Transcript Highlights:

• We're proud members of the South Central Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
• Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated are gathering in Austin on January 29th, 2025 to celebrate Alpha Kappa
• Founded in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority...
• Kappa Alpha.
• Kappa Alpha.

Bills: SJR36, SB2, SR9, SR10, SR16

Keywords: American Public Works Association, public works, infrastructure, Texas, recognition day, local government, municipalities, APWA, Texas Chapter, community development, engineering, professional recognition, community impact, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Lubbock leadership, recognition, professional achievement, Alpha Kappa Alpha, sorority, social service

Bills: SJR36, SB2, SR9, SR10, SR16

Keywords: American Public Works Association, public works, infrastructure, Texas, recognition day, local government, municipalities, APWA, Texas Chapter, community development, engineering, professional recognition, community impact, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Lubbock leadership, recognition, professional achievement, Alpha Kappa Alpha, sorority, social service

Transcript Highlights:

• Alpha Psi Fraternity.
• All of the members of the Southwest Province of Kappa Alpha Psi of Eternity. that is absolutely none
• I joined Kappa Alpha Psi in 1962. at age 16. And so Kappa Alpha Psi.
• And so I know if he chose or Kappa Alpha Psi chose him... that you guys are esteemed men.
• House Resolution 503 honoring the members of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, are the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, along with our young Kappa Leaguers.
• Kappa Alpha Psi was founded January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University.
• Alpha Psi who is also joining us today and my former leader of the Democratic Caucus in the Florida
• Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
• Florida Senate, the smooth crimson and cream brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, doctor-of-the-day recognition, and a series of introductions honoring visitors and groups in the galleries, including Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and others. Senators also made announcements about local delegations visiting the Capitol and a session wellness competition. The chamber then took up CS/CS/SB 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell presented the bill as a major autism-focused measure that would expand screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services through age four with a federal waiver, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a statewide hub for research and coordination, create grants for autism-focused summer programs and charter school models, and establish a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Senators Davis, Jones, Osgood, Duma, Wright, and others supported the bill while raising concerns about provider shortages, Medicaid managed care coverage, the need for better recruitment incentives, and the importance of research into causes and treatments. Harrell responded that services would be covered under new contracts, Medicaid would provide coverage, the University of Florida would develop the online credential with a stipend incentive, and the bill was a first step in a broader effort that should also address adults on the spectrum. The Senate passed CS/CS/SB 112 unanimously, 38-0, and then adopted a motion to immediately certify the bill to the House. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 1856 by publication, honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, SB 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity along with our young Kappas.
• Kappa Alpha Psi was founded January 5, 1911 on the campus of Indiana University.
• This is the first time in a long time a member of this chamber has not been a member of Kappa Alpha Psi
• Along with a member of Kappa Alpha Psi also joining us today is the former leader of the Democratic Caucus
• Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• PRESIDENT KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY ALONG WITH OUR YOUNG LEAGUERS.
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FOUNDED JANUARY 5, 1911 ON THE CAMPUS OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY.
• THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME A MEMBER OF THIS CHAMBER HAS NOT BEEN A MEMBER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI
• ALONG WITH A MEMBER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI ALSO JOINING US TODAY AND LIGHT.
• ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INCORPORATED.

Bills: SJR18, SCR9, SCR13, SB10, SB11, SB19, SB20, SB25, SB62, SB260, SB263, SB293, SB314, SB384, SB412, SB441, SB442, SB494, SB523, SB569, SB616, SB688, SB707, SB766, SB842, SB869, SB890, SB914, SB929, SB971, SB992, SB1066, SB1145, SB1621, SJR36, SJR18, SCR9, SCR13, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB372, SB495, SB842, SB971, SB1066, SB929, SB765, SB523, SB62, SB19, SB18, SB666, SB688, SB707, SB888, SB687, SB706, SB847, SB869, SB890, SB992, SB1145, SB494, SB290, SB766, SB11, SB10, SB13, SB263, SB412, SB20, SB441, SB442, SB1621, SB569, SB314, SB25, SB293, SB914, SB260, SB1248, SB740, SB14, SB1006, SB20, SB25, SB260, SB293, SB314, SB384, SB442, SB494, SB616, SB869, SB890, SB929, SB992, SB1145, SB1621, SR232, SR237, SR242, SB16, SB22

Keywords: capital gains, taxation, constitutional amendment, state revenue, individual investment, Supreme Court, judicial independence, Keep Nine, checks and balances, water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, education, Ten Commandments, public schools, religious display

Transcript Highlights:

