Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, Senate Bill 1477, Assisted Living Facilities Referral Agents, makes modifications
• to assisted living facilities referral disclosures.
• SB 1166 includes students in grade 11 and those who are over the age of 16 to those who may be offered
• SB 1166 includes students in grade 11 and those who are over the age of 16 to those who may be offered
• SB 1166 includes students in grade 11 and those who are over the age of 16 to those who may be offered

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard a long series of Senate bills, mostly on third-read consent, covering education, public safety, health, courts, labor, and water. Several bills were briefly explained and then pulled from consent for further discussion, including measures on public records review standards (SB 1078), sexually explicit materials in schools/libraries (SB 1435 and SB 1567), burial costs in death cases (SB 1135), military flags in HOAs/COAs (SB 1184), court-ordered treatment guardianship (SB 1243), standardized state hiring (SB 1665), released-time religious instruction (SB 1741), firearm safety instruction in schools (SB 1424), student participation in extracurriculars after certain convictions (SB 1475), Celebrate Freedom Week (SB 1572), federal scholarship-granting organizations/vouchers (SB 1142), immigration-related arrest notifications (SB 1055), defamation standards (SB 1099), peace officer certification for military police veterans (SB 1107), mandatory reporting of child abuse/neglect directly to DCS (SB 1127), attorney licensing and discipline issues (SB 1148 and SB 1039), concealed weapons on college campuses (SB 1068), and firearm muffling devices/silencers (SB 1069). Members also raised constitutional, policy, and school-safety concerns on several of these bills, while supporters emphasized alternative pathways for students, veterans, and workers, and tighter reporting or licensing rules. Other bills were described without extended debate, including claims against the state for unpaid contracted services (SB 1097), workers’ compensation death benefits for surviving spouses who remarry (SB 1136), burial expense increases (SB 1135), state agency web pages for internal guidance (SB 1586), court-ordered treatment procedures and service of process in mental health cases (SB 1113), medical examiner authorization (SB 1123), tribal MOUs with DCS (SB 1125), controlled-substance scheduling conformity with federal classifications (SB 1188), EMT personal information protections (SB 1193), mammography notice updates (SB 1318), assisted-living referral disclosures (SB 1477), accommodation school GED instruction for 11th graders and students over 16 (SB 1166), credit enhancement board continuation (SB 1422), school district and charter school obligations related to religious release time (SB 1741), school firearm safety instruction (SB 1424), and school civics/freedom-week instruction (SB 1572). The committee also heard bills on CPA certification pathways (SB 1181), insurance adjuster licensing (SB 1415), county voter-registration rules online (SB 1040), campaign address privacy (SB 1259), federal land acquisition notification (SB 1281), water supply/demand assessments (SB 1202), environmental compatibility for power plants and small modular reactors (SB 1418), and groundwater recovery rules (SB 1785). The meeting ended with announcements and a brief recognition of Rep. Stephanie Hamilton with an “Affordability Award.” No final votes are shown in the transcript excerpt; instead, many bills were either left on consent, pulled for later discussion, or flagged for closed caucus. The chair then asked guests to leave so members could hold a closed caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• While the state owns various types of properties, such as correctional facilities, storage facilities
• The Facilities Department directs the maintenance and operations of the buildings owned by OMEMIAS, as
• The ag building should hold 457 employees.
• As previously stated, the ag building has a capacity of 457 offices, but a reported utilization of 334
• unused offices, and multiplying by the space allocation standard of 216 square feet, means that the ag

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would have to get with the Department of Ag on this one. Do You mind, Mr.
• Chairman, if I have somebody from the Department of Ag answer that?
• Who would you like from the Department of Ag to speak? Tina Ttia, please come to a mic.
• We don't totally know because we've never seen a facility that Only has 10 tons or anybody that's ever
• So, does the Department of Transportation have to consult first with the Department of Ag or do they

Bills: HB2975, HB3405, HB3406, HB3728, HB3902, HB3977

Keywords: poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:25.600><c> Thank</c> a certain age. Thank you. Great. Thank a certain age. Thank you.
• was a juvenile facility way up north.
• Um, a juvenile facility way up north.
• This is for facilities modernization.
• </c><01:28:36.480><c> design</c> deviation from the facility design deviation from the facility design

