Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 7, 2022 minutes and then took up House File 3260, which was amended with the A1 amendment and referred to the General Register by an 11-7 vote. Supporters said the bill’s language was intended to include gender-related protections from the start, while opponents argued the existing Human Rights Act already covered the issue. Representative Erickson said he would have difficulty supporting the bill for that reason. The committee then heard House File 3554, a bill by Vice Chair Hassan to modify alternative teacher preparation program grant eligibility and appropriate money. Hassan and several testifiers described the bill as a way to expand pathways into teaching, address shortages in special education and career and technical education, and support more diverse teacher candidates. Testifiers from Teach Minnesota and LDA Minnesota emphasized lower cost, flexibility, and the ability to recruit teachers of color; one teacher described how the program helped him pursue additional licensure that would benefit his students. The bill was referred to the Committee on Education Finance on an 18-1 vote. Finally, the committee began discussion of House File 2856, Representative Keeler’s bill related to Indigenous Peoples Day and school observance. Keeler and multiple tribal and education testifiers supported the bill, saying it would help schools teach accurate Indigenous history, honor Native communities, and counter harmful narratives about Columbus and colonialism. Some members questioned whether the observance should replace another holiday rather than be a separate day, while Keeler said the bill aligned with a broader national and local movement. The committee then moved to an amendment by Representative Erdahl to add similar guidance for Presidents’ Day, but the transcript cuts off before action on that amendment or final disposition of the bill.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met remotely with quorum, approved the March 8, 2022 minutes by voice vote, and then heard two bill presentations that were both laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill. House File 3243, relating to computer science education in schools, was amended with an A1 amendment that changed the work group’s output to an assessment, added representation from the public-private technology advisory council partnership and a career and technical education teacher, and clarified a reference to the Commissioner of Education. The bill’s author and testifiers from Code.org, Computer Science for All Minnesota, the Minnesota Technology Association, and a student emphasized Minnesota’s low national ranking in computer science access, disparities by race, gender, income, and geography, and the need for a statewide blueprint or plan to expand K-12 computer science opportunities. No member questions were raised, and the bill was laid over as amended. The committee then took up House File 2750, which would require schools to provide menstrual products in bathrooms for students in grades 4 through 12, funded through a small increase in operating capital revenue. An A3 amendment was adopted to adjust school district operating capital equalization so the bill would have no net impact on statewide levies. The author and several testifiers, including students, school nurses, a retired educator, and a psychologist, described period poverty as an equity, health, and attendance issue, citing students missing class, embarrassment, and school nurses paying out of pocket for supplies. They argued that free products in school bathrooms would reduce absenteeism, support student dignity, and normalize menstruation. The bill was laid over for further consideration.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3737, authored by Representative Morrison, which would direct the Minnesota Department of Human Services to work with stakeholders to establish a single statewide reimbursement rate for behavioral health home services. Morrison described behavioral health homes as an integrated, team-based model that coordinates care for children and adults with mental illness, and said the bill is intended to make payment more reflective of the true cost of providing the service. He noted the bill has bipartisan support and has already received a Senate hearing. Two providers testified in support. Julie Bloom of The Guild said her organization has provided behavioral health home services since 2016, served 276 people in 2021, and lost $114,000 on the service that year. She said the current tiered rate is confusing, creates administrative burden, and is too low for the high-needs population served, many of whom are homeless or at risk of crisis and criminal justice involvement. Alison Harwood of Zumbro Valley Health Center gave similar testimony, saying the center has offered the service since 2016, served over 110 individuals in 2021, and expects to lose more than $60,000 on the program; she said the flat rate has not kept pace with costs and does not cover staffing, technology, materials, and administrative expenses. Representative Baker asked about the Medicare-Medicaid economic index used in rate discussions, and DHS staff explained that the Medicare Economic Index tracks Medicare spending and has been used in the case management redesign process to account for rising staff costs. Representative Frankie raised concerns that the bill’s effective-date language was broad and asked for more guardrails on implementation; Morrison said the details were still being worked out with DHS and could evolve. After testimony and questions, the committee voted 12-0 to recommend House File 3737 for referral to the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee met on March 9, 2022, and took up two layover bills without voting on final passage. The first, Senate File 3224 by Senator Newman, would make Minnesota’s three-strikes and habitual-offender sentencing provisions mandatory rather than permissive, requiring prison terms and upward durational departures for certain third-time violent offenders and sixth-felony offenders. Newman argued the bill was needed to protect the public, impose consequences for repeat