Transcript Highlights:

• So no one is being stopped under 12 miles over.
• Rather than going on the interstate, they can speed that way. No pun intended.
• They're going on the interstate. They can speed out that way. No pun intended. Right.
• I think what you're talking about is something that was done prior to—12 years ago, 12 or 13 years ago
• Starting on page 12, we have the Shannon Hills Water, Sewer, and Fire Department.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple audit and compliance reports involving Arkansas municipalities and a regional solid waste district. Several small towns were discussed for repeat findings involving delinquent water and sewer audits, municipal accounting noncompliance, and misuse of street funds, including Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove. In several cases, staff noted that turnback escrow was already being withheld because required water audits had not been filed, and some entities were reported to be current on payment plans only after staff updated the records through May 2026. The committee also reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which included findings on payroll approvals, contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, bidding, advertising costs, and the sale of trailers and other equipment. A separate report on municipal accounting noncompliance was presented for towns including Denning, Gum Springs, Fargo, Lead Hill, and Alma, with staff recommending some be removed from the 60-day list while others remained under review. Several local officials appeared and explained the findings. Fargo’s mayor said the town was understaffed and had begun improving records, while Lead Hill’s mayor said the town had hired more office help and was working to complete overdue water audits. Alma’s officials said they were trying to catch up on audits and accounting issues. Jericho’s police chief defended the town’s traffic enforcement and said the town had adjusted speed limits and enforcement practices to avoid the speed-trap threshold, while staff clarified that the prosecutor decides whether to pursue penalties. Haynes officials said revenue losses and the loss of their police department had made it difficult to keep up with required street-fund payments, and Gilmore officials said they were working on IRS and other debts. The Pulaski County district director said the board had authorized many of the questioned practices and that some issues, such as advertising and vehicle use, were tied to public education and operational needs. The committee took several actions. It approved minutes, accepted or filed some reports without objection, removed Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day list, and deferred action on several matters, including Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Haynes, and the Pulaski County solid waste district, generally until the September or August meeting. Motions to defer or file reports were adopted in multiple cases, and the committee also noted that some matters had been referred to the appropriate prosecuting attorney for further review. The meeting ended with recognition of visiting accounting students who were attending as part of summer internships.

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you<00:12:53.760> for<00:12:54.000> coming<00:12:54.160> down<00:12:54.399
• And then<00:12:58.720> we<00:12:58.959> got<00:12:59.120> Representative<00:12:59.760
• > along<01:12:19.040> our<01:12:19.199> main<01:12:19.440> water<01:12:19.679
• Over<01:12:20.800> the<01:12:20.960> next<01:12:21.120> two<01:12:21.360> years
• 01:12:24.520> 24<01:12:25.520> and<01:12:25.760> extended<01:12:26.239> into<

Bills: HF568, HF433, HF1689, HF3135, HF3137, HF3145, HF2887, HF2819, HF2802, HF2664, HF2267, HF799, HF800, HF3049, HF296, HF580, HF1438, HF1237

Keywords: special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction

Transcript Highlights:

• Even<00:12:21.840> those<00:12:22.120> not<00:12:22.360> looking<00:12:22.640>
• > star<00:12:37.480> on<00:12:37.600> the<00:12:37.680> tip,<00:12:38.600
• tip, I would have<00:12:38.920> the<00:12:39.000> power<00:12:39.320> to<00:12:
• students<00:12:44.600> to<00:12:44.720> work<00:12:44.920> and<00:12:45.040
• K-12 schools. K-12 schools.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:12:22.959> do<00:12:23.040> what<00:12:23.200> they<00:12:23.360> want
• :12:28.240> lead<00:12:28.399> to<00:12:28.480> a<00:12:28.639> conviction.
• /c><00:12:33.920> necessary<00:12:34.320> to<00:12:34.560> commit<00:12:34.800><
• <00:12:41.920> Um,<00:12:42.480> in<00:12:42.639> the<00:12:42.800> face<
• injection of<00:12:50.000> pollution<00:12:50.320> into<00:12:50.480> the<00:12

