Transcript Highlights:

• :10.400> to<00:42:10.560> where<00:42:10.720> we<00:42:10.880> need<00:42
• <00:42:17.920> And<00:42:18.160> you<00:42:18.400> did<00:42:18.560> have
• I sat<00:42:22.560> on<00:42:22.800> the<00:42:22.960> commission<00:42:23.280><
• <00:42:46.000> And<00:42:46.160> just<00:42:46.240> a<00:42:46.400> quick
• 42:25.520> us<01:42:25.840> that<01:42:26.159> if<01:42:26.320> we<01:42:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:42:37.280> uh<00:42:37.359> the<00:42:37.599> bill<00:42:37.839> as<00
• um<00:42:40.800> uh<00:42:41.280> putting<00:42:41.520> in<00:42:41.760>
• Uh I think<00:42:48.880> we<00:42:49.280> all<00:42:49.520> have<00:42:50.160>
• /c><00:42:51.359> safety<00:42:51.680> side,<00:42:51.839> but<00:42:51.839>
• those<00:42:52.319> of<00:42:52.400> you<00:42:52.480> in<00:42:52.640> the<

Bills: HF2233, HF1999, HF1995, HF1614, HF2781, HF1775, HF1316, HF2127, HF2521, HF689, HF2380, HF1273

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:42:12.560> mean<00:42:12.800> that<00:42:13.119> does<00:42:13.280> make
• c><00:42:13.440> it<00:42:13.599> a<00:42:13.760> more and that I mean that does
• > but<00:42:14.800> that's<00:42:15.280> um<00:42:15.440> not<00:42:15.680
• that's uh<00:42:20.079> religiously<00:42:20.720> or<00:42:20.880> politically
• <00:42:22.160> in<00:42:22.319> fact<00:42:22.800> going<00:42:22.880> to

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first recessed for a subcommittee meeting on HB 313, which concerned an open-meetings-related issue. In the subcommittee, members discussed concerns that the bill might be unnecessary because current law already allows a person to request an open meeting in advance; the subcommittee then voted ITL on HB 313 by voice vote and closed its work session. The full Judiciary Committee then reconvened and took up CACR 6, the proposed constitutional amendment on a “right to compute,” with members debating whether the language was too broad and could create unintended consequences. Supporters framed it as a forward-looking protection for computation resources and strong encryption, while opponents said it was too open-ended and better addressed by future legislation. The committee voted ITL on CACR 6 by a 17-0 roll call. The committee next turned to HB 232, as amended, concerning the rights of conscience for medical professionals. The amendment narrowed the bill to abortion-related objections, removed sterilization and artificial contraception, aligned the abortion definition with existing state law, and reduced damages from treble damages to actual damages. Supporters said the bill would protect conscience rights, give physicians and patients more choice, and could help attract providers to New Hampshire. Opponents argued it was overly broad, unclear in key definitions, and could interfere with employers’ ability to assign staff, especially in rural health settings. Members also raised concerns about the bill’s scope and enforcement, including the broad definition of “participate,” the lack of clarity around exceptions for providers whose services include abortion as a “major part,” emergency determinations, and the inclusion of nursing homes in the definition of health care institution. Some members argued the bill singled out abortion while other controversial medical procedures were not treated similarly, and others criticized the minimum-damages provision as potentially punitive and designed to deter participation. The discussion continued without a final vote shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 42:28.720> it's<00:42:28.880> going<00:42:28.960> to<00:42:29.119> make<00
• .<00:42:29.760> And<00:42:29.920> then<00:42:30.480> if<00:42:30.720> we<
• 33.599> that<00:42:33.760> at<00:42:34.000> some<00:42:34.160> other<00:42
• The second<00:42:35.839> is<00:42:36.240> to<00:42:36.880> look<00:42:37.040>
• The bill is<01:42:00.639> on<01:42:00.800> its<01:42:01.040> way<01:42:01.119>

