Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I have a follow-up question to that creative industry and the film industry.
• 00:41:58.040> question<00:41:58.400> to<00:41:58.599> that<00:41:58.800> creative
• follow-up question to that creative follow-up question to that creative industry<00:41:59.720>
• dug a little deeper in that creative dug a little deeper in that creative industry<00:42:24.440>
• on acting um I've went there to writing on acting um I've went there to a<00:44:10.599> few<00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He added that he guides canoe trips and spends a lot of time in the woods, and joked that he could write
• about<00:03:50.080> some<00:03:50.239> of<00:03:50.360> the literally write
• books about some of the literally write books about some of the people<00:03:50.760> I've<00:
• If I was here talking to you about some of our other teams, we would be creative with that.
• about it and uh appreciate some creative about it and uh appreciate some creative uh<00:45:23.160

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and began with introductions from members and staff, who shared brief personal facts. Chair Franson then announced that the committee would hear the governor’s bonding request for state agencies, starting with the Department of Public Safety. Commissioner Bob Jacobson, BCA Superintendent Drew Evans, and State Patrol Colonel Christina Boich were introduced as the presenters. The Department of Public Safety focused on three capital projects: a new Southern BCA regional office and laboratory, an expansion of the BCA regional office and laboratory in northern Minnesota, and a new Minnesota State Patrol headquarters funded with trunk highway cash. Evans said the BCA’s St. Paul headquarters is severely overcrowded and that demand has grown because of sexual assault kit testing, digital evidence work, drug evidence, and a sharp rise in cybercrime and child exploitation cases. He said the regional facilities would improve turnaround times, reduce travel for testimony and evidence drop-off, expand training access for local law enforcement, and allow the BCA to serve southern and northern Minnesota more efficiently. Members questioned the high cost of the projects, including Representative Skraba’s concern about the per-square-foot cost. Evans responded that the facilities are expensive because they are specialized laboratories, not office buildings, and must include costly equipment, HVAC systems, redundant power, and other lab-specific features; he said retrofitting existing buildings would cost about the same as new construction. He also said the Southern Minnesota project had increased from about $48 million to $68.1 million due to final design changes, larger space needs, and rising construction costs. Representative Sexton asked about training availability, and Evans said the new facility would include a classroom for 40 to 60 students and could be used by other agencies at low or no cost. Representative Hansen asked about regional training centers, and Evans said the BCA uses them for specialized training but still needs this classroom-based regional space. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Write letters to your local newspapers. Be engaged. Help people.
• It was creative. You had to show your thinking, not just recite it.
• Write letters to your local newspapers. Write letters to your local newspapers.
• It was creative. was intellectual. It was creative.
• History Day has also built up my writing skills.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections. Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts. Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.

Transcript Highlights:

• throughout the state in many of your communities to bring together literary communities, artists with writing
• throughout the state in many of your communities to bring together literary communities, artists with writing
• laureate, Bianca Stone, her old souls in the balcony from Dartmouth College, the members of the Vermont Creative
• Uh, Madam Speaker, I'd just like to remind everyone we know now that today is Creative Arts Day in Vermont
• everyone feels welcome to the Cedar Creek room right after our meeting today, where the council and the creative

