Transcript Highlights:

• In Rosemount, they had Project Bigfoot. In Hermantown, it's Project Loon.
• >> [laughter] >> You're<00:25:55.080> clearly<00:25:55.520> not<00:25:55.720
• > a<00:25:55.760> group<00:25:56.040> that<00:25:56.480> usually >>
• :57.120> together<00:25:57.520> a<00:25:57.600> lot.
• <00:25:58.120> What<00:25:58.280> was<00:25:58.440> it<00:25:58.520> like

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Lawmakers held a bipartisan press availability on a bill to prohibit local governments and their officials from entering into non-disclosure agreements with private entities. Supporters said the measure is intended to protect transparency, public participation, and Minnesotans’ right to know about local decisions involving land use, public financing, and economic development, especially in cases involving data centers and other large projects. Representatives and senators from both parties described the bill as a response to examples in cities such as Rosemount, Farmington, Hermantown, North Mankato, Monticello, Pine Island, and others, where they said NDAs kept communities from learning about projects until decisions were effectively already made. The authors argued that the bill is not anti-development or limited to data centers, but instead prevents corporations from using private contracts to circumvent Minnesota’s open meeting and data practices laws. They said Chapter 13 already addresses trade secrets and other confidential information, and that the bill is meant to stop NDAs from creating secrecy around government decision-making. They also said they had heard little organized opposition so far, though they acknowledged questions about how the bill would affect early-stage business recruitment conversations and how local governments, especially smaller ones, would implement the change. Members also discussed the bill’s legislative path. They said it had previously received unanimous support in committee and was sent to the general register, then moved to the Judiciary Committee at the request of Chair Scott, who wanted a hearing. The authors said they did not believe the bill raised Chapter 13 issues requiring judiciary review, but agreed to the referral as a courtesy and said they were seeking a hearing. They reported that Senate consideration had previously ended in a tie vote, but said momentum was growing and expected stronger support this session. No vote was taken during the press event.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:06.320> Line<00:25:06.880> 38<00:25:07.480> is<00:25:07.600> a
• Line<00:25:13.000> 39<00:25:13.520> is<00:25:13.679> a<00:25:13.760> $3,000
• <00:25:15.760> for<00:25:16.400> um<00:25:16.600> I<00:25:16.679> believe
• Um<00:25:20.960> and<00:25:21.080> those<00:25:21.320> are<00:25:21.400> both
• Line<00:25:25.200> 43<00:25:26.600> is<00:25:26.800> a<00:25:26.840> one-time

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And uh<00:25:01.200> I<00:25:01.360> will<00:25:01.560> continue<00:25:02.040>
• and please<00:25:17.920> feel<00:25:18.080> free<00:25:18.240> to<00:25:18.440><
• c> reach<00:25:18.640> out<00:25:18.760> to<00:25:18.880> me<00:25:19.040>
• <00:25:43.320> So,<00:25:44.040> um<00:25:44.520> we<00:25:44.760> agree<
• <00:25:46.640> It's<00:25:46.800> a<00:25:46.920> it's<00:25:47.120> a

Bills: HF495, HF4321, HF3902, HF4161, HF3755

Keywords: day care, tax subtraction, child care costs, licensed child care, dependent care assistance, HF4321, dependent care assistance programs, gross income exclusion, federal conformity, Internal Revenue Code, individual income tax, Minnesota tax law, tax conformity, child care assistance, employer-provided dependent care, taxable income, state income tax, retroactive tax change, family care benefits, housing tax credit

Transcript Highlights:

