Transcript Highlights:

• from the Secretary of State's office today, and they will give an overview of Minnesota elections in general
• between primary turnout and general between primary turnout and general election<00:06:36.400>
• <00:22:04.120> election following the state general election following the state general election
• deeper dive now into the 2024 general deeper dive now into the 2024 general election<00:39:15.400
• temporary locations on tribal land if requested by the tribe, as well as temporary one-day campus locations

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:19.839> in last 10 years there it's generally in last 10 years there it's generally
• So the balance, including both the general fund and the general obligation bond funding in this last
• So the balance, including both the general fund and the general obligation bond funding in this last
• fund and the including both the general fund and the uh<01:24:04.800> General<01:24:05.199>
• <01:29:09.040> events workers uh together we generate events workers uh together we generate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Minnesota Department of Administration on the governor’s capital budget requests. Commissioner Tamara Grundal described the state’s deferred maintenance backlog, saying Minnesota owns more than 4,800 buildings across 19 agencies, with an estimated replacement value of $11.2 billion and about $2.2 billion in deferred maintenance. She urged continued bonding support for asset preservation, CAPRA emergency repair funding, Capitol Complex security upgrades recommended by the ACAS advisory committee, and a budget-neutral account to help leverage federal funds for renewable energy storage and electric vehicle projects at state facilities. Members asked follow-up questions about prior security spending and CAPRA use. The commissioner said some 2018 security funds were used for items such as bollards, projectile-resistant glass, key card readers, and security kiosks, but specific details would be provided offline. On CAPRA, staff said recent projects included public safety upgrades, correctional facility repairs, water main and sewer work, roof repairs, lift station repairs, and boiler and steam trap replacements. The commissioner said the account has recently been used heavily, with about $1.9 million remaining, and estimated a typical target range of roughly $3 million to $5 million based on past spending and expected emergencies. A staffer said they did not know whether bonds had been issued ahead of time to fund the reserve and would follow up. The committee then heard from the Department of Public Safety on BCA capital projects. Commissioner Bob Jacobson and Superintendent Drew Evans said the governor’s proposal includes a new Southern BCA regional office and laboratory in Mankato, expansion of BCA regional office and lab space, and a new Minnesota State Patrol headquarters using trunk highway cash. Evans said the Mankato project is needed because of growth in DNA analysis, digital evidence, controlled substances, cyber tips, and sexual assault kit testing, and because the current St. Paul facility is over capacity. He said the new regional facility would improve turnaround times, reduce travel for scientists and law enforcement, support training, and improve evidence intake and crime scene response in southern Minnesota. Senator Pappas questioned the increase in the Mankato project cost from about $48 million to $68.6 million. Evans said the increase was driven by rising construction costs and additional specialized laboratory and support-space needs identified during design work with the Department of Administration. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The commissioner hires the Inspector General. The Inspector General reports to the commissioner.
• Thank you. of Inspector General from um making of Inspector General from um making those<02:00:49.159
• Madam Chair, do you mean leading the Office of Inspector General or as an interim Inspector General?
• As the Inspector General or the interim Inspector General, how many people have held that position?
• Senator M Madam chair as the General Senator M Madam chair as the Inspector<02:04:20.119> General

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That said, those malpractice issues are generally not competency issues.
• From the few things that I do recall, generally, reciprocity is in very small eastern states.
• Large states generally do not allow for any reciprocity. Okay, thank you. Um, let's...
• We generate one-time reports or some on a schedule.
• I also invited the Governor's Council, or General Counsel, who had a conflict, but she said that she

Transcript Highlights:

• Article one again is general ed.
• operating account in the in the general operating account in the in the general fund.<00:09:38.480
• specialist with um an additional general specialist with um an additional general fund<00:10:30.399
• <00:52:35.599> these identify students to generate these identify students to generate these
• is it generally understood? is it generally understood?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank Attorney General Andrea Campbell for her partnership in this fight.
• I want to thank Attorney General Andrea Campbell for her partnership in this fight.
• I have, you know, I'll start with some kind of general questions.
• I have, you know, I'll start with some kind of general questions.
• The damage is not temporary. It is cumulative, and in many cases, irreversible.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session held in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 education and local aid budget, with remarks from legislative co-chairs, local officials, and education agency leaders. Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero emphasized Lawrence’s high-need student population, the importance of Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, and the impact of state aid on schools serving many English learners and low-income families. Carrero highlighted Lawrence High School programs such as early college, dual degrees, career pathways, and early childhood classrooms embedded in the high school, while lawmakers introduced themselves and noted the importance of the hearing to their districts. Acting Secretary of Education Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Higher Education Noi Ortega, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, and Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw outlined the administration’s FY27 priorities. They described investments in literacy initiatives, universal school meals, student mental health, early college and career pathways, higher education affordability, community college and university student-success supports, preschool expansion, child care subsidies, and workforce supports for early educators. The commissioners also discussed federal funding threats, equity gaps, and the administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black and brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students. Members questioned the panel about the local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to revisit Chapter 70 funding to better address rising costs such as special education, transportation, and health care. Officials said the local contribution study report is expected by the end of June, with a draft to be shared after data analysis and public comment. Commissioner Martinez said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but more work is needed, and he pointed to a proposed Accelerating Achievement Initiative to support the highest-need schools. Senator Oliveira also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities and asked about partnerships with libraries to support literacy, prompting discussion of broader early literacy collaboration.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:30.720> their<00:02:30.879> school temporary flexibility on their school temporary
• Generally, where does that choice going to have an impact? Generally in greater Minnesota.
• Generally, where does that choice going to have an impact? Generally in greater Minnesota.
• Generally, where does that choice Okay.
• Generally in going to have an impact?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is based on recent previous events; for example, gymnastics last summer generated $5.7 million in
• This is based on recent previous events; for example, gymnastics last summer generated $5.7 million in
• This is based on recent previous events; for example, gymnastics last summer generated $5.7 million in
• campaign excuse me of regular general campaign excuse me of regular general fund<00:37:06.040>
• <01:06:42.599> fund Development Fund and and general fund Development Fund and and general

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:26.160> Listen<00:08:26.400> to housing, and general affairs.
• Listen to housing, and general affairs.
• development, housing and general development, housing and general affairs.<00:08:52.560> Listen
• to 2020, general counsel with 2016 to 2020, general counsel with Franklin<00:13:12.399> Energy
• Walking between worlds gives me both the suggestion of belonging and the reality of temporariness.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Given our experience during the administration of federal pandemic aid, we had some temporary hires and
• we >> We had some temporary hires, and we realized that a temporary hire is always looking for their
• Um, and so those are just some of my general thoughts.
• The program is funded by general fund appropriations and then, as the spreadsheet shows, also by sales
• 56.400> by in 2024. us uh the program is funded by in 2024. us uh the program is funded by general

Bills: SF2434

Keywords: housing, development fund, affordable housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, expenditure provisions

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:20.079> with office of the attorney general with office of the attorney general with
• <00:10:37.120> polling with publication of temporary polling with publication of temporary
• if you take out your ballot in a general if you take out your ballot in a general election,<00:50
• general would be doing?
• In it, Attorney General Keith it.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator from Carter. general it indicates that the general general it indicates that the general assembly
• . general. general.
• . general. general.
• general assembly. general assembly.
• General Assembly. General Assembly.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that that money is generating that that money is generating over<00:28:58.360> the<00:28:
• But the fact remains that New Hampshire is a temporary residence while they attend school.
• But the fact remains that New Hampshire is a temporary residence while they attend school.
• But the fact remains that New Hampshire is a temporary residence while they attend school.
• <01:45:35.520> not burden um we are generally not burden um we are generally not supportive

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand that previous generations of legislators decided that seasonal and recreational properties
• generations of legislatur decided<00:01:29.040> that<00:01:29.159> seasonal<00:01:29.520
• That levy would generate $720,000; however, 61% of our voters rejected it back in '07.
• <00:07:39.720> $720,000 that Levy would generate $720,000 that Levy would generate $720,000
• General, and um I think that's important that they're able to do that.

Bills: HF51, HF1161, HF2201, HF2786, HF1053

Keywords: HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment

Transcript Highlights:

• The hardest part about the air is there's not that much there in general.
• The state generates $2.2 million a year from tire recycling fees you pay from those tires.
• The state generates $2.2 million a year from tire recycling fees you pay from those tires.
• The state generates $2.2 million a year from tire recycling fees you pay from those tires.
• Many consider it a rite of passage, shaping kids into the next generation of watermen and water women