Bills: HB60

Keywords: geoengineering, weather modification, environmental safety, atmospheric pollutants, criminal pollution, Meeting Start: 00:00:02 Roll Call: 00:00:08 26 RS HB 60 - AN ACT relating to geoengineering: 00:01:35 Department of Corrections Update: 00:32:59 Kentucky Parole Board Update: 01:19:21, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:07.440> Think<00:12:07.680> she<00:12:07.920> could<00:12:08.079>
• > you're<00:12:20.560> at<00:12:20.800> the<00:12:20.959> far<00:12:21.279
• And<00:12:24.800> I<00:12:25.120> can't<00:12:25.440> see<00:12:25.680> that<
• <00:12:31.360> D<00:12:31.600> R<00:12:31.839> Y<00:12:32.079> E.
• Correct.<00:12:32.880> As<00:12:33.120> in<00:12:33.279> the<00:12:33.440> sense

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled roll call and approved the prior meeting minutes. Members discussed attendance and substitutions, then moved to the DHS commissioner’s update, which focused on New Hampshire’s Medicaid 1115 waiver and the new community re-entry initiative for people leaving correctional facilities. The presenter explained that the waiver lets the state cover certain services not normally covered under Medicaid, including substance use disorder treatment, serious mental illness services, adult dental benefits, and the new community re-entry component. She also noted that a separate youth re-entry component is federally required, with youth defined up to age 21 and foster-care-related coverage extending to age 26. The update described how the adult re-entry program works for incarcerated individuals with behavioral health needs, providing up to 45 days of pre-release services, care coordination with managed care organizations and DOC staff, telemedicine assessments, discharge prescriptions, insurance cards, and connections to community mental health, primary care, and substance use providers. For youth, the program includes more intensive case management, 30 days of pre-release services, and 30 days of post-release care coordination, with a stronger emphasis on screening, diagnosis, and holistic assessment. The presenter said New Hampshire received the adult waiver in July 2024, has implemented the program in state correctional facilities, and is beginning work at the youth center. Members and the presenter discussed why the program is structured as a waiver rather than a standard Medicaid benefit, with the explanation that CMS is allowing this as a newer policy area and that states generally pursue waivers for certain services. The chair and others emphasized the need for real cost and outcome data, and the presenter said an independent evaluator and evaluation plan are required under the 1115 waiver. Early results cited included 30 adults enrolled so far, 10 released, five youth enrolled with one released, and anecdotal early successes such as housing, employment, and better continuity of medication and treatment. The committee did not take any additional votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.959> they<00:12:13.200> are<00:12:13.360> in<00:12:13.519> favor<00:12
• <00:12:14.639> So,<00:12:14.880> I've<00:12:15.120> not<00:12:15.600> I
• <00:12:18.240> So,<00:12:18.480> thank<00:12:18.639> you,<00:12:18.880> Mr
• :24.240> think<00:12:24.399> I'm<00:12:24.800> this<00:12:24.959> is<00:12
• ><00:12:27.200> this<00:12:27.440> on<00:12:27.760> the<00:12:28.000> ballot<

Keywords: Discussion of SB 126 (2025 RS) 00:05:13 Discussion of HB 16 (2025 RS) 00:15:40 Kentucky Department of Parks – Overview 01:05:06, 958, all

