Transcript Highlights:

• The Council currently has three committees: policy research, project and policy implementation, and community
• creation and implementation.
• in education policy.
• This bill was heard in the Education Policy Committee.
• The Education Policy Committee.

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• We also create and maintain an investment policy consistent with Oklahoma constitutional mandates.
• For FY2026, we set a realistic target of 800 scholarships as the program is fully implemented.
• We have a figure on what it costs us to implement things like citizenship exams for teachers.
• It's a great question because those tests were implemented by the state department.
• Do you all have any preliminary looks at or effectiveness implementation?

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will implement this.
• We don't have a particular, I would say, design implemented.
• It is not our intent to implement this on July 1st, for example.
• Work on implementing this. And, you know, we have Sarah up here.
• It would just still be tied to the policy that's in 1425.

Bills: SB2015

Keywords: corrections, rehabilitation, prison budget, department of corrections, adult services, youth services, correctional facilities, Heart River correctional center, Missouri River correctional center, James River correctional center, minimum security facility, county jails, regional jails, deferred maintenance, capital construction, strategic investment and improvements fund, Bank of North Dakota, line of credit, tasers, body cameras

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Human Resources division met with a quorum and spent much of the meeting on a proposed “medical home” concept for people with significant disabilities and medical needs. Matt Schwartz described the need for small, community-based homes so adults like his daughter could live in a least-restrictive setting without losing housing if service providers change. Architect Jeff Eubel presented a conceptual budget for one roughly 5,000-square-foot facility for four residents, explaining that the design would likely include four large sleeping units, common space, support areas, and medical infrastructure such as emergency power, oxygen, sprinklers, and accessibility features. Committee members and George Sink, joining by phone, raised questions about layout, zoning, ownership, staffing, and whether families would actually move loved ones into such facilities if they were far from home. The department said the concept was not in the governor’s budget and identified staff who could continue discussions; the committee did not take final action and instead discussed refining the language with interested members. The committee then turned to amendments related to long-term care and behavioral health funding. One amendment would reduce a planned $4 million general fund incentive payment and instead create a withhold-based quality program for nursing facilities, to be developed collaboratively by the department and providers and reported to Legislative Management by September 2026. The department said it could live with the language but preferred the governor’s timing; several senators questioned whether the committee should be directing an operational policy change and whether the study would simply delay implementation. No vote was taken, and the amendment was set aside for later consideration. A second amendment would clarify use of an existing $2 million general fund item for behavioral health services in nursing homes and basic care facilities, directing it toward training, technical assistance, consultation, and direct patient care for residents with medically based behavioral health disorders. Members noted the funding was already in the bill and discussed it in the context of other budget items, but again deferred action. The committee also clarified that a separate $750,000 juvenile justice diversion appropriation in House Bill 1425 was distinct from a similar amount in the budget and should likely remain in that separate bill. The chair indicated a goal of having amendments ready by the end of the week, and the committee recessed without final votes on the discussed items.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are no longer an outlier and made great progress by implementing weapon screening this session, but
• And ACAS provided several recommendations in our most recent annual report for bonding, a policy, and
• and made great progress by implementing and made great progress by implementing weapon<00:02:38.320
• bonding, a policy, and budget changes. bonding, a policy, and budget changes.
• <00:03:50.000> this challenging task of implementing this challenging task of implementing

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met on April 20, 2026, with a quorum present and adopted the January 13, 2026 minutes. The chair thanked the State Patrol, sergeants-at-arms, and capital security officers for their work during the session, and noted that the committee’s earlier recommendations were reflected in Governor’s Executive Order 2602, including weapon screening at the State Capitol. The chair also said the committee’s annual report included recommendations for bonding, policy, and budget changes, and expressed hope the legislature would act on them. Department of Public Safety and State Patrol officials reported that implementation of weapon screening had gone well overall and said they were continuing to gather feedback for improvements. Colonel Bogayevich said that since the start of session, 121,598 people had been screened at the Capitol’s entrances, 548 permits were verified, and 52 prohibited items were turned away. Examples of prohibited items included knives, a camping/marshmallow skewer, and a screwdriver; no firearms were found in the Capitol building. She also said the busiest day produced a wait of about 15 to 17 minutes, and that staffing was adjusted to handle larger groups such as school tours. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms reported that 49,277 people had come through Senate screening as of the previous Friday, including 196 concealed carry permits, and that 2,359 people had entered the West Gallery to observe Senate proceedings. He also said some Senate building access doors had been reduced to direct traffic and that an audit of key card access had begun. The House Deputy Chief Sergeant-at-Arms reported about 1,400 people had been screened for the House gallery, and noted that an NCSL visitor from Oregon would shadow House security staff to learn from Minnesota’s approach. Members from both bodies praised the professionalism of security staff and said the added trooper presence made members and the public feel safer. No members of the public signed up to testify, so the public comment period closed without testimony. The meeting adjourned after the chair reiterated that the goal of the security measures was to allow visitors, members, and public servants to participate safely.