Bills: HF3874, HF3875, HF3378

Keywords: judicial funding, Chief Justice security, fiscal year 2028, court system, judicial branch, judiciary, court notices, restitution, child protection, publication process, human services, Optum reports, data privacy, transparency, legislative oversight, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Judicial Branch on House File 3874, which was laid over for possible inclusion in a finance bill. State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba and Chief Judge Michael Fritz testified in support of a supplemental funding request focused on judicial branch safety and security, along with funding to cover the employer share of Minnesota Paid Leave costs. Shorba said the branch is seeking help because it did not receive funding for paid leave in the last session and is having to hold positions open to absorb the cost. The safety and security request included five parts: personal data protection for judges and court administrators, home security, two additional staff positions for threat assessment and coordination, security for the chief justice at public events, and a revived courthouse security grant program for counties. Testimony emphasized rising threats and incidents involving judges and court staff, including examples of doxing, home surveillance, and threats involving litigants, and cited increases in reported incidents, threats, and disturbances. Fritz said the branch’s current response system is stretched and that more law-enforcement-trained staff would improve coordination and response. Members questioned why the judicial branch should receive state funding for paid leave when private employers must absorb the cost, and Shorba responded that the branch was excluded from end-of-session funding decisions and that the mandate should be funded for all branches of government. Members also asked about the threat-response process and whether local law enforcement should be used more directly. Another concern raised was whether State Patrol troopers assigned to judicial security would have the training needed for criminal-code enforcement, and Shorba said the branch is discussing that issue with the State Patrol. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes,<01:42:57.600> I<01:42:57.760> had<01:42:57.920> a<01:42:58.080> problem<
• /c><01:42:58.400> with<01:42:58.719> the<01:42:59.040> I<01:42:59.520> I<
• > a<02:42:38.080> vote<02:42:38.319> of<02:42:38.640> 7<02:42:38.880>
• > House<02:42:45.920> Bill<02:42:46.319> 1027<02:42:47.760> is<02:42:48.080
• Do<02:42:50.640> I<02:42:50.800> have<02:42:50.880> a<02:42:51.200> further

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Municipal and County Government Committee met in executive session on February 17, 2026, to act on a series of bills. Early in the meeting, members agreed that they could consult the online submission summaries rather than have changing submission counts read aloud. The committee then took up House Bill 1386, which would have allowed citizens in a municipality to vote to require a financial audit of a local school district. Members opposing the bill argued that school districts already have audit authority and reporting requirements under existing law, and that the proposal was unnecessary and potentially burdensome. The committee voted 17-0 to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate, placing it on the consent calendar. The committee next considered House Bill 1181FN on public hearing notice requirements for zoning board of adjustment appeals. Members who opposed the bill said newspaper publication provides independent third-party verification and archival value, and that removing that requirement would weaken public notice. The committee voted 17-0 ITL and sent the bill to the consent calendar. It also voted 17-0 ITL on House Bill 1327, concerning the definition of commercially zoned land, largely because the sponsor was absent and members said they could not do due diligence without hearing from the sponsor. The committee then acted on House Bill 1473FN, concerning the use of agricultural fairground property, and House Bill 1147, concerning the use of capital reserve funds. In both cases, members cited the sponsor’s absence and the need for more information as reasons to recommend inexpedient to legislate; both votes were 17-0 and both bills were placed on the consent calendar. House Bill 1220, which would have allowed municipal governing bodies to review and approve school budgets, was also recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after members raised concerns about local control, legal conflicts between separate entities, and technical drafting problems. The committee recommended ought to pass on House Bill 118, which raises the amount of money municipal treasurers may hold before depositing it in the bank, with supporters saying the higher threshold would reduce unnecessary trips to the bank and improve efficiency. It also recommended ought to pass on House Bill 1151, a housekeeping bill correcting statutory references related to conservation commission appropriations, and it approved House Bill 1309 as amended after adopting Amendment 2026-0411H to clarify town meeting warrant language. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1385, prohibiting negative property tax rates in certain municipalities, and recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after testimony indicated the practice at issue had already ended and that a blanket prohibition could create problems for municipalities with excess revenues. The committee also began work on House Bill 1369, relating to posting warrants for special town meetings, and discussed an amendment to preserve newspaper notice while also allowing website posting where available.

Transcript Highlights:

• Am I correct that section two of your bill amends section 25 of the Education Code which currently states
• Section 2 of this bill does, but it is wild because is it correct that Section 2 will now allow government
• It's a thoughtfully put together section.
• Section two is not thoughtful at all.
• In fact, in section, uh, on page three, if you look at section 183.04, a covered entity may not collect

