Transcript Highlights:

• Um, let me just grab my notes >> All right. Um, let me just grab my notes here. here. here.
• a couple of things just on the note a couple of things just on the note you'll<00:17:37.039> see
• Uh, yeah, as far as I know there's still a fiscal note associated with that.
• <00:38:25.200> note<00:38:25.440> associated<00:38:25.839> with still a fiscal
• note associated with still a fiscal note associated with that.<00:38:26.320> That's<00:38:26.560

Bills: HF858, HF2577, HF2576

Keywords: bioincentive payments, agriculture, job creation, environmental compliance, financial reporting, waste handling, sewage sludge, PFAS regulation, environment, record retention, fertilizer disposal, pesticide disposal, environmental impact, safety regulations, burning prohibition, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but I just want to note that we caution the legislature to broadly abolish vacant positions because
• Um, I'd also like to note that we've been advocating for years that vacant position money be used to
• I just want to note, as you all know, we're dealing with a budget crisis here in our state.
• Um, I also want to<01:02:47.920> note<01:02:48.400> that<01:02:49.040> the<01:02
• also have significant um fiscal also have significant um fiscal oversight<01:07:10.799> such<

Bills: SB2543, SB2014, SB2115, SB3095, SB3264, SB2114, SB2117, SB2246, SB2519, SB3055, SB3131, SB3144

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Transcript Highlights:

• Does the fiscal note definitely helps us in many ways to tell us what the bill does, but I mean really
• <00:54:39.359> note<00:54:39.599> definitely does. does the fiscal note definitely
• does. does the fiscal note definitely helps<00:54:40.160> us<00:54:40.319> in<00:54:40.559
• Speaker, as the appropriator, of course, I love looking at the fiscal note.
• I would encourage at the fiscal note.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• restraints on the federal fiscal restraints on the federal government,<00:09:14.640> limit<00
• President, last year when I proposed this bill, um it went to the ANR to die because the fiscal note
• And this time though, by using the apprentice program, the fiscal note for the first year is $104,000
• note was extremely high.
• And this time though, by using the apprentice program, the fiscal note for the first year is $104,000

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. During second reading, several bills and a joint resolution were reported to the Rules Committee, including measures on trauma center provider coverage, cremation, public library trustees, local occupational license fees and taxes, and a food-is-medicine resolution. The House also communicated passage of House Bills 176, 178, and 280 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced Senate Bill 39, Senate Bill 181 with a committee substitute, Senate Bill 17 with a committee substitute and title amendment, and Senate Bill 34. The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 13, which would allow military installations to have ex officio representation on nearby planning and zoning bodies to improve communication about land use near bases. It passed 37-0. Senate Bill 46, concerning school transportation, was amended by committee substitute to require background checks and drug testing for drivers of school vans and to extend van use to 10-passenger vehicles; it passed 37-0 after a brief clarification about the amendment’s display in the system. Senate Bill 22, expanding the dual credit scholarship program to support a teacher apprenticeship pathway, was amended to require a 2.75 GPA and then passed 36-1 after questions about employment status and liability; the sponsor explained it would help address teacher shortages and reduce student debt. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 90, which extends the behavioral health conditional dismissal pilot program from 2027 to 2031 to continue offering treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for eligible low-level offenders; it passed 37-0. Senate Bill 51, a proposed constitutional change to freeze property tax assessment increases for homeowners age 65 and older on their primary residence, also passed 37-0. Senate Bill 30 was passed over but retained its place in the orders of the day. The rules committee later posted Senate Bills 27, 40, and 76 for the next day, and the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bill 109 to Licensing and Occupations, Senate Bill 68 to State and Local Government, and Senate Resolutions 45 and 46 to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, the fiscal note came back, and I disagree with the fiscal note cost, but it came back
• Again, it would reduce the county share by 83.2 million in fiscal year 2027 and 108.3 million in fiscal
• There is no fiscal impact until 2028-2029. I want to move the full shift.
• As I note, this is a bill in progress. We are not done yet.
• Committee very similar in the way that we did the fiscal bill. We'll do this one as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• four quarterly payments as applicable" and replace that with the words "amount assessed for that fiscal
• four quarterly payments as applicable" and replace that with the words "amount assessed for that fiscal
• For some folks, and the way that it has worked is companies are assessed at the beginning of a fiscal
• So we are giving them a shorter time frame to do the work, and the fiscal note says they need more positions
• Is it noting that the application was opened and deemed complete in the very first...

