Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, first bill on the agenda, Senate Print 205 by Senator Martinez.
• Next is Senate Print 362 by Senator Janaris.
• We have been joined by Senator Salazar [member_7073]. Next is Senate Print 630 by Senator Stubisky.
• Next is Senate Print 1285A. Next is Senate Print 1285A by Senator Persaud.
• Senator Murray in the negative, the bill is reported. Next is Senate Print 3909 by Senator Parker.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Codes met with Chair Senator Zellnor Myrie presiding and noted that several majority members were absent due to blizzard-related travel disruptions, though quorum was established through submitted votes. The committee took up a series of bills, mostly criminal justice and public safety measures, including Senate Prints 205, 362, 490, 630, 1192, 1285A, 2491, 3909, 4757, and 6121. Senator Murray participated in moving bills while making clear that his seconding did not necessarily indicate support, and Senator Salazar joined partway through the meeting. Several bills drew discussion or opposition. Senator Murray strongly opposed Senate Print 362, warning that its added waiting period for firearm-related approval could endanger people seeking protection from domestic violence or stalking. On Senate Print 490, counsel and members discussed whether the bill’s language required an additional incident after age 13, and Murray ultimately voted without recommendation pending clarification. Senate Print 2491, addressing peremptory challenges, was described as important because of the racial history of such challenges, though Murray voted in the negative. Senate Print 3909, the Phoenix Act relating to domestic violence responses, also drew criticism from Murray over language he viewed as overly racial and political, though the committee advanced it. The committee also highlighted support for Senate Print 4757, which would codify the SNUG violence-prevention program in law; members praised its success in communities and noted it would reduce reliance on annual budget negotiations. Actions taken included reporting several bills, referring Senate Print 1192 and 4757 to finance, and reporting Senate Print 6121 with Senator Murray recorded without recommendation. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were addressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senator, thank you Mr. Chair.
• Senator Uma questions from members? Senator Uma Reban. Reban. Reban.
• >> Senator<00:25:32.159> Morain. >> Senator Morain.
• >> Senator<00:40:30.560> Clark, >> Senator Clark, >> Senator Clark, >>
• Uh Senator >> Uh thank you, uh Mr. Chair. Uh Senator Clark,<00:40:58.560> yes.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, Senator Gabbard on GM 684. Chair Rhoads. Vice Chair Gabbard, I, Senator Chang.
• Senator San Buenaventura excused.
• If not, Senator Questions or concerns?
• Vice Chair Lords I senator Chang. >> Hi. Vice Chair Lords I senator Chang. >> Hi.
• >> Senator<00:00:56.320> Sanura >> Senator Sanura >> Senator Sanura excused.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up Governor’s Message 684, which concerned the confirmation of Stephanie R. Schar as circuit court judge for the Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit, Kauaʻi, for a 10-year term. The chair noted the item was for decision-making only and recommended consent to the appointment. No questions or concerns were raised during discussion. A roll call vote was taken, and the measure was adopted unanimously by the members present. Senator San Buenaventura was excused. Following adoption, the chair congratulated Judge Schar and noted the nomination would move to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Parker. Senator Tedisco on the resolution. Thank you so much, Mr.
• Thank you, Senator Comrie. Senator Fahy on the resolution. Thank you, Madam President.
• Thank you, Senator Fahy. Senator Parker on the resolution. That, thank you, Madam President.
• >> THANK YOU, SENATOR FAHY. SENATOR PARKER ON THE RESOLUTION.
