook. In response to a question, he said tribal voting is not a major topic at the Centennial Accord but is discussed more extensively through ATNI. The committee then shifted to contracting equity, hearing from WSDOT, DES, OMWBE, and the Office of Equity. WSDOT described its race-neutral small business and veteran goals, mentorship and support programs, and its response to the federal suspension of the DBE program; DES discussed statewide contracting spend, the EDGE pilot for small construction firms, and efforts to improve procurement access; OMWBE reported growth in certified firms and about $371 million in state spend with certified firms in the most recent year, while noting ongoing impacts from federal DBE changes; and the Office of Equity outlined its broader work on agency consultation, dashboards, and systems change. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Time filing rate.
• extended deadline.
• Typically, the Middle Class Scholarship has a deadline that aligns with the Priority A deadline, but
• The issue on deadlines—how do deadlines get set?
• The deadlines are established statutorily.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I move House File 2526 to the floor with the DE1 as amended. Discussion?
• law and the bill would say you go to the filing cabinet and you pull out that voter's file.
• law and the bill would say you go to the filing cabinet and you pull out that voter's file.
• law and the bill would say you go to the filing cabinet and you pull out that voter's file.
• House File 3773. House File 3773. Thank<00:37:32.480> you.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HF 2526 and received a walkthrough of the DE1 amendment from nonpartisan staff. The amendment revised the bill’s gift and ethics provisions by defining local government and public safety officer, narrowing covered mental health or wellness services to those provided by a qualified mental health professional and tied to recovery from a traumatic event, excluding luxury services or events as determined by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, and allowing local governments to adopt additional gift restrictions. It also added a bribery-related provision for gifts made with intent to influence a public safety officer. Members noted the language had been worked on by Representatives Duran, Vernig, and Freiberg, and the DE1 was adopted unanimously. HF 2526, as amended, then passed to the floor on a voice vote. The committee then turned to HF 3722, which would remove deceased voters from the state voter registration system. The bill author argued that deceased voters should not remain on the rolls and that removing them would clean up the voter list. Secretary of State staff testified in opposition, saying deceased voters are already kept in a separate deceased status, not on active rolls, and that retaining the record helps flag suspicious activity and preserves voter history in case of administrative error. A second testifier described a real case in which a deceased voter’s retained record helped election officials identify and investigate a fraudulent ballot. After discussion, the committee tabled HF 3722. Finally, the committee heard HF 3723, which would require additional verification for absentee ballot applications and permanent absentee voters. Supporters said the bill would help ensure ballots are not sent to people who have died or moved out of state. Secretary of State staff opposed the bill, saying most voters are already verified at registration, that the proposed checks would duplicate existing procedures, and that additional verification could create delays or false rejections. A testifier also objected to the bill’s effective date, saying it would take effect only days after absentee voting begins. The sponsor argued that voters remain on the permanent list indefinitely and that periodic verification is needed because people move or die; the committee did not reach a final vote in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the very end, where it says, "I understand I may only make such a request 14 days after the filing
• period for candidates," could that be misconstrued by someone to think they only have one day on which
• 12.480> days request 14 days request 14 days after<00:20:14.559> the<00:20:14.720> filing
• <00:20:15.200> period<00:20:15.520> for<00:20:15.760> candidates.
• after the filing period for candidates. after the filing period for candidates.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee of conference first met on Senate Bill 221, which concerned annual voter roll verification and the lookback period for checking voter registration lists. The Senate favored looking back to presidential elections to reduce the number of voters removed, while the House argued for annual verification with a one-year lookback because the voter roll database now makes the process easier and because of population mobility and student turnover. Members discussed possible refinements to the 30-day letter process and agreed to recess and return Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. to continue negotiations. The committee then took up Senate Bill 213 and Senate Bill 218, both involving absentee voting and public employee electioneering restrictions. On SB 213, the discussion focused on clarifying identification/documentation requirements for absentee ballot-related applications and on a House amendment to preserve the ability of certain public employees to provide factual information to the public about official matters without violating the bill. On SB 218, the Senate wanted to remove outer envelopes from absentee voting materials, while the House supported keeping the bill but clarifying that only applicable documentation is required. Members raised concerns about voter access, clerks’ procedures, and whether the electioneering language was too broad; both bills were held over and recessed for further work. The committee also considered Senate Bill 287, which dealt with public employee electioneering and a related carve-out for factual responses by appointed public employees. The House and Senate discussed combining amendments, but the House member said the underlying bill was needed to curb partisan electioneering while still allowing factual public information. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 118, which would adjust a personal needs allowance for nursing home residents, address Hampstead Hospital employee bonuses, and create a maintenance fund for the hospital. The Senate objected to a House-added cannabis cultivation provision, saying it was unrelated to the bill and could jeopardize the measure because of the Senate’s and governor’s opposition to cannabis language; the committee recessed to revisit the issue later, with the House noting the base bill’s importance to nursing home residents and Hampstead Hospital.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, as with the nomination of Nolan, I spent a considerable amount of time reviewing Dresser's file and
• 26.240> time<00:13:26.639> reviewing<00:13:27.200> Dresser's<00:13:27.760> file
• <00:13:28.160> and of time reviewing Dresser's file and of time reviewing Dresser's file and
• , but can we rely on judicial candidates, but can we rely on that<00:30:10.960> in<00:30:11.200
• a rid of habius corpus people even file a rid of habius corpus right<00:45:30.319> now.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House File<00:02:26.160> 4097 File 4097 File 4097 strengthens<00:02:28.360> that<00:02:
• , it's the end of our policy deadlines, it's the end of our policy deadlines, but<00:10:45.520>
• File 3796. File 3796.
• comments in opposition to House File comments in opposition to House File 3796. 3796. 3796.
• House File 4131. House File 4131. Thank<01:09:01.839> you.

