Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met with a quorum present and approved the minutes of April 27, 2022. The committee then considered the daily calendars for May 3 and May 4 under Rules 1.21 and 3.33. For May 3, the chair moved adoption of the calendar containing Senate File 4410, the HHS omnibus bill. For May 4, the chair moved adoption of the calendar containing Senate File 4091, the jobs omnibus bill, and House File 3669, the tax omnibus bill. There was no discussion on either motion. Both calendar motions were adopted by voice vote, and the committee then adjourned with no further business.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House took up House File 3872, the higher education supplemental budget bill, after it was placed on the calendar by the Rules and Legislative Administration Committee. Representative Bernardi presented the bill as a more than $100 million investment focused on affordability, equity, sustainability, campus safety, and student well-being. She highlighted provisions for two-year free college for many low- and middle-income students, expanded state grants, support for student parents, loan repayment increases for teachers in shortage areas, aid for students of color and Indigenous students, inclusive higher education grants for students with intellectual disabilities, tribal college funding, a Minnesota Student Parent Support Initiative, sustainability and clean water investments, and campus mental health and basic-needs support. Several members spoke in support, including Representatives Keeler and Noor, who emphasized student testimony, workforce needs, and access to higher education. The chamber also debated an A10 amendment offered by Representative Keeler to require tribal colleges receiving funds to provide a report back to the Legislature, including ranking members in both chambers. Representative O’Neill supported the amendment as a transparency and accountability measure, and Representative Bernardi also urged a yes vote. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. Members then raised questions about specific provisions in the bill. Representative Heintzman questioned the clean water plan funding, asking whether it had been requested by the University of Minnesota; Bernardi said it was Representative Morrison’s provision and that it had been asked for by University of Minnesota professors, though she could not fully verify that. Representative Morrison later said the university did not approach her about it, but that a coalition of Minnesotans and the University’s Water Council were appropriate partners for the plan. Representative Feinstein argued the water plan was redundant because the state’s Environmental Quality Board already has a related statutory planning role and said the provision should be reconsidered in conference committee. Another exchange focused on a $1.5 million green training program for University of Minnesota frontline workers: Representative Daniels opposed it, citing a university letter saying the school did not request the program and objected to the collective-bargaining implications, while Representative Keeler said the effort came from workers who needed training and safety support. No final vote on the bill itself was included in the excerpt.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House took up Senate File 4062, the omnibus environment, finance, and policy bill. The author described major funding and policy provisions, including repayment of the Metropolitan Landfill Contingency Action Trust, rededication of lottery-in-lieu tax revenue to environmental purposes, major conservation investments such as the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and CRP incentives, and funding for emerald ash borer response, pollinators, composting, tourism grants, the Conservation Corps, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Zoo, the Science Museum, and a University of Minnesota soil health plan. Members also highlighted PFAS restrictions in the bill, including bans on several consumer and industrial products, disclosure requirements for manufacturers, and water-quality standards. Supporters framed the bill as restoring prior funding cuts and addressing climate, conservation, and contamination issues. The chamber then considered several amendments. The Sundin amendment on septic tank manufacturing was debated at length and failed on a roll call, 63 ayes to 66 nos. The Eklund amendment to include houseboats in a motor-safety-related provision was adopted. The Igo amendment, later modified by a Sandstad amendment to reduce the amount to $850,000 for operations and maintenance, was adopted after debate over whether the funding should instead be handled through bonding and whether it would adequately address the Canisteo pit mine flooding risk near Bovee and Coleraine. Members argued over the urgency of the pit-water issue versus other environmental priorities such as emerald ash borer. A technical A10 amendment from O'Driscoll clarifying school trust lands provisions and aligning language between chambers was adopted. After that, the clerk reported another amendment, A14, from Swedzinski, but the transcript cuts off before its substance and disposition are fully shown.