Video & Transcript : 'small boat harbor' :

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NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Commerce (01/23/2025)

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm very small; I have five total spots. This is, you know, a building on my property.
  • Senate Bill 52 addresses default safe harbor provisions in the trust code so that the trust settlor's
  • Provisions in the default Safe Harbor Provisions in the trust<00:33:48.279><c> code</c><00:33:48.919
  • So if it were a small trust, generally this would have little impact.
  • So this bill aims to correct that small gap.
Committee: Senate Commerce
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture Feb 18th, 2025

Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:
  • The honeybees that we have here were brought over with the original European settlers on boats.
  • So can you imagine having bee colonies on a boat with you as you cross the ocean?
  • It is a really small pest, but relative to the size of its host, it is one of the largest parasites known
  • So now that it's here in the U.S. and it's in a small ...and treatments have been very difficult.
  • So now that it's here in the U.S. and it's in a small part of Georgia, but we think spreading, our Department
Committee: Senate Agriculture
Summary: The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida. The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Agriculture Feb 11th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • The reason being it takes 18 months to grow a clam from its small size to market size.
  • Many of the people are having to just park their boats and find other jobs for work.
  • Whether it's direct at a farm or indirect working for let's say a boat mechanic, a welder or another
  • That sounds like small numbers.
  • And that often times we start with research and maybe this is replicated small plot research at a research
Keywords: 999, senate, all
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • And to go along with that, many small communities already stretched their dollars.
  • I'm going to use the example of Benton Harbor.
  • Small Cities Legislative Committee. Say hi to Lynn for me. I will do that.
  • A lot of small rural communities, they stretch. every dollar they have.
  • Can you speak to how critical IIJA's infusion of federal funding is to small systems?
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and its implications for local water systems. Various witnesses highlighted the transformative impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law, which has provided an unprecedented amount of funding to help address long-standing issues in drinking water infrastructure, particularly concerning lead service line replacements and sustainability in water management. The discussions emphasized the urgent need for federal reauthorization to continue supporting these initiatives, as many rural and disadvantaged communities still face substantial barriers in upgrading their water systems. Additionally, cybersecurity risks were noted, raising concerns over the vulnerability of water systems across the nation.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • Naturally, you would expose boat ramps and some other. Access areas in a drawdown like this.
  • Naturally, you would expose boat ramps and some other things.
  • It doesn't belong solely to anglers or the conservation community; boat owners are...
  • It doesn't belong solely to anglers or the conservation community; boat owners or business owners.
  • It is the most beautiful area for fishing and boating and all kinds of water activities.
Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, and marine-biodegradable products, with supporters arguing it creates standards and avoids patchwork local rules; it was reported favorably. SB 1066, by Senator Brodeur, proposed a phased restoration of the Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam area, including partial dam restoration, recreation and economic development planning, and a local advisory council; testimony was strongly divided between restoration supporters and local officials concerned about water supply, reservoir value, and community impacts. The committee adopted an amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also approved CS/SB 698 by Senator Martin, which would let builders proceed with home construction after applying for septic permits rather than waiting for the permit to be issued first. Testimony from builders and industry representatives focused on permitting delays, contract pricing, and the need for a glide path if DEP rules change; some senators raised concerns about the 120-day transition period, but the bill passed favorably with a technical amendment. CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, would phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam for non-emergency use, require inventory and disposal reporting, create DEP rules and a registry of alternatives, and establish grant/cost-savings support for local agencies; it was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying DEP references and penalty language. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body feature in the Jupiter Narrows area as the Andrew Red Harris Shoal in honor of a local environmental advocate who died rescuing a friend. The bill was amended to clarify the shoal identification and then reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested the record reflect additional affirmative votes on certain bills, and the committee adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Jan 20th, 2026

