Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:35:48.079> was<00:35:48.160> a<00:35:48.599> radio<00:35:49.599> talk
• ><00:35:49.920> show<00:35:50.240> host<00:35:51.440> and<00:35:51.680> at
• the top<00:35:52.400> of<00:35:52.480> the<00:35:52.720> hour<00:35:53.680>
• > radio<00:35:56.160> a<00:35:56.400> click<00:35:56.800> is<00:35:56.960
• <01:35:06.639> When<01:35:06.880> I<01:35:07.040> transfer<01:35:07.520>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first opened with brief remarks about a member’s recovery and then heard House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of Health and Human Services to provide a detailed annual report of all costs related to DCYF. The sponsor, Representative Erica Layon, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how much time and money are spent on DCYF work versus other departmental work, and help future discussions about staffing, resources, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely produce the report without additional cost, though she was open to adjusting the reporting date and possibly adding more detail about federal mandates. Former Representative Betty Gay and several members supported the bill as a way to better document costs and procedures, while DCYF Director Marie Nunan said the department was not taking a position on the bill, already has many policies and operating procedures, and believed it could comply without a fiscal note. Members raised questions about whether the reporting requirement duplicated existing oversight, whether it should apply to other agencies, and whether the report should include federal funding mandates. Some suggested that a broader review or subcommittee on DCYF might be more useful than a single reporting bill. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, so it will not go on the calendar. Members said they wanted more time to discuss the bill, watch the budget process, and consider whether the reporting requirement could be implemented informally or through a broader oversight effort. The committee then moved on to House Bill 775, which was introduced by Representative Jodi Nelson as a measure to support supervised visitation centers. Dr. Scott Hampton testified in favor, describing the loss of visitation centers since 2019, the role of supervised visitation in protecting children and vulnerable parents in domestic violence cases, and the potential benefits for child safety, crime prevention, and family preservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• They may<00:35:03.640> even<00:35:03.920> lose<00:35:04.080> their<00:35:04.240>
• Now,<00:35:06.800> there<00:35:07.000> are<00:35:07.160> proven<00:35:07.720>
• > say<00:35:32.000> maybe<00:35:32.320> 20%<00:35:33.000> of<00:35:33.080
• > a<00:35:38.720> new<00:35:38.920> crime,<00:35:39.800> but<00:35:39.920>
• <00:35:48.080> As<00:35:48.240> we<00:35:48.360> know,<00:35:48.480> many

