Transcript Highlights:

• THE LEGISLATION DOESN'T SEEK TO CREATE A NEW COVERAGE MANDATE AND OR SERVICE.
• OUR SURVIVAL RATES CAN ONLY INCREASE WITH GOOD LEGISLATION LIKE THIS SO THANK YOU. >> Chair Brodeur:
• 50 IS A CRITICAL AND URGENT BILL THAT STRENGTHENS THE APPROACH OF COASTAL RESIDENCY BY PROMOTING SOLUTIONS
• THIS BILL STRENGTHENS FLORIDA COASTAL RESIDENCY SCIENCE-BASED SOLUTIONS, OPTIMIZING MANGROVES, LIVING
• SB 15 IS A SCIENCE BACK SOLUTION, ONE THAT IS VERY MUCH NEEDED IN FLORIDA BECAUSE WE LOVE WHERE WE LIVE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation is clear, evidence-based, and urgently needed.
• No new scope of practice is added under this legislation.
• As I mentioned, there are safeguards in this legislation.
• There are better solutions. We're doing the right solutions right now.
• I hope that you pass this legislation. It will be... I hope that you pass this legislation.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health heard testimony on a wide range of bills focused on children’s health, tobacco control, newborn screening, pediatric cancer, palliative care, and professional licensure. Early testimony highlighted Senate bills to expand newborn screening for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency, lysosomal storage disorders, and congenital CMV, with families and clinicians describing severe diagnostic delays, missed treatment windows, and the benefits of early detection. Speakers also supported a bill to improve pediatric cancer research through a dedicated trust fund, and a bill to extend pediatric palliative care services to age 22, with parents and providers emphasizing continuity of care for seriously ill young people. Several witnesses gave personal accounts in support of the newborn screening measures. Families described children who endured years of misdiagnosis before receiving diagnoses such as Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, Pompe disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and CMV, often after irreversible damage had already occurred. Medical and advocacy witnesses said Massachusetts already collects some of the relevant screening data and argued that results should be reported to families, while others urged the committee to add conditions to the state panel because effective treatments already exist. The committee also heard support for a bill to establish a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder program and training for providers. On tobacco and youth health, testimony supported bills to ban internet tobacco sales, strengthen youth protections, and reduce lung cancer deaths through point-of-sale information and quit-line access. A student testified about easily purchasing flavored nicotine products online without meaningful age verification, and public health advocates backed measures to keep tobacco out of children’s environments. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to ensure parents have access to their children’s medical records through age 16, with exceptions for sensitive services already protected by law. The committee additionally took testimony on an optometry licensure bill, where ophthalmologists opposed language they said could broaden scope of practice and allow optometrists to use the title “optometric physician,” while optometry educators and students supported the bill as a modernization measure with no scope expansion. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair repeatedly reminded speakers of time limits and noted that written testimony could be submitted for additional comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's our newest attorney up in the legal division at Legislative Council.
• And so that is, you know, baked into the legislation.
• One of the things that Sandy highlighted that is also in this legislative.
• And thank you for sending out North Dakota Compass to all us legislators.
• They're not assigned to any specific legislator.

Summary: The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee met to review prior minutes and hear a series of presentations on advanced nuclear technology and state readiness. The committee approved the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon’s William Bridge outlined the advanced nuclear landscape, distinguishing near-term light-water SMRs from more advanced Gen 4 reactors and microreactors, and emphasized that fuel supply, especially HALEU, remains a developing supply chain. He said light-water designs are the most deployable in the near term, while advanced reactors may be better suited for industrial heat applications and could face a 2- to 3-year delay from fuel availability. Representatives from NASEO described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, pilot programs, financing tools, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and regional coordination. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and stressed that states are focusing early on emergency preparedness, community engagement, waste management, affordability, and consumer protections. They also noted that some states are creating nuclear-ready community programs and cost-recovery guardrails, while public utility commissions are examining long-term lifecycle costs and rate impacts. North Dakota agencies then outlined their potential roles. The Public Service Commission said it would likely be involved in public-interest review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted current statutes may not fully address long-term nuclear projects, co-location, or decommissioning. The Department of Environmental Quality said it would continue to regulate radioactive materials and likely support emergency planning, while fission reactor oversight remains federal. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, needing a radiological emergency program, training, exercises, equipment, and possibly industry funding. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota has sufficient surface water, especially from the Missouri River, but that water planning would be important; it did not recommend statutory or budget changes at this time. The committee recessed for lunch after these presentations, with no additional votes or actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• the legislative district chairs know their legislative district better and more intimately and know
• Chairman. legislative.
• Here's the thing: when you bring it back home to the legislative district chair, if that legislative
• When you bring it back home to the legislative district chair, if that legislative district chair is
• We cannot legislate any organization within the party, but we can certainly legislate how that party,

