Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Civil Law and Data Practices Committee heard discussion on a bill that would prohibit social media companies from using algorithms that specifically target children. Supporters argued that algorithms are opaque but harmful, comparing the risk to tobacco and alcohol, and said social media can negatively affect teen mental health, especially for youth dealing with body image issues, anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. One speaker cited concerns about nearly 20% of young children using social media daily and urged the committee to act to protect kids. Opponents or cautionary voices noted that algorithms are also used to direct beneficial content to children and teens, and raised First Amendment concerns about restricting how platforms communicate content. A parent on the committee said it is difficult to monitor a teenager’s social media use without constant supervision, but still emphasized the importance of free speech protections. Another member said prior assurances from companies sounded like platitudes without action and argued the bill was needed to send a message and force change. The transcript does not indicate a final vote or committee action, only that the bill was debated and members expressed sharply divided views on child protection, platform responsibility, and constitutional limits.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Behavioral Health Policy Division met remotely, established a quorum, approved the March 23 minutes by voice vote, and then took up an informational hearing on House File 4265, the opioid settlement implementation bill. Attorney General Keith Ellison opened by describing the scale of Minnesota’s opioid crisis, citing more than 5,500 deaths since 2000 and 678 deaths in 2020, and said the state’s goal is to direct settlement money to opioid abatement rather than the general fund. He framed HF 4265 as the final step needed to maximize Minnesota’s share of the national settlements and get roughly $300 million flowing to communities. Assistant Attorneys General Evan Romanoff and Eric Maloney explained the settlement background and the bill’s mechanics. They said Minnesota joined the major national settlements with distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen, and manufacturer Johnson & Johnson, and that the state and local governments negotiated a Minnesota-specific agreement. Under that agreement, local governments would receive 75 percent of the settlement funds directly and the state 25 percent, with the state share overseen by the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council (OERAC). The bill would also move settlement funds out of the current “lock box” sooner, create separate accounts for fees and settlement money, and add a narrow claims bar to secure “global peace” for the companies and avoid future litigation that could reduce or delay payments. They said all 87 counties and more than 140 cities signed on to the agreement. Members and testifiers emphasized that the bill reflects the earlier policy in HF 400 to keep opioid-related money dedicated to abatement and to get funds out quickly. Representative Dave Baker, speaking as a co-author and OERAC member, praised the Attorney General’s office and said the council is actively granting funds and working on opioid and fentanyl response efforts. Representative Liz Olson said the bill’s three main pieces are the 75-25 split, releasing the funds, and the claims bar, and stressed that the priority is getting money to the front lines. No formal vote on HF 4265 was taken in this meeting, and the discussion ended with members expressing support and asking a clarification about where remaining state funds would go; staff replied that after existing priorities and the tribal social service share, the remaining monies would go to OERAC.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met remotely, established a quorum, and adopted the March 28, 2022 minutes. Chair Noor said this would be one of the committee’s last major bill hearings before moving to the omnibus bill the following week. The first bill heard was House File 4565, a capital investment request for a Leech Lake Area Health and Wellness Center in Cass Lake, to be heard for information only and then referred to the Capital Investment Committee. Representative Becker-Finn and several testifiers described the wellness center as a long-planned community asset intended to support physical and spiritual wellness for people of all ages in the Leech Lake area. Testifiers emphasized historical disinvestment, health disparities, suicide prevention, and the need for intergenerational healing and community gathering space. Members asked about the funding structure, including why the request was for cash rather than general obligation bonds and whether there was a local match; the response was that tribal-government circumstances made a cash request more practical, and that the tribe and partners would contribute ongoing maintenance and capital upkeep. No vote was taken on the bill in this committee. The committee then took up House File 4024, which would fund GiveMN programming, including RaiseMN, and Chair Becker-Finn moved to re-refer the bill to the Ways and Means Committee. GiveMN’s executive director testified that the organization provides fundraising coaching and support to nonprofits, especially small, volunteer-led, Greater Minnesota, and BIPOC-led organizations, and said the request would help scale services to 1,000 nonprofits with a one-time appropriation matched by $1 million in non-state funds. Kathy Mays of Loaves and Fishes Minnesota testified that GiveMN’s coaching helped her organization double donors and giving, which proved especially valuable during the pandemic. Representative Haley raised concerns about using state funds for capacity-building when other foundations and nonprofit intermediaries provide similar services, and asked about GiveMN’s budget and funding sources; Bloomberg said GiveMN works with those groups, has a $1.8 million general operating budget, and is funded by a mix of philanthropy and social enterprise revenue. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion of the meeting provided, though the motion to re-refer the bill was made.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Governor Walz signed legislation honoring Sen. David Tomassoni and creating a major state investment in ALS research and caregiver support. Speakers described the bill as bipartisan and historic, noting it includes $20 million in research grants and $5 million for caregivers, with the goal of improving treatment, supporting families, and ultimately finding a cure. Tomassoni and others thanked legislative leaders, co-authors, advocates, and family members for moving the bill through quickly and without any no votes. Tomassoni said the bill was deeply personal after his ALS diagnosis, emphasizing that the measure represents hope for future patients and relief for caregivers who need direct and home-health support. He and advocates from the ALS Association said Minnesota’s research institutions, including the University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, Hennepin Health Partners, and Essentia in Duluth, could help lead new trials and discoveries. Officials said the money will flow through the Department of Health and Human Services, via the Board on Aging, which will create a grant program with eligibility criteria. In response to questions, Walz said the ALS funding is groundbreaking for Minnesota and compared its potential impact to the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge, which helped spur research advances. He also discussed broader legislative negotiations, saying he expected a reinsurance deal within 24 to 48 hours and that other budget items would continue separately. In a later exchange, he said he supports increased scrutiny of nonprofits receiving state funds but cautioned against broad-brush restrictions that could hinder organizations doing effective work, including violence interrupters and other community groups.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Education, Finance, and Policy Committee heard a presentation from the Minnesota Department of Education on the governor’s “Bold Literacy Plan,” a birth-through-grade 12 literacy initiative centered on the science of reading, educator training, family and community engagement, data-driven instruction, and sustained implementation support. Commissioner Heather Mueller, Assistant Commissioner Bobby Bham, and dyslexia specialist Dr. Amy Schulting described proposals to build regional training and coaching capacity, improve literacy data collection and analysis, revise the Read Well by Third Grade statute, and strengthen teacher preparation and licensure requirements around foundational reading skills and dyslexia. Testifiers said the plan would expand regional literacy support through MDE, regional centers of excellence, and service cooperatives; upgrade outdated data systems so the department can track foundational reading skills earlier than third grade; and repurpose literacy incentive aid as literacy achievement aid for training, coaching, specialists, and family supports. They also discussed early childhood efforts, including expanding access to pre-K, supporting Head Start and child care providers, and adding an early literacy specialist at MDE. On the Letters training grant, Dr. Schulting reported 2,190 confirmed participants for 2,120 slots, with 88 on the waiting list and possible additional slots being considered. Senators asked about the meaning of third-grade proficiency, the number of schools below 25% proficiency, who was participating in Letters training, and how early childhood and library partnerships would fit into the plan. MDE said most Letters participants are educators, with some administrators and literacy professors, and emphasized that literacy support should be coordinated across schools, libraries, Head Start, child care, DHS, and the children’s cabinet. Committee members generally said there were good ideas in the proposal, but the chair noted that if schools are asked to do more reporting, the committee should consider reducing other paperwork burdens. No votes were taken, and the chair said the committee would continue work on the proposal and adjourned the meeting until April 4.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present after a motion to dispense with further roll call and have the sergeant at arms bring in absent members was adopted. Reverend Justin Grimm of the Saint Paul Area Synod, ELCA, delivered the prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The secretary then completed the roll call and identified members intending to vote under Rule 40.7. Under committee business, Senator Miller moved to adopt the committee reports printed in the agenda and addendum, except those pertaining to Joint Rule 2.03. That motion prevailed, and the committee reports were adopted. The Senate then moved through second reading of Senate files, which were given their second reading without further action. In introduction and first reading business, the bills on the introduction calendar were given first reading and referred as indicated, and the chamber adopted the author’s motions as one motion. Senate Resolution 120 was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. The Senate then adjourned on Senator Miller’s motion until Thursday, March 31st at 11 a.m.