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard several Senate concurrent resolutions. SCR 11, urging Congress to amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, drew support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and Pride at Work Hawaii, both of which backed the measure as a statement of equality and protection for LGBTQIA+ people. A member also reminded testifiers to keep signs and statements relevant to the measure. SCR 22, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the restoration of Ahu and Aliʻa, had no testimony. SCR 58, calling for a progressive enforcement framework for parking violations in DLNR boating and ocean recreation lots, drew strong support from multiple testifiers who argued that towing is overly punitive, costly, and unfair to beach and harbor users; they favored warnings or smaller citations instead of towing and raised concerns about signage, contract oversight, and the cost of proposed enforcement technology. One member asked about whether DLNR could use HPD or other officers for citations, and the discussion focused on staffing and enforcement authority. The committee then heard SCR 60 SD1, requesting an update on the “Breaking Cycles” study on alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models on Oahu. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was not present, but the Corrections Reform Working Group strongly supported the resolution, saying the study reflects extensive community outreach and should not be shelved. Testifiers urged the committee to use the report to examine alternatives to a new jail, including diversion, pre-trial reform, probation reform, and renovations to existing facilities, and one testifier suggested amendments to add experts in those areas and technical assistance from the Prison Policy Initiative. Another testifier described Maui’s use of wraparound reentry services, prosecutorial discretion, and programming as an example of reducing incarceration without expanding jail capacity. SCR 184, asking the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to examine anti-discrimination laws as applied to algorithmic and automated decision systems, had no in-person testimony, with the chair noting one support and one comment submitted. The final measure, SCR 89 SD1, which would create an advisory committee under the Hawaii correctional system oversight commission to develop recommendations on alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models on Oahu, also had no testimony from the department, but the Corrections Reform Working Group supported it as a way to ensure community input into jail planning. A later testifier echoed concerns about building a large new jail and urged the committee to consider alternatives to incarceration and to include people with expertise in diversion, pre-trial reform, and probation reform. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:17.119> to<00:35:17.320> other<00:35:17.599> programs<00:35:18.160> as
• as well but<00:35:18.839> how<00:35:19.000> does<00:35:19.359> the<00:35:19.800
• for this<00:35:26.599> uh<00:35:26.720> that's<00:35:26.839> a<00:35:27.079>
• /c><00:35:32.359> back<00:35:32.480> to<00:35:33.000> you<00:35:34.480> okay<
• /c><00:35:35.480> thank you<00:35:41.200> and<00:35:41.640> maybe<00:35:42.640><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard the Banking Department’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget presentation from Commissioner Amelia Galeri. She described the department as a self-funded consumer protection regulator overseeing two main areas: the Banking Trust Division, which supervises state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies, and the Consumer Credit Division, which oversees more than 7,000 licensees including mortgage and money transmitter businesses. She said the department’s budget is about 86% salaries and benefits, with 53 positions all filled, and explained that the agency funds itself through fees, fines, and end-of-year assessments on regulated entities. Galeri said the department is facing workload growth from several directions: continued growth in the trust industry, increased fintech supervision, and a new requirement to regularly examine auto dealers that take finance applications, which adds about 300 exams over two fiscal years. She said the department was directed to flat-fund its budget based on 2025 levels but was allowed to increase travel and training. To stay within that limit, she said the department reduced office space, went paperless, converted administrative and licensing positions into examiner positions, and expects to defund an embedded DOJ database administrator position once a new SharePoint system is fully implemented. Members asked about how the department’s revenue and assessments work, including whether fees were increasing and how much existing banks would pay. Galeri said fees are not being raised, most banks pay little or no fines, and assessments are based largely on asset size, with trust companies paying the bulk. She also explained that fines are set by statute, generally capped at $2,500 per violation for consumer credit entities, and said she would not recommend increasing that cap. The committee then voted to accept the Banking Department’s budget proposal as presented in HQ1, with a motion and second and no discussion. The transcript then moved to the Department of Energy budget. Commissioner Jared Chakin and Chief of Operations Lenny Radio discussed federal program funding, including LIHEAP fuel assistance and weatherization. They said the apparent drop in fuel assistance funding from FY 2024 actuals to the budgeted amount is due to the loss of ARPA and CARES Act supplemental funds, while weatherization remains a federally constrained program with a waiting list and limited flexibility. Members also asked about a proposed transfer from the renewable energy fund; staff said the transfer would still allow the department to carry out its statutory duties for the year, though the committee deferred deeper discussion until House Bill 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• But, um,<00:35:10.079> I<00:35:10.400> think<00:35:10.560> one<00:35:10.720>
• :35:12.480> to<00:35:12.720> that<00:35:12.880> as<00:35:13.040> well,<00
• And uh Chair Hansen,<00:35:33.200> um<00:35:33.280> with<00:35:33.520> the<00:35
• :33.599> RDA,<00:35:34.480> um<00:35:34.720> yes,<00:35:34.880> it<00:35:
• :35:24.400> loan<01:35:24.880> at<01:35:25.120> a<01:35:25.280> 0%<01:35:

Bills: HF2103, HF4508

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:09.680> bill<00:35:10.079> is<00:35:10.359> essentially<00:35:10.960>
• to make<00:35:21.359> sure<00:35:21.839> that<00:35:22.200> uh<00:35:22.800>
• 27.760> so<00:35:28.200> with<00:35:28.359> me<00:35:28.599> today<00:35:
• > one<00:35:41.599> of<00:35:41.760> the<00:35:42.040> uh<00:35:42.200>
• 35:43.480> you<01:35:43.760> put<01:35:44.000> in<01:35:44.280> a<01:35:44.520

Bills: HF1855, HF102, HF1082, HF1354, HF2184, HF1792, HF2296, HF2429, HF2543, HF2566

Keywords: veterans, benefit services, accreditation, consumer protection, civil penalties, disclosure requirements, HF102, Sibley County Road 166, Freedom Drive, Arlington, Sibley County, Minnesota transportation bonds, bonding bill, capital investment, road extension, highway access, intersection improvements, right-of-way acquisition, water main, sewer improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:12.800> new<00:35:13.200> budget<00:35:13.520> asks<00:35:14.000>
• <00:35:16.160> Um,<00:35:16.480> it<00:35:16.800> addresses<00:35:17.680>
• 00:35:26.320> fee<00:35:27.119> um<00:35:27.839> incre<00:35:28.240> you
• /c><00:35:28.720> small<00:35:28.960> operating<00:35:30.000> um<00:35:30.480>
• So<00:35:35.440> what<00:35:35.680> that<00:35:35.839> means<00:35:36.079> is