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Noted. Thank you. Representative Johnson: Thank you, Chair Gomez, and I apologize.
• I think we won't have, um, uh, we won't have fiscal walk through it unless there are questions about
• I'm director of tax, fiscal policy, and elections for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
• I would be remiss not to note that young adults of middle and upper incomes receive significant sums
• <00:40:45.520> that<00:40:45.640> young I would be remiss not to note that young I

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So you'd need to make the full correction in fiscal year 2025 if you wanted to keep the 5% statutory
• I just want to do a quick follow-up with fiscal staff.
• On this screen, you have our fiscal 24-25 revenue.
• In January of 25, we posted six grant programs that we will be offering in fiscal 26, again assuming
• But duly noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a fiscal note, but we're starting the bill next year, so it will be addressed later, and projected
• And I want to make one note.
• He was a developer of the fiscal stability bills.
• The fiscal year 2027 capital budget highlights are...
• Chief Clerk, a debt limit statement for fiscal year 2027.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But just briefly, I wanted to introduce our newest fiscal analyst. We have Ms.
• There's a transfer at the end of the fiscal year.
• So we'll update that again in August, and we'll have a complete fiscal year.
• A couple little changes on page two that I will note.
• note for additional times like this.

Summary: The committee began with roll call, introductions of a new fiscal analyst and a new member, and approval of the March 19 minutes. The first major presentation was from the Office of Management and Budget on the state’s general fund and special fund status through May. OMB reported general fund revenues were running below the legislative forecast by about $76 million, driven largely by weaker individual income tax and sales tax collections, though the projected ending balance remained positive and above the budgeted level. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap and would transfer excess earnings to the general fund, and the legacy fund balance continued to grow. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing revenue variability. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analyses, followed by discussion of a bill draft for the fixed-route city transportation network study. The draft would create a $15 million general fund grant program with a formula-based distribution to eligible fixed-route transit cities, intended to support operating and capital needs and help match federal transit funds. Transit officials from Minot and Fargo testified in support, explaining local fare and match structures and the difficulty of replacing aging buses and securing federal matching dollars. Several members questioned whether the program should be limited to the current four cities or broadened to future eligible urban areas, and whether local funding sources should be explored further. The committee did not finalize the bill draft at that point and planned to continue discussion at a later meeting. The committee also approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to approval of a bi-state authority with South Dakota, after staff explained that no agreements had ever been implemented and the provision appeared outdated. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried. Later, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site presented updates on uncrewed aircraft systems initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and efforts to build a revenue model for Vantis. Test site officials said FAA approval had been secured for the radar data program, replacement of noncompliant drones was underway, and future revenue could come from state and external users once pricing and intellectual property arrangements are finalized. Members asked about Chinese-made drones, supply chain issues, automation, and how the system would manage beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation then presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and a reentry housing study. Officials said the proposed facility would relocate the minimum-security prison to the penitentiary campus, reduce costs from an earlier estimate, and provide more beds and programming space, with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and opening around 2031. They also described staffing needs, the planned move of women to the New England facility, and possible expansion of men’s housing there. The parole and probation chief described a reentry housing task force studying housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with a goal of developing data-driven recommendations for subsidies and support services; a representative from Protection and Advocacy closed by expressing general support for fixed-route and paratransit funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• And thanks to the work we did last year, we maintained a fiscally responsible budget.
• <00:42:15.840> we<00:42:16.040> maintained<00:42:16.640> a<00:42:16.720> fiscally
• did last year, we maintained a fiscally did last year, we maintained a fiscally responsible<00:42
• Next year, someone else will be giving that speech from right here, and I'll just note though, that person
• though, that person will inherit a state that is in solid fiscal condition, one of only 12 states with