• THE RESOLUTION IS ADOPTED. SENATOR GIANARIS.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior Journal, and began with ceremonial recognitions before moving to legislative business. Members honored the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner football team for winning the Eastern Regional Championship and being a top-ranked national team, with Senators Parker and Tedisco praising the players, coaches, and volunteers. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 1636, mourning the death of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson and recognizing his lifetime of civil rights, labor, voting rights, and social justice advocacy. Multiple senators spoke in support, reflecting on his influence on politics, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and the message that “I am somebody.” After the resolution, the Senate took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, largely focused on health care, insurance, and public health. These included measures on municipal law, mental hygiene, correction law, executive law, and several insurance and public health bills addressing prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, rebates, and anti-competitive drug practices. Senators Myrie, Borrello, Jackson, Fernandez, and others explained votes in support of transparency, patient access, and lowering drug costs; some members noted concerns about pharmacy deserts and corporate consolidation. Most bills passed with broad margins, though a few drew more opposition, including Calendar 304 on anti-competitive drug agreements. On Calendar 289, an amendment concerning domestic violence was ruled non-germane by the chair. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed, arguing the amendment would create a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders to help protect potential victims. The Senate voted on the appeal, the ruling of the chair stood, and the bill was then restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the calendar, had no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am New York State Senator Pete Harckham.
• Welcome to the Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation.
• We're joined by Senator May and Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.
• We have been joined by our ranking member, Senator Stec. Welcome.
• Yes, we're thrilled to see Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick here.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation met with a quorum via voting sheets and considered a 12-bill agenda focused on water quality, stormwater reporting, algal bloom prevention, safe drinking water infrastructure, coastal and marine protection, housing and land-use, animal welfare, and solar access. Chair Pete Harckham noted several members were delayed by weather and other committee meetings, and welcomed participating senators and staff. Most bills were described as measures the committee had seen before, with little debate beyond motions and seconds. Bills approved included Harckham’s stormwater expenditure report bill (S.1609), a municipal water-quality assistance bill for lake associations (S.1733), the harmful algal bloom monitoring and prevention act (S.1833A), the safe water and infrastructure action program (S.1850A), the Whale Awareness Act (S.2292B), inland waterways additions for waterfront revitalization (S.2646), the Sustainable Affordable Housing and Sprawl Prevention Act (S.3492A), a bill on traveling animal acts (S.3629A), the Big Five African Trophies Act (S.5014), marine and coastal debris prevention (S.6307), and whale strike protection policies for large vessels (S.7718A). The solar bill (S.6570A), the Solar for Affordable Power Act, was also approved by the committee but was referred to the Energy Committee rather than advanced on the environmental conservation calendar. Several measures were referred to the Finance Committee, including the stormwater report bill, the lake association water-quality bill, the harmful algal bloom bill, and the safe water and infrastructure bill. Other bills were advanced to the calendar, and the meeting concluded without recorded opposition on most items, aside from a few members voting without recommendation on some bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Senator Jeremy Cooney, Chair of Senate Transportation.
• We have Senator Monica Martinez, Peter Oberacker, and Senator Roxanne Persaud.
• Moved by Senator Oberacker. Moved by Senator Oberacker, seconded by Senator Harckham.
• Questions, concerns, motions, move by Senator Prasad. Seconded by Senator Martinez.
• S-90-57 by Senator Baskin.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum and considered eight bills. Members discussed measures on motor vehicle repair shop disclosure requirements (S.516-A), the Rider Representation Act for public authorities (S.1148), community input in reviewing repair shop applicants (S.2329), driver education (S.3249), Blue Star Mother and Family distinctive license plates and a related support fund (S.7720), disabled person’s plates for those transporting severely disabled persons (S.7763), license suspension for failure to pay fines for impaired driving violations (S.8692), and dedicating part of the state and county highway system to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway (S.9057). Several members spoke in support of the repair-shop disclosure bill as a consumer-affordability measure, and Senator Cooney noted the driver education and impaired-driving bills as part of the agenda. Most bills were advanced by committee vote. S.516-A, S.1148, S.2329, S.3249, S.7763, and S.9057 were reported. S.7720 was approved by the committee but referred to Finance because it created a support fund. S.8692 was approved and referred to the Codes Committee. Senator Oberacker recorded opposition on S.1148 and S.2329, while the other measures were approved without recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator May. Next, Senate Bill 893A by Senator Sepulveda.
• Next, Senate Bill... Senate Bill 1517A by Senator Kruger, if reported, would go to finance.
• Right now, Senate Bill 2278A by Senator Webb.
