Transcript Highlights:

• This is an extension of a request, a modification of an existing sales tax that we have had in place
• The amendment deletes the first section of the bill, which would make some modifications within the sales
• make<01:01:05.000> some um which would uh make some um which would uh make some modifications

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are many treatments that have become available, not just medications, but lifestyle modifications
• POINTER Study that lifestyle modifications, diet, exercise, cognitive stimulation, proper sleep, all
• We haven't really made any analytical modifications beyond just taking what CBO put out and prorating

Bills: HB2190, HB2202, HB2233, HB2251, HB2252, HB2396, HB2437, HB2689, HB2796

Keywords: physician assistants, licensure compact, medical services, multistate practice, patient care access, healthcare workforce, military families, adverse actions, dementia care, telementoring, healthcare education, rural communities, grant funding, HB 2233, rural health transformation, rural health transformation program, AHCCCS, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Joint Legislative Budget Committee, JLBC

Transcript Highlights:

• While there have been modifications to this bill, cities continue to oppose it as being too preemptive
• While there have<01:11:35.600> been<01:11:35.840> modifications<01:11:36.480> to
• <01:11:36.800> this<01:11:36.960> bill, have been modifications to this bill, have been
• modifications to this bill, cities<01:11:38.159> continue<01:11:38.560> to<01:11:38.800

Bills: HF4319, HF3295, HF3589, HF3587, HF3588, HF4295, HF3571, HF3895

Keywords: public utilities commission, Lake City, port authority, Red Wing, terms of appointment, local government, elections, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, voter access, polling place, ballot, unexpected needs, election judge, public information, political parties, HF4295

Transcript Highlights:

• These modifications simply make a strong law stronger and ensure it continues to protect Minnesota communities
• These modifications<00:07:38.040> simply<00:07:38.320> make<00:07:38.480> a<00:07
• :38.520> strong<00:07:39.080> a modifications simply make a strong a modifications simply

Bills: HF3771, HF3658, HF3453, HF3358, HF1775

Keywords: disaster assistance, contingency account, Minnesota emergency management, public safety, state disaster aid, FEMA, federal cost-share, emergency relief, natural disaster, budget report, appropriations report, management and budget, local governments, utility cooperatives, public works, infrastructure repair, chapter 12B, chapter 12A, emergency management, disaster recovery

Transcript Highlights:

• Through waiver case management, modest home modifications and durable medical supplies were authorized
• waiver case management,<01:14:58.480> modest<01:14:58.960> home<01:14:59.199> modifications
• management, modest home modifications management, modest home modifications and<01:15:00.159>

Bills: HF3738, HF2295, HF3520, HF3666

Keywords: pediatric care, hospital discharge, home care, healthcare accessibility, nursing services, family support, mental health, crisis services, Dakota County, mobile crisis response, public safety, treatment services, rehabilitation, behavioral health fund, client eligibility, home and community-based services, case management, waiver services, county services, disability advocacy

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1064, by Representatives Jackson and Rydin and Senators Mabrey and Mlet, concerning modifications
• Senator<00:51:30.720> Mlet<00:51:31.119> concerning<00:51:31.440> modifications<
• 00:51:31.839> to Senator Mlet concerning modifications to Senator Mlet concerning modifications

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And also to adopt the amendment proposed in HHFTC's testimony to allow for a waiver or modification of
• c><01:57:13.440> a<01:57:13.599> waiver<01:57:13.920> or<01:57:14.080> modification
• <01:57:14.639> of to allow for a waiver or modification of to allow for a waiver or modification

Bills: HB1604, HB1713, HB1722, HB2270, HB2401, HB2515, HB1979, HB1593, HB1743, HB2122, HB1756, HB1837, HB1729

Keywords: agriculture, housing, workforce, land use, zoning, public-private partnerships, tax credit, school impact fees, impact fee exemption, school facilities authority, residential development, housing shortage, affordable housing, infill housing, land dedication, fee in lieu, school construction, developer exactions, fair share contributions, education contribution agreement

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• these folks are saying, and I worked with the ARH leadership team to actually create a regulation modification
• 01:33:07.360> regulation to actually create a regulation to actually create a regulation modification
• which<01:33:09.640> included<01:33:10.080> the<01:33:10.160> changes modification
• which included the changes modification which included the changes that<01:33:10.960> they<01

