Transcript Highlights:

• I want every delegate, lobbyist, witness, judge, and journalist in this building to walk out tonight
• Lobbyists, you can stand up and follow Unity.
• All lobbyists and press should have headed out already.

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, April 25, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• institutional knowledge of the elected official, not that that is conveyed to us by staff or by a lobbyist
• Staff or by a lobbyist or somebody else that does not have the obligation and duty to take the votes
• I understand that, but I would also retort that, Senator Grohl, your assertion is that staff and lobbyists

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed Senator Yarborough’s bill and Senate Bill 1170 at the sponsor’s request. The committee first considered Senate Bill 982 by Senator Bernard, which was amended to remove language the sponsor said had been declared unconstitutional in 2016. As amended, the bill addresses qualifying fee payment issues, allows qualifying fees to be paid by properly executed checks or debit cards linked to a candidate campaign account, creates a private right of action for qualifying challenges limited to candidates, and addresses campaign expenditures by debit card. Mark Heron testified in support, saying the bill would clarify recent qualifying disputes. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported SB 982 favorably. The committee then took up Senate Joint Resolution 536, a proposed constitutional amendment to impose legislative term limits of eight years in the House and eight years in the Senate, with carve-outs for current officeholders and redistricting. An amendment to change the limits to 12 years in each chamber failed on a tie vote. Public testimony was mixed but largely opposed, with speakers from county and small-county groups arguing the proposal was a one-size-fits-all statewide mandate that would override local choice and reduce institutional knowledge. Several members debated whether the eight-year limit was the right number, with some supporting term limits in principle but questioning a lifetime ban on returning to office. The resolution was ultimately reported favorably. The committee also considered Senate Joint Resolution 802, which would place on the 2026 ballot an eight-year term limit for county commissioners and school board members, with school board limits applied retroactively and county commissioner limits prospectively. An amendment to change the limit to 12 years failed. The Florida Association of Counties, a county commissioner, and representatives of the Small County Coalition testified against the measure, arguing that counties should retain local control through county charters and local referenda. Some senators supported the concept of term limits but raised concerns about imposing a uniform statewide rule on counties and school boards. After debate, the joint resolution was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators who had missed votes were allowed to register their positions on SB 982 and SJR 536, and the committee moved to rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• They can't do for themselves; they can't pay for high-powered lobbyists.
• I admire lobbyists; that's a good profession, but they can't pay for it.
• It's our job to be their lobbyists and everything else for them.

Bills: SB1, SB83, SB159, SB160, SB1

Keywords: workers' compensation, public education, employee injury, insurance trust fund, on-the-job injury, administrative procedures, adult-size changing table, changing station, accessible restroom, public bathroom, public building, public entity, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility, restroom renovation, new construction, grant program, state grant, local government facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• Mike Sandoval, the registered lobbyist for Associated Contractors of New Mexico.
• Mike Sandoval, registered lobbyist for Contractors of New Mexico.
• Mike Sandoval, registered lobbyist for Contractors of New Mexico.
• Mike Sandoval, registered lobbyist for Contractors of New Mexico.
• Mike Sandoval, registered lobbyist for Contractors of New Mexico.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 322, which would create a transportation trust fund and transportation program fund. The sponsor offered and the committee adopted an amendment striking the section that would have imposed a 1% gross receipts tax on electricity sales. After a recap of the bill’s remaining provisions, including a $400 million seed amount and future transfers from motor vehicle excise tax revenue, the committee heard brief support from Associated Contractors of New Mexico and the Asphalt Pavement Association and no opposition. The amended bill then passed on a roll-call vote. The committee then heard HB 270, a public works/apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to approved apprenticeship and training programs or to the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund for public works construction projects, while eliminating an exemption for certain road, highway, utility, and maintenance work. Supporters, including union carpenters, electrical workers, the building trades council, and apprenticeship advocates, argued the bill would expand training, help address labor shortages, and provide a return on public investment. Opponents from utility contractors, highway contractors, and Associated Contractors of New Mexico said they already operate federally approved in-house training programs, warned the bill would raise project costs, and argued some trades have no accessible approved programs. Members questioned how the bill would interact with existing in-house programs, whether rural contractors and nonunion firms would be affected, and whether the state-approved fund and federal highway training requirements could conflict. A proposed amendment to exempt projects of $50 million or less was introduced but tabled. After extensive debate, the committee voted 6-5 to pass HB 270. The meeting also included discussion of a prior procedural error in which HB 270 had been heard before being properly assigned, which the chair said rendered that earlier action void. At the end of the meeting, the committee received a brief New Mexico Department of Transportation District 3 presentation on district projects, budget, and construction status.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m one of the lobbyists for Hennepin County.
• I’m one of the lobbyists for Hennepin County.
• I’m one of the lobbyists for Hennepin County.
• 13.399> County<00:14:13.880> I<00:14:14.079> wasn't<00:14:14.320> on lobbyist
• for hopin County I wasn't on lobbyist for hopin County I wasn't on the<00:14:14.600> list<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We took testimony from the executive director of Vberg, the president of MMR, a lobbyist for the beverage
• 25.440> of<00:16:25.759> MMR, president of MMR, president of MMR, a<00:16:28.240> lobbyist
• for<00:16:28.880> the<00:16:29.040> beverage<00:16:29.440> containers, a lobbyist
• for the beverage containers, a lobbyist for the beverage containers, a<00:16:30.880> redemption
• the deputy chief counsel, Office of Legislative Counsel, a senior fiscal analyst from the JFO, a lobbyist

