Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the Department of Human Services on Minnesota’s Vulnerable Adult Act, the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MARC), and county adult protection services. DHS explained that MARC is a centralized 24/7 reporting system created in 2015 for suspected maltreatment of vulnerable adults, and that reports are referred to the appropriate lead investigative agency: the Department of Health, DHS Office of Inspector General, or counties. Staff described the three statutory categories of maltreatment—abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation—and noted that caregiver neglect/self-neglect is the most common allegation type, followed by financial exploitation. They also outlined how counties both investigate and provide services, which can create role conflicts, and said DHS is working through a stakeholder-led effort to modernize the system, improve statewide consistency, increase data sharing, and address unstable funding. Members then questioned DHS about the broader elder care network, staffing shortages, wages, and federal regulations affecting licensed providers. DHS responded that the presentation was focused on adult protection for people not receiving licensed services, and that provider regulation issues would be better addressed by the licensing division. DHS said there are no federal requirements for adult protection, only federal guidelines and some new federal funding, which counties will use flexibly to improve outcomes for vulnerable adults. DHS also said it could return with a more provider-focused presentation later. The Minnesota Department of Health then began its update on elder abuse, assisted living licensure, and long-term care oversight. MDH acknowledged the impact of COVID-19, staffing shortages, wage pressures, and burnout on the long-term care system, and reviewed progress since earlier concerns about the Office of Health Facility Complaints. The department highlighted the successful launch of assisted living licensure in 2021 as a major bipartisan accomplishment, along with organizational changes in the Health Regulation Division and stronger ongoing communication with providers, ombudsman staff, and consumer advocates. MDH also noted that vaccination and booster rates in long-term care are among the highest in the nation, which helped reduce deaths during later COVID waves.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met on March 9, 2022, and heard two bills. Senate File 3003, by Senator Goggin, would move the certified total cost report date from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023 and make related cleanup changes for the Prairie Island net zero project. An A5 amendment was adopted to set fixed end dates for Renewable Development Account funding and conform the bill language to budget rules. Testimony explained the change was needed because of supply chain delays, inflation, and the desire to wait for better pricing before final project costs are certified. Committee staff also noted the bill included a $30 million appropriation that had been dropped from last year’s omnibus bill. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved SF 3003, as amended, and referred it to General Orders. The committee then heard Senate File 3472, Senator James’s reinsurance bill. An A13 amendment was adopted that added appropriations and technical changes, including funding for MNSure and the reinsurance program, a transfer from the general fund to the premium security account, and adjustments tied to federal waiver assumptions. Staff walked through a spreadsheet and fiscal note showing the bill’s large general fund and Health Care Access Fund impacts, including the interaction with MinnesotaCare and MNsure funding. Testimony said the bill would extend reinsurance for five years, restore the 80 percent coinsurance level, keep the $50,000 attachment point, and support a pending federal waiver request. Members discussed the effect on MinnesotaCare, federal revenue, and administrative costs, and Senator James said the bill was needed to show CMS Minnesota’s commitment to continuing reinsurance. The committee adopted the A13 amendment; the transcript does not show a final vote on the bill itself before the discussion moved into extended debate about the policy and cost of reinsurance.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 3588, as amended by the A2 amendment, was heard in the committee as a proposed new affordable housing financing tool. Representative Vang described it as a discretionary, city-by-city program for newly constructed housing that would reduce the assessed market value of a building by 50 percent, with the resulting tax savings used to help bridge the rent gap for units affordable at 60% of area median income. Vang and testifier Kelly Dorn argued the bill would bring in private capital, require no state funding, apply only to new construction, and be monitored through annual certification by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Supportive testimony emphasized that the bill could simplify affordable housing development and attract more developers by making the financing easier to understand than existing tools such as tax increment financing. Dorn said the current financing