Bills: SB263, SB370, SB663, SB924, SB987, SB1939, SB1937, SB1598, SB2798, SB2801, SB2580, SB2569, SB2514, SB2064, SB1940, SB1621, SB2601, SB1379, SB1376, SB1372, SB1353, SB2216, SB2166, SB2148, SB535, SB777, SB827, SB1141, SB1330, SB1352, SB1664, SB1612, SB1862, SB1936, SB1453, SB1448, SB1398, SB2137, SB2111, SB53, SB226, SB1677, SB1723, SB1839, SCR8, SB31, SB33, SB3, SB1405, SB1948, SB243, SB20, SB217, SB264, SB269, SB650, SB681, SB528, SB502, SB740, SB916, SB995, SB2581, SB3031, SB24, SB2570, SB1566, SB552, SJR1, SB646, SB379, SB1171, SB1121, SB1120, SB1061, SB1036, SB1019, SB890, SB11, SB868, SB1188, SB1254, SB2778, SB2543, SB2443, SB1333, SB1259, SB1401, SB1404, SB2139, SB2165, SB2237, SB2268, SB1202, SB1198, SB1212, SB1451, SB1470, SB1498, SB965, SB1547, SB1667, SB1818, SB1902, SB2129, SB2078, SB2069, SB1737, SB1589, SB1318, SB387, SB1150, SB1574, SB2127, SB3034, SB860, SB1278, SB263, SB370, SB663, SB924, SB987, SB1939, SB1937, SB1598, SB2798, SB2801, SB2580, SB2569, SB2514, SB2064, SB1940, SB1621, SB2601, SB1379, SB1376, SB1372, SB1353, SB2216, SB2166, SB2148, SB535, SB777, SB827, SB1141, SB1330, SB1352, SB1664, SB1612, SB1862, SB1936, SB1453, SB1448, SB1398, SB2137, SB2111, SB53, SB226, SB1677, SB1723, SB1839, SCR5, SCR32, SCR8, HB3228, HB2802, HB45, HB1318, HB5560, HB2894, HB4344, HB4238, HB2775, HB34, HB33, HB 12, HB148, HB 130, HB4273, HB4850, HB2733, HB4783, SB1833

Keywords: SB 263, Texas franchise tax, cost of goods sold, COGS, broadcasters, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, media tax, broadcast license, FCC, 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 47 C.F.R. Part 74, film production, television production, tax deduction, margin tax, Texas Tax Code, depreciation, amortization, broadcast rights

Transcript Highlights:

• we<00:42:11.119> do<00:42:11.280> see<00:42:11.440> the<00:42:11.680>
• But<00:42:17.520> social<00:42:17.839> media<00:42:18.400> companies<00:42:
• > way<00:42:28.160> in<00:42:28.400> which<00:42:28.560> we<00:42:28.800>
• But<00:42:36.240> more<00:42:36.480> importantly,<00:42:37.119> we<00:42:37.359>
• And<00:42:44.480> so<00:42:44.720> as<00:42:44.960> we<00:42:45.200> talk

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 4138, a bill aimed at limiting harmful social media features for children and requiring parental involvement for minors using platforms in Minnesota. Early on, members reconsidered and then adopted the Smith amendment (A13) after first rejecting a narrower amendment to the amendment (A18) on a 67-67 tie. Representative Bonner then offered a technical amendment (A14) to address liability and drafting concerns, but withdrew it after saying it contained an unintended drafting error and could create legal problems, including issues around data collection and rulemaking. During third reading debate, supporters described the bill as a first step to protect children from addictive social media design, online exploitation, and harmful data practices. Representative Scott said the bill would require parental consent and limit addictive features for child accounts, while emphasizing that the consent language must be prominent and that the bill’s effective date would not begin until next July. Representative Enen, Representative Feist, Representative Greenman, and others backed the measure as a bipartisan effort to hold big tech accountable and protect kids, though Greenman also noted that the legislature had not shown the same willingness to confront gun violence. Opponents and skeptics raised concerns that the bill relies on parents understanding complex legal and technical terms, that it may not fully protect children, and that it could still leave gaps around liability and privacy. Representative Leeing questioned why the bill does not simply restrict addictive features for all children and asked about parental waivers and location tracking; Scott responded that the bill uses IP address information and does not specifically address liability waivers, but said the measure is a policy choice intended to empower parents. The debate ended with broad support from several members, and the bill was presented as likely to pass, though no final vote on the bill itself was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:18.160> So<00:42:18.800> uh<00:42:18.960> I<00:42:19.280> support<
• So uh I support this bill.<00:42:20.720> I<00:42:21.119> uh<00:42:21.280> I<00:42
• <00:42:24.160> I<00:42:24.319> know<00:42:24.400> the<00:42:24.640> profit
• <00:42:26.560> I<00:42:26.800> I<00:42:27.040> did<00:42:27.280> reach
• <01:42:04.320> amount<01:42:05.040> per<01:42:05.360> capita<01:42:06.320>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:42:08.120> now,<00:42:08.320> do<00:42:08.440> you<00:42:08.520> have
• > there's<00:42:11.160> a<00:42:11.520> We<00:42:11.760> had<00:42:11.960
• <00:42:15.440> So,<00:42:15.520> members<00:42:15.960> can<00:42:16.040>
• Representative<00:42:25.200> Craft,<00:42:25.600> thank<00:42:25.800> you<00:42:
• 42:29.440> the<00:42:29.520> time,<00:42:30.160> the<00:42:30.240> endless

