Transcript Highlights:

• As we heard, 27,000 Minnesotans served in 87 counties—not a single county of ours hasn't been touched—and
• Thousands of Minnesotans will be able to stay safe in their homes in all 87 counties thanks to this FHPAP

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a county attorney system, and they are elected in our 87 counties.
• We have a county attorney system, and they are elected in our 87 counties.
• We have a county attorney system, and they are elected in our 87 counties.
• We have a county attorney system, and they are elected in our 87 counties.
• </c><00:26:27.919><c> counties</c> our 87 counties our 87 counties however<00:26:29.679><c> Minnesota

Bills: HF627 , HF474 , HF361 , HF1837

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And to help ensure families have housing stability in all 87 counties.
• </c> stability in all 87 counties. stability in all 87 counties.
• This is a program that serves all 87 counties, and we have specific language that these resources will
• This is a program that serves all 87 counties, and we have specific language that these resources will
• This is a program that serves all 87 counties, and we have specific language that these resources will

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:20.920><c> say</c><00:31:21.200><c> it's</c> security services and 87% say it's security services
• and 87% say it's important<00:31:21.960><c> for</c><00:31:22.080><c> state</c><00:31:22.440><c> and<
• Our system is administered by 87... in 2026. And voters should know that in 2026.
• <00:37:31.240><c> is</c><00:37:31.400><c> administered</c><00:37:31.880><c> by</c><00:37:32.080><c> 87
• </c> Our system is administered by 87 counties, hundreds of municipalities, and on election day by over

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• So starting with row 87, we have a $52.2 million appropriation from the general fund to the Public Education
• So if you remember, if you flip back to row 87, you'll see that $52.2 million transfer is marked Public
• And so you're going to see on line 87, what says public education reform fund, $52.2 million.
• It says 20 participants, and I think that means 20 districts of the 87 districts. Mr.
• It says 20 participants, and I think that means 20 districts of the 87 districts. Mr.

Summary: The committee first heard a detailed staff presentation on the LESC FY27 public school support recommendation. Staff reviewed the budget structure and explained that, despite a downward revision in state revenue estimates, the recommendation still relied on recurring and non-recurring revenue to support educator compensation, insurance, transportation, literacy, math, special education, and other school programs. Major recurring items included a 3% compensation increase, funding for an 80-20 health insurance cost share, insurance premium growth, and transportation adequacy funding. Staff also flagged a possible supplemental need of up to $35 million for virtual education tied to rapid enrollment growth in Chama and Santa Rosa, and members raised concerns about the quality, accountability, and funding model for virtual programs. Members asked questions about transportation for rural districts, the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit fees, the treatment of enrollment declines in the school funding formula, and whether the word “average” in salary language should remain in the budget. Staff explained that the SEG should remain whole, that the insurance and transportation recommendations applied to all public school employees but not contractors, and that the budget included multiple math-related investments spread across several lines rather than one single appropriation. There was also discussion of out-of-school learning grants, school meals, literacy center operations, special education training, and the Public Education Reform Fund, including the use of multi-year, evaluation-based appropriations for high-impact tutoring and community schools. After discussion, the committee adopted the LESC budget recommendation. The committee then moved to endorsed legislation proposals. It endorsed a bill allowing the secretary to suspend an individual school board member, with notice and appeal procedures clarified, and a bill creating an 80-20 health insurance cost-share requirement for public school employees, along with a study of the sustainability of public school insurance programs. It also endorsed a bill on attendance provisions for students with severe medical conditions, which would keep those students from being classified as excessively absent. Finally, the committee discussed a teacher residency bill that would raise stipend levels, allow residents to complete service anywhere in New Mexico, and remove the requirement that sponsoring schools must hire them, though the bill did not include an appropriation. Members also raised questions about bilingual, Hispanic, and Black education funding, cultural and linguistic supports in teacher preparation, and where various programs should be placed in the budget or PERF framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation for costs associated with adding an additional right-turn lane at the intersection of State Route 87
• And there's only one right-turn lane right now as you're coming up the B Line Highway, State Route 87
• backup of traffic so far my kids say I embellish, but this is true, 20-mile backup down State Route 87
• Yeah, the 87-260, right? Okay, yes. Yeah, so this is my question.
• Yeah, the 87-260, right? Okay, yes. Yeah, so this is my question.