• Next, Senate bill, 3207A by Senator. First reading. Next, Senate Bill 3207A by Senator Cabinot.
• And last but not least, Senate Bill 8949 by Senator Harkham.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The committee considered a series of health-related bills, many of which were described as repeat measures previously passed by the Senate. Topics included expanding telehealth coverage, increasing Department of Health oversight of correctional health services, improving transparency for managed long-term care plans, requiring written consent for psychotropic medications in nursing homes and adult care facilities, extending Medicaid inpatient coverage for childbirth, expanding abortion travel funding eligibility for active-duty military families, simplifying Medicaid enrollment and recertification, adding certified recovery peer advocates to standard coverage, strengthening protections against sexual misconduct by medical providers, covering medically tailored meals and nutrition therapy, regulating retail clinics, requiring nurse representation on hospital governing boards, creating a blood clot and pulmonary embolism work group, testing potable water in parks, setting PFAS drinking water standards, improving lead service line identification, creating a quality incentive program for Medicaid managed care, expanding concussion information requirements to additional youth sports, setting a residency requirement for funeral director licensure, and changing Medicaid Inspector General audit practices. Most bills were briefly explained by sponsors or the chair, with limited debate. Several members asked clarifying questions on specific provisions, including the frequency of park water testing, how concussion information would be distributed, and details of the nurse representation requirement. The chair also noted pulling one correctional health bill from the agenda in favor of a more comprehensive measure, and one bill on correctional health was formally removed from consideration. The committee voted on each remaining bill, generally with unanimous or near-unanimous support. Most measures were reported to either first reading or finance, while the bill on psychotropic medications was sent to aging. The correctional health bill that remained on the agenda was approved despite one opposition, and the bill on funeral director licensure was also advanced with one abstention. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:45:02.480> Adi. Senator Adi. Senator Adi.
• >> Senator<00:45:50.560> Balden. >> Senator Balden. >> Senator Balden.
• >> Senator Karan. >> Senator Karan.
• >> Senator Karan. >> Senator Karan.
• We have Senator Abeler and Senator Boldon. Senator Abeler. Senator Abeler: Thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senators.
• Senator Dibble.
• Senator Dziedzic. return to um Mr. Nord. Senator Dziedzic.
• Chair, Senator Dibble.
• Chair, Senator Dibble. I think >> Yeah, Mr. Chair, Senator Dibble.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Grunhagen. well. Senator Grunhagen.
• >> Senator Lucero. >> Senator Lucero.
• Uh, Senator Dreheim will be presenting Senate File 2434.
• Uh, Senator Dreheim will be presenting Senate File 2434.
• >> Senator<01:33:57.040> Dreheim. >> Senator Dreheim. >> Senator Dreheim.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > Senate<00:10:14.959> File Senator Balden moves that Senate File Senator Balden moves
• Senator Carlson, I. Senator Bahr, no. Senator Balden, I. Senator Cwodzinski, yes.
• >> Senator<00:10:49.120> Marty, >> Senator Marty, yes. >> Senator Matthews, no. >> Senator
• Thank you, Senator Senator Swadzinski. Thank you, Senator Senator Swadzinski.
• So thank you, Senator Balden. Thank you, Senator Balden. >> Senator Koran.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator McQuade. >> Senator McQuade.
• Oh, Senator Gusson. Anyone else? Oh, Senator Gusson.
• >> Senator<01:00:23.359> Clerk, >> Senator Clerk, >> Senator Clerk, >>
• Thank you, Senator. Um, it varies >> Yeah. Thank you, Senator.
• Senator Omar Feben.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Happy to take input, including the applause from Senator Wesland.
• Senator Nelson. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• You have the floor. >> Senator Friends, members of the commission, uh, I do realize that I'm the last
• >> So, Representative Driscoll, Senator >> So, Representative Driscoll, Senator France
• Senator Seabour is excused tonight. She has mandatory firefighter training.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator<00:09:31.680> Rasp. >> Senator Rasp. >> Senator Rasp.
• Next up, we have Senator Latz, Senate File 3545. and sent to the Senate floor.