Transcript Highlights:

• in a policy this is more of a policy in a policy this is more of a policy year<00:02:30.800>
• policy, that can be obstacles or opportunities.
• Then we support with technical assistance and implementation at the program and project level.
• > um<00:14:21.040> can policy administrative policy that um can policy administrative policy
• at the program and implementation at the program and project<00:14:30.320> level.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I got to talk with her, look at her resume, and she is community-oriented and interested in policy making
• So a lot of things have already started to be implemented at the school level.
• We're going to let local school districts implement this however they see fit.
• So, over the course of the past decade, those two policy decisions combined.
• And I would say in In fact, I wish the implementation date was next school year.

Bills: HB4420, HB3974, HB3016, HB3062, HB3021, HB3145, HB4128, HB3131, HB3015, HB3472, HB3453, HB1638, HB4126, HB2696, HB2710, HB3552, HB3031, HB3544, HB3521, HB4490, HB4488, HB1746, HJR1069, HB4428, HB4429, HB1170, HB3538, HB4124, HB3904, HB4106, HB2999, HB3982, HJR1077, HB3464, HB2588, HB3462, HB4440, HB3674, HB3345, HJR1067, HB4326, HB4331, HB4337, HB4338, HB4359, HB4392, HB3557, HJR1076, HB4003, HB3495, HB3497, HB3501, HB3505, HB3749, HB3011, HB4336, HB4346, HJR1087, HB3240, HB3647, HB3796, HB3969, HB3972, HB3983, HB3984, HB3989, HB3383, HB3130, HB4358, HB3327, HJR1055, HB3386, HJR1089, HB3087, HB2970, HB3314, HB4129, HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• it to implement that policy, and the READ Act as an example of that.
• it to implement that policy, and the READ Act as an example of that.
• it to implement that policy, and the READ Act as an example of that.
• it to implement that policy, and the READ Act as an example of that.
• :33.760> and behind it to implement that policy and behind it to implement that policy and the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, we see a generational shift occurring in American domestic and foreign policy.
• The days of endless discussion are over in U.S. foreign policy.
• Chairman, we must restore commercial statecraft as a pillar of our foreign policy.
• We're going to disagree about a lot in the foreign-policy space.
• So, I had to implement the President's Executive Order on Schedule F.

Transcript Highlights:

• Muratsuchi, and the implementation of ethnic studies.
• $250 million to implement ethnic studies.
• Implementing ethnic studies if they weren't previously prepared for that.
• Panel number two is public policy.
• We ask that you continue to strengthen and protect policy...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Justin Howard, I'm the Deputy Secretary of the Fiscal Policy and Administration of the California
• Why is GovOps moving in the space of education policy?
• I would say GovOps isn't necessarily doing education policy.
• policy. workforce strategy.
• In particular, the Workforce Development Board oversees statewide workforce policy.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a fundamental policy shift with serious consequences. Please vote no.
• Policies should be guided by evidence, not assumptions.
• It's about patient safety, legal clarity, and responsible workforce policy.
• To say that they're going to implement these practices.
• or will implement.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the community has no faith that the health department is going to delay implementation until the
• But a March 1 implementation date doesn't allow case managers enough time to navigate these systems and
• And it requires the EDs to conduct training on policies and procedures for staff to understand how to
• The policy change in CS-SB-96. Thank you. From the bill and makes a corresponding title amendment.
• The policy change in CS/SB 96 remains intact.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public comment on several health and human services funding concerns before moving through a series of bills. Testimony at the start focused on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, with a client warning that proposed changes to eligibility and drug access could disrupt care for thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS, and urging the Legislature to intervene. Another speaker asked for support for the iBudget waiver, saying provider costs have risen and requesting about a 7% increase for direct support professionals to help stabilize the developmental disabilities workforce. The committee then unanimously reported favorably several bills. SB 428 expanded Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7, based on drowning-prevention recommendations. SB 68 required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligned reporting dates with the House version. SB 1718 changed the definition of when an adult visitor in an out-of-home placement becomes a non-visitor, reducing repeated background checks, made the Step Into Success pilot permanent, adjusted foster youth stipends, and created a best-practices program within the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. The committee also approved SB 606, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials provided to new parents and requires hospitals and birthing centers to document compliance; members highlighted bathtub drownings as a key concern. SB 96 expanded eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program to veterans up to 400% of the federal poverty level, while an amendment removed the bill’s specific appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process. SB 340 required nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before taking the NCLEX. SB 1480 created a grandfathering process for certain health care providers in federally designated areas of critical need if an area is de-designated, to avoid disrupting patient-provider relationships. All bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• policy chairs, Rep. Jordan, Rep. policy chairs, Rep. Jordan, Rep.
• <00:01:35.759> removed<00:01:36.159> some policy bills and that removed some policy
• <00:14:10.000> language department's extensive policy language department's extensive policy
• educational improvement implementation educational improvement implementation support<00:21:04.400
• Um talked about the education policy bill talked about the education policy bill last<01:50:32.320>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the government relations and policy the government relations and policy director<00:54:08.400>
• I have a public policy background in nuclear weapons policy and worked in Washington for many years on
• Minnesota has had bipartisan policy Minnesota has had bipartisan policy consensus<01:03:02.559><
• <01:03:25.000> that above Minnesota Energy policy that above Minnesota Energy policy that
• will be burnt after the implementation will be burnt after the implementation of<01:20:43.639>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• policy policy um<00:04:29.280> and<00:04:29.440> systems<00:04:29.840> manual,<
• In fact, every time there is a federal policy change or a state policy change, it takes a number of years
• federal policy change or a state policy federal policy change or a state policy change,<00:25:22.400
• implement as as necessary. implement as as necessary. Chair<00:50:10.880> West.
• This is the OIG general policy bill. I want to be really clear this is policy only.