crime, deter future offenses, and potentially prompt rehabilitation; he cited examples of violent crimes and repeat offenders, including a personal story about a former offender who turned his life around after prison. Committee members raised concerns that the bill would remove judicial and prosecutorial discretion and could sweep in comparatively minor property crimes, such as repeated theft or property damage, leading to mandatory prison terms that might be disproportionate and costly. Newman responded that the bill targeted people who had committed six felonies and that society had a right to be protected. Mr. Backus clarified that one section of the bill would still leave some discretion, while other sections would require execution of the sentence for third-time violent offenders. The committee then laid the bill over. The committee next heard Senate File 3487 by Senator Limmer, which would create a statutory definition of organized retail crime, distinguish it from petty theft, and add related tools such as enhanced penalties, a longer period for financial institutions to respond to search warrants, and liability protection for sharing limited identity-theft information with law enforcement. Limmer and testifiers from the Minnesota Retailers Association and the Minnesota Organized Retail Crime Association said organized retail crime is growing, harms retailers of all sizes, raises consumer costs, and often involves coordinated theft rings rather than simple shoplifting. Members discussed examples of serious retail theft and related criminal activity, and the bill was presented as a response to modern organized theft patterns. The hearing continued with testimony, and no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee met on March 9, 2022, and first took up Senate File 3411, a bill aimed at providing recovery assistance to border communities and businesses in northern Minnesota that were heavily affected by the Canada border closure and ongoing testing and travel requirements. Senator Bach and testifiers including the mayor of International Falls, the Grand Portage Band chair, and the local economic development director described sharp declines in Canadian customer traffic, major losses for retail, tourism, and casino operations, and continuing strain on local economies. Members discussed how any grant program should be administered, with several noting that local or county-level administration might work better than a state agency, but would need administrative funding. The committee adopted the A2 amendment and then laid the bill over for possible inclusion as amended. The committee then heard Senate File 2695, as amended by an A2 author’s amendment, which would create recovery grants for eligible hospitality businesses, with priority for businesses that did not receive earlier federal or state aid. Senator Klein said the bill would provide up to $10,000 per business and increased the funding level from $2.8 million to $10 million. Testifier Pat Mancini, a third-generation restaurant owner, described his restaurant’s eight-month closure, losses from later mandates, and exclusion from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, saying the industry still carried significant debt. Members expressed support for the hospitality sector and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion as amended. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3511, a workforce development bill centered on Hired, a nonprofit that provides career pathway training. Julie Brecke described Hired’s request for a $400,000 direct appropriation under a pay-for-performance model to expand training in healthcare and office administration, noting strong job placement outcomes and partnerships with employers and public agencies. Aisha Lee testified that Hired’s training helped her after losing her job during the pandemic, leading to multiple job offers and new employment. The transcript cuts off before any final committee action on this bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate File 3372, a proposal to appropriate $20 million for ALS research and related support. Senator Bach presented the bill on behalf of Senator Thomasoni, explaining that ALS is rare but devastating, that the funding would not be limited to one institution, and that the Office of Higher Education would receive proposals and consult with the Department of Health on awards. He said the appropriation would extend beyond the biennium and include annual reporting to the legislature so lawmakers could track grants and research progress. Senator Thomasoni also spoke emotionally about his own ALS diagnosis and urged action to help future generations. Several testifiers supported the bill, including Chris Engler, Kent Herbeck, David Walk of the University of Minnesota, Granite Falls Mayor Davis McCluskey, and Marianne Cuen of the ALS Association. They described the rapid progression of ALS, the lack of a cure, the burden on families and caregivers, and the need for research, clinics, communication aids, and better treatments. Testifiers also highlighted Minnesota-based ALS efforts and research capacity at the University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, Essentia, and other institutions, and emphasized that coordinated research across institutions would be important. Committee members and the chair offered supportive remarks about Senator Thomasoni and the importance of the bill. One member asked about ensuring coordination among research institutions, and Senator Bach said he and Senator Rosen were open to amendments to improve synergy among grant recipients. No final vote was taken in the portion provided, but the bill was discussed as moving forward in finance, with the possibility of further amendments before Thursday.