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Environmental Quality/Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials informational hearing focused on the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis, with members from both parties emphasizing that the problem is long-running, cross-border, and severe enough to require federal, state, local, and binational action. Opening remarks described the crisis as an environmental and public health emergency affecting beaches, air and water quality, marine life, tourism, and residents’ quality of life in South Bay communities. Assembly Member Boerner and Senator Jones both stressed the need for continued funding and cooperation, while Senator Padilla said the issue is underappreciated because of where it occurs but has major public health, economic, and educational consequences. Congressman Mike Levin’s office reported more than $650 million in federal funding secured for infrastructure and cleanup, along with federal legislation and requests for CDC and EPA involvement. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre gave a detailed overview of county efforts and the scope of the crisis, citing decades of sewage flows from Tijuana, nearly four years of beach closures, and the county’s expanded water-quality monitoring. She said the county is pursuing warning signs, an air purifier distribution program, an epidemiological study, soil testing, an economic impact study, and a feasibility analysis to remove the “hot spot” near Saturn Boulevard, which she described as a key local source of airborne pollution. She also pointed to binational funding for treatment plant upgrades and said the county is seeking state support, including from Proposition 4 cross-border river funds, to expand relief and mitigation efforts. Scripps researchers Dr. Sarah Giddings and Dr. Kimberly Prather presented scientific findings on water and air transport. Giddings described a high-resolution forecast model that predicts wastewater movement and beach closure risk up to five days ahead, using real-time observations and showing about 72% accuracy against county measurements. Prather said the main exposure route is through air, not just water, and reported that turbulence at the river hot spot aerosolizes pollutants, with hydrogen sulfide and other gases spiking at night and dropping when river flow is diverted. She said the team has identified thousands of gases and linked measurements closely to odor complaints, while also noting that air purifiers can reduce indoor exposure but are not a permanent solution. Dr. Paula Stigler Granados added that community health surveys and CDC assessments show widespread symptoms, sleep disruption, anxiety, and daily life impacts, especially during nighttime odor events. She said her team has found more than 900 contaminants in river water and 106 chemicals uniquely associated with the Saturn Boulevard hot spot, with passive air sampling showing similar chemical fingerprints in nearby homes. The panel discussion ended with questions about standards and accountability, and witnesses and legislators agreed that the crisis requires updated air-quality standards, more health research, and continued coordination to reduce exposure and address the source of pollution.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:56:43.040> Um maybe the general population. Um maybe the general population.
• <01:07:12.480> funds cost the state out of general funds cost the state out of general funds
• making the allocation from the general making the allocation from the general funds.<01:09:52.000
• In 2023, it was state general >> Yeah. In 2023, it was state general funds. funds. funds.
• general. You cannot purchase groceries. general.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: House Finance Division 3 met in work session and opened with procedural remarks from the chair about the committee’s schedule, deadlines, and recommendation options, noting the meeting was advisory and no votes were expected. The first bill discussed, House Bill 1569, concerned repealing the directive to sell the Anna Philbrook Center for Children property in Concord. Testimony from DHHS and New Hampshire Hospital focused on whether the property could be subdivided, the relationship to Senate Bill 572, the status of the city of Concord’s first right of refusal, and the practical effects of a sale. Witnesses said the $5 million sale estimate was a budget assumption, that moving staff and equipment would create some relocation costs, and that the center had required significant recent maintenance and renovation spending. Members also discussed the number of transitional housing beds at the site, the temporary nature of those beds, and whether the property should remain available given hospital workforce and service needs. The committee then turned to House Bill 661, which had been recommitted for further review after new information emerged. The chair summarized federal developments, including a December 2025 ACF letter and a related executive order, as well as a federal HHS press release about states diverting foster youths’ Social Security survivor benefits. Representative Walner explained that amendment 3055H had been drafted to move the bill forward in smaller steps, with a fiscal note requested on the amendment because the original bill was viewed as too large and expensive. Members discussed whether the committee had received copies of the amendment and whether federal guidance or funding had changed the policy landscape. The discussion also included broader questions about foster youth benefits and whether federal action would support state implementation. One member cited ACF language stating that only 11 states had enacted policies to stop interception of survivor benefits and that technical assistance would be available to the remaining states. The meeting remained in work-session mode throughout, with no votes taken and no final recommendations made during the portion provided. The chair indicated the committee could return to the bills later in the month.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's generated a lot of revenue.
• That's generated a lot of revenue.
• That's generated a lot of revenue.
• That's generated a lot of revenue.
• third generation kama'aina. third generation kama'aina.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several gubernatorial nominations for confirmation, beginning with GM 788 for Karen Knudsen to the Hawaii Sister State and International Partnerships Commission. DBEDT strongly supported her nomination, describing her decades of Asia-Pacific and East-West Center experience. Senators asked about the new commission structure, confirming that the old committee was abolished and replaced by a five-voting-member commission with two governor appointees before the Senate, other ex officio and legislative appointees, and one OHA vacancy still pending. Knudsen said the commission would help review new sister-state and international partnership proposals, while existing relationships would remain in place. Members also discussed the commission’s lack of a separate budget and its use of DBEDT international relations funding. The committee then moved to GM 789 for Wesley Fong to the same commission; DBEDT supported him based on his military, legal, and international trade background. A concern was raised that he also served on the State Ethics Commission, and Fong stated he had resigned from that post effective the 20th of the month to avoid a conflict. Senators questioned his reasons for leaving ethics, and he explained that his term was ending and he wanted to continue public service in a role aligned with his background in international agreements, education, and Indo-Pacific relations. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee next considered GM 769 for Patrick Branco to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The foundation and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both testified in strong support. Branco appeared by Zoom and said he was currently on temporary military orders on the East Coast, but had prior experience in public diplomacy as cultural attaché in Caracas and had worked on Fulbright and cultural exchange efforts. The committee then took up GM 770 for Makanani Salā to the same board. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported her nomination, and Noe Wong-Wilson testified in person, citing Salā’s work at Windward Community College and her role in organizing the Best Fest festival, saying she would bring Hawaiian cultural perspective to the foundation. Salā said her county experience included arts, culture, and sister-city work, and that she would emphasize public-private partnerships and helping other agencies use the foundation’s expertise. Members briefly discussed FESTPAC and its rotating international location. Finally, the committee heard GM 767 for Miles Miyatso to the Land Use Commission. The Land Use Commission and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both supported the nomination, and Avalon Development Company was listed but did not appear on Zoom. The discussion in the provided transcript ended during this item, with no vote or final action shown for the nominations covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Otherwise, the earnings go back to the general fund.
• So, what this back to the general fund.
• On line six, it has to contain a general On line six, it has to contain a general statement<00:13
• just general just general year-long<00:15:50.720> policy<00:15:51.199> disagreements.
• out and get it passed next general out and get it passed next general session<00:39:57.440> because