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up several Senate proposals of amendment and, by voice vote, concurred in each. On House Bill 928, technical corrections to fish and wildlife statutes, the House suspended the rules, heard a section-by-section explanation of changes to hunting violation points, license expiration dates, license fees, and Champion Lands reporting, and then concurred after both the committee and Ways and Means reported favorable straw polls of 11-0. On House Bill 915, the extended producer responsibility program for beverage containers, the House also suspended the rules and heard a detailed summary of Senate changes affecting handling fees, redemption requirements, PRO administration, collection-site standards, reporting, and effective dates; Environment reported a favorable straw poll and Ways and Means noted a modest fiscal impact from higher liquor bottle handling fees, after which the House concurred. The House then took up Senate Bill 328 on housing and common interest communities. The General and Housing Committee explained the Senate’s further amendments, including changes to the treasurer’s housing credit facility, consultation requirements, VHIP funding provisions, municipal housing planning, duplex and accessory dwelling unit rules, temporary multi-unit provisions, downtown and village center benefits, and common-interest-community reporting on vegetable gardens. Appropriations and Environment both reported no additional fiscal concerns and favorable straw polls, and the House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. Finally, the House considered House Bill 542 on PCB testing in Vermont schools. The Senate strike-all amendment would extend the testing deadline to 2035, create a future special fund for testing and remediation, require PCB testing before major renovation projects using state construction dollars, and direct ANR to report on remaining costs and funding options. After questions about how the amendment would affect schools that had already tested or completed remediation, Education explained that existing remediation reimbursements would continue and that the amendment mainly delays the mandate and sets up a future funding mechanism. The House concurred, then recessed until 5:20 p.m. to prepare for additional Senate bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not going to be a lobbyist, don't get me wrong. I'm not going to anything like that.
• But don't—baby, something... nothing against lobbyists if there's any lobbyists up here in...
• But tell them, baby, nothing against lobbyists if there's any lobbyists up here in the crowd.

Bills: HB1168

Keywords: abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty

Summary: The Senate first came to order after repeated quorum calls, then devoted a long portion of the meeting to farewell remarks for Senator Darcy Jech. Jech reflected on his 12 years in the chamber, his rural district, campaign experiences, major events during his tenure, and the importance of relationships, compromise, and service. Numerous senators followed with personal tributes, praising his steadiness, humility, faith, work on devotions and the Rural Caucus, and his reputation as a thoughtful, respectful colleague and family man. After the farewell segment, the Senate moved to executive nominations. The chamber unanimously confirmed Sharon Shell Millington as Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, Clayton Bullard as Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health, and Clayton Bullard as administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. The Senate then approved a slate of Tier 2 nominations, including appointments to the Home Inspector Examiners Committee, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology board, the State Fire Marshal Commission, the State Board of Health, the State Board of Licensed Social Workers, the Forensic Review Board, the Oklahoma State Credit Union, the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, the Alarm, Locksmith, and Fire Sprinkler Industry Committee, and the Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. No debate or opposition was recorded on the nominations, and the votes were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor. After announcements, the Senate agreed to recess and then adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Implementing electronic filing and internet disclosure of campaign and lobbyist financial information
• We all know here that we have the California Automated Lobbyist and Campaign Contribution Expenditure
• lobbying financial activities, providing financial information supplied by state candidates, donors, lobbyists
• , lobbyist employers, and others.
• Per lobbyist, I believe that's $100 per year. Got it.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Keyes you've been a corporate lobbyist for nearly 30 years. successfully arranging tax breaks for Wall
• Well, if the Trump administration delivers what tech lobbyists are clamoring for, Microsoft would get
• When that happens, lobbyists will line up around the block to ask you for even more tax loopholes, which
• So it's no surprise that he has nominated a highly paid corporate tax lobbyist to run tax policy for
• It's their CEOs and their lobbyists, and that's what's going to happen under Mr. Key's watch.

