Transcript Highlights:

• Well, there's something that Carla said, and Jamie said a couple times about the governor's budget, Well
• If a professional student takes one master's degree class, one upper-level class, that, according to
• Well, I was confused.
• Well, I shouldn't say.
• Well, you go ahead and set the stage. Yeah. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the time.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:16:40.440> we'll can say, "Okay, well, we'll can say, "Okay, well, we'll we'll<00:16:
• 21:23.360> determined those classes are typically determined those classes are typically determined
• So again, you're not talking about particular classes like AP classes or smaller; you're talking about
• about particular classes like AP classes<00:23:18.160> or<00:23:18.680> smaller,<00:23
• Well, it does Representative Petrogna?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 751 reviewed amendment 2026-1904H page by page, focusing on open enrollment rules, capacity definitions, statewide enrollment limits, denial criteria, transportation, and funding. Members discussed clarifying that districts may set capacity at zero if they truly have no room, creating a statewide enrollment cap of 500 that can increase by 25% if it reaches 90% utilization, and exempting seats already used by open enrollment students before October 1, 2026. They also discussed how the Department of Education would allocate seats through rulemaking, while local districts would still set capacity, with grandfathered seats preserved where districts already allow open enrollment. A substantial portion of the meeting centered on when districts may deny open enrollment applications. The amendment would allow denials for reasons such as chronic absenteeism or disciplinary history, while requiring districts to consider whether those issues are tied to disability, McKinney-Vento status, foster care, or bullying. Members emphasized that such factors are to be considered, not used as the sole basis for rejection, and noted that the bill separately prohibits receiving schools from accepting or rejecting applicants based on pupil needs, special education needs, disability, aptitude, or athletic achievement. There was also discussion of whether interdistrict transfers should count toward open enrollment capacity, with a suggestion that a carve-out may be needed. The committee also reviewed provisions on program-specific capacity, continuous enrollment, and transportation. It was explained that capacity can apply to a school, grade, program, or class, including CTE programs, and that students may be denied if a specific program is full or if they do not meet prerequisites. The group clarified that open enrollment pupils would maintain continuous enrollment without reapplying, though there was concern about how that would work if district capacity changes over time. Transportation would generally be the parent’s responsibility unless required by an IEP or 504 plan, though students may use an existing bus route if seats are available and the receiving district allows it. On funding, the committee noted that the amendment changes the earlier HB 751 approach and instead ties open enrollment funding to base adequacy, differentiated aid, and an additional grant modeled on charter school funding, with dates removed at the department’s request. Members also raised concerns about how open enrollment would interact with existing tuition agreements and whether districts could use the new pathway to alter or pressure those arrangements. Department staff said districts would still be required to maintain a school of record and provide an adequate education free of charge outside the open enrollment program, and that if open enrollment enrollment became unusually large relative to district adequacy enrollment, the issue could be brought to the state board. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fairness, if one student sitting in a class has to pay the fee, then every student in the class should
• Well, I'm sorry, I just saw the amendment when I...
• Well, okay, as far as...
• Well, there are two... ...they're not paid, right? Well, there's two different things.
• Well, I... Any kind of fees on anything.

Bills: HB61, HB327, HB253, HB297

Keywords: home school, career and technical education, public schools, K-12 education, enrollment policy, parental leave, state employees, adoption, employee benefits, aircraft tax, aviation tax, sales tax exemption, use tax exemption, lease tax, rental tax, commercial aircraft, air carrier, airline, aircraft parts, maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• Um as well<00:38:07.280> as<00:38:07.760> as<00:38:08.320> well<00:38:08.640>
• as as well as requiring them to pay well as as well as requiring them to pay the<00:38:11.760> school
• <00:55:38.640> homestead to the class rate for class 1C homestead to the class rate for class
• resorts and also modification to class resorts and also modification to class 2C<00:55:42.800>
• <01:20:49.120> 2C sections 11 and 12 is the uh class 2C sections 11 and 12 is the uh class

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• living for millions of middle class living for millions of middle class Americans?
• , and the well-connected.
• ,<05:02:08.400> and<05:02:08.638> the well-off, and the well-off, and the well-connected
• middle class families in this country. middle class families in this country.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh on to our first agenda item well.
• c> users<00:02:51.760> and world-class facility for users and world-class facility for users
• <00:07:02.720> you to compliment you on just how well you to compliment you on just how well
• again, keeping the facility in top class again, keeping the facility in top class condition,<00:
• the entire local racing industry as well the entire local racing industry as well as<01:21:00.719

Bills: HF4912, HF4664

Keywords: electronic pull-tabs, pull-tabs, tipboards, gambling tax, Minnesota Racing Commission, Thoroughbred, horse racing, Minnesota-bred horses, breeders, owners, racing purses, industry subsidy, gambling revenue dedication, problem gambling, compulsive gambling treatment, general fund appropriation, state affiliate National Council on Problem Gambling, racing incentives, equine industry, public officers