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Vermont poet laureate Bianca Stone, followed by remarks recognizing her work and the presence of students from her Dartmouth poetry class, as well as a separate recognition of community-based domestic and sexual violence advocates in the House gallery. Members also noted Creative Arts Day in Vermont and announced a reception, and later corrected a location for the Sportsmen’s Caucus meeting. No bill introductions were made. The main legislative item was H.527, extending the sunset of 30 V.S.A. section 248A, the telecommunications siting process that allows certain cell tower projects to be reviewed by the Public Utility Commission instead of Act 250. The committee report said testimony showed broad agreement that the process needs improvements in notice, transparency, fairness, and local participation, while preserving a statewide framework for telecommunications infrastructure. The bill would extend the sunset from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030, and direct the PUC to hold public workshops, consult with stakeholders, and report recommendations by December 15, 2027. The House adopted the committee amendment and ordered third reading; the committee vote was reported as 5-3-1. The House also took up JRS 37, a joint resolution supporting gender equality in Nordic combined Olympic competition and urging the International Olympic Committee to require both men’s and women’s divisions for new Olympic sports. The committee heard from the lieutenant governor, the Senate sponsor, and the Vermont Ski Areas Association president, and recommended adoption in concurrence by a vote of 10-1. After an interrogation clarified that the resolution calls for separate men’s and women’s divisions rather than combined teams, the House ordered third reading. The body then adjourned until Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• weren't able to do a bunch of individualized meetings, so we asked people to send us their feedback in writing
• Chair, at the bottom of that page, you can see $4 million added for Creative Industry Grant.
• There was a Creative Industries Division created at the Economic Development Department.
• There was a Creative Industries Division created at the Economic Development Department.
• I can write it up, or can you collect that as an amendment, or how do we want to receive that?

Bills: SB193, SB132, SB35, SB145

Keywords: SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects, SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement

Transcript Highlights:

• So in the case that you're referring to, FDLRS does not participate in the writing of IEPs.
• We also do not take part in writing the IEPs, but the information that we We also do not take part in
• So, you know, with the great work that you're doing, can you help us with a creative solution?
• What's the creative solution that this committee can help with? Is it money?
• But failing that, what is the creative solution? I'll second that question.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and received an overview of the Pre-K-12 education appropriations jurisdiction and base budget. Staff explained that education funding is driven largely by enrollment and per-student formulas, with most money coming from state and local sources. The presentation highlighted the major budget areas: early learning, the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), non-FEFP K-12 programs, federal programs, and the State Board of Education. Members asked about instructional materials funding and how scholarship students who return to public schools are counted and funded; staff explained that instructional materials remain in the base and that funding depends on survey timing, with districts ultimately funded through the enrollment count process. The committee then reviewed federal IDEA funding for students with disabilities. Department of Education officials explained how IDEA Part B funds are split between state set-asides and local educational agencies, and noted that Florida ranked fourth nationally in total IDEA Part B funding and received a 95% state determination for meeting IDEA requirements. They also described the bureau’s responsibilities, including monitoring, dispute resolution, instructional support, and the Hope Florida unit for ages 3 to 5. Members asked for more information on student performance outcomes and how the state measures success beyond compliance, and the department agreed to provide follow-up data. The final major topic was the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), including associate centers, multidisciplinary centers, and specialized centers for deaf/hard of hearing and visually impaired students. Presenters described services such as child find, family support, assessments, professional learning, accessible instructional materials, and technical assistance. Committee members focused on whether families and schools have equal access to services across the state, how IEP disputes and reevaluations are handled, and whether more support is needed for parents, teachers, and rural districts. FDLRS representatives said they do not write IEPs but help connect families to districts, provide training and assessments, and support compliance and data collection; they also emphasized staffing and resource needs, especially for low-incidence disabilities and multilingual family outreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I look forward to working with this incredibly smart and creative group to figure out how we're
• We really have to get creative and innovative and look to other solutions for some of these very complex
• There are, they believe, only two carriers that will write policies for agencies like lead agencies and
• They believe there are only two carriers that will write policies for agencies like lead agencies and
• insurance premiums for some policies next year will increase by 100% if they are even to continue to write

