Video & Transcript Research : 'Article 331'
Page 86 of 257
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Oct 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article
- On Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Santa Fe, and in accordance with Article
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to enter into the record the April 6, 2026, NPR article, 'Trump's VA
- So, the article details that the Congressional Budget Office, which is the official sort of the ones
- <01:01:11.040>
CBO federal budget May 5th 26 article CBO federal budget May 5th 26 article - So, the article<01:01:20.559>
details <01:01:21.040>that <01:01:21.280>the <01:01 - <01:02:24.720>
entitled, 17th Time magazine article entitled, 17th Time magazine article entitled
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 5, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- US Constitution article 2 executed.
- enter into the record two news article enter into the record two news article about<02:45:55.920
- ,<03:09:07.040>
it's Article one of the Constitution, it's Article one of the Constitution - It's very clear in our Article I authorities.
- And so the our article one authorities.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- For those needing a refresher or more details, there are two media articles containing details that I
- containing uh details that I articles containing uh details that I have<00:54:00.119>
passed < - 84 from, oh sorry, Article 83.
- <03:26:40.160>
83 <03:26:41.160>um article 84 from oh sorry article 83 um article 84 - <03:28:25.479>
four go back to our Constitution Article four go back to our Constitution Article
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education to require objective, science-based evidence for pedagogical methods. The prime sponsor said the bill is a verbatim reintroduction from the prior session and argued that current federal definitions are too vague, allowing subjective surveys and other weak evidence to justify teaching methods. He said the bill is limited to pedagogy, not subject matter, and is intended to improve student outcomes, reduce fad-driven practices, and potentially save money by limiting unnecessary retraining and new materials.
Members asked repeatedly about the bill’s scope, including whether it would affect classroom teachers, curriculum content, and existing instructional approaches such as phonics versus whole language or queuing. The sponsor said the bill applies to state and local education bodies and educator training policies, not individual teachers in their classrooms, and that teachers would retain flexibility. He also said standardized testing could be part of a scientific study but is not itself a study, and that textbook providers could be asked to furnish the studies supporting instructional guidance included in their materials.
Several members raised concerns about the fiscal note and possible cost shifts to local districts and taxpayers. The sponsor disputed the idea that the bill would necessarily create major new costs or require additional staff, saying any costs would likely be limited and that the department is already applying federal evidence-based rules. He also said if some current methods are not science-based, updating them would be justified even if there were some initial expense. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- providing a report to the legislature on each petition filed in advance of the deadline listed in Article
- Article 48 of the Amendments of the Constitution of the Commonwealth authorizes voters to propose an
- Following this process as required by Article 48, there's an additional signature-gathering requirement
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 2522 / H. 5909, which would amend state labor law to treat the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) as a public employer and allow its employees to seek collective bargaining rights. The chair explained the Article 48 initiative process, noted that no opponents or members of the public had signed up to testify, and said written testimony would be accepted through March 20. The hearing focused on whether CPCS staff should be brought within the public-sector bargaining framework and how that would interact with the agency’s statutory duties.
Expert testimony began with an NCSL analyst, who gave a national overview of public employee bargaining rights and examples of public defender unions in other states and localities, including Colorado, New York City, Indianapolis, Cook County, Maryland, and Illinois. Department of Labor Relations officials then reviewed prior failed organizing efforts at CPCS and its predecessor, explaining that earlier petitions were dismissed because the agency was not considered a public employer under existing law. They said passage of the initiative would not automatically unionize employees, but would allow a union to petition for an election or written majority authorization, with normal unit-appropriateness and supervisory/confidential employee issues still to be resolved.
