Video & Transcript Research : 'Blue Alert'
Page 93 of 268
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The dotted blue line shows New Mexico 8th graders, while the solid line shows the national average.
- One, the dotted blue line of 8th graders and the dotted green line of 4th graders are relatively flat
- So high school graduation is in blue and college remediation is in green.
- The blue line is graduation rates, the orange line is reading proficiency, and the green line is math
- Light blue is industry, dark blue is OCD.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The second is a member to represent Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield.
- The second is a member to represent Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Summary:
The Arkansas Legislative Autism Task Force approved the April 1, 2026 meeting minutes and then reviewed several vacant membership slots on the task force, including appointments from the Arkansas Psychology Board, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, UAMS, and parent or guardian positions. Members discussed trying to fill those vacancies before the next meeting, and noted that if they remain open they may be addressed in the task force’s legislative report and through possible statutory changes in the next General Assembly.
Representatives from the Developmental Disabilities Provider Association (DDPA) and Civitan Services presented on DDPA’s role serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Arkansas. They said DDPA now represents 80 providers serving more than 13,000 individuals in 75 counties, with services including early intervention, adult day programs, supported employment, intermediate care facilities, work activities, and community/residential waiver services. They also shared survey data on older clients and said these services remain available to seniors with IDD, including people with autism.
The task force then heard a proposal to amend Act 656 of 2021 to include licensed psychological practitioners as qualified providers for autism waiver-related evaluations. The presenter argued this would reduce wait times, avoid duplicate assessments, and help families access services sooner, while still maintaining quality standards. Members asked about training, licensure, and whether other professionals such as speech-language pathologists or audiologists should be included; Dr. Scott noted that current practice already relies on a two-provider model and that speech-language pathologists play a role because autism diagnosis considers communication, cognitive ability, and language. The discussion also touched on the need for proper testing standards and board oversight. No vote was taken on the amendment, and the meeting ended with plans to return to fraud-related discussion and to begin prioritizing recommendations for the 2027 session before adjourning.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, and thank you, um, Chair Kresha for expressing the frustration that we both share on Blue Ribbon
- <00:10:52.960>
both <00:10:53.200>share <00:10:53.440>on <00:10:53.600>Blue - frustration that we both share on Blue frustration that we both share on Blue Ribbon<00:10:54.040
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- temperature of the proposed bill is 4,000K, and we recommend 3,000 or less to minimize the amount of blue
- So these are lights that essentially mean no blue light whatsoever.
- Thank you. no blue light whatsoever. So with that no blue light whatsoever.
Summary:
The joint hearing covered three bills, all related to outdoor lighting or permitting. On SB 2278, which addressed light pollution and outdoor lighting standards, testimony was mixed: the University of Hawaiʻi and others raised concerns that the bill’s 4,000K color temperature standard and other provisions conflicted with dark-sky and wildlife-protection recommendations, while some groups testified in support. A lighting industry engineer also questioned how turtle-lighting provisions would apply in practice and urged a workable standard that balances safety, design, and wildlife concerns.
On SB 2908, relating to permitting, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and several business groups testified, generally standing on written testimony or supporting the measure. Committee discussion focused on a proposed statewide permitting intake platform; the Office of Planning said the SPEED Task Force believed counties were better suited to handle permitting information, and members asked whether the appropriation was sufficient. The committee voted to pass SB 2908 with amendments, including a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050.
On SB 2987, also relating to light pollution, the University of Hawaiʻi strongly supported the bill and proposed amendments to create campus lighting zones tailored to safety and foot traffic, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources stood on its comments and several other organizations testified in support or opposition. The chair said the committee would address business safety concerns by making technical and nonsubstantive amendments, exempting outdoor light fixtures for airports, highways, and harbors, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committee then adopted the recommendation to pass SB 2987 with amendments and adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Mar 5th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- And Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the latter ones. Well, how do you know?
- So I'm gonna start with the Blue Cross Blue Shield audit you mentioned, because that kind of illustrates
- How much do we, how much does the state, how much do Texas taxpayers pay Blue Cross and Blue Shield?