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• just<00:35:00.640> want<00:35:00.720> to<00:35:00.800> make<00:35:00.880>
• > we<00:35:01.440> are<00:35:01.599> emphasizing<00:35:02.640> that<00:35
• > The<00:35:08.079> people<00:35:08.240> of<00:35:08.400> the<00:35:08.560><
• >> They<00:35:11.520> pray<00:35:11.680> for<00:35:11.920> Kentucky<00:35:
• Okay.<00:35:25.440> And<00:35:25.680> as<00:35:26.000> a<00:35:26.160> a<

Keywords: This meeting will take place Upon Adjournment of both Chambers. An exact time is not given or known at this time., 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met for its first 2026 meeting, approved the December 9 minutes, and reviewed 337 contracts totaling about $71.8 million. After a motion to consider the routine contract lists without objection passed, the committee pulled several items for discussion, including contracts from the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Highways, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, and Kentucky State University. Most items were ultimately approved by roll call votes. For the Council on Postsecondary Education item, members discussed why the contract was not handled through the usual Finance Cabinet bidding process. Staff explained it stemmed from House Bill 200 and the healthcare workforce incentive fund, which uses a separate competitive award process and steering committee under different statutory standards. The committee accepted that explanation and approved the contract. Department of Highways staff then explained the difference between scour assessments, which evaluate erosion and foundation risk around bridge piers, and load ratings, which assess the bridge structure itself. Members also questioned a larger engineering contract increase; staff said it reflected progression from preliminary engineering to final design on a phased project and estimated the funding split at roughly 80% federal and 20% state. Those highway contracts were approved. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission presented a legal services contract. Officials said the new corporation had identified legal needs, issued an RFP, and awarded four firms to create a pool of counsel to avoid conflicts as the agency now licenses racing, sports betting, and charitable gaming. They also said an emergency contract was needed after a temporary restraining order was issued in litigation involving charitable gaming machines and alleged losses to charities. The committee asked about the litigation and the affected organizations, and the contract was approved. Kentucky State University then defended a marketing/enrollment contract despite financial concerns, saying the work was intended to raise awareness of the university, improve enrollment, and support financial stability. University officials also said they were tightening student payment enforcement and collection practices, including payment plans and holding students accountable for balances. That contract was also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:09.160> and<00:35:09.560> in<00:35:09.720> order<00:35:10.079> to
• property<00:35:18.440> um<00:35:18.800> which<00:35:18.920> is<00:35:19.079>
• there goes<00:35:32.160> into<00:35:33.160> essentially<00:35:33.520> an<00:35:
• <00:35:42.040> U<00:35:42.680> Mission<00:35:43.680> so<00:35:43.839> none
• :35:50.119> sets<00:35:50.359> of<00:35:50.560> books<00:35:51.520> um<00

