Transcript Highlights:

• without objection from my co-chair. without objection from my co-chair.
• Miss Scott.
• motion from last?
• increased from 200 to 400. increased from 200 to 400.
• count, Miss Vaughn? count, Miss Vaughn?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions for Miss Ruth? Any questions for Miss Ruth?
• All right, let's hear from the people that actually got to do the work. Welcome, Miss Langford.
• Any questions for Miss Herman? >> Thank you, Miss Herman.
• Any questions for Miss Herman? Thank you, Miss Herman.
• Any questions for Miss Herman? Thank you, Miss Herman.

Bills: HB0002, HB0022

Keywords: building permits, local government, residential construction, permit timelines, code compliance, municipal officers, recall election, petition requirements, local governance, voter participation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lady from Forest, Miss McGee. Lady from Forest, Miss McGee.
• Lady from Lincoln, Miss Curry. Lady from Lincoln, Miss Curry.
• Uh, lady from Humphre, Miss Jones. Uh, lady from Humphre, Miss Jones.
• >> Lady from Lincoln, Miss Curry. >> Lady from Lincoln, Miss Curry.
• >> Lady from Jones, Miss Scott. >> Lady from Jones, Miss Scott.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then confirmed a quorum, dispensed with the journal reading, and moved into the calendar. Members also introduced several visitors and groups in the galleries, including AFL-CIO representatives, Volunteer Mississippi, the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy, New England College students on a civil rights tour, and other guests and constituents. The chamber then proceeded through a series of motions to reconsider, table, or advance bills on the calendar. On the appropriations calendar, the House passed several Senate bills after adopting strike-off or amendment language. Senate Bill 2896, described as a potential trooper pay raise measure, was amended and passed 128-0. Senate Bill 2898 increased the MIMA disaster assistance trust fund from $20 million to $40 million and passed 128-0, and Senate Bill 2924 authorized spending from that fund and passed 119-0. Other appropriations measures included Senate Bill 2825 on the healthcare industry zone act, Senate Bill 2832 extending a repealer for the short-line railroad tax credit, Senate Bill 2834 on motor vehicle specialty tags, Senate Bill 2835 allowing banks to use third-party vendors to check liens, and Senate Bill 2846 on conduit bonds; each was explained as largely conforming to House language or adding reverse repealers, and each passed overwhelmingly. The Ways and Means calendar included Senate Bill 2850, which removed a reverse repealer and updated the Advantage Jobs Act to align incentives with prior commitments and future tax changes; it passed 119-0. Senate Bill 2873 expanded administrative forfeiture procedures to products on the cigarette and ends registry and passed 117-1. Senate Bill 2882 clarified that tax assessors cannot require settlement statements for homestead exemptions and passed 118-0. Senate Bill 3111, which would exempt up to 10 cases of wine donated annually to nonprofits from alcohol taxes, drew some concern and passed 97-13 after a reverse repealer was added. Senate Bill 316 added energy storage facilities such as batteries to the definition of alternative energy for local ad valorem tax purposes and passed 114-1. Senate Bill 3124 revised the Pregnancy Resource Act to allow individuals as well as businesses to participate in the tax credit, adjust reporting and in-state requirements, and incorporate House language; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Amato. Miss Botti. Mr. Chun. Miss Cochran, excused. Mr. Ein. Mr. Garcia. Mr. Garrett.
• Miss Kapela. Miss Kusch. Mr. Kila. Miss Kitagawa, here. Mr. Kong. Mr. Kusch, here. Miss Lamosao.
• Miss Lowen, here. Miss Martin. Mr. Matayoshi. Miss Matsumoto. Mr. Miyake. Miss Morikawa. Mr.
• Rick Tabor, Miss Elizabeth Dixon, Miss Amy Noberkawa, Miss Kathleen Wyatt.
• <00:13:33.839> Amy Miss Elizabeth Dixon, Miss Amy Miss Elizabeth Dixon, Miss Amy Noberkawa,<00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Kahaloa, Miss Kapela, Miss Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Mr. Kila. Miss Kagawa, Mr. Kong, Mr.
• Kusch, Miss Le, Miss Lamosao, Mr. Lee, Miss Loan, Miss Martin. Mr. Matayoshi, Mr. Matsumoto, Mr.
• :13:49.760> Mr Tam Mr Tam Mr tares<00:13:51.839> miss tares miss tares miss templo<00:13
• ; Faith Block from the WIA Foundation; Joel Guy from the Honay Initiative; Joanne Kaona from the White
• <00:15:55.279> the Simmons from the Sall caucus from the Simmons from the Sall caucus from