• to speak<00:25:04.720> up,<00:25:05.520> afraid<00:25:06.000> to<00:25:06.240><
• People<00:25:08.000> are<00:25:08.159> afraid<00:25:08.480> of<00:25:08.640>
• targeted<00:25:12.960> not<00:25:13.200> just<00:25:13.360> by<00:25:13.760>
• AI data centers, but let's kill the offshore<04:25:52.800> wind<04:25:53.040> projects.
• <04:25:53.760> Let's<04:25:54.080> create offshore wind projects.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:23.440> to<00:25:23.679> go<00:25:23.840> into<00:25:24.080> the
• <00:25:30.320> Hawaii<00:25:30.720> Island<00:25:31.039> and<00:25:31.279>
• <00:25:39.600> Happy<00:25:39.840> to<00:25:40.080> talk<00:25:40.240> to
• >> I<00:25:41.600> also<00:25:42.000> have<00:25:42.480> u<00:25:42.720>
• :25:26.640> And<02:25:26.800> it's<02:25:27.040> not<02:25:27.120> a<02:25

Bills: HB2118, HB2473

Keywords: business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, Hawaiian culture, sense of place, land management, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to permitting and economic development. On HB 2603, relating to permits, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it supported the measure with comments. Committee discussion focused on the fact that the state’s facilitated permit process appears to have been rarely or never used, the need to identify specific projects that would use it, and whether DBEDT would need dedicated staffing to administer it. DBEDT said it had found no projects under the current process, had no capacity to run the program as structured, and estimated it would need about 7 to 9 FTEs, including permitting, coordination, data, systems, and possibly legal support. The chair suggested exploring a staff assignment and comparing the concept to federal FAST-41-style expedited permitting. On HB 2140, relating to essential permitting positions, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development again supported the bill with comments. Testimony and questioning centered on a pilot program to help counties pay competitively for permitting staff. A DBEDT representative said the issue of competitive pay affected both county and state permitting offices and that the bill was intended as a temporary pilot, though a more permanent solution would be preferable. When asked how counties would fund the salary support, the witness said that was not yet discussed with the counties and agreed to follow up. The committee also noted the bill applies to participating counties. On HB 2598, relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the State Procurement Office and HTDC offered comments, and the Department of the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns. The AG said the bill’s residency-based certification requirements, when tied to procurement, could implicate the dormant Commerce Clause, and that the required 1% contribution tied to state contracts raised unconstitutional-conditions concerns. In questioning, the AG characterized these as legal risks rather than automatic lawsuits. The committee did not take a vote. The committee then heard HB 2141, relating to state enterprise zones. Taxation, DBEDT, HCDA, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, and HTDC testified in support, while the Tax Foundation noted the program was intended to help economically depressed areas create jobs. HTDC said the bill would help preserve the Maui Research and Technology Center’s enterprise-zone status after rezoning. Committee discussion focused on whether the enterprise zone program is being used effectively, how the bill might attract businesses to areas where the state is investing, and whether the program’s labor requirements are too burdensome for new businesses. DBEDT explained that the program requires a 10% workforce increase in the first year, which must be sustained, and said it promotes the program through county coordinators and in-person outreach. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I<00:25:18.880> think<00:25:18.960> it<00:25:19.120> would<00:25:19.279
• > be<00:25:19.440> great<00:25:19.600> if<00:25:19.840> we<00:25:20.000><
• <00:25:24.240> And<00:25:24.480> I<00:25:24.640> support<00:25:24.880> your
• ><00:25:46.320> not<00:25:46.559> be<00:25:46.720> setting<00:25:47.039> up
• >> Not<00:25:53.679> as<00:25:53.919> far<00:25:54.080> as<00:25:54.159>