CPCS Chief Counsel Anthony Benedetti testified that the agency supports providing information to the legislature but is not taking a position for or against unionization. He described CPCS’s statutory responsibilities, size, and current efforts to expand staffing after recent indigent-defense crises, and said any new bargaining framework would need to operate alongside the agency’s obligations to provide counsel. Proponents from SEIU Local 888 and allied labor groups argued that CPCS employees have long been denied the same collective bargaining rights as other public workers, and that a union would provide just-cause protections, a voice on staffing and working conditions, and better support for recruitment and retention. CPCS attorneys and staff testified in favor of the measure, citing heavy caseloads, rapid expansion, inadequate supervision and office support, and the need for representation in disciplinary and workplace disputes. Committee members asked about bargaining-unit composition, the role of the DLR, the effect of unionization on attorneys’ ethical duties, and the use and cost of paid signature gathering. The hearing ended with no votes taken and no opposition testimony presented.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- At last year's annual town meeting, I proposed a citizen's petition to put an article on the warrant,
- The article passed 147 to 17. And our state senator, Bruce Tarr, put it forward as S. 2896.
- And so this bill is needed for Article 97 purposes.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing on several late-file bills and home rule petitions, with testimony focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife management, rodenticide restrictions, and a local land-use request. Rep. Scarsdale testified for H.5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton’s J. Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk in honor of the activist who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signs, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey presented a package of Duxbury Beach bills—H.5141, H.5140, and H.5139—intended to align state shorebird protections more closely with federal standards, create parity in beach management tools, and require periodic review of outdated recreational-use guidelines; he said the bills were developed with local and agency input and aimed to balance conservation with beach access.
A large portion of the hearing concerned local petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, Animal Defenders International, wildlife rehabilitation groups, and residents from towns including Grafton, Billerica, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Eastham, and Truro argued that these poisons harm raptors and other non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning, persist in the environment, and are increasingly ineffective. Several speakers said local town meetings had approved the restrictions and urged favorable reports on the petitions. Opponents, including a representative of the New England Pest Management Association, argued that regulation should remain at the state level under MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted that the agency was already reviewing rodenticide regulations. Committee members asked questions about agency consultation, the relationship between state and federal bird listings, and how local beach rules would work in practice.
The committee also heard testimony on H.4700 and related local pesticide-reduction petitions for Eastham and Truro, with witnesses describing groundwater concerns, pesticide drift, and wildlife impacts. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.2961, a Dighton bill authorizing the use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes to replace the Pleasant Street Bridge and add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; the witness said the affected area was limited and necessary for safety improvements. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, with the chair turning the gavel over and the committee adjourning.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Sep 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In the interest of time, I might consolidate, but I did want to highlight a few aspects of an article
- As highlighted in this article, our students are increasingly taking notice of CTE.
- According to a recent article in The Hill, absenteeism often stems from students feeling they are already
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 7, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We've seen since then, this mother that came and visited me, you know, a host of news articles about
- We've seen since then, this mother that came and visited me, you know, a host of news articles about
- fentanyl's being mixed in with other substances. ...came and visited me, you know, a host of news articles
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard and passed several bills. HB 293 would codify the Office of Faith and Community in the Executive Office of the Governor, create a liaison and advisory council, and was supported by faith-based and nonprofit groups; some members questioned possible duplication with existing services and the source of any future funding, but the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 547 would create an exception to the 30-day notice requirement before hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers sell medical debt when the debt buyer agrees not to use interest, fees, or extraordinary collection actions and must return charity-care-eligible debt; it passed unanimously after brief support testimony. CS/HB 1553 would require reporting of uterine fibroid data to the Department of Health to create a de-identified public database and reauthorize funding for implementation; it also passed 24-0, with members noting the earlier database mandate had not been carried out.
The committee then took up CS/HB 1195, “Gage’s Law,” which would require hospitals and hospital-based emergency departments to test for fentanyl in urine drug screens for suspected overdose or poisoning cases. The bill was presented as a response to overdose deaths and the need to better detect fentanyl, and emotional testimony from a parent described a son’s death after a hospital did not test for fentanyl. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing stigma, the need for better treatment and data, and the potential to save lives; the bill passed 24-0. CS/HB 47 on child care and early learning providers would streamline inspections, speed background screening, offer free online training/testing, update definitions, protect certain family child care homes from insurance issues, and create a license-exempt category for employer-provided child care; after questions about parent notice, database listing, background checks, and insurance, an amendment was adopted and the bill passed 24-0 as amended.