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with testimony from Charlotte Harding of the Conservation Land Stewardship Program, who explained that the office protects the state’s interests in conservation lands by monitoring conservation easements and related stewardship obligations. She described the program’s funding sources: a land conservation endowment held at the State Treasury and administered by the Council on Resources and Development, plus transfers from Fish and Game for easements not covered by the endowment. Members discussed how the endowment is funded when new easements are created, the program’s staffing, the loss of a state vehicle, and the need to increase in-state travel so staff can use personal vehicles for field monitoring. Harding said the office has two full-time positions and a seasonal employee, that the work is mostly monitoring rather than hands-on land management, and that enforcement issues are referred to the grantee agencies or, if needed, to the Council on Resources and Development. She also noted that the office works directly with landowners to resolve smaller issues and that stewardship has become a greater focus in the conservation community because ongoing oversight requires funding. Members asked about examples of properties under the program, including LCIP lands such as Musquash Headwaters, Hidden Valley Boy Scout Camp, and Nash Stream, and the committee did not take a motion before moving on. The committee then heard from Paul Breen and Susie Anzelone of the Pease Development Authority regarding the Division of Ports and Harbors operating budget. They explained that the authority provides finance, legal, environmental, and engineering support to the division, which operates New Hampshire’s only deep-water berth at Market Street, as well as facilities in Hampton, Rye, the Portsmouth Fish Pier, and navigational waters in the Piscataqua and Great Bay. They described the authority’s history after the closure of Pease Air Force Base, the transfer of roughly 2,400 acres, and the creation of a self-sustaining enterprise fund tied to airport and port operations. They emphasized that the division does not draw on the general fund because revenues from wharfage, dockage, parking, registration, and mooring fees cover operating costs, with any surplus retained for capital improvements and replacement. Members questioned several budget lines, including a sharp increase in overtime and workers’ compensation. Breen said overtime is driven largely by security needs at the deep-water port and fluctuates with vessel traffic, such as salt shipments, while workers’ comp is a DAS-set cost and not something the division controls. He said the budget is conservative and that if revenues fall short, capital projects would be the first items scaled back. The discussion also covered fee-setting, with Breen saying rates are reviewed against the local market and infrastructure constraints, and that some smaller facility fees had recently been increased after being stagnant for years.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:00.240> However,<00:35:00.840> I<00:35:00.960> will<00:35:01.080>
• Hiring<00:35:15.040> preferences<00:35:15.560> for<00:35:15.680> military<00:35:
• Section<00:35:23.880> 42<00:35:24.480> adds<00:35:24.800> language<00:35:25.240>
• After<00:35:33.080> the<00:35:33.160> requirements<00:35:33.880> of<00:35:34.040
• <00:35:37.880> has<00:35:38.080> been<00:35:38.280> made<00:35:38.640> to

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Rabbi Toby Weisman, who spoke about Passover, the obligation to remember liberation from slavery, and the Torah’s repeated command to love the stranger. He connected that theme to immigrants and the need for community, courage, and small acts of kindness. After the devotional, the chamber took up three Senate bills for first reading and referral: S. 179 on the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act to Judiciary, S. 212 on potable water supply and wastewater system connections to Environment, and S. 227 on immigration protocols in Vermont schools to Education. The House also referred H. 558, relating to the Medicaid School-Based Services Program, to Appropriations, and H. 937, reported favorably by Ways and Means, was also sent to Appropriations under House Rule 35a. The House adopted JRS 45, a joint resolution on weekend adjournment for March 20, 2026, by voice vote. It also read and adopted several concurrent resolutions, including HCR 187 congratulating Village Garage Distillery of Bennington for a silver medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, HCR 213 recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month in Vermont, and HCR 224 congratulating Vermont athletes at the 2025 National Senior Games and designating March 18, 2026, as Vermont Senior Games Day at the State House. Members made remarks in support of the resolutions, including praise for the distillery, social workers, and senior athletes, and guests in the gallery were recognized. The House then took up H. 887, which would amend the Fair Employment Practices Act to align documentation rules for crime victims with the protections already available to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking under the safe leave law. The committee and sponsor described it as a modest but important fix to ensure survivors can access both leave and anti-discrimination protections without conflicting paperwork requirements. The House agreed to the committee amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. Next, the chamber began H. 917, an omnibus military affairs bill combining several measures: correcting the Adjutant General title, defining Gold Star family member, creating a hiring preference for military spouses in state government, and providing free parking for disabled veterans. The sponsor outlined the bill’s purpose and sections, and discussion began on the title correction and related provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:35:38.000> Potentially,<00:35:38.840> that<00:35:39.080> shift<00:35:39.440
• :35:46.640> a<00:35:46.760> direct<00:35:47.200> cost<00:35:47.520> shift,
• > if<00:35:51.200> that<00:35:51.480> is<00:35:51.880> allowed<00:35:52.280>
• The<00:35:56.520> second<00:35:57.320> and<00:35:57.520> and<00:35:57.640> I<
• /c><00:35:57.720> want<00:35:57.920> to<00:35:57.960> note<00:35:58.200> here