Keywords: MS House Floor - 9 February, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum, dispensed with reading the journal, and welcomed several guests, including Dr. Richard Calderon and medical student Sam Buckley, along with hospital and judicial visitors in the gallery. The chamber then moved to floor action on several bills, mostly from the Workforce Committee. House Bill 622 was brought back on reconsideration, amended to align code sections with changes made by House Bill 3, and passed 119-0. House Bill 329, a reverse-auction option for local school boards and local governments, passed 113-1. House Bills 1401 and 1588, both workforce-related measures extending repeal or exemption dates and adjusting reporting requirements, passed 121-0 and 118-0, respectively. House Bill 562 created the Mississippi Career and Technical Education tuition guarantee program for CTE students and passed 116-0. House Bill 1696 transferred apprenticeship program oversight to a state advisory structure; members questioned how it would work, whether it would affect existing programs, and how it related to specific trades, but the bill passed 113-4 after an amendment to conform to federal requirements. House Bill 338 established a construction training assistant fund supported by a reduced designated contractor contribution rate; members asked about the funding source, whether it was state money, and how it would interact with existing training efforts such as Build Mississippi and Habitat for Humanity. After adopting a committee amendment reducing the contribution percentage, the bill passed 128-0. The House also concurred in a Senate amendment on another bill, making it effective immediately so a state health department hygienist could begin work right away; that motion passed 128-0. The session ended with memorial announcements for several individuals, a request for a rules meeting after adjournment, and adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.280> a<01:25:00.440> fair<01:25:00.679> amount<01:25:01.040> of<01:25
• ><01:25:07.880> housing<01:25:08.199> and<01:25:08.400> stability<01:25:08.840><
• in some cases<01:25:20.639> and<01:25:20.800> so<01:25:21.040> on<01:25:22.040><
• c> um<01:25:22.400> and<01:25:22.719> and<01:25:22.920> many<01:25:23.199>
• 25:56.600> uh<01:25:56.800> and<01:25:57.080> and<01:25:57.199> are<01:25

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So >> So<00:25:29.520> what<00:25:29.679> do<00:25:29.760> we<00:25:29.919
• <00:25:30.159> We<00:25:30.799> it's<00:25:31.039> not<00:25:31.200> we
• :00.479> projecting<03:25:00.960> into<03:25:01.279> the<03:25:01.520> future
• <03:25:01.840> because are projecting into the future because are projecting into the future
• > our doesn't come to pass because we our doesn't come to pass because we our projections<03:25

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• procedures,<00:25:07.480> and<00:25:07.720> clean<00:25:08.040> up<00:25:08.520
• > I<00:25:29.800> would<00:25:29.920> like<00:25:30.160> to<00:25:30.600>
• . projects. projects.
• Project Bigfoot, Project Loon, Project Bengal, Project Skyview.
• ,<01:24:48.920> Project Project Loon, Project Bengal, Project Project Loon, Project Bengal

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Over<00:25:20.799> time,<00:25:21.520> millions<00:25:22.000> of<00:25:22.159>
• > meet<00:25:27.600> with<00:25:27.760> friends<00:25:28.240> have<00:25:
• <00:25:35.200> It<00:25:35.440> is<00:25:35.600> fitting<00:25:36.000> that
• c><00:25:36.320> this<00:25:36.640> project Dick.
• It is fitting that this project that<00:25:37.679> should<00:25:38.000> bear<00:25:38.400

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sense<00:25:02.400> of<00:25:02.559> self<00:25:02.960> about<00:25:03.200>
• > with<00:25:42.000> me<00:25:42.559> uh<00:25:42.640> that<00:25:42.880>
• early<00:25:43.600> on<00:25:43.760> in<00:25:44.080> my<00:25:44.320>
• <00:25:46.640> Uh<00:25:47.679> I<00:25:48.080> have<00:25:48.240> worked
• <00:25:53.760> of<00:25:54.000> Koj<00:25:54.880> to<00:25:55.120> be

