Transcript Highlights:

• We're not seeing a lowering of the cost because we've been pumping money into the system through rate
• This is the fast track, and it's supposed to only deal with mandatory spending.
• No supplemental payment system that's eliminating uncompensated care for the large part.
• Do we in any way track our success stories? Mr.
• Those funds back to us, but in general, I think it's mostly back on track.

Transcript Highlights:

• > to<00:02:28.160> nine Our system transports water to nine Our system transports water
• And the local collection system.
• <00:04:27.600> responsibility collection system is the responsibility collection system is the
• to the water system. to the water system.
• . systems. systems.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of it was to make our tax system our tax system and not the feds' tax system.
• But you know, you're working in a system where we have...
• Our system does not have those. However, the federal Medicaid system allows for those to exist.
• based on our tax system after we implement it.
• We contribute to the federal system.

Transcript Highlights:

• our budgeting system for the 2029-30 fiscal year.
• , there could be a whole other system that we need to update.
• EDD's benefit systems that support UI, DI, and PFL.
• There was a unit set up at DGS to monitor and track some of that.
• And we should be keeping track of this as we go on.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update on the state’s generative AI implementation and related oversight. Administration officials said several proof-of-concept projects have moved into minimum viable product phases, including work at CDTFA and Caltrans, and that CDPH has a May Revision request for up to $8 million to scale up its healthcare facilities inspections project. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the administration to publish a report on lessons learned from each POC and recommended limiting the new generative AI approval process to a pilot through the first two rounds of projects, with continued monthly meetings and stronger legislative oversight. Members pressed for more transparency and questioned why the CDPH request was not included in January; the administration said the cost estimate was not available then and that only one project is seeking additional resources beyond existing departmental budgets. The committee then reviewed a proposed $400 million loan from the Labor and Workforce Development Fund to the General Fund. Finance and the Labor Agency said the fund has grown because civil penalty revenues have risen sharply, and the loan would be repaid in 2029-30 with provisional language allowing earlier repayment if needed. The LAO agreed the fund could support the loan but warned that recent PAGA reforms may reduce future revenues. Public commenters, including labor and community groups, argued the money should instead support labor-law enforcement and outreach programs such as CWOP, and urged rejection of the loan. Members also heard a Department of Industrial Relations request for $19.1 million for phase two of Public Works Information Technology System Enhancements, which officials said will support labor-law enforcement and apprenticeship registration. The department said the project was delayed because a prior procurement did not result in a contract award and that completion is now expected in October 2026. The committee then took up an EDD Next reappropriation technical adjustment to extend UI fund spending authority through June 30, 2026; the LAO said the request was fine but again raised concerns about oversight of the larger modernization effort, which EDD said now totals more than $660 million and is expected to continue through 2029. Finally, the committee discussed DGS’s request for new parking facilities near the May Lee Building and a trailer bill shifting statewide telework policy language from DGS to CalHR while also expanding NDI eligibility for certain CEA employees. The LAO said the telework trailer bill should likely go through the policy committee process instead of budget, and union and employee witnesses strongly opposed it, arguing it would undermine bargaining rights and could be used to narrow telework. In a separate item on the governor’s return-to-office order, administration officials said departments are being directed to move to a four-day in-office expectation starting July 1, 2025, but they had no statewide cost estimate yet because departments are still assessing vacancies, exemptions, and space needs. Members criticized the lack of analysis and said the state should have clearer numbers before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So every offender that enters the DOC system enters in one of four facilities.
• Has that ever happened in the prison system? Yes. I thought it had to.
• So we are losing more than 100 people in our prison system per year.
• And I do think that Centurion should be tracking mortality.
• I do keep track of it and I do have a link that I can send out.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It addresses a gap in the newborn screening system by adding screening for a rare but life-threatening
• In all 12 hospital systems including Michael Beauchamp: Stanford and Texas Children's have reported no
• One is de-tracking.
• The waiver support coordinators are the Stephanie Gordon: backbone of the system and are the ones that
• It happens with thoughtful systems that you put in place as an owner of an agency.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are six problems currently with California's voting system.
• I present evidence of weaknesses in our election system.
• Why can't this broken- political system hear that and give them what they've been asking for?
• And communities of color who face many systemic barriers when it comes to voting.
• I'm not tracking the...

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• but most have taught within our system but most have taught within our system for<00:44:42.480><
• student access across the system. student access across the system.
• system level response. system level response.
• So we have faculty in the system.
• still in the system for 20 plus years. still in the system for 20 plus years.

