Transcript Highlights:

• it needs to accomplish critical missions or are there ways full-power commercial license use can accommodate
• The reason for me not stating a year isn't for me to say, hey we've got to continue this infinitely with

Keywords: spectrum policy, FCC auction authority, national security, innovation, technology development, 9-1-1 modernization, adaptive technologies, China competition

Summary: The meeting centered on the critical examination of spectrum policy and its implications for innovation and national security. The committee discussed the lapse of the FCC's spectrum auction authority, which has been in effect since March 2023, emphasizing the urgency of restoring this authority to maintain U.S. technological leadership against competitors like China. Witnesses provided testimony regarding the need for adaptive and reconfigurable spectrum technologies to enhance communication capabilities for both civilian and military applications. Senator Klobuchar highlighted the importance of modernizing 9-1-1 systems and ensuring robust emergency communication frameworks leveraging new spectrum innovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which is usually the biggest reason they have a challenge paying.
• The reason that is is because it's averages of averages.
• I think that's the biggest reason you're seeing it.
• I think there are many reasons why that interest has declined over time.
• You know, I guess you can have reasonable differences.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our purpose here isn't to serve ourselves or make choices that simply accommodate government processes
• Our purpose here isn't to serve ourselves or make choices that simply accommodate government processes

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:22:33.280> to businesses can adjust and accommodate to businesses can adjust and accommodate
• <01:26:57.640> to just kind of talks about the reasons to just kind of talks about the reasons
• They're noble and reasonable.
• They're noble and reasonable.
• They're noble and reasonable.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , who spoke in this committee last year, cited the availability of Meals on Wheels as the primary reason
• <00:18:45.120> an computer software to accommodate an computer software to accommodate an
• why we all we as in like the the reasons why we all we as in like the Mong<00:38:00.880> refugees
• So anyway, that was the reason, and in my opinion it's a point of discussion for the SGU vets as well
• is there, but I will just why my reason is there, but I will just say<01:09:26.560> that's<01

Bills: HF3919, HF3467, HF3741

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, veterans affairs, food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, state resources, reporting requirements, agency initiatives, veterans, educational assistance, tuition waiver, spouses, children, military service, benefits