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House took up Senate File 4062, the omnibus environment, natural resources, and tourism finance and policy bill. Representative Hanson described the bill as restoring funding to environmental programs, repaying the Metropolitan Landfill Contingency Action Trust, rededicating lottery and lieu tax revenues to natural resources, and making major investments in conservation, chronic wasting disease response, PFAS restrictions, emerald ash borer response, tourism grants, and other agency programs. Representative Ecklund spoke in support of the chronic wasting disease provisions, including surveillance, fencing, import restrictions, live testing for captive cervids, and shifting more authority to the Department of Natural Resources. Representative Wazilik outlined the PFAS provisions, including bans on certain products, manufacturer disclosure requirements, and water quality standards. Members then considered several amendments. Representative Sundin’s amendment on septic tank drain plugs drew debate over whether the nylon plug technology was sufficiently proven; after discussion, the roll call failed, 63 ayes to 66 noes. An amendment by Representative Ecklund to include houseboats in a motor safety provision was adopted. Representative Igo offered an amendment to fund work on the Canisteo pit mine and protect nearby communities from rising pit waters; after a related amendment by Representative Sandstede reduced and redirected the funding to operations and maintenance, the Sandstede amendment to the amendment was adopted. Representative O’Driscoll’s technical amendment regarding school trust lands language was also adopted. The transcript ended while the House was still moving through amendments, including Representative Swedzinski’s proposal to expand rifle deer hunting, which was introduced but not resolved in the portion provided. No final vote on the bill itself appears in the excerpt.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The conference committee on Senate File 2677 opened with public testimony focused on the bill’s data practices provisions for frontline worker payments. Testifiers from the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information and Rich Newmeister argued that the names of recipients and the amounts paid should remain public for transparency and oversight, noting that similar benefit and grant data is public in other contexts and that disclosure can help detect fraud. No questions were raised for either testifier. The committee then turned to Article 1, which deals with repaying and replenishing the unemployment insurance trust fund. Staff explained that the article appropriates about $2.324 billion, largely from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund and the general fund, to repay federal UI advances, replenish the state trust fund, and reset employer tax rates so they do not increase. Members discussed how the amount was calculated, the remaining federal UI debt and interest, and the effect on employer rates. Several members emphasized that prior legislative actions had already frozen experience ratings and held taxable wages to reduce employer costs during the pandemic. Members also debated the broader policy context, with some arguing the bill appropriately restores the UI system and protects employers, while others said the state should also honor workers who relied on unemployment benefits and that the federal funds should not be spent on a single issue. The committee then moved to Article 2, and staff began outlining the frontline worker payments program, including the covered sectors, eligibility requirements, and the time period for qualifying work, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or any final action on the article or bill.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Local Government Division held an informational hearing on House File 1122, Representative Hornstein’s proposal to elect Metropolitan Council members rather than have them appointed by the governor. Before testimony, House Research noted a technical amendment needed in the bill language: on page 18, line 6, delete “2A” and insert “2B” because the referenced section is being repealed. Representative Hornstein said the hearing was intended to provide background and start a broader discussion about Met Council governance, arguing that the council has broad taxing and policymaking authority but lacks direct voter accountability. He said direct election would better address transparency and accountability than staggered terms or other partial reforms. Myron Orfield, a former legislator and law professor, strongly supported the bill, describing the Met Council as a uniquely powerful regional body that functions more like a city than a state agency or special district and therefore should be elected under long-standing American democratic principles. He said the council’s broad authority over regional planning, transit, land use, and taxation makes direct election appropriate and would improve responsiveness and institutional memory. Several other testifiers from Minnesota 350 Action and transit justice groups also supported the bill, emphasizing the council’s role in transit, climate policy, housing, and regional planning, and arguing that elected members would be more accountable to riders and communities. Supporters repeatedly cited the Southwest light rail project as an example of the consequences of an appointed council, saying residents and advocates raised concerns about feasibility, costs, and impacts but were dismissed, leading to delays and major cost overruns. Testifiers argued that an elected council would be more open to public input and better able to address climate, racial justice, and transit access concerns. No vote or formal action was taken, consistent with the hearing’s informational purpose.