Transcript Highlights:

• Now, area agencies on aging organizations like mine, we have seven in the state, administer the state
• > Area<00:03:26.000> Agencies Minnesota Association of Area Agencies Minnesota Association
• very important program here in Minnesota very important program here in Minnesota to<00:03:45.440
• > funds in the state, administer the state funds in the state, administer the state funds appropriated
• <00:36:42.480> And Minnesota Department of Health. And Minnesota Department of Health.

Bills: HF4210, HF4212, HF4549, HF4464, HF4546, HF4447

Keywords: senior nutrition, older adults, aging services, home-delivered meals, congregate dining, meal delivery, grocery delivery, food insecurity, nutrition support, area agencies on aging, Minnesota Board on Aging, human services, special revenue fund, nonprofit grants, SNAP outreach, medically tailored meals, rural nutrition, food access, transportation services, elderly

Transcript Highlights:

• Um Minnesota is a snow state and it's very valuable that we recognize the people who do that for us.
• Um Minnesota is a snow state and it's very valuable that we recognize the people who do that for us.
• We've seen how other states shut down during heavy snow and ice storms. Not Minnesota.
• <00:58:26.320> of will actually save the state of will actually save the state of Minnesota
• > we people the state of Minnesota that we people the state of Minnesota that we have<01:01:59.800

Bills: SF856, HF4482, HF3672, HF1234, HF4591, HF3554, HF936

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, HF4482, Minnesota Historical Society, state historic sites, historic site management, historic preservation, county historical society, local historical society, municipality, county government, admission fees, grants-in-aid, site operations, site maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• well in the Minnesota state system as well in the Minnesota state system as well with<00:02:17.040
• /c><00:02:29.440> this<00:02:29.640> bill Minnesota state budget and uh this bill Minnesota
• Maybe most timely to the state of Minnesota is the potential water quality benefits.
• For the last two legislative sessions, the state legislature approved and the Minnesota Department of
• legislature approved and the the state legislature approved and the Minnesota<00:53:30.520> Department

Bills: HF1704

Keywords: Minnesota agriculture budget, Department of Agriculture appropriation, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, farm bill, rural development, agricultural grants, soil health, livestock compensation, crop damage, meat inspection, poultry inspection, county agricultural inspectors, biofertilizer, nitrogen management, commercial nitrogen fertilizer, water quality, farm down payment assistance, beginning farmers

Transcript Highlights:

• will help evidence turnaround throughout the state of Minnesota.
• state of Minnesota. state of Minnesota.
• Next up, we have Minnesota State Academies. Mr. Wilding, are you here?
• Next up, we have Minnesota State Chair.
• Next up, we have Minnesota State Academies.<00:28:50.080> Mr.

Bills: HF3599, HF3761, HF3523, HF3515, HF573

Keywords: water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• to address concerns from the Minnesota to address concerns from the Minnesota Association<00:14:
• communications with the Minoc Minnesota communications with the Minoc Minnesota Association<00:15
• <00:27:22.000> Health Nath, um director of Minnesota Health Nath, um director of Minnesota
• I'm the executive director for the State of Minnesota Health Information Management Association.
• of Minnesota.

Bills: HF3521, HF1807, HF1270, HF2070, HF3136

Keywords: hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• And Minnesota is not immune. Nearly 70% of all drug overdose deaths in the state involve opioids.
• in the United States?
• Um please state your >> state your name.
• states—21 states—that have open access with no barriers in place.
• chair, and I'm a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Minnesota.

Bills: HF3521, HF1807, HF1270, HF2070, HF3136

Keywords: hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• and specifically hogs in the state of Minnesota.
• in Minnesota is big dollars throughout the<00:14:33.880> state<00:14:34.160> Minnesota.
• I don't know about the state Minnesota.
• as opposed to other here in Minnesota as opposed to other states. states. states.
• Um, reminder about the Minnesota Zoo real quick. Uh, we are a state agency.