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee held its first meeting of the term and heard introductory remarks from the chair, vice chair, ranking member, and members, who broadly described their interest in child welfare, mental health, aging services, homelessness, and agency accountability. The chair then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction, including child welfare, mental health and substance abuse safety net services, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, elder services, and child support, and introduced the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as the first agency panel for the term. DCF presented an implementation update on HB 7089, a 2024 law aimed at increasing accountability and transparency for community-based care (CBC) lead agencies that deliver most child welfare services under contract. The department said the bill was prompted by forensic examinations that found problems such as noncompetitive procurement, related-party transactions, excessive executive compensation, and weak financial oversight. DCF described new contract requirements and monitoring tools covering board governance and annual training, conflict-of-interest disclosures, financial penalties for noncompliance, fidelity bond requirements, limits on direct service provision by lead agencies, related-party procurement rules, procurement thresholds, real-property approvals, compensation caps, expanded public reporting, and a new Future of Child Protection and Funding Work Group. DCF reported that some lead agencies had completed required board training, others were still on schedule, and two agencies exceeding the direct-service threshold had been referred to the Auditor General. Members asked DCF about the reasons for the bill, the impact on children, the work group’s regional representation, aging-out youth, the Embrace Families transition, board training requirements, and whether enforcement actions had been taken. DCF said the bill was intended to protect funds for children and families and improve oversight, and clarified that the Central Florida lead agency contract was awarded through competitive procurement rather than an absorption. DCF also said the board training was designed to be meaningful but not overly burdensome, with timing left partly to lead agencies as they implement the new requirements. The committee then heard from two CBC leaders, who generally supported the accountability goals of HB 7089 and said their agencies had already addressed most of the new governance and disclosure requirements. They reported that board training had been completed or was being scheduled, but both agencies said the fidelity bond requirement has been difficult or impossible to obtain in the market as written, though they were able to secure the separate performance bond. The CBC witnesses also warned that recruiting providers is increasingly difficult, especially for higher-acuity children and group-home placements, due to limited provider supply, regulatory burden, insurance costs, and rising risk. They said these pressures are contributing to budget deficits in some areas and urged lawmakers to consider the funding model, insurance and indemnification issues, and the risk of overregulation reducing provider participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's basically write-offs and loan forgiveness, which the Industrial Commission handles.
• So basically it's a write-off provision.
• They took out the language in Section C, and so that's basically what this is doing for write-offs and
• And so we're going to have to get creative in this state.
• We're going to have to get creative in this state.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2014, the budget for the Industrial Commission, with Representative Kempenich walking through the agency’s major components: the administrative office, Bank of North Dakota, housing finance, Department of Mineral Resources, and the State Mill and Elevator. He described mostly special-fund operations, including bond payments, economic development programs, the rail loan program, the Rebuilder’s Loan Program, housing incentive funding, abandoned well reclamation work, lignite research, litigation reserves, and a capacity purchase arrangement for a future natural gas pipeline. He also explained several one-time funding items, such as grid resiliency grants, housing-related transfers from the Strategic Investment Fund, and enhanced oil recovery funding repurposed from a prior salt cavern study. Members asked about the reduction in housing incentive funding from the Senate version, the use of one-time Strategic Investment Fund dollars for ongoing housing programs, and whether a trigger should be added to increase housing funding later. Kempenich said no trigger was discussed and emphasized that housing needs vary widely across the state. Another exchange focused on the enhanced oil recovery grant program, which he said would be driven largely by the Energy and Environmental Research Center and would use repurposed funds. A longer discussion covered the natural gas pipeline capacity purchase, including its purpose, possible routes, and the idea that the state would be buying capacity rather than immediately building a pipeline. The committee adopted Amendment 25.0181.0207 on a 21-1 vote, with one member absent and not voting. The committee then passed HB 2014 as amended on a 21-1 vote, with one member absent and not voting. Representative Kempenich was designated to carry the bill. The chair then noted this was the final budget hearing for the committee, with one bill remaining to be heard later.