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes, then heard an update from Metro Meals on Wheels on a veterans home-delivered meals grant funded by the committee in 2023. Testifiers said the program has served more than 82,000 meals to over 500 veterans, but funding is running short; enrollment was stopped in July 2025 and meal service was reduced to five per week to stretch dollars. They said the program is serving 168 veterans as of January 31 and will likely run out of funds in July unless additional money is provided. Members asked about eligibility and how the program ensures the grant is used only for veterans who do not qualify for other services; the organization said referrals come through county veteran service officers, MACV, hospitals, and other partners, and that it can provide confidential tracking information. No vote was taken on funding, but members expressed support and interest in more documentation. The committee then took up House File 3919, which implements recommendations from a task force on benefits for SGU veterans and irregular forces who served in the secret war in Laos from 1961 to 1975. The Department of Veterans Affairs said the bill largely reflects the task force report and technical recommendations, including adding SGU veterans to the burial fee statute so burial costs in state cemeteries can be covered, while noting there is still an unresolved issue about headstone costs for spouses and dependents. A testifier from the task force supported the bill but objected to creating a separate SGU veteran designation on driver’s licenses, arguing it could create two classes of veterans and add administrative costs; he urged using a single veteran designation instead. Other public testimony emphasized the service of Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and other allies in Laos and urged the legislature to adopt the recommendations broadly. The committee discussed the burial fee language and the purpose of the designation, but no final action or vote on HF 3919 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're 175 staff over capacity at our Maryland Avenue facility for what it was designed to accommodate
• We're 175 staff over capacity at our Maryland Avenue facility for what it was designed to accommodate
• currently today these are to accommodate currently today these are just<00:21:24.679> a<00:21
• Before we move on to Biji, could you just talk to us and with the committee about the reason for the
• Sheriffs are frustrated with that, and for good reason, and I understand it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Minnesota Department of Administration on the governor’s capital budget requests. Commissioner Tamara Grundal described the state’s deferred maintenance backlog, saying Minnesota owns more than 4,800 buildings across 19 agencies, with an estimated replacement value of $11.2 billion and about $2.2 billion in deferred maintenance. She urged continued bonding support for asset preservation, CAPRA emergency repair funding, Capitol Complex security upgrades recommended by the ACAS advisory committee, and a budget-neutral account to help leverage federal funds for renewable energy storage and electric vehicle projects at state facilities. Members asked follow-up questions about prior security spending and CAPRA use. The commissioner said some 2018 security funds were used for items such as bollards, projectile-resistant glass, key card readers, and security kiosks, but specific details would be provided offline. On CAPRA, staff said recent projects included public safety upgrades, correctional facility repairs, water main and sewer work, roof repairs, lift station repairs, and boiler and steam trap replacements. The commissioner said the account has recently been used heavily, with about $1.9 million remaining, and estimated a typical target range of roughly $3 million to $5 million based on past spending and expected emergencies. A staffer said they did not know whether bonds had been issued ahead of time to fund the reserve and would follow up. The committee then heard from the Department of Public Safety on BCA capital projects. Commissioner Bob Jacobson and Superintendent Drew Evans said the governor’s proposal includes a new Southern BCA regional office and laboratory in Mankato, expansion of BCA regional office and lab space, and a new Minnesota State Patrol headquarters using trunk highway cash. Evans said the Mankato project is needed because of growth in DNA analysis, digital evidence, controlled substances, cyber tips, and sexual assault kit testing, and because the current St. Paul facility is over capacity. He said the new regional facility would improve turnaround times, reduce travel for scientists and law enforcement, support training, and improve evidence intake and crime scene response in southern Minnesota. Senator Pappas questioned the increase in the Mankato project cost from about $48 million to $68.6 million. Evans said the increase was driven by rising construction costs and additional specialized laboratory and support-space needs identified during design work with the Department of Administration. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you require an accommodation, please let committee staff know that.
• It is for this reason that I'm beyond proud of our school.
• And if, for whatever reason, we have students in schools or districts where local leadership is unable
• For all these reasons... ...the AASL standards are already adopted or closely followed by 17 states,
• It’s part of the reason for our question. So what exactly does the bill then do?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on several bills centered on school accountability, receivership, graduation requirements, charter school access, community schools, school libraries, and student voting rights. Much of the discussion focused on the Thrive Act, S. 374, which would end state receivership and change the state’s accountability approach. Supporters, including educators, parents, advocacy groups, and students, argued that receivership has not improved outcomes in districts such as Lawrence, Holyoke, Southbridge, Boston, and the Dever, and that local communities should have more control, with greater emphasis on community schools, wraparound services, and broader measures of school quality. They also supported related bills on community schools and school library standards, and several witnesses backed a bill to expand student representative voting rights on school committees. Opponents of S. 374, especially charter school leaders, parents, students, and some education advocates, focused on Section 4 of the bill, which would change the charter school net school spending cap in the lowest-performing districts. They argued that the provision would reduce access to charter seats in communities where families are seeking more options, and that schools such as Roxbury Prep, Excel Academy, Brook, Veritas Prep, and Libertas Academy have produced strong results for students, including students of color, low-income students, and students with special needs. Several witnesses said the section would force schools to shrink or close and would remove opportunities for families in districts with long waitlists. Committee members questioned witnesses on both the effectiveness of receivership and the charter school cap language. Chair Lewis and Chair Gordon emphasized the need for a better accountability system and noted concerns about whether current measures, including MCAS-based designations, accurately reflect school quality. Some witnesses said they had discussed the possibility of removing Section 4 from the Thrive Act and suggested it might be addressed in separate charter reform legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing; testimony was received and the committee later closed testimony on S. 374 and several related bills before moving on to the student voting rights bill, S. 367.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:20.000> they policy they're one of the reasons they policy they're one of the reasons
• school has the ability to accommodate school has the ability to accommodate the<01:03:10.359>
• If I'm in Winnisquam and, for some reason, I want to go to Franklin, whatever reason, that there's a
• If I'm in Winnisquam and, for some reason, I want to go to Franklin, whatever reason, that there's a
• if I'm in winnisquam and for some reason if I'm in winnisquam and for some reason I<01:47:22.400