Bills: HF4740, HF3940

Keywords: financial assurance, feedlot permits, manure storage, environmental compliance, agriculture regulation, abandoned infrastructure, pollution control, environmental impact, animal feedlot, livestock, regulations, Minnesota Rules

Summary: The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 4740, authored by Rep. Hansen, which would require feedlots with at least 1,000 animal units to provide financial assurance for closure costs. Hansen argued the bill would shift cleanup responsibility from taxpayers to owners, citing abandoned feedlots, changing ownership structures, and the 2024 Pure Prairie Poultry bankruptcy as examples of why public funds should not be used for closures and cleanup. He also said the bill would apply to new or renewed permits and suggested a statutory definition of abandoned feedlot storage units may be needed. Farm and livestock groups testified in opposition. Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Milk Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation said existing MPCA and county permit rules already require closure planning and reporting, and that the bill would add unnecessary costs and barriers for family farms, beginning farmers, and expansion. They warned the financial assurance requirement could function like an animal-unit cap, encourage fragmentation or out-of-state relocation, and impose annual costs that would not improve environmental outcomes. Several testified that true abandonment is rare and that current permitting and closure processes already address it. MPCA staff said the agency has concerns with the bill, noted there is currently no formal fiscal note, and said the agency would need to ensure any appropriations cover ongoing staffing needs. MPCA officials explained that permitted feedlots already must notify the agency before closure, follow a checklist of closure requirements, and undergo follow-up inspection; they said abandonment notifications are uncommon and they are not aware of any currently permitted facilities in abandonment process. Members questioned whether the bill was needed, what form financial assurance would take, how other states handle similar requirements, and whether the proposal would unfairly burden smaller or family operations. No vote on HF 4740 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 33 Good Samaritan locations in the state of Minnesota.
• I view House File 500, as amended, as an insurance policy for the state of Minnesota, for seniors, and
• Next is Brian Elliott, SEIU Minnesota State Council. Thank you.
• I'm the executive director of the Service Employees International Union Minnesota State Council.
• I'm the executive director of the Service Employees International Union Minnesota State Council.

Bills: HF1419, HF500

Keywords: nursing facilities, reimbursement rates, elderly care, minimum wage, healthcare funding, nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I view House File 500 as amended as an insurance policy for the state of Minnesota for seniors, and for
• I view House File 500 as amended as an insurance policy for the state of Minnesota for seniors, and for
• Next is Brian Elliott, SEIU Minnesota State Council. Thank you for having me.
• I'm the executive director of the Service Employees International Union Minnesota State Council.
• employees International Union Minnesota employees International Union Minnesota state<00:14:39.399

Bills: HF1419, HF500

Keywords: nursing facilities, reimbursement rates, elderly care, minimum wage, healthcare funding, nursing home, employment standards, worker rights, Minnesota Statutes, labor compensation, 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 500, which would require the legislature to fund the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s standards before they could take effect. An author’s DE2 amendment was adopted first; the amendment was described as pausing the board’s standards unless the legislature estimates and fully pays the cost for each nursing home. The bill author argued that mandates without money create serious consequences for seniors and providers, and said the measure would keep budget authority with the legislature rather than an appointed board. Supporters, including nursing home operators and the Long-Term Care Imperative, said the board’s holiday pay and minimum wage standards would create large unfunded costs, citing estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for individual facilities and more than $200 million statewide. They argued that some facilities could face debt, reserve depletion, or reduced access to care if the standards are not funded. Opponents, including SEIU workers and union leaders, said the board has improved staffing, recruitment, morale, and worker safety, and that caregivers deserve higher wages and holiday pay. They argued the bill would weaken the board’s ability to address chronic understaffing and would shift focus away from worker protections. Members also debated whether nursing home reimbursement rates have already risen enough to cover wages and whether the problem lies with how funds are used by providers. After public testimony closed, several members spoke in opposition and support. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted 9-7 to re-refer House File 500, as amended, to the Committee on Labor and Workforce and Economic Development Finance and Policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• can continue going out from our state can continue going out from our state stuff.<00:20:46.880>
• So, what's the response that state.
• The Minnesota on other rateayers.
• Chair, it's my goal that Minnesota will meet its clean energy goals before any other state in the country
• <00:40:01.040> And Minnesota, a victory for solar. And Minnesota, a victory for solar.

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light is an organization that stretches across the state.
• I should note that the state of Minnesota burns about 3.1 billion gallons of gasoline annually.
• I paid $167 of Minnesota state sales tax for that electricity and my wife paid $218.21.
• and it's a regional asset that serves the state of Minnesota.
• Of course, the bridge connects the University of Minnesota to the University of Minnesota. campuses,

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:15:36.480> that Minnesota state sales tax for that Minnesota state sales tax for that electricity
• , and it's a regional asset that serves the state of Minnesota.
• , and it's a regional asset that serves the state of Minnesota.
• 00:21:47.120> state<00:21:47.200> of<00:21:47.400> Minnesota.
• Of course serves the state of Minnesota.