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the county, so I know the age of the county, so I know the age of the tabulators.
• See, when you when you put age on See, when you when you put age on See, when you when you put age on
• So, age appropriate book in their hands. So, age appropriate book in their hands.
• My nephew is my age. He's my age. He's my age. He's 47. Just was a situation. Asked the kid 47.
• , but they need to pass facility, but they need to pass facility, but they need to pass something.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> when they age out of the system. when they age out of the system.
• 60 and the other one is age 65. >> Okay. >> So, it's two different ages for... >> Yes, sir.
• Uh, 1%. about uh reads 60 at age 60 and the about uh reads 60 at age 60 and the other<01:33:51.920><c
• </c> other one is age 65. other one is age 65. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• This simply lowers the age to 18.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 9 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Dying in 1832, he was the last surviving signer of the Declaration at age 95.
• Also pulled because milk gets combined, depending on the facilities, into those hauling trucks.
• So we’re talking about an age. With that, debate is open. Is there any debate in opposition?
• The AG only has one office, one budget, and a thousand other cases.
• So the point is, if we strip this out, that'll make them happy, because they can manage an AG.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. The body then received a series of committee reports and bill referrals, including multiple House bills reported out of committee with do-pass recommendations or sent to other committees, as well as gubernatorial and House messages. Several bills were advanced through first and second reading, and the Senate also noted that it would not take up the 10th order until later. The chamber then considered a long list of measures on third reading. Senate Bill 1227, as amended by the House, relating to education and generative AI, passed after Senator Cook explained that the bill preserves human judgment, local control, and parent transparency while adding House changes to the review committee. House Bill 603, revising Capitol Mall camping rules, passed after debate over balancing free speech with safety and sanitation; opponents warned about overreach, while supporters said the bill clarifies the line between protest and encampment. House Bill 688 on airbag systems, House Bill 645 creating a portable benefits framework for independent contractors, and House Bill 738 allowing LLC organizers to use a commercial registered agent’s address also passed after debate on consumer protection, tax treatment, worker classification, and privacy. Additional bills passed with little or no debate, including House Bill 521 on criminal history background checks for vulnerable populations, House Bill 615 clarifying disturbing-the-peace protections for houses of worship, House Bill 695 correcting a statutory term from possession to restitution, House Bill 568 repealing obsolete Department of Lands provisions, House Bill 774 repealing minimum fines for certain hunting violations, House Bill 762 revising charter school admissions preferences for foster children and military families, House Bill 661 extending county solid-waste disposal contract competition, House Bill 733 updating partnership audit procedures to align with federal tax law, House Bill 749 addressing annexation hardship exceptions and property rights, House Bill 662 expanding milk testing standards and dispute resolution, House Bill 664 removing differential speed limits for heavy trucks, and House Bill 716 revising transportation funding distributions and bridge inspection funding. Several bills were held on the calendar or referred for possible amendment, and the Senate later returned to committee and administrative business, including committee reports, gubernatorial appointments, and moving into the Committee of the Whole on the general calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:40.240><c> based</c> currently overly stressed facility based currently overly stressed facility
• Initial and annual assessments, along with background studies for all individuals age 13 or older, is
• The only difference is that this licensed service is provided in someone’s home and not in a facility
• Initial and annual assessments, along with background studies for all individuals age 13 or older, is
• I mean, do we really want this to be like a facility? It just doesn’t really make sense.

Bills: HF729, HF728

Keywords: human services, provider enrollment, medical assistance, healthcare, housing stabilization, substance use disorder, vulnerable adults, fraud prevention, respite care, children, licensed settings, home and community-based services, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It aims to keep them out of institutions, be it nursing facilities or intermediate care facilities whenever
• It is, I'd say, rare for youth in this group to often be in a detention facility just based on their
• It is, I'd say, rare for youth in this group to often be in a detention facility just based on their
• this facility to be billed through Medicaid when possible, wherein we're going to have a reduction to
• And this is for the aged, blind, and disabled program.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the February 5, 2026 minutes and then heard a lengthy budget presentation from Department of Health and Welfare Director Sharon and Medicaid Director Sasha O’Connell. The department reviewed a large number of supplemental and line-item requests across Medicaid, child and family services, welfare/self-reliance, and indirect support services, including funding for state hospital Medicaid billing authority, Medicaid caseload and cost growth, rural health transformation staffing and implementation, child care program integrity and capacity, kinship navigation, home visiting, and IT/procurement modernization. The committee also discussed ongoing litigation affecting Medicaid procurement timelines, the move to centralized IT services, and the department’s request for additional procurement staff to help manage complex Medicaid contracts. A major portion of the hearing focused on Medicaid spending growth and the department’s response to the governor’s 4% provider rate reduction. The director said growth is being driven largely by higher utilization and intensity of services in behavioral health and disability/home-and-community-based services, including residential habilitation and residential treatment, and noted the department has identified some provider behavior concerns and referred cases to program integrity. Members asked about safeguards, assessments, and whether the department could absorb the outside contractor used for disability assessments; the director said state staffing would be too costly and the contractor should remain in place. The committee also discussed the department’s request for an additional $22 million in general funds to balance Medicaid, with the director emphasizing that the department had already taken the reductions and rescissions available to it. Other discussion covered child welfare placements, including a request for transfer authority to pay for youth served at Southwest Idaho Treatment Center when no other safe placement exists, and a request to continue paused child care capacity funds while the department completes a 360-degree review of child care providers. In welfare/self-reliance, the department outlined new costs from federal changes to SNAP administration, Medicaid expansion work requirements, and more frequent eligibility redeterminations, along with a reduction in aged, blind, and disabled funding that the department said it has routinely been able to revert. The committee did not take action on the budget items during this hearing and adjourned to the floor after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Frank relating to confinement or detention of certain individuals in a county jail or other facility
• for visiting families and friends for the presence of distribution of drugs in the correctional facilities
• Despite implementing harsher restrictions, monitoring incoming mail, many correctional facilities have
• And they told me that sometimes when they go into their facilities, they walk right around the screeners
• And letting people circumvent the security mechanisms for officers coming into the facility are also