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alos, Miss Amato, Miss Botti, Mr. Chun, Miss Cochran, here. Mr. Evan, here. Mr. Garcia, here. Mr.
• Ilagan, Miss Iwamoto, Miss Kahaloa, Miss Kapela, Miss Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Mr.
• Miss Lowen, here. Miss Marten, Miss Matayoshi, Mr. Matsumoto, Mr. Miyake, Ms. Moriwaki, Mr.
• Muraoka, Miss Nakamura, here. Mr. Olds. Miss Perruso, Mr. Pierick, here. Miss Poepoe, Mr.
• Miss Miss Miss Peruso,<00:15:40.720> Mr.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is one minor change from previous years is one minor change from previous years uh<00:02:05.640> to
• <00:04:03.799> previous as well as one change from previous as well as one change from previous
• <00:05:18.600> a<00:05:18.880> previous 23 from a previous 23 from a previous version
• Miss<00:24:36.919> knight<00:24:37.279> any Building thank you Miss knight any
• > Miss<00:25:52.720> knight<00:25:53.320> uh previous years thank you Miss knight

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met with a quorum and took up a series of annual housekeeping resolutions governing House operations and member/staff policies. The committee heard brief explanations from House Controller Pete Squa and HR Director Kelly Knight on each item, including the 2025 P1 service award policy, donated time policy, compensatory time and time card policy, interim/per diem classification, legal fees policy, staff photo/digital image fees, chaplain compensation, leadership compensation, member expense reimbursement, member stationery allocation, postage and digital constituent communications, member communication reimbursement, alcohol consumption policy, remote work policy, drug use policy, and the high school page/internship program reimbursement policy. Most resolutions were adopted without controversy, often with only minor clarifications or no changes from prior years. Notable changes included clarifying donated time limits, refining compensatory time language, updating leadership compensation positions to reflect the new organization, adding a Greater Minnesota mileage option in the member expense reimbursement policy, removing obsolete long-distance reimbursement language from member communication reimbursements, updating the alcohol policy location reference to the Centennial Office Building, and increasing high school page reimbursement from $10 to $15 per day. The committee also noted the House roster staff roster is on file with the controller as required by House Rule 8.20. Two items were set aside for further review: the P5 legal fees resolution was tabled after members raised questions about prior use of the policy and whether the language should be revised in light of past circumstances, and the R5 postage/digital constituent communications resolution was also tabled after Representative Schultz proposed allowing members to choose either 100% digital communications or a 70% digital/30% postage split. The R9 drug use policy was likewise tabled after Representative Engen asked whether changes in state marijuana law affected the policy. All other resolutions brought to a vote were approved and adopted, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Miss Wolf.
• Uh, Miss Wolf.
• Thank you so<00:08:34.080> much,<00:08:34.240> Miss<00:08:34.560> Miss<00:08:34.880
• Miss Wolf.
• Um I would like so much, Miss Miss Wolf.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Monahan, did you incorporate these amendments from Miss Harut?
• >> Miss Gro. >> Miss Gro.
• this is from her. this is from her.
• I would also like guidance from Miss Grom if that's something that she's open to having that discussion
• from this bill. from this bill.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committees resumed discussion of amendments to a bill dealing with licensing moratoria, change-of-ownership rules, and related provider oversight issues. Amendment A8 would prevent a licensing moratorium for certain intermediate care service settings from blocking a new license when the change is due to a change of ownership, including temporary licenses and transitional licenses. Department of Human Services staff said they were still reviewing the language but explained the department’s concern was maintaining program integrity and ensuring owners go through full change-of-ownership review so the agency can see who owns a provider and check compliance history. Senators supporting the amendment argued it would keep legitimate businesses from being harmed by a moratorium and could help preserve providers when ownership changes or family members take over after a death. A8 was adopted on a roll call, with both committees voting in support. Amendment A9, also on the moratorium topic, would exempt a change of ownership from the moratorium so long as it does not increase license capacity or service scope. The department said it needed more analysis to avoid unintended consequences, but the amendment was added to the working bill. Amendment A10 proposed a more detailed, data-driven framework for the moratorium and included a provision about refunds after implementation; department staff said the language would add cost and would require technical assistance, while senators emphasized the need to address licensure backlogs and avoid making provider delays worse. A10 was approved by the committees, though not unanimously. Amendment A11 would have set standards for how the commissioner designates provider types or program areas as moderate or high risk, with added transparency criteria. The department said the commissioner already has that authority and raised concerns about federal requirements and the state’s corrective action plan, and Senator Hoffman withdrew the amendment. Amendment A12, offered by Senator Fateh, would preserve remote supports by removing bill language that repealed the service and would add safeguards for remote overnight supervision, including staffing ratios to ensure emergency response times can be met. Several senators supported keeping remote services as an important, cost-effective option amid workforce shortages, while the department said it had program integrity concerns and supported the governor’s proposal to remove the service. The committee nevertheless advanced A12, with members noting the need to balance safety and integrity with access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and thank you, Miss Watski. Mr. Chair, and thank you, Miss Watski.
• Where did that language come come from? Where did that language come from?
• Miss Burj. Miss Burj. Oh,<00:13:52.720> sorry,<00:13:53.120> Mr.
• Miss Watsky or anyone else from the OHI team, please give us an answer to Chair Eric's question.
• put on us from a federal level. put on us from a federal level.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Did I just miss it? in any other state? Did I just miss it?
• Miss Schaefer. get to that, too. Miss Schaefer.
• Miss wish to testify on public records. Miss Anderson.
• documents from them. documents from them.
• questions from the committee? questions from the committee?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Miss Harper.
• Uh, next bill, Miss Crawford. House Bill 79 by Representative Crawford.
• bill, Miss Harper.
• /c> total 2-year period from the be from the total 2-year period from the be from the time<00:10:42.959
• going to allow them to draw over from going to allow them to draw over from the<00:13:07.360>