Bills: HF4479, HF4368, HF4889

Keywords: higher education, public university, college campus, postsecondary institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, town hall, town hall meeting, elected official, legislator, public forum, constituent meeting, campus access, free meeting space, parking fees, civic engagement, public outreach, chapter 135A, HF4368, Minnesota State

Summary: The committee approved the April 9 minutes and then took up House File 4479, which would require public postsecondary institutions to make space available for town halls and similar official events by elected officials, with limits intended to keep the events on the official side and not campaign-related. Representative Frederick said the bill is meant to prevent universities from creating barriers such as fees or parking charges and to ensure a neutral, accessible venue for community conversations. The bill was laid over for possible later action. The committee heard supportive testimony from Jim Dimmick of Minnesota State University, Mankato, who argued that town halls should be public, open, moderated, and dialogic rather than speeches, and said universities should be centers for public discourse. He also said charging fees can undermine neutrality and that using partisan student groups to sponsor events can create the appearance of bias. Minnesota State official Mr. Omen said campuses often host these events, fees are set locally to cover costs, and student government sponsorship can sometimes avoid charges; he also noted the fee at Mankato is discounted and depends on room size. Several members raised concerns about the bill. Representative Scott, Chair Robbins, Representative Schwarz, Representative Allen, and others argued that campuses should not be required by statute to give legislators special treatment, that fees and parking costs cover real expenses, and that universities should remain focused on education rather than political events. Questions also focused on who would decide what room size is reasonable, how disputes would be handled, and who would pay for security if protests or safety issues arose. Representative Frederick responded that room selection would be a good-faith partnership with the university, that the bill does not require a town hall or guarantee a specific room, and that security funding is not spelled out in the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• In our region, these states have this tiered system so that we could deal with Minnesota's weather.
• /c><00:04:40.880> that<00:04:41.840> um<00:04:42.039> we have this uh tiered system
• so that um we have this uh tiered system so that um we could<00:04:42.360> deal<00:04:42.919>
• the progress of their uh their to track the progress of their uh their permit<00:14:06.920> the
• <00:21:46.840> we're with the eaw or some other system we're with the eaw or some other system