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• opposed to the bill for those reasons. opposed to the bill for those reasons.
• and being accommodating. and being accommodating.
• And the reason why rather than opt- in.
• For that reason, he says they can't support the bill.
• that reason, we can't support this bill. that reason, we can't support this bill.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee convened for a day of public hearings on nine bills, with plans to later execute several early bills and possibly additional measures under House Rule 44. Chair Diane Pauer outlined time limits for sponsors and testimony, announced a lunch break around noon, and noted substitute members would be arriving later. The first hearing was on House Bill 1107, which would allow municipal budget committees to have one to three alternate members. Representative Valon, the prime sponsor, said the bill was intended to help towns like Epping deal with quorum problems during the compressed budget season and noted that alternates are common on other local boards. The New Hampshire Municipal Association testified in support, saying the bill would increase flexibility and help fill seats. Committee members raised concerns about whether alternates should be elected, how they would be selected, whether they would be sufficiently informed to vote, and whether the bill’s one-year term language and rescission provisions were clear. The sponsor and NHMA said the process would be consistent with other local boards, that alternates would typically be appointed after elections, and that they would follow up on possible statutory clarification. The hearing closed with six remote supporters, one paper supporter, and no opposition reported. The committee then heard House Bill 1118, sponsored by Representative Colby, which would raise the daily amount municipal employees may hold before remitting funds to the treasurer from the current $1,500 limit to $3,500. Colby said the existing thresholds are outdated, have not been updated in about 20 years, and create burdens for smaller towns that must make frequent bank deposits, sometimes far from town offices. She said the bill would improve efficiency and allow staff to focus more on serving residents, while still allowing municipalities to keep lower limits if they choose. Members asked about how the remittance process works in practice, what amounts municipalities typically collect, and whether the change reflected a broader trend of updating cash-handling thresholds. The sponsor explained that the bill only changes the dollar thresholds in the relevant statutes and does not require municipalities to adopt the higher limit. The transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1118 is reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• But what the reason we made these changes back in 2015 is what we could show empirically, show it through
• There are a variety of reasons kids Don't go to school. My mother didn't always have gas money.
• didn't have enough money, she was a single parent again, my dad bailed out on her for for whatever reason
• If you don't have transportation, and there's a reason why.
• And so what this bill does, it accommodates, uh, my rural community and allows for the board to be made

Transcript Highlights:

• We think that's a reasonable mix, or a balance, between one-time and ongoing spending.
• We think that's a reasonable mix or a balance between one-time and ongoing spending.
• We think this proposal is building on a reasonable concern about volatility.
• So if, for whatever reason, the Trump administration decides, if...
• We think overall this is a reasonable proposal.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sometimes it's practical reasons.
• Alan Place: ...is what the judge's rule and they're going to accommodate - both sides are going to accommodate
• Okay, beyond a reasonable doubt.
• What is a reasonable time?
• And for that reason, that's my particular reason why we're against the bill, and I'll be happy to answer

Bills: HB200

Keywords: HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living

Transcript Highlights:

• It's quite hefty, but I'm sure there's a reason for that.
• I was there's a reason for that.
• ,<00:42:31.600> um, been working to accommodate, um, been working to accommodate, um, stakeholders
• And we see businesses being run out of the state for many reasons.
• And for those reasons I government.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Everybody has been on the same page, and that's why that's a big reason why we're here.
• Everybody has been on the same page, and that's why that's a big reason why we're here.
• Everybody has been on the same page, and that's why that's a big reason why we're here.
• Everybody has been on the same page, and that's why that's a big reason why we're here.
• This is from reason we're here today.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met with leaders of the First Frontier Appalachian Trail System for an update on trail development, economic impact, and funding needs. Speakers said the system has expanded from 18 to 21 counties over the past year, with interest from additional counties, about 450 miles of trails currently open, and a goal of surpassing 1,000 miles within two years. They described the project as primarily an economic development effort that is already drawing public and private investment, supporting lodging and campground businesses, and creating new enterprises such as guide services, repairs, and recovery services for ATVs. The presentation highlighted permit sales, which began on a soft-launch basis earlier in the year and are now available both physically and online. Permits cost $25 per year for in-state residents and allow riding on First Frontier trails. Officials also discussed landowner agreements, saying the standard license agreement is modeled on Hatfield-McCoy, is favorable to landowners, and can be ended with 60 days’ notice. They said the agreements, along with patrols and cleanup efforts, help address trespassing and illegal dumping while encouraging property owners to participate. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Captain Jason Sloan reported 638 hours of patrols under the memorandum of agreement since January 1 and said the partnership has focused on safety, enforcement of existing laws, emergency planning, and cleanup support. The group also cited partnerships with the National Forest, Onyx Off-Road, ARC, and Yamaha, and said a Jeep Jamboree in Lee County drew 237 registered participants, mostly from out of state. They said a GNCC race in Knox County is being pursued for spring. The authority requested $3.5 million for the next two-year budget cycle and said it needs additional staffing, including two full-time trail development coordinators and part-time office help, to keep up with growth. Members praised the project’s progress and its potential to boost tourism and regional economic development.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the reason I posed that is I had the great...
• And they're going to accommodate both sides. They're going to accommodate their case to that route.
• And for that reason, I'd like to thank you.
• What is a reasonable time?
• And for that reason, that's my particular reason why we're against the bill, and I'll be happy to answer

Bills: HB285, HB795, HB1795, HB1871, HB2407, HB2461, HB2695, HB3507, HB4911, HB200

Keywords: animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, aggravated assault, penal code, public servant, deadly weapon, mass shooting, Penal Code, penalties, felony, Texas Penal Code, felony enhancement, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, violent crime, assault punishment, serious bodily injury