• President, are the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, along with our young Kappa Leaguers.
• Kappa Alpha Psi was founded January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University.
• This is a first time and a long time that a member of this chamber has not been a member of Kappa Alpha
• Alpha Psi who is also joining us today and my former leader of the Democratic Caucus in the Florida
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and several introductions recognizing visitors and groups in the gallery, including Moffitt Cancer Center for “Moffitt Day,” students from Lakeland Christian School, representatives from the space industry for Space Day, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity members, licensed investigators, and local delegations from Groveland, Polk County, Auburndale, and the College of the Florida Keys. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar with Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell presented the bill as a major autism-focused measure aimed at earlier diagnosis and expanded services. The bill would expand autism screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services to age four with a federal waiver, designate the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a coordinating research hub, create grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establish a microcredential for teachers, health workers, and daycare workers serving children with autism. Senators Davis, Jones, Osgood, Duma, and Wright spoke in support while raising concerns about provider recruitment, Medicaid managed care coverage, the need for technology and research, and the importance of early intervention and adult services. Harrell closed by saying the bill was only “step one,” addressed provider and funding questions, and emphasized research and statewide coordination. The Senate passed CS/CS/SB 112 by a vote of 38-0 and then adopted a motion to waive the rules and immediately certify the bill to the House. Senators also co-introduced Senate Resolution 1856 honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, Senate Bill 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration, and the Senate adjourned until the following Wednesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta
• Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta
• Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta
• Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta
• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kappa Alpha Psi, whereas Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated was founded on January 5th, 1911, on
• > Kappa<00:22:11.240> Alpha<00:22:11.560> Psi Kappa Alpha Psi, whereas Kappa Alpha
• Psi Kappa Alpha Psi, whereas Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity<00:22:12.360> Incorporated<00:22:13.280
• ,<00:22:58.400> the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, the fraternity
• Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity objectives of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated<00:23:16.200> are

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, are the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, along with our young Kappa Leaguers.
• Kappa Alpha Psi was founded January 5, 1911, on the campus of Indiana University.
• Alpha Psi who is also joining us today and my former leader of the Democratic Caucus in the Florida
• ask my colleagues to help us welcome to the Florida Senate the smooth crimson and cream brothers of Kappa
• Florida Senate, the smooth crimson and cream brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, pledge, and several introductions recognizing guests and groups in the gallery, including representatives from Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and local visitors from Groveland and Polk County. The chamber also noted the doctor of the day and later adopted Senate Resolution 1856 honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, Senate Bill 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration. The main floor action was on Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell explained that the bill is aimed at improving autism diagnosis, early intervention, and services by expanding screening and referral grants, extending Early Steps services, designating the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a coordinating research hub, creating grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establishing a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Several senators spoke in support while raising implementation concerns, especially about provider recruitment, Medicaid managed care coverage, and the need for more research and technology support. In closing, Senator Harrell said the bill is a first step in a broader effort to improve services and research, and she addressed concerns by stating the services would be covered under new contracts and Medicaid, subject to a federal waiver, and that the microcredential would be developed online by the University of Florida with a stipend to encourage participation. The Senate then voted 38-0 to pass the bill. Afterward, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules and immediately certify the bill to the House, which was adopted without objection, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of our greatest leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris at Alpha Kappa Alpha, Congresswoman
• The dine nine organizations in their years of incorporations are Alpha Phi Alpha 1906, Alpha Kappa Alpha
• 1908, Kappa Alpha Psi 1911, Omega Psi Phi 1911, Delta Sigma Theta, 1913, Phi Beta Sigma, 1914, Zeta
• And in the State Representative Harold Dutton is a Kappa Alpha Psi.
• Men in the Senate are Senator Boris Miles is an Alpha Phi Alpha, and Senator Royce West is an Omega Psi

Transcript Highlights:

• As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, I want to tell you that I have love for all of you.
• a Kappa, will have something to say.
• Speaker, and I am a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and I am so excited to welcome our Divine
• HR 442 by Simmons recognizing March 18, 2025 as Omega Psi Phi Day at the state Capitol.
• Omega Psi Phi was established by 3 students on the campus of Howard University in 1911.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's also a 1985 initiate of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
• He's also a 1985 initiate of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
• He's also a 1985 initiate of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
• He's also a 1985 initiate of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
• He's also a 1985 initiate of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 26, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with 39 members present and a quorum. The session opened with an invocation by Bishop Antonio Palmer of Kingdom Celebration Center, whose remarks were journalized. The President and members also welcomed several guests to the chamber, including former Delegate Sean Terrence, students from Charles H. Flowers High School and Garrison Forest School, Dr. Lee Snyder as doctor of the day, and Dr. Barbara Ann Palmer in recognition of Women’s History Month. The President also noted that the next day would be pro forma and that some scheduled items would be moved to the following week. The Senate considered Executive Nominations Report No. 6, covering gubernatorial nominees for boards and commissions including the State Board of Education, MEDCO, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. On motion of the committee chair, the report was special ordered to Tuesday, with members asked to review the list for recusals or related issues. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 890, which concerns an insurance premium receipts tax exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems. On SB 890, the Senate adopted the committee amendments and then adopted a floor amendment offered by the bill sponsor. The amendment was described as replacing the bill’s earlier approach with a two-year moratorium on collection of any related liabilities, followed by a Maryland Insurance Administration report back on ongoing investigations. One senator raised concern that the amendment’s language could require the state to refund taxes already paid by hospitals and others, potentially costing millions, and asked for more time to review it; the motion to special order the bill was defeated. After discussion, the amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. At the close of the floor session, committee and delegation announcements were made, including Finance, Triple E, Judicial Proceedings, Budget and Tax, Executive Nominations, and several county delegations. A senator from District 6 also spoke about the anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse and thanked colleagues for bipartisan work on related legislation and recovery efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kappa League is a national youth leadership and mentoring program created by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
• Kappa League is a national youth leadership and mentoring program created by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
• Thank you to the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, for their dedication to mentoring and
• Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
• Kappa leaders, for exemplifying what it means to be a Kappa.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the Omega Psi Phi for coming to support their sisters.
• I want to thank the Omega Psi Phi for coming to support their sisters.
• Senator Parker on the resolution. >> Madam President, I rise as a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi to
• I WANT TO THANK THE OMEGA PSI-PHI FOR COMING TO SUPPORT THEIR SISTERS.
• >> MADAM PRESIDENT, I RISE AS A PROUD MEMBER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI TO WELCOME YOU ALL ON DAY DELTA

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and handled several motions to discharge and substitute identical Assembly or Senate bills, along with a number of amendments. The chamber also welcomed student visitors from the League of Women Voters’ Students of Albany program and a group of Staten Island titleholders, and later adopted previously approved resolutions honoring Dorothy E. Reid for her role in Brown v. Board of Education and recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Delta Day, with multiple senators speaking in support of both recognitions. The bulk of the floor session was devoted to third-reading votes on a large number of bills, most of which passed with broad support. Measures addressed public health, workers’ compensation, education, environmental conservation, insurance, labor, criminal procedure, domestic relations, tax, municipal authority, and correction law. Several bills were explained by sponsors as advancing stormwater management authority, labor-law transparency, public health protections, and stronger penalties for trafficking-related offenses; one bill on immunization in summer camps drew a defense from Senator Skoufis as a child-protection measure, while another on correction law passed with some Republican opposition. The chamber also took up a controversial public health/electronic health records bill by Senator Fernandez. Senator Martin questioned the bill at length about redacting certain categories of information, emergency access, provider obligations, and the impact on doctors’ ability to see complete medical histories. Fernandez said the bill was intended to protect patients from discrimination and to limit access to a small list of sensitive services, while also noting emergency exceptions and support from more than 200 health care providers. The debate remained focused on balancing privacy protections with concerns about continuity of care and record integrity.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is a member of the Kappa. Alpha Psi Fraternity. I had to choke that out, you know that.
• H.R. 273 by Jones of Harris. honoring the Delta Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
• Kappa Alpha.
• As a 37-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Ward Johnson is 37 years as well. are especially pleased
• Their dedication ensures that the legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Black Greek Letter movement will

Keywords: legislation, testimonies, committee meeting, public interest, bills

Summary: The committee meeting was conducted with several discussions surrounding various proposed bills, addressing both public interests and legislative concerns. Specific bills were presented, and members debated the implications of each, emphasizing their potential impact on the community and state regulations. Notably, several testimonies were heard from stakeholders, which enriched the conversation and provided different perspectives on the bills being reviewed.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is a member of the Kappa. Alpha Psi Fraternity. I had to choke that out, you know that.
• Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated at the University of Texas at- Austin on the occasion of its Founders
• Kappa Alpha.
• As a 37-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Rep Ward Johnson is 37 years as well. especially pleased
• Their dedication ensures that the legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Black Greek Letter movement will