process is too complex and costly, and that the bill could help create many more units. Questions from members focused on how the proposal compares with the existing 4D program, whether the tax benefit applies to the whole building or only affordable units, and how income eligibility and annual recertification would work. House Research clarified that the 50% market value exclusion would apply to the entire property, unlike 4D, which applies only to qualifying units. Opposition or caution centered on duplication of existing programs and the effect on other local taxing jurisdictions. Mark Krupski of Olmsted County said the county already supports affordable housing through a 4D program with Rochester, and argued House File 3588 would duplicate existing law while creating inequities and added administrative costs. He also said MAAO opposes market-value exclusions that shift taxes to other taxpayers. Representative Quam raised concerns about impacts on counties and school districts, and several members questioned whether the bill adequately addressed those ripple effects. Representative Vang said he would continue working with stakeholders as the bill moved forward. After discussion, the committee voted on Vang’s motion to recommend House File 3588 be re-referred to the State Government Finance and Elections Committee, as amended. The motion passed 6-3.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Higher Education Committee heard testimony in support of a bill that would provide $20 million for ALS research advancement. Much of the testimony was personal, including accounts from people whose fathers or friends had ALS and from a former baseball player who described how the disease affected his father and inspired him to raise funds for research. Supporters argued that Minnesota has a strong history of medical innovation and could play a leading role in finding a cure for ALS, pointing to the state’s medical device industry and past inventions. One speaker also described a legislator’s recent ALS diagnosis and the emotional impact of learning about the disease’s progression. The segment did not mention any committee vote or final action on the bill. It ended with a promotional note directing viewers to continued legislative coverage.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate State Government Finance, Policy and Elections Committee heard Senate File 295, which would transfer radon licensing and related responsibilities from the Minnesota Department of Health to the Department of Labor and Industry. Senator Draheim, the bill’s sponsor, argued that radon mitigation is a construction-related activity that fits better with DLI’s oversight of building codes and licensing. Committee staff discussed a fiscal note that included about $310,000 for rulemaking, and the chair and staff indicated that, because existing rules would transfer with the program, the rulemaking appropriation appeared unnecessary and would likely be reduced in finance. Testimony was split. Professor emeritus Angel and Assistant Commissioner Dan Hoppa of MDH opposed the bill, saying radon is an environmental health hazard that requires technical expertise, pre- and post-mitigation measurement, and coordination with MDH’s broader radiation and indoor air programs. They said MDH’s program is nationally respected, tied to federal EPA grants, and that moving it could add cost and separate functions that should remain together. Housing First Minnesota’s Nick Erickson supported the bill, saying radon mitigation is a prescriptive construction method, contractors and building officials already work under DLI, and the transfer would streamline regulation and reduce overlapping agency involvement. DLI’s Charlie Durenberger also supported the transfer, but emphasized that radon mitigation in existing homes is more complex than simple construction work and that many current licensees are testers rather than mitigation contractors. Members asked questions about who inspects radon systems, how many inspectors MDH has, and whether there had been complaints about the current split between agencies. Senator Howe said he performs these inspections as a building official and works through DLI certification. MDH said it had not seen complaints about whether the program is housed at MDH versus DLI, though it had faced legal and policy pushback over enforcement of the statute. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided, and members requested additional information from MDH on staffing and inspection numbers.