Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Legacy Finance Committee met with a quorum, approved the March 9 minutes, and took up House File 3726, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council request for fiscal year 2023. Representative Ecklund described the bill as appropriating about $159 million for 46 Outdoor Heritage Fund programs focused on prairie protection, wetland restoration, trout stream enhancement, wildlife habitat, forest fragmentation prevention, land acquisition, and conservation easements. He emphasized the Legacy Amendment’s purpose and the measurable habitat gains funded since its adoption. Committee members first discussed an author’s amendment (A4) that would update the bill to reflect the February forecast and increase project amounts proportionally. Representative Green questioned whether the amendment simply spread new projected funds across projects and expressed concern that it could disrupt the committee’s work and might be premature given uncertainty about Senate action. Staff and the council chair explained that the council had reviewed the updated forecast, directed staff to apply increases proportionally to the non-fully-funded projects, and intentionally left administration unchanged. The amendment was adopted. Testimony from Lessard-Sams Council Chair David Hartwell and staff Director Mark Johnson and Assistant Director Joe Pavalko explained the council’s process and the bill’s contents. They said the council is made up of eight citizens and four legislators, reviews all grant proposals over a 15-month process, and unanimously recommended the bill after hearings and scrutiny. Staff described the funding breakdown, including about 81,000 acres affected, 127 miles of shoreline, and roughly $33 million in matching funds, with most appropriations going to repeat phases and several new projects. They also noted that the Conservation Partners Legacy small grants program is fully funded at $9.45 million and that the updated figures in the amendment were based on the council’s March 3 recommendation after the February forecast. The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion and continued discussion after adopting the amendment.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 9, 2022, then took up House File 3992, an agency bill from the Metropolitan Council concerning regional parks operations and maintenance funding. The bill would change the statute so the council reviews the most recently audited financial statements, rather than the previous year’s expenses, and would adjust deadlines to better fit the audit cycle and allow more accurate review before distributing state funds to the 10 regional parks implementing agencies. After brief questions about prior audits and whether there were any negative findings, the committee voted to re-refer HF 3992 to the State Government Finance and Elections Committee on a roll call vote of nine ayes. The committee then heard House Files 4108 and 4109, which were announced as informational and laid over with no immediate action. Representative Hewitt and Minnesota Association of Townships witnesses argued the bills would make annexation more fair by restoring a landowner vote in some cases, limiting certain city annexation powers, strengthening orderly annexation agreements, and allowing some detachment back to townships. They said the current system can allow cities to annex land without services or owner consent and that townships often lack a practical way to object. The League of Minnesota Cities opposed both bills, saying they would take authority away from cities, restrict property owner options, and interfere with urban growth planning. The League argued annexation is already a complex process with limited contested cases, that orderly annexations are generally preferred when parties can agree, and that cities need flexibility to plan infrastructure and development. Members asked for clarification on city planning authority and annexation processes, but no votes were taken on HF 4108 or HF 4109.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Human Services Finance and Policy Committee adopted the March 15, 2022 minutes and then heard several bills, all of which were laid over for possible inclusion in the committee’s omnibus bill. HF 2416 would reimburse White Earth Tribal Nation for remaining startup costs from the 2013 transfer of human services functions in Becker, Clearwater, and Mahnomen counties; the author and testifier said White Earth fronted about $1 million in startup costs and has only been partially reimbursed so far. The committee took no questions and laid the bill over. HF 3738 would update Children’s Therapeutic Support Services (CTSS) to improve access to children’s mental health care by streamlining program requirements, updating provider roles, and simplifying reporting. Representative Hanson said an amendment was forthcoming to remove a proposed new mental health care benefit and reflect stakeholder and DHS negotiations. Testimony from Fraser emphasized workforce shortages, administrative burden, and the need to reduce barriers so providers can spend more time delivering care; the bill was laid over after no member questions. HF 3737 would require DHS to work with stakeholders to establish a single statewide reimbursement rate for behavioral health home services. Representative Morrison and testifier Allison Harwood described behavioral health