Transcript Highlights:

• House File 3919 is a result of that task force.
• /c> File 1845 File 1845 to<00:00:51.440> establish<00:00:52.079> a<00:00:52.480> SGU
• House File 31 3919 Veterans Affairs.
• when I was doing the house file when I was doing the house file 1845 and<00:18:43.440> I<
• While House File 3919 is not a well.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 3919, a Veterans Affairs bill to modify benefits for veterans of the Secret War in Laos and to codify recommendations from an SGU task force created in the prior session. Representative Cha, the bill’s author, explained that the measure was the product of eight task force meetings and consultation with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and he described the bill as a way to recognize SGU veterans, including Hmong, Lao, and other indigenous groups who served in Laos. He and several members spoke at length about the sacrifices of SGU veterans and the Hmong refugee experience, emphasizing that the bill was both a policy change and an overdue act of recognition. Multiple members rose in support. Representative Duran said he initially had concerns but changed his view after conversations with Cha and said he was not offended by the bill as a combat veteran. Representatives Lee, Vang, Gander, McDonald, Frasier, and others praised the veterans’ service, noted the large Hmong population in Minnesota, and said the bill was long overdue. Representative Lee K. offered a more cautious note, saying the bill was the result of a difficult compromise and expressing concern that the licensing distinction for these veterans was different from other veterans, though he still supported the measure. Representative Jean J. clarified that veterans naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act already have access to state programs, while this bill was aimed at SGU veterans who were not naturalized under that act. After discussion, the House proceeded to a roll-call vote. The bill passed unanimously, 132 ayes and 0 nays, and its title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• DFL Senator Ann Rest has introduced Senate File 3197.
• Senator Ann Rest has introduced Senate Senator Ann Rest has introduced Senate File File File 3197.<00
• Senator, your bill, Senate File 227, garnered bipartisan support after it was heard.
• <00:12:18.160> 227, Senator, your bill, Senate File 227, Senator, your bill, Senate File 227
• You have a bill out, Senate File 3085, which aims to appropriate money for the nonprofit.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We note that um 315,000 or so of the 346,000 of the reports are filed electronically.
• Uh, only remit $1000 or less in tax per year are allowed to file annually.
• We are trying to encourage and push as many taxpayers as we can to electronic filing.
• For tangible personal property, um, a rendition will have to be filed.
• file objections.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, our agency was instructed to file the way it was filed. >> Gotcha. Okay.
• to file the way it was filed. to file the way it was filed.
• the press what precipitated the filing the press what precipitated the filing of<00:15:55.519>
• what provoked the need for us to file what provoked the need for us to file this.<00:18:33.679><
• It's filed that way. >> Yes, sir. It's filed that way.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met in August with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee then reviewed several regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection, and heard brief explanations from agency representatives on each item. The Board of Pharmacy regulations would clarify what registered and certified pharmacy technicians may do under supervision and what certified technicians may not do, while updating registration applications. The Board of Cosmetology package included changes to executive director authority, licensure and reciprocity rules, school requirements, training hours, instructor ratios, sanitation and disease-related rules, complaint procedures, and permit terms; members asked about straight razor language and the increase in student-to-instructor ratios, and the board explained that cosmetologists are not permitted to use straight razors and that the higher ratio was intended to give schools flexibility, especially for part-time students and schools with wait lists. The Occupational Therapy emergency compact regulation added four compact rules adopted in April 2025, and Senator West raised a technical question about certification requirements under House Bill 6; the agency said it had been instructed to file the regulation as submitted. The Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources presented a package covering wildlife management area rules, a northern pintail bag limit increase, reportable disease reporting, and a repeal tied to boat registration fees. After a brief explanation of the new wildlife disease reporting rule, the agency requested and received a deferral of 301 KAR 2:031 to avoid a gap while replacement language is finalized. The Economic Development Finance Authority explained an emergency regulation for the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program, saying it was needed because the program had become oversubscribed and because administration was shifting to a new film office and council; members also asked about certification issues under House Bill 6, and the agency said it had filed the regulation as directed. The Department of Workplace Standards emergency PPE regulation was also discussed, with members asking about HB 6 certification language, and the agency gave the same response. The Department of Insurance regulation would create a $10,000 registration fee and a $1,000 annual licensing fee for pharmacy benefit manager licenses, with an agency amendment exempting PBMs that solely serve workers’ compensation plans. Members asked how many PBMs would be affected and why workers’ compensation PBMs were carved out; the agency said there were 70 registered PBMs total, four solely workers’ comp, and that workers’ comp rates are set by statute and could not absorb the fee. Finally, the Public Service Commission’s pole attachment regulation was summarized as a broadband-expansion measure that speeds application review, increases the number of poles allowed in a single application, and shortens dispute timelines; the commission explained it grew out of earlier legislative direction and subsequent emergency amendments, and the committee adopted the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're proposing calendaring three additional bills for Monday, March 10, 2025: House File 11, House File
• 23, and Senate File 1552.
• The chief author for House File 1552 is Paul Anderson.
• House File 11 is Baker; House File 23 is Robins; and Senate File 1552.
• The chief author for House File 1552 is Paul Anderson.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, filing consolidated is much simpler and easier for them, especially because they're filing
• You know, filing consolidated is much simpler and easier for them, especially because they're filing
• don't file time um and if you don't file electronically<01:32:12.080> in<01:32:12.280> most
• <01:53:43.119> a county each buyer and seller file a county each buyer and seller file a declaration
• <01:59:35.440> their repealed that they need to file their repealed that they need to file

