Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, this is the fatal flaw on all of our water quality programs: acres enrolled does not mean water
• chair<00:17:35.120><c> this</c><00:17:35.240><c> is</c><00:17:35.400><c> the</c><00:17:35.520><c> Fatal
• flaw</c><00:17:36.160><c> on</c><00:17:36.400><c> all</c><00:17:36.559><c> of</c> chair this is the Fatal
• flaw on all of chair this is the Fatal flaw on all of our<00:17:37.400><c> water</c><00:17:37.720><c

Bills: HF363 , HF2155 , HF1524 , HF821 , HF1677 , HF1292

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• millions of lives by advancing global health, including through his efforts to end child malaria fatalities
• > malaria</c> through his efforts to end child malaria through his efforts to end child malaria fatalities
• 00:17:12.600><c> HIV</c><00:17:13.600><c> he</c><00:17:13.720><c> was</c><00:17:13.839><c> a</c> fatalities
• and destigmatize HIV he was a fatalities and destigmatize HIV he was a man<00:17:14.199><c> of</c><00

Bills: HR29

Keywords: Okinawan immigration, cultural heritage, historical contributions, sister city relationships, military history, education, cultural identity, Okinawan Americans, Okinawa, Hawaii, Japanese American, immigration anniversary, diaspora, Asian American history, Pacific Islander, sister city, sister state, Kenjinkai, karate, World War II

Transcript Highlights:

• Golden Age Pass laws that provide seniors with free day pass to state parks, discount camping, and boating
• parks, discount day pass to state parks, discount camping,<00:52:07.760><c> and</c><00:52:08.000><c> boating
• </c><00:52:09.440><c> This</c><00:52:09.680><c> bill</c> camping, and boating launches.
• This bill camping, and boating launches.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our fees had not changed for boat registrations.
• What better than to get a ranger truck and a boat and go out and be in the outdoors, be on Navajo Lake
• So when I get older and retire, I'm going to come look for a job in a boat.
• I'm not retired, so I haven't been able to be on a boat yet in some of these areas.

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh, you've been in the boats. We hear you. Great. So, thank you. Our next testifier will be Mr.
• So, uh, you've been in the boats.<00:26:34.159><c> We</c><00:26:34.320><c> hear</c><00:26:34.559><c>
• </c><00:26:35.120><c> So,</c><00:26:35.360><c> thank</c> boats. We hear you. Great.
• So, thank boats. We hear you. Great. So, thank you.<00:26:35.840><c> Thank</c><00:26:36.000><c> you.

Bills: HF2563

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: HF2563, legacy finance bill, Legacy Amendment, outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, arts and cultural heritage fund, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, Minnesota legacy funds, habitat conservation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, forest conservation, riparian buffers, water quality, groundwater protection, drinking water, septic systems, watershed planning

Transcript Highlights:

• same text to the Department of Public Safety as well as to MNDOT, and they're kind of in the same boat
• kind of in as well as to mot and they're kind of in the<00:37:46.560><c> same</c><00:37:46.760><c> boat
• they</c><00:37:47.520><c> don't</c><00:37:47.640><c> know</c><00:37:47.880><c> quite</c> the same boat
• um they don't know quite the same boat um they don't know quite what<00:37:48.200><c> to</c><00:37:48.560

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• In some cases, that delay can prove fatal.
• frankly and we're hopeful the bill can further be amended in the Appropriations Committee should this boat

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• We needed the opportunity over 90 days to really do something different because we missed the boat last
• We needed the opportunity over 90 days to really do something different because we missed the boat last
• We're in the same boat as multiple states, and we're doing the best we can to address the problem.
• And then the next day he allegedly committed a fatal shooting in Reston, Virginia. then has is now on
• ><c> committed,</c><02:45:55.040><c> it's</c> Then the next day he allegedly committed a murder, a fatal

Transcript Highlights:

• I can give you the total: it's about $40 million, exclusive of the boating fees, yes.
• <04:20:54.159><c> fees</c><04:20:54.880><c> yes</c> Boating fees yes Boating fees yes y<04:20:57.840>
• </c> The second page, we go into the boat fees.
• Yeah, if you don't include the boats, it's $40 million.
• the boats too, of course.

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• of a vessel that results in an accident, serious bodily injury, or death, an associated felony, or boating
• Senators, this amendment to the amendment makes the penalties for reckless boating consistent with those
• legislation will make sure that your constitutional rights continue once you step off a dock onto a boat

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including remarks from the new Democratic caucus leader, Senator Berman, who emphasized affordability, education, health care, public safety, and opposition to measures he said would roll back child labor protections, book access, and gun safety laws. The chamber also recognized military leaders from U.S. Army Special Operations Command and an intern from Senator Polsky’s office. No committee reports or executive messages were on the desk at the start. The Senate then took up and passed several bills, often after substituting House companions and adopting technical amendments. Among the measures approved were the dangerous dogs bill (the Pam Rock Act), local government land regulation, vessel-related voter freedom/boating provisions, blood clot screening and treatment, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, concealed carry licensing for certain officers and service members, timeshare management firms, disability history and awareness instruction, manufacturing and manufacturing fees, public education on background screening requirements, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, Medicaid oversight, health facilities authorities, and veterans’ nursing home beds. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, Medicaid oversight earlier in the day, mammogram coverage, and others. Debate on the disability history bill was especially extensive, with senators discussing the use of the word “disability,” the role of bias, and whether the bill fit with broader DEI-related policy debates. The bill’s sponsor and supporters framed it as a first step toward helping students understand and respect people with disabilities, and the chamber opened co-sponsorship before substituting the House version. Other bills drew focused questions about local government costs, impact fees, staffing burdens, grant criteria for small manufacturers, and the scope of utility preemption. Most measures passed on strong votes, including several unanimous votes, with the concealed carry/firearms bill passing 33-3 and the local government land regulation bill passing 26-8.

Transcript Highlights:

• don't</c><00:40:12.760><c> get</c><00:40:12.880><c> to</c><00:40:13.000><c> Show</c><00:40:13.359><c> Boat
• </c><00:40:13.560><c> about</c><00:40:13.760><c> how</c> you don't get to Show Boat about how you don't
• get to Show Boat about how much<00:40:14.040><c> you</c><00:40:14.200><c> love</c><00:40:14.440><c>

Summary: House File 768, sponsored by Vice Chair Hudson, was heard with an author’s amendment (A4) adopted to remove a technical section and put the bill in the intended form. Hudson described the bill as a response to concerns about government monitoring of protected speech, saying it would bar the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from creating or maintaining a database of constitutionally protected speech while preserving the department’s ability to investigate actual discrimination, harassment, threats, or illegal conduct. He emphasized First Amendment protections and argued the state should not track speech simply because it is controversial or unpopular. The main testimony in support came from Ran Lee of Americans for Prosperity, who echoed the free-speech concerns and said databases of bias incidents can capture lawful speech and create a chilling effect. Representative Rest said she generally supported the free-speech goal but wanted to preserve the Department of Human Rights’ ability to produce biennial reports and analyze de-identified trend data on civil rights incidents, including emerging threats or hateful rhetoric, so lawmakers can respond to patterns without recording individuals’ protected speech. Representative Curran raised concerns that speech trends can relate to public safety and argued that attacks on human rights often begin as speech. Hudson responded that the Department of Human Rights is not a law enforcement agency and that the bill would not impede criminal investigations. He argued that trying to monitor “trends in thought” would be constitutionally problematic and produce unreliable data, and he distinguished protected speech from criminal conduct. Representative Feist said the department’s existing report already uses aggregate, non-investigative data and suggested there may be room to refine the bill’s language. The bill was laid over for further consideration, with Hudson indicating he was open to continued discussion and possible language changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• know, they all want to get involved in, hey, you can't draw down my dam; I won't be able to take my boat
• know, they all want to get involved in, hey, you can't draw down my dam; I won't be able to take my boat
• know, they all want to get involved in, hey, you can't draw down my dam; I won't be able to take my boat
• know, they all want to get involved in, hey, you can't draw down my dam; I won't be able to take my boat
• know, they all want to get involved in, hey, you can't draw down my dam; I won't be able to take my boat

Summary: The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise. A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area. The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> or fatalities uh that are speed related. or fatalities uh that are speed related.
• Currently, we have the highest traffic fatality rate per capita in the country.
• Currently, we have the highest traffic fatality rate per capita in the country.
• Can you tell me what percent of the fatalities are on county roads?
• </c> of the fatalities are on county roads? of the fatalities are on county roads?

Transcript Highlights:

• today we're asking for a file item 52 is the confirmation of Hampas, etc., for appointment to the Boating

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized guests in the gallery. The body then took up several gubernatorial appointments: confirmation of Hampas to the Boating and Waterways Commission, Peter Stern to the California Horse Racing Board, and Diane White to the State Mining and Geology Board. Each appointment was presented by Senator Grove and approved by roll call, with later calls on the items lifted and the confirmations finalized by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The main floor debate centered on SCR 112, designating January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Senator Grove and several colleagues described human trafficking as modern-day slavery and emphasized survivor support, law enforcement tools, public awareness, and the vulnerability of foster youth, Indigenous women and girls, immigrants, and children targeted online or in hotels and other venues. Senators Rubio, Troy, Valadez, Arreguín, Wahab, and others spoke in strong support, citing local cases, online grooming, and the need for prevention and services. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SR 74, which amended the Senate’s standing rules to create two new committees: Emergency Management, and Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection. Senator Ashby explained that the new committees would better address wildfire response, disaster preparedness, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and consumer protection. The chamber then approved a consent calendar containing SB 557, SB 57, SB 674, SB 623, and SB 837, all by 39-0 votes. The Pro Tem thanked members and staff for completing deadline-week work and announced the next floor session for February 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we're asking for a file item 52 is the confirmation of Hampas, etc., for appointment to the Boating

Transcript Highlights:

• I kind of feel like we kind of missed that boat, and we should have probably had a formal hearing on

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy

Summary: The executive committee approved the October minutes and received brief updates from the Assistant Attorney General and the committee actuary. The actuary reminded members that OSA prepares actuarial fiscal notes during session and said staff would begin work soon on analysis for the upcoming session, including updates related to the COLA bill and other pension measures. Senator Conway asked that updated actuarial materials be shared with committee members as they are completed, and staff agreed to do so. Most of the meeting focused on committee discussion of pension policy issues, especially the ad hoc COLA for Plan 1 retirees and the broader study work on Left 1/Plan 1 topics, including merger and termination-restatement bills such as Senate Bill 5084. Members discussed the need for a COLA, the overfunding of some pension plans, the role of the legislature versus the committee, and the importance of keeping the State Investment Board separate from pension policy recommendations. Several members said the interim work had clarified many questions and would make future legislative decisions easier, while also noting that the committee’s study role had been completed. The committee also reviewed constituent correspondence, which included 15 items, with substantial public interest in the ad hoc COLA and related pension bills. Staff presented the draft interim work plan and proposed December agenda items, including possible education on excess compensation and an update on demographic experience studies. After discussion, members agreed not to hold a December meeting, with the understanding that any remaining informational items could be sent by email. The motion to skip the December meeting passed unanimously, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• From the whaling boats of Monterey to the tuna canneries of San Diego, Portuguese Californians From the

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions recognizing the League of Women Voters of San Francisco Youth Council, the Jane Center of Northern California, a departing UC Sacramento intern, and members of the Sam Yup Benevolent Association/Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. The chamber then moved to the Daily File, where most items were passed and retained on file, and AB 1044 was moved to the inactive file at the author’s request. The main floor action was on ACR 91, authored by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which recognized June 2025 as Portuguese Heritage Month, June 10 as the Day of Portugal, and April 18 as the Day of the Azores. Supportive remarks highlighted the long history and contributions of Portuguese Americans in California, especially in agriculture, business, public service, and culture, and Assembly Member Macedo spoke as a co-author and second-generation Portuguese American. The resolution received 64 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. Macedo also shared Portuguese sweet bread with members, and Aguiar-Curry introduced Portuguese dignitaries and community leaders in the chamber. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory. Members honored Phil Jerizzo, Dr. Marvin Lavelle Boomer Jr., and Elizabeth Starr, describing their public service, mentorship, community leadership, and family legacies. The Assembly then announced upcoming session dates and adjourned until Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their boat had crashed and. sank and we were able to walk Parks and Wildlife game wardens in there to

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had three expert witnesses, subject matter experts in child fatality cases that we're currently
• It goes to your respiratory system, and that's where you see fatalities as a result.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The hearing covered a wide range of Judiciary Committee bills, with much of the testimony focused on criminal justice, public safety, and civil asset forfeiture reform. Several lawmakers and advocates supported bills to increase penalties or create new offenses related to assaults on sports officials, assaults on transit workers, reckless discharge of firearms, fires and explosives, pill press machines, and drug-induced homicide. Testifiers described rising harassment and violence against youth sports officials and transit workers, as well as the fentanyl overdose crisis and the need for stronger tools to prosecute dealers whose conduct leads to death. Supporters of the sports-official and transit-worker bills emphasized declining referee availability and repeated assaults on commuter rail and MBTA workers. District attorneys also backed bills on reckless firearm discharge and fires/explosives, saying current law does not adequately address dangerous conduct that endangers bystanders. The committee also heard testimony on several proposals related to youth diversion and prison mitigation. Supporters of the youth court justice fund bill said youth courts are peer-led diversion programs with strong compliance and low recidivism, and argued for a stable funding source rather than annual earmarks. A representative from Bridgewater supported a prison mitigation fund for municipalities that host state prisons, saying the costs of public safety and emergency services are not fully covered. On gun policy, testimony split between supporters of a bill to ban in-state manufacture of assault-style rifles for civilian sale and opponents or skeptics of other firearm-related measures, including a bill on collateralizing firearms and a bill to increase penalties for drug trafficking combined with illegal firearm offenses. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to civil asset forfeiture reform. Advocates from the ACLU, CPCS, the Boston Bar Association, the Institute for Justice, and others supported bills to increase the burden of proof, improve transparency and reporting, require counsel, and limit or eliminate the current practice of directing forfeiture proceeds to law enforcement. They argued the current system creates perverse incentives, lacks adequate due process, and is insufficiently transparent. District Attorney Paul Tucker defended current forfeiture practices, saying his office has reporting and oversight, uses the funds for investigations and community programs, and warned that reducing forfeiture revenue would hinder crime fighting. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chairs repeatedly thanked witnesses and indicated the bills would remain under consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• It has the highest incidence of fatal and non-fatal workplace injuries.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the co-chairs explaining committee procedures, testimony limits, submission instructions, and the new deadlines for acting on House and Senate bills. The committee then heard testimony on several bills related to agriculture, land use, environment, housing, transportation, and taxation, with legislators often taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was H. 3206, a bill to allow fossil fuel-free 529 college savings plans to qualify for the state tax deduction if MEFA does not offer a comparable option. Representative Steve Owens said the bill would not force MEFA or Fidelity to change existing plans, but would create a definition for fossil fuel-free funds and extend the deduction to qualifying out-of-state plans. The committee also heard strong local testimony on a Belmont home-rule petition, H. 3970, to change tax treatment for the Belmont Country Club under Chapter 61B. Belmont residents and officials argued the private golf course receives an unfair tax break that shifts costs to other taxpayers, while Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers supported the measure as a way to help the town recover revenue. Committee members asked about town meeting support, the club’s lack of payment in lieu of taxes, and the size of the tax savings. The committee next heard testimony on a vehicle miles traveled tax proposal, S. 1925, from Senator Barrett and economists Gilbert Metcalf and Christopher Knittel. They argued that declining gas-tax revenue and rising fuel efficiency, especially with electric vehicles, require a more stable transportation funding source; they also said a VMT tax could be designed to be revenue-neutral and mildly progressive, though members raised concerns about administration, fairness, EV disincentives, and the possibility of annual tax shocks. The largest block of testimony focused on the Ahead Act, H. 3194/S. 1973, which would double the deed excise fee and dedicate the new revenue to affordable housing and climate adaptation. Supporters from MACDC, MAPC, FICC, Boston Climate Action Network, CLF, 350 Mass, CHAPA, and a tenant advocate said the bill could generate about $300 million annually for housing production, vouchers, weatherization, resilience, and environmental justice communities, and that it links two urgent crises with a stable funding stream. The committee also heard testimony on the Conservation Land Tax Credit bills, H. 3147/S. 2083, which would raise the annual cap on the credit from $2 million to $5 million for three years and then sunset back down. Conservation groups and a landowner said the program has conserved thousands of acres and that the higher cap would reduce delays and help meet state conservation goals. Finally, the committee took testimony on the Fairness for Farm Workers bills, S. 2011/H. 3107 and S. 2012, which would extend overtime, minimum wage, breaks, and paid time off protections to farm workers and include a refundable tax credit to help farmers offset overtime costs. Senator Gomez and advocates described the bills as overdue civil rights and public health measures, citing low wages, long hours, dangerous conditions, and the racial history behind farm labor exclusions. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3240, a bill to give municipalities a local option vacancy tax on chronically vacant shopping malls, with the sponsor arguing it would help towns address blight, encourage redevelopment, and potentially create housing and tax revenue.