homes as an important part of the mental health continuum and said the current rate has been flat since 2016 and does not cover costs, leading providers to operate at a loss. Members asked about the inflation factor, and Morrison said the bill uses the Medicare Economic Index; the bill was laid over. HF 4085 would allow personal care assistants to drive clients for instrumental activities of daily living, such as medical appointments, work, and community activities, rather than limiting them to accompanying clients. Supporters said the change would increase independence for people with disabilities, improve access in rural areas, and reduce state costs by avoiding more expensive transportation options. DHS indicated a state plan amendment would likely be needed and estimated at least six months for approval; the bill was laid over after discussion.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard Senate File 3706, which would increase the first-tier valuation limit for agricultural homestead property from about $1.89 million to $2.5 million. Senator Weber and testifiers from the Minnesota Pork Producers Association and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association said the current limit has not kept pace with rising farmland values and that the change would help small and medium-sized family farms by lowering their property tax burden. They argued the bill would support farm succession and help family farms compete with private investors. The Department of Revenue estimate discussed by Senator Weber projected an average tax decrease of about $1,200 per family farm. SF 3706 was laid over. The committee then took up Senate File 3808, with an A1 author’s amendment adopted. Senator Weber and Caitlin Pals explained that the bill makes technical clarifications to agricultural homestead rules for family farm corporations and partnerships, mainly to preserve estate tax benefits and better fit common farm succession arrangements. The changes would allow homestead classification to follow family relationships and ownership structures in situations where parents move to town, children continue farming, or land is held through a family entity. Members discussed that the bill is intended as a cleanup measure rather than a major policy expansion. SF 3808 was laid over as amended. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3192, which would update the homestead market value exclusion by raising the starting point from $76,000 to $80,000 and the maximum home value eligible from $413,800 to $437,100. Senator Rest said the exclusion had not been updated since 2011 and that the bill would modernize the formula to reflect current home values. A committee discussion with Department of Revenue staff noted the change would have a modest fiscal impact and would affect local tax shifts and property tax refunds differently depending on local property mixes. Senator Rest said the bill is meant to bring the formula up to date, and SF 3192 was laid over for possible inclusion.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Preventing Homelessness Division met remotely, approved the March 9, 2022 minutes, and heard House File 3613, which would re-refer funding for the Shelter-Linked Mental Health Grant Program to the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. Rep. Olson explained that the bill would expand a 2019 program modeled on school-linked mental health grants by embedding community-based mental health staff in homeless youth and Safe Harbor sites, citing increased mental health needs during the pandemic and proposing $1.65 million in general fund support to expand access beyond the initial five of 55 eligible sites. Testimony strongly supported the bill. Representatives from Face-to-Face Health and Counseling, Hope Street Shelter, and Lutheran Social Services described how shelter-based mental health services help build trust, provide rapid or immediate care, reduce barriers to treatment, and support youth dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, suicidality, and substance use. They gave examples of youth reconnecting with family, obtaining housing, and pursuing school or work, and emphasized that the program helps youth move from surviving to thriving. Kirsten Anderson of Aspire Minnesota said the Department of Human Services’ initial grant process selected five grantees based on strong provider partnerships and integration plans, and said the program is making a meaningful impact even though the current awards are relatively small. Members largely voiced support. Rep. Hornstein described youth mental health as a broader crisis and said the bill fits concerns raised by pediatricians, teachers, and youth-serving organizations. Rep. New Brindley asked how the earlier $250,000 appropriation was distributed and whether new funds would add grantees or expand existing ones; Anderson said the goal is both to expand to additional jurisdictions and ensure meaningful impact where grants are placed. Rep. Ryer also supported the bill, citing similar concerns from a Dakota County listening session. The division did not take a final vote on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided, but the chair indicated it would be moved along for further consideration.