- So let's say they, again we'll talk about Blue Cross Blue Shield because that's the least one, but let's
- say Blue Cross Blue Shield goes and spends some thing on some program, some directive, something we
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 23rd, 2026 at 12:42 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- At the University of New Mexico, you can see from the graphic presented above that it isn't just blue
- back-end systems of law enforcement officers in those agencies and then train them to provide real-time alerts
Summary:
The committee first heard an Aging and Long-Term Services Department budget presentation comparing the LFC and executive recommendations. The main differences were in the Aging Network, Adult Protective Services, Program Support, and Long-Term Care Division, especially the executive’s proposed $10 million infusion into the Kiki Savadra Senior Dignity Fund and $6.2 million for expanding New Mexico Care. LFC staff explained that the committee recommendation was lower in general fund and fund-balance use, while the executive emphasized rising senior population needs, meal and transportation costs, and the cost savings of keeping older adults at home. The secretary also reviewed the department’s special requests, including the conference on aging, outreach, emergency preparedness, and the Kiki fund, and described New Mexico Care’s growth, its evaluation results, and the department’s plan to separate Kiki into its own accounting fund.
Members largely focused on senior services, rural meal delivery, transportation, caregiver support, and the Kiki fund. Several members urged stronger support for non-metro aging providers and for New Mexico Care, citing its role in keeping seniors out of nursing homes and the program’s reported savings and outcomes. Questions also covered eligibility, background checks for caregivers, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer’s screening, and whether Kiki funds can support home modifications such as ramps. The committee then voted to adopt the LFC recommendation with one executive language change: adding the executive’s page 14 language allowing an additional 12.5% distribution for initial payments to aging network providers at the start of FY27. Representative Dow opposed the motion.
The committee then moved to the Attorney General’s budget. LFC staff explained that the office’s budget relies heavily on the Consumer Settlement Fund, with both recommendations reducing general fund revenue while increasing settlement-fund use, and that performance measures were in consensus. The Attorney General said the office was not seeking more general fund, but wanted greater ability to use funds it recovers. He highlighted major consumer and public safety work, including litigation against major social media and AI platforms, a case involving Snapchat and child exploitation/extortion, the statewide crime gun intelligence center, efforts to address oilfield theft, work on missing and murdered Indigenous persons, and efforts to protect federal funds coming into New Mexico.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (9-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:08:34.399>
Of you can see the bright blue ones. Of you can see the bright blue ones. - <00:08:38.560>
Um, <00:08:39.360>those <00:08:39.680>are them bright blue. - Um, those are them bright blue. Um, those are pediatric<00:08:40.640>
measures. - The lighter blue not cupcake measures.
- The lighter blue little<00:09:30.800>
sidelines <00:09:31.839>on <00:09:32.160>each<
Summary:
The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board’s fourth meeting focused primarily on a presentation from University of Kentucky and University of Louisville health leaders about the state university directed payment program. Mark Birdwhistle and Ken Marshall described the program as a long-running, value-based Medicaid arrangement that began in 2019, uses university-provided matching funds rather than provider taxes, and ties a portion of payments to quality outcomes. They said the program has improved measures such as tobacco cessation, diabetes control, depression screening, and cancer screening, while supporting access to specialty care, medical education, and workforce training. They also emphasized that Kentucky’s model is nationally notable and has helped improve health rankings and generate cost savings.
A major topic was the federal reconciliation bill signed July 4, which the presenters said will reduce directed payments by 10% annually for 10 years beginning in 2028. UL Health estimated a first-year loss of about $75 million and a cumulative loss of about $600 million over the decade; UK estimated about $100 million in the first year, for a combined first-year impact of roughly $175 million. Both speakers warned the cuts could affect access to care, training capacity, and the sustainability of Kentucky’s value-based model, though they expressed hope that congressional action could alter or delay the changes. They also noted that 340B drug pricing changes could further strain already thin operating margins, but did not provide exact figures during the meeting.
