Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I want to thank the Speaker's staff, Ms.
• or clerical staff, HR staff, right?
• Um, I had a couple of questions in terms of the, um, staff, also, um, that Mr.
• You know, it depends on how many staff members that person decides they need, maybe high level staff
• How many staff do you need each of you and for, and how much is that going to cost?

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Matt Sterling, staff to the committee.
• Megan McFadden, staff to this committee.
• Jake Lipson, staff to the committee.
• Seeing none, staff will announce the vote.
• All right, staff will announce the vote.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills related to energy, environmental regulation, and utility policy. House Bill 2436, on escort tug horsepower requirements for oil tankers, was described as a technical cleanup measure and passed unanimously. House Bill 2605, which exempts low-level naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials in aggregates, asphalt, and concrete from certain asbestos-related labeling, use, and inspection restrictions, also passed unanimously. House Bill 2301, expanding the paint stewardship program to additional paint products and adjusting collection standards, passed 19-1 after members noted it was industry-driven and popular with constituents. The committee also considered House Bill 2296 on meter-mounted devices and portable solar generation devices. The portable solar section had been removed in the substitute, leaving meter-mounted device provisions; two amendments were offered, one making utility cost recovery mandatory and another restoring local government authority to prohibit installations, but both failed. The substitute bill then passed 14-7. House Bill 2496, requiring government-to-government consultation with tribes during site certification reviews and exempting those consultations from the Open Meetings Act when no deliberation occurs, passed 15-6 amid comments supporting tribal consultation but raising concerns about public meetings and process details. House Bill 2212 on microfiber filtration requirements for washing machines was briefed with a proposed substitute and amendments, but no action was taken on it during the meeting. House Bill 2515, addressing emerging large energy use facilities such as data centers and cryptocurrency facilities, drew the most debate over fees, taxation, energy use, water impacts, and economic development; despite concerns from some members that it was not ready or could discourage investment, the substitute passed 11-10. The committee then adjourned after reporting out the bills noted above with due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:05.400><c> and</c> commissioner to direct staff and commissioner to direct staff and non-monetary
• </c><00:15:00.520><c> time,</c> our staff time, our staff time, we<00:15:01.880><c> have</c><00:15:02.120
• </c><00:35:41.560><c> in</c> fluctuates between 125 and 140 staff in fluctuates between 125 and 140 staff
• </c> the chief of staff the chief of staff the<00:36:57.720><c> proper</c> the proper the proper decorum
• Maybe staff can tell us. Mr. Sen. that. Maybe staff can tell us. Mr. Sen. It's<00:53:32.080><c> me.

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans met on March 4, 2026, and began with a moment of silence honoring Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake, who was killed while serving in Kuwait. The committee then took up Senate File 3956, an MDVA policy bill giving the commissioner clearer authority to direct staff time and other non-monetary resources toward partnerships with organizations serving veterans, especially on food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and related efforts. MDVA and Disabled American Veterans testified that the bill would help them work more quickly and clearly with outside partners, including food pantry and outreach efforts, while remaining focused on non-monetary support. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment narrowing the bill to the three named priorities and removing the broader “other critical issues” language; the amendment was adopted after discussion about whether the reporting language also needed adjustment. SF 3956, as amended, was laid over for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate File 3955, which would create a new procedure for temporary closure of a Minnesota veterans home if an involuntary termination notice requires it, bringing state law into closer alignment with federal expectations. MDVA emphasized that it had no intention of permanently closing any veterans homes and that the bill was intended only to establish a temporary closure plan to satisfy survey requirements. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment clarifying that any closure would be temporary unless the legislature approved a permanent closure; MDVA and the Department of Health indicated the change was acceptable. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to recommend SF 3955, as amended, to pass and refer it to the full committee. Finally, the committee began Senate File 4072, an MDVA cleanup and conformity bill. After adopting a technical A3 amendment, MDVA explained that the bill would reclassify the Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief of Staff role as Deputy Commissioner for Administration to better reflect the scope of the position, and would also repeal outdated statutes related to environmental hazards assistance and a data-collection requirement that the department said it could not implement. The bill was still being presented when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SF 4072 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:32:37.760><c> which</c> safety of our students and staff, which safety of our students and staff
• Um training for all staff and students.
• So, we don't staff and for students.
• ,</c><00:50:09.920><c> they</c> right now, which is for staff, they right now, which is for staff, they
• </c><02:18:20.880><c> don't</c> feedback that teachers or staff don't feedback that teachers or staff