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't write that, but I like that. That's good. Peace in the pasture.
• I didn't write that, but I like that. That's good. Peace in the pasture.
• There are many individual cities that are doing great and creative work in this area.
• There are many individual cities that are doing great and creative work in this area.
• cities that are doing great and creative cities that are doing great and creative work<01:44:02.159

Bills: HF4319, HF3295, HF3589, HF3587, HF3588, HF4295, HF3571, HF3895

Keywords: public utilities commission, Lake City, port authority, Red Wing, terms of appointment, local government, elections, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, voter access, polling place, ballot, unexpected needs, election judge, public information, political parties, HF4295

Transcript Highlights:

• They cannot write corporate powers into existence. Only this legislature can do that.
• They cannot write corporate powers into existence. Courts hold erasers, not pens.
• They cannot write corporate powers into existence. Only this legislature can do that.
• It's a very creative, novel approach. Uh, I'm pretty excited about it.
• Uh, I'm very creative, novel approach.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are trying to be creative and find sources of revenue anywhere we can.
• A little bit of creative financing is what I could term this: taking money away from the fund that, on
• proposal um little bit of creative proposal um little bit of creative financing<00:21:23.200>
• Chairman, I think that's just the way that we have to write the legislation.
• up that data analyzing that data writing up that data disseminating<01:29:39.320> that<01:29:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Public media also supports California's creative economy by providing platforms for local filmmakers,
• And we are definitely involved in part of the critical creative economy of Los Angeles, which is a big
• These are things that we have an opportunity right now to decide together how to creatively protect and
• What are there any other kind of creative partnerships you're thinking of, either with corporations or
• In fact, our first K PBS general manager, John Witherspoon, helped write the Public Broadcasting Act

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I always appreciate creative solutions to all issues, and this is one of those.
• here—not the nuisance, the creativity of what we're trying to do.
• It feels like it was very out of character for these consultants from out of state to write a letter
• And I think when we look at the creative sort of thinking about this and the opportunity to think about
• Getting close to lastly, what I'm asking about is your bill on page 5, section 7, the report writing

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:08:54.680> even don't want folks emulating or even don't want folks emulating or even creatively
• c> marketing<00:08:55.880> materials<00:08:56.519> as<00:08:56.600> if creatively
• marketing materials as if creatively marketing materials as if they're<00:08:56.959> government
• I think that in the case of the representative that you're talking about, they helped them write it out
• I think that in the case of the representative that you're talking about, they helped them write it out

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I just encourage everyone who's staying to write your retirement speech, too, because I've heard
• very different opinions and priorities, and coming to like a perfect solution through hard work, creative
• a perfect solution through<00:04:54.000> hard<00:04:54.280> work,<00:04:54.880> creative
• <00:04:55.240> thinking, through hard work, creative thinking, through hard work, creative

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Feist delivered a farewell retirement speech on the House floor, reflecting on her service and the legacy she hopes to leave. She said she would not miss the internet, being called “honey” by strangers, going viral, wearing blazers, or what she described as a legislative culture that can encourage groupthink, discourage cross-party questioning, and make it harder to see one another’s humanity. She urged leaders to create more structures and incentives for members to truly hear each other and trust one another. She also shared what she will miss: the camaraderie and “family” of the House, the humor and support of colleagues, the process of negotiating bills with people holding different views, and the opportunity to visit a wide range of places and communities through her work. She thanked nonpartisan research staff, House staff, colleagues, her family, and several individuals by name for their support, including help with her campaigns and with balancing public service and family life. The speech was emotional and lighthearted at times, drawing laughter from the chamber. It concluded with Feist saying it had been an honor to represent New Brighton, Columbia Heights, and St. Anthony, and that she would remain outspoken after leaving office. The House responded with applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• Collaboratively, we engaged Global Water with creative ideas, proposing to purchase effluent water during
• We started the landscaping committee to evaluate other creative ideas, which include installing rain
• fluent water becomes more and less available we started the landscaping committee to evaluate other creative
• somebody asked for it, there was no process—somebody just happened to say, oh, what like that in writing
• And so this particular Yuma County supervisor writes both.