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kappa League is a national youth leadership and mentoring program created by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
• Today, Kappa League serves more than Today, Kappa League serves more than 8,500 young people across the
• Thank you to the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, for their dedication to mentoring and
• Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
• what it means to be a Kappa.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely procedural session with several unanimous-consent motions, guest introductions, and budget-related trailer bills. Members also adopted resolutions recognizing June as Dairy Month and June 2026 as Electronic Dance Music Month, and later approved H.R. 88 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Guest introductions highlighted the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Kappa League, Assembly staff member Mukhtar Ali, and Jennifer Levy, who is advocating against drunk driving after the death of her son. On the floor, the Assembly considered a series of Senate budget trailer bills presented by Assembly Member Gabriel. SB 170 reorganizes housing and homelessness agencies; SB 171 makes labor-related cleanup changes; SB 172 addresses general government, broadband, and NextGen 9-1-1; SB 174 extends remote court hearings and related court provisions; SB 177 advances options related to Medi-Cal and employer contributions; SB 180 extends the California Competes tax credit and conforms tax treatment for certain savings accounts; SB 169 covers transportation and DMV-related provisions; SB 168 creates a zero-emission vehicle incentive program and other clean-energy changes; SB 166 implements natural resources and environmental protection budget items; SB 165 extends the skilled nursing facility financing framework; SB 163 updates developmental services; and SB 135 funds higher education initiatives, including community college enrollment and Cal Grant changes. Most of these measures passed with bipartisan support, though several drew opposition over concerns about bureaucracy, fees, oversight, or policy direction. The Assembly also passed SB 719, which updates vehicle-related protections for domestic violence survivors, SB 97, an urgency bill making clarifying changes to digital financial asset law, SB 1350, which supports hydrogen and clean energy development, and SB 1344, which aims to reduce meritless lawsuits delaying affordable and supportive housing projects. AB 182, which sets the order for proposition numbers on the November ballot, was approved despite criticism that it manipulates the ballot numbering process. Votes on the measures were recorded, with many passing on strong margins and several transmitted immediately to the Senate or Governor as noted in the proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kappa Alpha Sorority.
• <01:28:34.200> Kappa<01:28:34.520> Alpha ladies and leaders of Alpha Kappa Alpha ladies
• on<01:28:46.200> the celebrate Alpha Kappa Alpha day on the celebrate Alpha Kappa Alpha day
• Kappa Alpha sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, Omega Psi Phi fraternity
• the<01:29:40.280> NPHC that Alpha Kappa Alpha and the NPHC that Alpha Kappa Alpha and the

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The nine organizations are Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity
• The nine organizations are Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity
• As Alpha Phi Alpha has SAT and ACT classes every year for low-income folks at the University of Minnesota
• As Alpha exclusive to our organization.
• As Alpha Phi<01:09:13.160> Alpha<01:09:13.759> has<01:09:13.920> an<01:09:14.080

Bills: HF3373, HF4449, HF3486, HF4180, HF4227, HF2505

Keywords: transportation, interchange, funding, bonds, St. Paul Park, transit, Metropolitan Council, Twin Cities, metro area, high-frequency transit, bus rapid transit, busway, guideway, transportation policy plan, transit performance measures, regional transit benchmarks, transit-oriented development, TOD, zoning, land use

Summary: The committee approved the April 8, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 3373, which was laid over. The bill sought trunk highway bond funding for preliminary and final design work at the 70th Street interchange in St. Paul Park. Representative Hansen, Mayor Keith Frankie, and Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham described the interchange as undersized and increasingly unsafe because of refinery truck traffic, aggregate hauling, nearby growth, and changing traffic patterns. Members asked about prior study, cost, and greenhouse gas requirements, and the bill author said the request was about $500,000. Chair Cosgrove noted the bill would be laid over and suggested the issue could involve future statutory exemptions. The committee then took up House File 4449, also laid over, after adopting the A4 author’s amendment. Representative Jones presented the bill as a transit planning and accountability measure for the Twin Cities metro. It would set numeric transit goals, require better coordination between road projects and future transit projects, and give the Met Council more tools to support transit-oriented development, including property acquisition and development around transit corridors. Jones argued the bill would help avoid rebuilding roads twice and improve transit ridership, frequency, speed, and reliability. Representative Olson offered an amendment to exempt highway projects primarily addressing documented safety issues, arguing that safety projects should not be burdened by added transit requirements or costs. Jones said she supported the safety concern but opposed the amendment as written because the bill was aimed at major construction projects. After a roll call, the amendment failed on an 8-8 tie. The bill itself remained laid over for further work, with the chair noting there was still time to refine the proposal.