Bills: HF4560, HF4559, HF2317, HF3179, HF4880, HF2862, HF4374

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:02.160> the<00:42:02.400> projects<00:42:02.720> that<00:42:03.040>
• > we<00:42:04.160> should<00:42:04.319> do<00:42:04.480> in<00:42:04.720>
• I'm not<00:42:08.000> I'm<00:42:08.160> not<00:42:08.319> saying<00:42:08.480>
• <00:42:14.240> What<00:42:14.400> would<00:42:14.560> it<00:42:14.720> be
• <00:42:17.440> Um<00:42:18.160> I<00:42:18.319> I<00:42:18.800> will<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:03.839> um<00:42:04.560> so<00:42:04.720> in<00:42:04.960> the
• c><00:42:07.680> little<00:42:07.760> simpler<00:42:08.079> way<00:42:08.240>
• :08.800> I<00:42:08.880> haven't<00:42:09.040> been<00:42:09.119> a<00:42
• ><00:42:10.240> the<00:42:10.319> way<00:42:10.480> I've<00:42:10.640> only
• 00:42:16.319> and<00:42:16.560> have<00:42:16.640> a<00:42:16.800> little

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved corrected minutes from October 6 after members noted and fixed several transcription and spelling errors, including a clarification that a comment about SAU numbers came from former Senator Jim Rubin. The vote to approve the corrected minutes was moved, seconded, and adopted with one abstention. The main presentation came from Chuck Bates of the New Hampshire Association of School Business Officials (ASBO), who described the organization, its certification program, and the role of school business administrators. He explained that ASBO members handle accounting and financial management, facilities, food service, HR, information systems, transportation, and risk management. He also outlined the certification program, which includes 21 courses, most online, plus four in-person workshops unique to New Hampshire, and noted that many members are not certified because the state licensure requirement was removed. Bates then addressed the committee’s interest in SAU consolidation and county-wide restructuring. He said business administrators often manage multiple budgets, attend school board meetings, and serve as a visible point of contact for the community. He argued that consolidation would create operational and financial challenges, including staff and facility relocation, differing accounting systems, lack of a standardized chart of accounts, and uncertain return on investment. He said the biggest obstacle would be local control, especially in small towns that do not want outside decisions affecting school closures, class sizes, or student transportation. Committee members questioned him about the distinction between administrative and academic control, the size of district offices in larger cities, and what might reduce administrative costs; Bates responded that many administrative costs stem from legislation and that consolidation would be difficult to implement without local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• as<00:42:32.880> they<00:42:33.119> tap<00:42:33.359> into<00:42:33.599> the
• But in order to<00:42:38.560> move<00:42:38.720> this<00:42:38.960> energy<00:42
• :39.280> from<00:42:39.440> the<00:42:39.599> well<00:42:39.920> pad<00:42
• Far<00:42:44.480> and<00:42:44.720> away,<00:42:45.119> the<00:42:45.359> best
• :47.280> from<00:42:47.520> point<00:42:47.760> A<00:42:48.000> to<00:42:

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, December 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:42:03.280> in<00:42:03.440> the<00:42:03.520> House<00:42:03.839> rules
• vote on introduction<00:42:08.880> of<00:42:09.040> a<00:42:09.280> bill<00:42:
• introduction<00:42:30.240> of<00:42:30.400> a<00:42:30.560> bill<00:42:30.800><
• <00:42:35.040> The<00:42:35.200> chief<00:42:35.440> clerk<00:42:35.599>
• Alamand,<00:42:39.359> Andrew,<00:42:40.720> Angelos,<00:42:41.839> Banks,<00:42