Bills: SB1137, SB1200, SB1419, SB1447, SB1560, SCM1004

Keywords: underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire, locator strip, interactive positive response system, landlord duties, apartment community, mobile home park

Summary: The committee heard several water and energy-related measures. SB 1200, as amended, addressed Arizona Department of Water Resources treatment of certain “conduit lakes” in active management areas, allowing some existing lake systems to continue using groundwater mixed with effluent for irrigation or landscaping purposes. ADWR testified in opposition to the amendment’s policy implications and enforcement concerns, while HOA, homebuilder, and resident witnesses argued the bill would grandfather existing communities, avoid costly system redesigns, and reflect prior agency practice. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then passed SB 1200 on a 6-3 vote. SB 1419, dealing with residential rooftop solar installations, was amended to add consumer-protection and disclosure requirements, including roof inspection and installation standards, clearer contract disclosures, and contractor responsibilities. County and industry witnesses said the bill was the product of a lengthy stakeholder process aimed at addressing misleading sales practices and installation problems, though some technical issues were still to be resolved on the floor. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1419 on a 6-1 vote with two members present and one absent. SB 1447, which extends Pinal AMA groundwater withdrawal fee provisions and related fund deadlines, was supported by irrigation and agricultural interests as a way to finance local infrastructure and conservation during Colorado River uncertainty; it passed 7-1 with one present and one absent. SB 1560 raised the maximum single loan amount from the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund from $3 million to $20 million. WIFA said the current cap was too low for larger rural water projects and that the change would better match demand without harming the fund’s revolving nature; the bill passed 8-1 with one absent. The committee also approved SCM 1004, urging Congress to clearly define EPA powers and duties, despite some members saying it was unnecessary or backward-looking; it passed 6-2 with one absent. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a community resource that promotes leadership and team-building, and we do it creatively by bringing
• of photography and the art with the Mexican Latino culture has always been, for many years, very creative
• This is evident in that many Hmong children cannot speak or write in Hmong, nor understand Hmong cultural
• It's a vibrant hub where entrepreneurs, creatives, and artists come together—a space where people are
• There could then be events for youth to participate in writing poetry, and through connection with this

Transcript Highlights:

• She also pursues creative passions in writing, ceramics, and guitar, reflecting a well-rounded and dedicated
• She also pursues creative passions in writing, ceramics, and guitar, reflecting a well-rounded and dedicated

Bills: HR209, SB3131, SB2494, SB2447, SB2727, SB2145, SB2143, HR22, HCR22, HR97, HCR105, HR138, HCR146, HCR16, HCR35, HCR40, HR3, HCR4, HR161, HCR171, HR109, HCR117, HR33, HCR33, HR141, HCR149, HR190, HCR200, HR193, HCR203, HR194, HCR204, HR196, HCR206, HR197, HCR207, HR191, HCR201, HR12, HCR10, HR148, HCR157, HR184, HCR194, HR195, HCR205, HR192, HCR202, HR173, HCR183, HR179, HCR189, HR181, HCR191, HR21, HCR21, HR23, HCR24, HR60, HCR66, HR113, HCR121, HR145, HCR153, HR74, HCR82, HR77, HCR85, HR90, HCR98, HR27, HCR36, HR165, HCR175, HR187, HCR197, HR5, HCR6, SB2054

Keywords: entertainment, comedy, youth wellness, cultural identity, Hawaiian culture, mental health, public service, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, bribery, corruption, statute of limitations, public servant, criminal justice, campaign finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't read the writing. Sorry, it's okay. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
• Part of the reason is some of the things that Senator Murphy mentioned around looking for creative ways
• ways to allow safely allow for creative ways to allow safely allow more<01:20:29.800> housing
• <01:21:30.000> look<01:21:30.639> at and you know takes a creative look at and you
• it's time to you know take a creative it's time to you know take a creative look<01:21:55.719>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are doing creative things like, you know, bringing in scholarships for high school students from
• <01:03:35.119> things<01:03:36.119> uh think they are doing creative things uh think
• they are doing creative things uh to<01:03:36.520> try<01:03:36.880> to<01:03:37.839><
• in our students and it also creativity in our students and it also allows<01:42:06.679> them<
• ideas to stay here instead of creative ideas to stay here instead of migrating<01:47:00.480> out<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all