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: A bipartisan group of senators held a press conference to promote legislation aimed at closing a legal and treatment “gap” that they said can allow some violent offenders found incompetent to stand trial to have criminal cases dismissed without receiving services to restore competence. Speakers cited several murder cases as examples and argued that the current system reflects a mismatch between criminal court procedures and the Minnesota Treatment and Commitment Act, compounded by a shortage of mental health beds. The proposal would create a direct transition from criminal court into treatment or competency-restoration services and clarify court authority over placement to reduce confusion between the criminal justice and mental health systems. The discussion also addressed juveniles involved in serious crimes, including recent carjacking cases. Senators said juvenile law should remain focused on rehabilitation but needs a clearer process so children do not fall through the cracks or rely on child protection departments for treatment support. They said legislation emerging from the task force would establish a juvenile process and reduce the burden on child protection agencies. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the segment, which was presented as a press conference update.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under call, completed prayer and roll call, and the chair announced a quorum was present. Members also identified those intending to vote under Rule 40.7. The body then adopted the printed committee reports, gave second readings to Senate Files 3008, 3457, and 2862 and House Files 3175 and 3035, and advanced the introduction and first reading calendar. Under motions and resolutions, the Senate approved a motion to withdraw Senate File 3162 from the Education Finance and Policy Committee and re-refer it to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance Committee, with both chairs said to have approved the change. Senate Resolution 106 was referred to the Rules and Administration Committee. Senators Miller and Lopez Franson introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 15, which sets deadlines for the 2022 regular session, and the Senate adopted it. During announcements, Senator McEwen invited members to Duluth and St. Louis County Days at the Capitol and a reception at the InterContinental Hotel in St. Paul. With no further announcements, the Senate adjourned until March 10 at 11 a.m.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Property Tax Division met with a quorum, approved the March 2 minutes by voice vote, and reviewed committee materials including revenue impact summaries, project lists, net tax capacity data, and a memo on local option sales tax changes and evaluation criteria. The chair noted that no members of the public had signed up to testify and that the bills would be heard and then laid over for possible inclusion in the division report. The committee first heard House File 3107, which would amend Grand Rapids’ previously authorized local option sales tax to increase the amount available for repairs to the Grand Rapids Civic Center. Representative Igo and city administrator Tom Pagel said project costs had risen from about $10.976 million to $15.616 million because of roof, refrigeration, and ADA-related parking lot improvements, and they asked to raise the city’s collection authority from $5.98 million to $10.6 million. Members questioned the size of the increase and whether the original estimates were complete, but the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. House File 3443 would authorize Henderson to seek voter approval for a half-percent sales tax for 15 years to fund public works and improvements to Allison’s Park, including camping amenities and a trailhead connected to a flood-mitigation trail project. The mayor said the city wants to ease the property tax burden and leverage tourism and events. House File 3716 would authorize Proctor to ask voters for a half-percent sales tax to help fund its share of the Willard Munger Trail spur connecting Proctor and Hermantown; testimony emphasized community support, regional trail connections, and the city’s limited tax base. House File 2923 would authorize Winona County to hold a referendum for a quarter-percent sales tax to finance up to $28 million for a replacement jail and related bond costs; county attorney Karen Sonmore described DOC closure orders, major deficiencies in the old jail, and a new facility with housing, programming, dispatch, and re-entry space. Each of these bills was laid over for possible inclusion in the Property Tax Division report. The committee then took up House File 3748, which would allow Rice County to place a local option sales tax question on the ballot to help build a safety center replacing the county jail. The sponsor and testifier said the current jail is among the oldest in the state and lacks sufficient recreation and programming space, and that the new facility would add room for mental health and other services. The transcript cuts off before any final action on this bill is shown.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met to adopt the previous minutes and then heard a series of Public Facilities Authority-related bills, which the chair described as being staged for referral to Ways and Means and ultimately the capital investment bill. House File 1225, by Representative Becklin, would provide debt relief for the Crane Lake Water and Sanitary District, which took on over $1 million in unexpected debt for sewer discharge changes affecting the Vermilion River/Crane Lake area. Members discussed the project, including a question about whether the work was bid to union contractors; the chair said it was generally bid out under prevailing wage rules. The committee voted to re-refer HF 1225 to Ways and Means. House File 1701, by Representative Nash, sought an additional $20 million for the Public Facilities Authority to fund point-source implementation grants for cities statewide. Mayor Steve Washburn of Watertown testified that the city must upgrade its wastewater treatment plant to meet MPCA phosphorus standards, with project costs rising from about $14 million to nearly $25 million. Members discussed the adequacy of the funding, the need to invest in mandated infrastructure, and technical questions about the city’s treatment methods; the Watertown utility superintendent said the city does not use reed beds and instead uses geotubes. The committee approved the bill’s referral to Ways and