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on Representative Hornstein’s bill to make Metropolitan Council members elected rather than appointed, and no action was taken. House Research’s Chelsea Griffin explained a technical correction to the bill: on page 18, line 6, delete “2A” and insert “2B” because the referenced section is being repealed in the bill language. Representative Hornstein said the hearing was timely and described the bill as a response to the Met Council’s broad taxing and policy powers without direct voter accountability, arguing that an elected council would better address transparency and representation concerns. He also noted that the bill would establish four-year terms, campaign finance rules similar to legislative elections, and district-based elections. Testimony in support came from Myron Orfield, who argued that the Met Council’s broad regional planning and taxing authority makes it more like a city or general-purpose government than a state agency, and that American tradition favors elected bodies with such powers. He said prior efforts to elect the council had been supported by reform advocates and that an elected structure would improve responsiveness and institutional memory. Adriana Jarrab of Minnesota 350 Action, Eric Berger, and Jorita Chen all supported the bill on climate, transit, and democratic participation grounds, saying the council’s decisions affect transit access, emissions, and regional planning, but that appointed members are not sufficiently accountable to riders and residents. Mary Paddock testified that the current appointed structure contributed to problems with the Southwest light rail project, saying residents had warned for years that the route was not feasible and that the project would be delayed and cost more than expected. She said local concerns were not adequately heeded despite extensive public engagement. Overall, supporters framed the bill as a governance reform aimed at accountability, transparency, and giving metro residents direct representation over a powerful regional body.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 778, a sports betting bill, and first adopted the A13 amendment. Chair Stevenson explained that A13 revised the appropriations language so sports betting regulation would be funded from the bill’s own tax revenue through a fixed appropriation from a special revenue account, rather than by a percentage of revenue, with the remaining allocations set as percentages after regulatory costs are paid. The bill author said the measure legalizes both brick-and-mortar and mobile sports betting in Minnesota, aims to replace an existing illegal black market with a regulated market, and includes consumer protections and problem-gambling funding. He also said the bill is designed to be fiscally self-supporting, with low tax and licensing rates intended to undercut illegal operators, and that some revenue would support youth sports, especially in communities facing high juvenile crime. A fiscal note was referenced showing an impact on special revenue funds and no general fund impact. Representative Miller offered the A11 amendment, arguing that if the bill’s purpose was to eliminate black-market betting, the tax should be removed, and suggesting the state should not create a new tax burden for an activity people are already doing. Chair Stevenson opposed the amendment, saying it would undo the self-sufficient funding structure and shift costs to the general fund, while also reducing money for problem-gambling services. The committee rejected A11 on a voice vote. Representative Petersburg then asked whether the bill included anything about barrel printing for raffles; Chair Stevenson said it did not and that the bill only addressed sports betting. After discussion, the committee voted on the bill as amended. The motion to recommend House File 778 for placement on the General Register passed on a recorded vote of 14 ayes and 7 noes, and the bill was reported out as amended.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House convened with prayer by Reverend Patrick Joyner of Luther Memorial Church in South St. Paul, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call that established a quorum. The Journal for the previous day was approved as corrected, comparison reports and standing committee/division reports were adopted without objection, and the body moved through second readings of House File 3669 and Senate Files 4091 and 4410. The House also received first readings for House Files 4841 through 4848. A Senate message returned House File 4366, an act relating to state government, with amendments. Representative Sundin moved that the House refuse to concur in the Senate amendments and that a five-member conference committee be appointed, stating the Senate proposals were inadequate and a better solution was needed. There was no discussion, and the motion was approved. Near the end of the session, Representative Winkler announced that DFL members would caucus at 11:30 a.m. and reconvene at 1:00 p.m., and Representative Daudt said Republican members would caucus immediately following recess. The House then recessed to the call of the chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The meeting opened with quorum procedures, prayer, and the pledge, then moved through routine business: executive communications were received with no action required, committee reports were adopted, House Files 4293 and 4300 received second reading, and listed Senate files were given first reading and referred. The chamber also adopted a motion on motions