Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, five million dollars from the Attorney General's office to the Gang and Immigration Intelligence
• Mission Fund. ...moves five million dollars from the Attorney General's office to the Gang and Immigration
• At a time when people are struggling to pay their bills, investing millions into immigration enforcement
• At a time when people are struggling to pay their bills, investing millions into immigration enforcement
• According to DHS, less than 14% of the nearly 400,000 immigrants arrested by ICE over the last year had

Summary: The committee heard several appropriations and policy bills, beginning with HB 263, which would appropriate $1.5 million to fund the Independent Correctional Oversight Office. Representative Blackman argued the office is needed to address serious problems in the Department of Corrections, including lawsuits, staffing shortages, injuries, and safety concerns, and said he was open to shifting existing dollars to cover the cost. A supportive witness from Justice Action Network said the funding would make the oversight office operational and is a small investment compared with the department’s overall budget. The bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 17-1 vote. The committee then considered HB 2993, as amended, which would let the Department of Public Safety spend money on legal services independent of the Attorney General and move $5 million from the Consumer Protection/Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund to the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Fund. Speaker Montenegro said the bill was intended to support law enforcement and shift resources toward frontline public safety work. The amendment changed the destination of the $5 million from the Peace Officers Training Fund to GITEM, and the bill passed 11-7. HB 2271 followed, dealing with firefighter cancer insurance reimbursement and rate deviations for insurers. Witnesses described it as a technical, unfinished consensus measure meant to bring fire districts into the existing cancer reimbursement structure without changing claim handling for firefighters. Members repeatedly noted more work was needed, but the bill still received a do-pass recommendation on a 16-1-1 vote. HB 2416 appropriated $20 million to DPS for local border support, including law enforcement positions, prosecution and detention costs, and equipment. Sheriffs and the Arizona Sheriffs Association testified in support, saying the funding has been used for drug interdiction, fentanyl seizures, and joint task forces, while opponents argued the money should go elsewhere. The bill passed 11-6-1. HB 2692, a procurement bill, would create or revise rules for construction delivery methods, including one-step competition and progressive design-build for federally funded public infrastructure projects. Construction and procurement stakeholders said it was a long-negotiated consensus measure, while some members worried about taxpayer risk and wanted more information; it passed 10-7-1. The committee also amended and passed HB 2478, which creates the Arizona Commission on Student Outcomes and funds it with Classroom Site Fund dollars to study K-12 accountability, standards, graduation requirements, early childhood education, and a possible trade pathways diploma. Supporters said Arizona needs a broader conversation about student outcomes and school accountability, while opponents questioned the funding source and whether the work should instead be done by existing education agencies. The amended bill passed 11-7. Finally, HB 4044 was introduced to create a Public Safety Parity Fund for DPS and Corrections salaries using proceeds from forfeited digital assets and interest from the Budget Stabilization Fund; the sponsor and a troopers association witness said it would help address long-standing pay parity and vacancy problems, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I feel like this bill has to pass to protect students, the young folks, the immigrant children who
• I am an immigrant. And folks decided to look at me because I'm brown; I shouldn't get justice.
• I was 12, and my parents were immigrants who did not have access to quality, survivor-informed lawyers
• More and more individuals are being brought from out of the country, immigrants into our country that
• This is a debate we'll continue to have even on other issues: immigration, the death penalty.