Transcript Highlights:

• , as well as understand who the players are in this asset class.
• the players are in this asset class. the players are in this asset class.
• was not well cared for. was not well cared for.
• Well, we'll talk offline. Uh okay. Well, we'll talk offline.
• well? well? Representative<00:37:30.520> Bajaj.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 2687, as amended by a DE1 amendment. The amendment narrowed the bill to prohibit private equity companies from buying single-family homes and to limit corporations and partnerships to owning no more than 50 single-family homes, with enforcement through the Attorney General’s office. The committee adopted the DE1 amendment, and the author, Representative Bajaj, described the bill as a step toward expanding homeownership and reducing corporate concentration in the housing market. Representative Bajaj and supportive testimony argued that corporate ownership of single-family homes makes it harder for first-time buyers and working families to compete, especially in lower-income neighborhoods, and can lead to absentee ownership and poor maintenance. Ellen Sahli of the Family Housing Fund cited research on single-family rentals showing that larger portfolios are associated with worse renter experiences, higher rents, and more repair problems. Rachel Ruby Jones testified in support based on her experience renting from Havenbrook, describing flooding, delayed repairs, safety concerns, and poor treatment by management, and said private equity ownership can shift risks and costs onto vulnerable tenants. Opposition focused on market effects and the bill’s scope. Mark Brunner of the Minnesota Manufactured Home Association said the language was too broad and could unintentionally affect manufactured home communities on leased land. Paul Eger of Minnesota Realtors warned that market prohibitions could create unintended consequences, especially in a cyclical housing market, and suggested alternatives such as tax incentives for sales to owner-occupants and more first-time buyer assistance. In member discussion, Representative Nash questioned whether the problem was widespread and pressed for details on enforcement and divestiture; Representative Agbaje said the current language is forward-looking, would not force existing owners below the cap, and would rely on lawsuits and remedies the Attorney General deems appropriate, with more detail to be worked out later. The chair indicated the bill would be laid over for further consideration and likely move next to Judiciary, with some discussion of whether Commerce should also be a stop.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you, Mr.
• I was in a special education class most of the time. Also, I took classes.
• The English class and the education class were both really important.
• that team as well.
• Well, as noted by you, Mr.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a very full public hearing on the first Education Committee hearing of the session, with testimony taken on a large slate of bills, especially H. 650/S. 436 and related measures. The chairs explained the hearing rules, including two-minute testimony limits, live streaming, written testimony, and accommodations for interpreters and disabilities. The committee first heard extensive testimony on H. 460/S. 436 and later H. 650/S. 436, bills to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for all children, including immigrant students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Witnesses included parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and state officials, many of whom described fears caused by federal policy changes and argued that Massachusetts should codify protections for school enrollment, special education, interpreter services, and due process in discipline cases. The Attorney General’s office, Mass Advocates for Children, Lawyers for Civil Rights, MIRA, the Children’s Law Center, the Disability Law/advocacy community, and others all urged favorable action, while committee members asked questions about Plyler v. Doe, manifestation determinations, interpreter qualifications, and how the bill would mirror or preserve existing federal protections at the state level. The committee also heard testimony on H. 702/S. 460, establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program, which was supported as a way to expand STEM opportunities and help schools fund robotics programs. Representative Sweeney also testified on H. 713, a bill to support student participation in 4-H programming by allowing excused absences similar to those for athletics and other sanctioned activities; members noted bipartisan support and the bill’s long history. The hearing then moved to H. 543/S. 417, a recess bill requiring at least 30 minutes of free-play recess for K-8 students. Supporters included the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the League of Women Voters, educators, and parents, who emphasized recess as important for physical health, social-emotional development, attention, and academic performance, and noted that unequal local policies create disparities across districts. Several witnesses also tied recess to broader concerns about student well-being and screen time. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed testimony on the bills as it moved through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> It turned out well. >> It turned out well.
• > and<00:26:51.480> had uh he was well well accepted and and had uh he was well well accepted
• that as well. that as well.
• 2 class, a a year-long Arapaho 2 class. 2 class, a a year-long Arapaho 2 class.
• children are in classes. children are in classes.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so going to a computer, they don't do as well in.
• Well, well, well, well. Good morning. Good morning. Chase did a great job explaining it.
• Staff described the bill well. Thanks, Whip Willoughby. Staff described the bill well.
• Staff described the bill well. Thanks with Willoughby staff described the bill well.
• House Bill 2666 changes the classification for sexual extortion from a Class 3 felony to a Class 2 felony