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met, approved the March 8, 2022 minutes, and then took up House File 3379 by Representative Frederick. The bill would allow the Minnesota National Guard to continue offering enlistment incentives to service members with more than 12 years of service, reflecting the change in federal retirement rules that eliminated the old 20-year pension assumption for newer personnel. Members spoke favorably about retaining experienced Guard members, and the committee passed the bill on a 12-0 roll call vote, sending it to the General Register. The committee then heard Commissioner Larry Herkey’s presentation on the Governor’s 2022 supplemental budget request for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. He outlined eight funding items, led by a post-9/11 veterans bonus program that would provide $600, $1,200, or $2,000 payments depending on service and circumstances, and said it would also help the agency identify and better serve veterans. He also described three homelessness-related proposals: landlord incentives, vacancy relief, and a risk-mitigation fund, along with added outreach staff, all aimed at helping veterans with housing barriers and moving Minnesota toward “functional zero” homelessness. Herkey also requested funding to extend temporary hotel housing and outreach for veterans, support a Fisher House at the Fargo VA serving Minnesota veterans and families, increase county veterans service officer grants, raise veterans service organization funding, and staff and operate the new Redwood County veterans cemetery. Committee members asked about whether the housing proposals could lead to homeownership, and the chair noted support for the Fargo Fisher House after understanding its regional benefit. No votes were taken on the budget presentation during the portion provided.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several tax-forfeited land bills before taking up Senate File 3544, which would let counties offer longer leases and higher lease fees on tax-forfeited lands. Supporters, including county land commissioners from Carlton, Lake, and St. Louis counties, said the change would help counties attract infrastructure projects such as cell towers and better reflect current land values. Members clarified that tax-forfeited lands are county-managed lands held in trust for local taxing districts, not state-owned lands. SF 3544 was laid over. The committee then heard Senate File 1860, which would allow counties to place conservation easements on tax-forfeited lands for uses such as wetland banking, carbon markets, and stream restoration. Testifiers said this would create new revenue and help counties use their own wetland credits for road projects, but the DNR raised a concern that easements could encumber state-owned or school trust minerals and said it would work with counties on compromise language. SF 1860 was laid over. Next, Senate File 3005 and Senate File 3006 were presented by St. Louis County. SF 3005 would authorize land exchanges involving commercial peat and create a land acquisition trust fund to consolidate ownership and support future management of tax-forfeited lands; the sponsor said it would not grant condemnation authority. SF 3006 would remove a sunset provision from an existing authority related to the sale of certain lakeshore lease lots, with the county saying the change would avoid repeatedly returning to the legislature as life estates continue. Both bills were laid over. Finally, the committee took up Senate File 3065, as amended, to repeal MPCA rulemaking authority over California-style vehicle emissions standards and add a consumer-choice provision barring restrictions on products based on fuel type. The author and several testifiers argued the MPCA had overreached, that Minnesota should set its own standards through the legislature, and that the mandate would raise vehicle costs, not fit Minnesota’s climate or market, and could harm agriculture and fuel industries. A remote witness from the DNR did not testify on this bill in the excerpt, and the bill discussion continued with additional testimony after the excerpt ended.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Preventive Health Division met on March 9, 2022, approved the March 2 minutes, and heard an update from the Minnesota Department of Health on the CDC’s new COVID-19 community levels. Assistant Commissioner Joanna Dornfeld explained that the CDC is now using three metrics—new hospital admissions, staffed inpatient bed occupancy by COVID patients, and new cases—to classify counties as low, medium, or high, with recommendations shifting more toward individual decision-making on masking and testing. She said Minnesota’s case, positivity, testing, hospital admission, and wastewater indicators were all declining, and noted that the state would continue to provide updated information while counties and individuals make decisions based on local risk. In response to questions, she said the state is not prohibited from taking additional measures, identified Polk, Olmsted, and Wabasha counties as being at the high level, and said the department would update its own website with the new county-level information. She also addressed questions about vaccine breakthrough cases and variants, saying breakthrough infections are expected but vaccines are intended to prevent severe illness and death, and that Minnesota is monitoring variants closely, including the BA.2 Omicron subvariant. The committee then heard House File 3862, introduced by Representative Bolden, which would create a program allowing the Minnesota Department of Health to distribute KN95 masks and rapid antigen tests at no cost to Minnesotans. Bolden and supporting testifiers argued the bill would help people protect themselves and others, especially as future surges and variants remain possible. Testimony in support came from Dr. Hannah Lixon, Dr. Caleb Schultz of the Twin Cities Medical Society, and Kate Barton, a disability advocate. They emphasized ongoing barriers