Bills: SB1018, SB1037, SB1568, SB1687, SB1825, SCR1001

Keywords: foreign law, Sharia law, cultural practices, women's rights, marriage laws, domestic violence, honor killings, Arizona legislation, elections, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security, internet connectivity, offline voting, chain of custody, polling place equipment, counting center, central counting center, election management system, EMS gateway

Transcript Highlights:

• not the solution. not the solution.
• >> what's your solution >> what's your solution >> my<01:34:23.040> solution
• legislation to remove unnecessary<03:54:42.239> legislation.
• unnecessary legislation. unnecessary legislation.
• . legislation. legislation.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee focused primarily on a bill concerning long-term care insurance rate increases and consumer notice. Members and staff discussed replacing or supplementing a proposed public hearing requirement with annual reporting, website updates, and consumer-facing disclosures about approved rate increases, carriers writing the products, and how the products work. Several participants emphasized that long-term care policies are long-term products, that rate increases can be spread over many years for actuarial reasons, and that consumers need better information about trends and the impact of increases. A major point of disagreement was whether the bill should try to cap premium increases. One member argued the real problem is unexpected increases of 15% to 20% and urged a statutory cap to protect consumers. Insurance department representatives and others responded that hard caps had been struck down in prior case law, that the department’s core responsibility is solvency, and that carriers need sufficient premium to pay future claims. They also said the market is struggling because many carriers stopped selling the product, leaving in-force policies to bear the cost, and that overly restrictive caps could cause insurers to withdraw from the state. The discussion then shifted toward a compromise requiring carriers to notify policyholders before a rate increase is approved and allowing a 60-day comment period. Participants debated whether the notice should come from the carrier, how confidentiality rules would apply before approval, and what the department should do with public comments. The department said it already reviews filings carefully and that submitted rates are often adjusted before approval; lawmakers noted that prior commissioners had pushed back on increases in some cases, including a seven-year moratorium. No final vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly tried to move the subcommittee along to other bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of people are trying to find solutions in order to get rid of this problem.
• A lot of people are trying to find solutions in order to get rid of this problem.
• <00:14:33.279> directed two legislatively directed two legislatively directed earmarks<00:
• see research happening to find Solutions see research happening to find Solutions instead<00:16:
• law make this particular piece of legisl law make this particular piece of legisl or<01:03:04.000

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• IT SUPPORTS INTEROPERABILITY THROUGH FLEXIBLE SOLUTIONS AND SEAMLESS INTEGRATIONS AND I WILL PROVIDE
• WIDE ROLES LIKE SINGLE SIGN-ON CAPABILITIES WHICH CREATE A UNIFORM LOGIN FOR USERS AND SECURITY SOLUTIONS
• THE PDM SOLUTION IS ALSO A LOWER-COST STRATEGY.
• IMPACTED THE DELIVERY OF THE SOLUTIONS AND THE MULTI VENDOR FACET OF IT?
• WHEN WE PROCURED A SOLUTION, WE BUILT IN SOME ASSUMPTIONS I GUESS FROM OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE TIME

Transcript Highlights:

• trial solutions.
• My name is Will Owens with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• Some of it is more individuals not understanding the legislation.
• It was legislation was authorized in 2021.
• Mark Newton with the Legislative Analyst's Office.

