Transcript Highlights:

• <01:20:56.000> Putnham to Senator Fate for and Senator Putnham to Senator Fate for and Senator
• Senator<01:30:13.440> Fate. Senator Fate. Senator Fate.
• >> Senator<01:36:18.560> Fate. >> Senator Fate. >> Senator Fate.
• >> Senator<01:46:57.600> Fate. >> Senator Fate. >> Senator Fate.
• Uh Senator >> Thank you, Senator Fate. Uh Senator Duckworth. Duckworth. Duckworth.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The conference committee received a nonpartisan walkthrough of the House and Senate side-by-side for higher education-related legislation, with staff identifying Senate-only, House-only, identical, and technical-difference provisions. Topics included paid blood donation leave for Minnesota State employees, a revised higher education attainment goal, athletic fee restrictions, developmental course disclosures, American Indian Scholars Program eligibility, protections and definitions for pregnant and parenting students, online program management contracts, student aid reporting, work-study and dual training grants, private and out-of-state postsecondary education regulation, private career school licensing and data privacy, college savings plan changes, and several University of Minnesota-related provisions. House-only items also included an unemployment insurance aid adjustment, a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and $5,000 for Bemidji State University reforestation; Senate-only items included Board of Regents appointment language, limits on for-profit control of medical school curriculum, and reporting on for-profit funding in medical education. After the walkthrough, the committee moved to adopt the same and similar provisions and direct staff to make technical corrections. A senator asked about proposed adjustments to the pregnant and parenting student language, and the chair said amendments would be considered after adopting the same and similar provisions. The motion to adopt prevailed. During public testimony, Sydney Spre of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the Senate’s paid blood donation leave language, saying it would create parity for Minnesota State employees and encourage blood and plasma donation. Commissioner Dennis Olsen of the Office of Higher Education thanked the committee for adopting most of the agency’s proposed language and said he was available to help clarify remaining differences. In response to questions, he explained the Senate’s higher education attainment goal proposal, saying it would extend and broaden the existing goal, raise the target from 70% to 75%, expand the age range, and use additional metrics and partner agencies; he also said the overall attainment rate had been 63.5 under the prior goal. The transcript ends as the commissioner was being asked whether the proposal would require additional appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and thank you, Senator Senator Senator Ver<00:07:47.400> Baten.
• Senator<00:20:03.160> Mulvaney. Senator Mulvaney. Senator Mulvaney.
• Senator Senator Senator moves<00:42:30.880> has<00:42:31.160> already<00:42:31.520
• um<01:03:41.560> the<01:03:41.640> Senate So, Senator Putnam moves um the Senate
• Senator Putnam.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee discussed a higher education attainment-goals bill and several related amendments. Members first reached agreement on funding changes: one amendment redirected money for fraud-prevention software for MnSCU and $5,000 for trees in Bemidji, and another moved $570,000 for workforce development-related funding. Members noted the use of general fund dollars to cover a FIG shortfall and expressed support for addressing fraud prevention while also saying MnSCU should be made whole in the next biennium. Both amendments were adopted. The main policy debate centered on an amendment updating the statewide attainment goal and related P-20 partnership language. Senator Um Ruebain proposed returning the attainment goal from 75 percent to 70 percent, and members discussed whether the bill’s expanded reporting and coordination duties would create costs for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Nonpartisan staff and Commissioner Olsen said the Office of Higher Education and the P-20 partnership expected no costs, while DCYF’s fiscal note assumed reporting and staffing costs. After discussion, DCYF indicated it would absorb the costs, but some members still objected to expanding the partnership and creating additional bureaucracy. Members also debated whether early childhood and K-12 subgoals should be included as part of the attainment-goals framework. Supporters said aligning early childhood, K-12, and higher education goals is necessary to improve postsecondary attainment, while opponents argued the committee should focus on existing higher education goals and basic K-12 achievement. The committee ultimately adopted the Senate language on the attainment-goals section as amended, including the change back to 70 percent and revisions directed by staff to ensure the correct references were updated. The A12 amendment on pregnant and parenting students was also adopted earlier in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] I'm Senator Liz Boldon.
• I'll turn it over to Senator Klein. Thank you.
• I'll turn it over to Senator Klein. Thank you.
• Thank<00:13:46.360> you,<00:13:46.680> Senator Thank you, Senator Thank you, Senator
• <00:16:11.200> before and Senate before and Senate before the<00:16:12.560> deadline?