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2485, which would require cardiovascular screening for student athletes. The Department of Education and Department of Health said they support the bill’s intent but noted that many screenings are already part of existing school-entry and well-child exams. The Attorney General’s office asked for clarifying language on who performs the screenings, where results go, how “positive findings” are defined, how referrals would work, and whether funding would be appropriated if DOE must hire health professionals. The American Heart Association strongly supported the bill, citing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and arguing that sports physicals are an effective opportunity for early detection. No vote was taken, and the committee moved on after testimony. The committee then heard HB 89, concerning a school psychologist working group and possible licensing or credentialing of school psychologists. The Department of Education and Board of Psychology supported the measure. The Hawaii Psychological Association said it supports licensing school psychologists but asked to be included in the working group, arguing it is an important stakeholder. The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists opposed including HPA, saying the issue is between school psychologists and DCCA and that HPA is not part of their organization. Testimony and discussion focused on the long-running disagreement over whether school psychologists should be regulated under the Board of Psychology or another mechanism, and on title protection and scope of practice. No action was reported during this portion. The committee also took up HB 2445, relating to standardized emergency responses for immigration enforcement at or near schools. The Department of Education said it already issued internal law-enforcement guidance and questioned whether the bill was necessary, while also raising concerns about the bill’s 1,000-foot buffer language and the limits of school authority over activity off campus. The Board of Education echoed those concerns and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions. Supporters, including the White Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and an attorney testifying on Know Your Rights training, argued that recent federal changes have increased ICE activity near schools and that a law is needed to ensure clear, public protocols, staff training, and family protections. A student testifier said the measure was a top priority of the state student council. The transcript ends during testimony, with no vote or final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• gather on a elected officials, and staff gather on a regular<00:01:31.119><c> basis.
• ,</c><00:05:03.919><c> and</c> that possible for visitors, staff, and that possible for visitors, staff
• That process, again, you'll alert security or staff that you have a permit.
• >> So, the question was members and staff. So elected officials are exempt.
• Staff right now is not exempted.

Summary: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogoich announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol, at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and is intended as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both officials emphasized that the Capitol should remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing increased threats nationwide and the recent murders of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman. Officials said visitors will enter through four public access points, with all other exterior doors closed to public entry. The primary entrance will be the south ground-level entrance, with additional access through tunnels connecting to the Senate building, State Office Building, Parking Lot C, and the Judicial Center. They said the screening process should take only seconds for most people, with bags scanned separately and additional checks only if needed. Prohibited items will not be stored by the Capitol, and the public was told to plan ahead, carry fewer items, and follow staff instructions. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays unless legislative business is still underway, in which case accommodations will be made. In questions, officials said people with valid permit-to-carry authorization may still bring a firearm if it is otherwise legal, but they must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening. Elected officials are exempt and will have a separate lane, while staff will be screened. They also said the tunnels will be locked with restricted key-card access, and that the Senate is implementing its own screening, with questions about Senate doors referred there. Jacobson said the State Patrol will cover the costs within its existing budget, and that the process will be evaluated and adjusted as needed to keep it efficient and not a deterrent to visitors.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lauren Ballard, Chief of Staff. Thank you, Ms. Taylor.
• We have since, since we discovered this, retrained all of the contract staff.
• Number 13, DHS, DDS with Cell Staff Incorporated.
• If you'll give that information to staff so they can get it out, please. Appreciate that.
• If you'll give that information to staff so they can get it out, please. Appreciate that.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The subcommittee first considered a used tire program contract for Arkansas District 4, an $88,000 one-year contract with LTR Intermediate Holdings. Senators raised concerns that the tire district’s revised business plan had not yet been approved and that the contract could leave the district unable to pay. Questions also focused on solicitation language that excluded bidders under corrective action plans. On motion, the committee held the contract until next month and encouraged the tire board to appear. Members then reviewed and, without objection, moved forward a series of methods of finance, alternative delivery projects, and discretionary grants. These included multiple university and college projects such as renovations, roof replacements, a new UCA multipurpose arena, and a revised financing package for UA Fayetteville’s Maple Hill residence hall. The committee also reviewed DHS and Department of Health grants for aging services, substance abuse prevention, mental health, nutrition outreach, hearing-loss follow-up, HIV services, maternal health, and rural hospital quality improvement. The committee next handled contract items, including a UAMS ratification for FMLA Source after an amendment was not submitted for review and payments continued past expiration; UAMS said it had retrained staff and would review for other missed contracts. Members also reviewed numerous construction, intergovernmental, out-of-state, and in-state contracts across state agencies and universities. Questions were raised about an out-of-state aeronautics study, a U of A Fayetteville parking guidance system, and a Veterans Affairs nursing contract. Most items were reviewed without objection, and the meeting adjourned after informational reports on contract amendments and minor contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff will now... 2012.
• Staff will now... Staff will now present a summary of legislative audit's role related to Medicaid.
• Lori McDonald, Chief of Staff, DHS.
• Lori McDonald, Chief of Staff, DHS.
• We did not increase staff.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• And staff, let's get a briefing on the amendments before us. All right.
• For the record, Ryan Giannini, staff counsel to this committee.
• Tim Ford, staff with the committee, and before you is Senate Bill 6086.
• For the record, Maya Eita, staff counsel to this committee.
• backlog, and we're just going to swap the CRO versions for the staff versions.

