Transcript Highlights:

• You know, we've got students walking around downtown going to museums here in Montgomery.
• students walking around downtown<00:30:06.799> going<00:30:06.960> to<00:30:07.200> museums
• <00:30:07.600> here<00:30:07.679> in downtown going to museums here in downtown going
• to museums here in Montgomery.<00:30:08.640> We've<00:30:08.880> got<00:30:09.120>

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When institutions like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Walker Art Center lose federal funding
• When institutions like the Science<00:15:23.760> Museum<00:15:24.240> of<00:15:24.480><
• c> Minnesota<00:15:24.959> and<00:15:25.199> the Science Museum of Minnesota and the
• Science Museum of Minnesota and the Walker<00:15:25.839> Art<00:15:26.320> Center<00:15

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think one of the museums is creating more accessibility, like an accessible bathroom, things like that
• <00:49:11.280> the also um I think the um one of the also um I think the um one of the museums
• is<00:49:12.799> creating<00:49:13.240> more<00:49:13.720> accessibility museums
• is creating more accessibility museums is creating more accessibility like<00:49:14.839> an<00

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Personnel Appeals Board, which explained that it became an independent state agency after Senate Bill 487 and was presenting its first standalone operating budget. The board described its quasi-judicial role in hearing appeals from classified state employees over disciplinary actions such as warnings, suspensions, and terminations, and said it handles about 25 to 35 cases a year, with some cases lasting longer because of their complexity. Members also outlined the need for a chair and vice chair who are attorneys, the board’s current staffing and space needs, and its plan to move away from reliance on Administrative Services for office support and website functions. The board requested about $353,500 for fiscal year 2026, including startup costs, routine operating expenses, and two new part-time positions: a program director and a paralegal. Members said the budget reflects the new independent status, includes funding for only four board members rather than the authorized five, and is designed to avoid full-time staffing costs and benefits. Legislators asked about the cost per case, the board’s relationship to DAS, whether appeals must go through the board before court, and how often cases are appealed further. The board said appeals must first go through it, that court appeals are infrequent but have increased recently, and that the board’s process is intended to resolve disputes more quickly and less expensively than court litigation. Committee members also asked about the board’s caseload, outcomes, and staffing. The board said that in the prior year there were 22 cases, with four decisions overturned in favor of employees, nine dismissals, and nine settlements, and that many disputes are resolved before reaching the board through a multi-step internal process. A member noted the governor and council had recently approved a new board member and were expected to approve a fifth soon. The discussion ended with questions about the board’s website and records access, which members said would need to be moved from Administrative Services as part of the agency’s transition. The committee then moved to the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities. The executive director explained that the council is 100 percent federally funded under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and develops a five-year plan to address the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She said the council works with state agencies and advocacy organizations on quality-of-life issues, accessibility, voter rights training, and plain-language or easy-to-read materials, and that 60 percent of its membership must be individuals with disabilities or family members/guardians. She also described the council’s funding structure, including reimbursement to the state for operating costs, and noted that it currently has three full-time and three part-time positions, with no new positions requested but one full-time position being eliminated and replaced after a pandemic-era staffing change did not work out as planned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it would provide that counties have the authority to any county in the state of Minnesota, Cook County
• Um, it would provide that counties have the authority to any county in the state of Minnesota, Cook County
• Um, it would provide that counties have the authority to any county in the state of Minnesota, Cook County
• The authority to any county in the state of Minnesota, Cook County, Dodge County, Dakota County to pass
• The person in Cook County on 106.22 is going to get an 87% increase. don't have the money for the don't

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll have the culinary lab where youth can learn to experiment with cooking and learning how to make
• /c><00:16:38.079> uh can um learn to experiment with uh can um learn to experiment with uh cooking
• :16:39.600> to<00:16:40.000> to<00:16:40.120> make<00:16:40.360> food cooking
• and learning how to to make food cooking and learning how to to make food and<00:16:40.959> and

