Transcript Highlights:

• Are they doing it so that they can, uh, sell the state, for example, electrical grids that have built-in
• Are they doing it so that they can, uh, sell the state, for example, electrical grids that have built-in

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:40.759> this<00:14:40.920> is infrastructure modernization this is infrastructure
• modernization this is kind<00:14:41.320> of<00:14:41.480> a<00:14:41.600> hold<
• And finally, uh, the repeal of the tax filing modernization account.
• We thank Governor Walz for a tax plan that kicks off some important conversations, including modernizing
• We thank Governor Walz for a tax plan that kicks off some important conversations, including modernizing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• modern courts require. modern courts require.
• A modern combined public safety facility will shorten response times. They'll improve patient care.
• A modern combined public undersized.
• A modern combined public safety<01:06:24.800> facility<01:06:25.200> will<01:06:25.320>
• equity facilities required for modern equity facilities required for modern public<01:39:23.160>

Bills: HF4094, HF3390, HF3813, HF3583, HF3751, HF4324, HF4789, HF3596, HF4033, HF4424, HF4053

Keywords: Crosby, local sales tax, bonding authority, community projects, voter approval, Owatonna, use tax, special law, community center, municipal finance, capital project, sales and use tax, local option tax, city tax, public facility, general election, bond referendum, debt limit, levy limit, Minnesota local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, we ask you to modernize the disabled veteran homestead property tax exclusion.
• <00:54:11.200> the Second, we ask you to modernize the Second, we ask you to modernize the
• practices by moderniz and by modernizing practices by moderniz and by modernizing uh<01:02:34.400
• In addition to modernizing this year.
• In addition to modernizing the<01:05:19.280> disabled<01:05:19.839> veterans<01:05:20.240

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• our statutes with respect to modernize our statutes with respect to fentanyl<00:16:15.600> while<
• Our modern immigration laws started in 1952, and it was an effort to go away from where we had gone in
• Our modern immigration laws started in 1952, and it was an effort to go away from where we had gone in
• Our modern immigration laws started in 1952, and it was an effort to go away from where we had gone in
• twist they're using AI but with a modern twist they're using AI to<00:52:36.079> monitor<00:52

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Facilities modernization: this is $3.2 million in base trunk highway funding for MnDOT truck stations
• <00:56:28.920> this<00:56:29.039> is<00:56:29.319> 3.2 facilities modernization
• this is 3.2 facilities modernization this is 3.2 million<00:56:30.520> in<00:56:30.680> base
• of um the infrastructure modernization of um the infrastructure modernization credit<00:57:47.440
• under one roof will allow synergy and collaboration for leadership of the State Patrol and for a modern

Bills: HF5

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard an overview of the governor’s transportation budget recommendations from fiscal staff Andy Lee. He explained that the spreadsheet showed only proposed changes, not base spending, and highlighted General Fund and trunk highway adjustments for MnDOT and the Department of Public Safety, including operating changes, extensions of prior appropriations, increased state road construction and Blatnik Bridge authority tied to anticipated federal funds, State Patrol hiring and a metro headquarters item, aeronautics changes, and revenue adjustments in the Driver and Vehicle Services special revenue account. The main testimony came from Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle, who outlined three budget-related items: advancing funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway reconstruction with a transitway project, making Metro Mobility riders eligible for free fixed-route transit, and reducing the Metro Transit general fund appropriation by $32.454 million annually. He said the advance would speed delivery and reduce disruption, the free-fare pilot had been successful and could save money if even a small share of Metro Mobility trips shifted to fixed-route service, and the general fund reduction was manageable in the near term because of new revenue streams but could constrain future expansion and capital maintenance. Members questioned the long-term effects of the proposed reduction, possible impacts on safety, service expansion, and capital maintenance, and whether federal funding uncertainty could affect operations and bus procurement. Zelle said the cuts would not affect immediate operations but could limit future BRT, microtransit, and transitway expansion, while also noting that capital maintenance needs include platform rebuilds, track work, rolling stock, and station repairs. He also said the 2023 funding package had accelerated projects and that the council was opening three transit lines this year. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The business analyst is needed because we have a tax system modernization program, which is basically
• The business analyst is needed because we have a tax system modernization program, which is basically
• familiar we have a tax system modern modernization<00:20:01.960> program<00:20:02.960> and
• <00:20:03.080> so<00:20:03.440> that's modernization program and so that's modernization
• This measure will support our UI modernization while improving services. right these three positions

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 5052 as amended in the governor, it is a great effort in moving forward in trying to modernize
• effort in moving forward in<00:30:49.600> trying<00:30:49.960> to<00:30:50.080> modernize
• our<00:30:51.600> tax<00:30:52.120> code<00:30:52.920> to in trying to modernize
• our tax code to in trying to modernize our tax code to the<00:30:53.160> new<00:30:53.480>
• so, I think that these changes that you have in the bill related to special ag homestead really modernize

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It modernizes licensing, strengthens oversight, and helps more Kentuckians, especially those with diabetes
• It modernizes licensing, strengthens oversight, and helps more Kentuckians, especially those with diabetes
• <00:21:43.840> It<00:21:44.000> modernizes practiced today.
• It modernizes practiced today.
• It modernizes licensing, licensing, licensing, strengthens<00:21:46.560> oversight,<00:21:47.320

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, roll call, and approval of the February 5, 2026 journal. The House clerk then delivered messages that the House had passed House Bills 103, 188, 189, 258, 276, and 419 and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for Senate Bills 2, 4, 71, 136, and 183, which were sent to the Rules Committee, and later committee reports that posted SB 2, SB 4, and SB 71 for Monday, February 9, and SB 136 and SB 183 for Tuesday, February 10. The Committee on Committees also referred several bills to standing committees, including SB 155, 118, 153, 158, 160, 72, 98, and 145. The main floor action was passage of Senate Bill 132, relating to massage therapy. The sponsor said the bill was intended to help local governments investigate businesses posing as massage parlors and to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed practice, including raising the penalty for certain violations from a class B to a class A misdemeanor and treating each unlicensed session as a separate offense. Supporters said it would aid efforts to combat human trafficking and preserve local zoning and licensing authority. Several senators voiced concerns that the bill could be too broad and might unintentionally affect trafficking victims or impose harsh penalties for unlicensed massage without injury or fraud, but they still voted yes. SB 132 passed 32-0. The Senate also adopted Senate Committee Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 18 and then passed the bill 32-0. SB 18 updates Kentucky’s podiatry laws, formally recognizes podiatric assistants and residents, gives the Board of Podiatry authority to license and regulate them, allows podiatrists to supervise physician assistants with board approval, limits supervision to four assistants, and requires new podiatrists starting in 2027 to complete at least two years of residency training. The sponsor said the measure modernizes oversight and improves access to foot and ankle care, especially for patients with diabetes. After the floor work, the Senate recessed for meetings of the Rules Committee and Committee on Committees, and later received the committee reports noted above.

Transcript Highlights:

• Access to safe and affordable housing in modernized facilities is crucial for closing opportunity gaps
• AB 409 will modernize the Brown Act for community college student body associations.
• Not because they're opposed to it, but because they simply don't know how modern adoption works.
• Not because they're opposed to it, but because they simply don't know how modern adoption works.
• Most of them have never heard about modern adoption, and that's where AB 1453 comes in.

Summary: The committee hearing covered several higher education bills, with extensive testimony on student aid, affordability, and institutional debt. AB 587 would add veteran representation to the California Student Aid Commission; the author said the change would bring lived experience from the veteran community to student aid policy, and members raised a concern about keeping the commission’s membership odd-numbered, which the author said would be addressed by amendment. AB 791 would standardize cost-of-attendance housing calculations using objective data and improve notice of the adjustment process; supporters said current budgets often underestimate students’ real living costs, while UC, CSU, and independent colleges opposed or had concerns about the bill’s prescribed methodology, fiscal impact, and a 14-day turnaround for adjustments. AB 850 would create a one-term grace period for students with institutional debt to re-enroll while arranging repayment, bar reporting that debt to credit agencies, and require more transparency; proponents described students being blocked from continuing school over debts, while CSU, UC, and private-college representatives said they already use holds and payment plans and worried about added liabilities and budget pressures. AB 537 would extend the California College Promise Program to part-time community college students; supporters said most community college students attend part-time and should not be excluded from fee waivers, while the committee noted fiscal concerns but ultimately advanced the bill. AB 7 would allow universities to consider whether an applicant is a descendant of American chattel slavery in admissions as a reparative measure; supporters framed it as lineage-based reparative justice, while opponents argued it would function as a racial proxy and conflict with Proposition 209 and equal-protection principles. The committee took roll-call votes on the measures, advancing AB 587, AB 791, AB 850, and AB 537 to Appropriations, with AB 850 and AB 537 receiving fewer votes and the roll left open for additional members.

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate your consideration of the bill, which is a great step forward towards modernizing newspaper
• We appreciate your consideration of the bill, which is a great step forward towards modernizing newspaper
• This is the right time to modernize outdated publication requirements.
• This is the right time<00:31:06.960> to<00:31:07.480> modernize<00:31:08.480> outdated
• <00:31:09.200> publication time to modernize outdated publication time to modernize outdated

Bills: HF1532, HF1290, HF2231, HF2013

Keywords: eminent domain, reimbursement, property acquisition, appraisal, landowner rights, HF1290, AED, automatic external defibrillator, defibrillator signage, wayfinding signs, roadside signs, directional signage, public access AED, emergency medical response, cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac arrest, public safety, Minnesota Department of Transportation, road authority, transportation law

Transcript Highlights:

• you will, so we went straight from probably the most antiquated technology into probably the most modern
• you will, so we went straight from probably the most antiquated technology into probably the most modern
• you will, so we went straight from probably the most antiquated technology into probably the most modern
• And, you know, there was an infrastructure modernization act from the previous administration that said
• act from the previous modernization act from the previous administration<00:11:20.519> that<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of Governor’s messages for confirmation to several boards and councils, with the chair noting the meeting would continue on Monday and that testimony would be limited due to the large volume of submissions. For Governor’s Message 660, Kelly Oka was nominated to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Oka described her work in workforce development and technology, emphasizing equitable access to tech jobs for local residents, keeping young talent in Hawaii, and using HTDC to attract major technology firms and support cybersecurity and startup growth. Testimony from multiple individuals and organizations was strongly supportive, and members asked about HTDC’s challenges, federal funding, and how to attract more tech investment; no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then considered Governor’s Message 529, nominating Fono Cafi Mei to the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board. Mei said he had 20 years of crane-operating experience, including work on rail projects, and union representatives and labor organizations testified in support. Next, Governor’s Message 502 nominated Ken Louie to the Workforce Development Council. Louie highlighted his four years on the council, including two as chair, his family business, and his goal of expanding opportunities for younger and adult workers. DBEDT, council members, and labor representatives supported him, and members questioned him about the council’s priorities, staffing, federal funding uncertainty, apprenticeships, and military-to-private-sector transition programs. The committee also took up Governor’s Messages 581 and 690 together, both relating to Jared Gashi’s nomination to the Workforce Development Council for different terms. Gashi, from the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, said he would bring the tourism industry’s perspective to workforce development, citing workforce shortages, internships, scholarships, and the need for a broader tourism voice on the council. Support testimony came from state officials and community members, who praised his reliability and leadership; a member asked how he would broaden the council beyond tourism, and Gashi said HLTA represents a wide range of tourism-related sectors and partners. The committee then heard Governor’s Message 571 for Eric Noi to the Deferred Compensation Plan Board, with Noi citing his fiscal and budgeting background; DHS, the board chair, and others supported him. Finally, Governor’s Message 667 nominated Ty Noara to the same board, and Keith Regan testified in strong support, citing her public service, intelligence, and ability to handle difficult situations. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Governor’s Message 560, nominating David Louie to the Employees’ Retirement System Board, with Louie, the ERS executive director, the finance director, and former Governor Abercrombie offering strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• By modernizing our outdated positions and refocusing our resources in a regional service model, the department
• By modernizing our outdated department.
• By modernizing our outdated positions<00:14:13.640> and<00:14:13.760> refocusing<00:14:
• As you started talking about construction, it made me think about the computerized system, the modernization
• <00:50:14.200> of system, the modernization of system, the modernization of uh<00:50:15.600

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary received an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on implementation of House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, and court facility projects. AOC leaders said they do not anticipate problems balancing the outgoing biennium or fiscal year 2026, and explained that the budget changes were driven by the need to reduce costs while preserving required constitutional, court-rule, and statutory services. They also said the new filing fee increases authorized by HB 504 took effect that day and are expected to generate up to $5 million, while the reorganization is projected to save about $3 million in general fund dollars. The bulk of the presentation focused on a major reorganization of the Office of Statewide Programs, which includes specialty courts, family and juvenile services, and pretrial services. AOC said the plan eliminates 170 positions and creates 109 new ones, mainly by reducing middle-management layers, expanding regional service delivery, and cross-training staff. Officials said 110 employees had already been offered or accepted placements, 24 had chosen voluntary separation, and the final number of employees leaving remains fluid until the process concludes around August 1. They emphasized that specialty court programs were not eliminated, but state-funded treatment court contracts and behavioral health liaison positions were removed, with treatment costs shifted to Medicaid or participants where appropriate. Members asked about the process, staffing impacts, specialty court participation, juvenile services, and how AOC will monitor the changes. AOC said the reorganization was developed by leadership, HR, and legal staff under direction of the Chief Justice and approved by the Supreme Court, and that it is intended to improve efficiency and frontline support rather than reduce services. They said specialty court participant levels are being watched closely, that CDW services will continue to use outside providers for programming, and that the agency will keep judges and stakeholders informed as the new structure goes into effect. No votes were taken, and the committee did not approve minutes because a quorum was not present.

Transcript Highlights:

• section amends the definition of flower seed to include wildflowers and has conforming language to modern
• And then section 7, 6 V.S.A. 647, has conforming changes to modern drafting standards and a technical
• :31.000> conforming<00:09:31.520> language<00:09:31.960> to<00:09:32.240> modern
• and uh has conforming language to modern and uh has conforming language to modern drafting<00:09
• as uh conforming changes to modern as uh conforming changes to modern drafting<00:10:01.880>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate Bill 323, suspending the rules to consider it immediately. The bill was described as a broad agricultural measure with committee amendments and fiscal implications, and it was reported favorably by the Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry Committee, Ways and Means, and Appropriations. Members outlined sections dealing with milk market corrections, farm-to-school language, repeal of the obsolete pest control compact, pesticide applicator licensing changes, seed law updates, the Vermont Agricultural Credit Program, hemp regulation, and CAFO-related provisions. The Agriculture committee reported the bill out 7-0-1, and the effective date was described as July 1, 2026, except for the hemp provisions, which would take effect upon passage. Much of the discussion focused on the hemp sections. Supporters said the bill updates Vermont law to reflect federal changes and shifts hemp oversight from the Agency of Agriculture to the Cannabis Control Board. The hemp provisions would create registration and licensing requirements for hemp producers, processors, and certain hemp products; set fees; authorize testing, inspections, stop-sale orders, and administrative penalties; and allow rulemaking on product standards, labeling, insurance, additives, and age restrictions. Speakers said the changes were intended to help Vermont’s hemp industry maintain access to banking, insurance, and interstate commerce while improving consumer safety and regulatory clarity. Other agricultural provisions were also explained in detail. The bill would clarify milk producer hearing rights, update farm-to-school grant/contract language, remove outdated pest-control compact language, and adjust pesticide applicator exam and fee rules, including removing the limit on retakes and eliminating certain government applicator fees. It would also modernize seed labeling and definitions, transfer the Vermont Agricultural Credit Program into a new statutory structure under VEDA, and make conforming cross-reference changes in tax and cannabis fund statutes. The final sections would add a CAFO permit working group and require consultant training for state agencies on CAFO inspections, with those provisions contingent on future funding. Ways and Means noted the bill’s fee changes could affect state revenues, including an estimated hemp-related impact of roughly $10,000 to $90,000, though the exact effect was uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh there's also a piece in here uh modernizing how we regulate barbering in Minnesota.
• c> here Uh there's also a piece in here Uh there's also a piece in here uh<00:05:24.400> modernizing
• how<00:05:25.360> we<00:05:25.600> regulate<00:05:26.320> barbering uh modernizing
• how we regulate barbering uh modernizing how we regulate barbering in<00:05:27.200> Minnesota.
• articles about are about modernization. articles about are about modernization.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It modernizes the statute by updating or eliminating statutory provisions that are obsolete or no longer
• It modernizes the statute by updating or eliminating statutory provisions that are obsolete or no longer
• This Senate bill addresses the need to modernize Florida's home health regulations to ensure greater
• He modernized state government, reformed civil service, and invested in public health.
• He modernized state government, reformed civil service, and invested in public health.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests, students, advocates, and a resolution honoring the late USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Senators also observed moments of silence for victims of recent campus violence and for former FSU President John Thrasher. The chamber then moved to special order bills, with several members explaining measures and, in some cases, substituting House companions before final passage. Among the bills passed were measures updating child care and early learning provider regulation; strengthening penalties and cost recovery for false reporting and swatting; extending protections against extraordinary medical debt collection; expanding hazardous walking condition criteria for schoolchildren; creating young adult housing support for foster and homeless students; and requiring private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose which accommodations they will provide. The Senate also passed a bill adjusting interest rules for trust accounts funding legal aid, after extended debate over the impact on legal aid funding and banking practices, and a transportation package that was heavily amended to address issues such as school bus camera hearings, beach vehicle use for equipment removal, flooded-street wake restrictions, expectant mother parking permits, micromobility regulation, and traffic signal modernization. The chamber also approved public-records exemptions for Agency for Health Care Administration investigators, Judicial Qualifications Commission employees, and appellate court clerks; a municipal water and sewer rate bill affecting Miami-Dade residents near a plant; motor vehicle offenses involving impersonating law enforcement and obscured license plates; trespass penalties at law-enforcement-controlled locations and large ticketed venues; refund requirements for patient overpayments; stem cell therapy authorization with source and consent limits; and insulin administration authority for direct support professionals and relatives in group homes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including cardiac emergencies, chemicals and consumer products, and motor vehicle manufacturer/franchise dealer legislation. Most measures passed with strong bipartisan support, though the trust fund interest bill drew notable opposition and passed 28-10, and the Family Empowerment Scholarship bill passed 37-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• The definition of family in the Hike Safe card is really disconnected with many modern New Hampshire
• card is really disconnected<00:49:22.480> with<00:49:22.800> many<00:49:23.200> modern
• <00:49:23.839> uh<00:49:24.000> New disconnected with many modern uh New disconnected
• with many modern uh New Hampshire<00:49:24.720> current<00:49:25.040> New<00:49:25.280
• system and using more internet modern system and using more internet and<01:08:24.560> so<01:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Healthcare Accountability Act, it's a mouthful, would modernize our laws and close loopholes that
• The Healthcare Accountability Act, it's a mouthful, would modernize our laws and close loopholes that
• The Healthcare Accountability Act, it's a mouthful, would modernize our laws and close loopholes that
• The Healthcare Accountability Act, it's a mouthful, would modernize our laws and close loopholes that
• The Healthcare Accountability Act, it's a mouthful, would modernize our laws and close loopholes that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously we want to have a modernized system that's going to affect the goals of what you're trying
• Yes, so generally speaking, EDD next is basically a top-to-bottom modernization to completely transform
• We started down this path in 22-23, so we're now in year three of the EDD Next modernization.
• split has been because the two major programs being UI and DI that are benefiting from the ENX modernization
• We need flexible modern policies. Thank you. Good afternoon.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, modernization and recapitalization. We need new stuff.
• need to update our Air Force MQ-1 drones that are down in Tucson, and we need to, across the board, modernize
• In our current environment, the task of maintaining military readiness and modernizing our armed forces
• of our equipment and modernization of our facilities.
• Just all of the things that we've already talked about today about needing to recapitalize and modernize

Keywords: 1182, all