Bills: HF3878, HF4131, HF3796, HF4097

Keywords: airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, consumer rights, automated decision systems, Minnesota Statutes, suitable seating, employee seating, workplace seating, occupational safety, workplace safety, labor standards, employer requirements, chair, stool

Transcript Highlights:

• So Matt Lockett is going to file this bill. I will be primary co-sponsor.
• this bill I will be primary to file this bill I will be primary co-sponsor<00:03:44.519> I<00
• is a good deadline for the planning project for the first one, though we were thinking that might be
• is a good deadline for the planning project for the first one, though we were thinking that might be
• The agencies so the April deadline is a good deadline for the planning project for the first one, though

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:12 Discussion on 2025 Regular Session Proposals 00:01:00 Discussion for Future Meetings 00:18:25, 958, all

Summary: The Investments in IT Improvements and Modernization Projects Oversight Board met for its first meeting, approved the minutes from November 13, 2024, and then discussed BR 355, a bill draft intended to revise and clarify the board’s governing statute based on its first year of experience. The draft would rename the body as the Information Technology Oversight Committee, add or refine definitions for cybersecurity projects/systems and legacy projects/systems, move the annual submission deadline earlier, and require a six-year outline and funding-source information for transition planning. Members and staff said the bill was largely a codification of current practice, with no major controversy. State Budget Director John Hicks and CIO Jim Baird offered technical comments and suggested several drafting changes: using “system” instead of “project” for legacy and cybersecurity references, adjusting the first reporting deadline to give agencies more time if the bill becomes law in March, and clarifying that the statute should ask agencies for estimated expenditures and funding sources rather than implying an electronic link to the budget request. They also suggested that the linkage to the budget process could be handled through budget instructions rather than statute. Members discussed whether the six-year outline should be biennial and agreed that the April timing fit the capital planning process. After the discussion, the board agreed in principle to revise the draft along those lines, including changing the terminology, making the six-year outline biennial, and refining the budget-related language. The board also discussed future meeting dates and agreed to meet on Fridays upon adjournment, with February and March meetings to be scheduled later. The meeting ended with a motion and second to adjourn, which passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I THINK WE SEE A LOT OF, ESPECIALLY LATELY ON SOCIAL MEDIA DEALING WITH CANDIDATES OR POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS
• NOW ON THE NON-PILOT SIDE, ON THE IMPLICATION FOR CAMPAIGNS AND CANDIDATES, I AM ENVISIONING THAT ANY
• I AM FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS GOOD HEALTH. >> I NOTICED THAT YOU DID NOT FILE IT AGAIN. >> GOOD LUCK.
• WITHOUT GOING IN AND DOING THE WORK WITH HIM HE COULD GO IN AND FILE SOME PAPERWORK.
• I HAD NO IDEA IT WAS IN THE FILE. >> Sen. Guillermo Smith: THANK YOU.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate<01:09:45.279> file<01:09:45.679> 107, Senate file 107, Senate file 107, [clears
• Senate<01:11:31.040> file Senate file Senate file 25<01:11:34.320> uh<01:11:34.560>
• Senate file 5630. I 1. No. Senate file 5630. I 1. No.
• Senate file 70. 21. I 10. No. Senate file 70. 21. I 10. No.
• Senate<01:38:42.080> file<01:38:42.480> 10731 Senate file 10731 Senate file 10731 I.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on to House File 3548.
• I move that the House File 3548... You know, Madam Chair, we had a discussion briefly.
• I was um visiting or make deadline.
• So it's up to uh Chair Hansen deadline.
• House File 3548 as amended is laid over.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• deadlines to shoot for, which we really have not done.
• Okay, next up, file item 12, AB 1280, Assembly Member Garcia. Welcome.
• Yes, these deadlines are ambitious, but they also force the issue now.
• And the thing that I find very encouraging about AB 1117 is those deadlines.
• If I may add, the deadline specified in...