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: Division Three of the Finance Committee met in work session on April 20, 2026, to consider Senate Bills 481, 603, and 663, with the discussion focused primarily on SB 481, relative to the sale of the Sununu Youth Services Center property. The chair explained that the bill was advisory only and that the committee’s recommendations would go to full Finance on April 27. For SB 481, members reviewed conflicting provisions in the prior budget law about whether sale proceeds should go to the general fund or the Youth Development Center Claims and Administration Settlement Fund, and the bill was described as a compromise that would direct proceeds to the general fund before June 30, 2027, and to the settlement fund after that date. It was noted that the settlement fund had originally received about $20 million and had roughly $10 million remaining. The committee also received an extensive update from DCYF Director Marie Noonan on the new Youth Development Center in Hampstead. She reported that construction remained on schedule, with major structural and interior work complete, substantial completion expected in late summer or early fall 2026, and occupancy anticipated in early 2027. The presentation highlighted the facility’s design features, including single-occupancy bedrooms, sensory rooms, an education wing, medical and clinical suites, visitation space, a gym, and multiple outdoor courtyards, all intended to support a trauma-informed setting. Members asked about the facility’s funding, square footage, fencing, and scanner; staff said the building is about 34,000 square feet, funded entirely with federal ARPA state recovery funds to date, and that the scanner is on site but not yet operational pending policy and staff training. Committee members also raised concerns about the facility’s design and security. In response, DCYF said some concrete walls are required for structural and safety reasons, but they are being painted to maintain a brighter environment, and that the fencing will be about 15 feet high with privacy netting because the campus is shared with Hampstead. Officials said the new facility is legislatively limited to a maximum of 12 youth, while the current center can house 12 to 18, and emphasized that courts ultimately determine placements. No votes or final actions were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Something that works in Cook County may work in Hennepin. To him, that is what this is about.
• :30.640> in Something that works in you you know in Something that works in you you know in Cook
• <01:18:33.360> Um,<01:18:33.679> and Cook County may work in Henipin.
• Um, and Cook County may work in Henipin.

Bills: HF4421, HF1937, HF4675, HF4715, HF4684

Keywords: county cost share, economically distressed county, human services finance, substance use disorder treatment, SUD services, civil commitment, state aid, county levy, poverty threshold, tax-exempt acreage, property tax exemption, Minnesota human services, county fiscal relief, local government finance, chemical dependency, behavioral health, PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services

Transcript Highlights:

• Often staff cook meals with the individuals they support and share them together, and they are paid for
• restroom breaks and time to eat.<00:10:42.480> Often<00:10:42.880> staff<00:10:43.360> cook
• Often staff cook meals with the eat.
• Often staff cook meals with the individuals<00:10:44.560> they<00:10:44.680> support<00

Bills: HF4110, HF2113, HF4569, HF4414

Keywords: workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, paid leave, small employers, employment law, Minnesota Statutes, workforce development, HF4569, Minnesota Paid Leave Law, protected leave, seasonal employee, seasonal worker, hospitality, hospitality industry, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, employer certification

Transcript Highlights:

• Listen, if you're assaulting one of my teachers or one of my aides or one of my cooks or one of my bus
• > or<00:42:06.160> one<00:42:06.320> of<00:42:06.400> my<00:42:06.560> cooks
• <00:42:07.520> one<00:42:07.640> of<00:42:07.720> my my aids or one of my cooks
• or one of my my aids or one of my cooks or one of my bus<00:42:08.080> drivers<00:42:09.080><

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• transportation, um, you know, uh, should we be electrifying how we're heating our homes, how we're cooking
• heating our homes electrifying how we heating our homes how<01:17:16.239> we're<01:17:16.400> cooking
• > um<01:17:18.960> you<01:17:19.199> know<01:17:19.360> and how we're cooking
• etc. um you know and how we're cooking etc. um you know and the<01:17:20.000> opportunity<01:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ankle-deep water and I remember going down in the basement asking my roommates, hey, did somebody cook
• asking my co my roommates, hey, did asking my co my roommates, hey, did somebody<01:27:10.480> cook
• > and<01:27:11.440> like<01:27:11.600> leave<01:27:11.760> it somebody cook
• lasagna and like leave it somebody cook lasagna and like leave it on<01:27:12.000> the<01:27:

Bills: HF3425, HF3424, HF1385

Keywords: supportive housing, grants, housing assistance, funding, Minnesota Statutes, eviction, rent, nonpayment of rent, landlord-tenant, residential tenant, notice to quit, unlawful detainer, housing, lease violation, late fees, rental assistance, legal aid, tenant rights, Minnesota Statutes 504B.321, pre-eviction notice

Transcript Highlights:

• in support, Christine Andrews in support, Veronica Moran in support, Kanani Kai in support, Patty Cook
• 01:30:50.240> support, Kanani Kai in support, Kanani Kai in support, Patty<01:30:51.760> Cook
• in<01:30:52.080> support,<01:30:52.840> Ellen<01:30:53.240> Keringer Patty Cook
• in support, Ellen Keringer Patty Cook in support, Ellen Keringer PhD<01:30:54.200> in<01:30:54.320

Bills: SB2041

Keywords: land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Cook Law Firm here in Cheyenne. I'm here on behalf of my client, Bitcoin Depot.
• I'm with the Cook Law Firm here in Cheyenne. I'm here on behalf of my client, Bitcoin Depot.
• I'm with the Cook Law Firm here in Cheyenne. I'm here on behalf of my client, Bitcoin Depot.
• I'm with the Cook Law Firm here in Cheyenne. I'm here on behalf of my client, Bitcoin Depot.