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee received an overview from Chris of the Legislative Budget Assistance Office on how it will estimate unrestricted revenues for the General Fund, Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He explained that the committee’s work is based on current law, not pending bills, and that the estimates will feed into a House resolution and an amendment to House Bill 1, the operating budget. He also described the broader budget process, including how House and Senate estimates are reconciled, how surplus statements account for revenue changes from enacted bills, and how a committee of conference could resolve differences later in the session. No votes were taken. Members then asked about why the Education Trust Fund was running below plan. Chris said the shortfall appeared to be driven largely by business taxes, including differences in the BET/BPT split and improved tax-processing systems that better track where business tax payments belong. Representative Orr also asked about tobacco tax collections and out-of-state sales; Chris said tobacco revenue was likely overestimated in 2023 based on COVID-era patterns, with more people smoking at home, and noted that e-cigarette tax revenue goes to the General Fund while cigarette taxes are split between the General Fund and Education Trust Fund. He said he did not have a specific estimate for cross-border sales. Commissioner Lindsay St. Pierre of the Department of Revenue then began a deeper dive into the department’s role and the taxes it administers. She reviewed the department’s mission, organizational structure, taxpayer services, and the tax policy and legislative analysis staff who prepare fiscal notes and testify on bills. She noted that the department administers about $2.9 billion in revenue across major taxes such as business taxes, meals and rooms, and utility property tax, and that the figures being discussed were preliminary because the annual report had not yet been issued. The discussion was informational only, with no formal action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first file for our consideration is Senate File 28, Elections, Voting Machine, and Voting System
• <00:26:48.159> for for one race where no one filed for for one race where no one filed for
• filed in district court. filed in district court.
• machine is sealed by a complaint filed machine is sealed by a complaint filed in<01:05:09.520>
• <01:14:22.000> 31, our consideration is Senate File 31, our consideration is Senate File 31

Bills: SF0028, SF0030, SF0031, SF0032

Keywords: voting, elections, electronic voting systems, transparency, public testing, voter registration, qualified elector, residency requirements, voting rights, mortgage modification, priority, electronic signatures, real property, financial covenants, 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• The plan for today to House File 2015.
• 6 and Senate Article 11 from Senate File 6 and Senate Article 11 from Senate File 2669. 2669. 2669
• Article 12 of Senate File Article 12 of Senate File 2669<00:38:28.240> are<00:38:28.560><
• Article 10 of Senate file Article 10 of Senate file 2669.<00:38:48.000> These<00:38:48.240
• clawback and extended timeline filing. clawback and extended timeline filing.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• version of Senator Coupek's Senate file version of Senator Coupek's Senate file 1940.<00:09:58.000
• version of Senator Mchuan's Senate File version of Senator Mchuan's Senate File 2044<00:15:47.279
• This comes from Senate File 164.
• This comes from Senate<00:32:59.320> File Senate File Senate File 164.<00:33:02.640> Turning
• This is Senate File 2932.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the agenda house file the agenda house file 737<00:17:55.880> and<00:17:56.080> this
• for consideration and it is U house file for consideration and it is U house file 737<00:18:08.320
• matter before the committee house file matter before the committee house file 373<00:55:36.000><
• I will move for Representative Cnic House File 247, excuse me, the DE1 amendment to House File 247.
• <01:34:22.000> 1330 house file 1330 house file 1330 anyone<01:34:24.480> wishing<01