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on June 20, 2025 and first approved the May 16 minutes and the non-removed items on the consent calendar. It then took up a Health and Human Services item for $5 million in additional nursing facility payments (FIS 25158). HHS explained the transfer was for private and county nursing facilities and was the third and final transfer in FY25, funded through federal matching dollars, county cap funds, and general funds. Members asked about the size of the transfer, whether it signaled future shortfalls, and how projections were developed; HHS said the request reflected updated estimates and that they did not expect similarly large transfers going forward. The committee adopted the item. The committee also considered an ARPA-related item to remove a line from a funding request because the issue had been resolved and the positions/funds were no longer needed. Members approved the item with that line removed. Commissioner Caswell then answered questions about ARPA spending authority, saying remaining projects must be expended by December 31, 2026 and that the item was intended to preserve authority for ongoing capital projects; any unspent funds would revert to the federal government. Members noted the recurring nature of these ARPA adjustments and the need to keep tracking deadlines. The Department of Corrections presented several items, including a $10 million request tied to staffing shortages and overtime costs, plus additional corrections-related funding items. Interim commissioner John Skipa said 18 employees had received preliminary layoff notices pending final budget approval. He and staff said the overtime need was driven by staffing shortages, later collective bargaining pay increases, and double-time compensation for uniform officers forced into overtime; they also said one housing unit section had been closed to reduce staffing pressure. In response to questions about morale and operational risk, Skipa said the department was under strain, that leadership was in transition, and that staffing or budget reductions could create litigation risk. The committee also heard about the Site Evaluation Committee’s budget shortfall, which was attributed to fewer new facility applications but continued casework and public engagement, and approved that item. Finally, members discussed a YDC claims administration item, questioning the role and cost of the Verald Dana consultant; staff said the firm handles intake and processing of claims for the Attorney General’s office and had been involved since the claims process was created. Several items were adopted after brief discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• :25:03.039> chair<00:25:04.039> Senator Thomas<00:25:08.000> thank<00:25:08.159>
• :25:10.640> committee<00:25:11.000> knows<00:25:11.919> I<00:25:12.039> tend<
• to be<00:25:12.440> very<00:25:12.640> supportive<00:25:13.039> of<00:25:13.640
• <00:25:17.120> know<00:25:17.840> uh<00:25:18.159> want<00:25:18.399> to<
• :25:53.520> this<00:25:53.640> one<00:25:53.960> and<00:25:54.120> I<00:25

Keywords: This meeting will take place upon adjournment of both chambers today. There is not an exact time, there for the live stream has been created with a place holder time of 4:00 PM est., 958, all

Summary: Chairman Hart called the meeting to order, confirmed a quorum, welcomed Representative Rachel Roarx, and the committee approved the February 11 minutes. The committee then moved through its agenda of PSC and related contract items, including a motion to consider the reviewed contracts without objection. One Department of Highways item was deferred when the virtual representatives were not yet available. The committee first took up Kentucky Housing Corporation contracts. Members questioned outside legal services for foreclosures and bankruptcies, why the work was not handled entirely in-house, and how much of the workload and cost it represented. Witnesses said the agency’s need was largely geographic rather than a lack of expertise, that less than 1% of the loan portfolio is referred out for foreclosures, and that many fees are reimbursable through FHA. Both Kentucky Housing Corporation items were approved. The committee then considered a Department for Community Based Services contract tied to a protest and a temporary renewal with PCG. Witnesses said the contract increase was needed to bridge the gap while the protest and RFP process were unresolved, and that the initial vendor received no funds. The committee approved the item, with Senator Douglas explaining his vote as a preference for straightforward answers. The committee also heard a Northern Kentucky University contract for a Workday ERP replacement, including implementation consulting and separate license fees. University officials explained the move from SAP to Workday, the complexity of the systems, and the need for a consulting partner; they said the total effort would span 10 years and that the contract was priced below comparable institutions. After extensive questioning about cost, budget, and value, the vote ended 4-4 and the chair noted the contract would move forward through the Finance Committee if no disapproval motion was made. Finally, the Office of Inspector General presented a contract for culture change training in nursing facilities funded by civil monetary penalties; witnesses said the goal was to improve staff satisfaction, communication, and resident outcomes, and that the CMP fund balance was about $38 million. Discussion also covered survey backlogs and CMS restrictions on the funds, with the item still under review as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• :25:02.760> to<00:25:02.880> ask<00:25:03.120> him<00:25:03.320> to West
• <00:25:04.280> We<00:25:04.440> have<00:25:05.200> one<00:25:05.360> of
• He's<00:25:11.760> you<00:25:11.800> know,<00:25:12.000> he's<00:25:12.200> a
• artist<00:25:13.800> and<00:25:13.920> he<00:25:14.000> represents<00:25:14.560
• <00:25:20.240> I<00:25:20.320> would<00:25:20.480> love<00:25:20.720> to<

