Transcript Highlights:

• ultimately recovered by the plaintiff attorneys that filed these lawsuits, that by virtue of career longevity
• the passage of HB 837, what we've seen is a drastic reduction in the filing of lawsuits and the longevity
• My fear is that this is another bill that just takes us a step closer.
• My fear is that this is another bill that just takes us a step closer toward having men or abusive ex-partners
• I respectfully ask for your support of this important step forward toward fairness, and I'm happy to

Summary: The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0. The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0. HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it takes a lot sometimes for folks to step forward and say that they're not okay and seek out
• takes a lot sometimes for folks to step takes a lot sometimes for folks to step forward<00:35:07.400
• them in the outdoors, and be able to have them engage in healthy habits that's going to help their longevity
• We even take it a step further due to the relationships that we build in the outdoors and going on our
• If they are still service members and they seek mental health guidance, they worry about career longevity

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, Chair Howard, step right up. Welcome to your housing committee.
• Currently, we can step in where the private market is unable or unwilling to finance a project.
• more more um again this is just a step more more um again this is just a step in<00:58:58.559>
• They need to be more than just pilots; they need longevity.
• Pilots they need longevity Pilots they need longevity families<01:09:56.199> need<01:09:56.360

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But I would defer to my testifier on what the longevity might be for modern equipment.
• The new generation now at 25 years of a total rebuild will continue to prolong the longevity for this
• > might<00:15:59.279> be<00:15:59.519> for<00:16:00.320> uh on what the longevity
• might be for uh on what the longevity might be for uh modern<00:16:00.959> equipment.
• but rolling up our sleeves and steps but rolling up our sleeves and doing<00:43:09.040> the<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Due to previous investments, we are just one step away from completing the vital infrastructure project
• to previous investments, we are<00:05:14.880> just<00:05:15.039> one<00:05:15.360> step
• ><00:05:15.520> away<00:05:15.840> from<00:05:16.080> completing are just one step
• away from completing are just one step away from completing the<00:05:16.639> vital<00:05:16.960
• <00:59:26.240> of<00:59:26.400> our preserve the longevity of our preserve the longevity

Bills: HF604, HF1972, HF578, HF1951, HF629, HF864, HF874, HF1155, HF884, HF2365, HF643, HF234, HF2655, HF2637, HF2535, HF2530, HF2344, HF584, HF524

Keywords: airport funding, bonds, transportation, capital investment, Karlstad, community center, Breckenridge, state bonds, economic development, HF578, Faribault, River Bend Nature Center, bonding bill, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR grant, nature center, visitor center, environmental education, multicultural center

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I believe the longest journeys start with the first step, and I think what this is trying to do is
• All long journeys start with one step, and while all of us would much rather prefer that we had a billion-dollar
• But as for an ad hoc raise across the state of Oklahoma, we were able to achieve that with that longevity

Bills: SB1177, HB3705, SB1942, SB2026, SB1533, SB1327, SB2065, SB2155, SB2159

Keywords: education funding, mental health services, public safety, housing, state budget, tax credit, parental choice, private school, income tax, dental insurance, health care, medical necessity, insurance claims, dentist rights, military discharge, veterans, DD Form 214, confidentiality, grandchildren access, veteran burial

Transcript Highlights:

• liberty and equality reflected in the Constitution of the State of Vermont with authority, force, longevity
• authority,<00:25:52.559> force, Vermont with authority, force, Vermont with authority, force, longevity
• longevity, and symbolic importance. longevity, and symbolic importance.
• Burlington. >> Speaker, I rise in support of Proposal 4 because this is a moment when states must step
• Proposal 4. >> Speaker, I rise in support of Proposal 4 because this is a moment when states must step