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senators and House members held a press event in support of HF 4188, a bill addressing commercial insurance coverage for home care nursing for medically complex children who also receive medical assistance. Speakers said the issue arose after Medica and HealthPartners began imposing caps on coverage that had been provided for years under Minnesota law, and argued that the change would shift costs to Medicaid and taxpayers, create budget pressure, and force families to reduce other needed services. They emphasized that home care nursing is distinct from short-term home health visits and said the bill would prohibit quantity limits and clarify that insurers must continue covering authorized nursing care. Parents and family members described the impact on children who depend on continuous skilled nursing to remain safely at home, including one family whose child Nash has spent extensive time hospitalized and another speaker who said her niece Isabel’s care showed how many nurses, aides, and hospice workers are involved in these cases. Testimony stressed that the coverage caps could lead to more hospitalizations, ICU stays, and trauma for children and families, while costing more overall than home care. Several lawmakers, including Sen. Matt Klein and Rep. Robert Bierman, said the statute’s original intent was clear in 2010 and that the plans’ reinterpretation and the Commerce Department’s response should be corrected. Lawmakers said the Commerce and Consumer Protection Conference Committee has completed its work but is being kept open for the remaining days of session in hopes of resolving the issue this year. In response to questions, supporters said the bill is intended as a clarification rather than a new mandate, that it would simply bar caps on already-authorized home care nursing, and that they believe there is support to move it through the House and Senate before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• violence asking the Senate violence asking the Senate the<00:04:31.000> Minnesota<00:04:31.480
• the Minnesota Senate to act and we have. the Minnesota Senate to act and we have.
• Senator, was there reluctance to lower the license tab fees even for you and all Senator Dibble thinks
• Senator, was there reluctance to lower Senator, was there reluctance to lower the<00:08:57.080> license
• And we've put it on the table in Senate.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: A Minnesota Senate leader discussed the end-of-session budget deal and said the Senate had passed a comprehensive budget that addresses several recent crises and federal policy changes. He highlighted funding to respond to gun violence, Metro Surge, and the effects of a federal Republican budget bill, saying the package includes retroactive medical assistance coverage, support to keep SNAP functioning, $10 million for food banks and shelves, rental assistance, and aid for counties and property taxpayers. He also said the Senate secured $205 million for HCMC, a $30 million uncompensated care pool for other distressed hospitals, and a $500 million health care stabilization reserve, along with a one-year license tab fee reduction and a $1.2 billion bonding bill. He said some priorities were left out or rejected in negotiations, including small business relief, low-income rent, energy assistance, rural EMS stabilization, a manufactured home bill of rights, a social media platform data collection tax, and proposals to block private equity from nursing homes and single-family homes. He also said the House Speaker had promised but not brought a gun vote to the floor, and he expressed disappointment that immigration-related action and some gun control measures did not advance further. He defended the rental assistance as available to Minnesotans regardless of documentation status and said it was not tied only to Operation Metro Surge. The leader also addressed concerns about payment withholding and program integrity in human services, saying the goal was to fight fraud without cutting services. He said hospitals seeking access to the stabilization reserve would need to show distress and financial need, and that both the governor and a legislative advisory committee would have to approve. He closed by saying the process had been difficult and too much negotiation had moved into backroom settings, but that the chambers were working toward an orderly conclusion and that he expected the remaining bills to be finalized and sent to the governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will come to order. Senator Bowden. Mr.
• I'd like to thank committee members Senator Mune, Senator Kunes, and Senator Westrom from the Senate
• And I also want to thank the Senate LCCR members, which includes Senator Mun, Senator Putnham, Senator
• Senator Carlson votes aye. >> Senator Carlson votes aye. >> Senator Carlson votes aye. >> Senator Port
• Senator Lieske votes no. >> Senator Lieske votes no. >> Senator Weber votes no. >> Senator Weber votes