Summary: The Law and Justice Committee met on February 3rd to take executive action on several bills and gubernatorial appointments. The committee first considered Senate Bill 5925, which would expand Attorney General investigative authority through civil investigative demands. Members debated amendments to limit the bill’s reach, including protections for small businesses, exclusions for law enforcement use-of-force matters, and changes to appeal deadlines. Amendment Charlie was adopted, Amendment Delta failed, Amendment Alpha failed, and Amendment Echo was withdrawn. The bill then received a due pass recommendation to the Rules Committee. The committee next worked through Senate Bill 6086 on judicial officer safety and threat assessments. A proposed substitute retained threat-assessment provisions while removing some personal-information and consultant-related sections. Amendment Foxtrot 1, which would have removed security consultant authority, was not adopted, and the proposed substitute was approved and sent to the Rules Committee. Senate Bill 6074, concerning reinstituting parole, was narrowed in a proposed substitute to create a parole reinstitution work group with legislative appointment authority and a 2027 reporting deadline; an amendment adding victim advocate members was adopted, and the bill advanced to the Rules Committee. The committee also considered Senate Bill 6296 on involuntary treatment. The proposed substitute made multiple changes to enforcement, prosecutor representation, peace officer duties, intimate partner definitions, and firearms-related provisions. Amendments to remove firearm-related changes and to clarify officer liability and home-entry authority were debated; Kilo-2 and Kilo-3 were not adopted, and the proposed substitute ultimately passed and was sent to the Ways and Means Committee. The committee then confirmed several gubernatorial appointments, including Kristen Ferrer, Lisa Mannion, Kate Ben Ward, and Rochelle Cleland, and concluded by thanking staff and adjourning at the house-of-origin policy cutoff.

Transcript Highlights:

• A support unit is not just a teacher; it's also pupil service staff, it's also administrative staff,
• and it's also classified staff.
• A support unit is not just a teacher; it's also pupil service staff, administrative staff, and classified
• staff.
• You and your staff are doing an amazing job.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is James Kettle, and I'm staff to the committee.
• My name is James Kettle, and I'm staff to the committee.
• Colleges built these commitments into staff plans.
• We are a 100% Medicaid-funded facility, and we employ over 40 staff.
• Thank you, Vice Chair, staff, and members of the committee.

Bills: SB5998

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: fiscal appropriations, budget, state funding, financial management, operating expenses

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to thank our committee staff for all the work on this bill.
• It also extends affordability to faculty and staff.
• In a staff survey that we conducted back in 2017, 35% of staff indicated that they would leave the district
• Our resident mix is approximately 60% certificated staff and 40% classified staff, and they're all non-management
• staff.