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional for Mental Health Awareness Month, focused on the fragility and renewability of mental health and the importance of human connection, kindness, and reaching out to people who are struggling. The chamber then handled several referral items, including first reading and referral of Senate Bill 329, an act relating to criminal procedures involving firearms, to the Judiciary Committee. It also referred Senate Bills 323 and 326 to the Committee on Appropriations because they carry appropriations, and noted that Senate Bill 278, relating to cannabis and state revenue, had been reported favorably with amendment and was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A. The House took up Joint Senate Resolution 53 on weekend adjournment for May 15, 2026, and adopted it in concurrence by voice vote. The chamber also read House Concurrent Resolution 284 honoring former Senate Majority Leader and Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs’ Executive Director John F. Campbell for his public service, including his work on marriage equality and gun control, and members gave remarks recognizing his leadership, humor, and impact on the institution. Several guests were welcomed and recognized during announcements, including a representative involved in a diaper drive, local officials, and Norma Malone, who was honored for decades of public service in Barry Town and related local boards. The main floor action was on Proposal 4, a proposed constitutional amendment on equality of rights. The Judiciary Committee recommended concurrence, and the member from Burlington explained the amendment’s purpose and process, emphasizing that it would add an equal protection guarantee to the Vermont Constitution covering race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and national origin, while preserving other constitutional protections. The member also reviewed the proposal’s prior passage in both chambers in the previous biennium and its current path toward appearing on the November 2026 ballot if approved again by the House and Senate. The transcript ends while the House is still hearing extended remarks on Proposal 4, with no final vote on the amendment shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• What they would like to do is do it based on longevity and experience and performance, and so that they
• <00:07:35.199> it<00:07:35.360> based<00:07:35.680> on<00:07:36.080> longevity
• <00:07:37.120> and to do is is do it based on longevity and to do is is do it based on longevity

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 10:30 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The meeting began with testimony from the Nursing Home Administrator Board, whose executive director explained the board’s role in licensing nursing home administrators, the AIT internship pathway, reciprocity, board composition, meeting schedule, and staffing. Members then shifted to an ice-storm-related discussion about nursing home emergency preparedness. Legislators asked whether any facilities lacked power, generators, or water, and urged clearer communication protocols so facilities would report problems directly through the Department of Health and emergency channels rather than through scattered calls to legislators. The board said facilities generally communicate with the Department of Health, that emergency contact information had been distributed before the storm, and that every facility has some form of generator, though not all can power the whole facility. The board also presented a small budget request, including modest salary increases for its two employees and a cloud-migration cost tied to House Bill 1491, with the understanding that statewide funding for that requirement might be handled separately. The discussion then moved to the Department of Health’s budget and operations. Agency leadership said the department has spent the last three years improving county health department efficiency, reducing overhead, and adjusting fees to eliminate program deficits, which has reduced spending by about $10 million and would shift roughly $8 million in general funds away from deficits. The department requested level funding overall, citing inflationary pressures and the possibility of another federal shutdown, but said it could absorb the impact for another year. Members discussed the public health trust created in a prior session, the need to rebuild county health departments, maternal and fetal care initiatives, and the importance of maintaining the $2.9 million in public health program support that has helped expand services such as obesity management, OB care, and home visitation for high-risk mothers and babies. Oversight and compliance issues were also reviewed. Legislators asked about prior problems with grants and sex education funding, and department officials said they had tightened oversight, adopted OpenGov for compliance, and corrected earlier violations so the programs are now in full compliance. They said the agency had improved accountability for both state and federal funds and that transparency remained a priority. The department also highlighted the cannabis program, saying it is now profitable, generating about $9 million in net revenue last year and about $12.5 million this year, with projections of $40 million to $50 million annually as it matures. Officials said they are asking for seed money for the public health trust from cannabis revenue so private-sector donations can be leveraged for long-term public health support. They described enforcement actions including fines, suspensions, license revocations, plant destruction, and referrals to law enforcement, the attorney general, and licensure boards for serious violations. The meeting ended with general support from legislators for the department’s work and acknowledgment of improved health outcomes, including Mississippi moving from 49th to 48th in overall health outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• also if people are abiding by the regulations and following the rules, uh, this might be an extreme step
• to take, uh, considering that this step to take, uh, considering that this would<01:29:37.840> this
• Um, Um, stepping back for a sec, as I understand it, the broader situation here in your testimony outlines
• all of those things, those are the big issues that the department's prioritizing in terms of the longevity
• prioritizing in terms of the longevity prioritizing in terms of the longevity of<01:33:16.239>