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order under a call of the Senate, then proceeded to House File 3426, a natural resources bill appropriating money from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The House message reported adoption of the conference committee report, and Senator Her explained that the conference version was similar to the House bill but did not include a proposed grazing rotation amendment or the provision related to taking children to the Boundary Waters. He said the report instead included a two-year expiration for a community grant capped at $2 million and a 12-member approval requirement for certain emerging account grants, with the bill reduced from 109 to 108 projects and totaling a little over $102 million. Senator Green said the conference committee reforms were good but he still could not support the bill because of the amount of spending and the value of some projects. Senator Her then gave closing remarks thanking conferees and staff, expressing disappointment that the fiscal agent requirement remained, warning it could burden smaller grant recipients and small-town nonprofits, and noting that 83% of Minnesotans had approved the trust fund amendment. He urged that the fund not be used as a political bargaining tool and asked for support. The Senate adopted the conference committee report and then took final passage on House File 3426. The roll call showed 46 ayes and 19 nays, and the bill passed with its title agreed to. The Senate also took House File 3067 from the table, gave it a second reading, and placed it on the general orders calendar. The chamber then adjourned until Friday, May 15 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, I want to begin by thanking Senator Liu for standing here for me earlier in the week.
• We have a one-bill agenda: 10, 324, Senator Serrano. An act making appropriations.
• Sponsored by Senator Myrie, seconded by Senator Harckham, and all in favor.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Rules committee met with a one-bill agenda: Senate Bill 10,324, sponsored by Senator Myrie and seconded by Senator Harckham, concerning appropriations. The chair also opened by thanking Senator Liu for standing in earlier in the week. The committee considered the bill and, after the motion was made and seconded, members voted in favor. No opposition or additional testimony was mentioned. The bill was reported straight to the floor for passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution No.
• >> THANK YOU, SENATOR. SENATOR STAVISKY ON THE RESOLUTION.
• >> SENATE RESOLUTION NO.
• Read the resolution and call on Senator Baskin. >> Senate Resolution No.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Bynoe on the resolution. Thank you, Madam President.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior journal, and processed several messages from the Assembly, including motions to discharge and substitute identical Senate bills for Assembly bills on the calendars. The chamber also reconsidered and restored Senate Print 1788, an act amending the Real Property Tax Law, to the third reading calendar. The Rules Committee reported Senate Print 10324, the state budget appropriations bill, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the message of necessity and laid the bill aside before taking it up on the controversial calendar as a budget extender. A lengthy debate followed on the budget extender, with Senator O’Mara and others criticizing the continued delay in finalizing the state budget, the lack of public details, and the absence of a schedule for joint budget committee meetings. Senator Serrano responded that the extender was necessary to keep state government operating while final budget negotiations continued, but could not provide specifics on policy items such as Tier 6 pension changes, New York City aid, local government support, or school aid. The extender was ultimately passed 56-2, with Senators Rhoads and Weik voting no. The Senate then adopted several previously adopted resolutions, including a memorial resolution for former Congressman Eliot Engel and a resolution marking the fourth anniversary of the Tops Friendly Markets mass shooting in Buffalo. The Buffalo resolution prompted extensive remarks from multiple senators about racism, gun violence, community trauma, and the need for policy responses; it was adopted with broad support. The chamber also passed a series of bills on the third reading calendar covering highway, municipal, environmental, banking, veterans, education, public health, and public service matters, with most passing overwhelmingly and a few drawing minority opposition. Notable floor debate occurred on a study bill regarding battery energy storage systems, where senators raised concerns about fire safety and siting; the bill passed 45-13. The Senate adjourned to reconvene on Monday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first bill on our agenda is Senate Bill 1451A by Senator Kavanaugh.
• The second bill on our agenda is Senate Bill 3884 by Senator Sepulveda.
• The third bill on our agenda is Senate Bill 4272A by Senator Cabinon.
• The third bill on our agenda is Senate Bill 4272A by Senator Cabinon.
• The fourth bill on our agenda is Senate Bill 4793 by Senator Sanders.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Cities 1 met on May 14, 2026, with a quorum present and Chair Erik Bottcher presiding. The committee considered a series of bills affecting New York City and related tax, housing, and municipal issues. Early measures included a neighborhood small business rent increase exemption (S.1451A), notice to community boards before locating transitional housing (S.3884), a solar and energy storage tax abatement credit (S.4272A), towing protection enforcement (S.4793), safety policies and training for correction and health workers (S.543?), and a proposal to create the city of Staten Island (S.8578). Most of these bills were advanced to other committees after brief discussion and voice votes. The most extensive debate centered on S.8578, which would incorporate Staten Island as a separate city. Senator Lanza argued that Staten Island has long been neglected by New York City, cited past referendums and historical grievances, and urged the committee to let the bill continue through the process. Chair Bottcher and other members responded that Staten Island is an important part of New York City and discussed housing, transit, environmental preservation, and the City of Yes zoning changes; several members said they did not support secession but were open to continued conversation about Staten Island’s needs. After debate, the bill was defeated in committee. The committee also considered an artist housing preferences bill (S.9652), a facade-work tax abatement bill (S.9559), a parkland discontinuance measure (S.9987), and a credit/debit card surcharge prohibition bill (S.1005). S.9652, S.9559, S.9987, and S.1005 were reported out after voice votes. One homeless shelter placement bill (S.5554) failed. The meeting concluded after the final votes and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Luneau. Senator Boudreaux? Present. Present. Senator Bass? Here. Here. Senator Cathey?
• Senator Foil? Here. Senator Miller? Here. Senator Morris? We have five senators present. All right.
• And I see Senator Barrow is here with Senate Bill 343.
• And I see Senator Barrow is here with Senate Bill 343. Senator Madam Pro Tem, Senate Bill 343.
• So Senator Barrow is going to turn to resolution. Are there any questions? Are there any questions?