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on grid reliability, affordability, clean energy infrastructure, and industrial decarbonization. AB 222, by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, would require more data reporting on data centers and aim to prevent ratepayers from bearing related grid costs; supporters said better information is needed to plan for rapidly growing electricity demand from AI and data centers, while opponents warned about privacy, security, trade-secret, and cost-shifting concerns. The bill passed the committee on a 13-4 vote, with the roll left open for absent members. AB 941, by Assemblymember Bonta, would impose a 270-day timeline for CPUC review of priority transmission projects to speed clean-energy infrastructure buildout. Supporters argued that transmission delays are slowing California’s climate goals and raising costs, while opponents raised concerns about CEQA process, staffing, and prioritization. The bill passed 15-0. AB 1191, by Assemblymember Tangipa, would make existing large hydroelectric facilities eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard; supporters framed it as a way to lower rates and ease affordability pressures, while opponents said it would undermine the purpose of the RPS by substituting existing resources for new renewable development. That bill failed on a 4-11 vote. AB 1280, by Assemblymember Garcia, would expand state grant programs to support thermal energy storage projects for industrial decarbonization. Supporters said it would help modernize manufacturing, cut pollution in disadvantaged communities, and preserve jobs, with broad support from environmental and clean manufacturing groups and no opposition testimony. The bill passed 17-0. AB 1117, by Assemblymember Schultz, would require the CPUC to offer optional dynamic electricity rate tariffs for customers to shift usage away from peak periods; supporters said it could lower bills and improve grid efficiency, while utilities said they were not opposed to the concept but wanted more flexibility and time in the regulatory process. That bill passed 14-0. The committee also approved its consent calendar and other noncontroversial items, with several measures moving forward unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 2435, the Health and Children and Families finance bill; House File 3228, the workers compensation
• Uh, please note that there's a pre-filing deadline for these bills in place under Rule 3.33.
• Uh please note that there's a pre-filing<00:01:27.200> deadline<00:01:27.600> for<00:01
• :27.759> these<00:01:28.000> bills<00:01:28.320> in pre-filing deadline for these
• bills in pre-filing deadline for these bills in place<00:01:28.640> under<00:01:28.880> rule

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• deadline.
• <00:38:05.680> deadline.
• for filing deadline.
• This deadline is for filing deadline.
• Please file your committee committees.