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Naturally, you would expose boat ramps and some other... Access areas in a drawdown like this.
  • Naturally, you would expose boat ramps and some other things.
  • It doesn't belong solely to anglers or the conservation community; boat owners are...
  • It doesn't belong solely to anglers or the conservation community; boat owners or business owners.
  • It is the most beautiful area for fishing and boating and all kinds of water activities.
Bills: S0698 , S0958 , S1066 , S1230 , S1288
Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, marine-biodegradable products; supporters said it would reduce reliance on paper straws that may contain PFAS and create more uniform standards. The bill was reported favorably after brief supportive testimony and no opposition. The committee also approved SB 1066, by Senator Broder, a major Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam restoration proposal. The bill would direct DEP to implement a phased restoration plan, create an advisory council with local and military representation, fund recreation and economic development projects, and address safety concerns tied to the dam’s age and high-hazard status. Supporters from conservation groups, river advocates, and some local residents praised the restoration and planning framework, while several Putnam County officials opposed the bill, arguing the reservoir supports recreation, water supply, and local interests. The committee adopted a late-filed amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 698, by Senator Martin, was also reported favorably. It would let builders proceed with local building permits while septic permits are pending, rather than waiting for sequential approval, and includes a 120-day glide path related to new DEP rules; builders supported the bill as a way to reduce delays, while some senators questioned whether the transition period was too long. The committee then approved CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, which phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, restricts non-emergency training use, requires inventory and disposal reporting, creates DEP rulemaking and a grant program, and exempts certain federal, military, and emergency uses. Finally, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body in the Jupiter Narrows area in honor of Andrew Red Harris, with a technical amendment clarifying the shoal designation. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Transportation May 28th, 2026

Joint Committee on Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have to say, the words for small that are used—the micro-transit, micromobility—there's a wide range
  • boats to different piers, and it's a three-mile radius that we would be having this.
  • Children are not small adults.
  • There is no way a moped will sit in car traffic, further congesting a small city street.
  • You get rear-ended by someone driving, which Further congesting a small city street. It's unsafe.
Bills: H5400 , H5421 , H5430 , S3077 , S3089
UT