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Seabaugh, here. Senator Pressly, here. Senator Barrow, here. Senator Myers, here.
• Senator Selders, here. Senator Stine, here. Senator Talbot, here. A quorum is present.
• Senator Stine, here. Senator Talbot, here. A quorum is present. Thank you.
• Senator Seabaugh. Yes. Senator Pressly. Yes. Senator Barrow. No. Senator Myers. Yes. Senator Stine.
• Senator Sebal. Yes. Yes. Senator Presley. Yes. Yes. Senator Barrow. No. No. Senator Myers. Yes.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Conference Committee on the House Justice Budget Subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Committee
• Good morning, Senator Garcia. Very good day. Good morning. Very good. Thanks, thank you.
• But before I get to that, I did want to thank you and the staff and the Senate committee.
• a one-hour notice if there's no further business of the conference committee other than thanking Senator
• The conference committee other than thanking Senator Garcia again.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Brodeur, the House is pleased to offer the Senate offers on the budget, back of the bill, and

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Harrell, we have received the Senate's counteroffer on budget and projects.
• Thank you, Senator. The House is providing the first offer on proviso this morning.
• Senator Harrell, do you have any closing comments?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Trumbull, you are recognized. Present your offer.
• Thanks so much, Representative Mandrade, the Senate.
• highlight represent where the Senate is making an offer.
• Senator Trumbull, it's good seeing you today.
• Senator Trumbull moves that we adjourn, and without objection, the meeting is adjourned.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senator Brodeur, the House is pleased to offer the Senate offer.
• We also have offers on the two conforming bills, House Bill 501E, Petroleum Cleanup Programs, and Senate
• Thank you, Senator Brodeur. The House looks forward to reviewing and following up with the Senate.
• Seeing no further business of the conference committee, Senator Davis moves, 'We adjourn.'

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator DiCeglie, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning.
• The Senate has an offer for the House on the budget.
• Senator, would you like to make any other remarks? All right.
• I'm sorry, Senator. Jimo Smith. Meeting is adjourned.
• Senator, would you like to make any other remarks? All right.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Conference Committee on House Justice Budget Subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Committee
• Senator Garcia, thank you for your offer earlier today, and we have an offer for you this evening relating
• Best that we can and continue to help our representatives and senators get their projects home.
• If there's no further business, If there's no further business for the conference committee, Senator
• Senator, he's got a promotion. Oh, well. Colonel, Colonel. We'll make you a colonel this time.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, everybody, if you can take your seats, the House Budget and Senate Appropriations Conference
• Senator DiCeglie, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senate appreciates the House's offer this morning, and we have made an offer on proviso, back of the
• Thank you, Senator. We appreciate your offer.
• Senator, would you like to make any additional remarks? All right.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Breuter, in just a few days, we have made significant progress in bringing our budget silo in
• Senator? Thank you so much, Chairman Maggard.
• Thank you very much, Senator. Do you have any further comments? Nope. All right.
• Thank you very much, Senator. Do you have any further comments? Nope. All right.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Trumbull, the House is making House Offer Number Two on the health care budget and projects.
• Excited to go through it, and I'm sure you funded a tremendous amount of the Senate priorities.
• That was obviously our goal, Senator. So is there anyone wishing to address the conference?
• That was obviously our goal, Senator.
• If there's no further business of the conference committee, Senator Trumbull moves that we adjourn, and

Keywords: 999, senate, all