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:35:05.080> go<01:35:05.160> to<01:35:05.240> church<01:35:05.520> it
• <01:35:09.080> We<01:35:09.160> may<01:35:09.240> not<01:35:09.400> agree
• <01:35:10.320> our<01:35:10.440> we<01:35:10.560> want<01:35:10.800> our<
• <01:35:12.160> Every<01:35:12.480> kid<01:35:12.720> grows<01:35:12.960>
• So, I<01:35:16.320> would<01:35:16.480> hope<01:35:17.200> parents<01:35:17.440>

Bills: HF3877, HF3714, HF3750, HF3024

Keywords: public authorities, dissolution cases, court system, child protection, legal notice, foster care, child welfare, enrollment priority, education programs, child care assistance, foster youth, extended foster care, bill of rights, out-of-home placement, Minnesota Statutes chapter 260C, social services agency, caseworker, permanency team, sibling visitation, relative contact

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:05.599> But<00:35:05.920> um<00:35:06.000> we<00:35:06.240> we
• > you<00:35:08.480> all<00:35:08.640> that<00:35:08.880> what<00:35:09.040
• And<00:35:27.200> then<00:35:27.440> also<00:35:27.680> in<00:35:27.920> KD8<
• /c><00:35:28.720> and<00:35:28.960> we<00:35:29.200> receive<00:35:29.839> um
• > received<00:35:52.400> a<00:35:52.560> name<00:35:52.800> raising<00:35

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:07 Chair Comments 00:00:36 Approval of Minutes 00:04:01 Volunteers of America 00:04:21 Soil and Water Conservation/Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:14:52 Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy/Justice & Public Safety Cabinet 00:21:05 Kentucky Department of Agriculture 00:26:01 Early Childhood Advisory Council 00:45:18, 958, all

Summary: The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met to review how tobacco settlement dollars are being used and to press recipients for detailed information on total funding, administrative versus program spending, and measurable outcomes. The chair emphasized that the committee was not there for general program overviews, but to assess return on investment and whether each program should continue to receive tobacco settlement support. The committee approved the minutes from its December 22, 2025 meeting and then heard presentations from several agencies and organizations. Volunteers of America Mid-States described its southeastern Kentucky restorative justice program, which uses an evidence-based New Zealand model for juvenile cases in nine counties. The group reported tobacco settlement funding of $516,000 in FY24 and $233,500 in FY25, representing about 17% and then about 5% of the program budget, respectively. It said the funding helped expand the program from 13 cases in 2021 to 180 youth served, and cited an independent evaluation showing recidivism of 24.5% compared with 40.4% in AOC data, along with a cost of a little under $20 per day versus detention and other placements. Some members questioned whether the program fit the tobacco settlement funding categories and suggested it might be better supported through other justice-related funding sources. The Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Conservation explained that tobacco funds support $1 million in direct aid to conservation districts and $2 million in cost-share projects for farmers, with 5% of the cost-share appropriation allowed for administration, or about $100,000 in FY26. Officials said the direct-aid line was moved into tobacco funding in 2019, reducing money available for farmer cost-share, and described a multi-year project approval and reallocation process. Senator Webb asked for a more specific breakdown of the $850,000 direct-aid amount, and the cabinet said it would provide that information. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported that in FY24 it expended just under $30 million across tobacco funds, general funds, restricted funds, and a one-time federal grant, with less than 2% used for administration. Officials said most tobacco settlement money goes to Kentucky ASAP local boards in all 120 counties, supporting prevention, treatment, and some law enforcement work. The Department of Agriculture then began its presentation, describing strategic investments, loan programs, county funding, administrative costs, and a reported return of about $2.30 for every dollar spent, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• 100<00:35:27.920> units<00:35:28.200> of<00:35:28.320> rental<00:35:28.880><
• <00:35:31.880> the<00:35:32.040> state<00:35:32.760> many<00:35:33.000> are
• :35:34.720> this<00:35:34.839> is<00:35:34.960> due<00:35:35.240> in<00:35
• <00:35:47.560> to<00:35:47.720> local<00:35:48.240> workforces<00:35:49.240>
• which we know<00:35:49.640> is<00:35:49.839> crit<00:35:50.359> critical<00:35:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:08.800> policy<00:35:09.520> and<00:35:09.760> outlines<00:35:10.359>
• There's<00:35:14.720> also<00:35:15.000> an<00:35:15.120> addition<00:35:15.480>
• <00:35:27.359> it<00:35:27.520> in<00:35:27.720> our<00:35:28.040> our
• <00:35:28.560> forth<00:35:28.920> in<00:35:29.160> in<00:35:29.400> our<
• > to<00:35:31.760> see<00:35:31.880> if<00:35:32.000> we<00:35:32.120>