Bills: HB66, HB79, SB35, HB255, SB134, HB159, HB181

Keywords: elder abuse, financial exploitation, inheritance, joint tenancy, conviction effects, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, sexual extortion, criminal law, felony, threat, blackmail, HB255, Employees' Retirement System of Alabama, ERSA, State Police Tier II Plan, annual leave

Transcript Highlights:

• Schmidt and Miss Loren from Becker Public Schools. Welcome to our committee.
• Schmidt and Miss Loren from Becker Public Schools. Welcome to our committee.
• Schmidt and Miss Loren from Becker Public Schools. Welcome to our committee.
• Um, on deck would be, um, uh, Miss Herman, if she could come forward from Prior Lake and Savage Public
• the gallery during um shouting amen from the gallery during um Miss<01:30:41.719> Loren's<01:

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee opened by approving the January 16 and January 21 minutes. Members then heard testimony focused on the impact of Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) and the proposed paid family and medical leave program on Minnesota school districts, with the chair framing the hearing as an opportunity to hear from major employers and school leaders about costs and operational effects. Kimberly Lewis, speaking for the Minnesota School Boards Association and related school administrator groups, said districts generally already provide generous, locally negotiated sick leave and had initially adapted to ESST by separating vacation, sick time, and ESST into different buckets. She argued that a 2024 law effectively converted previously bargained sick leave into ESST, which she said undermines contracts, creates large unfunded costs, and may raise constitutional contract-clause concerns. Lewis cited large accumulated leave banks in some districts, increased sick leave use, and estimated significant costs from paid leave, including a reported $2.5 million impact for one large district. She urged flexibility such as prorating ESST for midyear hires and part-time staff and exempting coaches, short-term substitutes, and similar employees from ESST. Superintendent Anarie Fuco of St. Michael-Albertville said her district expects about $400,000 in added fiscal 2026 costs from ESST and paid leave, plus indirect costs from substitute coverage and increased absenteeism. She said schools already have generous bargaining agreements, but the new laws reduce verification and require districts to track leave for temporary staff, creating what she described as a need for “substitutes for our substitutes.” Fuco said the district would face more than $211,000 in direct payroll costs from paid leave alone and asked for flexibility or exceptions for districts already offering comparable benefits. Members asked follow-up questions about how substitute teachers accrue leave and how many districts may be cutting budgets; Lewis and Fuco said many districts are making cuts and that substitute and staffing burdens are growing. A third testifier began by Zoom, but the transcript cuts off before her full testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• change from the forecasted amount. change from the forecasted amount.
• Well, thank you, Miss Lewis, Miss Hoffer, and Mr.
• <01:05:06.799> Lewis,<01:05:07.200> Miss Well, thank you um Miss Lewis, Miss Well,
• from Cat Briggs. from Cat Briggs.
• Thank you, Miss Cornstrom. Next we'll go to Miss Calhane. Good morning.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chambliss, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman-Madison, Mr. Elliott, Miss Figures, Mr. Gavan, Mr.
• Chine, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman-Madison, Mr. Elliott, Miss Figures, Mr. Gavan, Mr. Gudger, Mr.
• :26:51.279> Coleman >> Miss Coleman >> Miss Coleman >> Miss<00:26:53.200>