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The joint convention opened with the House and Senate assembling, a prayer by Reverend Mariah Furness-Tollgard, and roll call establishing a quorum. The chamber then welcomed the Minnesota Supreme Court, constitutional officers, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Governor Tim Walz before the governor delivered his final State of the State address. The convention later adjourned by motion. In his address, Governor Walz reflected on recent tragedies and political violence, including the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the Annunciation Church shooting, and the federal immigration operation he described as causing fear and disruption. He said Minnesota remained strong because of its people and highlighted accomplishments over the past seven years, especially in education, child care, free school meals, workforce development, housing, infrastructure, clean energy, climate initiatives, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ protections, voting rights, workers’ rights, paid family leave, and public safety measures. Walz also proposed new actions for the current session, including a significant expansion of the dependent care tax credit, a $907 million bonding bill, support for sustainable aviation fuel, a social media tax on big tech companies, a governor’s council on the future of the AI economy, additional gun violence prevention measures, and a stronger anti-fraud and human services oversight system. He urged legislators to pass the fraud and oversight bills and said he would sign them immediately. The House then voted to adjourn until April 30, 2026, after the joint convention ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then if it's on its own, obviously it's going to need a fiscal note of some kind or establishment
• <01:25:50.520> or to need a fiscal note of some kind or to need a fiscal note of some kind
• Fiscal note shows a very small increase in expenses to the board, about a thousand.
• <02:08:07.080> small<02:08:07.600> increase Fiscal note shows a very small increase
• Fiscal note shows a very small increase in<02:08:08.160> expenses<02:08:08.720> to<02:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The auditor did note that it is hard to give an exact rate of misclassification in Minnesota.
• <00:42:57.520> while questions I've been taking notes while questions I've been taking notes
• In addition to that, I would note that we do meet regularly with each other.
• In addition to that, I would note that we do meet regularly with each other.
• In addition to that, I would note that we do meet regularly with each other.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've gotten some notes second readers.
• For fiscal 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter, the governor must include in the annual budget bill
• There's no fiscal impact. amendments. There's no fiscal impact.
• For fiscal 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter, the governor must include in the annual budget bill
• State Fiscal Leadership Capacity, State Fiscal Leadership Capacity, favorable<01:15:05.640> one

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 6, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, received an invocation from Pastor Shannon Watkins of Souls One Outreach Cathedral in Cumberland, and welcomed several guests and student pages. The chamber also announced the week’s schedule for the final days of session, including likely double sessions later in the week and a possible Saturday hold. Administrative items included the reading of House messages, a favorable executive nominations report that was special ordered for Tuesday, and the introduction of several House bills and Senate bills on the calendar. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 841, the Utility Relief Reducing Energy Load Information for Every Family Act. Senators discussed energy affordability, ratepayer relief, utility costs, data center growth, in-state generation, and the role of programs such as RGGI, EmPower, and the RPS. Supporters said the bill provides a comprehensive short- and long-term response, including consumer transparency and low-income relief, while critics argued it did not go far enough and should have included stronger relief or pauses on renewable energy mandates. After debate and several explanations of vote, the Senate passed SB 841 by a constitutional majority, 38-affirmative votes. Earlier in the session, Senate Bill 213 on state procurement transparency and procedures also passed with 40 affirmative votes. After SB 841 passed, the Senate took up House Bill 1532, a conforming companion to the utility relief measure. The committee offered an amendment to align HB 1532 with SB 841, the amendment was adopted without objection, and the bill then passed on third reading. Senators who explained their votes largely echoed the same themes from the SB 841 debate, with some emphasizing the need for more relief and others stressing the bill’s broader policy changes and regional energy-market constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also don't have a fiscal note.
• We also don't have a fiscal note.
• I think the cost of verifying this suggests there should be a fiscal note.
• this suggests there should be a fiscal this suggests there should be a fiscal note.<00:53:13.960
• Um you know, and we and we heard note.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HF 2526 and received a walkthrough of the DE1 amendment from nonpartisan staff. The amendment revised the bill’s gift and ethics provisions by defining local government and public safety officer, narrowing covered mental health or wellness services to those provided by a qualified mental health professional and tied to recovery from a traumatic event, excluding luxury services or events as determined by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, and allowing local governments to adopt additional gift restrictions. It also added a bribery-related provision for gifts made with intent to influence a public safety officer. Members noted the language had been worked on by Representatives Duran, Vernig, and Freiberg, and the DE1 was adopted unanimously. HF 2526, as amended, then passed to the floor on a voice vote. The committee then turned to HF 3722, which would remove deceased voters from the state voter registration system. The bill author argued that deceased voters should not remain on the rolls and that removing them would clean up the voter list. Secretary of State staff testified in opposition, saying deceased voters are already kept in a separate deceased status, not on active rolls, and that retaining the record helps flag suspicious activity and preserves voter history in case of administrative error. A second testifier described a real case in which a deceased voter’s retained record helped election officials identify and investigate a fraudulent ballot. After discussion, the committee tabled HF 3722. Finally, the committee heard HF 3723, which would require additional verification for absentee ballot applications and permanent absentee voters. Supporters said the bill would help ensure ballots are not sent to people who have died or moved out of state. Secretary of State staff opposed the bill, saying most voters are already verified at registration, that the proposed checks would duplicate existing procedures, and that additional verification could create delays or false rejections. A testifier also objected to the bill’s effective date, saying it would take effect only days after absentee voting begins. The sponsor argued that voters remain on the permanent list indefinitely and that periodic verification is needed because people move or die; the committee did not reach a final vote in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• CalRecycle's BCP requests 27 permanent ongoing positions to be phased in over two fiscal years: 18 PYs
• You could get it closer or move your notes up onto the base of the thing there.
• So this was our governance and fiscal fee reform bill.
• Those are my notes. Did I say the wrong date? Is it 27 or 28?
• I will note that several of the requirements I have already mentioned, and several others in AB 2113,