Bills: HB153

Transcript Highlights:

• facilities though are getting old and we facilities though are getting old and we know<00:13:30.399><
• So facility managers is a term we use, and most schools have a facility manager who's well versed in
• </c><01:04:43.920><c> man</c> and we had one of the facility man and we had one of the facility man facilities
• </c><01:42:48.880><c> out</c> but the deterioration uh the aging out but the deterioration uh the aging
• </c> get it back until the facilities get it back until the facilities are<01:45:10.000><c> adequate<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion broadly around whether school building aid should remain a state program, how to address limited revenues, and whether the current system should continue to prioritize debt service and the existing formula or move toward a different model such as per-pupil allocations, a dedicated fund, or a split between new construction and renovation. He also raised questions about whether leasing should be included and how to manage any new fund under current law and the school building authority structure. Representatives and department staff discussed the current backlog of applications, the age and condition of school facilities, and the possibility that large projects can consume available funding for a year while other districts go unsupported. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities introduced himself and provided technical context on the program and current debt levels. Representative Luneau argued that under the ConVal decision, the state’s responsibility includes school buildings, construction, and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property wealth. He noted that construction and renovation have long been recognized categories and asked about leasing, which staff said is already supported in statute for charter schools and possibly CTE, with a cap of 30% of annual lease cost or $50,000. The discussion also covered CTE facilities: staff explained that capital funding for CTE centers is state-funded, that federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction, and that the current rotational capital model means only a few centers are funded each year, which may not match changing program needs. A committee studying CTE capital needs was referenced, along with concerns that the report from that work had not yet been received. Representative Papich urged the subcommittee to focus on policy, principles, and structure rather than just numbers, saying the current system produces a few winners and many districts that never receive aid. He favored a simpler, more equitable per-capita or formula-based approach, while acknowledging the need for a transition plan for projects already in the pipeline. The chair later cautioned against mixing maintenance and operations with construction and renovation, noting that operation and maintenance are already part of the adequacy formula and should not be confused with capital funding. No votes were taken during the meeting; the discussion was exploratory, with members and staff laying out competing approaches and identifying issues for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Renovation of the existing 39,608 square feet facility in lieu of new construction of a replacement facility
• will remove the facilities from the facilities assessment database.
• Is that the facility at the high school or is that an old facility?
• We currently operate two facilities, so we would be merging those two facilities, um, together into one
• Differentiation between uh high school aged students and middle school aged students and so we just work

Transcript Highlights:

• So, that would be an age 55-plus community of about 60 to 65 of apartment style, again, also in our MRA
• We actually have a mock job site west of our training facility. It's a 10-day program.
• Part of this 25,000 square foot facility includes a 7,000 square foot automation lab that is second to
• We're an open access institution for individuals over a certain age.
• And the other thing I'd say is that while there are age-related issues, particularly because of age,