Bills: SB41, SB33, SB32, SB30

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, individualized treatment, investigational treatment, health care, life-threatening illness, patient rights, physician recommendation, informed consent, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child protection, prosecution, crime amendments, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• We work with immigrant families and seniors. Support AB 1157. Thank you.
• We work with immigrant families and seniors. Support AB 1157.
• We work with immigrant families and seniors support AB-11-57.
• We saw a lot of immigrant families here today, a lot of people that are struggling to survive.
• We saw a lot of immigrant families here today, a lot of people that are struggling to survive.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard several housing- and courts-related bills. AB 768, by Assemblymember Avila Farias, would close a loophole in mobile home rent control by excluding homes not used as permanent residences, such as vacation or short-term rental use. Supporters said it would preserve affordability for full-time residents while preventing wealthy second-home owners from benefiting from rent control; a nonprofit housing operator asked for a technical amendment to avoid conflicts with tax-exempt bond restrictions. The bill was moved and passed as amended. AB 1359, by Assemblymember Arambula, would let people age 80 and older request a permanent jury-service excuse without providing a doctor’s note. Supporters from the California Senior Legislature said the current medical-note requirement is burdensome and unnecessary, while some members raised concerns about reducing older adults’ participation on juries and suggested the exemption should be more flexible or reversible. After discussion, the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1406, by Assemblymember Ward, would raise the cap on liquidated damages in new condominium pre-sale contracts from 3% to 10% to help developers finance condo projects and increase for-sale housing production. Developers and housing advocates argued the change would improve financing and make more condos feasible, while realtors and consumer advocates warned it would shift too much risk onto buyers, especially first-time homebuyers. Committee members expressed mixed views and asked for stronger consumer protections; the author said he was open to further amendments, and the bill was held open with the roll call not fully completed in the excerpt. The committee also began hearing AB 1157, by Chair Kalra, which would lower and make permanent the rent cap under the Tenant Protection Act and extend protections to single-family home renters, but the transcript excerpt mainly captures extensive public support testimony and the author’s opening presentation, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work with immigrant families and seniors in support of AB 1157.
• We work with immigrant family. Thank you. I'm Silayan-Kintanar with SOMCAN from San Francisco.
• We work with immigrant families and seniors support AB-11-57.
• So I sit here before you as a proud Arab American, as a son of immigrants who have come over to this
• We saw a lot of immigrant families here today, a lot of people that are struggling to survive.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 670 establishes a clear definition for immigrant integration, specifically outlining its
• This definition aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how immigrants can effectively adapt
• California is home to a vibrant and diverse population of over 10.6 million immigrants, representing
• Despite their significant presence, many immigrant adults encounter a range of complex and interrelated
• This is particularly significant in California, where undocumented immigrants contribute $8.5 billion

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a long floor file with many Senate bills. Early procedural actions included unanimous-consent motions, a successful roll-call to rescind prior action on SB 351, and a 54-vote suspension of Joint Rule 61(a)(3) to allow floor amendments on SBs 80, 351, and 415. The chamber also made several referrals, moved one item to the inactive file, and welcomed new Assembly Member Natasha Johnson and other guests. The bulk of the meeting consisted of concurrence and third-reading votes on a wide range of measures, many of them passing with little or no opposition. Topics included tribal gaming grants (AB 221), State Bar fee and bar exam changes (SB 253), AI guardrails in community colleges (SB 241), consumer arbitration clauses (SB 82), due process for law enforcement in Racial Justice Act cases (SB 734), dental payment fee disclosures (SB 386), HOA balcony inspection reports (SB 410), farmland protection and EIFD rules (SB 5 and SB 516), emergency shelter zoning (SB 340), HIV confidentiality (SB 504), election signature-cure reforms (SB 3), contractor workers’ compensation compliance (SB 291), fire training funding (SB 345), wage theft enforcement (SB 355 and SB 261), food allergen disclosures (SB 68), ride-share insurance coverage (SB 371), housing and disaster recovery measures (SB 233, SB 625, SB 21), midwifery education (SB 520), mobile home insurance access (SB 525), epinephrine in schools (SB 568), health facility emergency licensing (SB 582), hair relaxer enforcement (SB 236), wastewater surveillance (SB 317), and several tax, transportation, and public health bills. A number of bills drew brief policy debate or opposition. SB 388, creating a California Latino Commission, prompted criticism from some members who argued the money should go directly to community needs rather than a new commission; it still passed. SB 50 on digital safety for victims of abuse, SB 20 on silicosis prevention, SB 306 on prior authorization reform, SB 373 on oversight of out-of-state special education placements, and SB 437 on reparations descendant-status verification were among the more substantive and discussed measures. Most bills passed by wide margins, often unanimously, and several urgency or tax-levy measures required 54 votes and were approved. The session ended with continued passage of remaining file items and multiple items retained or passed temporarily for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• This deals with 30, and there's a United States has agreement with the non-immigrant pursuant to the
• </c><00:43:44.079><c> the</c><00:43:44.440><c> um</c><00:43:45.240><c> non-</c><00:43:45.559><c> immigrate
• </c> agreement with the the um non- immigrate agreement with the the um non- immigrate non-immigration
• pursuant</c><00:43:48.240><c> to</c><00:43:48.760><c> the</c><00:43:48.960><c> compact</c> non-immigration
• pursuant to the compact non-immigration pursuant to the compact of<00:43:49.559><c> free</c><00:43:49.839