Bills: HF4525, HF3002, HF3665, HF4420

Keywords: human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• We actually were trying to go straight to implementation, as I imagine it sounds like you were, and it
• AB 2346 implements targeted and practical solutions such as, but not limited to: 1.
• I can't stress enough that whatever we can do to strengthen policy, I think, is desperately important
• He said that it is premature to act on policy, but he respects the witness's opinion.
• this ban... ...and we had a council member from Carlsbad who said they have implemented this ban.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How have these funds been implemented and used for these purposes?
• How have these funds been implemented and used for these purposes?
• And next we have Health Policy Commission, HPC.
• I’m the Chief of Staff for the Health Policy Commission.
• committed to implementing over the next year.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard budget testimony from Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle, who said DMH serves about 29,000 people and is facing rising demand, higher operating costs, and uncertainty about federal funding. She explained that the FY26 budget prioritizes fully funding the state-operated inpatient system, which is at 100% occupancy and often serves people transferred from Bridgewater State Hospital, while making reductions in other areas to balance the budget. Those reductions include a 50% cut to case managers, a pause on closing the Pocasset unit pending a working group on Cape access, and changes to youth and contracted services such as right-sizing IRTP and CIRT, reducing Youth PACT from seven teams to three, scaling back flex and jail diversion grants as ARPA funds wind down, and preserving the behavioral health helpline and community-based crisis services. Members from Western Massachusetts and the Cape raised concerns about access, staffing, and the impact of cuts, and Doyle said the department would continue operating IRTP services, improve the referral process, and work with stakeholders on the Pocasset review and other access issues. The committee also discussed school-based mental health, 988, loan forgiveness for workforce recruitment, and the role of co-response programs for law enforcement. Secretary Robin Lipson then testified for the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, describing a proposed FY26 budget increase of about 21% to support councils on aging, home care, elder abuse investigations, caregiver support, care transitions, and nutrition programs. She said the agency is managing rising demand, especially from the growing 80-plus population, and noted uncertainty around federal Older Americans Act funding after the federal disbursement agency was disbanded. To control costs, the office will manage intake and caseload growth in a fully state-funded home care program, but current clients will not lose services. Lipson also highlighted a new $1 million line item for local mini-grants to support age-friendly initiatives. In questions, members focused on elder scams, and Lipson said scams are increasing and the agency is working with banks, district attorneys, and public awareness campaigns. The Health Policy Commission’s Executive Director David Seltz presented the agency’s FY26 request and said the biggest challenge is health care affordability, with family premiums near $29,000 annually and many residents delaying care because of cost. He emphasized that recent legislation significantly expands HPC’s role through a new Office of Pharmaceutical Policy and Analysis, which will examine the drug supply chain and pricing, and a new Office of Health Resource Planning, which will support statewide planning around closures and access gaps. The new law also creates task forces on maternal health access and primary care, and adds transparency and oversight for private equity in health care. Members asked about pharmaceutical costs, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, 340B, and maternal health closures; Seltz said the data show rapid growth in GLP-1 spending and that the new offices will help the state better understand cost drivers and access problems. The Center for Health Information and Analysis then began its testimony, describing its role as the state’s data hub for health care spending, utilization, quality, and affordability analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• The cap and invest program is an important part of the state's portfolio of policies...
• Let me repeat that: climate policy without affordability is not sustainable.
• And climate policy that ignores leakage is not environmental leadership.
• My name is Chloe Ames, and I am a policy advisor with NextGen California.
• We work on carbon dioxide removal and industrial decarbonization policies.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Environmental Quality Committee and Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 held a joint hearing on CARB’s proposed amendments to the cap-and-invest regulations. Opening remarks from senators emphasized the 2025 reauthorization of the program through AB 1207 and SB 840, and focused on whether CARB’s April revisions faithfully implement legislative intent while balancing climate ambition, affordability, leakage prevention, and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). Several senators raised concerns that the proposal could reduce GGRF revenues, weaken funding for transit, affordable housing, wildfire prevention, drinking water, and other community programs, and shift too much support toward industry. Others stressed the need to protect businesses and consumers from higher costs and to avoid leakage and refinery closures. Senator Cortese’s statement, read into the record, warned that the proposal could jeopardize transportation funding commitments. CARB Chair Lauren Sanchez said the amendments respond to legislative direction and public comment, and described four main changes: increased electric bill credits, a larger manufacturing decarbonization incentive (MDI), additional compliance support for industry, and removal of post-2030 allowance allocations from the current rulemaking. She said the proposal keeps the cap aligned with 2030 and 2045 targets, maintains affordability protections, and is intended to reduce emissions while minimizing leakage and supporting in-state jobs. CARB staff also said the MDI would have guardrails, require applications and reporting, and be tied to emissions-reducing facility upgrades. The Department of Finance explained that GGRF revenue estimates are highly uncertain and are updated periodically based on auction data. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the amendments are significant and could materially affect environmental ambition, industry support, utility credits, and GGRF revenues. LAO highlighted that the MDI could add allowances above the cap, potentially reducing certainty that 2030 targets will be met, and noted that the proposal appears to shift more allowances to industry and fewer to GGRF than current regulations. LAO also said the proposed GGRF estimate of about $8 billion through the decade could be insufficient to fully fund lower-priority tiers of programs. In questioning, senators pressed CARB on whether the proposal would raise consumer costs, whether free allowances or MDI funds would actually lower prices at the pump, how leakage is measured, and whether the Legislature’s budget assumptions would need to be revised before final action. No votes were taken during the hearing; the discussion was informational and focused on questioning CARB and fiscal staff ahead of the board’s planned May 28 consideration of the amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• going to go through on the policy bill on Thursday.
• I'm told that this is part of the policy bill. So I was wondering, Mr.
• I brought this amendment today because I was told that our policy bill, our health policy bill, which
• on the implementation date.
• A legislator that hid legislation, that hid controversial policies...

Transcript Highlights:

• Pencil to paper on, like, implementation?
• What's the phase implementation process?
• Can we really make policy off of that?
• We should just have that as a national policy.
• Or make a policy of that.

Keywords: 1184, house, all