Bills: HB1952, HB1951, HB1929, HB2497, HB2208, HB2572, HB1953, HB2551, HB2549, HB1737, HB1628, HB1769, HB2493, HB2264, HB1997, HB2168, HB2427, HB1805, HB2180, HB2184, HB2219, HB2469, HB2233, HB2519, HB2141, HB1904, HB2201, HB2410, HB2007, HB2385, HB2444, HB2349, HB2235, HB1872, HB2416, HB2291, HB2292, HB2263, HB2359, HB2455, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB1648, HB2164, HB2323, HB1825, HB2172, HB1888, HB2005, HB2387, HB2358, HB2119, HB2276, HB2472, HB1714, HB2325, HB1541, HB1960, HB2140, HB2315, HB2367, HB2388, HB1696, HB2333, HB2138, HB2332, HB2283, HB2059, HB2057, HB2589, HB2417, HB2337, HB1588, HB2217, HB2020, HB1915, HB1742, HB2026, HB1965, HB1546, HB2360, HB1563, HB1749, HB2614, HB1511, HB1753, HB1849, HB1641, HB2161, HB2194, HB1721, HB2284, HB2188, HB1897, HB1880, HB1573, HB1876, HB20, HB2137

Keywords: HB1952, Hawaii agriculture, University of Hawaii, CTAHR, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Kauai, agricultural research station, extension station, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, appropriation, ADA compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act, certified kitchen, greenhouse, laboratory, field research, cesspool decommissioning, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• are filing your claim.
• <00:27:52.320> your wage uh for when you are filing your wage uh for when you are filing your
• <00:31:16.159> comp for it, they're already filing comp for it, they're already filing comp
• Um, deadlines are good.
• Um, deadlines are two 45day windows.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff recommends we file this report. Without objection, we will file this report.
• Staff recommends we file this report. Without objection, we will file this report.
• Staff recommends we file this report. Without objection, we will file this report.
• Staff recommends we file this report. Without objection, we will file this report.
• So let's be candid on our answers and very candid on our responses.

Summary: The committee approved the prior minutes and then received a series of audit and compliance updates. Staff reported on delinquent private water and sewer reports, delinquent 2013-2023 water reports, and several municipal accounting code noncompliance cases. Denning and Gum Springs were recommended to be removed from the 60-day clock after staff visits showed improved records, while Fargo, Lead Hill, Almy, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove were discussed for repeat findings involving missing audits, poor bookkeeping, unpaid or misapplied street funds, deficit balances, and other accounting deficiencies. Several of these entities were given additional time or had reports filed without objection, while others were deferred for later review. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was working to improve its accounting systems; the committee voted to defer the matter to the August meeting. Lead Hill’s mayor described efforts to complete overdue water audits and improve office procedures, and the committee also postponed action for 60 days. Almy’s mayor and recorder-treasurer were present, and the committee placed the town on the 60-day clock for repeat accounting issues. Biggers and Gilmore both acknowledged long-running audit problems and said they were working with auditors and the IRS; their reports were filed. Holly Grove’s treasurer said she had only recently taken the position, and that report was filed as well. The committee spent considerable time on the street-fund misuse cases for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho was found to have exceeded the statutory threshold tied to fines and costs, with staff noting the town had since become current on its repayment plan; the committee deferred the report to September. Haynes was also behind on its repayment plan for street funds, with staff saying the town had recently made up the shortfall and was current as of the meeting, but the committee still deferred the report to September. Members and staff also discussed how the speed-trap law is applied, whether certain fines and costs count toward the threshold, and the role of the prosecuting attorney in deciding whether to take further action. The committee then reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which had six findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, competitive bidding, electronic funds controls, and unusually high advertising spending. District Director Craig Douglas said the board had delegated some authority, that receipts were missing during a temporary staffing gap, and that advertising was needed to educate the public; he also defended the sale of trailers and other equipment as a way to exit the trailer business. Several members questioned the explanations and the low resale value of equipment, but the committee ultimately deferred the report to September. The meeting also included a recognition of accounting students interning with audit staff and a final set of actions on deferred water and sewer reports: 11 were filed, seven were deferred for lack of proper responses, and a private report on Shannon Hills Water, Sewer, and Fire Department was noted as involving misappropriation by an office manager and inadequate internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is Senate File 9008, which is also House File 47.
• Senate File 9008, which is also House File<00:04:54.320> 47.
• So I move that the deadlines be waived for further action on House File 3228 and that House File 3228
• Hollands and uh to present House File Hollands and uh to present House File 475.
• So, I will move House File 475.