Committee members responded positively to the program’s reported outcomes and the institutions’ role in Kentucky health care. Senator Berg praised the quality of care and shared a personal example of being advised to stay at UofL for breast cancer treatment. Representative Moer highlighted Kentucky’s strong cancer-control score and asked for more explanation of the value-based payment structure; the presenters said the system is built around ongoing measurement, accountability, and collaboration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended August 27 minutes by voice vote.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Tue Mar 18, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 34
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Youth Program delegate, the 2024 Credential Emerging Visionaries winner, and the 2024 National Blue
- :11.520>
to Representative Hashem recognized Cocohead Elementary School as a recently named Blue - A top-performing school, Cocohead Elementary is honored as a Blue Ribbon School.
- school cocohead elementary is honored<00:20:44.760>
as <00:20:44.880>a <00:20:45.080>blue - ribbon<00:20:45.720>
school <00:20:46.679>for <00:20:46.880>a Honored as a Blue
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence SC New Offenses and Changed Penalties Apr 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- What we used to see was individuals stealing mail out of an individual blue box.
- Individuals used to steal one or two checks from a residential mailbox or an individual blue box.
- stealing their satchel of mail and the arrow key, which can then be duplicated or used to open any blue
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So they're not all blue states.
- uh Nevada um so they're not all blue uh Nevada um so they're not all blue states<00:06:42.479>
- We've got, for 217, three in support, 10 opposed on the blue sheet.
- Representative Gusowski, can you pass me the blue sheets for 464? Thank you.
- uh zero in support six osed on the blue uh zero in support six osed on the blue sheet<03:34:24.520
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (02/17/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:20:50.960>
We for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. - We for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.
- from Blue Cross Blue Shield that earlier from Blue Cross Blue Shield that this<02:25:28.720>
bill - Cross Blue Shield.
- <05:10:24.000>
Cross <05:10:24.240>Blue relations for Anthem Blue Cross Blue relations
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to the members, I rise today in support of the underlying bill before the Senate, an act honoring Blue
- It requires the registrar to establish new Blue Star family specialty license plates to be made available
- at no Blue Star family specialty license plates to be made available at no charge to the parent, child
- Third reading of a bill: An Act Honoring Blue Star Family, Senate No. 2903.
Summary:
The Senate considered a campaign finance and ballot question transparency bill, taking up a series of amendments. Several amendments offered by Senator Tarr were rejected, including proposals on safety-based redactions, standardized valuation/liability reporting, higher contribution limits, municipal ballot question reporting, tax-exempt entities in ballot campaigns, and post-election audits for all statewide elections. Amendments by Senators Rausch and DiDomenico were adopted, including late contribution reporting and retroactive reporting with an emergency preamble. Senator Feingold’s amendment to prohibit pay-per-signature arrangements for petition gathering was also adopted after a roll call vote. The bill, Senate No. 2898, An Act improving campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees, was then passed to be engrossed by a 38-0 vote.
The Senate next took up Senate No. 2903, An Act honoring Blue Star families, which would provide specialty license plates at no charge to the parent, child, or spouse of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Senators spoke in support, emphasizing the sacrifice of officers and their families, including the recent funeral of Officer Stephen LaPorteur. The bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a 38-0 vote.
The chamber also approved several committee extension orders. These extended deadlines for the Committees on Aging and Independence, Education, Public Service, and Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, with members noting the limited number of bills and the need for additional time to complete review, cost analysis, or respond to commission reports. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., dispensed with printing a calendar, and adjourned in memory of Stuart H. Altman.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 17th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Able, or otherwise known as Blue Advantage.
- So we will be moving from Health Advantage to Blue Advantage, but still under the Blue Cross and Blue
Summary:
The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. Grant Wallace presented March and April formulary changes, including moving to lower-cost generic and preferred drugs, leaving several new-to-market drugs not covered, and adjusting migraine and diabetes medications; the committee approved those recommendations. The subcommittee also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that excludes automatic coverage for those therapies so they can undergo prior authorization and review, with members emphasizing that the policy was intended to create review, not an absolute denial, and that expedited appeals would remain available.