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it was with the Aging and Long-Term Services Department.
• I think, I believe it was with the aging long-term services departments.
• A lot of our discussion related to the budget for Aging and Long-Term Services.
• The facilities that are already, in some cases, I know they're overwhelmed.
• I already brought it up that the aging network is underfunded. I just want to be on the record.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• into their older ages.
• </c> seen that stability across those age seen that stability across those age groups. groups. groups
• </c> growth in a state with aging growth in a state with aging demographics. demographics. demographics
• Other groups have older age distributions, but across the groups, age is one factor that plays a role
• </c> population in that 16 to 64 age range? population in that 16 to 64 age range?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of the facilities that call home.
• </c><00:16:09.519><c> on</c> an example, in one of our facilities on an example, in one of our facilities
• I assume you facilities in Kentucky.
• Um they do do individualized facility.
• So that's going operated u facilities.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services heard a presentation on Kentucky personal care homes from representatives of the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities, Management Systems of Kentucky, and Elder Care Partners. Witnesses described personal care homes as a lower-cost, 24/7 residential option for adults with serious mental illness who do not qualify for nursing home care but need structured support, medication assistance, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and supervision. They said the homes are regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, are not Medicaid-funded, and rely on a state supplementation rate of about $50.70 per day, which they argued no longer covers operating costs because of rising food, labor, insurance, and maintenance expenses. The presenters said the sector has shrunk significantly over time, citing a drop from 64 homes in 2002 to 34 today among the homes serving this population, with 30 closures over 23 years and two more closures since August. They argued that the closures have contributed to homelessness, hospital overcrowding, and longer stays in psychiatric hospitals, and they gave examples of residents who had spent many months in hospitals before stabilizing in a personal care home. One provider also described spending more than $800,000 on capital improvements after acquiring Kentucky facilities and said reimbursement is too low to sustain safe operations. They asked for an incremental reimbursement increase over two years and said they have also proposed an assisted-living model for people with mental illness. Members asked about staffing, reimbursement, and the number of people still needing placement. The presenters said there is no requirement for licensed or certified staff in these facilities, though some homes use medication technicians and occasional LPNs. They estimated they are currently serving about 2,000 residents and said they receive roughly 30 referrals for every one person admitted, with many referrals involving people whose needs exceed the personal care home level. Senator Meredith and Representative Fleming said any funding request would need documentation of savings and corresponding budget offsets, while Representative Duval expressed support and asked about possible staffing and program improvements. The witnesses also compared Kentucky’s flat-rate reimbursement to a more individualized reimbursement model in Minnesota, saying a needs-based system would better match staffing and reduce hospitalizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't have to be all of it, but it definitely needs to be available for ag land that's currently
• producing ag on it.
• But there's nothing being said about ag producers.
• producing ag on it.
• But there's nothing being said about ag producers.

Bills: HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989

Keywords: electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, rural water service, district organization, emergency legislation, Oklahoma, water management, state vehicles, state-owned vehicles, state-leased vehicles, motor vehicle use, commuting use, personal use, fleet management, Corporation Commission, field inspectors

Summary: The committee first considered the nomination of Russell Isaacs to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Isaacs described his farming background and experience with cotton, corn, sorghum, and wheat, and said he regularly tests conservation technologies on his farm. Senators discussed his water-conservation experience and the value he could bring to the board. The nomination received 10 ayes and 0 nays and was advanced to the full Senate floor. Members then took up House Bill 3183, dealing with smart transmission technology and electric grid efficiency. Senator Murdoch explained that the bill had been difficult to negotiate and that the enacting clause was stricken so work could continue on a committee substitute. He said the technology would allow existing transmission towers to carry lighter, more efficient lines, reduce wildfire risk, and potentially lower long-term rates by easing congestion. Senators asked about costs, who pays, and whether ratepayers or large load users would bear the burden; an amendment changed language from “customer funded” to “large load user funded.” The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 7 ayes to 3 nays. The committee also advanced several nominations and bills related to environmental and energy policy. Steve Mason was confirmed to the Environmental Quality Board by an 8-0 vote. House Bill 4316, which removes an old deadline that prevented nonprofit corporations from converting into water districts and accessing grant funding, passed 8-0. House Bill 4484, allowing discretionary use of state-owned or state-leased vehicles between employees’ homes and workplaces to save mileage costs, passed 9-0. House Bill 3464 created a statewide framework for energy storage and solar facilities; a motion to table an amendment failed, and the bill passed 10-0 after debate over landowner protections, decommissioning, fire safety, and dual-use agricultural concerns. The committee then passed House Bill 3173, the Well-Repurposing Act, 10-0, to allow orphaned and abandoned wells to be repurposed for geothermal and energy storage uses, with discussion about surface-owner rights and possible tweaks to the geothermal temperature definition. House Bill 3469, a measure easing surety requirements for smaller producers by allowing a stair-stepped compliance schedule, passed 9-0. Finally, House Bill 3989 was amended for drafting corrections and then passed 9-0; it relates to the one-megawatt load standard and uses actual load over a two-year period rather than plate load. The chair ended the meeting by thanking members and staff and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Food and ag has always been a cornerstone of Minnesota's economy.
• Food and ag generate over $105 billion in sales annually and support more than 38,000 jobs across the
• Food and ag generate over $105 billion in sales annually and support more than 38,000 jobs across the
• Farms and food processing facilities then struggle to find enough labor.
• facilities then struggle to find enough labor.<00:10:13.920><c> Shortages</c><00:10:14.399><c> in</c