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:05.119> I<00:42:05.280> would<00:42:05.440> I<00:42:05.599> would<
• I would I would just<00:42:05.920> say<00:42:06.079> that<00:42:06.560> um<00:42
• :42:09.359> and<00:42:09.520> I<00:42:09.680> definitely<00:42:09.920> don't<
• > to<00:42:10.720> don't<00:42:10.960> want<00:42:11.119> to<00:42:11.440
• I<00:42:12.880> you<00:42:13.040> know<00:42:13.280> personally<00:42:13.760>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.200> which<00:42:01.440> is<00:42:01.520> why<00:42:01.680> we<00:42:
• 00:42:03.359> we're<00:42:03.520> going<00:42:03.680> to<00:42:03.760> have
• When you go<00:42:26.720> from<00:42:27.520> uh<00:42:27.760> 80%<00:42:28.400><
• c> to<00:42:28.720> 60%<00:42:29.680> to<00:42:29.920> terminate<00:42:30.319
• :55.839> get<00:42:56.079> back<00:42:56.319> to<00:42:56.560> the<00:42:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> is<00:42:23.280> guilty<00:42:23.599> of<00:42:23.760> a<00:42:23.920>
• <00:42:56.079> So<00:42:57.520> I<00:42:57.839> think<00:42:59.280> we
• <01:42:40.239> York<01:42:40.400> Times says<01:42:44.480> we<01:42:44.800><
• Murder.<01:42:52.320> Just<01:42:52.800> straight<01:42:53.119> up<01:42:53.440>
• Michelle<03:42:05.040> says,<03:42:05.520> I<03:42:05.760> quote,<03:42:06.720><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first adopted a conference committee report on House File 3426, a natural resources bill. Representative Jordan said the report largely reflected the House position, with changes including removal of the word “random” regarding DNR checks, clarification of minimum grant amount limits for trail maintenance and other projects, a two-year sunset on those caps, and repeal of obsolete language requiring DNR approval of ENRTF-funded acquisitions. Representative Heintzeman said the changes were technical and supported the bill. The motion prevailed, and the bill was given third reading. The House then concurred in Senate amendments to House File 4239, the campaign finance bill, and House File 4240, the elections bill. Representative Fryberg said HF 4239 addressed campaign disclaimers and privacy of addresses on campaign documents, with a compromise $10,000 security spending limit, authority for the Campaign Finance Board to dismiss frivolous complaints, and limits on sharing addresses with caucus leaders. HF 4240, the Secretary of State’s administrative bill, added an immediate effective date for a Three Rivers Park Commissioner disclosure requirement, removed an appropriation and related policy language, included amendments on special school district elections and betting on elections, and corrected a discrepancy with public safety language. Both bills were passed as amended by the Senate, with 118-15 and 127-6 votes respectively. The House also passed Senate File 3720, the workers’ compensation advisory council recommendations. Representatives Baker and Berg described bipartisan, unanimous council recommendations updating the workers’ compensation reinsurance process, allowing appellate judges to be assigned when needed, adding psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners as PTSD diagnosticians, updating attorney fee notice rules, increasing compensation for permanent partial disability, clarifying witness rules at employer medical exams, extending the time for employers to deny liability from 60 to 90 days, and correcting a prior error affecting DLI commissioner authority. The bill passed 132-1. Finally, Representative Long moved to suspend the rules to recall House File 5140, the comprehensive gun violence prevention package, from committee and bring it directly to passage. Long and Representative Greenman argued the Senate had already passed the bill and urged immediate action, citing the Annunciation shooting and other gun violence incidents. Representative Heintzeman raised concerns about the bill’s language, arguing a provision on protruding grips could make all handguns illegal and questioning other penalty provisions. Debate on the motion and bill continued, but no final vote on HF 5140 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:42:28.400> And<01:42:28.560> so<01:42:28.800> then<01:42:28.960> I
• <01:42:30.880> do<01:42:31.040> we<01:42:31.199> have<01:42:31.360> the
• It's<01:42:37.520> because<01:42:37.840> we're<01:42:38.159> not<01:42:38.560>
• 42.000> us<01:42:42.239> one<01:42:42.400> more<01:42:42.639> year,<01:42
• <01:42:44.560> Give<01:42:44.719> us<01:42:44.960> one<01:42:45.119> more

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:00.680> Chairman,<00:42:01.240> a<00:42:01.680> a<00:42:01.760> vote
• <00:42:02.320> of<00:42:02.680> up<00:42:02.880> or like, Mr.
• Chairman, a a vote of up or down.<00:42:03.560> So,<00:42:03.960> and<00:42:04.120>
• I<00:42:04.160> would<00:42:04.360> like<00:42:04.520> a<00:42:04.600> roll
• Ms.<00:42:07.480> Clark,<00:42:07.720> if<00:42:07.760> you'll<00:42:07.880>