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• These changes would also contradict the investment direction identified in the 20-year Minnesota State
• We have the second-largest county state aid highway system in the state of Minnesota.
• <00:31:55.760> of aid highway system in the state of aid highway system in the state of Minnesota
• It also shapes what tourism looks like in the state of Minnesota.
• It also shapes what tourism looks like in the state of Minnesota.

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:19.120> road the state road the state road appropriation<00:07:20.960> and<00
• Uh then for state road program.
• state<00:08:42.880> radio construction or sorry, state radio construction or sorry, state
• Section 11 allows for dealers in neighboring states to be treated as dealers in Minnesota as if they're
• licensed in Minnesota.

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is a bill relating to insurance continuing education here in the state of Minnesota.
• I know with that the state of Minnesota.
• Um, in the state of Minnesota, regulated industries such as appraisal, insurance, real estate, and others
• In the state of Minnesota, regulated industries such as appraisal, insurance, real estate, and others
• On behalf of Napa Minnesota Minnesota.

Bills: HF357, HF3389, HF1434, HF2500, HF1606

Keywords: HF357, hasenpfeffer, card games, social skill game, Minnesota gambling law, tournament, contest, prize limit, low-stakes gaming, card game exemption, gambling exemption, cribbage, bridge, euchre, pinochle, Texas hold'em, whist, skat, sheepshead, gin

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota is one of the only states in the country that doesn't regulate most insurance under a Department
• My name is Thomas Wellness Service, the associate state director of advocacy with AARP, Minnesota.
• The rise of severe convective storms in Minnesota, with an estimated 1.5 million homes in the state at
• Kerry Johnson, the director of state policy and field building at the Minnesota Consortium.
• of Minnesota.

Bills: HF4881, HF4867, HF4422, HF4223

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, regulation, financial institutions, prescription drug affordability, consumer protection, restitution account, financial compensation, attorney general, distributions, property insurance, homeowners insurance, fire and allied lines, hail insurance, appraisal clause, loss adjustment, alternative dispute resolution, insurance claims, claim valuation, actual cash value

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not going to make anything better for our community or the state of Minnesota. Thank you.
• It's not going to make anything better for our community or the state of Minnesota. Thank you.
• Across Minnesota, agencies like Alexandra House are weaving together a funding quilt that has state grants
• Chairs and members, echoing what you've heard, what are you and what is the state of Minnesota willing
• Chairs and members, echoing what you've heard, what are you and what is the state of Minnesota willing

Bills: HF4446, HF4066, HF1082

Keywords: public safety officer, survivor benefits, line of duty death, occupational cancer, firefighter, police officer, paramedic, EMT, correctional officer, first responder, workers' compensation, death benefits, occupational exposure, carcinogen, cancer presumption, mesothelioma, leukemia, lung cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD

Transcript Highlights:

• We have over 500,000 Minnesota MBP employees here in the state, but 4.8 million globally, so I just want
• We have over 500,000 Minnesota MBP employees here in the state, but 4.8 million globally, so I just want
• Minnesota adopts the federal OSHA law, right, and there are standards that we have adopted in the state
• Minnesota adopts the federal OSHA law, right, and there are standards that we have adopted in the state
• It is shocking in a land of 10,000 lakes, and most of them are murky in the state of Minnesota, to not

Bills: HF1355, HF1469, HF1768

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release

Transcript Highlights:

• I spent about 20 years in different roles in Minnesota state government, most recently as the executive
• states do the same thing. states do the same thing.
• of Minnesota.
• of Minnesota.
• state of Minnesota.<01:31:44.320> First<01:31:44.560> of<01:31:44.639> all,<01:

Bills: HF3296, HF3802

Keywords: energy conservation, data centers, electric sales, energy optimization, utility regulations, energy regulation, certificate of need, renewable energy, power production, energy efficiency, Minnesota statutes, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We lost two young, beautiful boys in the state of Minnesota in a very short period of time because of
• Probably know, it was the biggest fine in the history of the state of Minnesota.
• located on the Cuyuna Range in central Minnesota in the district served.
• I know last year we passed a bill to give, I believe it was state parks.
• And how is the same work that's being done from the state agency?

Bills: HF1355, HF78, HF1846, HF1225

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF78, Minnesota veterans, veteran retreats, Camp Bliss, Walker, Independent Lifestyles Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs grant, general fund appropriation, family members, spouse, domestic partner, children, therapy, transportation