Summary: The committee first received a lengthy presentation from JLBC staff comparing the JLBC baseline budget with the executive proposal. Staff said the baseline shows about $577 million in available cash above statutory formulas, but that major items not included—especially tax conformity, ongoing health and school repair costs, and new federal Medicaid/SNAP administrative requirements—would significantly change the picture. The executive budget was described as about $1.1 billion larger than the JLBC baseline, driven by revenue and spending proposals including border security funding, tax conformity, higher sports betting taxes, elimination of a data center equipment exemption, short-term rental and water surcharges, SNAP administrative and error-rate costs, and several one-time items that staff argued appear ongoing. Members also discussed rising caseloads and supplementals in developmental disabilities, Medicaid/Access, and education, including concerns about declining enrollment, possible fraud in Access, and the SNAP error rate. The committee then heard and passed SB 1032, which appropriates $1.5 million from the General Fund in FY 2027 to fund the Independent Correctional Oversight Office. Testimony from the sponsor and advocates emphasized the need for independent oversight of the Department of Corrections, transparency, whistleblower reporting, and avoiding federal receivership. The bill was given a due pass recommendation on a 10-0 vote. Next, the committee considered several transportation appropriations. SB 1064, as amended, would appropriate $3 million to ADOT for improvements along West Route 66 in Flagstaff; the mayor and local planning officials testified that the corridor is congested and dangerous, with significant growth and crash history. The bill passed 7-3. SB 1059 would appropriate $9.2 million for an additional right-turn lane at SR 87 and SR 260 in Payson; supporters cited severe backups and safety concerns, and it passed 7-3. SB 1062 would appropriate $1 million for an additional left-turn lane at US 60 and Superstition Mountain Drive in Gold Canyon; supporters said the intersection is a major bottleneck and safety issue, and it passed 6-4. Finally, the committee began hearing SCR 1004, which would place on the ballot a prohibition on photo enforcement systems used by local authorities or state agencies for speeding and red-light violations. The sponsor and public testimony argued that automated enforcement is unpopular, unconstitutional, and prone to abuse, citing allegations of campaign money tied to ticket revenue and forged judicial signatures on citations. The transcript cuts off during public testimony, before any committee vote on SCR 1004 or the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation for costs associated with adding an additional right-turn lane at the intersection of State Route 87
• And there's only one right-turn lane right now as you're coming up the B Line Highway, State Route 87
• And there's only one right-turn lane right now as you're coming up the B Line Highway, State Route 87
• backup of traffic so far my kids say I embellish, but this is true, 20-mile backup down State Route 87
• Yeah, the 87-260, right? Okay, yes. Yeah, so this is my question.

Bills: SB1024 , SB1032 , SB1059 , SB1062 , SB1064 , SB1097 , SCM1001 , SCR1004

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Keywords: roadable aircraft, registration, vehicle title, license plates, aviation safety, corrections oversight, funding, state budget, criminal justice, reform, appropriation, Department of Transportation, right turn lane, traffic improvement, infrastructure funding, transportation funding, authorization, road improvements, intersection safety, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• really puts<00:15:06.600><c> um</c><00:15:07.240><c> all</c><00:15:07.520><c> all</c><00:15:07.680><c> 87
• </c><00:15:08.120><c> counties</c> puts um all all 87 counties puts um all all 87 counties all<00:15:

Summary: The committee took up House File 4808, as amended by a DE3, a human services technology modernization bill. The author described the measure as a multi-year effort to modernize outdated county systems, improve data integration, and strengthen program integrity and fraud detection. The bill would create a Human Services Modernization Fund with a $50 million cap, establish an advisory council with strong county and tribal representation, and create a legislative commission to oversee the work and receive annual reports. It also includes a $10 million county-focused grant fund and a $15 million appropriation for the Office of Inspector General’s technology needs. Testimony from the Association of Minnesota Counties and related county groups strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the need for immediate modernization, the importance of county and tribal involvement, and the value of legislative oversight. Members from both parties echoed support, saying the bill would help county workers spend less time on outdated systems and more time serving clients, and that better system integration could reduce errors and fraud issues. One member suggested that audits should be considered in the future in addition to reporting requirements. The committee adopted the DE3 amendment without opposition. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to refer House File 4808, as amended, to the general register, and the motion passed on a voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, the state has $87 million right now dedicated towards a program in the city of New Orleans
• And currently there's $87 million. Yes, sir. And it can grow if the...
• Currently, there's $87 million. Yes, sir. And it can grow if the other parishes... Yes, sir.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection. Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor. The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended. Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, the state has $87 million right now dedicated towards a program in the city of New Orleans
• And currently there's $87 million.” “Yes, sir.
• And it can grow if the—” “Currently, there's $87 million. Yes, sir.