Bills: SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, burial sites, DHHL, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, section 6E-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Hawaii Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places, cultural resources, archaeology, land use review, environmental review, state historic preservation officer, Hawaiian home lands, project permits, consultation, concurrence, nonconcurrence

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures affecting Hawaiian affairs, historic preservation, water access, and land governance. SB 1406 would let the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands assume historic preservation review for projects on lands under its jurisdiction, except for properties listed or nominated for the state or national historic registers. DHHL supported the bill, while a descendant testifier strongly opposed it, arguing that burial and preservation review protects ancestors and should not be streamlined or reduced. No questions were raised and the bill was moved on after testimony. SB 521 would require DHHL to work with county water boards or water departments to provide potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian homelands, with agreements made public. DHHL said it already works with counties but objected to the bill’s mandatory language, saying it could undermine the department’s discretion and independence. A public testifier supported the measure, and committee discussion focused on how water requirements could affect subsistence lots and infrastructure decisions. The committee then took up SB 3247, which would create a Royal Mausoleum Commission within DLNR to oversee preservation, operations, and outreach at Mauna Ala. State Parks said it valued existing collaboration with the aliʻi trusts but wanted clarity on roles, coordination, and funding if a new commission is created. The Royal Order of Kamehameha strongly supported the bill as a culturally grounded way to protect the site, while several other testifiers opposed it, saying the real issue is the curator selection process and warning that a commission could add bureaucracy and delay. The committee also heard SB 1654, authorizing transfer of certain state lands to DHHL, and SB 112, which would add the DHHL chair or designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority; the Attorney General and HCDA offered technical and policy comments, with HCDA opposing the board change and DHHL supporting participation to protect beneficiary interests. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have to try to stay one step ahead of it as fraud continues to develop with technology.
• If they employ somebody who's been excluded, we step in and deal with that, too.
• If they employ somebody who's been excluded, we step in and deal with that too.
• we bring together legislators, law enforcement, and the tribal nations so that we can decide what steps
• Last session, you took the very important step of increasing those penalties, and we cannot thank you

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to hear the Attorney General’s budget and related agency presentations. Legislative Council first reviewed the compliance with legislative intent report and the base budget worksheet, highlighting current and ongoing appropriations, FTE changes, one-time funding items, continuing appropriations, and major special and federal funds. Members asked about items such as the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund, the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit grant funding, and staff explained the funding sources and status of those programs. Assistant Attorney General Clare Ness then outlined the Attorney General’s office structure, staffing, and budget pressures. She emphasized the office’s broad statutory duties, the value of its legal and investigative work for state and local governments, and concerns about attorney salary competitiveness, the new and vacant FTE pool, and the impact of the 3% operating budget reduction on BCI, IT, and the crime lab. Members also discussed AG opinions, boards and commissions training, and the office’s litigation and settlement recoveries. Ness and committee members raised the possibility of broader attorney salary benchmarking across state government. The crime lab director described severe space and infrastructure constraints, including overcrowding, shared workspaces, glycol leaks, air handling limits, and aging fire and burglar alarm systems. She said the 2024 study projected a much larger facility would be needed and that a new building on the current health department site would best address the lab’s needs. She also reported that backlogs have improved significantly in DNA, drug, fingerprint, and firearms work, though toxicology had a recent delay after an air compressor failure. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit director described the unit’s fraud, abuse, and neglect work, noted federal-state funding and recent federal scrutiny, and said the unit needs more staff. The gaming division reviewed charitable gaming growth, e-tabs, trust accounts, and compliance issues, while BCI covered its caseload, cybercrime and child sexual abuse material investigations, the missing indigenous person task force, and the use of lottery funds for drug task forces. No formal votes or budget actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• going to be and how they can move up and have some reward for hard work, for great work, and for longevity
• And we have to try to stay one step ahead of it as fraud continues to develop with technology.
• If they employ somebody who's been excluded, we step in and deal with that, too.
• If they employ somebody who's been excluded, we step in and deal with that too.
• Last session, you took the very important step of increasing those penalties, and we cannot thank you