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened its sixth and final interim meeting with roll call, quorum confirmation, approval of the prior minutes, and a brief change in agenda order to preserve quorum and accommodate presenters’ schedules. Members then moved through several proposed health-related items with limited discussion, and the chair noted the committee would reconvene in January for further conversation. The first substantive item was a proposal relating to utilization controls for non-opioid analgesics in Medicaid. Senator Gerald Neal and Tara Hyde of People Advocating Recovery argued that pain parity is needed so patients can access non-opioid options without prior authorization or step therapy barriers, especially in acute pain situations and for people in recovery. Senator Berg supported the concept and suggested expanding the approach to other prescriptions by allowing physicians to explain why step therapy is inappropriate at the time of prescribing; another member cautioned against unintended cost increases if non-opioid drugs are used as add-ons to opioids. The committee then heard a proposal on physician assistants from Senator Scott and Andrew Rutherford of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants. They described a shift from a supervisory to a collaborative practice model, with practice scope set at the practice level, limited Schedule II prescribing authority under guardrails, and permission for PAs to perform driver’s license vision testing. Supporters said the changes would improve rural access, reduce administrative burden, and align Kentucky with neighboring states; a question from Representative Bratcher focused on experience requirements and how the proposal compares with nurse practitioner rules. No vote was taken. Finally, Representative Nancy Tate, Adia Wuchner, and Representative Jason Nemes introduced a 2026 proposal aimed at “protecting vulnerable people.” They described a broad package focused on abortion pill trafficking, marketing to minors, commercial surrogacy, assisted suicide, and organ procurement safeguards, arguing that current law leaves gaps and that additional criminal and civil penalties are needed. The presentation was informational only, with no action taken before the meeting ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Draheim has talked about what he was thinking about and why he felt this was an important modification
• again, I can— and why he felt this was an important um and why he felt this was an important um modification
• 53.440> Any<00:20:54.080> thoughts<00:20:54.400> from<00:20:54.640> the modification
• Any thoughts from the modification.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• inability to have the resources meet the needs of the students through our previous offsets or modifications
• inability to have the resources meet the needs of the students through our previous offsets or modifications
• inability to have the resources meet the needs of the students through our previous offsets or modifications
• Modifications that save the program um about 79 million per biennium. Thank you, Miss Lori.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee reviewed differences among the Governor’s, House, and Senate proposals for state grant parameter changes and their effects on state grant spending, North Star Promise spending, and average student awards. Nonpartisan staff explained that the proposals use different combinations of parameter changes, with the Governor’s and Senate plans modeled to avoid or minimize rationing, while the House plan would require rationing to balance the program. Staff reported projected biennium balances of a positive $29.836 million for the Governor’s proposal, a negative $60.758 million for the House proposal without rationing, a positive $994,000 for the House proposal with rationing, and a positive $3.623 million for the Senate proposal; North Star Promise balances also varied, with the Senate showing a positive balance and the Governor and House with rationing showing negative balances. Staff also said the Senate proposal would extend availability of the state grant appropriation and suspend surplus procedures through fiscal year 2029, allowing the balance to carry forward. The committee then focused on the House-only tuition and fee cap provision, which would limit the tuition recognized for state grant purposes for four-year programs to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities level, with 1% annual increases in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. House members said the cap was intended to address rising tuition, especially at the University of Minnesota, and to produce savings in the state grant program. The governor’s office confirmed the provision was not included in the Governor’s bill. Representatives from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Private College Council opposed the cap, arguing it would reduce awards for low-income students and shift costs to students rather than address underlying tuition pressures; they also said it could discourage enrollment at higher-cost institutions. Supporters from Minnesota State argued the cap would improve fairness because students at lower-tuition institutions are effectively capped lower, while students at more expensive institutions receive larger awards, and they said the legislature should intervene in a variable that has grown substantially over time. Committee members questioned how the cap would work and whether it was tied to the Twin Cities campus rate. Testifiers clarified that the state grant formula is tied to the University of Minnesota level, but because Minnesota State institutions are below that level, the cap effectively limits their students to their own lower tuition while allowing higher awards at the University of Minnesota and private colleges. No formal vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated the committee would continue with item-by-item review of the remaining parameter changes and hear additional testimony from agencies and institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then finally, modifications to the TEACH scholarship program to bring the state program into alignment
• And then<02:09:21.520> finally<02:09:22.719> uh<02:09:22.880> modifications<02:09
• :23.760> to<02:09:24.159> the then finally uh modifications to the then finally uh modifications

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation does not include any adjustments to aircraft registration rates along with the modification
• 00:05:19.520> along<00:05:19.759> with<00:05:19.919> the<00:05:20.160> modification
• <00:05:20.800> to rates along with the modification to rates along with the modification to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cover topics including, but not limited to, statutory compliance, challenges faced by the grantee, modifications
• compliance, challenges faced by the compliance, challenges faced by the grantee,<00:14:01.279> modifications
• <00:14:02.079> made<00:14:02.399> during<00:14:02.639> the grantee, modifications
• made during the grantee, modifications made during the grant<00:14:03.120> period,<00:14:04.079

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Chair Robbins, uh, Co-Chair Wolgamott, members, House File 2634 proposes modifications to the Northstar
• In summary, we respectfully ask that modifications are made to the Northstar Promise to tie these qualified
• In summary, we respectfully ask that modifications are made to the Northstar Promise to tie these qualified
• In summary, we respectfully ask that modifications are made to the Northstar Promise to tie these qualified

Bills: HF2634, HF2241, HF2649, HF2520, HF2610

Keywords: North Star Promise, scholarship, higher education, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, in-demand jobs, workforce development, career training, job market, high-demand occupations, high-demand industries, college aid, state financial aid, FAFSA, student eligibility, program of study, degree program, certificate program, community college, university, labor market data

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is what we consider a fairly small modification that again remains that the amendment offered
• this is what we consider a fairly so this is what we consider a fairly small<00:09:52.720> modification
• <00:09:53.720> that<00:09:54.040> again<00:09:54.800> remains small modification
• that again remains small modification that again remains that<00:09:56.079> and<00:09:56.320>

Bills: HF1855, HF102, HF1082, HF1354, HF2184, HF1792, HF2296, HF2429, HF2543, HF2566

Keywords: veterans, benefit services, accreditation, consumer protection, civil penalties, disclosure requirements, HF102, Sibley County Road 166, Freedom Drive, Arlington, Sibley County, Minnesota transportation bonds, bonding bill, capital investment, road extension, highway access, intersection improvements, right-of-way acquisition, water main, sewer improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• down, budget director for DHS, and then we're going to go into the waiver reimagine requirements modification
• down, budget director for DHS, and then we're going to go into the waiver reimagine requirements modification
• down, budget director for DHS, and then we're going to go into the waiver reimagine requirements modification
• Budget director for DHS, and then we're going to go into the waiver reimagine requirements modification

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• kind of that, but I'm just wondering if in addition to purple marking, if there could be a simple modification
• purple marking if there could be a purple marking if there could be a simple<01:32:39.000> modification
• > just<01:32:39.760> of<01:32:40.159> denoting<01:32:40.560> a simple modification
• just of denoting a simple modification just of denoting a shape<01:32:41.440> of<01:32:41.600

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Really, I want to know about health issues, but I also want to know if there are effect modifications
• <00:35:56.560> effect want to know if there are effect want to know if there are effect modifications
• <00:35:57.440> with modifications with modifications with um<00:35:59.520> ethnicity<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on restricted use pesticides in Hawaiʻi, with Senate and House members opening the meeting and explaining that the session was intended to hear expert presentations and community concerns. Fern Holland outlined the background for the briefing, describing how restricted use pesticides differ from general-use products, why state-level regulation matters, and how community advocates have sought disclosure and protections for years. She summarized 2019 reporting data, saying a small number of users accounted for most reported use, with especially heavy application in North Central Oʻahu and on the west side of Kauaʻi. She highlighted concerns about applications near schools, homes, and coastlines, and identified 1,3-dichloropropene and metam sodium as among the heaviest-used fumigants. She also noted concerns about highly hazardous pesticides, some banned in other countries, and the lack of research on long-term combined exposure to multiple pesticides. Greg Takashima of the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture described the department’s pesticide program and regulatory authority under FIFRA and state law. He explained the distinction between general-use and restricted use pesticides, the certification requirements for applicators, and the department’s role in tracking RUPs from sale through use. He reviewed the branch’s functions in enforcement, education and certification, registration and technical review, and laboratory analysis, including inspections, complaint response, market surveillance, product registration, groundwater review, and outreach on drift reduction and integrated pest management. He also noted staffing and funding limitations, saying the branch lacks a toxicologist and long-term monitoring capacity, and compared Hawaiʻi’s resources to California’s much larger pesticide regulatory program. Takashima thanked the legislature for passing Act 231 the prior year and said the department supports the measure as it moves forward this session. Dr. Lee, speaking for the Hawaiʻi chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and as a former member of the Kauaʻi Joint Fact-Finding Task Force, said pediatric guidance has shifted from focusing on acute poisoning to recognizing chronic low-level pesticide exposure as a concern. He cited AAP publications linking pesticide exposure to cancer, brain tumors, leukemia, birth outcomes, neurobehavioral effects, and asthma, and said pediatricians are now encouraged to advise families on reducing exposure and to support right-to-know measures and buffer zones around schools and public gathering places. He also described the Kauaʻi task force’s work, saying it found the west side of the island to be an unhealthy community but could not prove causation because of missing drift, geospatial, and biomarker data. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, questions were held until after presentations, and the department expressed support for Act 231.

Transcript Highlights:

• had eight in which we approved additional funding, we approved additional resources, and made modifications
• and<01:05:17.880> made additional resources and made additional resources and made modifications
• policy<01:05:19.520> during<01:05:19.880> that<01:05:20.079> time modifications
• to policy during that time modifications to policy during that time so<01:05:21.160> we<01:05

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It prohibits the construction, modification, or expansion of any waste or disposal facility on land that
• > construction facilities prohibits the construction facilities prohibits the construction modification
• > expansion<01:28:48.719> of<01:28:48.880> any<01:28:49.040> waste modification
• or expansion of any waste modification or expansion of any waste or<01:28:49.440> disposal<01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.