Keywords: 1183, house

Keywords: 1183, house

Keywords: 1183, house

Keywords: 1183, house

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several human services rate and funding bills. Senator Josinski presented SF 693, which would increase reimbursement for Kaplan Woods Care Home in Owatonna, an intermediate care facility serving residents with significant intellectual, developmental, medical, and behavioral needs. Ashley Fredericks described the facility’s low reimbursement rate, aging building, staffing shortages, and the intensive, family-like support staff provide. Members responded supportively and laid the bill over for possible later action. Senator Westrom then introduced SF 2618 for Monarch Heights in the Ortonville area, also seeking a rate increase for a small residential care facility serving adults with disabilities. Testifier Ms. Carrolls said Monarch Heights is the lowest-paid of 118 similar facilities, with very slow rate growth over the past decade, rising licensing costs, and wages that lag nearby employers. She said the increase would help with staffing, building repairs, and keeping residents in place. Committee members emphasized the importance of wages and workforce retention, and the bill’s technical A1 amendment was adopted by voice vote. The committee also discussed broader budget priorities for disability services and workforce recruitment, including the need to ensure rate increases reach workers and to reduce disincentives for people entering or staying in the workforce. Senator Benson moved SF 3136 with an A1 amendment, which was adopted, and explained the bill would shift costs for certain AMRTC and community behavioral health hospital patients from counties to the state when patients no longer need hospital-level care but cannot be discharged because no appropriate state bed is available. Amanda Larson testified for counties, describing cases where counties were billed $1,600 per day for long waits for placement and arguing counties have no control over the transfer process. The chair indicated the bill would continue to be worked on, including discussion of a possible funding source and further testimony.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee met virtually on March 29, 2022, with a quorum present. The committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. It then heard House File 2236, which would designate a segment of State Highway 5 in Chanhassen as the Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway. Representative Beau explained the bill and an A1 amendment that changed the signage language from requiring purple signs to expressing that purple signage was the intent. The amendment was adopted, and testimony from Mark Webster, Bob Finn, and Mitch McGuire of Paisley Park emphasized Prince’s Minnesota roots, his generosity, and the cultural and economic significance of honoring him. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee next heard House File 3456, a Lakeville rail project bill sponsored by Representative Koznick. The bill would provide a one-time appropriation for planning and engineering a freight rail car storage facility in the Airlake Industrial Park to move rail cars out of residential neighborhoods and into a more suitable industrial location. Lakeville City Administrator Justin Miller described public safety concerns, neighborhood blight, school bus delays, and possible watershed issues from the current storage arrangement, while also saying the project could improve freight efficiency and economic development. Members asked about the origins of the problem, federal preemption, ownership of the rail cars, and whether the new facility would still involve storage fees and future redevelopment of the current corridor. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion. Finally, the committee began discussion of the Federal Funds Local Assistance Program, associated with Representative Cagle, which is intended to help Minnesota entities access federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act discretionary funding and matching dollars. The sponsor said the proposal would establish a program at the Department of Transportation and assist smaller applicants with federal grant applications. The transcript cuts off as the sponsor began walking through the bill language, and no vote or final action on that item is shown in the excerpt.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Energy and Utilities Finance and Policy Committee met on March 29, 2022, and first heard Senate File 2878, which would appropriate $6.5 million from the Renewable Development Account for a demonstration geothermal project at the Anoka-Hennepin School District’s Soderberg Early Childhood Learning Center. Senator Newton and testifier Tony Poole of Pipefitters Local 455 described geothermal as a cleaner heating and cooling technology with potential cost savings for schools and taxpayers. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee then took up Senate File 4089, a continuation and expansion of the Solar for Schools program. Senator Senjem explained the bill would add funding for both non-Xcel and Xcel service territories, with additional amounts in 2023 through 2025 and a return of unused funds after five years. Supporters, including Logan O’Grady of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association and Brayden Solem of Ideal Energies, said demand for the program was strong, that many districts were eager to participate, and that the program would reduce energy costs and create jobs. Rick Evans of Xcel Energy opposed the expansion, arguing the Xcel-side program had not yet started, that Xcel customers already fund substantial solar incentives, and that more money should not be added before the program is evaluated. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 4119, which would extend and increase the Solar Rewards program and add a new energy storage incentive program funded through the Renewable Development Account. Supporters, including Logan O’Grady and Michael Allen of All Energy Solar, said the program has been successful, supports Minnesota jobs, lowers customer costs, and should be expanded to energy storage to improve grid resilience. Evans again opposed the measure, saying the program has been repeatedly extended without enough evidence of need or value and objecting to the proposed battery subsidy. Senator Senjem acknowledged the concerns but said the programs have worked and the bill should be set aside for possible inclusion. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up several bills related to state government, elections, and behavioral health. Senate File 3667, as amended, would direct the Department of Natural Resources to seek proposals for replacing its registration system for ATVs, boats, and related licenses, with a possible preference for a vendor already providing vehicle registration software to the state. Senator Eichorn said the bill was intended to improve efficiency and save money by better integrating systems used by deputy registrars. DNR Assistant Commissioner Bob Meyer said the department was preparing to issue an RFP and was working with the Department of Vehicle Services. The committee adopted the A5 amendment and then recommended the bill to pass and re-refer it to the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Senate File 4072, by Senator Bach, would give the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board authority to offer a retention package to employees, similar to earlier legislative actions that allowed early retirement incentives during prior agency transitions. Bach said the agency is funded by taconite taxes rather than the general fund and is concerned about losing several senior leaders at once. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion. Senate File 4130, a Secretary of State technical bill presented by Senator Kiffmeyer, included changes to election-related language, including replacing references to residency with “maintain residence.” Kiffmeyer said she opposed that wording because it could create legal uncertainty, but said some other technical provisions were acceptable. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee also heard Senate File 2845, which would create a separate Department of Behavioral Health by moving the behavioral health division out of DHS. Senator Abeler argued the change would elevate attention to substance use and mental health issues without increasing costs, while Commissioner Jody Harpstead opposed the bill, saying behavioral health works best integrated with DHS and that a separate agency would be expensive and complicated, especially given Medicaid requirements. The committee discussed a related amendment clarifying transfer language, and the bill was laid over. Finally, Senate File 3355, the licensed professional clinical counselor interstate compact, was presented by Senator Abeler and supported by a testifier from the Minnesota Counseling Association, who said the compact would improve telehealth access, continuity of care, and rural and border-area service. Chair Kiffmeyer raised concerns about compact rulemaking and data privacy, and the bill was laid over after discussion.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Housing Policy and Finance Committee took up Senate File 3944, the chair’s comprehensive housing bill, and adopted the DE amendment as the working document. Counsel walked through the bill’s $50 million one-time general fund target for the Housing Finance Agency, including $10 million for the workforce homeownership program, $35 million for homeownership investment grants, $5 million for a targeted loan pool, $10 million for manufactured home park revolving loans, and $5 million for high-rise sprinkler grants. The policy article also included eviction-related language, planned unit development changes, agency bond refunding authority, reporting requirements, expanded eligibility for some programs, manufactured housing financing and down payment assistance, and rent control-related provisions and reporting. Commissioner Hull said the governor’s housing proposal had larger investments, but he welcomed the bill’s homeownership focus and several agency policy provisions. He cautioned that directing Pool 3 resources to new uses could reduce funding for existing down payment assistance and homeownership capacity programs, questioned the specificity of using CDFIs for the homeownership grants, and raised concerns about the feasibility and market participation for the manufactured housing lending program and the scope of the rent control report. Testimony from the Manufactured Home Association supported the bill’s inclusion of manufactured housing but asked for clearer references to manufactured homes on private property and in different community types, a reference to the manufactured home community eviction statute, and broader consideration of manufactured-home financing options. Minnesota Realtors supported the bill’s homeownership emphasis and the rent control repeal language, and reiterated interest in a separate first-generation homebuyer down payment assistance pilot. Metro Cities and the League of Minnesota Cities both supported the overall state investment but opposed provisions they said would preempt local zoning and rent control authority. They also objected to the bill’s scoring preferences for lower-cost, faster projects, arguing those criteria could disadvantage locally important redevelopment or reuse projects. The League supported the $35 million homeownership investment grants and other funding, but warned that shifting Pool 3 money could undermine existing homeownership assistance and disparity-reduction efforts. The National Fire Sprinkler Association testified in support of the $5 million sprinkler grant provision, describing it as a needed start for retrofit work in occupied high-rise nonprofit buildings. No final vote on the bill was taken; the chair said the committee would return later in the week for amendments and further discussion.