Bills: HF737, HF247, HF325, HF1330

Keywords: lead, cadmium, consumer products, safety regulation, retail restrictions, motor sports, nonoxygenated gasoline, fuel regulations, storage requirements, racing events, HF325, flavored nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide, whippets, laughing gas, retail sales, consumer protection, misdemeanor, commerce, Minnesota Statutes chapter 325F

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:33.800> 1176 would you please move Senate file 1176 would you please move Senate file
• before you uh to talk about Senate file before you uh to talk about Senate file 1176<00:02:53.400
• file file 1594<00:25:16.240> senator<00:25:16.640> mcum Senator Oumou Verbeten, would
• speak to you this morning at host file speak to you this morning at host file 1594<00:30:54.360>
• <00:32:12.279> 1594 reserves so Senate house file 1594 reserves so Senate house file 1594

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Four, rate filings.
• It limits the number of use-and-file rate filings to two per period and ensures that companies complete
• In the property and casualty space, use-and-file: they were looking for three use-and-file limits per
• There is a late-filed amendment. Let's take up amendment. Okay. There is a late-filed amendment.
• There is a late-filed amendment. Amendment barcode number 937606, filed by Senator Engle.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 1656, a major Office of Insurance Regulation bill covering reciprocal insurers, rate transparency, data calls, cybersecurity notification, and stronger oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The sponsor and OIR described the bill as aimed at transparency and preventing insolvencies, especially after recent CCRC failures. CCRC residents and industry representatives testified both in support and in opposition, with supporters emphasizing resident protection and opponents warning about liens, reserve requirements, management-company regulation, and higher costs. After debate and assurances that problematic provisions would be refined, the committee adopted a delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also passed SB 1658, which creates a public records framework for the uniform mitigation verification of inspection form database while protecting policyholders’ personal information; a clarifying amendment was adopted before the bill was reported favorably. SB 1612 on financial institutions was approved after a substitute amendment restored current limits on credit union investments and kept only reimbursement, not salary, authority for certain board members and officers. SB 1740, an insurance bill intended to reduce premiums and insurer insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit claim denials based solely on AI, then reported favorably. Two public-safety bills also moved forward. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety would update OSHA-related protections, address toxic exposure in gear, encourage safer replacement equipment, and support best practices and mental health resources; an amendment refined terminology and added related provisions, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing consumer protections and disclosure rules for excess and surplus lines and to clarify Citizens-related appointment requirements before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly noted ongoing stakeholder negotiations and intent to refine several bills further in later committee stops.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:20.120> certain you know, they or fail to file certain you know, they or fail to file
• <00:15:58.560> something<00:15:59.040> that employers for not filing something that
• employers for not filing something that already<00:16:00.320> gives<00:16:00.560> the<
• When someone files a claim.
• <00:27:07.720> And them to electronically file. Okay. And them to electronically file.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2455, HD2, relating to employment practices. Testimony was limited, with support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and UPW; the committee noted nine support, zero opposition, and zero comments. No vote was taken on this bill during the portion provided. The committee then took up House Bill 2165, HD2, relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law. DLIR supported the measure but requested an amendment moving language in Section 2 from subsection A to subsection C to preserve the legal structure. Members questioned DLIR about a January 8 U.S. Department of Labor letter and whether the bill would keep Hawaii in conformity with federal unemployment insurance requirements. DLIR said the federal guidance requires the state to remove the carve-out for labor-dispute claimants, though unions with hiring halls and members in good standing could still be exempt from work-search requirements under an authorized list. UNITE HERE Local 5 opposed the bill and said the current law already gives the department discretion to exempt striking workers. The committee recessed the bill before any final action was taken in the portion shown. In the joint hearing with Commerce and Consumer Protection, the committees heard House Bill 1509, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation. DLIR supported the bill, DHER offered comments and requested an amendment, UPW supported it, and one Zoom testifier described personal experience with delayed care and urged faster decisions. After testimony, the committees voted to pass the bill with amendments. The adopted amendments restored the 7-day treatment-plan deadline from 10 days, changed the effective date to January 1, 2077, and struck the proposed $500 fine for employers who fail to respond within 10 days. Back in the Labor and Technology agenda, the committee heard House Bill 1515, HD2, also relating to workers’ compensation, with testimony noting seven in support, one in opposition, and one comment, but no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee also heard House Bill 1514, HD2, relating to workers’ compensation vocational rehabilitation plans. A Zoom testifier opposed the bill, arguing the 120-day timeline was unrealistic for complex cases. DLIR said the bill would give the director discretion to extend the vocational rehabilitation plan timeline beyond 120 days with no cap on extensions, and the committee noted five support, four opposition, and zero comments. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2458, HD3, relating to surveillance pricing. OCP said it stood on written testimony, while supporters argued the bill would prevent corporations from using personal data to set prices, especially for groceries. Retail and grocery interests opposed the measure, saying it was too broad and could restrict loyalty programs, promotions, and discounts; one witness asked that a loyalty-program exemption be restored.