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Reginald Anderson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The journal and committee reports were dispensed with by voice vote. Early in the meeting, senators also introduced guests, including Dr. Adrian Gilliam Pierre as doctor of the day and several school groups and community visitors in the galleries. A major portion of the session was devoted to recognizing student athletes and coaches through commendation resolutions. The Senate honored the Northside High School Gators boys basketball team for winning its first Class 2A state championship, the Morton High School Panthers boys basketball team for winning the 2025 Class 4A title, East Rankin Academy teams for multiple championships, Simpson County Academy’s boys cross country team and Lily Overby, Brookhaven Academy’s fast-pitch softball team, and several other schools and programs. The chamber also recognized Mississippi artist Castro Coleman (Mr. Sipp) for his music contributions, and later introduced the Meridian High School Choir, Brookhaven Academy fifth graders, and David Hoke, who has delivered Bibles to all 50 state legislatures. The Senate then took up nominations and approved three by advise-and-consent: Kent Gerard Nico to the Mississippi Hospital Equipment and Facilities Authority, Marcus Jones Martin to the State Tax Appeals Board, and Keith Allen Williams Jr. to the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation. After that, Senator Kirby moved to suspend the rules and take up a large block of commending resolutions, which the Senate agreed to consider together. The block included numerous resolutions honoring schools, athletes, educators, and community figures, and the Senate agreed to proceed to final passage by roll call with no objection noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're<00:25:07.000> also<00:25:07.200> excited<00:25:07.560> about<00:25:07.720>
• I<00:25:17.560> also<00:25:17.880> say<00:25:18.280> that<00:25:18.440> we
• ><00:25:18.600> are<00:25:18.920> stand<00:25:19.240> ready<00:25:19.720> to<
• <00:25:26.600> The<00:25:26.720> need<00:25:27.040> is<00:25:27.160> of
• The<00:25:29.880> department<00:25:30.360> would<00:25:30.600> like<00:25:30.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:17.720> type<00:25:18.679> uh<00:25:19.000> operations<00:25:19.640><
• to utilize<00:25:21.200> as<00:25:21.320> well<00:25:21.480> as<00:25:21.640>
• <00:25:37.320> huge<00:25:37.600> amount<00:25:37.840> of<00:25:38.080> the
• 25:40.159> States<00:25:40.880> probably<00:25:41.240> 60<00:25:41.600> to
• <00:25:46.080> it's<00:25:46.240> energy<00:25:46.640> related<00:25:47.080>

Bills: HF1621, HF1701, HF1796, HF1676, HF40, HF1428, HF1540

Keywords: HF1621, CelluComp, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, appropriation, grant, commercialization, fiber-based barrier packaging, packaging materials, PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, plastic reduction, sustainable packaging, environmental health, materials innovation, bio-based packaging, food packaging, agriculture finance, one-time grant, state subsidy

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:36.679> the<00:25:36.799> course<00:25:37.000> of<00:25:37.200> action
• <00:25:37.799> at<00:25:37.960> this<00:25:38.320> point<00:25:39.320> well
• terms<00:25:40.440> of<00:25:40.640> Hawaii<00:25:41.640> okay<00:25:42.520
• bar<01:25:24.159> at<01:25:24.360> at<01:25:24.480> the<01:25:24.600> bottom
• :25:31.880> and<01:25:32.040> the<01:25:32.280> majority<01:25:32.679> of