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting covered a large number of bills and resolutions across education, federalism, government, health, commerce, and judiciary-related topics. In education, members heard bills on moving the statewide testing window later, allowing paper-based testing in more cases, posting school administrator compensation data, expanding who may receive student directory information, reviewing duplicative ADE reporting requirements, requiring religious excusals, creating a school fitness recognition program, and a proposed ballot measure on sex-designated school sports and private spaces. In federalism, the committee discussed banning foreign nationals from funding ballot-measure committees and a proposal to eliminate voting centers and return to precinct-based voting. Other items included memorials urging the U.S. to withdraw from the United Nations and the IMF, and a government bill penalizing agencies that fail to submit financial reports on time. Health and human services bills focused on lactation care, a state certification program for lactation providers, prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors, requiring chief medical officers at state agencies to hold active licenses, clarifying air ambulance statutes, seeking a SNAP waiver to restrict non-eligible food purchases, and collecting hospital patient immigration-status data for reporting. Sponsors generally framed these as consumer protection, public health, or administrative cleanup measures, while some members raised concerns about cost, privacy, and possible legal conflicts. In commerce, the committee heard bills on digital goods disclosure, protections for child content creators, liability limits for river outfitters, landlord utility billing transparency, appraisal management company definitions, unemployment eligibility verification, and association-based health plans. Several measures were pulled from consent or flagged for amendments. The judiciary portion included bills creating a civil cause of action for violations of anti-DEI laws, expanding hate-crime-style penalties to include political affiliation and expression, adding reporting requirements for name changes by sex offenders, penalizing possession of falsified commercial driver’s licenses by unlawfully present individuals, adding penalties for mailing abortion-inducing drugs, allowing speed-limiting devices as an alternative to license suspension, extending inmate transition services, increasing penalties for sexual extortion involving older teens, requiring legislative approval to close state shooting ranges, and advancing an Article V convention resolution for congressional term limits. Several sponsors emphasized public safety, parental rights, election integrity, or government accountability, while some members raised constitutional or implementation concerns, particularly on liability, voting systems, and the term-limits resolution. Multiple bills were reported as being on consent calendars, with some pulled for amendments or further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many libraries offer conversational Spanish classes.
• They have evening classes for adults for computer literacy.
• Well, thank you both for being here today.
• Well, thank you for your service, Bill.
• Well, you know...

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, both.
• Well, I now see, now I'm confused. I thought you were going to speak to both amendments.
• <00:09:58.960> Well, And it's And it's Nava. Oh, okay. Well, And it's And it's Nava.
• Yeah, well, Representative Wolgamott.
• financial aid, then they drop the class financial aid, then they drop the class or<00:16:20.560>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have an amendment as well.
• Well, we can take a recess so we can all look at the same thing.
• So we're working through those efforts as well. Thank you very much.
• retake of a failed class?
• If they fail a class and then retake it, do they get the waiver?

Bills: AB328, AB397

Keywords: Juneteenth, education, economic commission, cultural affairs, racial healing, policy recommendations, African-American studies, higher education, fee waivers, Native American students, unaccompanied youth, academic progress, Nevada System of Higher Education, 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, well, thank you for your time.
• Chair, to the point as well.
• I wish you well in that endeavor.
• I wish you well in that endeavor.
• Yeah, well, I do have... I can...

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as a class and not individually.
• Well, those are great points.
• Well, those are great points.
• Well, good morning.
• Well, thank you very much.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:01.360> A class B misdemeanor to a class A class B misdemeanor to a class A misdemeanor
• So we have their approval as well.
• So we have their approval as well.
• So we have their approval as well.
• So we have their approval as well.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01 SB 132 Discussion 00:44 SB 132 Vote 07:10 SB 33 Discussion 08:30 SB 33 Vote 17:24 SB 85 Discussion 18:08 SB 85 Vote 25:58 Adjournment: 26:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 132, which would clarify that state law does not limit local governments’ authority to regulate businesses affiliated with licensed massage therapists. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a police chief and the Kentucky League of Cities said the bill is aimed at helping cities respond to complaints about suspected illegal activity, including possible human trafficking, by expressly allowing local ordinances on zoning, licensing, inspections, advertising, hours, and sanitation. The bill also increases the penalty for practicing massage therapy without a license from a class B to a class A misdemeanor and makes each unlicensed session a separate offense, while preserving existing protections for trafficking victims. The committee then heard Senate Bill 33, which addresses recovery residence centers. Senator Thomas said the bill responds to fraudulent or noncompliant recovery homes operating without proper certification and creating neighborhood problems. The measure would require recovery residences to notify cities when they apply for and receive certification, report certain ownership and contact information, and allow cities to keep a registry so they can identify certified facilities. Testimony from the Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences supported the bill’s enforcement goals but objected to making addresses public, citing safety concerns for vulnerable residents; the sponsor agreed to remove the public-record language through a floor amendment. The committee passed the bill favorably 8-0. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 85, which would allow state retirement benefits to be directed to a special needs trust. The sponsor and co-sponsor said the bill is intended to help state employees provide for a dependent with special needs after the employee’s death without affecting eligibility for waiver or other benefits. A witness from the Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences supported the concept and noted the importance of clear language, while Senator McDaniel raised a technical concern about whether the bill could allow benefits to be directed to an unintended beneficiary. The sponsor said the language would be reviewed and clarified if needed. The committee approved the bill 8-0 with favorable expression and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As well as Sheila Hemphill. Thank you. Thank you.
• Well, before I dismiss... I have a question.
• The offense is a class A misdemeanor.
• Well, thank you for staying.
• I think a story illustrates this well.