Means on an 11-0 vote. House File 3525, by Representative Brian Johnson, would support a $22.98 million water, sewer, and street infrastructure project in Graham, with a requested state match of $11.49 million. Testimony described aging clay tile and cast-iron infrastructure, frequent water main breaks and sewer collapses, a need for a new well, and the burden on a small community with a limited tax base and many low-income residents; the city said without aid, water bills would rise substantially. The committee voted 12-0 to send the bill to Ways and Means. House File 3674, by Representative Haley, proposed support for a regional wastewater treatment project involving Goodhue, Pine Island, Zumbrota, and another community, with testimony emphasizing that combining four outdated treatment plants into one would improve efficiency and reduce long-term operating costs. The transcript cuts off before any final vote or action on HF 3674.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate File 2769, which would appropriate $6 million in fiscal year 2023 for an Explore Minnesota tourism industry recovery grant program. Senator Rood and supporters from the Minnesota Tourism Growth Coalition, Community of Minnesota Resorts, Visit Greater St. Cloud, and Visit Roseville argued that tourism and hospitality were hit hard by COVID-19, with uneven recovery across the state, major losses in travel spending, lodging-tax revenue, and jobs, and strong demand for the prior $750,000 recovery grant, which was reportedly exhausted within eight hours. Testifiers said the grants would help destination marketing organizations, resorts, and event organizers market Minnesota, attract meetings and events, and support local businesses that benefit from tourism. They also noted that Explore Minnesota and the industry did not receive federal ARP dollars in the same way as other sectors, and Explore Minnesota’s director said the agency had used state funds and some EDA funding for research, planning, and prior grant programs. Committee members and testifiers emphasized the economic return on tourism marketing and the continuing weakness in metro-area and corporate travel, especially in places like Roseville and St. Paul. After testimony and questions, Senator Rood closed by saying the bill was needed statewide and that rising gas prices made tourism promotion even more important. The committee laid Senate File 2769 over for possible inclusion. The committee then took up Senate File 3509, which would direct $740,000 from the general fund to the Board of Water and Soil Resources to finalize application materials for Minnesota to assume Clean Water Act section 404 permitting authority and report back to the legislature. Senator Eichorn said the goal was a more streamlined permitting process with the same environmental protections. Les Lem of BWSR explained that 404 assumption would replace overlapping federal and state permits with one state program, potentially improving timelines, reducing duplication and costs, and better aligning with local watershed planning. He also described the report process, interagency work with the DNR, MPCA, and Environmental Quality Board, and progress on jurisdictional gaps, online permitting, and screening for endangered species and historic properties.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Preventing Homelessness Division met remotely, established a quorum, and adopted the March 2, 2022 minutes without objection. The main item was House File 3950, referred from the Human Services Committee, which Chair Moran presented as a request from Heading Home Ramsey to support Ramsey County and the City of Saint Paul’s continuum of care work. The bill would fund four homelessness-related programs for five years at an estimated $14.5 million annually: 100-bed adult shelter with services, 100-bed family shelter with services, day service shelters, and a pallet shelter project with intensive staffing. The chair said the bill was intended to help make homelessness rare, brief, and non-reoccurring while reducing racial disparities. Commissioner Jim McDonough and Deputy Mayor Jamie Tincher testified in support, describing Ramsey County and Saint Paul’s coordinated response during COVID and the need to sustain services as CARES funding and local levy resources run short. They said unsheltered homelessness in the county has increased sharply, shelters had to reduce capacity for safety, and local governments have invested heavily in shelter operations and deeply affordable housing. They emphasized that the work is guided by data and lived experience, and that racial disparities remain severe, with Native Americans, African Americans, and Latinx residents experiencing homelessness at much higher rates than white residents. Tincher highlighted Saint Paul’s approach of diversifying services, including day shelter space, family shelter space, and a proposed Familiar Faces pilot modeled on FUSE to serve people with repeated interactions with law enforcement, emergency rooms, and shelters. She also described the city’s co-response and outreach teams, including COAST, CARES, HEART, and neighborhood safety efforts, aimed at connecting people to housing and services. In response to a question from Representative Petersburg about common causes of homelessness, Tincher said there is no single cause and that responses must be individualized. The transcript ends during member questions; no final vote on House File 3950 is shown in the excerpt.