Summary: The committee met jointly for State Government, State and Local Government, and Elections and Constitutional Amendments, approved the minutes from the September 23 meeting, and then took up discussion of Senate Bill 126, a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict the governor’s pardon power. Senator Chris McDaniel said the measure was prompted by concerns over pardons issued in 2019 and would bar pardons for 60 days before a gubernatorial election through the swearing-in of a new governor, leaving the power otherwise intact. Members who spoke generally supported the proposal as a way to increase accountability, and McDaniel said he intended to place it on the 2026 ballot. No vote was taken on the bill during the discussion. The committee then moved to House Bill 16 on water fluoridation. Representative Hart and Senator Greg Elkins said the bill would remove Kentucky’s fluoridation mandate and give local water districts the choice to add fluoride or not. They emphasized that the revised draft also adds immunity language to protect districts from civil litigation regardless of their decision. Dr. Jack Call, a Louisville dentist, presented against fluoridation, arguing that the main dental benefit is topical rather than from drinking water and citing studies and reports he said linked fluoride exposure to reduced IQ in children and other health concerns. Cindy Batson, a nurse and parent, also supported the bill and said she had testified on the issue for years. During questions, Senator Rollins raised concerns about fluoride being an industrial byproduct and described fluoridation as forced medication. The discussion remained focused on the bill’s local-control and immunity provisions, with sponsors saying they were not trying to relitigate the broader science but wanted to remove the mandate. The transcript ends while questions and testimony on HB 16 were still underway, and no final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• That being a repeal of the sunset on the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, often referred
• By making this training available to all public and charter K-12 schools, we ensure that military children
• did research before presenting this bill, and we surveyed nearly a hundred school officials across 12

Summary: The Military and Veterans, Space, and Domestic Security Committee met with a quorum and heard several bills focused on veterans, military families, and aerospace. SB 684 by Sen. Avila would let certain Florida Retirement System members buy military wartime service credit under updated eligibility dates and expand the definition of wartime service to include recent operations such as New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Enduring Sentinel. Veterans and first responders testified in support, and senators said the bill corrects an outdated gap. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1528 by Sen. Collins on educational opportunities for military children. The bill strengthens coordination between school districts and military installations and requires DOE training modules for school staff working with military families. An amendment removing a sunset provision was adopted, and three Hillsborough County students who helped develop the idea testified in support, describing research on military-family school transitions and the need for staff training on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended. SB 910 by Sen. Collins, on veterans benefit assistance, was amended and reported favorably. As amended, it allows veterans to work with professional claims advisors while adding consumer protections, including fee caps, bans on initial/nonrefundable and referral fees, required disclosures, and limits on use of veterans’ login credentials. Sen. Collins and others argued the federal VA claims process is too slow and confusing and that veterans need both help and safeguards. The committee also approved SB 1464 by Sen. Wright, which expands FDVA outreach through digital, print, social media, and in-person efforts and requires public events and annual reporting, and SB 1516 by Sen. Wright, which creates an international aerospace innovation fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships with international aerospace companies. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:12:07.800> and<00:12:07.920> testimony<00:12:08.360> we've<00:12:08.560><
• we<00:12:12.240> also<00:12:12.640> see<00:12:12.880> in<00:12:12.960>
• <00:12:16.000> and<00:12:16.120> maybe<00:12:16.320> you<00:12:16.560> own
• <00:12:26.200> That's<00:12:26.480> not<00:12:26.720> that<00:12:26.920>
• had 12. had 12.

Transcript Highlights:

• in<01:12:01.920> the<01:12:02.080> last<01:12:02.239> couple<01:12:02.480>
• <01:12:08.640> And<01:12:08.800> again,<01:12:09.120> we'll<01:12:09.440>
• So, uh<01:12:27.199> we're<01:12:27.360> very<01:12:27.600> excited<01:12:27.840
• :12:41.120> middle<01:12:41.360> school<01:12:41.600> and<01:12:41.840> then<
• high school<01:12:42.560> and<01:12:42.800> they're<01:12:42.960> taking<01:12:

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation from a charter-school authorizer agency. Witnesses explained that the agency no longer receives the federal CSP grant, that a one-time $499,000 equipment grant was not recurring, and that in FY25 they also had no general fund appropriation. They said their special-fund revenue has grown but is not enough to sustain operations alone, especially because the money arrives once a year and the agency needs a cash balance in advance. Their budget request sought a mix of general and special funds, but the legislative budget recommendation stayed near the FY26 appropriation level. Members asked about salary growth and contractual spending; the agency said higher salaries reflected doctorate-level staff and a planned sixth position, while contractual costs covered technical assistance, consultants, CPA reviews, and outside legal support. The agency also said a pending bill, identified as House Bill 2, could significantly affect its operations and revenue. Members asked about Republic, and the agency said a peer report had just been released, the school had made operational changes, and progress was being made though questions remained. The Library Commission then presented its budget request. The outgoing director announced retirement and introduced the incoming director, and praised the agency’s recent federal and state audits with no findings. The commission asked to restore two headcount reductions in the budget recommendation, saying the positions were hard to fill because they require specialized librarianship credentials and that losing them would cost about $130,000. It also asked to restore federal spending authority in case IMLS funding became uncertain, and requested about $173,000 for a 5% salary progression pool because turnover had reached 35% and many employees were near the start step. Senators asked about the open positions and turnover; the commission said one position had been open 10 months, another about eight months, and some turnover was due to retirements. Mississippi Public Broadcasting then presented its request for an $18.153 million appropriation. The agency said it wanted salary progressions to retain staff, four new vehicles for engineering and transmitter work, and $522,000 in reappropriated digitization funds to continue a project that has digitized more than half its library holdings for online access. The director also highlighted programming and outreach, including a new food-focused show, a music program, live coverage of the National Folk Festival, a Medgar Evers documentary now in national distribution, and expanded radio programming. He said MPB reaches nearly 1 million TV viewers annually, has strong radio and app usage, and continues to provide required weather, Silver Alert, and Amber Alert notifications. He also described a partnership with the Department of Education using e-glass technology to connect teachers to classrooms lacking instructors, saying the program is already serving multiple districts and drawing national interest.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:12.000> But<00:12:12.160> the<00:12:12.399> other<00:12:12.560> ones
• So,<00:12:25.519> this<00:12:25.680> bill<00:12:25.920> does<00:12:26.160> not
• > says<00:12:56.720> a<00:12:56.800> thousand<00:12:57.200> and<00:12:57.440
• after<00:12:58.800> that<00:12:59.040> and<00:12:59.279> I<00:12:59.440>
• The number of late payments<01:12:34.560> in<01:12:35.159> previous<01:12:36.159> 12

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2312 and first adopted the DE1 amendment, after which the amended bill was discussed. Nonpartisan fiscal staff walked through the spreadsheet and explained the bill’s higher education budget changes, including increases for state grants and tribal college assistance, unchanged funding for several existing programs, and reductions or eliminations for items such as state work study, summer academic enrichment, student loan counseling, concurrent enrollment, and the student parent support initiative. Staff also noted transfers to special revenue funds, the cancellation and reappropriation of ALS research funding, and a new licensing/registration revenue item. The committee was told the bill met the committee’s zero target overall, with a net general fund change of zero relative to the February forecast, while also adding some non-general fund expenditures for program licensing and registration. Members asked several questions about the transfers and specific line items, including whether any new special revenue accounts were being created, the foster care wraparound services line, and the treatment of the University of Minnesota and Centric Care partnership. Staff explained that the transfers generally did not create new accounts, that some items were not in the base, and that the U of M/Centric Care partnership was a one-time appropriation in the prior bill but was now being built into the base at a different amount. The University of Minnesota section also included new or continued funding for medical school development, health training restoration, emergency assistance grants, ALS research, and a weather resiliency program, while the Mayo Foundation section eliminated funding for Mayo Medical School and the Mayo family medicine residency program. The policy portion of the DE1 was then introduced. It included a maximum tuition and fee amount for state grants, direct appropriation of emergency assistance grants to Minnesota State, a juvenile justice appropriation for Metropolitan State University, and the ALS research reappropriation to the University of Minnesota. It also contained repealers for unfunded programs, including a delayed repealer for the student parent support initiative. In the higher education policy article, the bill would allow Minnesota State to offer applied doctoral degrees in cybersecurity, make technical changes to hunger-free campus and sexual misconduct procedures, extend pregnant and parenting student protections to private institutions, allow OHE to retain up to 10% of certain competitive grants for administration, consolidate reports, change the state grant formula so negative FAFSA contributions count as zero, and reduce the state grant lifetime credit cap from 180 to 120 credits. The Northstar Promise provisions would limit tuition and fees to resident rates and require MnState, and request the University of Minnesota, to ensure eligible students receive the benefit.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to move on to file item number 12, AB 2783 by technically Chair Calra, but... ...by technically
• All right, item number 12. AB 2783 will be on call.
• Number 12. How about I start? Okay, item number 12, AB-D.7-83 will be on call?
• This bill adopts the existing strict guidelines around interstate licensee-to-licensee transactions for
• We're going to move on to file item number 12, AB 2783, the Assembly Judiciary Bill by Assembly Member