Summary: The committee met on May 13 and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 89, which asks the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a Louisiana Maneuvers museum and trail. Representative Owens described the historical significance of the Louisiana Maneuvers and said the proposal would help preserve and teach that history. The committee moved HCR 89 favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then heard House Resolution 179, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Representative Marcel said the resolution was prompted by questions about crime data and district performance, while several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review. Other members supported the idea as a way to gather data on what works, including cameras and other security measures. The resolution was moved favorably to the floor. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 228, a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to be used to replace lead and copper drinking water service lines on private property, and Senate Bill 268, the companion implementing bill that sets out the notice and replacement process. Paul Rainwater explained that the program would use EPA and state revolving-fund money, with work focused on the line from the meter to the shutoff valve, and that the city would inventory affected homes, give notice, and then proceed with replacement. Members asked about homeowner rights, emergency entry, contractor accountability, and whether the program could expand beyond New Orleans; Rainwater said he would return with more detail on the objection/emergency process. Both SB 228, as amended, and SB 268 were reported favorably. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 283, which creates the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development near Southern University, and two resolutions: House Resolution 225, urging agencies and local governments in Ouachita Parish to study solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services, and House Resolution 223, urging Shreveport and partners to advance the Southern Soul City Initiative. All were moved favorably to the floor, and the meeting ended with members and the chair thanking staff and noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• from</c><00:07:58.639><c> house</c><00:07:58.879><c> file</c><00:07:59.080><c> 21</c><00:07:59.520><c> 87
• </c> um these were from house file 21 87 um these were from house file 21 87 which<00:08:00.240><c> was

Transcript Highlights:

• they're paying our salaries; they shouldn't have to pay again to file a claim or to file an appeal. 87
• So there's at least one CVSO in all 87 counties in the state.
• I worked with an 87-year-old man. His wife was recently put into a memory care facility.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• One, two resos on the measure, SCR 87, SR 79, encouraging the state to examine requiring automatic external
• One, two resos on the measure, SCR 87, SR 79, encouraging the state to examine requiring automatic external

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions related to state facilities and agency procedures. SCR 177/SR 172 asked the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to convene a cooperative working group to address state projects requiring county permitting; DAGS supported the measure, and it was adopted unanimously. SCR 37/SR 36 requested a study on the costs and benefits of creating an Office of the State Architect; DAGS offered comments, but the chair deferred the resolution, citing a similar bill and lack of funding for a study. The committee then considered SCR 86/SR 77, which would require bi-level lighting in newly constructed state buildings and facilities beginning in 2028. DAGS and the State Energy Office provided comments, while DLNR, Citizens Climate Lobby, and Climate Future Forum testified in support. The committee amended the measure to apply to state buildings and facilities with designs finalized on or after January 1, 2028, and adopted it. SCR 122/SR 114, which would require written notice before final administrative action affecting protected liberty or property interests, drew comments from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and written comments from DOE, but was deferred due to limited support and time constraints. In the joint GVO/HHS portion, the committee heard SCR 87/SR 79, encouraging the state to examine requiring AEDs in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. The State Health Planning and Development Agency, DOE, the American Heart Association, the Department of Health, an individual testifier, and DAGS all supported the measure; DAGS also described ongoing installation and training efforts in its facilities. The measure was adopted without amendment by both committees, with members noting broad support and no reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• for 24-25 just the amendments for the increase was 11.7 million in 24-25, 78.7 million in 26-27, and 87
• for 24-25 just the amendments for the increase was 11.7 million in 24-25, 78.7 million in 26-27, and 87
• for 24-25 just the amendments for the increase was 11.7 million in 24-25, 78.7 million in 26-27, and 87
• 35.280><c> in</c><00:04:35.400><c> 26-27,</c> million in 26-27, million in 26-27, and<00:04:37.560><c> 87

Transcript Highlights:

• And if the Minnesotans, like 87% of Minnesotans, either are very concerned or at least somewhat concerned
• :01:44.360><c> the</c><00:01:44.480><c> Minnesotans,</c><00:01:45.240><c> like</c><00:01:45.520><c> 87%
• </c><00:01:46.560><c> of</c> And if the Minnesotans, like 87% of And if the Minnesotans, like 87% of

Transcript Highlights:

• The endowment appropriation Were sufficient to support around 87 additional faculty, but so far are supporting
• The funding should have been able to support about 87 additional faculty positions.
• analysis in this report, about 80 of the endowments were sufficient to provide funding for additional... 87
• Did you break that down as to how many of those, you said 87, how many were actually employed?