Bills: SB1

Keywords: special primary election, redistricting, State Senate districts, federal court ruling, injunction, vacated order, election calendar, 2026 general election, 2026 primary election, runoff election, party nominee, Governor proclamation, Alabama elections, district boundaries, court-ordered redistricting, special election, nomination process, Secretary of State, election law, 923

Transcript Highlights:

• um<00:42:11.280> to<00:42:11.599> be<00:42:11.839> registered,<00:42:13.280>
• <00:42:15.040> will<00:42:15.440> require<00:42:16.000> the<00:42:16.319>
• <00:42:19.760> And<00:42:20.079> can<00:42:20.240> I<00:42:20.400> just
• <00:42:24.800> working<00:42:25.119> on<00:42:25.359> a<00:42:25.599> new
• :42:33.280> that<00:42:33.599> they<00:42:33.839> were<00:42:34.079> willing<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations met on February 24, 2026, with a quorum present and took up one bill, House Bill 470. The bill sponsor and supporters described it as a cleanup measure to House Bill 505 that would extend the deadline for peer support specialists in the substance use field to become registered, because the earlier regulations were not promulgated in time and employers and workers were left in limbo. Supporters said the bill includes an emergency clause to stabilize the workforce and creates a working group to recommend a more effective oversight structure, possibly a new board, by November 1. They argued the extension would preserve access to services, allow providers to continue billing for peer support, and give the state time to address regulatory backlogs and workforce shortages. Several supporters emphasized that peer support is a critical part of recovery services and that the current system needs better infrastructure, accountability, and uniform standards. They said the bill would help prevent fraud and abuse by tightening guardrails while allowing qualified peers to keep working. One supporter said the bill would close the door on higher-level billing abuses and that other Medicaid-related efforts were also underway to address improper billing practices. Another witness said the bill would allow people who completed certification to continue serving and would help providers retain staff and get reimbursed. Senator McDaniel raised concerns that the bill might simply extend the period during which abuse of the peer recovery model could continue, rather than fixing the underlying problems. In response, the sponsors said House Bill 505 already imposed tighter training requirements and that this bill only extends the registration deadline while other efforts, including managed care organization limits and broader Medicaid reforms, are addressing abuse. Senator Howell asked about barriers to registration, and witnesses said the problem was a mix of supply-demand issues, workload, and some applicants’ reluctance to take the test. Senator Berg supported the bill as necessary to ensure proper billing and accountability, while Senator Meredith said the committee was missing key information from the cabinet and suggested it may be premature to act without hearing from the agency. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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Bills: HF4234, HF3697, HF1183, HF4738

Keywords: HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund, Minnesota Statutes, time limit, claims, tax overpayment, taxation

Summary: The committee first adopted the April 14, 2026 minutes as amended, correcting a misspelling in the reference to Chair Davids. It then heard House File 4234, a tax-exempt bonding/affordable housing bill from Representative Rey Rower, and adopted a technical A1 amendment before laying the bill over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. The bill would conform Minnesota law to recent federal changes to low-income housing tax credit rules by lowering the amount of tax-exempt bonds needed for projects to qualify, with the stated goal of spreading bond allocations across more projects and increasing affordable housing production without additional state funds. Testimony in support came from the bill author, the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, and Mary Tingerthal, who said the change would increase efficiency in the use of federal bond authority and could raise the number of funded housing projects from about 16 to 25 per year, bringing in roughly $120 million more annually for housing. Members discussed where the benefits would be felt statewide, including greater Minnesota and larger metro areas, and the author said the bill would help address shortages in affordable and senior housing. The committee took no final vote on the bill, instead laying it over. The committee next heard House File 3697 from Vice Chair Norris, which would change Minnesota’s tax refund claim timelines to better align with federal law and most other states. The author and a tax attorney testifier said the bill would reduce confusion and help taxpayers, especially vulnerable individuals who may overpay or be overassessed and then miss the current deadline to seek refunds. The Department of Revenue said it had no concerns with the language and did not oppose the bill, and the committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Finally, the committee began hearing House File 4738 from Representative Keeler, a Safe Harbor funding proposal for victims of sex trafficking and sexually exploited youth. The author described Safe Harbor as a statewide program serving youth across Minnesota and said the committee should consider creative funding options, but Chair Davids stated the proposed funding source would not work because it would take money from women’s sports scholarships. Testifiers from Lake House in Duluth and a former Safe Harbor youth described the program’s impact on homeless and trafficked youth, including shelter, mental health services, education, and transition to adulthood. The hearing continued with testimony, but no action was taken in the portion provided.