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved the February 19 minutes, and opened with a moment of silent prayer for a colleague who had experienced a medical episode. Members also recognized several guests, including students, school board members, and community visitors. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 66, which proposes a task force on Advanced Air Mobility. The sponsor described the measure as a way for Kentucky to study emerging eVTOL and related aviation technology, compare policies with other states, and position the commonwealth to compete for economic development in aviation, aerospace, and logistics. Members expressed support for the forward-looking concept, and the resolution was reported favorably after a roll call vote, with a correction noted that there was no committee substitute attached. The committee next considered Senate Bill 38, dealing with school bus stop-arm safety cameras. The sponsor and a co-sponsor said the bill is permissive, not mandatory, and would help school districts pay for camera purchase, installation, and operation if they choose to use them. They emphasized the goal of reducing illegal passing of stopped school buses, cited survey data showing thousands of violations statewide, and said the bill includes a process for contesting citations and keeps revenue largely within school districts and the court system. A co-sponsor described a personal near-miss involving a child crossing in front of a bus. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 63 on street-legal special purpose vehicles. The sponsor and a witness from Back Roads of Appalachia said the bill is intended to support recreation and economic development in Eastern Kentucky by allowing certain UTVs and similar vehicles to be made street legal under defined safety and registration requirements. They stressed that farm and agricultural vehicles are excluded, that the bill is optional, and that vehicles would need inspection, registration, and safety equipment such as roll bars, seat belts, and windshields. Members asked about whether the bill would affect farm use, whether it was aimed at recreation, and how local governments could restrict use; the sponsor said localities could prohibit these vehicles on certain roads and that the measure was not meant to allow long-distance travel on major roads. The discussion also included a reminder to wear helmets. The transcript ends during the committee’s consideration of SB 63, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• My advisor, my Italian advisor, Dr. Bonora, and I invited Dr.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My advisor, my Italian advisor, Dr. Bonora, and I invited Dr.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:27:07.200><c> families</c> agents to terrorize immigrant families agents to terrorize immigrant
• </c><02:27:25.840><c> My</c> process to legal immigrants. Mr. My process to legal immigrants. Mr.
• Yeah, I don't know if the gentleman's ever read the Medicaid statute, but undocumented immigrants are
• to illegal immigrants that are getting<03:48:07.040><c> Medicaid.
• </c> statute, but uh undocumented immigrants statute, but uh undocumented immigrants are<03:48:53.760

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an immigrant citizen, and I'm a proud recipient of the North Star Promise scholarship. members of
• families affording college is immigrant families affording college is an<01:41:58.560><c> uphill</c>
• </c> first generation student from immigrant first generation student from immigrant families<01:42:58.560
• I come from a large family, one of seven siblings, raised by parents who immigrated from Laos in the
• Growing up in our immigrant household was not easy.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Or we've reported this person to Immigration and Customs, and they now no longer receive said benefit
• Or we've reported this person to Immigration and Customs, and they now no longer receive said benefit
• Federal law already requires citizenship and immigration verification with clear timelines.
• So, and I know that in New Orleans and in Baton Rouge, a lot of the immigrant population actually goes
• But absolutely, I think FQHCs are open to all vulnerable populations, and that includes our immigrant

Bills: HCR41, HB11, HB227, HB243, HB278, HB335, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB492, HB623, HB641, HB660, HB708, HB719, HB940, HB1029, HB1053, HB1069, HB1077