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard Senate File 3964, which would create a full-time Minnesota Department of Agriculture certification navigator position with a one-time $150,000 appropriation to help meat and poultry processors through certification, compliance, and outreach. Senator France said the goal is to support both existing processors and new entrepreneurs, especially given bottlenecks in local processing. Testifiers from the Land Stewardship Project, Minnesota Farmers Union, and a small butcher business described confusing and complex rules, startup costs, and limited processing capacity; they said a navigator would help plants get started or expand and free up inspection staff to focus on inspections. Commissioner Peterson and Dr. Nicole Meer from MDA said the department supports the concept, noted that staff already do some of this work, and said the position would complement current efforts and help relieve pressure on inspectors. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill. The committee then took up Senate File 2537, which would update the Greater Minnesota Egg Land Preservation Program in Waseca, Winona, and Wright counties. Senator Jazinski and Waseca County Commissioner D. Malter said the program should be modernized to reflect changed land values, banking practices, and conservation needs since it was created in the 1980s. The proposal would allow solar facilities up to one megawatt as accessory uses on enrolled land and reduce the withdrawal notice period from eight years to three years. Malter argued the current eight-year requirement and flat $1.50 per acre credit are outdated and can discourage enrollment or make farm transitions difficult, while the changes could make the program more flexible and attractive. Members asked about the origin of the eight-year withdrawal period and how the program’s payments work. Malter said the eight-year period likely reflected the farm crisis era, when landowners needed stability and the credit was seen as meaningful, but that conditions have changed. The committee did not take a final vote on the bill in the transcript, and it was also laid over for possible inclusion.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee heard Senate File 2351, a bill to support and expand funding for regional robotics practice hubs tied to FIRST Robotics programs in Minnesota. Senator Frentz described the bill as an extension of prior state support for five hubs established through a DEED-sponsored grant process, with the new proposal intended to sustain existing hubs and add more funding. The committee adopted the A1 authors’ amendment, and members discussed the bill as workforce and STEM development policy, not just youth extracurricular support. Students from Edina High School and Prior Lake High School testified in favor of the bill, describing how robotics participation builds technical, leadership, communication, business, and teamwork skills. They emphasized that practice fields are important because robotics teams often lack access to competition-like facilities, and that hubs such as MURA in Minneapolis have helped teams practice, collaborate, and improve performance. Several students also noted that robotics helped them find a place in STEM, gain confidence, and see future careers in fields such as biology, cybersecurity, and computer science. Mark Lawrence, a longtime mentor, updated the committee on the original five hubs funded by the state, explaining that some were delayed by the pandemic and facility issues but are now operating or nearing operation in Byron, Duluth, the Hmong Academy, Minneapolis, and Becker. He said the hubs have become catalysts for broader STEM activity and partnerships with underserved youth programs and private funders, and that the biggest challenge remains finding and leasing suitable large spaces. Senators and the chair praised the students and mentors, highlighted the workforce value of robotics, and noted the bill’s 50-50 metro and greater Minnesota split. The committee laid Senate File 2351 over for possible inclusion and then moved to robotics demonstrations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate File 3956, which updates school lead testing and remediation requirements. The bill would set a benchmark of more than 5 parts per billion of lead in water before remediation is triggered, require continued testing and reporting after remediation, and remove obsolete long-term facilities maintenance language. The author said a House amendment with dollar amounts would be reviewed later and that the bill needed funding so schools would not face an unfunded mandate. Members asked about tribal schools and parent notification; the author said the tribal school funding issue needed clarification and noted that results would be posted on the Department of Health website by school district. The committee approved the bill and sent it to the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. The committee then took up Senate File 3745, which would allow school districts and nonpublic schools to enter into voluntary transportation agreements so nonpublic students could continue receiving transportation even if public school transportation changes or closures occur. The author and supporters from the Minnesota Catholic Conference and Catholic schools said the bill would make permanent flexibility that existed during the peacetime emergency and help families maintain stable school schedules. Testifiers described how changes in district transportation schedules forced some schools to shift start and end times, increased costs for families, and in one case led a family to leave a school. Members raised concerns about the bill’s use of “may” language and whether payment obligations should be clearer; the author said those details should be worked out in written agreements. The committee approved the bill and sent it to General Orders. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 495, as amended by an author’s amendment changing dates, which would prohibit school buildings from being built on landfill or dump sites. Supporters argued the bill would protect children’s health, improve transparency for parents, and prevent costly contamination problems; one testifier described a family health scare, and another cited decades of work cleaning contaminated sites at the MPCA. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about schools near toxic sites and referenced examples in Minnesota and elsewhere. The discussion continued with questions about how many schools might be affected and whether existing state environmental standards and notifications were sufficient.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor and Industry Policy Committee heard two bills. First, Senate File 3413, relating to manufactured homes, was presented as a response to a shortage of licensed manufactured home installers. The bill would allow licensed residential contractors to install used manufactured homes after completing three hours of department-prescribed education, and it would add label/verification provisions for manufactured homes. An amendment was adopted to clarify the definition of a qualifying person and make the effective date immediate so the changes could help during the construction season. After brief discussion, the committee voted to recommend SF 3413 to pass and send it to General Orders. The committee then took up Senate File 3881, the Department of Labor and Industry’s agency budget bill. Department officials outlined the agency’s divisions and the governor’s budget proposals, including funding for frontline worker payments, paid family and medical leave administration, cannabis-related dual training, labor standards and apprenticeship staffing, prevailing wage enforcement, youth skills training grants, earned sick and safe time enforcement, combat sports oversight, and construction code and licensing changes. The presentation also described technical and policy provisions such as separating labor standards and apprenticeship leadership, expanding LEAP grants, updating energy code goals, and correcting prior fee language. Several outside witnesses testified in support, including representatives of carpenters, the Minnesota AFL-CIO, the American Institute of Architects, a school district, and the Urban League Twin Cities. They generally backed prevailing wage enforcement, apprenticeship and youth training funding, energy code improvements, frontline worker payments, and labor standards enforcement. Committee members asked detailed questions about eligibility and verification for frontline worker payments, the number of new FTEs, fee reductions, assisted living construction oversight, OSHA conformity, agricultural worker provisions, and combat sports changes. No final action was taken on SF 3881 during the portion of the meeting provided.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, dispensed with further roll call proceedings, observed prayer and silent reflection, and confirmed a quorum. House messages were received announcing passage of House Files 2353, 2819, 2945, and 3249, and several Senate files were given second reading. The chamber also noted first readings of newly introduced Senate and House bills and adopted the authors’ motions on the introduction calendar. During committee reports, Senator Sanich objected under Rule 21 to the reference of Senate File 3397, and it was sent to the Committee on Rules and Administration. The Senate then adopted the committee reports in the agenda and addendum, except the appointments report, which was laid on the table. Several bills were re-referred or withdrawn from committees by motion, including Senate File 2317, Senate File 3662, Senate File 3970, and House File 2875, with the latter sent to Rules and Administration for comparison with Senate File 3003. The Senate also approved a motion to withdraw Senate File 2317 from Judiciary and Public Safety and re-refer it to Civil Law and Data Practices, and similarly approved other committee re-referrals without recorded opposition. In announcements, members were told the class picture was in the retiring room and that Senator Wieger would preside the next day. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, March 17 at 11 a.m.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate File 3487, a bill creating a new crime of organized retail theft. Senator Limmer said the measure is intended to give prosecutors and law enforcement modern tools to address organized retail crime, with definitions, penalties, trespass language, and a limited identity-theft information disclosure provision. He noted support from the Minnesota Retailers Association and the Minnesota Organized Retail Crime Association, and said the bill had already received a full hearing. The committee voted to pass the bill and re-refer it to the Civil Law Committee. The committee then heard Senate File 3478, as amended by an A1 author’s amendment. Senator Newman said the bill would require county attorneys to maintain a list of cases in which prosecution did not occur, arguing the reporting requirement would increase transparency and help address public concern about rising crime and perceived nonprosecution of certain offenses. He also suggested possible future reforms, including a private writ of mandamus, changes to recall rules for county attorneys, and possible attorney general intervention in cases not being prosecuted. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman testified in opposition, defending prosecutorial discretion and saying county attorneys should charge only when there is sufficient admissible evidence to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt. He argued the bill would create large amounts of paperwork, could expose sensitive information, and was unnecessary because county attorneys are accountable to voters and existing processes. Robert Small of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association also opposed the bill, saying it could improperly punish assistant county attorneys and make confidential or sensitive reasons for declining or dismissing cases public. The committee announced that the remaining bills on the agenda would be laid over for further discussion.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Preventive Health Division met to approve the March 9 minutes and then heard a package of four PFAS-related bills: House Files 3571, 2906, 2907, and 2952. The chair explained that the bills had already been heard in other committees and that authors Representatives Katissa Watun and Wazilik would present them together, with testimony taken on all four before the bills would be considered individually. Representative Heintzman objected to the chair’s control over the amount of questioning, calling it precedent-setting, and the chair noted the comment but proceeded with the hearing. The minutes were approved by voice vote. Representative Watun described HF 3571 as a ban on PFAS in juvenile products such as baby and toddler pillows, bassinets, changing pads, and play pens, arguing that parents should not have to worry about toxic chemicals in products for children. Representative Wazilik then outlined the broader package, saying PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals linked to health harms and that regulating them as a class would prevent regrettable substitution. She said HF 2906 would ban PFAS in cosmetics, HF 2907 in cookware, and HF 2952 in ski wax, citing studies showing PFAS in cosmetics, nonstick cookware coatings, and ski wax contamination of snow, soil, and groundwater. She also referenced support from environmental and public health groups. Testimony was split between supporters and opponents. Supporters included Deanna White of Clean Water Action/Healthy Legacy, Lydia Joel of the Green Science Policy Institute, Nicholas Vetch of the solid waste and composting industry, and Nichelle Williams Johnson of LDA Minnesota. They argued that PFAS are “forever chemicals,” that exposure is especially concerning for children and pregnant people, and that the bills would reduce contamination and protect public health. Johnson specifically urged unanimous passage, citing developmental risks and the impact on children with disabilities. Opponents included Tony Quillis of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Sean Swearingen of the Alliance for Telomer Chemistry Stewardship, who argued the PFAS definition in the bills is too broad, that not all PFAS have the same risks, that alternatives are not always available or fully tested, and that state and federal efforts are already underway. No final vote on the bills was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Higher Education Committee met on March 16, 2022, approved the March 15 minutes, and then took up House File 4210, the Inclusive Higher Education Act. Representative Clevorn presented the bill as a two-part effort to expand postsecondary opportunities for Minnesotans with intellectual disabilities by creating a technical assistance center and offering competitive grants to two- and four-year colleges and universities to start or expand inclusive higher education programs. Supporters testified that Minnesota lags behind other states, that fewer than three percent of college-age Minnesotans with intellectual disabilities have access to college in-state, and that the bill would improve credentials, employment, and independence. Testifiers included a parent advocate, a student who left an out-of-state college because Minnesota options were limited, a student seeking an ASL certificate, an educator from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and a St. Cloud State professor who described strong parent interest and startup needs for a proposed program. Members raised concerns about funding, the bill’s ongoing base appropriation, and whether some of the language was too broad or duplicative of existing federal ADA obligations. Representative Daniels said he supported the goal but wanted the bill tightened up, especially around program design, degree versus certificate offerings, and whether it would compete with existing programs such as Bethel and MICC. Representative Albright asked whether the bill would invite litigation and whether it duplicated the ADA; the author responded that it was based on the federal Higher Education Opportunity Act and was intended as an addition, not duplication. Clevorn said the bill was meant to expand access