and resolutions, and Senator Benson designated bills for special order, including House File 2746 and Senate File 3086. House File 2746, a technical cleanup bill for the Hometown Heroes/Hometown Assistance program for firefighters, was explained as clarifying eligibility for critical illness payments, aligning definitions with Commerce Department insurance rules, and transferring grant administration from the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Justice Programs to the State Fire Marshal. Supporters said the changes would improve clarity and continue assistance to firefighters; the bill passed final passage 66-0 and its title was agreed to. The main debate centered on Senate File 3086, a transportation funding bill that would dedicate auto parts sales tax revenue to roads and bridges, with set shares for the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund, town roads, and small cities. Senator Kent offered the A3 amendment to reserve 40 percent for transit, arguing that transit—especially in Greater Minnesota—serves riders without cars or licenses and should be part of the package. Opponents said the bill should focus on roads and bridges and that transit should be addressed separately. The A3 amendment failed 31-35. Final discussion on Senate File 3086 continued with supporters emphasizing long-term road and bridge needs, the importance of stable funding for small cities and townships, and concerns about diverting general fund dollars from other priorities such as education and public safety. The transcript ends during continued debate on the underlying bill, with no final vote on Senate File 3086 shown.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Legislative leaders discussed a tentative budget agreement reached with Governor Walz and Senator Miller, though a written draft was still pending from the reviser. The deal centers on three main items: $2.7 billion to fully replenish the unemployment insurance trust fund and avoid business tax increases; a $500 million frontline worker bonus pool, doubled from the earlier $250 million proposal; and the use of remaining American Rescue Plan funds, with $190 million reserved for ongoing COVID management and the rest to be appropriated through the agreement. The speaker said the frontline worker bonus language would largely follow the House version, including eligibility changes made on the House floor, but with income qualifications still limiting who qualifies. The bonus amount was described as variable: if fewer applicants than expected apply, checks could be larger than the estimated $750. The speaker also said businesses that already paid the tax would be refunded, though the timing and implementation details were still being worked out. The speaker expressed frustration that the frontline worker package was reduced from the $1 billion level some wanted, but said the caucus preferred getting something done rather than risking no bonus at all. They argued the agreement shows Republicans are willing to negotiate, while also noting that the removal of federal money reduced one source of leverage. The speaker expected the Senate to pass the bill that night or the next day, with the governor signing it Friday, and said the House would return the next day if needed. They also said talks on the bonding bill were only preliminary, and that sports betting and liquor bills remained stalled in Senate committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate considered an omnibus agriculture, housing, and broadband bill that included a provision to cancel the rent control measures approved by voters in Saint Paul and Minneapolis. An amendment was offered to remove that repeal language, but supporters of the amendment argued the bill would retroactively overturn a lawful election and undermine local control and the will of the voters. They also raised concerns about property rights and said retroactive legislation is generally a bad practice. Opponents of rent control argued that it distorts the housing market, discourages investment, and reduces the supply of new housing. They cited studies and recent local data, saying rent control had halted thousands of housing units, building permits in Saint Paul were down sharply, and investors were pulling money out of the city. One senator also described a large rent increase on their own apartment as evidence that the policy was not producing the intended stability. The debate centered on whether the Legislature should respect the results of the Saint Paul and Minneapolis votes or intervene because of broader housing and economic impacts across the Twin Cities and the state. The amendment to remove the repeal language failed on a 33-34 vote, so the rent control repeal provision remained in the bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget presented an overview of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), describing it as a historic opportunity for the state but one with significant uncertainty because federal guidance is being released on a rolling basis. The presentation explained that the law provides $1.2 trillion over five years, with about $7.4 billion expected for Minnesota through formula allocations and an estimated $7.4 billion in competitive funds. Most of the formula dollars are tied to transportation, but the state also expects funding for water, broadband, weatherization, cybersecurity, EV charging, and climate-related programs. Officials said agencies are coordinating across government, and some programs have already received spending authority through the