Utah 2025 Regular Session

Business and Labor Interim Committee - November 19, 2025

Business and Labor Interim Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • A component of naturally occurring kratom, but a small portion, and it would schedule this as a Schedule
  • I, except for trace elements, and we defined that specifically as a small amount that couldn't be in
  • opens up the opportunity for some attorneys and clarifies that some attorneys and CPAs, if it's a small
  • portion of their business, And it clarifies that attorneys and CPAs, if it's a small portion of their
  • research, I'm a novice in this area, but as I've done some research in this area, typically, like a small
Keywords: 985, all
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Committee, February 18, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • the same way, as I am to understand it, they want to do an ammonia-diesel blend with their larger boats
  • an ammonia diesel blend with their to do an ammonia diesel blend with their larger<00:03:49.280><c> boats
  • 50.400><c> to</c><00:03:50.640><c> cut</c><00:03:50.879><c> down</c><00:03:51.120><c> on</c> larger boats
  • again to cut down on larger boats again to cut down on emissions. emissions. emissions.
  • , but we're getting a whole small piece, but we're getting a whole bunch<00:43:54.960><c> on</c><00:43
Bills: HB0120
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Law & Justice Jan 20th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • days of response before we can file an appeal in the Supreme Court from 20 days to 30 days because small
  • Many child care providers are run by small family businesses that would significantly benefit from guidance
  • Second, we need a safe harbor provision for the civil liabilities. This I don't know.
  • Second, we need a safe harbor provision for the civil liabilities.
Summary: The committee heard public testimony on four bills. SB 5925 would expand the Attorney General’s civil investigative demand authority to investigate possible violations of the U.S. and Washington constitutions, certain labor and civil rights laws, law enforcement use-of-force issues, and jail-related statutes. Supporters, including the Attorney General’s office, Teamsters 117, and Working Washington, said the bill would make investigations faster and more effective, especially in wage theft and discrimination cases. Opponents, including police, sheriffs, cities, counties, and retail and business groups, argued it would give the AG broad investigative power without enough threshold showing, could burden local governments and employers, and raised constitutional concerns about speech and search protections. No vote was taken. SB 5906 would codify and expand protections for non-public spaces in schools, child care facilities, health care facilities, higher education institutions, and county auditor election areas by limiting immigration enforcement access without a judicial warrant or court order and restricting collection of immigration-related information about students and families. Supporters said the bill would reduce fear, protect privacy, and make existing Keep Washington Working policies clearer and more durable, with testimony from immigrant rights groups, faith organizations, students, PTA, and health advocates. Some organizations, including health care and child care stakeholders, supported the goal but asked for amendments to clarify definitions, create model policies, add training and enforcement provisions, and adjust warrant/subpoena language. The committee also heard strong opposition concerns about federal immigration enforcement, but no action was taken. SB 6070 would expand missing-person tools by allowing certain digital investigative tools to be used in missing endangered person cases, creating new Abney and Purple Alerts for missing Black people and people with disabilities, and broadening the definition of missing endangered person. Supporters included prosecutors, law enforcement, tribal and disability advocates, families of missing persons, and students who argued that faster alerts and better digital tools save lives and address racial and disability disparities in missing-person responses. Testimony described delays in prior cases and the need for more urgent, targeted alerts. The committee then heard SB 6002, which would regulate automated license plate reader systems, set registration, use, retention, audit, and disclosure rules, and prohibit certain uses such as immigration enforcement and surveillance near protected locations. The sponsor said the bill is intended to create statewide guardrails for a technology already in use, and testimony was expected to continue after the excerpt ended; no vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Economic Development Feb 10th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Or you could have a small owner decide that they wanted to start a child care.
  • We're missing two boats here.
  • I think it's going to go a long way in supporting our small businesses.
  • So again, very tailored to small businesses.
  • But maybe small job creation or automation or retention.
Keywords: 959, house, all
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And this is only a small portion of young people who come in contact with the justice system.
  • And this is only a small portion of young people who come in contact with the justice system.
  • facilities, and there are three of these: Echo Glen in Snoqualmie, Green Hill School in Chehalis, and Harbor
  • secretary of JR has been focusing on, and that has really made a difference, as well as the opening of Harbor
  • What I'm not sure is: are you treating all hospitals the same, so a hospital that is very small versus
Summary: The committee met on July 15, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum, so it could not adopt prior minutes. Chair Jerry Pollett welcomed new member Senator Victoria Hunt and new JLARC staff, and noted national recognition for recent JLARC reports. The meeting then moved into a series of preliminary audit presentations and an agency strategic management update, with committee members asking questions after each item. JLARC presented a preliminary audit of DCYF’s Juvenile Rehabilitation programs. Staff concluded that crowding, staffing shortages, weak risk assessments, and inconsistent programming combine to create unsafe conditions. The report found that most youth are housed in two large secure facilities operating near or above capacity, incidents rise as population rises, 47% of frontline staff leave within a year, current assessment tools are not valid for the population, and program access depends more on facility than individual need. JLARC made one recommendation to the legislature to address crowding and seven to DCYF, including improving retention, training, incident response procedures, validated assessments, program alignment, and data quality. DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter said the agency agreed overcrowding is a serious problem, described ongoing efforts to improve staffing and safety, and said a detailed response would be provided later. Committee members raised concerns about education access, retaliation against staff or youth who participated in the audit, and whether JR-25 has helped or worsened conditions. JLARC then presented a preliminary audit of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker labor laws. The audit found that L&I generally meets inspection timelines for health and safety complaints, but not for wage and hour or retaliation complaints, where delays are driven largely by time before assignment to an investigator. Staff said complaint volume exceeds capacity, though the agency has added staff, created screening processes, and reorganized workloads, and 2026 legislation now allows prioritization of complaints and broader investigations. JLARC recommended that L&I report back in December 2026 and December 2027 on backlog reduction and implementation of the new law. An L&I representative said the agency is hiring additional staff and will provide a formal response later. The committee also received a JLARC overview and Department of Health strategic management plan update on hospital data reporting, inspections, complaints, and adverse event reporting. DOH reported measurable progress on inspection compliance, new staffing and licensing systems, translated complaint forms, and plans for future work on language access, adverse event reporting, and financial data dashboards. After lunch, JLARC began its 2026 tax preference performance reviews. The first review covered the Main Street tax credit, which JLARC said has helped increase the number of Main Street communities and businesses, with positive growth near designated districts; JLARC recommended continuing the preference and improving business-count data. The second review covered the equitable access to credit program, which JLARC said appears to support underserved communities by funding loans through CDFIs; JLARC recommended continuing the preference beyond its 2027 expiration. The committee began questions on the program mechanics and the role of the Community Reinvestment Act, and the presentation was still underway when the transcript ended.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Education Pre-K - 12 Feb 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • When you when you're in a small districts, we say we were a lot of hat.
  • So but that communication and that relationship fees really raises all boats.
  • I love being in a small district. I think communication is easier.
  • And this is where the can sources help small districts like ours.
  • We're small community.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Appropriations Feb 25th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • reappropriates this funding to the commission for the distribution of grant funding to qualifying small
  • In the Department of Commerce, there are amounts that are provided for small businesses.
  • And the small ask is actually smaller than their building cost is for this operational expense.
  • And the small ask is actually smaller than their building cost for this operational expense.
  • So please, I urge you to vote yes on this small request. Thank you, Representative Dye.
Bills: HB2289
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Criminal Jurisprudence May 19th, 2026