without taking away from existing programs and noted there are only about 90 current positions statewide for students with intellectual disabilities compared with roughly 5,000 Minnesotans who may need services. After discussion, Representative Clevorn asked that HF 4210 be laid over for possible inclusion, and the committee agreed. The bill was laid over. The committee then began House File 4203, a bill from Chair Bernardi focused on American Indian higher education and the legacy of tribal land loss and boarding schools. Bernardi described the Morrill Act, the sale of tribal lands to fund universities, and persistent attainment gaps for American Indian students, and indicated the bill would build on existing scholarship efforts and tribal consultation. The transcript cuts off during that presentation, before any final action on HF 4203 is shown.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Education Finance Committee met on March 16, 2022, approved the minutes from March 15 by voice vote, and then heard several bills with the stated intention of laying them over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill. The first bill, House File 3963 by Representative Edelson, would create a new special education aid category for high-cost services, aimed at districts whose special education costs for certain students exceed three times the state average. The bill would have the Department of Education calculate reimbursement based on 90 percent of the difference between a student’s total special education cost and the aid already attributable to that student, and it would also adjust appropriations for out-of-state tuition reimbursements. Testimony on HF 3963 came from school district and cooperative special education leaders who described very high-cost students requiring one-on-one nursing, paraprofessional support, or highly specialized programming. Witnesses from Edina Public Schools, the Sherburne and Northern Wright Special Education Cooperative, and Eastern Carver County Schools said individual students can cost $80,000 to more than $200,000 per year and significantly increase district cross-subsidies. Members generally supported the concept, while also noting the need for broader federal action and earlier intervention through wraparound services and multi-tiered systems of support. Representative Erickson raised concerns about federal underfunding of special education, and Representative Edelson said she had been in contact with Minnesota’s congressional delegation and federal education officials. The committee then renewed the motion to lay HF 3963 over for later consideration. The committee next moved to House File 3816, introduced by Representative Moran, which would support the Network for the Development of Children of African Descent (NCAD) and its culturally based literacy and family support programming. Representative Moran and testifiers described NCAD’s Sankofa and Power Parent programs as improving reading outcomes, attendance, family stability, and parent advocacy, with examples of significant gains in reading levels and engagement. Parent testifiers said the program changed their children’s trajectories and helped them better navigate school systems. The bill was also laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill, and the committee moved on to the next scheduled bill hearing.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 4225, which Chair Gomez moved to re-refer to the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. Gomez explained that the bill would require cities to develop policies for encampments, including posted notice before removals, coordination with social services, and plans for handling personal property. He framed the bill as a response to rising unsheltered homelessness and described how his experience around the Powderhorn Park encampment shaped his view that current responses often displace people without humane alternatives. He said the bill was not yet perfect and invited further feedback from cities, counties, and state agencies. Michelle Decker Gerard of Wilder Research presented data from the Minnesota Homeless Study, describing a statewide increase in homelessness since about 2009 and a 20% rise in the 2018 study. She said roughly 19,600 people experience homelessness on a given night and more than 50,000 over a year, with nearly half of the homeless population being children and youth. Her testimony emphasized the gap between income and rent, the shortage of subsidized housing, the growth in unsheltered homelessness, frequent shelter turnaways, and the prevalence of health, mental health, substance use, trauma, and racial disparities among people experiencing homelessness. The committee also heard a short video testimony from a person recently displaced from an encampment, who described being woken up and told to leave without notice and asked lawmakers to provide a place where people could go back alone, preferably indoors. Another testifier, Deidre Nass, said her family lives across from a Minneapolis encampment and described neighborhood impacts, including lack of clear city policy, delayed sanitation services, health and safety concerns, and criminal activity. She supported HF 4225 as a way to require clearer local policies for notice, belongings, severe weather, and hygiene. The transcript does not show a final vote, but the bill was moved for re-referral as stated at the start of the meeting.