Finally, CS/HB 647 would allow advanced practice registered nurses to sign death certificates in hospice settings, addressing delays that can leave families waiting to complete burial arrangements. Support testimony came from advocacy and hospice groups, and members cited the bill’s importance for families and religious burial timelines. The bill passed 23-0. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Media Availability 1/27/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The motion that was going to be offered pursuant to article 4, section 13 of the Minnesota Constitution
- 09.279>
to that was going to be offered pursuant to that was going to be offered pursuant to article - 10.480>
13 <00:09:10.839>of <00:09:10.959>the <00:09:11.040>Minnesota Article
Summary:
House Republican leaders held a press availability focused on the ongoing Minnesota House stalemate caused by the absence of Democratic members, which left the chamber without a quorum. Speaker Lisa Demuth and Leader Harry Niska said Republicans were present and ready to work, argued that Democrats were refusing to attend session, and said the Secretary of State had not allowed motions to be taken on the floor. They also criticized Secretary of State Steve Simon for adjourning the House and for not recognizing Republican motions or members.
Niska described a proposed motion under Article 4, Section 13 of the Minnesota Constitution that would have compelled absent members to attend the next session and would have withheld their legislative salary and per diem until they returned. He said the motion was blocked and argued that the Constitution gives the House authority to compel attendance and impose penalties. The leaders repeatedly said Democrats needed to “show up for work,” and said the situation was delaying negotiations over a power-sharing agreement and other House business.
The discussion also touched on Representative Brad Tabke, whose seat has been part of the dispute. Republicans said Tabke had not appeared in the chamber and that his absence was not helping negotiations. Demuth said Republicans would return the next day at 3:30 p.m. and continue working if Democrats appeared. No votes were taken, and no motion was adopted during the availability.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- He said Article 4 of the New Hampshire Constitution declares that we have a right of conscience, and
- Article 5 similarly guarantees religious freedoms. wrong and wrong and so<01:19:50.239>
we <01: - in order just to keep their jobs article in order just to keep their jobs article four<01:19:59.320
- <03:05:14.479>
in recent um there's a recent uh article in recent um there's a recent uh article - <04:24:24.439>
I've be placed on as warrant articles I've be placed on as warrant articles
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232, which would protect health care workers’ conscience rights in connection with certain procedures, especially abortion and sterilization, and also referenced contraception. The prime sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, said the bill is meant to prevent medical professionals from being forced to participate in procedures that violate their beliefs, while still prohibiting discrimination against patients based on protected characteristics. He said the measure was intended to help retain health care workers in New Hampshire and noted he had added an amendment to address concerns about people taking jobs only to later refuse duties, as well as emergency situations where a provider is the only one available.
Committee members raised concerns about how broadly the bill and amendment were written. Questions focused on whether the protections could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers, receptionists, or pharmacy employees; whether a provider could refuse to schedule, refer, or otherwise assist with services; and how “emergency” would be determined in practice. Several members also questioned whether the bill could affect access to contraception, including pharmacy sales and procedures such as tubal ligation, and whether the language was clear enough to prevent confusion or unintended refusals of care. Pearson said the bill was not intended to allow refusal of emergency care or general patient discrimination, and he acknowledged some language could be tweaked.
Rep. Paige Boerman, a maternal-child health nurse, testified in opposition, saying she had seen pharmacists question prescriptions related to miscarriage care and that the bill could create barriers to contraception and other reproductive health services. She warned that the lack of a disclosure requirement and the broad definitions could create risks, especially in rural areas with limited providers. She also pointed to problems she said had occurred in other states, arguing the bill could lead to delayed care in emergencies. The hearing ended after questions and discussion; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 111 May 4th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Pursuant to the federal supremacy established by Article VI, Clause 2 of the U.S.
- Pursuant to the federal supremacy established by Article VI, Clause 2 of the U.S.
- Pursuant to the federal supremacy established by Article VI, Clause 2 of the U.S.