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to help guide you with entering apprentice agreements, wages, and making sure that you're keeping track
• of your apprentice hours and how to do it in our system and all that.
• They're there to ensure that your program is running on track and is smooth.
• And then we do all that paperwork from registering programs to registering apprentices, keeping on track
• Let's not lose track that this whole program is about the apprentices. It's about the people.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee met to discuss using registered apprenticeships to help address workforce shortages in disability services, human services, and other high-need fields. Co-chairs and staff introduced the session as a follow-up to earlier discussions with state labor officials and representatives from developmental disability and behavioral health provider associations. The panel focused on how apprenticeships can create paid, structured pathways into jobs while also supporting credentialing and retention. Amara Ramon of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards explained how Massachusetts apprenticeship programs are registered and supported, including the roles of apprenticeship liaison staff, operations, quality assurance, and grant support. She described the core features of apprenticeships—paid on-the-job training, related technical instruction, wage progression, and industry credentials—and contrasted them with internships or co-ops. Melissa Chabelli of the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board described the intermediary role her board plays in designing programs, registering apprentices, coordinating employers, and handling compliance. She emphasized flexibility, employer investment, tax credits, retention benefits, and the importance of mentors and local workforce partnerships. Lisa Morris of UMass Chan/For Health Consulting described a developing apprenticeship for medical interpreters, built from an existing training foundation and designed to address the gap between classroom preparation and work experience. She said the model would combine pre-apprenticeship training, employer interviews, 2,000 hours of apprenticeship, and related technical instruction tied to national certification. Speakers also discussed examples for nursing, early childhood education, CNC machining, and programs serving neurodivergent learners, including Bridgewater State’s Excel program. In response to audience questions, panelists said state agencies can serve as intermediaries, recruitment can come through career centers, youth programs, community colleges, ESL centers, and incumbent workers, and accommodations or modified curricula can support apprentices with disabilities. No votes were taken; the session ended with encouragement for attendees to contact the presenters and Division of Apprenticeship Standards for help developing programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I go in the system, type in Jim Patterson, press enter, stop the payroll deduction.
• It still created an agency to track people down. How was it going to be done?
• It still created an agency to track people down. How is it going to be done?
• Who's going to track it? Who's going to audit it? That's the purpose when I'm hearing.
• Who's going to track it? Who's going to audit it? That's the purpose when I'm hearing.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations met for its final meeting of the 2026 session and took up SB 312 by Senator Talbot, a bill concerning labor organizations, employee dues and fees, withdrawal from unions, annual notice requirements, and related reporting and notification provisions. The committee first adopted a technical amendment set, then debated a larger amendment set that shifted the cease-withholding request to the employer, required electronic confirmation, placed certain administrative costs on the labor organization, and added language about employer notification and authorization procedures. Members discussed whether the bill was needed, whether employees already have the ability to opt out, and whether the amendments would create confusion or unnecessary bureaucracy. Supporters said the bill protects employee choice and ensures dues stoppage happens at the nearest payroll period; opponents argued the added language was unclear and burdensome. The committee also adopted a separate technical amendment adding mass transit employees to the list of exemptions. Testimony came from the bill author and several stakeholders. Senator Talbot said the bill is meant to ensure workers know they do not have to join a union, can revoke dues authorizations, and can stop deductions without waiting for a fixed annual window. Representative Eccles defended the amendments as employee protections and a way to shift administrative costs away from taxpayers. Jim Patterson of LABI supported the amendments, saying they protect public employers and taxpayers from administrative costs. After the amendments were adopted on a roll call vote, union representatives Matt Wood of the Louisiana AFL-CIO, Peter Robbins-Brown of the AFL-CIO, and Larry Carter of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees testified in opposition to the amended bill, saying they had worked in good faith on a simpler opt-in/opt-out framework and objected to the new cost and bureaucracy provisions. Several members also spoke in favor of the bill as a matter of freedom of choice and employee control over paycheck deductions. At the end of debate, Representative Wilder moved to report SB 312 with amendments. The motion passed on a roll call vote, and the bill was reported from committee with amendments. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Madam Chair and Representative Mannon-Clerk, do you, I mean, who would track this?
• And we tracked it ourselves, and then, you know, our managers would decide.
• How would that be tracked? Madam Chair, that's going to...
• and water systems need resources to get their water to where it needs to be across different uses.
• We've been tracking pollinator protection for a number of years, so this is extremely important.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you would maybe tell me if I'm on the right track there.
• And if you would maybe tell me if I'm on the right track there.
• are are definitely specifically tracked are are definitely specifically tracked and<00:30:38.640
• The purpose for that lease is a non-motorized recreational trail system and a trail system with a wildlife
• > parking recreational trail system, parking recreational trail system, parking areas,<00:50:38.800

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm hoping that they are, that they're going to be tracking.
• We have a very good... track record for that.
• They can't just say right what they are and start tracking those in numbers.
• So as we track and monitor those matters, it's critical.
• We are really trying to get a grasp on this and track and monitor it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our task is to identify and to stop the businesses who cheat the system and who are rewarded for it.
• who cheat the system and who are<00:08:52.440> rewarded<00:08:52.880> for<00:08:53.080
• > data,<00:30:31.760> like These apps track behavioral data, like These apps track behavioral
• we are on track. we are on track.
• I don't have those percentages with me today, and I'm not sure if we track that metric in our system,

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target. Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then. Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, inflation is a number that's tracked by many third-party groups.
• Well, inflation is a number that's tracked by many third-party groups.
• Well, inflation is a number that's tracked by many third-party groups.
• Well, inflation is a number that's tracked by many third-party groups.
• Well, inflation is a number that's tracked by many third-party groups.