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: State legislators and farm leaders held an impromptu discussion focused on the impact of federal immigration enforcement activity, especially ICE presence in Minnesota, on agriculture and rural communities. Speakers argued that agriculture is central to the state’s economy and said fear of raids is causing legal immigrant and guest workers, including H-2A workers, to stay home, disrupting farms, food processors, restaurants, grocery stores, and other parts of the food supply chain. They also linked the issue to broader federal uncertainty, including USDA funding freezes and cuts, and said the lack of transparency from federal agencies is making it difficult for state officials and producers to plan. Senator Rob Kupec and Minnesota Farmers Union president Gary Wertish said ICE activity in both the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota is creating fear, trauma, and labor shortages, with reports of workers avoiding work, lunch trips, medical appointments, and school. Wertish said the organization supports comprehensive immigration reform and called for an end to the ICE surge, while also emphasizing the need to respect local law enforcement and the rule of law. Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Andrea Vaubel said immigrants are a critical part of Minnesota’s food and agriculture workforce, warned that labor shortages could raise production costs and food prices, and said the state would not have its current food supply without immigrant workers. In response to questions, speakers said they had anecdotal reports from rural areas such as Pelican Rapids, Willmar, and Detroit Lakes, but that the situation is changing quickly and many incidents may not yet be public. They said the lack of coordination with local law enforcement and the use of masks contribute to fear and confusion. Legislators said they have no direct jurisdiction over ICE operations but see their role as documenting what is happening, communicating with constituents, and avoiding state actions that would worsen the problem. They also said the issue is not purely partisan and may be mobilizing concern across political lines, especially among farmers worried about labor availability for planting and other seasonal work.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are facilities that have a single owner and several tenant businesses.
• Qualifying facilities must be in counties with at least 800,000 people.
• Again, all facilities qualified as refurbishments, and moreover, these facilities all predate the preference
• Moreover, these facilities all predate the preference by five years or more.
• As their guardians age, these adults might need to find other living arrangements.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are facilities that have a single owner and several tenant businesses.
• Qualifying facilities must be in counties with at least 800,000 people.
• Again, all facilities qualified as refurbishments, and moreover, these facilities all predate the preference
• Moreover, these facilities all predate the preference by five years or more.
• As their guardians age, these adults might need to find other living arrangements.

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on August 4, 2026, with all five commissioners present. The commission approved the May 26, 2026 minutes, welcomed new commissioner Diane Tabilius, and re-elected Andy Knopfsiger Meadows as chair and Dr. Sharon Keiko as vice chair. JLARC staff also introduced two Evans School interns who are assisting with preliminary research for the 2027 review cycle. JLARC presented preliminary findings on seven tax preference reviews, focusing most heavily on the Main Street communities credit, the Equitable Access to Credit Program, and the urban data center exemption. Staff concluded that the Main Street preference has helped increase the number of communities and businesses and recommended continuing it, while also recommending that DAHP collect more detailed and standardized business-count data. The Equitable Access to Credit Program was found to support underserved communities and was also recommended for continuation. The urban data center exemption was found to have been used only for refurbishment projects, not new construction, and staff recommended letting it expire; commissioners and Representative Paulette discussed the need for better performance measures, cost-per-job analysis, and clearer legislative intent language in tax preference statements. Staff then reviewed airplane modification, landfill biogas, automotive adaptive equipment, and housing for people with developmental disabilities. The airplane modification preference was found to likely support jobs and state tax revenue and was recommended for continuation. The landfill biogas preference was also recommended for continuation, with a suggestion for more detailed reporting on use and renewable natural gas production. The automotive adaptive equipment exemption was found to continue providing relief to disabled veterans and service members and was recommended for continuation, while the housing transfer exemption for adults with developmental disabilities had not been used and was recommended to expire. No public testimony was taken at this meeting, and the commission noted that public testimony would be heard at its September meeting before final comments are adopted in October.