to accessing high-quality masks and home tests, the needs of high-risk people and children under five, the importance of free and accessible prevention tools, and the challenges faced by people with disabilities and those relying on public transportation. The chair moved that HF 3862 be recommended to be re-referred to the Health Finance and Policy Committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Education Finance and Policy Committee met on March 9, 2022, with a quorum and heard three bills. First, Senator Duckworth presented Senate File 3373, which would allow Minnesota schools to partner with Cambridge Assessment International Education as another option alongside AP and IB courses for students seeking college credit. Members asked about standards and costs, and Duckworth emphasized that the bill would not require districts to offer the program. Testifier Sherry Reach described Cambridge as a division of the University of Cambridge with international reach, college-credit-by-exam opportunities, and existing policies in several other states. The committee laid SF 3373 over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill. The committee then took up Senate File 3173, as amended by an A1 amendment changing the bill to “strongly encourage” rather than require schools to provide substance misuse prevention instruction. Senator Bingham explained the bill was inspired by the fentanyl death of Bridget Noring’s son and would encourage instruction in grades 6-8 and 9-12, including the role of social media and peer-to-peer education. Noring testified about her son’s death after purchasing a fentanyl pill through Snapchat and urged schools to provide education because many students are not getting this information. Members expressed support and discussed the limits of older programs like DARE. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and laid SF 3173, as amended, over. Finally, Senator Coleman presented Senate File 3231, which would make permanent and increase funding for Math Corps from $500,000 to $1 million beginning in fiscal year 2024. Coleman and testifiers from Serve Minnesota said pandemic-related math gaps have widened, especially for Black, Latino, and American Indian students, and argued that Math Corps has strong evidence of effectiveness in helping students catch up. Testifiers described tutoring outcomes, teacher pipeline benefits, and national recognition for the program. The bill was heard, but no final vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee resumed consideration of several local sales tax proposals and adopted amendments on two bills. On House File 3829, as amended, the committee adopted an A1 amendment removing an item that was said to be more appropriately funded through the PFA system, then laid the bill over for possible inclusion in the Property Tax Division report. The bill would authorize the City of Aitkin to ask voters to approve a 1 percent local sales tax to raise about $8.3 million for a new municipal building and $1 million for park and trail improvements. Testimony emphasized Aitkin’s limited tax base, high share of non-revenue property, seasonal population swings, aging city facilities, and the argument that visitors and regional users should help pay for services and amenities. House File 3473, also amended and laid over, would authorize Golden Valley to seek a 0.5 percent local sales tax for a remote fire station, a public safety building, and a public works facility. An amendment was adopted to require separate questions for the projects. City officials described a years-long facilities study, aging buildings that no longer fit modern vehicles or operations, fire station safety and cancer-prevention concerns, and the need to accommodate female firefighters. They also said public works must be relocated out of downtown before the public safety building can be rebuilt, and noted the city’s daytime population and regional use of its services. The committee then laid over House File 3703 for Blackduck, which would impose a 0.5 percent local sales tax for improvements to regional amenities including Pine Tree Park campground, water and sewer utilities, trails, the golf course, and the library. Testimony stressed Blackduck’s role as a regional destination and the heavy use of its facilities by visitors. Finally, House File 3194 for Roseville was presented, proposing a 0.5 percent sales tax for a maintenance facility, a pedestrian bridge at Highway 36 and Snelling, and expansion of the passport/license center. Roseville officials argued the city bears significant costs from its large retail and commercial base and regional traffic, and said the tax would be temporary, ending when the projects are completed or after 16 years.