• >> You<00:21:32.240> senator >> You senator >> You senator Senator<00:21:34.080
• Senator France. the committee. Senator France.
• To your amendment, Senator<00:32:30.399> France. Senator France. Senator France.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome back, Senator Ric. Senator Ric who is back on the labor committee.
• Senator Dornink.
• follow up Senator. follow up Senator.
• Senator Papus. what they need. Senator Papus.
• item, Senate File 3720. item, Senate File 3720.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bradley: Senator Burton: Senator Calatayud: Senator Davis: Senator Gaetz: Senator Jones: Senator
• Leek: Senator Mayfield: Senator Passidomo: Senator Rodriguez: Senator Simon: Senator Truenow: Senator
• Senator Bradley: Senator Burton: Senator Calatayud: Senator Davis: Senator Gaetz: Senator Jones: Senator
• Leek: Senator Mayfield: Senator Passidomo: Senator Rodriguez: Senator Simon: Senator Truenow: Senator
• Senator Burton? Senator Calatayud? Senator Davis? Senator Gaetz? Senator Jones? Senator Leek?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senator Rob Coop, Senate District 4, uh, Clay and Becker counties. >> Uh, Senator Nate Weenberg's
• Uh Senator Rob Coop, Senate Thanks.
• :02:47.440> uh<00:02:47.599> Senate >> Uh Senator Nate Weenberg's uh Senate >&
• >> Senator<00:11:05.120> Kunish. >> Senator Kunish. >> Senator Kunish.
• >> Senator, >> Senator, >> Senator, >> thank<00:30:37.760> you,<00:30:

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators Murphy, Johnson, and Champion introduced Senate Resolution 62, a Senate resolution recognizing
• Senators Murphy, Johnson, and Champion introduce Senate Resolution 63, a Senate resolution recognizing
• adopt Senate Resolution number 62. adopt Senate Resolution number 62.
• Senate resolution number 63. Senate resolution number 63.
• adopt Senate Resolution number 63. adopt Senate Resolution number 63.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a motion to dispense with further roll call proceedings and bring in absent members, then heard a prayer and pledge. A quorum was established, with Senator Carlson noted as voting remotely. The chamber adopted the printed committee reports, except those relating to appointments, which were laid on the table. Several new bills were introduced and given first reading, including SF 3733, SF 3734, SF 3755, and SF 3780, all referred to human services or health and human services committees as announced. Under motions and resolutions, Senator Kunesh added Senator Housley as a co-author to SF 3593 and SF 3594, and SF 2909 was stricken from the calendar. Senator Fate successfully moved SF 3629 from Judiciary and Public Safety to State and Local Government. Senate Resolutions 60 and 61 were referred to Rules and Administration without action. The Senate then adopted SR 62 and SR 63, both recognizing Senate employees for years of dedicated service; Senator Murphy explained that the resolutions honored staff service milestones and, in SR 63, session-only staff. Later, Senator Hley offered a brief announcement celebrating Minnesota connections to recent Olympic hockey results, highlighting women’s and men’s gold-medal teams and naming several Minnesota players. The session concluded with a motion by Senator Murphy to adjourn until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m., which was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Nelson. doing that. Senator Nelson.
• Senator Nelson. Senator Nelson.
• Senator Muhammad. Senator Muhammad.
• >> Senator<01:14:20.960> Jan. >> Senator Jan. >> Senator Jan.
• to Senator Nelson. to Senator Nelson.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Committee. Senate Committee.
• Thank you, Senator<00:15:39.040> Kupec. Senator Kupec. Senator Kupec.
• Senator Pappas. >> No. >> Senator Siebenaler. >> No. >> Senator Westlin?
• Limmer. >> Senator Limmer. >> Yes. >> Senator Clark. >> No. >> Senator Holmstrom. >> Yes. >> Senator
• . >> No. >> Senator Clark. >> Yes. >> Senator Holmstrom. >> No. >> Senator Kreun. >> No. >> Senator Pappas

Keywords: 1187, senate, all