Summary: The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard a long agenda of housing-related bills, beginning with AB 518 on low-impact camping areas. The author and supporters said the bill would streamline permitting for small rural camping operations on private land, expand outdoor access, and support rural economies, while opponents from campground associations and counties warned it could undermine existing regulation, create enforcement problems, and allow advertising of unpermitted sites. Members raised concerns about fire safety and local control, but the bill was ultimately passed as amended on an 8-0 vote. The committee then approved AB 635, which would require HCD to refer up to 25 of the most serious mobile home residency law complaints to the Attorney General. Supporters said mobile home residents need stronger enforcement against egregious park-owner violations, while opponents argued the existing program is underused, costly, and should remain subject to a sunset. After discussion of the program’s surplus and enforcement role, the bill passed 9-1. AB 893, which expands ministerial approval for mixed-income housing near college campuses and broadens eligibility for affordable units to students, faculty, and staff, also drew strong support from student advocates and housing groups and respectful opposition from the League of California Cities over local control and height limits; it passed 10-0. AB 925, the Mobile Home Emergency Safety Act, would require stronger emergency preparedness measures in mobile home parks, including accessible exits, working fire hydrants, and gas shutoff access, with a fee increase to fund enforcement. Supporters framed it as a life-safety measure in disaster-prone areas, while opponents argued the bill duplicates existing requirements and imposes an unnecessary fee increase. The committee voted 6-1 to send it to Appropriations, with the bill left on call. The consent calendar, including several other housing and local government bills, was approved 8-0. The committee also heard AB 712, which would increase penalties and attorney-fee protections for applicants enforcing state housing laws against public agencies; supporters said it would improve compliance, while special districts opposed the bill as overly broad and unclear. Members discussed indemnification and timing issues, and the bill was advanced with amendments to Judiciary.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are currently hiring and training new staff and providing H.R. 1 training to existing staff, working
• We are currently hiring and training new staff and providing HR1 training to existing staff, working
• Because of the layoffs and the shortage of staff, that's going to put more burden on the staff that we
• We have to train not only our newly hired staff, but we have to retrain all of our existing staff for
• Our staff do multiple programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Attorney General staff does not.
• And I think that's important, but truly the staff is that, and what that encompasses the staff, right
• I consider myself to be staff. I'm issued a staff identification card.
• What about, like, this: staff would also, I know you said you consider yourself staff, but also that
• So that's another staff person that would be in court with us.

Committee: House General Laws

Summary: The committee first met in executive session, laying over H.J.R. 153 and H.J.R. 119, then unanimously advanced HB 2904 after adopting a committee amendment and substitute. HB 2904 passed 13-0. The committee also adopted a substitute for HB 2933 and sent that bill do pass by a vote of 11-3. The committee then moved into regular session and heard HB 2266, which would add the attorney general and staff, or as members suggested possibly assistant attorney generals, to the list of officials authorized to concealed carry while performing duties. The sponsor and an assistant attorney general testified that the bill was intended to protect AG staff who travel and work in courthouses and hotels; some members raised concerns about the breadth of the term “staff,” and one witness urged clearer limits and identification safeguards. No vote was taken on HB 2266 in the portion provided. The committee then heard HB 2207 and HB 2233 together, both aimed at restructuring Missouri’s electric industry to allow competitive generation while keeping transmission and distribution regulated. The sponsors argued that competition would lower costs, improve reliability, spur innovation, and let customers choose suppliers, while preserving PSC oversight of the grid and default service. Supporters, including a market think tank and retail energy advocates, said competitive states have seen more generation investment and that private generators bear their own risk rather than ratepayers. Opponents, including Evergy, argued deregulation has not delivered promised savings, can increase fraud and consumer confusion, and would force divestment of utility generation assets without clear guardrails. Members pressed witnesses on comparisons to Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, legacy costs, divestment mechanics, and whether the PSC would still set generation-related rates; witnesses disagreed sharply on the likely effect on residential prices and on whether the bill’s structure was sufficiently specific.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and and staff. and and staff.
• </c> elected officials and staff. elected officials and staff.
• staff staff and<00:14:56.560><c> everyone</c><00:14:56.920><c> who</c><00:14:57.000><c> visits</c><00
• Well, in a legislators and staff.
• ><c> Committee</c><00:29:29.400><c> on</c> who staffs the Advisory Committee on who staffs the Advisory

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• How do we retain staff? Do we properly train staff and how do we support them?
• where staff wouldn't be burdened with excess cases.
• So we do have dedicated staff. Yes. Okay.
• I've probably met with 20 staff since I've taken this job one on one.
• So I want to work with the LFC staff and have our staff so that we can share with you data. that is aligned

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Our nonpartisan staff, Nathan Hopkins and Ken Savory, and the Republican partisan staff were terrific
• I appreciate staff.
• I appreciate the DFL staff.
• Okay, thank you to nonpartisan staff and to partisan staff on both sides of the aisle.
• I thank the committee and our staff, especially.

Transcript Highlights:

• But before I do that, I'd like to thank the staff, the very staff who are relying on this bill's passage
• I will start off by also thanking Helen Roberts, Colby Sullivan, and our staff, our partisan staff that
• and non-partisan staff.
• And again, I want to thank our nonpartisan staff, our partisan staff, and our pages.
• Thank you, members of the committees, our staff, partisan staff, nonpartisan staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> conditions we've actually had a staff conditions we've actually had a staff veterinarian<00:12:24.760
• </c><00:24:56.279><c> for</c><00:24:56.600><c> staff</c> satisfaction for their staff for staff satisfaction
• for their staff for staff retention<00:24:57.720><c> as</c><00:24:57.840><c> well</c><00:24:57.960><
• The staff have done an amazing job.
• The staff have done an amazing job.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in many cases, some of those entities have engineers on staff.
• Utah has a staff of about 50 doing that.
• So there's a, you know, and I'm not asking for a staff of 50 because we couldn't possibly hire a staff
• You know, it's your staff and Alan's staff, so you have to figure it out.
• It's our staff, but, like, right, to figure out the best... I think, Mr.

Committee: Joint Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency

Summary: The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion. OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated. The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide some staff updates.
• Their top motivator was to know that the staff is specialized.
• We're doing that this week with our internal 211 staff across the work that we do, because each staff
• Many of our staff have lived experience as well.
• So having gender diversity on their staff, racial diversity on their staff, both programs are expected

Summary: The meeting opened with approval of the April minutes and brief administrative updates, including notice that House Bill 5447 had passed both chambers of the General Assembly. Speakers reflected on the bill’s key provisions, which include eating-disorder working groups, an evidence-based screening requirement for school-based health centers beginning July 1, 2027, and a DSS-led feasibility process to explore an inpatient psychiatric facility for young adults ages 14 to 21. New staff introductions were also made for the Behavioral Health Advocate’s office and the TCB team. A major portion of the meeting focused on marketing and outreach for urgent crisis centers (UCCs) and the broader youth crisis continuum. Daydream Communications presented research showing low public awareness of UCCs but strong interest once families learn about them, with parents wanting specialized, compassionate care, clear expectations, insurance clarity, and bilingual support. United Way described its parallel work on a statewide crisis continuum marketing toolkit, using the SAMHSA framework of “someone to talk to, someone to respond, and somewhere safe to go,” and outlined plans to distribute consistent messaging through websites, social media, flyers, and community venues. Members emphasized coordinating with existing platforms and ensuring the marketing reflects the actual experience at UCC sites. DCF then presented on adolescent substance use services, citing data showing high need and low treatment access among Connecticut youth. The department reviewed its ASAM-based continuum, SBIRT efforts in outpatient psychiatric clinics, medication-assisted treatment access, and statewide services such as MST, MST emerging adults, STRIDE, multidimensional family therapy, youth recovery supports, and the AIM matching tool. A new young people peer support program was highlighted, with referrals accepted from families, hospitals, community providers, DCF, youth diversion, and the judicial branch. Questions addressed parent consent, peer matching, and whether the AIM tool could be linked through 211. The meeting concluded with an update from the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board and its regional boards and grant-funded initiatives. Presenters reviewed the state suicide prevention plan, regional coalition work, postvention response, lethal means safety efforts, and the 988 capacity improvement grant that supports Connecticut’s centralized 988 contact center at United Way. They also shared youth suicide risk data from the Connecticut Youth Risk Behavior Survey, noting recent declines in reported suicidal ideation and attempts, and provided resources for training and materials. No formal votes were taken beyond the approval of the April minutes.