Keywords: Commerce, International Trade, Tax Policy, Nominees, Inflation, Middle-class, Trade Practices, Economic Concerns

Summary: The committee convened to discuss various bills and nominees, including the critical nominations of William Kimmett for Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Ken Keyes for Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Discussions highlighted the nominees' roles in managing critical trade and tax policies amidst rising economic concerns, particularly focusing on inflation and its impact on American families. Members expressed both support and skepticism, emphasizing the significance of fostering fair trade practices and ensuring tax policies that benefit the middle-class amidst claims of an agenda favoring affluent individuals and corporations.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have lobbyists here. We are not their lobbyists.
• Their lobbyists write checks to political action committees to try to influence this body to shovel yet
• hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to remove and replace legitimate taxpayer representatives with lobbyists

Bills: SB2102, SB1940, SB1625, SB1442, SB1623, SB1242, SB1949, SB1592, SB1913, SB592, SB992, SB1241, SB259, SB1928, SB1426, SB1531, SB1561, SB1122

Keywords: credit card fees, merchant discounts, payment card network, interchange fees, transparency in fees, Oklahoma law, payment card, rebate, merchant, tax compliance, health insurance, mandate, impact analysis, insurance department, public health, access to healthcare, SB1442, alcoholic beverage control, ABLE Commission, liquor license fees

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, over $36 million came into Minnesota from D.C., PACs, and lobbyist groups.
• committee relating to our laws around lobbying and what is and is not, who is and is not, excuse me, a lobbyist
• definition for expert witness and clarifies that they are not in the situations under which they are not lobbyists
• It spells out which local government authorities might cause someone to register as a lobbyist if they

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you believe that we should have, uh, pay lobbyists with state dollars?
• Paid lobbyists with state dollars? Yes.
• Taxpayer funded lobbyists. Alright, who's providing the dollars for this particular program?
• There's 5,000 registered lobbyists in Austin. I imagine next year there'll be 6,000.
• The advocates for this bill... are moms and dads and families, not lobbyists. can be as much garbage

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2022, over $36 million came into Minnesota from D.C., PACs, and lobbyist groups.
• from DC PS and lobbyist from DC PS and lobbyist groups<00:25:23.440> we<00:25:23.559>
• bill, as we amended it in committee, relating to our laws around lobbying and what is and is not a lobbyist
• It adds a definition for expert witness and clarifies the situations under which they are not lobbyists
• lobbying, and it spells out which local government authorities might cause someone to register as a lobbyist