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > a<00:25:29.760> as<00:25:30.000> well<00:25:30.480> in<00:25:30.720>
• c> So,<00:25:31.760> and<00:25:32.080> since<00:25:32.400> we<00:25:32.640><
• :25:47.279> I<00:25:47.520> think<00:25:47.840> uh<00:25:48.080> yeah,<00
• 25:52.880> Department<00:25:53.279> of<00:25:53.520> A<00:25:53.760> and
• stakeholders<00:25:55.760> who<00:25:56.159> would<00:25:56.400> like<00:25:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in<03:25:01.439> New<03:25:01.640> Hampshire<03:25:02.040> or<03:25:02.439>
• > lot<03:25:05.520> of<03:25:05.680> them<03:25:05.840> are<03:25:06.000>
• <03:25:08.600> archives<03:25:09.040> and<03:25:09.239> we<03:25:09.479>
• :50.080> projects<03:25:50.439> on<03:25:50.560> the<03:25:50.680> road that's
• one of our projects on the road that's one of our projects on the road map<03:25:51.720> is<03

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: House Finance Division III convened a work session on the DHHS budget, with the chair noting there would be no votes and that the committee would spend the day hearing from the commissioner’s office. Nathan White, DHHS Chief Financial Officer, opened with the Division of Finance/Office of Business Operations, explaining that the unit supports the department through daily financial management, AP/AR, audit work, expense projections, transfers, and procurement functions such as contracts, amendments, RFPs/RFAs, and grants management. He also described the division’s revenue and reporting work, including federal draws, CMS-64 reporting, and the public assistance cost allocation plan, and said the department had centralized rate-setting work and a small team handling Medicaid rate analysis and nursing facility rebase work. Members asked about vacancies, turnover, and budget changes. White said the division had 18 positions unfunded in the governor’s budget, reducing personal services from about $10.8 million to $9.9 million, and estimated the division’s vacancy rate at about 11 percent, below the department average. He said turnover was relatively low, with one retirement at the manager level and higher turnover mainly at lower AP-level positions. He also explained that some budget lines reflected reallocations rather than new spending, including fringe benefits centralized elsewhere and an EBT card contract moved into this unit because the staff member overseeing it works in Finance. When asked about a rent/lease increase, he said it was due to higher copier leasing costs under a statewide DAS contract. White highlighted several management and technology improvements. He said a business intelligence tool procured in 2022, using Salesforce and Excel-based data, helped DHHS better track federal revenue and maintenance-of-effort spending, reducing FY24 General Fund lapse by about 70 percent and federal/other revenue lapse by 88 percent compared with FY23; he warned that the tool is not funded in the current budget. He also described Lean Six Sigma efforts in the contracts team, training for vendors and nonprofits on procurement and indirect cost rules, and a Finance Academy to standardize policies and procedures. On the contracts side, he said the department uses Smartsheet for project management and DocuSign for electronic signatures, which cut contract execution time dramatically, but noted DocuSign is also not funded in the governor’s budget. The session ended as the committee prepared to move on to the Employee Assistance Program presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:05.440> 1980s<00:25:06.080> toy<00:25:06.480> I'm<00:25:06.640> pretty
• <00:25:09.399> 60s<00:25:10.120> but<00:25:10.600> um<00:25:11.120> spap<
• okay okay<00:25:17.120> thank<00:25:17.320> you<00:25:18.120> okay<00:25:18.360
• /c><00:25:22.520> you<00:25:22.640> from<00:25:22.799> you<00:25:22.919> said
• > move<00:25:30.640> on<00:25:30.760> to<00:25:30.919> an<00:25:31.039>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:21.199> do<01:25:21.440> not<01:25:21.760> agree<01:25:22.159> with
• we<01:25:26.639> need<01:25:26.800> to<01:25:27.280> put<01:25:27.520> a
• <01:25:27.679> stop<01:25:27.920> to<01:25:28.080> that<01:25:28.320> because
• > is<01:25:29.520> an<01:25:29.840> attack<01:25:30.080> on<01:25:30.239>
• <01:25:37.280> of<01:25:37.440> the<01:25:37.679> objections,<01:25:39.040><

Keywords: 916, all