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate File 3196, as amended, which would provide a property tax exemption for a VFW clubhouse property in Carlton. Senator Rarick said the bill was brought to him by a local VFW post and emphasized the community service VFWs provide, while acknowledging concerns from counties that an exemption would shift taxes to other property owners. Steve Fluke, quartermaster for Carlton VFW Post 2962, described the post’s charitable work, honor guard duties, and roughly $9,000 annual property tax bill. Senators noted the state revenue note showed no direct state impact but that the exempted property value would total about $23.5 million; Senator Rarick said Carlton County could see about a 6% impact. The committee agreed to lay the bill over for possible inclusion as amended. The committee then heard Senate File 3069, as amended, which would reimburse Mille Lacs County taxing jurisdictions for property tax revenue lost when parcels are placed into federal trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Senator Matthews and county officials Jenny Reynolds and Dylan Hayes said the county and local jurisdictions are bearing a heavy tax burden, with more than 55 parcels placed into trust since 2009 and over $12 million in market value removed from the tax base. Hayes said the loss is especially severe for local jurisdictions such as Cathy Township, where about 20% of tax capacity has been eroded, and that the county remains among the highest property tax rates in the state. Legislative staff explained that trust land is exempt from state and local taxation and that no similar statewide reimbursement program exists. The committee laid the bill over as amended. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3467, which would address property tax treatment of energy storage systems. Senator Weber and supporters from Connexus Energy and the Minnesota Rural Electric Association argued that battery storage is an emerging grid technology that should receive clearer and more favorable tax treatment to support deployment and keep electricity affordable and reliable. Connexus said the Department of Revenue had valued its storage facilities at $19.5 million, producing about $350,000 in tax, and that the company believed the valuation was incorrect. Members discussed whether the Department of Revenue or local assessors set the value and noted that other states have adopted exemptions for similar systems. Senator Weber suggested a temporary exemption or a 10-year approach might be worth considering. The committee laid the bill over.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 2856, authored by Rep. Heather Keeler, would add Indigenous Peoples Day language to the school holiday statute and require schools in session that day to hold at least one hour of instruction or discussion on Indigenous history, current issues, and culture. Keeler said the bill is intended to promote visibility, inclusion, and accurate understanding of Native peoples in Minnesota, noting the state’s tribal presence and treaty land. Supportive testimony came from Prairie Island Indian Community Vice President Shelly Buck, Lower Sioux Indian Community President and Minnesota Indian Affairs Council Chair Robert Larson, Moorhead Indian education liaison Dolores Gabbard, and the Minnesota Department of Education, all of whom emphasized the importance of correcting historical erasure, supporting Native students, and providing culturally relevant instruction. Members discussed whether the bill should replace Columbus Day or create a separate observance. Rep. Bennett questioned the division caused by replacing an existing holiday, while Keeler argued Columbus Day is tied to harmful colonial history and that the change aligns with a broader national and local movement. Rep. Erdahl offered an A1 amendment to add similar instructional guidance for Presidents Day, and suggested future additions for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Veterans Day. Keeler opposed the amendment, saying it ignored Minnesota-specific Indigenous history, including the 1862 hanging of the Dakota 38, and several members argued the amendment was inappropriate or offensive. The committee rejected the A1 amendment on an 8-10 vote. After closing remarks from Keeler, who cited disparities affecting Native children and missing and murdered Indigenous women, Rep. Taylor renewed the motion to refer the bill to the Committee on State Government Finance and Elections. The motion prevailed on an 11-7 vote, with one excused member, and House File 2856 was referred onward.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee convened remotely, established a quorum, and approved the March 2 minutes. The chair then introduced a discussion with Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund staff about how the fund is managed and overseen, noting that the fund is appropriated annually and that members wanted a deeper look at how dollars are spent and what projects are producing on the ground. Assistant Director Joe Pavalko outlined the fund’s oversight structure, describing three parts: administrative compliance, fiscal oversight, and habitat/outcomes review. He explained that projects are governed by statute and by approved accomplishment plans, which function like contracts and must spell out scope, budget, parcel lists, and outcomes. Non-state recipients work through DNR Grants Management on a reimbursement basis, status updates are required twice a year, land acquisitions require additional reporting, and technical evaluation panels review restoration and enhancement work to ensure it meets standards and current science. He also emphasized that accomplishment plans, proposals, and reports are publicly available online. Members asked about audits, parcel lists, and whether