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • And small businesses and trusts and estates, right? It is a legal ecosystem.
  • The scale is too small.
  • I grew up on a small farm outside of Shiner, Texas. I went to Texas Tech School of Law.
  • Because you're in a small county, I was stunned when I went to represent someone in a small county and
  • And I'm not saying that they're intentionally looking to harbor criminal entities and harbor criminality
Keywords: 1184, house, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 13th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have the privilege of representing the 26th from Gig Harbor to Bremerton. Vice Chair Morgan.
  • That's a pretty small amount. And then it's further limited at current prices.
  • That's a pretty small amount. And then it's further limited at current prices.
  • I know that there are small companies and nonprofits that are experimenting with thermally treated timber
  • , particularly with increasing the availability and purchase of Washington-grown foods, supporting small
Keywords: 904, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Education Jan 27th, 2025

House Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Whenever you're that small, you have to fight to get your kids all the things that people get in bigger
  • That's a little bit of a brag right there for the small schools. We appreciate. Thank you all.
  • There are size factors because we know that, especially as you get very small rural districts, you lose
  • I'm wondering if this... enrollment growth and safe harbor, is that connected to trying to resolve that
  • Special education is another example of that, where you might just have, if you're a small district,
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Ways & Means Feb 25th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • particularly skilled nursing facility rates, extremely complicated, and the reduction in the budget is a very small
  • certainly $178 million, if I got the number right, I think I'm close, is a big number, but it's just a small
  • attention had been paid to the budget that we suggested and Save Washington, we would not be in this boat
  • attention have been paid to the budget that we suggested and save Washington we would not be in this boat
Summary: The Senate Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on Senate Bill 5998, the proposed operating budget, and received a staff briefing on 39 proposed amendments. The amendments covered a wide range of issues, including technical corrections; truancy intervention funding; public defense and Blake-related vacatur work; family reading, shellfish program review, cultural resource protection, agritourism, transmission planning, paid leave, developmental disabilities services, nursing home rates, TANF workforce services, food bank language, oral health access, behavioral health partnership access, sexual assault nurse examiner training, Department of Corrections security measures, child welfare staffing, pediatric interim care centers, Working Connections Child Care, range rider funding, Chinese American history month materials, Running Start, retiree health subsidies, school bus contractor costs, local effort assistance, transition to kindergarten, charter school enrichment, arts grants, and a tribal liaison position. Several amendments were withdrawn before action, including the truancy increase, Blake funding, one DD-related amendment, and others. The committee adopted a number of amendments, including the technical corrections packet, reductions or savings-related corrections, the family reading program, shellfish review funding, the transmission-system implementation funding, the oral health foundation, the partnership access line, health technology assessment funding, the governor errata correction, the sexual assault nurse examiner training contract, the DOC canine scheduling language, the child welfare staffing correction, the people transportation language, the TTK-related amendment, and the tribal liaison funding. It rejected several others, including agritourism, paid leave study language, DD waiver expansion, nursing home add-ons, the PIC program, range rider funding, Chinese American history month materials, Running Start restoration, the LEA restoration amendment, and the arts grant restoration. Some amendments were withdrawn after discussion, including the DD waiver and LEA-related proposals. During debate, supporters of various amendments emphasized service needs for vulnerable populations, including people with developmental disabilities, survivors of sexual assault, Medicaid dental access, behavioral health callers, and students in Running Start and TTK. Opponents repeatedly cited budget constraints, the need for a sustainable operating budget, and the view that some issues were better addressed through collective bargaining or future negotiations. The committee then rolled the adopted amendments into a new substitute Senate Bill 5998 and voted to send it to the Rules Committee with a do-pass recommendation, subject to signatures. Several members stated they would vote no on the budget overall, while others supported it as a difficult but necessary compromise. The meeting adjourned after the final vote.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We know that a rising tide lifts all boats. Indigenous, if you are gay.
  • We know that a rising tide lifts all boats.
  • Through CRP, local boards have engaged over 9,600 businesses, invested $5.6 million directly in small
  • Supporting local suppliers strengthens the same small business community that HB 2523 is designed to