Legislative Advisory Commission so the state can move quickly when opportunities open. The main budget issue discussed was matching funds needed to unlock federal dollars. MMB said about 84% of the formula funds require some form of state match, and the governor’s budget includes corresponding requests in the supplemental and capital budgets. Examples included roughly $113 million per year for roads and bridges, funding for transit and airports in the transportation package, capital budget support for water infrastructure, no state match for broadband because subgrantees are expected to provide it, EV charging infrastructure funding, $20 million for a state competitiveness fund to pursue energy-related grants, and $4.125 million for cybersecurity matching funds, with most of that expected to support local government cybersecurity improvements. Members focused heavily on timing and competitiveness. Senators asked whether some grants had already closed, what “open” meant, and whether appropriations must be in place before applications are submitted. MMB said some grant windows are very short and that without appropriated match money the state may be less competitive. Senators Frentz and Marty urged the administration to consider a dedicated coordinator or “czar” and possibly a pool of funds so Minnesota can respond quickly and avoid missing opportunities while the legislature is not in session. MMB said it could not speak for the governor’s future staffing plans but would share the feedback with the governor’s office.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Tax Committee heard Senate File 4394, as amended by the A2, and indicated the bill would be laid over. Senator Coleman described the measure as a tax credit for employers with 50 or fewer employees that provide paid family leave, including either direct paid benefits or insurance policies covering the benefit. The A2 amendment clarified coverage for insurance premiums and removed the $50 million cap and first-come, first-served allocation process, leaving the credit uncapped. Committee staff said the credit would equal the amount paid for leave benefits, up to $3,000 per qualified employee, apply to certain family and medical leave situations, be nonrefundable but carry forward for five years, and run for taxable years 2023 through 2025. The revenue estimate in the packet showed a general fund loss of about $19.7 million in FY 2024 and $20.5 million in FY 2025 under the earlier version, with a revised estimate expected to be roughly $10 million higher per year under the A2. Testimony was split. Supporters, including a small business owner and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, argued the bill would help small employers compete with larger firms, expand access to paid leave without a statewide mandate, and avoid the cost of a new payroll tax or large state program. Opponents and advocates for a statewide paid leave program said the bill would reach only workers whose employers choose to participate, could leave many workers uncovered, and would not provide a universal or portable benefit. Several testifiers shared personal caregiving stories and said a statewide social insurance model, like Senate File 1205, would better ensure access for all Minnesotans. One small business owner said the tax credit would not solve cash-flow problems because reimbursement would come too late. No vote on final passage was taken during the hearing.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House took up Senate File 4062, the omnibus environment, natural resources, and tourism appropriations and policy bill. Representative Hanson, the bill’s author, described it as a major funding measure with a $240 million general fund target for the FY 2022-23 biennium and additional appropriations for FY 2024-25. He said the bill restores funding that had been diverted in earlier budgets, including repayment of the Metropolitan Landfill Contingency Action Trust with interest and rededication of the lottery-in-lieu tax to its original environmental purposes. He also highlighted major conservation investments, including $30 million for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and $10 million for a CRP state incentive. Representative Eklund outlined the bill’s chronic wasting disease provisions, saying it would allow the taking of escaped captive deer during legal seasons without penalty, require owners to pay for testing, add fencing requirements, mandate surveillance and depopulation if CWD is found, restrict importation of captive cervids from farms with positive tests, and shift full authority to the Department of Natural Resources. He emphasized the goal was to protect the wild deer herd while working with farmers and the captive cervid industry. Representative Wazilik then described the PFAS provisions in Article 4, including bans on the manufacture, distribution, and sale of certain PFAS-containing products, disclosure requirements for manufacturers, and water-quality standards for certain PFAS. Hanson also summarized additional spending in the bill, including $11 million for emerald ash borer response, funding for pollinator lawns, composting and zero-waste programs, tourism grants, boater and safety education, feedlot financial assurance, the Conservation Corps, Metropolitan Council infrastructure, the Minnesota Zoo, the Science Museum, and a University of Minnesota soil health action plan. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt provided; the discussion consisted of bill presentation and member explanations of major provisions.