Bills: HF3228, HF475

Keywords: workers' compensation, insurance programs, employee protection, Minnesota statutes, safety regulations, statue replacement, Hubert H. Humphrey, national commemoration, civil rights, Minnesota history, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of the deadline listed in Article 48 of the Constitution.
• , the measure is filed with the legislature.
• But it's unlikely this is going to pass before the required deadline.
• Voters are taking advantage of the 10-day voter registration deadline.
• Voters are taking advantage of the 10-day voter registration deadline.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a hearing on Initiative Petition 25-01, H.5-001, an act relative to election day registration. The co-chairs explained the Article 48 initiative process and noted that the committee must report on the petition to the legislature. The hearing focused on how election day registration differs from same-day registration, how it is used in other states, and what implementation would require in Massachusetts. Three expert witnesses testified in support of the concept. A Northeastern University political science professor said the research shows election day registration would likely increase turnout, especially among younger voters, renters, recent movers, and other underrepresented groups, while requiring planning, training, and funding. A National Conference of State Legislatures policy analyst described how election day and same-day registration work in other states, including proof-of-residency and ID requirements, provisional ballot options in some states, and the need for updated voter systems and staffing. An MIT election administration professor said the proposal is mainstream, likely popular with Massachusetts voters, and administratively workable if the state addresses workload, wait times, and system integration. Committee members asked about costs, residency documentation, use of Real ID, provisional ballots, rural polling places, and whether election day registration could increase lines or discourage advance registration. Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin and volunteer proponent Norma Shulman testified in favor of the petition. They argued that election day registration would help eligible voters who miss deadlines or move before an election, reduce reliance on provisional ballots, and improve participation. Galvin said the proposal includes a 10-day reconciliation period and would likely require additional staffing and possibly technology, but he viewed the reform as worth the cost and consistent with broader election reforms. Shulman said voters she encountered during the signature drive strongly supported the measure and viewed it as common sense. In questioning, Galvin said the measure would help voters who move within a community or arrive at the polls unregistered, and he said many provisional ballots are not counted because of eligibility or registration problems. Opponents from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association argued that while expanding access is important, election day registration would add to already heavy workloads for local clerks, who are managing early voting, vote-by-mail processing, and election-day operations with limited staff and resources. They said any major election change should be developed through the traditional legislative process with direct input from local officials, and they urged caution until municipalities receive more administrative and financial relief. The hearing then moved into the public testimony section, beginning with a representative from Mass for Fair Elections.

Transcript Highlights:

• We really need to be able to move quickly in hiring these law enforcement candidates.
• We really need to be able to move quickly in hiring these law enforcement candidates.
• hiring these law enforcement candidates hiring these law enforcement candidates uh<00:59:35.240>
• We'll move on to Senate File 7. Senate File 7. Senator Latz, Mr.
• We are here today and Senate File 7 is about a court case.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Senate File 571.
• Members, please note that a pre-filing deadline for these bills is now in place.
• Uh members, please note that a pre-filing<00:00:49.440> deadline<00:00:49.760> for<00:00
• :49.920> these<00:00:50.160> bills<00:00:50.399> is pre-filing deadline for these
• bills is pre-filing deadline for these bills is now<00:00:50.800> in<00:00:50.960> place.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I will call the meeting of the Ways and Means Committee back to order, and we are on House File 11.
• deadlines we're talking about because we got an email on Friday that the first and second deadline is
• April 2nd, and the third deadline for this finance bill that spends money is April 11th.
• > little fuzzy on what deadlines we're little fuzzy on what deadlines we're talking<00:32:22.600>
• on Friday that first and second deadline on Friday that first and second deadline is<00:32:27.039

Bills: HF11

Keywords: Minnesota Paid Leave, paid family and medical leave, family leave, medical leave, implementation delay, premium collection, employer premiums, state payroll tax, workforce, labor, benefits administration, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, employer notice, seasonal employees, private plans, actuarial study, outreach and education, employee rights, reinstatement