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the chair and members about recent federal cuts to public health, mental health, family planning, and Title X funding, with strong concern about the impact on California programs and providers. The committee then turned to the Department of State Hospitals, which presented its 2025-26 budget proposal of $3.4 billion, including new positions, capital improvements, and funding tied to increased patient costs and incompetent-to-stand-trial services. DSH reported major progress in reducing the IST waitlist and wait times, said it had met the court’s 28-day treatment benchmark for those without extenuating circumstances, and described workforce recruitment and retention efforts such as residency programs, fellowships, outreach, and hiring streamlining. Members asked about future IST referral trends, SB 1323’s effect on diversion and community treatment, and workforce lessons in high-cost regions; public comment urged reconsideration of county IST growth cap methodology in light of new criminal justice initiatives. The committee next received an informational overview of Proposition 1 and its changes to behavioral health funding and governance. The Legislative Analyst’s Office explained that Prop. 1 restructured county MHSA funding buckets, expanded the Commission for Behavioral Health, shifted prevention and early intervention responsibilities, and authorized a $6.4 billion bond, including $4.4 billion for behavioral health facilities through BHCIP. DHCS said it had released guidance for county integrated plans and was receiving extensive public comment. Members focused on BHCIP application requirements, especially letters of support and tribal projects, and raised concerns about whether DHCS’s implementation matched statutory intent. DHCS said it had authority to set application requirements and that tribal entities were treated differently because of sovereignty and funding structure. DHCS then updated the committee on BHCIP, the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program, and related bond implementation. The department said BHCIP had awarded about $1.7 billion across five rounds, with more than 130 projects and 223 distinct facilities funded, and that it was preparing to award the new bond funds after receiving nearly $8 billion in applications. The LAO’s assessment found that more than half of awards served at least 80% Medi-Cal enrollees, but also raised concerns that the regional allocation model could reinforce inequities, that the program had not sufficiently addressed the highest-need regions such as the southern San Joaquin Valley, and that smaller counties and less launch-ready applicants faced barriers. For bridge housing, DHCS said more than $1.1 billion had been awarded, serving over 5,000 people and supporting more than 2,000 operational beds, but the Governor’s budget proposes to eliminate Round 4 funding as the administration weighs other statewide investments and Proposition 1 implementation workload. Public commenters and members urged more accountability, better regional equity, stronger labor and community involvement, and caution about funding for for-profit psychiatric facilities. Finally, the committee heard on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. CalHHS and DHCS described CYBHI as a broad prevention- and equity-focused effort with more than 1,300 organizations funded, over $2.1 billion awarded, and multiple work streams spanning schools, community programs, workforce, and digital supports. DHCS highlighted school-based services, the fee schedule rollout, and digital platforms BrightLife Kids and Soluna, which it said are reaching users statewide and providing low-barrier access to coaching and support. Members and public commenters raised concerns about delays in school fee schedule implementation, the large share of funding going to digital tools, the need for more in-person services, and whether the initiative is sufficiently tracking outcomes and equity impacts. No formal votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're holding this hearing today during an important point in the legislative process.
• So it begins now, right, with legislative changes that are taking place both at the federal and state
• So, what we're waiting for is those changes to take place, legislative changes or any other form changes
• that takes place at the federal level or late legislation at the state level, or a pandemic.
• It is at best a temporary solution. It is one thing to cut or block a cut to a grant already given.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We stand in strong support of this legislation.
• We stand in strong support of this legislation.
• We have Dwayne Bautista in support. to support this legislation and we thank to support this legislation
• <00:54:45.839> I communities and offer real solutions I communities and offer real solutions
• <01:22:14.400> to two of the five suggested solutions to two of the five suggested solutions