Bills: HF3951, HF4005, HF962, HF4585, HF3870, HF4542, HF3893, HF4293, HF4075, HF4057, HF3809

Keywords: submetered utility service, tenant rights, digital payment, eviction protection, housing policy, biometric data, consent, data protection, civil penalties, privacy laws, HF4585, Minnesota, harassment restraining order, HRO, restraining order, temporary restraining order, petitioner notice, service of process, law enforcement notification, sheriff

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:35:06.639> When<01:35:06.880> I<01:35:07.040> transfer<01:35:07.520>
• ><01:35:10.000> um<01:35:10.080> it<01:35:10.320> took<01:35:10.480> out<
• <01:35:12.000> So,<01:35:12.239> I<01:35:12.400> found<01:35:12.560> out<
• /c><01:35:21.679> if<01:35:21.920> we<01:35:22.080> can<01:35:22.560> which
• <01:35:24.560> Um,<01:35:25.040> I<01:35:25.360> did<01:35:25.440> not

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with a brief update and prayer for Oscar, a person known to members, noting he was making slow but encouraging progress and awaiting transfer to rehab. The hearing then began on House Bill 518, which would require the commissioner of DHS to provide a detailed annual report of DCYF costs. Representative Erica Leyon, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to improve transparency, clarify how DCYF resources and shared services are used, and help future discussions about staffing, funding, and whether DCYF should remain within DHHS or become a separate department. She said the department could likely comply without additional cost and was open to adjusting the reporting date, with the department preferring December 31 instead of September 1. Committee members and the DCYF director, Marie Nunan, discussed whether the bill was duplicative of existing reporting and whether it should also include federal funding mandates. Nunan said DCYF already has many policies and reports, but does not currently produce one consolidated DCYF-specific report in this form; she also said the department believed it had the capacity to file the report and was not taking a position on the bill. Several members questioned whether the measure was necessary, while others supported transparency but suggested the information was already available or could be obtained without legislation. In executive session, the committee voted 15-1 to retain HB 518, meaning it will not advance to the calendar at this time. The committee then opened House Bill 775, sponsored by Representative Jod Nelson, concerning supervised visitation centers. Nelson introduced Dr. Scott Hampton, who testified that supervised visitation is important for child safety, domestic violence prevention, and family preservation. Hampton described the history of visitation centers in New Hampshire, saying funding cuts had reduced the number of centers over time and that prior legislation had failed due to budget reductions. He argued that supervised exchanges can reduce risks such as abuse, abduction, and homicide, and said the service can prevent harm without adding cost by avoiding more serious incidents. The hearing on HB 775 was still underway at the end of the transcript, with no vote or final action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:01.280> We've<00:35:01.520> heard<00:35:01.680> over<00:35:01.920>
• of Minnesota<00:35:07.839> and<00:35:08.000> I<00:35:08.160> think<00:35:08.240
• <00:35:14.960> but<00:35:15.200> we<00:35:15.359> can<00:35:15.440> come<
• <00:35:17.760> that<00:35:18.000> local<00:35:18.320> control<00:35:18.560><
• <00:35:29.280> go<00:35:29.440> forward<00:35:29.680> in<00:35:29.920> this.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4893, a school safety and gun violence prevention bill, and first adopted a DE1 amendment before hearing the bill. The author and supporters described the measure as a layered approach to school safety, combining increased funding for student support personnel, required school safety plans, and anonymous threat reporting systems. They cited research from the Violence Prevention Project and other sources arguing that many school shooters are insiders, often show warning signs, and frequently leak plans beforehand, making early intervention and trusted adults in schools important. Members and testifiers also discussed the bill’s firearm storage provisions. Representative Green explained that the bill would require firearms on school property and in vehicles to be unloaded and locked, and would limit or remove principals’ discretion to allow firearms in school buildings, while preserving access for trained school security personnel. Supporters said the bill would improve clarity and safety for schools, while a representative from private schools raised concerns that the language could limit flexibility and create staffing and accountability problems for non-public schools, prompting discussion of possible amendments. Several student and organizational testifiers supported the bill, including students from Edina High School, Education Minnesota, the Minnesota School Counselors Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota. They emphasized the impact of gun violence on students’ mental health and learning, the value of anonymous reporting systems, and the need to invest in counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, but the committee did adopt the DE1 amendment and continued discussion of possible changes, including with the BCA and school safety center.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> And<00:35:06.079> then<00:35:06.240> the<00:35:06.640> uh<00:35:06.880>