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not asking anyone to do immigration interdiction in the field.
• We're not asking any officer to determine someone's immigration status on a traffic stop.
• We're not asking any officer to determine someone's immigration status on a traffic stop.
• So, federal immigration is broken.
• We have voted stuff off this floor dealing with immigration that was much harder asked than this.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and received messages from the Governor and Senate on bills signed, enrolled, and transmitted. Several committee reports were read, including bills and resolutions advanced to second or third reading, and House Resolution 28 and multiple appropriations and policy bills were introduced and referred. The House also recessed and later resumed business, continuing with messages and committee reports before moving into floor action on selected bills. A major floor debate centered on House Bill 725, which would have allowed cities to join the Idaho State Health Insurance Pool. Supporters argued it would give cities access to a larger, more stable risk pool, lower premiums, and reduce property tax pressure, while opponents warned it could create adverse selection, raise costs for state employees, and expand state administrative burdens. After extended debate, the House rejected HB 725 by a vote of 30-40 and held it at the Chief Clerk’s office. The House then passed House Bill 660, a measure requiring local law enforcement to collect and report twice-yearly counts of arrested individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States. Supporters said it was a limited reporting requirement aimed at understanding costs to taxpayers, while opponents raised concerns about unclear procedures, added burdens on law enforcement, and questionable fiscal assumptions. The bill passed 40-30 and was transmitted to the Senate. The House also took up several budget enhancement bills under suspended rules. House Bills 905, 906, 907, 908, and 909 all passed, covering enhancements for the State Board of Education, community colleges, career technical education, the Military Division, and the Secretary of State. Debate on these bills focused on whether the additions were true restorations or budget growth, the use of one-time funds and federal grants, and concerns about higher education priorities and fiscal restraint.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not asking for anyone to do immigration interdiction in the field.
• We're not asking any officer to determine someone's immigration status on a traffic stop.
• We're not asking for anyone to do immigration interdiction in the field.
• We're not asking any officer to determine someone's immigration status on a traffic stop.
• So, federal immigration is broken.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this bill, and he talked about basically requiring all political subdivisions to cooperate with Immigration
• this bill, and he talked about basically requiring all political subdivisions to cooperate with Immigration
• directing that all units of government must cooperate with law enforcement agencies as it relates to immigration
• Basically requiring all political subdivisions to cooperate with Immigration and Customs detainers and
• directing that all units of government must cooperate with law enforcement agencies as it relates to immigration

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 3 March, 2026; 9:00 A.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Who fought to gain their citizenship once they immigrated to this great nation.
• I'm a first-generation immigrant born and raised in Iran.
• Because that's the story of millions of other immigrants before me and millions more to come.
• Millions of other immigrants after me.
• Identification issued by the agency of the United States responsible for citizenship and immigration,

Bills: HB2442, HB3697, HB4288, HB5256, HB5337, HB5362, HJR161

Keywords: HB 2442, Texas Election Code, Election Code Section 84.001, early voting, ballot by mail, mail ballot, absentee voting, runoff election, primary runoff, general runoff, voter application, election administration, county election officials, opt-out, voter choice, mail voting, ballot application, voting by mail, Election Code, size requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• But over the past years, maybe four years, where a lot of immigrants been coming over to America into
• </c><01:02:36.079><c> been</c> years where a lot of immigrants been years where a lot of immigrants been
• But if we can protect our families by vaccinating people, the immigrants that are coming over, or where
• can easily just as easily contract them from their neighbors and fellow students as they can from immigrants
• can easily just as easily contract them from their neighbors and fellow students as they can from immigrants

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several health-related resolutions and received testimony on each. HCR 28/HR 27 would ask the Department of Health to reconvene a working group on water and air contamination and remediation tied to the Pu‘uloa Range training facility; supporters said nearby residents and the broader public may be exposed to lead and heavy metals, and that further testing and eventual relocation of the range are needed. HCR 35 would request an auditor’s report on the social and financial effects of mandatory insurance coverage for biomarker testing, and HCR 36 would request a similar report on colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Department of Health and cancer advocates supported both, saying biomarker testing helps match patients to the right treatment and that earlier colorectal screening improves outcomes; DOH also cited screening data showing lower screening rates among uninsured people. HCR 134, on limiting cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, drew support from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and others, who said out-of-pocket costs can delay diagnosis and treatment. HCR 171, on mandatory coverage for continuous glucose monitoring, also drew support from health and disability advocates. HCR 185, on coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practitioners through federally qualified health centers, received support from Papa Ola Lōkahi and a community testifier who described the value of traditional healing and access gaps. HCR 173, urging DOH outreach and vaccination drives at schools with low vaccination rates, drew support from DOH, DOE, and public health and disability advocates, but also strong opposition from several testifiers who argued the measure was government overreach and raised concerns about vaccine safety and parental choice. Testimony on HCR 173 was the most divided, with supporters emphasizing the need to raise immunization rates to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable children, while opponents argued schools should not host vaccine drives and that parents should make vaccination decisions without government involvement. The Department of Health said it is already working with schools and community partners to expand school-based immunization efforts and would prioritize schools with rates under 30%. The State Health Planning and Development Agency also supported the measure, saying rates below 50% are a serious public health concern. No votes or final committee actions were announced in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anne Margaret's childhood was spent growing up in a tight-knit neighborhood of immigrant and immigrant-descended