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's like $12 million, I think, somewhere in that neighborhood. Thank you.
• When you look at our vacancy rate today, it's about 12%.
• They're in every county—33 counties—and we have 12 or 13 centers throughout the state.
• Chair, members of the committee, I'll turn your attention to slide 12.
• Now we'll go to slide 12, which is HCA's Behavioral Health Services Division.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:49.279> Uh<00:12:49.519> the<00:12:49.760> Center<00:12:49.920> for
• c> be<00:12:51.920> the<00:12:52.079> one<00:12:52.160> to<00:12:52.320>
• to help us be<00:12:52.720> able<00:12:52.880> to<00:12:52.959> do<00:12:53.040
• > that<00:12:53.200> and<00:12:53.360> there's<00:12:53.600> been<00:12:53.680
• :12:33.440> and<01:12:33.679> we<01:12:33.840> want<01:12:33.920> to<01:12

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then approved an agency amendment to a health and family services regulation. The amendment reversed a prior change so that neonatal ICU beds would remain subject to regular review rather than nonsubstantive review. The remaining administrative regulations were then reviewed without objection. The main presentation was from State Auditor Allison Ball on a report finding $836 million in concurrent Medicaid capitation payments from 2019 through 2022, involving individuals enrolled in Kentucky and at least one other state. Ball said Kentucky relied on the PARIS system, which has limitations because it is updated quarterly and depends on voluntary state participation, while a better federal data source, T-MSIS, was not fully available to the state. She said the audit found weak internal controls, siloed processes, outdated guidance, and a low-priority attitude toward residency checks, all of which contributed to missed alerts and improper payments. She also said the report identified additional problems, including payments made after beneficiaries died and cases involving multiple states paying for the same person. Ball recommended better access to federal data, stronger MCO contract provisions, and more active oversight by the Department for Medicaid Services and managed care organizations. She said the contracts reviewed did not provide a clear way to recoup the improper payments, though she and her counsel suggested possible equitable legal theories might be explored. Members expressed concern about the scale of the waste and the lack of contract enforcement, and asked whether any money could be recovered. Ball said the audit did not identify a clear contractual path to recoup the funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it just talks about libraries instead of K-12 institutions.
• Our theater programs in all K-12 schools. And so, I move for adoption. I have a motion...
• Well, it limits it to libraries and excludes K-12. So, to that extent, I guess you're correct.
• personally, I don't even know that we... anybody is doing drag performances anywhere, whether it is K-12
• I lived 12 years that way. I cut off my male anatomy. I had a BA in and out.

Bills: SB320, HB67, HB247, HB161, HB165, HB91, HB90, HB471, HB363, HB479

Keywords: liquefied petroleum gas, safety regulations, public gathering places, cylinder storage, proximity regulations, parental rights, drag performances, public schools, public libraries, overnight programs, gender identity, minor safety, Gulf of America, name change, state compliance, educational materials, local resources, historical reference, building codes, standardization

Transcript Highlights:

• With 12 active transportation faculty and approximately, Economic development.
• With 12 active transportation faculty and approximately 20 full-time employees, the UMass Transportation
• That's something that we use on all of our interstates and municipal roadways as well.
• A lot of it was built during the Eisenhower administration, especially the interstate highways, but a
• pipelines, interstate transmission lines.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization. MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades. Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:35.040> or<00:12:36.480> uh<00:12:36.720> I<00:12:36.959> couldn't
• Um no more than<00:12:39.760> what<00:12:39.920> I<00:12:40.079> already<00:12:40.320
• Um<00:12:43.120> when<00:12:43.440> I<00:12:43.680> decided<00:12:44.160> to<
• /c><00:12:44.560> part<00:12:44.800> ways<00:12:45.120> with<00:12:45.360> them
• But please, Sheriff,<01:12:19.040> if<01:12:19.199> you<01:12:19.280> can<01:12:

Bills: HF3889, HF2567, HF3878

Keywords: workforce development, grant program, employment, economic development, funding, employment contract, labor policy, employee rights, unconscionable provisions, public policy, legal enforcement, airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Kyle Wise said that at age 12 he had already experimented with Xanax.
• I have three children, twin boys that are 16, a daughter that's 12.
• In 2021, my then 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with B-cell leukemia.
• Now, at 12 years old, I’ve been sick.
• Now, at 12 years old, I’ve been sick. Okay. Just speak right into it.

Bills: SB 3, HB28, SB3

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, hemp regulation, consumable products

Transcript Highlights:

• When I was driving here today on Interstate 94 in my car, which is a white SUV, somebody almost changed
• When I was driving here today on Interstate 94 in my car, which is a white SUV, somebody almost changed
• Do not do it on the interstate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senator Judy Seeberger and traffic safety officials held a press conference focused on a deadly Minnesota motorcycle season and urged both drivers and riders to take greater care. Seeberger described several near-misses and a preventable crash at an intersection near her home, and asked motorists to put phones down, avoid impaired driving, and look twice or three times at stop signs, lane changes, and intersections. Mike Hanson, director of the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, said 37 motorcyclists had been killed so far this year, compared with 24 at the same time last year, and warned the state could approach 90 motorcycle fatalities if current trends continue. He said about half of motorcycle deaths are single-vehicle run-off-the-road crashes, often tied to speed, inattention, or skill level, while the other half involve a motorcycle and another vehicle; he also noted passenger fatalities are higher than usual and that riders over 60 are now being killed more often than younger riders. Hanson and others emphasized education, training, visibility, helmets, high-visibility gear, and sober driving. He said the state’s motorcycle safety training program is expanding with 11 additional basic rider courses, which should train about 121 more riders, and that safety materials are available to clubs and community groups. He also highlighted the new lane filtering and splitting law, saying it is limited to 25 mph or less and must be done within a rider’s skill level; he said he has seen it done both safely and unsafely and urged riders to follow the law and not be “knuckleheads.” Representatives from the Saint Croix Valley Riders and the Litas St. Croix Valley also spoke. Don Morley said his group promotes safety and awareness, reimburses members for rider training, and supports the new lane filtering/splitting law while stressing that riders and motorists must share the road. Heather Sevlin and other speakers tied the safety message to the death of Dana Milan, saying her crash was preventable and calling for justice and accountability in the impaired-driving case involving Robert Rodriguez, who they said was on a second DUI offense. In response to questions, Seeberger said she would support stricter penalties for repeat impaired or reckless drivers but would not support mandatory helmet legislation. Hanson said the legislature should continue to rely on rider experts and training advocates when considering motorcycle safety policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and that's what made the difference uh for us to be able to appropriate $12 million to UVM for their
• requesting 20, the governor put in 15, and the Senate... ...the governor put in 15, and the Senate did 12
• , and we were able to find 12, and it's not all coming out of the higher ed education trust fund, which
• and 10 million from the... ...ed trust fund and 10 million from the unclaimed property to get to the 12
• It would not have fit within to do 12 million.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12:42.360> um<00:12:43.160> I<00:12:43.320> appreciate<00:12:43.720> Senator
• ><00:12:46.839> Mill<00:12:47.079> may<00:12:47.320> be<00:12:47.480> a<00
• :12:50.800> one<00:12:51.040> fashion<00:12:51.360> or<00:12:51.560> another<
• :12:55.399> this<00:12:55.839> but<00:12:55.959> we<00:12:56.120> did<00:
• <00:12:58.199> then<00:12:58.440> to<00:12:58.600> look<00:12:58.720> at<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all