• > 25%<00:35:13.119> or<00:35:13.280> more<00:35:13.520> of<00:35:13.599>
• :35:15.839> whole<00:35:16.079> school<00:35:16.320> I<00:35:16.480> guess
• Do<00:35:26.000> we<00:35:26.240> need<00:35:26.320> to<00:35:26.480> be<
• at<00:35:31.760> the<00:35:31.920> federal<00:35:32.240> level<00:35:32.480>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the August 20 meeting, and then heard testimony from Representative Steven Doan on House Bill 439, a school nutrition bill aimed at restricting certain ultra-processed foods in schools. Doan said the bill was inspired by his own health journey and his work in agriculture, and he described the measure as targeting specific chemical additives in foods served during the school day, not concession sales or after-hours activities. He said the bill would phase in later to give schools time to adjust and noted that the list of restricted additives was drawn from efforts in other states and advocacy groups. Members asked about the chemical abstract numbers, fiscal impact, summer meal programs, fundraisers, and whether the bill would affect parent-provided items; Doan said he had not done a fiscal note and explained that the bill was intended to apply only during instructional time on school property. Committee members generally reacted favorably, with some raising practical concerns about cost and implementation. One member asked about high fructose corn syrup, which Doan said was not included because it is too pervasive in the food system. Another member noted that schools already limit some homemade items and asked about the line between school-provided and parent-provided food. Doan also said the list was based in part on Turning Point USA materials and similar laws in other states, and he referenced federal efforts to define ultra-processed foods. The committee then heard from Kentucky Department of Education officials Matt Ross, Lauren Moore, and Katie Embry on school meals and nutrition programs. They outlined Kentucky’s school lunch, breakfast, summer meals, and other USDA child nutrition programs, including participation and reimbursement figures, and explained how community eligibility provision schools, meal patterns, offer-versus-serve, smart snacks, and local wellness policies work. They said USDA and FDA are currently seeking public input on a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods, that there are no current USDA requirements specifically on ultra-processed foods, and that schools already operate under federal and state rules governing competitive foods, including a state time restriction on smart snacks. They also discussed local purchasing, noting its benefits but also the procurement and staffing challenges schools face. No votes or final actions on the bill were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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• > was<00:35:10.400> just<00:35:10.640> a<00:35:10.880> mere<00:35:11.200>
• <00:35:16.160> Um,<00:35:16.800> but<00:35:16.960> to<00:35:17.280> put
• Um, that<00:35:21.760> is<00:35:21.920> a<00:35:22.160> legally<00:35:22.920>
• Again,<00:35:26.240> I'm<00:35:26.560> trying<00:35:26.800> to<00:35:26.880>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I wonder<00:35:04.160> if<00:35:04.320> you<00:35:04.480> could<00:35:04.960
• <00:35:06.240> And<00:35:06.640> actually,<00:35:06.960> let<00:35:07.200>
• If<00:35:12.640> Miss<00:35:12.880> Clarkfist<00:35:13.520> can<00:35:13.680>
• <00:35:32.880> So,<00:35:33.520> so<00:35:33.839> that<00:35:34.240> you<
• <00:35:43.440> and<00:35:43.599> we<00:35:43.839> see<00:35:44.000> it.

Bills: HF3521, HF3563, HF82, HF2689, HF1794, HF3544, HF3516, HF1752

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:

• think I<00:35:08.079> could<00:35:08.160> do,<00:35:08.560> I<00:35:08.800>
• would<00:35:08.960> say<00:35:09.440> I<00:35:09.680> don't<00:35:09.839>
• <00:35:30.480> I<00:35:30.720> get<00:35:30.880> to<00:35:31.040> say,
• <00:35:35.040> And<00:35:35.440> if<00:35:35.760> you<00:35:35.920> as
• Because<00:35:40.720> the<00:35:41.119> person<00:35:41.359> who<00:35:41.599>

Keywords: 1183, house