- Pursuant to the federal supremacy established by Article VI, Clause 2 of the U.S.
- federal supremacy established by article federal supremacy established by article six<01:50:20.639
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, and approved the journal of Friday, May 1, 2026, on a voice vote after Representative Johnson offered a humorous Star Wars-themed motion. Members then made announcements about upcoming committee meetings, including Finance, Business Affairs and Labor, State Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources, and Appropriations, along with a few non-legislative notices such as open enrollment and a Cinco de Mayo potluck.
The chamber also received a committee report from Appropriations recommending House Bills 1016, 1272, 1326, 1428, and Senate Bill 5 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The Majority Leader moved to add House Bills 1054, 1272, 1327, 1016, and 1428 to the special orders calendar for May 4, 2026 at 9:18 a.m., and there was no objection.
The House then took up Senate Bill 160, concerning employee protections in the workplace, with a Business and Labor committee report. The bill’s sponsors said it would ensure meatpacking workers receive frequent bathroom breaks and that the cost of initial protective equipment is not deducted from paychecks. Supporters argued the bill protects basic dignity and health, while opponents said the issues are already covered by OSHA and that the measure is redundant, potentially preempted, and too specific to one employer. Representative Richardson offered amendment L002 to require coordination with OSHA before state action, but the amendment was defeated on a voice vote. Debate on the bill continued, with members divided over whether the legislation was needed or whether existing labor and safety rules were sufficient.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/17/2025)
State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Where is it written in the Constitution, and what article or section is it contained that you may take
- Where is it written in the Constitution, and what article or section is it contained that you may take
- section<04:38:36.000>
is <04:38:36.119>a <04:38:36.320>contain and what article - or section is a contain and what article or section is a contain that<04:38:36.920>
you <04:38 - being deployed to a combat zone without a formal declaration of war issued by Congress pursuant to Article
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- Just yesterday in Luzerne County, one of our papers had an article that a data center offered $10,000
- Just yesterday in Luzerne County, one of our papers had an article that a data center offered $10,000
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests, including the Civil Air Patrol Pennsylvania Wing Cadet Color Guard, district office staff, and a guest page. A quorum was established with 202 members voting on the master roll. The chamber also noted that Deputy Sergeant Hopkins is retiring after three years of service, and several committee meetings were announced for later in the day.
The main floor action was on House Bill 2198, which repeals the sales and use tax exemption for computer data center equipment. Supporters argued the exemption is no longer needed because data centers are large, profitable companies that should pay their share, and cited a projected future cost to the Commonwealth of about $517 million annually. Members in favor also said data centers place heavy burdens on local water, land, and electricity resources and should not receive taxpayer subsidies. Opponents argued the bill conflicted with broader data center policy discussions and that the House was moving too quickly after passing related infrastructure legislation the day before.
After debate, the House took a recorded final vote and passed House Bill 2198 by a vote of 197-5. The bill was sent to the Senate for concurrence. The House then moved several bills from the table calendar to the active calendar and adjourned until Friday, June 26, 2026, at 12 noon unless recalled sooner by the Speaker.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Ordered, that by the authority of Article 4, Section 2 of Chapter 1 of the Constitution, the Senate declares
- By the authority of Article 24 of the Amendments to the Constitution, the Senate directs the President
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted an order declaring the First Middlesex District seat vacant following the death of Edward J. Kennedy, with a precept issued for a special election on March 3, 2026. The chamber also adopted a resolution congratulating the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on its 50th anniversary and observed a moment of silence in memory of Mary O'Connor Blancher, with remarks honoring her service as an educator and longtime Sturbridge public servant.
The Senate then advanced several local and special legislation items, generally by unanimous consent and voice vote. These included bills on residency limits for Wells police and fire personnel, a Boston police age waiver for Antonio Perez, additional liquor licenses for Palmer, cemetery-related and treasurer-payment matters in Norton, increasing the Lanesborough select board, bond-related legislation, and a Quincy telecommunications revenue bonds bill that was amended with a new draft before being engrossed. The chamber also considered Massachusetts Water Resources Authority service bills for parcels in Sharon, adopting emergency preambles and passing them to engrossment, and a bill removing Hull from regional commissions on the status of women.