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 7, 2025, to hear testimony on several bills and later take up amendments and votes. HB 1405, HB 1406, and HB 1407 drew broad support from business, housing, utility, and development groups, with no opposition noted on those measures. Testifiers generally said the bills would streamline permitting, improve coordination, and expand support for chambers of commerce and small businesses. After recess, the chair recommended amendments to each bill, including changes to broaden eligibility, add reporting requirements, and include funding and staffing notes. HB 1405 was amended to allow certain projects with one state and one county permit to qualify, require annual DBEDT reports to the Legislature, and note one full-time position and $125,000 in funding; the committee voted to pass it with amendments. HB 1406 was amended to move the intergovernmental task force from DBEDT to the House Legislature, add a Speaker-appointed chair, and include a $125,000 appropriation note; it also passed with amendments. HB 1407 was amended to convert the chamber support from a grant process to an RFP process and require a 1-to-5 match on a $100,000 award; it too passed with amendments. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was adopted, with Representative Tam excused. The committee also heard HB 796, a tax-credit review bill, which drew no support and 12 opposition testimonies with three comments. Opponents, including SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued that automatic sunset provisions or broad tax-credit cuts would burden working families and that existing review mechanisms already exist under state law. The Department of Taxation and DBEDT offered technical comments, and the Tax Foundation suggested the bill’s goals might be better addressed by cleaning up the existing review process. Later, the committee heard HB 303, which had 17 supporters and no opposition. Testifiers from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Queen’s Health System, and the Hawaii State Chiropractors Association supported the measure, with the chiropractors asking to be included in eligibility. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing said the program had been successful for five years and had room to expand. HB 577 also drew support, with the Department of Taxation offering comments and the Tax Foundation noting technical issues. HB 949 generated mixed testimony: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce supported it, while Hawaii Children’s Action Network raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the lack of fiscal analysis; Sugar Creek Capital also supported the measure and clarified that the credit would not offset the GET. Finally, HB 933 and HB 959 were heard, with HB 933 receiving six support testimonies and comments focused on grocery tax relief and food insecurity, and HB 959 drawing strong support from labor and advocacy groups for its broad tax relief package, while the Tax Foundation and Hawaii Appleseed urged caution about the proposed 50% GET increase and asked for clearer fiscal analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• We saw at that time some really creative solutions at the local level.
• I'm Sonia Pettick with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• Given the legislative process and the clear direction from stakeholders, Given the legislative process
• for legislation.
• with their legislation, because it can imply the Governor's now going to support the legislation because

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• careful about nonsupply side solutions careful about nonsupply side solutions that<00:23:14.159>
• <00:42:01.760> and try and figure out some solutions and try and figure out some solutions
• and the majority vote of the legislative and the majority vote of the legislative body.<01:04:48.799
• , or legislation related to issues that have come up.
• c> to<01:09:05.359> uh legislation or legislation related to uh legislation or legislation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is modeled after the federal legislation.
• solutions.
• I wish that removing a delegation fee would be the solution. But it's not. What is the solution?
• I'm also chair of the TMA's Council on Legislation, which is the body that informs legislative policy
• Now another great legislative solution is Senate Bill 2695 with Senator Kolkhorst.

Bills: SB1888, SB3003, SB2417, SB2459, SB3055, HB1393, HB2884, SB2943

Keywords: grand jury, jury qualifications, jury wheel, small counties, Texas legislation, age verification, obscene devices, online sales, juvenile protection, penalties, antitrust, attorney general, Texas Free Enterprise, business regulations, legal confidentiality, personal identifying information, data brokers, judicial safety, civil rights, data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• we will not permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of legislative
• So today to explain additional pieces to the legislation with me to highlight the impact of this bill
• AB 873 offers a balanced solution.
• Just very briefly I want to thank the author. for bringing this very important legislation forward.
• Thank you to you and the entire legislative board.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That has not been a solution that the industry seems to think will manage the amount of waste we have
• That has not been a solution that the industry seems to think will manage the amount of waste we have
• If the area is being overpumped, what are the solutions?
• <01:09:35.759> is 308 if the intent of the legislation is 308 if the intent of the legislation
• We support this legislation but urge stronger protections for Minnesota's water.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our courts are funded almost entirely through legislative appropriation.
• Our courts are funded almost entirely through legislative appropriation.
• Our courts are funded almost entirely through legislative appropriation.
• <00:23:57.760> finally Solutions finally Solutions finally we<00:23:59.360> all<00:23:59.720
• unless we have figured out some solution unless we have figured out some solution and<00:40:54.560

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee heard a presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on the Minnesota judicial branch’s 2026-27 budget request. He outlined the courts’ structure and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court cases annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. Shorba emphasized the courts’ constitutional role, the fact that court fines and fees are deposited into the general fund rather than retained by the branch, and recent legislative investments that helped reduce pandemic-era backlogs, improve technology, sustain treatment courts, and raise interpreter and examiner pay. The budget request focused on several areas: a 6% judicial salary increase to address recruitment and retention problems, including a 15% rise in turnover and a 27% drop in applicants since 2020; funding for health care and office lease cost increases; digital accessibility compliance work required by new federal ADA rules; a modernized justice partner access system for court records; higher pay for forensic psychological examiners, whose workload has risen sharply; increased juror compensation from $20 to $100 per day and mileage adjustments; and ongoing funding for interpreters, jury services, and cybersecurity. Shorba said the total request would be a 12% increase over the FY 2026-27 base budget. Members asked follow-up questions about funding for newly launched treatment courts and how those courts are financed after federal grants expire. Shorba said he would provide more detail later and noted the branch generally starts treatment courts with federal funding before seeking state support. Representative Ric also asked about labor negotiations, and Shorba explained that the judicial branch negotiates its own contracts rather than using the executive branch, with three unions involved and many unrepresented employees. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the clerk please certify the journal for the previous legislative days?
• This is a solution.
• this is a solution it's an elegant solution that not only provides us money for our resource as it should
• And, you know, again, this bill is not going to be a perfect solution.
• This legislation is about more than taxes.