  • The small but mighty... Good morning, Chair Ryu and members of the committee.
Summary: The Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee first met in executive session on House Bills 2157, 2351, 2365, 2357, and 2446. Staff briefed proposed substitutes and amendments for each bill. HB 2157, concerning high-risk AI systems, was amended to exempt activities regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and covered entities under HIPAA; members discussed balancing consumer protections with flexibility for developers and deployers. HB 2351, addressing protections for emergency responders and emergency operations, was described as clarifying definitions and procedures, including a mental health crisis defense and changes to emergency operation zone notifications; some members raised concerns about deconfliction and implementation details. HB 2365, on digital equity, was amended with several definitional and data-sharing proposals, though some amendments were rejected over fiscal concerns. HB 2357, creating the Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol within the Military Department, passed without amendment. HB 2446, on developing a quantum technology industry strategy, was amended to extend the strategy deadline, broaden who Commerce may contract with, and correct terminology; members noted concerns about industry involvement in the strategic plan and fiscal impacts. All five bills were reported out of committee with do pass recommendations, with recorded votes of 8-5 on HB 2157, HB 2351, and HB 2365, unanimous support for HB 2357, and 12-1 for HB 2446. The committee then held a public hearing on HB 2523, which would make the community reinvestment program ongoing, require periodic updates and reporting, and direct a study of fund distribution and use. Testifiers from workforce boards, tribal programs, reentry services, community organizations, and Commerce described successful uses of the program for job training, reentry, small business support, legal services, and economic mobility, and urged the bill’s passage. Some suggested strengthening accountability, reporting, and access for new organizations. Commerce staff said the program has served more than 190,000 people and supported over 400 organizations, and asked for technical adjustments to keep administrative costs low. The bill was then closed for hearing. The committee also heard HB 2606, which would revise the Office of Privacy and Data Protection’s duties and performance measures, remove some reporting requirements, and add review of agency AI projects. The prime sponsor described it as a “stay-in-your-lane” cleanup bill responding to JLARC recommendations, and the state chief privacy officer testified in support, saying the office could implement the changes within existing resources. After questions about local government support and public resources, the hearing on HB 2606 was closed and the committee adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Republican Press Conference 3/10/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, as I told you before, this was a bill that was dreamt up on the back of a boat, and I think that
  • So, as I told you before, this was a bill that was dreamt up on the back of a boat, and I think that
  • So, as I told you before, this was a bill that was dreamt up on the back of a boat, and I think that
  • taxpayer dollars that have been wasted and that have been taken by people who go and buy cars and boats
  • </c><00:14:14.639><c> and</c> who go and buy cars and boats and who go and buy cars and boats and islands
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: State Representative Jim Nash and Representative Kristin Robbins discussed a package of fraud-prevention bills, centered on House File 3 and a separate whistleblower-protection measure. HF 3 would require annual reports based on Office of the Auditor (OA/OLA) findings to be sent to ranking members of relevant committees, with the goal of giving appropriators more information about internal controls and follow-up on audit recommendations. Nash said the bill is intended to help reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, cited the Feeding Our Future case as an example of weak controls, and noted that the OA helped draft the proposal and supports it. He also said the bill’s language is modeled in part on Colorado and on earlier recommendations for more information to be shared with decision-makers. Robbins said her bill would expand whistleblower protections for state employees, including unclassified employees, and add new protected reporting channels and definitions. She said employees are often afraid to come forward because of job and career concerns, and that the bill would better protect reports made to legislators, the OA, governmental bodies, and law enforcement. She and Nash said they were working with DFL members and committee chairs on bipartisan amendments to define “fraud” and “misuse,” and to align the language with the Inspector General bill and prior law. In questions, Robbins explained that current law protects only certain employees and that her bill would broaden coverage and make it easier for employees to report concerns without fear. She said the OA supports the effort and that the added reporting pathways would help with follow-up on agency recommendations. Nash and Robbins both emphasized that the measures are part of a broader fraud-fighting package and expressed hope for bipartisan support, though Nash criticized DFL leadership for not backing the bills more openly. No votes or final actions were taken in the exchange shown.