Transcript Highlights:

• She can't file a suit about the child in Travis County anymore; she has to file it in Hays County.
• They need to file an affidavit.
• I had filed for a divorce. You are sent to a council.
• I've had affidavits filed, and just like she said.
• Several police reports were filed. I can't file anything for domestic violence. I can't.

Bills: HCR 16, HB 782, HB 2159, HB 2288, HB 3281, HB 3819, HB 4656, HB 4696, HB 5494

Keywords: fatherhood, family support, fatherlessness, community engagement, youth development, social policy, male role models, child development, policy reform, role models, mental health, parenting, single-parent homes, welfare reform, economic opportunity, mentorship, community initiatives, children, welfare programs, education

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 3149 is a result of that direction.
• That's what's resulted in Senate File 3149.
• That's what's resulted in Senate<00:03:43.519> File Senate File Senate File 3149.<00:03:46.400
• Senate file 3149 was developed citizens.
• we'll move to Senate File we'll move to Senate File 2939.<00:15:56.079> Senator<00:15:56.560

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:48.400> 101 room here um you have house file 101 room here um you have house file 101
• <00:37:24.440> 1011 renews her motion that house file 1011 renews her motion that house file
• <00:38:26.119> fee by $30 for each dissolution filing fee by $30 for each dissolution filing
• And $ from each marriage license filing and $ from each marriage license filing fee, without premarital
• of marriage license and divorce filing of marriage license and divorce filing fees<00:43:19.880>

Bills: HF1027, HF101, HF1021

Keywords: mortgage foreclosure, redemption, foreclosure surplus, sheriff's sale, junior lienholder, mortgagor, homeowner protections, loss mitigation, dual tracking, foreclosure redemption period, certificate of redemption, certificate of sale, sheriff, county recorder, registrar of titles, homeownership center, lien priority, real property, foreclosure by advertisement, surplus funds

Transcript Highlights:

• Now we'll take up the late-filed amendment 455636 by Senator Smith.
• And apologies for the late filing.
• You can see the file.
• automatic fine accrues for that filing year...
• automatic fine accrues for that filing year.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills, with several focused on water safety, utilities, and local government transparency. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was explained as clarifying water quality credits and water quality enhancement areas, and it was reported favorably after one support appearance. SB 28, a claim bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland arising from injuries caused by a police shooting, was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 658 on water safety requirements for rental properties drew extensive testimony in support from child advocacy and drowning prevention advocates, who cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and the disproportionate impact on children with autism; the bill was amended to require front-end certification and remove local add-on authority, then passed favorably. CS/SB 18, a claim bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, was reported favorably after questions about the verdict, settlement posture, and who would receive the funds. SB 934 on areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a provision viewed as conflicting with the Live Local Act and then passed favorably. SB 1622, which creates a one-time waiver for certain late-filed financial disclosure fines, also passed favorably with support from an appearance form. SB 1264 on private schools and zoning was reported favorably after members noted ongoing concerns and planned further discussion. CS/CS/SB 260 on electric vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to narrow the bill to storage issues and cap the fee period until inspection; it drew both support and opposition from insurers, fire officials, and vehicle industry representatives, and was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1014, dealing with municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, was amended to limit it to residential development and clarify capacity standards, then passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 expanded the local infrastructure surtax to include body camera programs and was reported favorably after an amendment requiring voter approval. Finally, CS/SB 1724 and SB 1566, both on local government utility and budget transparency, were amended and reported favorably despite concerns from cities and counties about implementation costs and burdens.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerks receive the guardianship files.
• The clerks receive the guardianship files.
• There's a link to OPPG's website and the actual complaint filed and the final file... ...OPPG's website
• Complaints can also be filed anonymously as well.
• An example of a technical violation, like I said, is not filing a report.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive updates on implementation of House Bill 1349, which created guardianship transparency measures, and on the Department of Elder Affairs’ Office of Public and Professional Guardians (OPPG). The Clerk of Courts Operations Corporation described the statewide guardianship database for judges and a public-facing website, noting the system went live in March 2025 after a soft launch in 2024. Officials said the database now includes information from all 67 clerks, with 388 users, about 6,400 wards, and 518 professional guardians. Members asked about unique identifiers, data duplication, training, and how the system is being used; CCOC said it is working to use registration numbers as identifiers, improve search functions, expand training, and seek continued funding. Secretary Michelle Branham then outlined OPPG’s implementation of HB 1349 and its broader oversight role. She said the department has doubled education requirements, expanded transparency through the Sentry system, and brought investigations fully in-house in August 2024. She described the complaint and investigation process, including legal sufficiency review, regional investigators, mandatory in-person interviews, and possible outcomes ranging from corrective training and fines to suspension or revocation. Members asked about complaint categories, disciplinary actions, whether guardians can be suspended during investigations, and how older cases are handled; the secretary said most complaints are administrative/technical, serious allegations are referred to law enforcement, and one older case discussed remained ongoing. The Auditor General’s office presented its operational audit of OPPG, covering July 2022 through January 2024 and follow-up on prior findings. The audit identified problems with monitoring private professional guardians and public guardian offices, complaint processing timeliness, incomplete public profile information, late registration renewals, failure to assess contract penalties, weak collection safeguards, missing follow-up on required public guardian reports, lack of needed rules, and Sentry system access/security controls. In response, Secretary Branham said the department does not dispute the findings and has already taken corrective steps, including launching Sentry, hiring additional monitors, moving investigations in-house, adding automated renewal reminders, updating forms, and drafting new rules. She also said the department plans to seek subpoena power and stronger fines in the next legislative session. The subcommittee took no formal vote and adjourned after members’ questions were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate file respectfully requested.
• House file number 1695 and transmitted. House file number 1695 and 4546<00:21:42.880> signed.
• The secretary will read the House file numbers. >> House File Numbers 4102 and 4348. >> The House files
• amended to Senate file number 4401. amended to Senate file number 4401.
• The secretary will give Senate File 4760 its third reading. >> Senate File number 4760.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This recommendation amends section 254.042 of the Texas Election Code to limit the late filing penalty
• Thank you. identify unpaid penalties resulting from late-filed reports from publicly available sworn
• As we heard before the Commission, some of the thresholds and filing requirements are very confusing.
• As we heard before the Commission, some of the thresholds and filing requirements are very confusing.
• Obviously register to lobby and all the other various filing requirements. So I move adoption.

Keywords: Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Ethics Commission, recommendations, Angelina River Authority, Natchez Valley Authority, public testimony, legislative session

Summary: The meeting of the Sunset Advisory Commission served as a concluding assembly for the current biennium, where various agencies were reviewed. Notably, the Commission focused on staff recommendations and modifications regarding the Angelina and Natchez River Authority, Lower Natchez Valley Authority, and Texas Ethics Commission. After discussing various modifications, the members voted unanimously on multiple recommendations aimed at improving operational efficiency and accountability within these agencies. The Chair emphasized the collaborative effort of the Commission members and staff, acknowledging their hard work throughout the biennium.