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations on the administration’s Proposition 4 spending plans for extreme heat mitigation and outdoor access, then took up SB 54 implementation, SB 707 textile producer responsibility, and recovery needs related to the Los Angeles fires at state parks. For the extreme heat chapter, agencies described funding for the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program, urban greening, urban forestry, fairground upgrades, and technical assistance for community-based climate programs. Witnesses emphasized that these are existing programs with strong demand, that technical assistance is important for reaching disadvantaged and tribal communities, and that the proposed funding would expand outreach and implementation capacity. Members asked for more detail on where funds have gone geographically, examples of successful projects, tree-planting totals, and how fairgrounds could better support fire staging and emergency preparedness. The LAO said the timing of the administration’s proposed funding generally made sense because the programs are already established, and no votes were taken. For outdoor access, State Parks, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources described funding for new parks in underserved communities, deferred maintenance, state lands access, and several new or pending programs. State Parks said the park development program would fund roughly 48 projects and that deferred maintenance funding would address high-priority health, safety, and access needs. Fish and Wildlife said its lands program would improve visitor amenities and access on properties that often lack basic facilities. The Natural Resources Agency also outlined three newer outdoor-access proposals: expanding recreation in disadvantaged communities, enhancing natural resource values and trail access, and a nature/climate/education facilities grant program. The LAO distinguished between existing programs, which are ready to move forward, and the newer proposals, where the Legislature may want more input before funds are allocated. Members also raised concerns about park police vacancies, the need to track outcomes for accessibility investments, and whether Prop. 4 could help with wildfire-related recovery at state parks. CalRecycle then presented on SB 54, the plastics and packaging producer responsibility law, and members pressed hard on the delay in regulations. CalRecycle said it has held workshops, formed an advisory committee, selected the producer responsibility organization, and completed required baseline and covered-material reports, but needs more time to address complex comments and novel features such as source reduction and eco-modulated fees. Members expressed frustration that a statutory deadline was missed and asked for a concrete timeline; CalRecycle said it expects regulations in place by 2026, ahead of the PRO’s January 1, 2027 plan deadline. Finance said the Beverage Container Recycling Fund is currently healthy enough to support short-term loans for implementation. The committee also reviewed SB 707, the textile EPR law, which would create the nation’s first textile producer responsibility program; staff said the proposal would add positions and loan authority, and members noted the statutory deadlines for PRO approval, needs assessment, and later regulations. The hearing ended with discussion of the January Los Angeles fires’ damage to Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park, where State Parks described extensive losses, emergency response work, and ongoing damage assessment. Members asked about FEMA eligibility, state funding sources, and community engagement in rebuilding, and the department said it is still assessing costs and will work with the public on reimagining the parks.

Transcript Highlights:

• As noted by President Albritton upon the signing of SB 108 by Governor DeSantis on June 27th, SB 108
• rules with an effective date greater than 90 days, which are intended to replace existing rules, a note
• rules with an effective date greater than 90 days, which are intended to replace existing rules, a note
• department shall then publish a notice of the implemented rule review and shall update the history note
• And it's a review of the fiscal year, so they can backtrack to July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met for its first meeting of the session, took roll, and heard a presentation from Ken Plant of the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee on SB 108, the 2025 law overhauling Florida rulemaking. The presentation focused on new deadlines for agencies to begin and publish rules, limits on automatic sunset provisions, changes to emergency rule procedures, expanded public input on statements of estimated regulatory costs, a five-year review cycle for existing rules, and new licensing-reporting requirements. Members asked about the review timeline and emphasized the need to keep agencies accountable for meeting the new requirements. The committee then reviewed the Department of Management Services’ response to Auditor General Report 2025-1096 on fleet management. DMS said the audit found 10 issues, most of which it believes it has addressed, and described the statewide fleet system as tracking about 27,000 assets with limited staff. DMS highlighted two major improvement ideas that would require funding: an enterprise telematics system to automate vehicle data and improve tracking, and centralized fleet procurement to reduce duplication and save money. Members questioned the status of FleetWave implementation, missing vehicle records, integration with other state systems, and access controls for separated employees. DMS explained that FleetWave is fully implemented but still relies on manual data entry, that discrepancies with the state accounting system largely reflect mismatched or inconsistent entries, and that policies and procedures were updated after the audit. The department said it now works more closely with People First to deactivate access when employees leave. After discussion, no further business was raised, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• generate close to a million dollars in savings for the legions, $900,000 according to the revenue note
• generate close to a million dollars in savings for the legions, $900,000 according to the revenue note
• generate close to a million dollars in savings for the legions, $900,000 according to the revenue note
• generate close to a million dollars in savings for the legions, $900,000 according to the revenue note
• <00:09:41.600> analyst almost I would say uh fiscal analyst almost I would say uh fiscal analyst