Bills: HB0098, HB0075, HB0041, HB0101

Keywords: gun control, Second Amendment, constitutional rights, misdemeanor, law enforcement, virtual currency, kiosk, financial institutions, regulation, Wyoming Money Transmitters Act, penalties, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, guardianship, monitoring, ward protection, financial independence, case management

Transcript Highlights:

• Some real helpful reading you might want to watch or read while you're watching a football game or cooking
• Some real helpful reading you might want to watch or read while you're watching a football game or cooking
• some real helpful reading you might want to watch or read while you're watching a football game or cooking
• some real helpful reading you might want to watch or read while you're watching a football game or cooking

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs. The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] Cook, 27,320. Coochie Ching, 56,120 per person. When Hennepin gets 42.
• [Music] Cook, 27,320. Coochie Ching, 56,120 per person. When Hennepin gets 42.
• [Music] Cook, 27,320. Coochie Ching, 56,120 per person. When Hennepin gets 42.
• [Music] Cook, 27,320. Coochie Ching, 56,120 per person. When Hennepin gets 42.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want to cook food for people anymore. I want to do it as a labor of love, not a necessity.
• 30:25.600> to consult people anymore I don't want to consult people anymore I don't want to cook
• 30:26.520> anymore<01:30:26.840> I<01:30:26.920> want<01:30:27.040> to cook
• food for people anymore I want to cook food for people anymore I want to do<01:30:27.280> it<

Bills: HF1143, HF1548, HF1340, HF2549, HF2559, HF1673, HF2740, HF2507, HF2461, HF2381, HF2695

Keywords: education funding, unemployment aid, special education, Minnesota statutes, appropriations, housing, redevelopment, local government, trust funds, community development, HF1340, housing infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, affordable housing, supportive housing, permanent housing, adaptive reuse, area median income, AMI

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, he enjoys simple things like cooking his own meals and showering whenever he pleases.
• 01:21:24.400> simple<01:21:24.800> things<01:21:25.040> like<01:21:25.360> cooking
• <01:21:25.840> his he enjoys simple things like cooking his he enjoys simple things like cooking

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Renald and Carlton surround beautiful Jay Cooke State Park, just 30 minutes south of Duluth.
• :02:04.920> surround<00:02:05.360> beautiful<00:02:05.759> J<00:02:06.079> cook
• and Carlton surround beautiful J cook and Carlton surround beautiful J cook State<00:02:06.600><

Bills: HF827, HF1258, HF2387, HF2388, HF2534, HF2016

Keywords: education, school funding, consolidation aid, financial support, Minnesota Statutes, education finance, ice arena, school districts, cooperation agreement, equal sports opportunities, school milk program, nutrition, food waste, kindergarten, public schools, supplemental revenue, charter schools, funding, state appropriations, general education funding

Transcript Highlights:

• To Senator Hauschild's district, that represents in some cases 90% tax-exempt lands in Cook County or
• 00:04:52.479> taxexempt<00:04:53.280> lands<00:04:53.680> in<00:04:53.919> Cook
• <00:04:54.240> County<00:04:54.560> or 90% taxexempt lands in Cook County or 90% taxexempt
• lands in Cook County or 60%<00:04:55.600> in<00:04:55.840> St.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think of really good nonprofits that have come; although Cook County Higher Ed, I mean, they might
• good nonprofits that have<00:14:24.480> come<00:14:25.120> although<00:14:25.600> Cook
• 00:14:25.920> County<00:14:26.399> higher<00:14:26.720> ed have come although Cook
• County higher ed have come although Cook County higher ed I<00:14:27.160> mean<00:14:27.360><

Bills: HF2090, HF982, HF2229

Keywords: higher education, scholarship, financial aid, state grant, tuition assistance, Pell grants, student retention, education equity, disabled veterans, veterans' dependents, dependent children, college affordability, books and fees, University of Minnesota, public colleges, Office of Higher Education, veterans benefits, military families, permanent disability, 100 percent disability

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like to cook with this water?
• water would you your children in this water would you like<00:45:46.920> to<00:45:47.119> cook
• c> with<00:45:47.960> this<00:45:48.200> water<00:45:48.880> this like to cook
• it with this water this like to cook it with this water this investment<00:45:49.640> is<00:45

Bills: HF343, HF446, HF448, HF674, HF811, HF832, HF1661, HF1528, HF1536, HF1541, HF1670, HF1438, HF1714, HF1748, HF1835, HF1904, HF1929, HF1942

Keywords: HF343, Chisago County, Shorewood Park Sanitary Sewer District, Rush Lake, sewer extension, wastewater infrastructure, sanitary sewer, treatment pond, sewage treatment, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, local infrastructure, municipal utilities, water quality, sanitation, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, HF446