Summary: The committee met as the Commerce and Legal Services Division and first approved the minutes, then received a Legislative Council overview of the Attorney General’s current budget status and a blue-sheet summary of the AG’s base budget for the next biennium. Staff highlighted compliance with legislative intent items, including FTE changes, one-time funding updates, litigation pool spending, opioid settlement receipts, and continuing appropriations. Members asked about specific funds such as the Missing Indigenous People Grant Fund and the Internet Crimes Investigation Fund, and staff explained the statutory basis and status of those items. The Attorney General’s office then presented an extensive overview of its divisions and budget pressures. Chief Deputy Attorney General Clare Ness described the office’s 14 divisions, the role of the office in defending the state and recouping funds, and concerns about attorney pay, recruitment, and retention. Members discussed whether attorney salaries should be benchmarked across state government and whether more legal work could be centralized in the AG’s office. The office also described challenges with the new-and-vacant FTE pool, operating expense cuts, leased office space, and the criminal justice information systems used to connect law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts. The Crime Laboratory director gave a detailed update on space and infrastructure problems, saying the current lab is overcrowded and outdated, with safety, workflow, air-handling, glycol leak, alarm, and maintenance issues that can delay casework and risk evidence integrity. She said a 2024 study projected a need for a much larger facility and that the preferred option would be a new building on the current health department site, at an estimated cost of roughly $40 million to $45 million. She also reported that backlogs have improved significantly in DNA, firearms, fingerprint, and drug cases, though toxicology had recently developed a small backlog after an air compressor failure. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, gaming division, and BCI also provided updates. MFCU’s new director said the unit is federally funded 75/25, focuses on fraud, abuse, and neglect, and is seeking two attorney hires while continuing to work with federal partners on cases and recertification. Gaming staff reported continued growth in charitable gaming and electronic pull-tab activity, with concerns about site competition, large trust balances, possible ineligible expenditures, and the need for more scrutiny as revenues have grown. BCI outlined its staffing, drug task forces, ICAC work, and the Missing Indigenous Person Task Force, which is using its $250,000 appropriation to help tribal nations develop emergency response plans and purchase alerting tools such as IPAWS. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• rates, and increases approved by the Department of Information Technology for IT rates, as well as longevity
• And also longevity pay that was approved by the legislature in this last session. So, Mr.
• Quite frankly, that's not the fault of your local communities; that's something that DFA needs to step
• I think, kind of stepping back and thinking about the reason you might want to do that, putting some
• I think the next step is once we get to that point where we begin to not reauthorize.

Transcript Highlights:

• These recommendations offer actionable steps for the state to take when considering changes to the treatment
• So, what are the legislative steps that we should take to pursue that process?
• the Treatment Center Centers, you were saying that we should have those certified, and taking those steps
• it's going to cost to bring that piece up, but what we also used that money for was to increase longevity
• Have we taken a step forward or reported it or sought services?

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we stepped in to help fill that gap.
• Thank you for acknowledging how important technology and innovation are to the next steps.
• And we take a step of inviting them. Thank you for your presentation.
• they want to buy a house, or 18 and, you know, some things that money can help them take that next step
• The federal government forecast and how we will have to step in.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was taught to build with integrity and quality and longevity as principles.
• as principles even if you're Longevity as principles even if you're fixing<00:08:42.800> up<00
• The proposed credit is a logical next step in encouraging greater participation in the ag water quality
• /c><00:49:56.799> a<00:49:56.920> logical<00:49:57.280> next<00:49:57.520> step
• <00:49:57.720> in credit is a logical next step in credit is a logical next step in encouraging

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I apologize to members who have already heard this in the interim at LFC or potentially at Rest Step.
• Chair and Representative Lujan, to take a step back, to Secretary Chardin-Clark, Really, when we're talking
• We are recommending in our budget a new program that would allow for longevity pay for state employees
• Chairman, includes a new program that would allow for longevity pay for state employees to help with

Transcript Highlights:

• to seek the appropriate CMS federal approval for a newly created adult Pathways waiver, which is a step
• It's it's a it's a difficult position, but it requires longevity in order to become an adept support
• I think it's a step in the right direction.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, each judge, we don't want to step on their toes, right?
• Judge Newell: I'm taking over from Judge Barbara Hervey, who stepped down from the bench.
• Judge Newell: I'm taking over from Judge Barbara Hervey, who stepped down from the bench.
• SB 2310 increased longevity pay for district attorneys and the state prosecuting attorney.
• Kate Murphy: I think this was such an important step for Texas.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The manufacturers are prioritizing ride quality over longevity.
• The manufacturers are prioritizing ride quality over longevity.
• The manufacturers are prioritizing ride quality over longevity.
• The manufacturers are prioritizing ride quality over longevity.
• three placards this bill is a first step three placards this bill is a first step in<04:22:55.760

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 119-FN, which would allow rental companies registering a rental fleet to choose New Hampshire as their base jurisdiction under the International Registration Plan. The DMV witness said the state already has this capability under the IRP and did not support the bill, adding that no additional staffing should be needed. Committee questions focused on whether the bill would change where registrations are done, what implementation would require, mileage tracking, decals, and inspection requirements. A representative of the Motor Transport Association also said the bill was unnecessary because the option already exists, while noting some related truck-registration and property-tax issues. The chair then closed the public hearing on HB 119-FN with no further speakers. The committee next heard House Bill 612, which would let youth operators renew up to 30 days before turning 21 and receive a temporary license so they can transition to a standard horizontal license without an extra DMV trip. The sponsor and DMV director strongly supported the bill, describing a long-standing problem where early online renewals can trigger another vertical youth license, forcing a duplicate transaction and fee after the birthday. The DMV said the change would reduce confusion and workload, and estimated a one-time system update cost of $48,000. Members asked about whether the proposal was effectively a 30-day extension, how law enforcement would view the temporary status, and whether the system could handle printing and mailing the new horizontal license; the director said the DMV could manage it and that the bill was the best approach. The chair closed the hearing after no one else testified. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 209, which would exempt new vehicles from inspection in the second year after purchase, effectively allowing two years before the next inspection. The sponsor argued the bill would save taxpayers money and reduce unnecessary trips for owners of new vehicles. Supporters said newer vehicles are already maintained through warranties and routine service. Opponents, including the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association and a service manager from a dealership, argued the bill was not limited to truly new cars, would weaken safety by delaying inspections on vehicles that can still develop tire, brake, and other defects, and could raise costs for everyone else if inspection volume drops. The Motor Transport Association clarified that commercial motor vehicles remain subject to annual federal inspection requirements. No vote was taken in the transcript, and the hearing remained open with testimony continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:17.120> uh<00:31:17.360> into<00:31:18.000> the<00:31:18.240> longevity
• will be here even uh into the longevity will be here even uh into the longevity of<00:31:18.880>
• But this bill, in its entirety, is a strong step.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 1141, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency supplemental budget bill. Representative Howard described it as a bipartisan housing package aimed at addressing Minnesota’s housing shortage by funding housing infrastructure bonds, Greater Minnesota workforce housing, homeowner education, a senior housing pilot, and family homelessness assistance and prevention. He said the bill is budget-neutral, using unspent interest earnings and other redirected funds, and includes transparency and accountability reforms for MHFA. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing housing supply, affordability, and the need for more homes across the state. The main floor debate centered on the Norris A6 amendment and the Igo A1 amendment to it. Norris proposed changing rent-increase limits in low-income housing tax credit properties from area median income to the lower of area median income or the consumer price index, arguing that seniors on fixed incomes were being priced out as rents rose faster than Social Security COLAs. Igo’s A1 amendment instead would have preempted cities, counties, and townships from adopting or renewing rent control ordinances statewide, with supporters arguing rent control harms development and affordability. Opponents said the proposal had not been fully vetted in committee and that public subsidies justify rent limits. Both the A1 amendment to the amendment and the underlying A6 amendment failed on tied 67-67 votes. After the amendments were defeated, the bill received its third reading and further discussion. Howard and other supporters reiterated that the bill would help produce an estimated 2,000 to 2,200 housing units, with HIB-funded projects historically spread across the metro and Greater Minnesota. Members also highlighted the bill’s support for first-time homebuyers, manufactured housing, senior housing, and homelessness prevention. No final passage vote is shown in the transcript excerpt.