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1378, an elections administration bill, and first adopted the DE5 amendment. The author described DE5 as a negotiated package combining provisions from several bills on election administration, including notice of temporary polling locations, residence standards for people under civil commitment orders, polling place closure/change notices, absentee voting provisions, special election filing periods, and timelines for filing statements of economic interest. The committee then adopted two additional amendments, A6 and A8, both presented as technical or corrective changes; A8 restored language on off-reservation temporary polling that had been inadvertently left out. Testimony from county election officials and the Secretary of State’s office was generally supportive of the bill’s election-administration changes. Blue Earth County’s Michael Stalberger said the bill would streamline election-day work, improve absentee ballot deadlines, clarify ballot correction procedures, formalize chain-of-custody plans, and speed out-of-court remedies for ballot errors. He also raised concerns about implementation details, including the timing for first chain-of-custody plans, applying candidate filing changes to townships and school districts as well as cities, the short turnaround for college student housing lists, and whether the statewide system could handle new absentee-ballot data fields. Nicole Freeman of the Secretary of State’s office echoed support for the technical cleanup and several policy changes, including removing the permanent absentee application box from voter registration forms, clarifying ballot-board procedures, chain-of-custody planning, and the out-of-court remedy, while also flagging concerns about the absentee application cutoff, city opt-outs from absentee voting, and staffing requirements for absentee locations. Later in the hearing, members discussed a separate proposed amendment, A4/A3, dealing with prohibitions on inducements to vote or register, including lotteries or other chances to win money or goods. The author explained it was intended to clarify existing law and respond to recent examples of large-money election-related giveaways, but after discussion the chair declined to offer the amendment in committee, saying it would likely not have enough support and could be taken up later on the floor. The hearing ended with the technical amendments adopted and the bill advanced with the committee continuing broader discussions on the remaining issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:03:41.440> not came directly from real people, not came directly from real people, not lobbyists
• not<00:03:42.720> some<00:03:43.400> association,<00:03:44.400> but lobbyists
• , not some association, but lobbyists, not some association, but somebody<00:03:45.440> who<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Jim Berlier, former president of the State Association and a registered lobbyist for NMACD.
• I'm the registered lobbyist for the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau.
• Larry Horan, registered lobbyist for the Village of Corrales. Got to speak with you the other day.
• John Thompson, registered lobbyist for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next agenda item is a proposed re-adoption of Chapter 34 related to the regulation of lobbyists.
• comments or public engagement on whether the rules in Chapter 34, which deal with the regulation of lobbyists
• However, if you don't use computers and you're a lobbyist, you can still do paper filing, so I think
• Currently, under the rule, lobbyists can just report prospective income they are entitled to receive

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, legislative recommendations, general counsel appointment, foreign lobbying, political contributions, quarterly meetings, public testimony, rule amendments

Summary: The meeting focused on the Texas Ethics Commission's (TEC) evaluation of legislative recommendations and personnel updates, including the appointment of a new general counsel and discussions about upcoming quarterly meetings. Commissioner Schmidt reported on the progress of various bills, including amendments to existing laws, the need for increased regulation on foreign lobbying, and the publication of new rules in the Texas Register. Public testimonies were heard regarding compliance issues and proposed changes in political contribution regulations. The Commission agreed to schedule further review on the legislative items discussed and the proposed rule amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Samuel Lee with Campaign Life Missouri, registered lobbyist, testifying for informational purposes.
• I was actually the lobbyist or executive director for MCA in 1994, and there was a wise, 1994, and there
• was a wise old lobbyist named John Britton who lobbied for the St.
• And we hired about three other lobbyists, ones in the back of the room, to come up with this coalition
• My name is James Harris, registered lobbyist, representing the Mid-Continent Public Library over on the

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 3405, sponsored by Representative Thomas, on an 8-0 vote with one member absent. Members described the bill as clarifying tax treatment for pass-through entities and the related credit/deduction language, and Representative Taylor said he would support it after discussing the measure with the Department of Revenue. The committee then held hearings on several bills related to tax credits and cultural funding. House Bill 2457 would extend and expand the food pantry/soup kitchen/homeless shelter tax credit through 2032, add food banks as qualifying entities, and raise the cap; the sponsor said the goal was to address rising hunger and food waste, and witnesses from food assistance organizations supported it. House Bill 1782 would remove the sunset from the food pantry tax credit; supporters argued food assistance is an ongoing need and that stable funding would help providers plan, while Representative Taylor questioned whether sunsets should be eliminated and asked about precedent. An informational witness noted that some other tax credits already have no sunset and said benevolent credits should be reviewed differently from business credits. The committee also heard House Bill 3518, which would redirect the artists and entertainers income tax into a dedicated fund and require distribution to arts, humanities, libraries, public broadcasting, and historic preservation, while extending the sunset to 2060. The sponsor and multiple witnesses from arts, library, and humanities groups said the bill would restore the original intent of the tax, improve oversight, and provide stable funding for programming, grants, and library materials; they cited economic benefits and community impact. Some members raised concerns about earmarking, oversight, and the long sunset extension, but witnesses said existing grant rules and legislative oversight would remain. No votes were taken on the hearing bills, and the committee adjourned after concluding testimony on HB 3518.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have spoken with TechNet's attorneys and their lobbyists here in Minnesota.
• > spoken with TechNet's attorneys and spoken with TechNet's attorneys and their<00:23:13.440> lobbyists
• <00:23:15.120> I their lobbyists here in Minnesota. I their lobbyists here in Minnesota.
• I had my afternoon filled with lobbyists from the tech industry.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senators Erin Maye Quade, Eric Lucero, Liz Boldon, and Chair Ron Latz discussed a package of bipartisan bills aimed at regulating artificial intelligence and related technology in Minnesota. The speakers argued that AI can be beneficial but has been rolled out without adequate safeguards, citing concerns about consumer surveillance, insurance claim denials, dynamic pricing, chatbot harms to children, and the use of AI in healthcare utilization review. Maye Quade and Boldon emphasized protecting kids, consumers, and constitutional rights, while Lucero framed the issue as keeping law aligned with rapidly changing technology and protecting individual liberties. A major focus was the “reverse warrant” bill, which would restrict law enforcement from using warrants that start with an unknown suspect and sweep up data from everyone in a location or search terms in a broad area. The senators said such warrants are the opposite of the Fourth Amendment’s particularity requirement, though they noted ongoing conversations with the BCA and police chiefs about balancing privacy and public safety. They also discussed a bill to prohibit minors from accessing chatbots, describing chatbots as conversational, addictive, and uniquely harmful to developing brains; Maye Quade cited examples of self-harm, sexual content, and dangerous advice allegedly given to minors. The senators said the package was intentionally heard in Judiciary first so it could be referred to Commerce, and they expressed hope for further hearings there and in the House. Lucero said he did not support all the bills, naming the dynamic pricing bill and the AI utilization review prohibition as measures he had reservations about, while supporting the reverse warrant, disclosure, and minor-access restrictions. The discussion also touched on federal preemption concerns, with the senators saying states are stepping in because federal action has lagged and the harms cross party lines. No formal votes or committee actions were described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Melena Ortiz, registered lobbyist for the Pueblo of Zia.
• The Pueblo of Zia stands in strong... ...registered lobbyist for the Pueblo of Zia.
• I'm the registered lobbyist for the last 15 years for the Pueblo of Laguna. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• I'm the registered lobbyist for the last 15 years for the Pueblo of Laguna.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Evan Schott's Weeks, registered lobbyist for the New Mexico Coalition