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met for final passage on several measures, beginning with adoption of an emergency preamble for H 4587, a sick leave bank bill for David A. Russell of the Department of Correction. The chamber then took up and passed to be engrossed S 1919, providing for the retirement of Greg Heath, a former firefighter in Westfield, and H 4287, authorizing West Springfield to grant four additional off-premises alcohol licenses. The Senate also adopted an order to adjourn in memory of Representative Anne Margaret Ferrante, with Senator Tarr offering a detailed tribute to her life, public service, and advocacy for Gloucester, fishermen, economic development, and children’s literacy. After a moment of silence, the Senate passed to be enacted H 4149, revising the charter of Lynn; H 4286, allowing Somerset an additional wine and malt beverage license; and H 4439, creating a simplified procedure for accepting subdivision roads in Marlborough. Finally, the Senate passed H 4587 to be enacted and laid it before the Governor. The chamber adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Representative Ferrante.

Transcript Highlights:

• And she is a recent Minnesota immigrant who came from Wisconsin.
• :13:29.720><c> a</c><00:13:29.800><c> recent</c><00:13:30.320><c> Minnesota</c><00:13:30.800><c> immigrant
• </c> And she is a recent Minnesota immigrant And she is a recent Minnesota immigrant who<00:13:31.600

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They came here as immigrants, and they brought with them their rich cultural traditions.
• They came here as immigrants, and they brought with them their rich cultural traditions.
• They came here as immigrants, and they brought with them their rich cultural traditions.
• They came here as immigrants, and they brought with them their rich cultural traditions.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on May 4, 2026, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of resolutions and floor bills. The chamber first adopted a resolution honoring Carlos Beltran on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, with several senators praising his Mets career, athletic achievements, and philanthropy in Puerto Rico. The Senate also adopted resolutions recognizing the 2026 Women of Distinction, including tributes to living honorees and posthumous recognition of Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Dr. Hazel Dukes, and later adopted resolutions commemorating May Day and Panama’s Black Heritage Month. A Queens Chamber of Commerce resolution also prompted extensive remarks celebrating Queens’ diversity, small businesses, immigrant communities, and cultural institutions. On legislation, the Senate recalled two bills from the Assembly and restored them to the third reading calendar by a 62-0 reconsideration vote. The chamber then passed a long list of bills, including measures affecting public health, agriculture and markets, insurance, criminal procedure, public officers, labor, not-for-profit corporations, and executive law. Several bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, while a few drew recorded opposition, including the environmental conservation bill on animal cruelty and the public health bill on Calendar 840. Supportive floor explanations emphasized animal welfare, protections for abandoned pets, and other public-interest reforms. The Senate also heard brief explanatory remarks on some bills, such as concerns about animals left behind in vacated housing and the treatment of wild animals in traveling circuses. After completing the calendar, the Senate reported no further business and adjourned until Wednesday, May 6, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are high immigrant populations in rural Minnesota. >> Look at where the primarily the dollars are
• There are high immigrant<00:10:40.000><c> populations</c><00:10:40.960><c> in</c><00:10:41.200><c> rural
• </c> immigrant populations in rural immigrant populations in rural Minnesota.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate Republicans discussed the governor’s supplemental budget and criticized proposed cuts to nursing homes, disability services, and counties, arguing the changes would hurt vulnerable Minnesotans and that the tax package would amount to roughly an $868 million increase. They said they were open to some family-focused tax provisions, such as an expanded child care or dependent credit, but opposed broader tax increases and several previously rejected ideas, including sales tax changes and a social media tax. A major topic was fraud prevention and the Office of Legislative Auditor report on kickbacks. Republicans said the report reinforced their push for a statewide independent Office of Inspector General with a law enforcement division and a broader fraud definition, and they argued the office would have handled the cases more effectively. They also said they support the concept of an OIG bill but want only modest amendments, while criticizing House Democrats for resisting the law enforcement division and for raising constitutional objections they called a drafting issue. The lawmakers also reacted skeptically to the governor’s proposed AI-related job development fund and $10 million in forgivable loans for businesses affected by Operation Metro Search, saying the aid would mainly benefit downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul rather than the broader state. They closed with broader comments that the session felt relatively normal and less intense than past years, noted ongoing work on a bonding bill, and joked about campaign politics, possible candidates, and even the idea of a Senate dog.