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 87, the Office of Appellate Counsel and Training came in with a base of $1.56 million per year
• partner organizations, we form the comprehensive civil legal services delivery system that reaches all 87
• partner organizations, we form the comprehensive civil legal services delivery system that reaches all 87
• partner organizations, we form the comprehensive civil legal services delivery system that reaches all 87

Bills: HF2300

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• Of that amount, $87 million is requested for safety and capacity projects, and $187 million is requested
• And both of those lines, the $87 million and $187 million, were on a 60-40 split with locals.

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation on the Idaho Transportation Department from Legislative Services analyst Brooke Dupree and then from Director Scott Stokes. The presentation outlined ITD’s four divisions and major funding sources, including the State Highway Fund, Aeronautics Fund, and the Transportation Expansion Congestion Mitigation (TECK) and Garvey bonding programs. The analyst also reviewed appropriation trends, noting the effect of reappropriations and the continuous appropriation of the Strategic Initiatives Program Fund, and compared the department’s request with the governor’s recommendation. ITD’s requested enhancements included $15.5 million for deferred maintenance on state buildings, funding for State Highway 16 operations and maintenance, $4.9 million for roadside tree removal, $4.7 million for new equipment, a $275 million general fund transfer for safety, capacity, road, and bridge work, and smaller requests for airport improvements and aeronautics maintenance. Members asked about the Highway 16 funding, the continuous appropriation language, the impact of the governor’s decision not to recommend the $275 million transfer, and the department’s equipment and maintenance priorities. The director explained that much of the work is contracted, that the agency is prioritizing pavement and bridge condition, and that the department is prepared to move projects quickly if funding returns. In questioning, legislators also raised concerns about the reduction in strategic initiatives funding, the department’s workforce retention, the State Street property project, and why ITD remains on its existing finance system rather than fully transitioning to LUMA. Stokes said the State Street project has had modest spending so far, with about $41 million appropriated and an estimated total cost of $60 million to $70 million, and that the agency is still housed at the Chinden campus. He also said workforce retention has improved somewhat after prior pay adjustments, and that the LUMA decision was driven by federal reimbursement and system integration concerns. The committee took no vote on the budget in this segment and adjourned with notice that rescissions, cash transfers, and statewide decisions would be taken up the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 87, delete lines 20 through 21 in their entirety.
• Page 87, line 26, in its entirety.
• Page 87, line 26 in its entirety.
• Page 87, line 26 in its entirety.
• Page 87, delete the words provisions of Page 87, delete the words provisions of 2024,<05:54:09.200><c

Transcript Highlights:

• CP in Senate Bill 87 directed CP in collaboration<00:24:40.559><c> with</c><00:24:40.799><c> the</c>
• Um, but my question is about Senate Bill 87 that you talked about and the fact that CPE and Kentucky
• Um, but my question is about Senate Bill 87 that you talked about and the fact that CPE and Kentucky
• Um, but my question is about Senate Bill 87 that you talked about and the fact that CPE and Kentucky
• Um, but my question is about Senate Bill 87 that you talked about and the fact that CPE and Kentucky

Summary: The task force meeting began with approval of the July 14 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association. Association leaders described general aviation airports as important to rural access, commerce, emergency response, tourism, agriculture, and workforce development, and cited statewide economic impacts they said exceed $1.6 billion and support more than 9,400 jobs. They thanked the legislature for prior airport funding and said it had helped airports with basic operations and repairs. The association asked lawmakers for four things: continued appropriations for general aviation airports; relief or a more workable process for required financial audits, which they said can cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more and sometimes exceed a small airport’s annual budget; a regularized statewide appropriations process for airport infrastructure needs, which they said total about $100 million and are currently addressed unevenly; and funding for the Aerospace Education Reinvestment Opportunity Act to support scholarships and aviation workforce training. Members of the task force asked follow-up questions about the audit burden, the difference between financial and safety audits, and the difficulty of finding audit firms. The presenters said they would bring specific ideas back on audit reform. Eastern Kentucky University then presented on its aviation program. EKU leaders thanked the committee for prior support, including a $25 million appropriation for a new flight school building at Central Kentucky Regional Airport, and said the project is expected to break ground in 2026. They reported strong enrollment growth, with 502 aviation majors, most of them Kentuckians, and said the program has expanded flight hours and job placement. EKU also outlined plans to add an air traffic control program in response to Senate Bill 87 and the national shortage of controllers, saying it could train students to FAA standards if the university receives the needed investment in simulators, equipment, space, and faculty. They also discussed the need to replace an aging fleet of training aircraft, saying the current planes are decades old and costly to maintain, and that newer aircraft would improve training quality and reduce student costs.