Transcript Highlights:

• the superintendent must provide a reason the superintendent must provide a reason for<02:01:52.679
• <05:20:28.558> that yes and it turned out the reason that yes and it turned out the reason
• <06:25:14.638> accommodations<06:25:15.638> if<06:25:15.760> I work out reasonable
• accommodations if I work out reasonable accommodations if I know<06:25:16.040> that<06:25:16.200
• school the next day so it's a reasonable school the next day so it's a reasonable Bill<06:30:05.718

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• all the best of all, and so there are different expectations that we have around our special-ed accommodations
• expectations that we have around um our special<00:05:17.880> ed special ed special ed accommodations
• 20.360> well<00:05:20.960> as<00:05:21.400> the<00:05:21.720> services accommodations
• as well as the services accommodations as well as the services that<00:05:22.360> our<00:05:22.560

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Renovations are necessary to<00:21:45.440> accommodate<00:21:45.919> the<00:21:46.080><
• c> agency<00:21:46.480> and<00:21:46.799> include to accommodate the agency and include
• to accommodate the agency and include demolition,<00:21:48.000> framing,<00:21:48.640> insulating
• I'm a little bit unclear about how we determine reasonableness relative to these fees.

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:34 Approval of Minutes 00:56 Information Items 05:40 Project Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions 14:00 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 20:40 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet 24:53 Rpt from OFM – Ky Infrastructure Authority 40:38 Office of Financial Management 47:39 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates 48:05 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with routine business, including a quorum call, approval of the April minutes, and several informational reports. Those information items covered upcoming general obligation debt for Bullitt, Jefferson, and Warren counties; Kentucky Communications Network Authority updates tied to House Bill 6; Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation reallocations under House Bill 1; and School Facilities Construction Commission debt activity, including 20 prior debt issues totaling about $386 million with roughly 85% locally supported debt service and 15% SFCC participation. Members then discussed concerns about a Kentucky Communications Network Authority project, focusing on a reported discrepancy between an appropriation of $12.927 million and an apparent payment of about $8.532 million on a project with a cost estimate of $12.449 million. Several members asked for more detailed written information before the next Capital Projects meeting, noting that a lawsuit is pending and that they wanted to better understand the basis for the request and the spending to date. The committee also heard and unanimously approved a donor-funded Northern Kentucky University project to renovate tennis courts, with possible pickleball additions, after questions about why approval was needed, the project’s estimated $3 million cost, and its expected minimal ongoing operating costs. The committee next received Kentucky State University pool allocation reports for three projects: a $2 million McCullen Hall renovation, a $1.75 million walkway and miscellaneous repairs project, and a $2 million academic services building roof-and-window project. A member asked specifically about curb cuts and accessibility in the walkway project, and Kentucky State said existing curb cuts would be repaired and additional accessibility issues would be reviewed by engineers. The lease report from the Finance and Administration Cabinet included one lease modification requiring approval for the Attorney General’s office in Franklin County and one no-action modification for the Board of Cosmetology; the Attorney General lease was approved by roll call vote. Finally, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented five loans and 37 grants, with action taken on the loan and grant items. The loans included a Hodgenville wastewater treatment plant increase, a Grant County sewer district treatment plant loan, a Mount Sterling dam rehabilitation loan, and two Morganfield drinking water loans for granular activated carbon treatment, one with full principal forgiveness. Members asked about the Morganfield project’s purpose and were told it was a remediation effort for a water-quality concern, and they also raised questions about engineering fees, which KIA said are compared against a U.S. Rural Development fee schedule that is industry accepted. The committee also reviewed cleaner water program grant reallocations from county allocation pools.

Transcript Highlights:

• circumstances to set reasonable circumstances to set reasonable practical<00:04:47.520> guidelines
• <00:16:22.160> judgment no latitude for reasonable judgment no latitude for reasonable judgment
• stereotypes and circular reasoning stereotypes and circular reasoning according<00:30:04.159>
• <04:15:45.080> and employment public accommodations and employment public accommodations and
• <04:35:07.959> and employment public accommodations and employment public accommodations and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed. Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details. Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have facial ID for that reason because I don't think I want people taking pictures of my iris
• For three reasons, and I'll speak to a fourth: choice, privacy, and transparency.
• And for that reason, I am going to vote yes for this, so I never have to change my ID.
• The reason we do that is to not get caught and get squashed in between two cars, getting rear-ended.
• Chair, please, would making a range for rural versus metro areas be more reasonable?

Bills: HB2127, HB2257, HB2305, HB2573, HB2772, HB2941, HB2957

Keywords: special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement, safety fund, state funding, Arizona Revised Statutes, towing regulation, private towing carriers, vehicle impound, towing rates, preemption, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges