Transcript Highlights:

• Please continue.
• It was a very difficult time for our agency, wondering how we were going to continue on and what our
• We still continue to work with them.
• assault services to ensure the continuation of these essential programs.
• Please continue to meet in order for us to address the needs.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You may continue to stay where you are.
• Thank you for continuing to fight.
• And we'll continue that on.
• The investigations continued.
• This bill continues that longstanding policy.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several introductions and memorials, including a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with several bills substituted with House companions and adopted by voice vote or recorded vote. Early measures included a tax conformity bill tied to federal Internal Revenue Code changes, which passed 34-0, and a Medicaid/public assistance bill that drew extensive debate over work requirements, fraud reduction, behavioral health services, and SNAP/EBT reforms. Amendments offered by Senators Berman and Osgood to condition or soften the work and photo-ID provisions were rejected, and the underlying bill was placed on the third-reading calendar after lengthy questioning about implementation, exemptions, and eligibility effects. The Senate also passed bills on computer science education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry public-records exemption and registry update, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the legal-tender sunset for gold and silver, public-records protections for gold/silver custodians and stablecoin-related entities, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, and local government budget transparency/spending measures. Most of these measures were adopted after minor amendments or technical substitutions, with votes generally ranging from 31-3 to 34-0. The chamber also recognized the Florida Channel’s 30 years of legislative coverage. Later, the Senate approved a digital voyeurism bill expanding the reasonable-expectation-of-privacy definition to include private fenced yards, and an insurance customer representative licensing bill allowing high school students to complete insurance/personal finance coursework and later qualify for licensure. The final major item was a medical freedom bill that would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption to immunization mandates, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition; two amendments clarifying anti-kickback rules and requiring vaccine information to include risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy were adopted, while questions from Senators Smith and Massullo focused on public-health impacts and the content of the required materials. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have our packets in front of us too, if you just want to continue.
• We do have our packets in front of us too, if you just want to continue.
• But it's conversations like that, and then the conversation continues.
• Huffman, you may continue.
• representative depel uh we'll continue representative depel uh we'll continue to<01:26:39.239>

Bills: HF919, HF1192, HF212, HF214

Keywords: wastewater, infrastructure, funding, Litchfield, economic development, environmental compliance, Hastings, water treatment, PFAS, nitrates, bonds, capital investment, public health, HF212, Round Lake-Brewster, Independent School District No. 2907, school construction, school building, sales tax exemption, use tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• As a member of the commission, I will work every day to continue that good work.
• As a member of the commission, I will work every day to continue that good work.
• <00:07:08.840> that<00:07:09.039> good continue that good continue that good work<00:07
• So I think we're going to have to continue to be balancing those two interests.
• To be continued on our cost discussion to Senator Dibble's point.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of our systems, modern systems, continually run through the distribution.
• It's been expensive, and, you know, we can't continue to provide for a state general fund to continue
• ... ...over a million dollars of their money to continue the operations of this system and to continue
• So if it's a continuous regular flow, we shouldn't see a problem.
• Wilson, you want to continue? Yes. Mr. Chair, I have to dispute Mr.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on the troubled water system in Tallulah and whether to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the water utility. Senator Jackson described the system’s long-running failures, the need to expand repairs beyond the treatment plant to the distribution network, and the growing project cost, which he said had risen to roughly $26 million. Legislative Auditor’s Office staff explained that the system had received failing grades from LDH for several years, had entered joint receivership in 2024, and was placed under a public health emergency in 2025; they said the city’s adoption of limited fiscal administration in April 2026 made it eligible for additional state funding. Governor’s staff said the state, GOSEP, Magnolia, and the city had worked together to restore service and that the limited fiscal administrator would help unlock an emergency subfund and other financing sources. The mayor of Tallulah supported the appointment, saying the state’s work had improved water quality and that the limited role would focus only on the water system rather than the whole city. She said the city was preparing an RFQ to move the project toward bidding. Two residents spoke in opposition. One argued that the city had recently elected a new council and should wait for new local leadership before proceeding. Another questioned the need for the appointment, criticized past management and contract arrangements, and objected to using emergency funds to pay prior project costs. State officials responded that the F grade and public health concerns justified the action, that the administrator would control water-system finances, and that the distribution system needed repairs to address leaks and water quality issues. After discussion, a committee member moved to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the Tallulah water system. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition. The committee then moved to public comment and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of our systems, modern systems, continually run through the distribution.
• It's been expensive, and, you know, we can't continue to provide for a state general fund to continue
• ... ...over a million dollars of their money to continue the operations of this system and to continue
• So if it's a continuous regular flow, we shouldn't see a problem.
• Wilson, you want to continue? Yes. Mr. Chair, I have to dispute Mr.

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on the City of Tallulah’s water system and a request to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the water utility. Senator Jackson and state officials described a long-running water crisis, including repeated failing grades from LDH, a public health emergency declaration, joint receivership efforts, and the need to expand the project beyond plant repairs to include the distribution system. They said the total cost is now estimated at about $26 million, with funding expected from USDA loans and grants, water sector funds, possible Delta Regional Authority assistance, and an emergency subfund that becomes available through limited fiscal administration. Chris Province of the Legislative Auditor’s Office explained that the system had received F grades from 2022 through 2025, that the city entered joint receivership in 2024, and that the governor declared a public health emergency in February 2025. He said the city adopted a resolution in April 2026 to enter limited fiscal administration, which was the basis for the committee’s action. Governor’s office staff and the mayor supported the request, saying the state partnership had improved water quality and that the limited administrator would help secure additional funding and move the project toward completion over roughly 24 months. Two residents spoke in opposition. One argued that Tallulah had recently elected a new council and that the committee should wait for new local leadership. Another said the state had mismanaged the project, questioned the use of funds and contracts, and argued that the city should receive the full amount of promised state funding without deductions. Committee members said the legal standard was met by the system’s failing grade and the emergency conditions, and they emphasized that the limited fiscal administrator would control only the water system finances. A motion to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the Tallulah water system was made, seconded, and passed, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• While the cost of housing in Minnesota continues to rise, whether it be for home ownership or for rental
• cost of housing in Minnesota continues cost of housing in Minnesota continues to<00:01:31.360>
• However, uh I'm going to be continuing However, uh I'm going to be continuing to<00:05:12.720>
• That's why it's so important that<00:07:11.280> we<00:07:11.520> continue<00:07:11.840>
• the cause of working as that we continue the cause of working as hard<00:07:14.000> as<00:07:

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on Minnesota’s affordable housing and workforce homeownership development program, which aims to increase the supply of owner-occupied single-family and multifamily housing. The senator said his connection to the issue comes from his background as a real estate agent and his role as the Republican lead on the Senate housing committee, and he framed the goal as making homeownership more affordable across the state. Asked about the annual report, he said it showed some progress, including 123 homes built through the program, but argued that the number was far too small to address Minnesota’s broader housing shortage or rising costs. He said housing prices are climbing for both renters and buyers, and that government funding alone cannot solve the problem. The senator attributed much of the affordability problem to government regulation, including permitting delays and building code requirements, which he said make homes in Minnesota $50,000 to $150,000 more expensive than comparable homes in neighboring states. He said the state should roll back regulatory barriers so the free market can increase supply and lower prices, and he emphasized that homeownership is important for family stability, education, work, and preserving the American dream. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the exchange.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to to continue to work on.
• Um finding continue to work.
• <01:35:29.840> Most workers continues to thrive. Most workers continues to thrive.
• We'll continue to do so.
• We'll continue to do so.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, I continue to be concerned about sharing data with out-of-state non-governmental entities
• The Senate will continue working with the Assembly and the administration to improve The Senate will
• continue working with the Assembly and the administration to improve privacy and security within the
• to work on and advocate as we continue this process.
• And we look forward to continuing the process and hopefully making progress for people, which is why

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation met with a quorum present and took up a vote-only agenda. After public comment, including testimony from Edward Hasbrook of the Identity Project opposing the DMV state-to-state Real ID proposal and related data-sharing concerns, the committee moved through multiple blocks of budget items in Parts A, B, and C covering labor, public safety and judiciary, and transportation. Staff recommendations were adopted on each set of issues, with several roll calls passing unanimously and others passing with one no vote or one member not voting. Before adjournment, members highlighted issues they want to continue pursuing in negotiations for the final budget. The chair raised concerns about the Real ID state-to-state system, privacy, and sharing Californians’ driver data, and also urged continued support for rehabilitation programming and expansion of the wildfire mitigation grant program. Senator Durazo emphasized the need for funding for justice-system programs, trauma recovery centers, public defenders, CDCR-based community programming, and more sustained workforce training investments. Senator Seyarto focused on transportation funding for inland regions, court capacity and Prop. 36 implementation, and workforce development tied to business attraction and changing labor needs. The chair thanked the consultants, sergeants, administration staff, and public participants, and asked members to submit additional comments in writing so they can be reflected in the record and considered in ongoing budget negotiations. The subcommittee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, Minit may have less capacity to continue advancing the transformative leadership goals of the
• With you, and I look forward to continued partnership throughout the remainder of the budget process.
• We see a number of areas where we'd like to continue conversations as we work towards an enacted state
• Operations continue to be underfunded in the bill.
• Having that dedicated source of revenue would be really impactful in being able to continue to bring

Bills: HF2783

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• I was paying rent for three months, but I could not continue to pay, and I know I could not continue
• So we'll continue? Yeah, continue. Okay.
• Winthrop will continue to say no.
• Continuing online, David Serrano. Hi, I'm here.
• Continuing online: Joanna Whitney. I apologize. I should trust my new. Let's continue.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a long public hearing focused mainly on two sets of issues: proposals to amend or repeal the MBTA Communities Act, and bills to allow local rent stabilization. Committee chairs opened by explaining the hearing would be tightly managed because of the very large number of speakers, with testimony limited to two minutes per person and written testimony still accepted by email. Members and witnesses were called in a mix of in-person and virtual order throughout the hearing. On the MBTA Communities Act, several legislators and local officials argued the law is too rigid and should be revised to account for local conditions. Speakers from small, rural, or infrastructure-limited communities such as Hanson, Halifax, Marshfield, Winthrop, Dracut, Carver, Rehoboth, and others said the law’s one-size-fits-all approach does not fit towns with limited water, sewer, transit access, or buildable land. Some filed bills would repeal the law, exempt certain communities, or create appeals processes based on infrastructure, environmental, or historical constraints. Supporters of the law’s changes emphasized local control and the need to avoid forcing development where communities believe it is impractical or inconsistent with town character. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to rent stabilization legislation, especially S. 1447 and related House bills. Supporters included legislators, city councilors, tenant advocates, labor leaders, housing nonprofits, public health organizations, and residents who described sharp rent increases, displacement, homelessness risk, and the strain on working families, seniors, students, and people with disabilities. They argued local-option rent stabilization would let municipalities cap excessive increases and prevent no-fault evictions while preserving flexibility for local conditions. Opponents, including small landlords and property owners, said rent control would discourage investment, worsen housing quality, burden responsible owners, and drive small landlords out of the market. Some witnesses also supported a Cape Cod/Island transfer fee bill and a suburban infrastructure fund, arguing those would provide local revenue for housing or roads. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• more doable and we'll be continuing more doable and we'll be continuing those<00:32:03.840> conversations
• I really hope we can continue the conversation on how we protect our schools.
• I really hope we can continue the conversation on how we protect our schools.
• I really hope we can continue the conversation on how we protect our schools.
• :17.840> conversations continue to have these conversations continue to have these conversations

Bills: HF4893

Keywords: education finance, student support, aid allowances, appropriation, school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:54:30.720> to uh blocking this just continues to uh blocking this just continues to uh
• weakens local access and continuity. weakens local access and continuity.
• lose choice, wait lists grow, continuity lose choice, wait lists grow, continuity of<01:03:59.920
• financially stable so they can continue financially stable so they can continue providing<01:34:
• particular section but I will continue particular section but I will continue to<01:51:59.200>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then as far as family the uh continue to creep up uh every two years continue to creep up uh every
• Um and they can continue to dealer.
• You may continue. Thank you.
• the demand is going to need to continue the demand is going to need to continue to<00:30:50.799>
• you can continue you can continue oh<00:44:10.800> Senator<00:44:11.280> Jcowski oh

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um requirements um under the continuing um requirements um under the continuing education<00:04:
• 39.759> continuing<00:04:40.240> education education continuing education education continuing
• <00:04:54.080> education take their entire continuing education take their entire continuing
• about here that we're going to continue about here that we're going to continue to<00:52:18.960>
• <01:08:41.279> to growing concern about continuing to growing concern about continuing to

Bills: HF357, HF3389, HF1434, HF2500, HF1606

Keywords: HF357, hasenpfeffer, card games, social skill game, Minnesota gambling law, tournament, contest, prize limit, low-stakes gaming, card game exemption, gambling exemption, cribbage, bridge, euchre, pinochle, Texas hold'em, whist, skat, sheepshead, gin

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll still continue to work on date. We'll still continue to work on that. that. that.
• Um, continue to work with many of you.
• <01:04:12.000> to forward uh with a with continuing to forward uh with a with continuing to
• <01:10:37.760> continuing point that we are continuing continuing point that we are continuing
• > reach<01:12:53.679> synchronous continuation of the reach synchronous continuation of

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard a budget presentation from a charter-school authorizer agency. Witnesses explained that the agency no longer receives the federal CSP grant, that a one-time $499,000 equipment grant was not recurring, and that in FY25 they also had no general fund appropriation. They said their special-fund revenue has grown but is not enough to sustain operations alone, especially because the money arrives once a year and the agency needs a cash balance in advance. Their budget request sought a mix of general and special funds, but the legislative budget recommendation stayed near the FY26 appropriation level. Members asked about salary growth and contractual spending; the agency said higher salaries reflected doctorate-level staff and a planned sixth position, while contractual costs covered technical assistance, consultants, CPA reviews, and outside legal support. The agency also said a pending bill, identified as House Bill 2, could significantly affect its operations and revenue. Members asked about Republic, and the agency said a peer report had just been released, the school had made operational changes, and progress was being made though questions remained. The Library Commission then presented its budget request. The outgoing director announced retirement and introduced the incoming director, and praised the agency’s recent federal and state audits with no findings. The commission asked to restore two headcount reductions in the budget recommendation, saying the positions were hard to fill because they require specialized librarianship credentials and that losing them would cost about $130,000. It also asked to restore federal spending authority in case IMLS funding became uncertain, and requested about $173,000 for a 5% salary progression pool because turnover had reached 35% and many employees were near the start step. Senators asked about the open positions and turnover; the commission said one position had been open 10 months, another about eight months, and some turnover was due to retirements. Mississippi Public Broadcasting then presented its request for an $18.153 million appropriation. The agency said it wanted salary progressions to retain staff, four new vehicles for engineering and transmitter work, and $522,000 in reappropriated digitization funds to continue a project that has digitized more than half its library holdings for online access. The director also highlighted programming and outreach, including a new food-focused show, a music program, live coverage of the National Folk Festival, a Medgar Evers documentary now in national distribution, and expanded radio programming. He said MPB reaches nearly 1 million TV viewers annually, has strong radio and app usage, and continues to provide required weather, Silver Alert, and Amber Alert notifications. He also described a partnership with the Department of Education using e-glass technology to connect teachers to classrooms lacking instructors, saying the program is already serving multiple districts and drawing national interest.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alternatively, continued growth in equity values could continue to support consumption and so present
• We need to chaos is going to continue.
• > over know, the continuing issue over know, the continuing issue over long-term<01:13:18.560>
• <01:15:03.360> that yes investigations will continue that yes investigations will continue
• We need to continue doing work fraud.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Adams and I obviously continue Senator Adams and I obviously continue to<00:59:03.839>
• People continue to work together, and we will continue to be collaborative.
• continue to work on and do those things. continue to work on and do those things.
• <01:20:52.640> I and are continuing to grow more. I and are continuing to grow more.
• > be<01:21:05.840> accountable, continue to want to be accountable, continue to want to be

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met and approved the minutes from its August 27 meeting. It then received a presentation from Katherine Castanza of the National Conference of State Legislators on the Medicaid provisions in the 2025 budget reconciliation bill, referred to as HR1. She explained that the bill is estimated by CBO to save the federal government $911 billion over 10 years, with more than 20 Medicaid-specific provisions, most of the savings concentrated in five policies and largely backloaded into 2030-2034. She emphasized that the bill’s effects will vary by state, but that expansion states and hospitals are expected to be most affected, in part because of changes to eligibility, provider taxes, and state-directed payments. Castanza highlighted several new funding and flexibility provisions, including a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund for 2026-2030 and a new home- and community-based services waiver option effective July 1, 2028, with $100 million in grants in fiscal year 2027. She also outlined major eligibility changes for Medicaid expansion adults: work or community engagement requirements effective January 1, 2027; twice-yearly redeterminations for the expansion population effective the same date; and new cost sharing for certain expansion adults effective October 1, 2028. She noted that Kentucky, as an expansion state, would be subject to these changes and that state agencies would face significant implementation demands, especially because federal guidance and timelines are tight. A substantial portion of the presentation focused on financing changes. Castanza described new limits on provider taxes, including a 0% safe harbor for new taxes and a phased reduction for existing taxes in expansion states beginning in 2028, while nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities are exempt from the reduction if already taxed. She also explained that state-directed payments will be capped and phased down over time, with existing arrangements grandfathered only briefly; she said Kentucky has 11 approved state-directed payments and could see significant fiscal effects. She added that the bill also bars Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood or similarly situated providers for one year, changes immigrant eligibility rules effective October 1, 2026, lowers the federal match for certain emergency services, and expands the scope of the federal erroneous payment recoupment provision effective October 1, 2029. Throughout, she stressed that federal savings may translate into state cost shifts and that implementation timing will be critical.

Transcript Highlights:

• Helping us to stabilize pay our staff a fair wage and continue serving our communities.
• <00:54:30.599> to scholarships program which continued to scholarships program which continued
• Wun for continuing to be an advocate and champion for this issue.
• we had today, continuing to hear from providers like we did earlier, and really making sure that we continue
• we had today, continuing to hear from providers like we did earlier, and really making sure that we continue

Bills: HF1367, HF2732, HF1897, HF1424, HF1383, HF2728, HF2863, HF1685, HF2929

Keywords: child maltreatment, child abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, labor trafficking, human trafficking, child protection, local welfare agency, county social services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, judicial review, district court appeal, venue, out-of-state abuse, cross-border investigation, Minnesota child welfare, family assessment, maltreatment determination

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:37.480> uh proposal and uh you your continued uh proposal and uh you your continued
• You can continue making those phone calls.
• You can continue making those phone calls.
• You can continue making those phone calls.
• side of the table has comp continuously side of the table has comp continuously blamed<01:12:46.600

Keywords: 1183, house