cost-benefit analyses are required. Johnson said there are OLA audits and field-level technical reviews, but no ongoing special audit at the time. On parcel lists, he explained that some acquisition projects use sign-up periods, so exact parcels are not known until later, after which they must be approved. On cost-benefit analysis, he said the council does not do a formal accounting analysis, but it does review proposals, ask questions, compare cost per acre, and reject or reshape projects that appear too expensive or insufficiently beneficial. Neil Feikin of The Nature Conservancy then presented on the Minnesota Prairie Recovery Program, describing it as a collaborative effort among 12 conservation organizations and agencies. He said the program addresses protection, restoration, and enhancement, with a focus on enhancement work across public lands such as WMAs and federally owned WPAs. He cited substantial accomplishments, including more than 7,100 acres protected, about 1,800 acres restored, over 150,000 acres of enhancement work, and an estimated 723,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent permanently secured through protection work. He also described the practical tools used in prairie management, including prescribed fire, conservation grazing, seasonal crews, native seed collection, and hand removal of invasive species.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 8, 2022 minutes, then took up House File 2773, which would raise Medical Assistance income eligibility for elderly people and people with disabilities from 100 percent to 133 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Chair Liebling explained that the bill is intended to address what she described as an unfair disparity between eligibility standards for these groups and other MA categories. An A1 amendment changing the effective date was adopted by voice vote, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the Human Services omnibus bill. Testimony in support came from Marin Holden of Legal Aid/Minnesota Disability Law Center and Rebecca Preston of the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance. Both described how the current spend-down rules force people with disabilities and older adults to use a large share of limited income, often SSDI, to qualify for MA services. Preston said her monthly spend-down would drop from about $300 to about $100 under a prior change taking effect in July, but argued the current standard still leaves people unable to cover basic living costs. Committee members asked about how Minnesota compares with other states, the fiscal impact, and whether SSDI income is protected; staff responded that many clients must use SSDI income for spend-down and that the proposed 133 percent threshold would equal about $17,130 annually for one person. The committee then heard House File 4096, which would direct DHS to develop a waiver to expand presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and alternative care services. Chair Schultz said the goal is to let seniors and people with disabilities access services sooner, before full eligibility determinations are completed, similar to hospital-based presumptive eligibility for families and children. AARP Minnesota supported the bill, saying it could help older adults remain in their homes, reduce nursing home use, and save money. Catherine Kinnaman of Washington State testified that her state uses presumptive eligibility in long-term services programs and has seen faster access to care, lower institutional use, and savings. House File 4096 was also laid over for possible inclusion in the Human Services Finance and Policy bill.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 8, 2022 minutes and then took up House File 3513, a bill to provide additional premium subsidies for child care workers. Two amendments were adopted: one expanded the bill to include gold and silver plans, and another changed the implementation date to November 1, 2023, removed a sunset, and moved a reporting requirement to 2024. The author and testifiers described the bill as a way to help child care workers afford health insurance and improve recruitment and retention in an industry facing staffing shortages. After discussion, the committee voted 10-7 to recommend re-referral of HF 3513, as amended, to the Early Childhood Finance and Policy Committee. The committee then heard House File 3400, which would give the Secretary of State authority to reject or later remove clearly fraudulent UCC filings and provide an appeal process for filers whose documents are rejected. The author and Secretary of State staff explained that these filings are often used to harass public officials, judges, law enforcement, and private citizens, and that Minnesota currently lacks a pre-filing remedy used in many other states. County attorneys and other testifiers described real cases in which fraudulent liens were filed against them and others, requiring court action, outside counsel, and significant time and expense to expunge the filings. Members asked whether people can search for such filings themselves; staff said there is a search tool on the Secretary of State’s website. The transcript ends while discussion on HF 3400 is still underway, with no final committee action shown for that bill.