• Elliott >> Miss<00:26:59.760> Figures >> Miss Figures >> Miss Figures >>
• Wagner, Miss<00:27:53.840> Weaver, Miss Weaver, Miss Weaver, >> Mr.<00:27:56.320> Williams

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages referring House Bill 614 on supplemental appropriations and House Bill 224 on the distribution and use of tax funds to the Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. Committee reports followed on several bills, including favorable reports for House Bills 169, 542, 593, and 13, with HB 542 amended in committee. The Senate also referred Senator Orr’s proposed rules change to the Rules Committee. A series of resolutions were taken up and adopted, including Senate Resolution 109 creating the Alabama Boating Safety Task Force, Senate Joint Resolutions 102 and 103, House Joint Resolutions 237, 215, 216, 218, and 235, Senate Joint Resolution 88 supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear life cycle innovation effort, Senate Joint Resolution 93 creating a rural EMS and volunteer fire department study commission, Senate Joint Resolution 94 commending Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa Officer of the Year honorees, and Senate Joint Resolution 110 commending William Riley Hawkins Jr. on his retirement from AARP Alabama. The Senate also recognized several guests in the gallery, including local school superintendents and a student visitor. The chamber then moved through local legislation, adopting BRs and passing numerous local bills and constitutional amendments, including measures for Mobile, Prichard, Class 2 municipalities, Mingo County, Talladega County, Perry County, Wilcox County, Clay County, Washington County, and Madison County. Senate Bill 376 on Mobile County and Senate Bill 379 on Madison County were both passed and transmitted. Most local bills passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes using the previous roll. The Senate also adopted Special Order Calendar Resolution 111, setting a special order calendar for the 27th legislative day that prioritized a long list of appropriations, education, retirement, dam safety, and higher education bills. On that calendar, House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, and Senate Bill 380 were taken up. HB 235’s committee substitute was tabled, a floor substitute was adopted restoring funding to the McQuain Center and removing some arts grants, and the bill passed. HB 236 passed after a language amendment. HB 237 passed as the Education Opportunities Reserve Fund bill. HB 238 passed after a floor substitute that shifted arts grants, added Voices for Alabama’s Children, adjusted RAISE Act weights, and increased funding for poverty, special education, and gifted students, along with a small amendment. HB 239 passed as the public education employee pay raise bill, with a substitute adding a retiree bonus and members discussing that the bonus would also be carried through SB 380. HB 240, HB 241, HB 242, and HB 565 all passed. SB 380 on the teachers retirement system received committee amendments and was being advanced as the vehicle for the retiree bonus, with Senator Orr explaining the bonus would be about $33 million and based on $1 per month of service for eligible retirees with at least 10 years of service.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss<00:33:24.799> Weaver. Miss Weaver. Miss Weaver.
• Chestine, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman Madison, Mr. Elliott, Miss Figures, Mr.
• Chestine, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman-Madison, Mr. Elliott, Miss Figures, Mr.
• Chastine, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman-Madison, Miss Coleman-Madison, Mr.
• Elliott, Miss Figures, Miss<01:43:29.040> Coleman, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman, Miss<01:43:31.679