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would create a stakeholder working group to study utility-service problems in manufactured and mobile home parks and recommend solutions. The sponsor described repeated water and utility outages in large parks, said current law places maintenance responsibility on park owners, and argued that the state needs clearer standards and alternatives to costly attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty backed the memorial as a step toward better oversight and protections for residents. The committee asked about existing landlord obligations and whether rent withholding is available; the sponsor said current law does not clearly provide that remedy. HM 54 was reported out with a due pass. The committee then considered House Bill 166, which would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses while preserving local zoning authority. The sponsor and an industry witness said businesses face inconsistent local permitting, delays, and added costs, and that the bill would provide uniform standards and security options. Several members raised concerns that the bill appeared to favor a specific product type, could override local code differences, and might not address mixed-use areas, historic districts, or homeowners associations. After debate, the bill passed on a 4-3 vote, with one member explaining support but urging further work with local government experts before floor consideration. House Bill 20, a bipartisan measure, would allow Native American applicants to request a voluntary Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, without naming a specific tribe, and with documentation requirements tied to tribal cards, certificates of Indian blood, or affidavits of birth. Supporters said it would recognize tribal political status, help with law enforcement and Turquoise Alert verification, and assist with education, health, and child welfare matters; tribal representatives and State Police testified in favor. Several members expressed concern about racial profiling, privacy, and possible unintended consequences of marking IDs, while others noted the designation is optional and tied to political status rather than race. Members also flagged drafting language that appeared to require multiple documents, and the sponsor agreed to clarify it. The bill ultimately passed, with some members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes. The committee also approved Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the state constitution to allow school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot rather than being limited to separate school elections. Sponsors said the change would reduce special-election costs, increase turnout, and remove outdated language dating to 1910; school board and education groups supported it. Members asked about ballot crowding and local election timing, and sponsors emphasized that the measure gives school districts a choice rather than a mandate. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, which would create an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting, provide technical assistance, and produce annual reports on accessibility of state buildings and websites. Disability advocates largely supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and consistency, while one webcast commenter opposed it, arguing that without enforcement authority it would not produce meaningful change. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 295, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a registered lobbyist for the League of Women Voters in New Mexico.
• I'm a registered lobbyist for the League of Women Voters in New Mexico.
• Al Park, registered lobbyist for the City of Albuquerque.
• I'm a registered lobbyist for the League of Women Voters of New Mexico.
• Madam Chair, members of the committee, Marla Schott, registered lobbyist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of

Keywords: 996, all