Members spent significant time discussing the UAMS pharmacy benefit consultant amendment. Wallace explained that the contract included both basic services and optional services related to coupon and rebate management and prior authorization support, but the written materials created confusion over the dollar amount. After questions about whether the committee was approving a higher amount than the base contract and whether the optional services duplicated work already being done by Navitus, the committee agreed to review the item with a contingency that any use of the optional services would return to the committee for approval. The committee also reviewed and approved the U.S. Able Mutual/Blue Advantage third-party administrator contract, the CompSack employee assistance program contract, and the proposed 2027 employee and public employee rates, which call for a 9.8% increase for state employees and a 4.9% increase for public school employees.
On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules for the property insurance program, a contingency-fee subrogation contract with Denenberg-Tuffley, and renewals for Sedgwick claims management, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens Capital Management. Wallace said Sedgwick had faced delays after a major winter storm and other weather events, but performance guarantees and communication expectations were being added; members discussed whether a shorter renewal term would be preferable, but the item was reviewed. The committee also approved the 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which Wallace said would lower the overall rate by 10% while keeping minimum deductibles unchanged. He noted the program had stabilized after a difficult first year and that the rate structure was now based on a more transparent actuarial foundation. The meeting ended with an update that the UnitedHealthcare rebid was nearing completion and would return in August, and the committee adjourned after approving the remaining items.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 17th, 2026
ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Able, or otherwise known as Blue Advantage.
- So we will be moving from Health Advantage to Blue Advantage, but still under the Blue Cross and Blue
Summary:
The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. Grant Wallace presented March and April formulary changes, explaining that the updates favored lower-cost generics, re-tiered some drugs, left several new-to-market drugs uncovered pending more evidence, and added quantity limits in some cases. The committee approved those formulary recommendations. The subcommittee also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that would exclude automatic coverage of those therapies and route them through prior authorization and review, with members noting the process should not delay urgent cases and that appeals remain available.
Members then discussed a UAMS professional consultant services contract amendment for pharmacy benefit consulting. The discussion focused on confusion over the dollar amount and scope, with Wallace clarifying that the committee was being asked to approve up to $2.596 million, including optional services related to coupon and rebate management that could be used later without returning for another approval. Several members raised concerns about matching the written contract to the approval amount and about the relationship to the current pharmacy benefit manager, but the committee ultimately approved the item with the understanding that any use of the optional services would return to the committee. The committee also reviewed, without objection, a Blue Cross/Blue Advantage third-party administrator contract, a CompSack employee assistance program contract, and approved proposed 2027 employee and public school health plan rates of 9.8% and 4.9% increases, respectively. Wallace also said the UnitedHealthcare rebid was in final negotiation and would return in August.
On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules for the property insurance program, a contingency-fee subrogation contract with Denenberg-Tuffly, and extensions for Sedgwick Claims Management, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens Capital Management. Members asked about claim-adjustment delays after a major winter storm, and Wallace said performance guarantees and communication requirements had been added, with claims still expected to vary by case. The committee also approved 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which included no change to minimum deductibles, lower rates for K-12 and higher education, a higher rate for state agencies, and an overall 10% reduction. Wallace said the reductions reflected improved actuarial foundations, better claims management, and the program’s first-year performance. The meeting adjourned after approving the rate item.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 20, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- He was a chance for the honor court when he was in law school, member of Blue Key.
- He was a chance for the honor court when 542 he was in law school member Blue Key. You came out.
- You guys haven't been there to see the Blue Angels Museum or to see the base.
- You guys haven't been 611 there to see the Blue Angels Museum or to see the base its 612 sure represenative
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met to consider several bills, beginning with HB 335 by Representative Kendall, which sought to recognize space as a fifth mode of transportation, give voting rights to ex officio Space Florida board members, and reduce what the sponsor described as unnecessary state oversight of spaceport operations. The bill was presented as a response to feedback from NASA, Space Force, and other federal partners about clarifying the state’s role at federally owned facilities like Kennedy Space Center. Members raised questions about terminology, authority over federal property, and the role of Space Florida; the sponsor said an amendment would remove the voting-rights provision and instead require spaceports to provide an annual list of shovel-ready projects. The amendment was adopted, and HB 335 passed favorably.