Bills: SJ0001, SF0017

Keywords: mineral leasing, federal lands, Wyoming, energy policy, local control, federalism, forestry management, good neighbor authority, state lands, employee funding, donations, revolving account, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• extra interactions with the general extra interactions with the general education<00:36:27.839><
• <00:37:05.599> fund that's what um had that general fund that's what um had that general fund
• Um there is a temporary spike program.
• <01:01:38.640> fund this uh funding for any uh general fund this uh funding for any uh general
• So, I education out of the general fund.

Bills: HF2430, HF2433

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , of course, there's provisions for the return of the vehicle for any number of reasons from the temporary
• Senators, the bill presents a fundamental and generational shift from decades of precedent of utilities
• Senators, you know, it was mentioned that this is a generational discussion.
• This is a generational discussion. I think that certainly hasn't been had in a long time.
• look at how we communicate with one another and how that's grown, and just talking about phones in general

Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several bills and amendments related to traffic safety, utilities, schools, and motor vehicle administration. Senator Pizzo’s SB 1782, as amended, expanded reckless driving per se to include certain high-speed behaviors; the late amendment removed impound language but kept mandatory court appearance, and the bill was reported favorably. Senator McLean’s SB 818 on utility relocation was amended to include an important state interest finding; after testimony from county groups opposing the cost shift to local governments and Charter Communications supporting the bill, it was also reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1644 on emergency vehicles, after a delete-all amendment broadened warning-signal use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles. Senator Trumbull’s SB 1348 on DHSMV services was amended to streamline local delivery of motor vehicle services and remove certain fines, waiting periods, and CDL retesting provisions; it passed favorably with support from Florida Tax Collectors. Senator McLean’s SB 1188 on local governing authorities and charter schools drew the most debate, with supporters arguing local governments were using traffic and site-plan rules to block charter schools and opponents warning the bill would tie the hands of local governments and create a blanket preemption; it was reported favorably. The committee then passed SB 636, which limits use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic conditions, and requires FDOT signage. Senator Arrington’s SB 1152 increased the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee from $15 to $25 to raise more money for wildflower research and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission, and then adjourned.