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 7 minutes, and then heard House File 3783 from Representative Olson. As amended, the bill would add $5 million in the second year of the biennium to the DEED Child Care Economic Development Grant Program and allow the six initiative foundations to make subgrants to partner organizations for child care grant work. Olson and testifiers from the Greater Minnesota Partnership and Southwest Initiative Foundation described the statewide child care shortage, the program’s role in creating and expanding child care slots, supporting training and licensing, and helping employers recruit and retain workers. They emphasized that the need is especially acute in Greater Minnesota, but also affects metro communities, and said the additional funding would help more projects move forward. Members generally supported the bill. Representative Baker shared a local example from Spicer where a $50,000 grant helped close a funding gap for a YMCA child care center, and urged that initiative foundations be given flexibility because they know local needs best. Representative Olson also asked how the DEED grant program interacts with a DHS child care stabilization/base grant program; testifiers said the DHS funds are more limited to rehabilitation and equipment for existing facilities and do not address the need to build new centers, and that the DHS program had not yet been launched when last checked. The committee then voted 12-0 to refer House File 3783, as amended, to the Early Childhood Finance and Policy Committee. The committee then took up House File 2082 from Representative Davis. After adopting an A1 amendment to adjust dates, the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill. Testimony began from Dan Hollerman of Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, who described an expansion and renovation project that reduced double-occupancy rooms and was complicated by an unexpected hazardous debris field discovered after groundbreaking, leading to significant remediation costs and delays.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Behavioral Health Policy Division met remotely, approved the March 2, 2022 minutes, and then heard and acted on several bills. House File 3737, authored by Rep. Morrison, would improve behavioral health home services by directing DHS to work with stakeholders to establish a single statewide reimbursement rate. Testifiers from Guild and Zumbro Valley Health Center said the current rate is too low, has been flat since 2016, and leaves providers operating at a loss while serving high-need clients, including people experiencing homelessness. DHS explained the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) as a Medicare-based spending index used in related rate work. The committee discussed the bill’s rate-setting approach and timeline, then passed HF 3737 on a 12-0 vote for referral to the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. The committee then took up House File 3738, as amended, authored by Rep. Hanson, which aims to improve access to children’s mental health services by updating and streamlining the Children’s Therapeutic Support Services (CTSS) program, simplifying reporting and provider requirements, and advancing work on a broader children’s mental health benefit. Testifiers from the Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs and Fraser said the current system is overly burdensome, outdated, and difficult for providers and families, especially amid workforce shortages. Members asked about the bill’s effective date, federal approval requirements, and a five-day provision; House Research and DHS clarified that federal approval is needed because the changes affect a Medicaid benefit, and that the five-day language was intended to allow preemptive eligibility before a full diagnostic assessment. The committee adopted the A2 amendment and then passed HF 3738, as amended, on a 12-0 vote for referral to the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee. After those actions, the chair announced House File 3414 would be heard next, with an amendment and discussion before being laid over for further work, but the transcript ends before that bill is considered further.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Local Government Division met remotely on March 9, 2022, approved the minutes from March 2, and then heard House File 3285, as amended, which would let counties advertise and sell county-owned property through county websites and online auction platforms while still keeping newspaper notice requirements. Representative Sandstede and St. Louis County testifier Julie Marinucci said the bill modernizes the process, expands bidder access, and reflects St. Louis County’s successful use of online land sales. Members raised concerns about internet access, transparency, and whether online listings could misrepresent property conditions; the testifier said counties would still provide disclosures and help people find access. A question also came up about whether the bill would apply to cities; House Research said the bill is county-specific. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then voted 9-0 to recommend re-referral of HF 3285 to the State Government Finance and Elections Committee. The committee then took up House File 3588, as amended, a proposal by Representative Vang to create an affordable housing market value exclusion for newly constructed housing. The bill would reduce the assessed market value of qualifying new buildings by 50 percent, with the resulting tax savings used to help offset rents for units affordable at 60 percent of area median income. Supporters, including developer Kelly Doran, argued the measure would be a simple, discretionary tool that could attract private capital, does not require state funding, and could help finance mixed-income projects that do not fit existing tax credit or grant programs. Doran said the current affordable housing financing system is too complex and that this bill would broaden participation by developers and investors. Mark Krupski of Olmsted County and the Minnesota Association of Assessing Officers opposed the bill, saying it duplicates existing 4D affordable housing tools, shifts taxes to other property owners, adds administrative costs, and creates inequities in the property tax system. Members questioned how the proposal differs from 4D, whether the exclusion would apply to the whole building rather than just affordable units, and what the impact would be on counties and school districts. Representative Vang said the bill would continue to be refined with stakeholders as it moves through additional committee stops, and Doran argued that because the projects would not otherwise be built, the bill would still generate revenue and benefit local governments. No final vote on HF 3588 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.