The Rules Committee reported several matters for immediate consideration, including suspensions of rules and Joint Rule 12 for certain Senate petitions. The Senate also adopted a special order governing future consideration of House No. 4615, the fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, setting deadlines and procedures for amendments and requiring immediate third reading and engrossment after amendment. The session closed with remarks recognizing Diwali and wishing the clerk a happy birthday, followed by adjournment to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in formal session.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, this is a draft 6.8A report for Senate Bill 123 by Senator Morris, which proposes to amend Article
- SB 97 proposes to amend Article 1, Section 17A of the Constitution of Louisiana.
Summary:
The House Civil Law Committee met on May 11, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several bills and resolutions. It reported favorably without objection Senate Bill 466, which bars foreign adversaries from using expropriation authority in Louisiana and creates a narrow expropriation category for very large aerospace/LED projects of at least 20,000 contiguous acres with no residential structures. The committee also reported favorably House Bill 986, requiring child support payments from persons convicted of vehicular homicide for the benefit of a child who lost a parent.
The committee then considered two constitutional amendments by Senator Morris. Senate Bill 123 would allow judges to be removed for cause by a majority vote of the legislature and certification by the governor; it was amended to change the ballot language to refer to removal for malfeasance, gross misconduct, or incompetence, and was reported favorably after a roll-call vote of 5 yeas and 1 nay, with Representative Carter voting no. Senate Bill 97 would require prosecutorial consent for a defendant to waive a jury trial, except in capital cases; after adopting Amendment Set 5277 to clarify the capital-case exception, the committee heard opposition from Chris Alexander of the Louisiana Citizens Advocacy Group and then reported the measure favorably by a 5-1 vote, again with Representative Carter voting no.
The committee also heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 35, which urges the Louisiana State Law Institute to study remote online notarization for authentic acts. Testimony in support came from the Louisiana Bankers Association, which argued the study is needed because of declining notary availability, especially in rural areas, and noted similar practices in other civil law jurisdictions. SCR 35 was reported favorably without objection. Finally, House Bill 1098, by Chairman McFarland, was reported favorably without objection; it provides a limited liability framework for FAA-licensed aerospace flight entities operating in Louisiana. House Bill 375 was voluntarily deferred, and the meeting adjourned.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/09/2026 - Senate Federalism
Transcript Highlights:
- Constitution, Article I, Section 8, Clause 17—commonly called the Enclave Clause—in fact, this bill probably
- So very clearly, Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 says in part, relevant part: 'and to exercise like authority
Summary:
The Federalism Committee considered only Senate Bill 1281, which would require legislative and gubernatorial approval before private Arizona real property could be sold, transferred, gifted, or otherwise conveyed to the federal government. The bill also set up notice and review procedures for such transactions, required state employees to report certain federal land-trust notices involving Indian tribe settlement lands, and imposed civil penalties for noncompliance. The chair explained a seven-page amendment that added exemptions for certain federal purchases, congressionally or agency-approved land exchanges, and reclamation of abandoned mines, while also expanding reporting and notification requirements for covered federal designations.
Public testimony was uniformly opposed. Speakers from the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter and the Arizona Wildlife Federation argued the bill would interfere with private property rights, add unnecessary bureaucracy, and obstruct conservation projects that have improved public access to hunting, fishing, and recreation lands. A private citizen also urged a no vote, saying federal land acquisitions can protect habitat and public access. Committee members raised questions about the governor’s role, the scope of the amendment, federal law enforcement, tribal acquisitions, and whether the bill would affect detention-center-related property purchases.