Keywords: 905, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . legislation. legislation.
• needs a statewide solution. needs a statewide solution.
• support finding solutions support finding solutions for<01:51:02.880> the<01:51:03.000>
• This legislation is not an thought.
• <02:03:14.720> to again this is not like the solution to again this is not like the solution

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need COCs to be able to be part of the solution.
• Who should we be putting which solutions towards?
• How much of the puzzle should go to these different solutions?
• Last April, the LAO, in one of the audits that I worked on that the Joint Legislative Audit Committee
• I'm going to be doing some legislation to help. more treatment and recovery focused services.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on California’s homelessness funding, focusing on the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HAP) Grant and the Encampment Resolution Grant Program. HCD described new accountability requirements, including regional action plans, stronger reporting and expenditure conditions, housing-element compliance, encampment response plans, and public dashboards that track fiscal spending, service outcomes, and encampment resolution status. Officials said the goal is to use the data to identify underperforming grantees, provide technical assistance, and, if needed, withhold or reallocate funds. Local officials from San Diego, Fresno, and Santa Cruz said the programs have helped expand shelter, outreach, and permanent housing, and that state dollars have leveraged local and federal resources. Mayor Todd Gloria said San Diego has used HAP to expand shelter and safe sleeping options, reduce downtown encampments, and increase housing production, but argued the state’s new accountability website is too high-level and does not fully reflect countywide conditions, behavioral health outcomes, or the role of continuum-of-care partners. Fresno officials said HAP and other state funds helped the city add shelter beds and reduce homelessness, while Santa Cruz emphasized that state funding helped build local coordination and draw in federal vouchers. Members pressed the panel on whether HAP is actually reducing homelessness, what the best success metrics should be, and whether the state is getting full, usable data from grantees and subcontractors. Several members asked for more granular jurisdiction-level reporting, better tracking of nonprofit spending, and clearer measures beyond point-in-time counts and “people served.” HCD said it is still improving HMIS participation and data quality, but can already show outcomes such as exits to permanent housing and returns to homelessness. The hearing ended with broad agreement that transparency is important, but disagreement remained over the best measures of success and how much emphasis should be placed on housing, prevention, shelter, and treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• As mentioned, the Transportation Committee staff and Legislative Information Services are on hand should
• I really commend this legislation and would like to just express my support. Thank you, Jordan.
• And we think what this legislation would enable would help the city really achieve its goals in safety
• I’m very interested in these sorts of solutions.
• Legislative support for this bill, S-2611, will clearly demonstrate the willingness and commitment of

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 41 bills covering accessibility, motorcycles, vehicle operation, and water transportation. The chair and vice chair outlined the hearing process and noted the committee members present. Testimony was taken in person and remotely, with written testimony accepted throughout the hearing. Several bills drew testimony in support. Representative Lee Davis supported H. 4130, which would renew and expand the accelerated bridge program, arguing it would speed repairs to structurally deficient bridges, especially in rural areas, and reduce long-term costs. Testimony also supported H. 4402 and S. 2639, which would authorize automated curb enforcement and improve parking violation procedures; witnesses said automated curb management could reduce double parking, improve safety and traffic flow, and should include privacy protections and local opt-in authority. The committee also heard strong testimony for S. 2611, which would require motor coach passengers to wear seatbelts, with witnesses from Sarah’s Wish Foundation citing a fatal crash involving their daughter and low seatbelt usage on buses. Senator O’Connor and Vincent DeAndrea testified for S. 2430, which would tighten motorcycle permit rules for drivers under 18 by requiring rider training, a junior operator’s license, and a clean driving record; they cited teen crash risks and Mr. DeAndrea’s son’s death in a motorcycle crash. The hearing ended after a brief recess and a final request to report out another bill concerning breakdown lanes and fines, followed by a motion to adjourn.