The committee then unanimously passed HB 885, which designates a road in Baker County near the courthouse in honor of former Representative and Judge John Cruz, and HB 403, which names a portion of the road leading into NAS Pensacola as Warriors Way to honor the sailors killed in the 2019 Pensacola attack and the broader naval community there. Both bills drew brief supportive remarks and no opposition. The committee also considered HB 25, a bridge designation for Coach Wilks, a longtime local basketball coach, and adopted a Senate amendment adding the Dickey Betts Memorial Highway designation on U.S. 41 in Sarasota County. HB 25, as amended, passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with adjournment after all measures on the agenda were reported favorably.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: DFL and Republican Media Availability - 02/03/25
Transcript Highlights:
- We also heard, you know, over the last three weeks, from the Blue Dog Caucus.
- last three weeks uh you know over the last three weeks from<00:09:40.360>
the <00:09:40.440>blue - dog<00:09:40.959>
caucus <00:09:41.360>had <00:09:41.519>formed from the blue - dog caucus had formed from the blue dog caucus had formed eight<00:09:42.079>
members <00:09:42.519
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- If you would, again, I want to make sure that the blue, that the green lights on so we can hear you.
- The blue line for each of these charts, those are the exact dollars that we have authorized.
- Uh the blue line for each of upwards.
- Uh the blue line for each of these<00:30:41.520>
charts <00:30:42.559>those <00:30:42.720 - line here you can so for the the blue line here you can see<00:30:51.520>
that <00:30:51.760><
Keywords:
00:32 Call to Order and Roll Call
02:30 Road Fund Report
17:22 Approval of Minutes
18:07 High Growth Counties Projects
56:00 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee for Transportation met without a quorum at first, then later approved the July 15 minutes by voice vote after quorum was reached. The committee heard an update from the Transportation Cabinet on the road fund for FY 2024-25. Cabinet staff reported road fund revenue came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, with motor vehicle usage tax receipts setting an all-time high for the fifth straight year. Motor fuels tax revenue was below estimate and down from the prior year, while overall road fund collections totaled $1.86 billion, essentially flat year over year. Staff said the road fund ended FY25 with a $61.6 million surplus, which under the budget bill must be appropriated to state construction. Members discussed the gas tax formula, with Senator Higdon arguing it no longer works well because revenues fall when fuel prices fall, and the chair noting the committee may need to revisit the formula.
The committee then received an update on High Growth County projects in the 2024 highway plan. KYTC said $16 million in HGC authorizations had been made, nine projects already had construction funds authorized or were otherwise underway, 12 more were scheduled to be let by the end of 2025 with estimated construction costs above $250 million, and one additional project was expected to be awarded through alternative delivery. The cabinet said it anticipated authorizing the full $450 million appropriated by the General Assembly. Members praised the effort and emphasized the need to get projects to market before the next budget cycle.
Jason Sala of KYTC also explained why transportation projects take time, citing planning, design, right-of-way acquisition, and utility relocation as major steps that can delay delivery. He said these processes are complex and require coordination with property owners, utilities, consultants, contractors, and local governments. Eric Pelfrey then briefed the committee on professional and personal service contracts, saying they are used to expand cabinet capacity for design, inspections, right-of-way appraisal, safety, and related work. He reported that authorizations and payments for these contracts have trended upward over the past decade, and that the number of contracts has also increased. In response to questions, Pelfrey said design-build can speed some projects by overlapping steps, but it does not eliminate right-of-way or utility work when those are required; he said KYTC has been using alternative delivery more often, but project complexity still limits how quickly work can move.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (01/13/2026)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- electronic blue sheets. electronic blue sheets.
- report out the electronic blue sheet. report out the electronic blue sheet.
- to report the blue sheets. to report the blue sheets.
- electronic blue sheet. electronic blue sheet.