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted the previous day’s journal and excused absent senators. The chamber recognized visiting members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and adopted a Senate resolution designating February 10, 2026, as Alpha Phi Alpha Day at the Alabama State Capitol. Senators offered remarks praising the fraternity’s service, civic outreach, and historical significance, and the House later sent over a matching resolution, which the Senate adopted. The Senate also heard a Black History Month presentation highlighting Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Charles Drew, Ralph Bunche, and Carter G. Woodson. The Senate then processed a large number of House messages and confirmations. House bills and resolutions were referred to committees, including measures on juvenile offenders, administrative rules, state income tax, local legislation, ad valorem tax, multi-member boards, license plates, criminal procedure, and food banks. The Senate confirmed several appointments, including multiple Alabama Army National Guard promotions, Mike Suo to the Jacksonville State University Board of Trustees, and Christy Andrews to the Alabama Securities Commission, each by roll call with no opposition. In motions and resolutions, the Senate adopted numerous commemorative and honorary resolutions, including observances for National Blood Donor Month, Diabetes Month, Booker T. Washington Day, the Alabama Community College Football Study Commission, and recognitions for individuals and organizations such as the Baldwin County Fair, Sheriff Derek Cunningham, William Riley Hawkins Jr., and Clifford Ray Miller. Senator Barfoot’s resolution urging federal funding for the state logging efficiency grant fund was adopted after adding all senators as co-sponsors, and a resolution honoring Sheriff Derek Cunningham was read at length and adopted. The Senate also adopted the Rules Committee’s special order calendar for the next legislative day, which prioritized several bills on libraries, taxation, retired state employees, municipalities, transportation, coal-impacted communities, income tax, the Alabama Space Authority, cosmetology and barbering, security, entertainment incentives, and health. In local legislation, the Senate passed several local bills, including measures for Mobile County, class 2 municipalities, public transportation, Jefferson County, and the town of Morris.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Amato. Miss L... Mr. Chun. Miss Cochran excused. Mr. Evslin. Mr. Garcia. Miss Garrett. Mr.
• Miss Ichiyama. Mr. Ilagan. Miss Kahaloa. Miss Kapela. Miss Keohokapu-Lee Loy. Mr. Kila. Mr. Kagawa.
• Miss Kusch. Miss Lamosao. Mr. Lee. Miss Lowen. Miss Marten. Mr. Matayoshi. Miss Matsumoto. Mr.
• Miss Perruso. Mr. Quinlan. Miss Reyes Oda. Mr. Sayama. Miss Shimizu. Miss Souza. Mr. Takayama.
• Miss Shimizu. Miss Souza. Mr. Takayama. Miss Takuya? Mr. Tam. Miss Tarnas. Mr. Templo. Mr. Todd.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chestine, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman-Madison, Mr. Elliott, Miss Figures, Mr. Cavan, Mr. Gudger, Mr.
• Chestine, >> Miss<00:11:41.200> Coleman, >> Miss Coleman, >> Miss Coleman, &
• Elliot, >> Miss<00:11:46.880> Figures, >> Miss Figures, >> Miss Figures, >
• Chestine, Miss<00:24:16.240> Coleman, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman, Miss<00:24:19.039> Coleman
• Chain, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman, Miss Coleman-Madison, Mr. Elliott. Miss Figures, Mr. Givhan, Mr.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. It adopted motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be taken up throughout the day. The chamber received multiple House messages and a gubernatorial confirmation, including House Bill 1 on motor vehicles, Senate Bill 170 on health insurance, and Senate confirmation 90 for Chenica Johnson Anom to the Alabama Cickle Cell Oversight and Regulatory Commission, all of which were referred to the appropriate committees. The Senate later concurred in the House amendment to Senate Bill 170 by a 29-0-1 vote. Committee reports covered a wide range of measures, with favorable reports and, in several cases, amendments or substitutes. Judiciary reported favorably on House Bills 228, 132, 347, 405, 86, 263, and 302, and on Senate Bills 318 and 260; State Government Affairs reported favorably on House Bills 435, 97, and 407 and Senate Bill 361; Education Policy reported favorably on Senate Bills 337 and House Bills 520 and 75; Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development reported favorably on House Bills 303 and 477 and Senate Bills 360, 325, 329, and 330; Transportation and Energy reported favorably on Senate Bills 341, 354, and 340; Veterans and Military Affairs reported favorably on House Bills 465 and 307 and Senate Bills 338 and 359; and Local Legislation reported favorably on Jefferson County Senate Bill 243 and Shelby County House Bill 532. These reports generally advanced the bills to second reading and placement on the next legislative day’s