Bills: HF3676, HF3683, HF3395

Keywords: Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from February 19 and February 26, while skipping the February 24 minutes because of a drafting error that would be corrected later. It then took up House File 3676, a Safe at Home program bill described by Rep. Nash as arising from a constituent’s dangerous identity exposure and intended to tighten protections for participants, including allowing emancipated minors to enroll. Testimony from the Secretary of State’s office explained that the bill would clarify who may apply for a minor, require proof of guardianship, strengthen court findings before a participant’s physical address can be disclosed, increase penalties for harmful disclosure, prohibit discrimination based on participation, require state agencies to designate a Safe at Home contact person, allow use of the Safe at Home card as proof of residence for certain ID purposes, and require judge training. Members raised concerns about federal compatibility, constitutionality of court-related provisions, and the need for a fiscal note on the felony penalty. Several sections were noted as being removed or modified in a later engrossment, and the committee voted to re-refer HF 3676 to the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee. The committee then heard House File 3683, which would direct the state budget forecast to include the estimated cost of fraud. Rep. Nash argued that fraud is a significant but unquantified drain on state resources and said the bill would adapt existing forecast language used for inflation to track fraud costs. Minnesota Management and Budget Deputy Commissioner Anna Mingi testified that fraud is unacceptable and that the agency works to prevent and detect it, but said the twice-yearly forecast is not the right tool for this kind of retrospective analysis. She explained that if fraud is identified, the forecast would reflect reduced spending through program integrity actions rather than a separate fraud-cost line item. The bill was moved and referred to the general register after a roll call was requested.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that rolls up in the budget system as federal. Okay. There's a few of those.
• So that rolls up in the budget system as a federal. Okay. There's a few of those.
• I think it helps us keep track of it, see what's going on.
• Like I said, I think it's easier to follow and track in our budgeting system.
• So track it and basically make it go home.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in jeopardy or further delay rollout of the next-generation 911 system.
• This is a failure to support the court-appointed counsel system.
• This is a failure to support the court of pounded council system.
• But, as my colleagues have been saying, the system is in a situation of collapse.
• It's going to cause the state at least three times more to recreate the system.

Summary: The subcommittee heard May Revision presentations for the Office of Emergency Services, Judicial Branch, CDCR, and the Department of Justice, with the LAO offering comments and recommendations throughout. For Cal OES, the administration outlined funding for relocating the Red Mountain communications site, increased FEMA reimbursement authority, cybersecurity grants, next-generation 911 support, and a reduction to the Flexible Cash Assistance for Survivors of Crime program. Members raised concerns about VOCA backfill and disaster reimbursement, while the LAO recommended approving the 911 request with reporting, adding contingency planning for cybersecurity grants, clarifying the FEMA reimbursement language, and increasing reporting on emergency spending. For the Judicial Branch, the May Revision included funding for implementation of the Trial Nations Access to Justice Act, reductions tied to court facilities and employee benefits, and General Fund solutions such as a reduction to the pretrial release program, a reversion from the Trial Court Trust Fund, and elimination of the jury duty pilot program. The LAO cautioned that the pretrial reduction could affect detention and release decisions and recommended tighter legislative oversight over the trust fund transfer and reallocation language. Members questioned the impact of the pretrial cut, the lack of Prop. 36 court funding, and the rationale for the jury pilot elimination; the Judicial Branch said it was generally supportive of the budget as proposed. CDCR presented requests for roof repairs, fire alarm replacements, CalAIM-related costs, and trailer bill changes on incarcerated college students, mental health hiring, and tuberculosis testing, along with a planned prison closure by October 2026. The department also proposed reducing or delaying several items, including radio replacement, ADA improvements, COVID mitigation, and some facility upgrades, while adding a $125 million placeholder for consultant-driven operational savings. The LAO recommended rejecting or reducing several San Quentin-related proposals, questioned the staffing and contract medical requests, and urged more transparency on the consultant savings plan; members expressed concern about the realism of the savings targets and the potential legal or operational risks from delaying ADA and radio projects. For DOJ, the May Revision proposed ongoing funding and 44 positions to defend against federal actions, IT and accounting system upgrades, implementation funding for AB 1877, and a special fund loan. The LAO supported the KLETS connection but asked for a contingency plan if the new DMV link is delayed, noted that AB 1877 would not be fully implemented without additional funding, and recommended limiting and reporting on the federal accountability workload. Members questioned the size and permanence of the DOJ request, the use of the earlier $25 million special session appropriation, and the pace of federal litigation; DOJ said the new request would support ongoing litigation, expert assistance, and coordination across multiple cases and states.

Transcript Highlights:

• transparent accountability system that transparent accountability system that truly<00:52:17.200
• increase in the accountability system. increase in the accountability system.
• like a Huntsville uh city large system like a Huntsville uh city system.<01:10:13.920> I<01:10
• I will certainly want uh you to system.
• I believe for the kids in your system.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's partially system related chaos.
• >> But otherwise it's a great system. >> But otherwise it's a great system.
• <01:12:55.440> itself the system itself the system itself >> like<01:12:56.880> I
• So, it's not we're not like system.
• uh change to the unemployment system uh change to the unemployment system itself.<01:16:26.400><

Keywords: 1189, house, all