- <03:01:37.359>
electronic <03:01:37.920>blue report on the blue electronic blue report
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- He said they had Blue Cross, and some of y'all got it now.
- He said they are going to let you go, and you cannot have Blue Cross any longer.
- We had blue cross. We had blue cross.
- You can't have blue cross any longer. You can't have blue cross any longer.
- Can't have blue cross. Can't have blue cross. Okay. Okay. Okay.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber received several House messages referring local bills to the Committee on Local Legislation, including measures affecting Lawrence, Clayurn, Limestone, Shelby, and Alabaster. The Senate also recognized guests in the gallery, including local leaders, law enforcement officials, and a Jackson County Junior Leadership group.
During personal privilege remarks, Senator Figures offered a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., highlighting his civil rights legacy, political influence, and impact on Black voter participation and representation; the Senate observed a moment of silence. Senator Smitherman also thanked her for the remarks. The Senate then adopted Senate Joint Resolution 47, mourning the death and celebrating the life of John J. Guthrie Jr., and Senate Joint Resolution 48, commending Tommy Jax for emergency actions to help a sick child.
The Senate considered numerous confirmations from the Committee on Confirmations, all receiving favorable reports and being confirmed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls, including Walter Bracie and Eric Bone to the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission, Morgan Garner and Susie Beal to the Alabama Electronic Security Board of Licensure, and Joe Brown, Brian Williams, James Spears, Charles Hedrickk, and Kathy Pierce to the Alabama Board of Polygraph Examiners. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including local legislation and county/municipal government measures.
On the floor, the Senate adopted a special order calendar and passed or adopted several bills: SB 239 on child custody jurisdiction enforcement, SB 190 on a sales tax exemption for an ocular eye service company, SB 252 on Governor’s Mansion Authority employees and leave benefits, SB 170 on health savings account regulatory coordination, SB 210 on the chiropractic board, SB 242 on commercial driver’s licenses, and SB 70 on crimes and offenses. SB 247 on insurance was carried over at the sponsor’s request for further work, and SB 83 on guardianships and conservatorships was taken up with discussion of a committee amendment to clarify removal of proceedings from probate to circuit court and notice requirements; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Majority Leader End-of-Session Media Availability - 05/18/26
Transcript Highlights:
- know some of the money down the road comes from, potentially comes from rail passenger funds, and the Blue
- passenger<00:16:11.440>
funds, <00:16:12.520>and <00:16:12.600>the <00:16:12.680>blue - <00:16:12.880>
line passenger funds, and the blue line passenger funds, and the blue line - And if you read the language carefully, it says if the federal government doesn't approve the Blue Line
- , then those funds that would have been used for that Blue Line would fall into the health care stabilization
Summary:
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy said the 2026 session ended with major accomplishments despite frustration over what did not pass. She highlighted a $1.2 billion bonding bill, housing and rental investments, property tax reductions, support for HCMC and distressed hospitals, public safety and crime victim funding, IT modernization, and fraud-prevention measures. She also said the Senate pushed a tab fee holiday, though she criticized Republicans for delaying its start until January, and described the session as focused on a “fair deal” for Minnesotans facing higher costs.
Murphy said some of the most difficult work involved human services and fraud oversight. She said lawmakers created an independent inspector general office, funded the Attorney General’s Medicaid fraud unit, added training and electronic visit measures, and included payment-withholding language with due-process protections and continuity-of-care safeguards. She said the Senate tried to balance fraud enforcement with preserving access to Medicaid-funded services, and emphasized that legislators must continue oversight and follow audit recommendations.
She also expressed deep disappointment that a comprehensive gun violence prevention package did not pass the House, saying it included prevention, intervention, harm reduction, school safety, and mental health provisions. She said the package was rejected by House Republicans and that she would keep fighting for it. On immigration enforcement, she said the Senate proposed protections against ICE actions but could not get them enacted. She also discussed campaign strategy, saying Democrats would defend frontline seats and emphasize health care, housing, jobs, and affordability, while continuing to support roads, bridges, and transit.