calendar. The Senate also confirmed George Pierce to the Alabama Ethics Commission by a 33-0 vote after a favorable committee report, with several senators offering brief remarks of congratulations. In motions and resolutions, the chamber adopted Senate Joint Resolution 77 honoring the Section boys basketball team and Senate Joint Resolution 78 honoring the North Sand Mountain girls basketball team for state championships. It also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 79 establishing a legislative study commission on child sexual abuse laws and policies. A senator additionally urged colleagues to support broadband expansion efforts in rural Alabama and to ask the education chair to place HB 4 on the agenda. The most substantial floor discussion concerned Senate Bill 146, the state general fund budget substitute. The sponsor explained several budget provisions, including a $12 million transfer and an additional $5 million for the judiciary to address funding for newly created judgeships, a conditional $40 million for the Department of Corrections tied to progress on the Elmore and Escambia prison projects, conditional funding for DHR tied to reducing its federal error rate and developing a SNAP-related plan, conditional mental health funding tied to reporting and data requirements, and language preserving legislative control over certain federal rural health care funds. The Senate adopted the committee substitute for SB 146 by a 32-0-1 vote and then continued with the budget explanation as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• first of all we are independent from first of all we are independent from from<00:08:59.600>
• uh reports from from everybody from uh reports from from everybody from uh agency<00:12:49.760
• > agency staff from whistleblowers from agency staff from whistleblowers from the<00:12:51.680> public
• We receive these allegations from legislators, from members of the public, from whistleblowers, and sometimes
• them from those lottery tickets from them from those machines<01:06:04.359> um<01:06:05.000><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate File 563, a bill to change the board makeup of the Northern Koochiching Area Sanitary District. Senator Hild said the proposal had been heard the previous year and had broad support from local officials and stakeholders. Cali Briggs, the district’s executive director, explained that the board structure no longer reflected current populations and sewer service patterns: International Falls now holds six of eight seats after earlier consolidations, while East Koochiching has grown through sewer expansions and should receive additional representation. The bill would reduce the board to seven members, with International Falls having three seats, East Koochiching two, Rainier one, and one at-large member chosen by the board. The committee raised no substantive objections, and Senator Gustafson moved the bill to pass and go to general orders; the motion prevailed. Members then briefly joked about the topic and moved on to an overview from the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall described the office as a nonpartisan legislative branch agency serving both chambers, with a mission of strengthening oversight, promoting accountability, and producing objective, useful reports. She outlined the office’s structure, including financial audits, program evaluations, and a growing special reviews unit, and explained the Legislative Audit Commission’s role in appointing the auditor and selecting program evaluation topics. Randall also emphasized the office’s broad access to records and data, its independence, and its responsibility to protect nonpublic information. Randall answered questions about the office’s authority over entities such as the University of Minnesota, explaining that OLA has audit authority there but often relies on the university’s internal audit function and can also conduct special reviews and program evaluations. She noted that public employees are required to cooperate and that subpoenas are available if needed, though the office prefers to maintain cooperative relationships. Special Reviews Director Katherine Tyson then described how her unit handles complaints and allegations involving misuse of public funds, data, or noncompliance with law, including preliminary assessments, communications with complainants and agencies, and deeper reviews when warranted. She said allegations and reports have increased steadily, with 481 received from 2020 through 2024 and nearly 10 per week on average last year, contributing to a heavier workload for her small team.

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriation uh from the general fund. appropriation uh from the general fund.
• c> or<00:35:47.839> Miss<00:35:48.079> Grunwald either Miss James or Miss Grunwald
• building from building from ourselves.<00:48:23.520> Okay.
• day satisfaction from the 2024 season. day satisfaction from the 2024 season.
• <01:20:30.000> 2014<01:20:30.719> uh<01:20:30.800> from from 2014 uh from from 2014

Keywords: 1187, senate, all