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB116, HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh so, I thought, "Well, what do I >> Wow. Uh so, I thought, "Well, what do I do?
• I<00:04:12.440> thought,<00:04:12.760> well, I thought, well, I thought, well, maybe<00
• Jeff Hayden was also in our class.
• Jeff Hayden was also in our class.
• Jeff Hayden was also in our class.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Torkelson gave a long farewell-style floor speech reflecting on his legislative career, thanking colleagues, staff, family, and voters, and sharing anecdotes from his early campaigns and years in office. He emphasized the importance of listening to constituents, working across party lines, and not holding grudges after disagreements. He also praised the Minnesota Capitol, Cass Gilbert’s design, and the renovation work, and noted his service on committees including Transportation, Capital Investment, Ways and Means, and redistricting. A major theme of the speech was bipartisanship and institutional respect. Torkelson described working with members from both parties, including House leaders and committee counterparts, and said the House’s tied balance had forced more work to the committee level and produced bipartisan outcomes. He warned against using redistricting as a political weapon and urged Minnesota not to follow that path. He also thanked specific staff members and mentioned his family, including his daughter, who works as a lobbyist. The speech did not involve a bill debate or recorded vote. It concluded with a call for legislators to keep learning from one another and to find practical paths forward while staying true to their values, ending with a quotation from Ecclesiastes and applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, might as well say that. Any questions then?
• <00:44:21.200> is ...the most favorable class is, of course, in terms of the class rates,
• <00:52:24.799> I'm and uh for those who just say well I'm and uh for those who just say well
• Thank you, Senator Rest, as well.
• <01:19:54.159> again thank you Senator rest as well again thank you Senator rest as well again

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you very much, Ms. Williams and Ms. Taylor.
• Well, thank you very much, Ms. Williams and Ms. Taylor.
• Up to class 8, you could save $175,000 to $200,000.
• 7 and class 8 trucks coming into the system.
• They're going to be doing some nice things there as well.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee held a work session focused on Climate Commitment Act transportation spending and electrification programs. Staff first reviewed overall CCA transportation allocations, saying about $2.2 billion has been allocated over three biennia, with major categories including public transportation, active transportation, ferry electrification, zero-emission vehicle programs, rail/ports, and planning. Members asked for additional breakdowns comparing CCA dollars with total program costs across categories. The Department of Ecology presented on the zero-emission school bus grant program. Ecology said the program was codified in 2024 and supports the transition from diesel to electric school buses, including buses, charging infrastructure, and training. For 2025-27, Ecology received $38.3 million in CCA funding; $21.4 million is already obligated or spent, replacing 91 diesel buses in 28 districts, with the rest to be awarded by the end of the biennium. Members asked about cost parity, exemptions for rural and extracurricular routes, health data, and whether the funding covers chargers as well as buses. Ecology said OSPI is developing the parity formula and exemptions are available when electric buses cannot meet district needs. The Department of Commerce described its clean transportation role, including EV rebates, tribal charging and electric boat projects, and the EV Coordinating Council. Commerce said its rebate program was designed to lower monthly costs and prioritize low-income households, with 89% of recipients saying the rebate was essential to their purchase. It also reported strong demand for charging grants, progress on tribal projects, and concerns about utility interconnection timelines, vandalism, and range anxiety. The Department of Enterprise Services reported on state agency EVSE projects, saying it has completed 82 sites with 567 Level 2 ports and 46 DC fast chargers, and that current projects will add 152 more Level 2 ports; members asked about replacing aging chargers and the state’s EV fleet purchasing mix. WSDOT closed with updates on charging, transit, and port electrification. It said its corridor charging program has awarded 23 sites this biennium, with 13 in overburdened communities and five tribal sites, and that the Washington Zero Emission Incentive Program opened with $112 million for vouchers for zero-emission commercial vehicles and equipment. WSDOT also described transit grants, including bus and bus facility funding, commute trip reduction, paratransit, tribal transit, and zero-emissions access car-share projects. The rail freight and ports division reported $89.8 million for port electrification projects, including shore power and drayage trucks, but noted only about 10% has been spent so far because projects are still in design and permitting. Members raised concerns about funding gaps, supply-chain delays, utility capacity, and whether the programs are sufficient to meet broader electrification needs.