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the prior day’s minutes, then heard Senate File 255, which would exempt American Legion and VFW buildings from property tax. The bill’s author and the American Legion Department of Minnesota testified that many posts are struggling financially, that the tax burden can threaten building ownership, and that the posts provide important community services such as charitable gambling support, youth sports, food insecurity assistance, suicide prevention training, and meeting space for veterans and local residents. Several members voiced support, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee then took up Senate File 30, a proposal to allow Minnesota estate tax portability for married couples, so a deceased spouse’s unused $3 million exclusion could transfer to the surviving spouse, similar to federal law. The author said Minnesota is an outlier compared with other estate-tax states and that the bill would simplify planning and reduce tax burdens, especially for family farms and other illiquid assets. A CPA and a Minnesota Farm Bureau representative testified that the order of death should not determine tax liability and that portability would help keep family farms intact. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion. Next, the committee adopted an A1 amendment to Senate File 211 and heard the bill, which would create a Minnesota subtraction for Foreign Service pension income, treating it more like military pension income. The author said the change would cover a small number of retirees and would have a minimal fiscal impact, while the testifier described Foreign Service work and said the benefit would recognize their service. The bill, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 132, which would revise property tax language related to electric power systems by replacing references to attachments and impertinences with broader system-based language. The author said the bill would clarify tax treatment for power co-ops, restore the original intent of the law, and provide stability for Greater Minnesota, with an estimated property tax shift of a little over $700,000. Testimony was beginning when the transcript ended, and no vote on the bill was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when there's a fiscal note active for this, this is going to come back at zero cost.
• :47.520> a<00:43:47.599> fiscal<00:43:47.920> note there's a fiscal there's a fiscal
• note there's a fiscal there's a fiscal note active<00:43:48.480> fiscal<00:43:48.800> note
• So this is active fiscal note for this.
• We could very well get a fiscal note from DHS. I don't know yet. It's a distinct possibility.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff also noted one committee requested a report that is outstanding and currently in progress.
• managing library employees, meeting with the library board to discuss budgetary items, and ensuring fiscal
• managing library employees, meeting with the library board to discuss budgetary items, and ensuring fiscal
• It should be noted that, of these purchases, items totaling $7,600 were paid by county claim, and the
• We tested 39 students who received scholarships and noted 56 instances in which 32 of these students

Summary: The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes. It then received and adopted reports from the Executive Committee, the Standing Committee on Counties and Municipalities, the Standing Committee on Education Institutions, the Standing Committee on State Agencies, and the Medicaid Subcommittee. Those reports covered audit follow-up items, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, state agency audit findings, and a Medicaid oversight presentation. Several reports were filed after discussion, and in multiple cases agencies or local officials were present to answer questions about repeat findings or compliance concerns. Among the notable audit matters, the committee reviewed a Cleburne County library audit that found more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases that appeared personal in nature and improper fuel expenses. The library director had been placed on leave, later charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office, and the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General. The committee also heard a special report on the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which found scholarship ineligibility issues and numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, while noting that the program had ended in 2024 and remaining funds were returned to the school districts. During the state agency report, Legislative Audit described findings at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs, including improper benefit payments, a cashed warrant by someone other than the intended payee, missing receipts, unauthorized fuel card purchases, and payroll and overtime issues. The committee filed that report after agency representatives responded to questions. The meeting ended with the filing of the Cleburne County and Donaldson Scholars Academy reports, and the next committee meeting was announced for March 12-13, 2026.