After discussion, the committee adopted the Fincham amendment and then voted on SB 1281 as amended. The bill received a do pass recommendation by a 4-3 roll call vote, and the committee adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I move that in compliance with Article 4, Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of Arizona,
- Speaker, I move that in compliance with Article 4, Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of Arizona,
Summary:
The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the Journal, and welcomed Dr. Andrew Carroll as Doctor of the Day. Members also heard a proclamation recognizing January 13, 2026, as Arizona Human Trafficking Awareness Day, with remarks highlighting the work of the Arizona Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition and the importance of survivor-led prevention and awareness efforts. The chamber also offered brief personal remarks honoring former Senator Barbara Lange and noting Representative Khyl Powell’s recovery.
The House then took up procedural business, including two motions related to adjournment: granting the Senate consent to adjourn after Thursday, January 15, 2026, until Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and requesting the Senate’s consent for the House to do the same. Both motions passed by voice vote. The House also received a long list of first- and second-reading bill referrals covering a wide range of topics, including elections, water, education, health care, criminal justice, agriculture, transportation, and several memorials and resolutions.
No substantive floor debate or final votes on individual bills occurred in this transcript. The House also announced committee schedules and cancellations for the day and following days, including meetings for Commerce, Education, Natural Resources, Judiciary, and Ways and Means. The chamber adjourned by motion until 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Article 7, Section 26 of the Constitution requires a minimum of $90 million annually.
- Article 7, Section 26 of the Constitution requires a minimum of $90 million annually to be distributed
Keywords:
state budget, appropriations, education funding, public health, social services, government operations, state institutions, capital outlay, budget, infrastructure, appropriation, general obligation bonds, bond authorization, capital improvement, financial management, state treasury, funding, state general fund, local government, fiscal year
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public safety policy bill unveiled 3/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not into articles, so it doesn't lend itself to an easy summary that can be shared by Ben and I,
- It's not into articles, so it doesn't lend itself to an easy summary that can be shared by Ben and I,
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3990, Chair Novotny’s bill, as the vehicle for a public safety policy package. Members were told the DE1 amendment had been posted for public review, so no formal action would be taken at this meeting; the committee planned to act on the bill at the next hearing on March 25. Chair Novotny said questions from Judiciary on the original bill had been addressed or were still being worked on, and he expressed hope the bill would pass out the next day.
Non-partisan staff walked through the DE1 amendment, explaining that it combines multiple bills into one package. The included provisions covered BCA fraud investigations and administrative subpoenas, disaster assistance reporting dates, DOC policy on substance use and TV screening, raising the kratom possession/sale age to 21, DOC facility licensing, restitution considerations for early release, BCA data collection and local law enforcement reimbursements, public employer review of applicants with criminal convictions, victim notification and minor-victim privacy protections, second-degree murder language involving out-of-state protection orders, increased penalties for certain coercion offenses tied to non-consensual image dissemination, and reporting when law enforcement deploys chemical irritants.
No one signed up to testify, and there were no votes or formal amendments acted on during the meeting. The chair noted that additional amendments were expected at the next hearing, and the meeting adjourned without further action.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- commission's 14th quadrennial analysis of the legislative compensation and allowance effort mandated by Article
- commission's 14th quadrennial analysis of the legislative compensation and allowance effort mandated by Article
Summary:
The Maryland Senate held a brief pro forma session with a quorum call and routine procedural business. The chamber received a letter from the General Assembly Compensation Commission transmitting its 14th quadrennial report on legislative compensation and allowances, which was journalized. Senators also introduced Senate Bill 328, concerning property tax credits for disabled or fallen public safety officers, and several bond initiative items, including projects such as the Carroll County Youth Services Bureau, Cromwell Valley Elementary Playground, and Holland Hills Park; these were referred to the appropriate committees or the capital budget subcommittee.
No substantive debate or votes occurred. Members shared announcements about delegation meetings, including the Eastern Shore delegation’s presentations from Congressman Andy Harris, MACo, and the Maryland Municipal League, and a mention of Western Maryland organizing activity. Leadership also noted that weather could affect the next meeting and advised members to check the website and watch for email updates.
The Senate then adjourned, on motion of the majority leader, until Monday, January 26th, with the exact meeting time to be confirmed on the website.