Transcript Highlights:

• But since you have this in the code already, how is that treated?
• I, I'm asking because you have this provision in the code, does the code also make provision for these
• OK, it's already defined in the code.
• So the purpose of this section in the code is not to be.
• I think what's in the code is very adequate.

Bills: HB304

Keywords: franchise tax credit, food desert, grocery store, healthy corner store, nutrition assistance, economic development, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• Like a lot of the submissions were talking about how greater uniformity would just make things easier
• But I think more standards need to be applied that are more uniform.
• <00:42:58.640> Uh applied that that are more uniform.
• Uh applied that that are more uniform.
• Second, clear uniform statewide retention limits and audit mandates.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the October 15, 2025 minutes and then held a broader discussion on current challenges with data retention and government transparency. Judy Randall of the Office of the Legislative Auditor said historical data is essential for post-audits, which often look back three to five years, and that retention decisions must balance audit needs with the burden of separating public and nonpublic data. She described the records-retention panel process as informal and largely based on individual judgment, noting she had objected to a proposed 60-day email retention period and generally uses a three-year guideline, though she said that standard is not grounded in a formal rule. Members discussed whether auditing standards should set retention periods, with Randall saying auditing is a good starting point but other offices, including the attorney general, also have needs, and that some agency discretion is unavoidable because of the gray area between official records and non-records. Representative Elkins raised the related principle of data minimization, arguing that government should not keep data longer than needed and citing a University of Minnesota legacy data warehouse breach as an example of the risks of retaining unnecessary sensitive information. Randall agreed that data no longer needed is a liability and said her office purges workpapers after five years. Representative Scott pressed whether three years is enough for fraud investigations and financial records; Randall responded that a reasonableness standard is needed and that longer retention can produce diminishing returns, though she said she would follow up on whether financial records should be treated differently. Tanya Tacker of the Rum River Special Education Cooperative testified in support of updating Minnesota’s data-retention laws for schools. She said districts want to protect student information and maintain transparency, but the current general retention schedule dates to 1985 and 2000 and does not reflect digital records, modern systems, or the volume of special education data. She urged modernizing the schedule, clarifying what must be kept in paper versus digitized form, aligning state rules with IDEA and other federal requirements, and providing practical guidance and tools. Members praised the specificity of her recommendations. Dr. BB Newman testified that retention failures in St. Anthony Village have made it difficult to obtain routine municipal and police data, with records delayed, missing, or inconsistently produced and no clear explanation of what systems were searched or whether records were destroyed. Newman argued these gaps undermine statutory access rights and force residents into costly litigation, and recommended stronger retention auditing, documentation of destruction, mandatory disclosure of systems searched, and consequences for noncompliance. In response to questions, Senate counsel said there is generally no direct penalty, but affected parties may seek mandamus, Data Practices Act claims, or informal mediation/opinions from the Data Practices Office. The discussion closed with calls for clearer standards and possible legislative updates to improve compliance and transparency.

Transcript Highlights:

• I spent 26 years in that uniform and it's tough. I know.
• that's gone into the the construction that's gone into the the construction bill<00:49:03.119>
• are re rehabilitation construction are re rehabilitation construction projects<00:52:00.000>
• So they just came back to construction.
• And ask for those construction dollars.

Bills: HB0078, SF0012, SF0013, SF0052, SF0069, SF0070

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration

Transcript Highlights:

• Code, under the resident requirements for voting.
• I'm open to any constructive amendments, and I am willing to take any questions.
• <01:37:08.000> I'm<01:37:08.320> I create and maintain a uniform.
• I'm I create and maintain a uniform.
• <02:05:40.159> election create and maintain a uniform election create and maintain a uniform

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that uniform accounting software system?
• Each pooled risk management program shall seek to maintain aggregate ... uniform accounting system.
• And so to me uniform accounting system.
• is that uni uniform accounting software system<00:26:16.880> because<00:26:17.120> we<
• conversation whether uh we constructive conversation whether uh we should<01:15:14.159> have<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee continued work on Senate Bill 297 and a new amendment dealing with pooled risk management programs and whether they should be regulated under the insurance department. Lisa Duket, executive director of SchoolCare, testified at length that the draft language could allow co-mingling of public entity risk funds, could trigger producer-licensing requirements for staff who are not actually brokers, and may not fit public entity risk pools because they are not insurance companies. She also raised concerns about the March 1 reporting deadline, the proposed uniform accounting language, aggregate excess insurance, examination costs being charged to the program, and confidentiality provisions that she argued may conflict with right-to-know principles for public entities. She urged the committee to slow down and consider a study committee or more time for review, saying the regulated entities were not adequately involved in drafting the proposal. Chairman Hunt and the department responded that the bill is intended to create a licensure-based regulatory model, similar to other licensed industries, and that the pooled risk management program would be exempt from producer licensing while anyone else selling or negotiating such coverage would need a producer license. The department said failure to comply would be handled through an administrative licensing process, with denial or nonrenewal of a license and appeal through the department process. On the reporting deadline, the department said March 1 is a standard filing date used for financial analysis and that the filing can be the most recent annual report, regardless of fiscal year end. They also explained that the confidentiality language was taken from existing RSA 5B, that aggregate excess insurance was included as a solvency measure, and that the draft was intended to preserve familiar language while adapting it for pooled risk programs. The discussion did not include a final vote or formal action on the bill in the portion provided. The committee appeared to be compiling follow-up questions for the insurance department and considering whether additional revisions or a slower process would be needed before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform
• Code of Military Justice.
• Code of Military Justice.
• the United States of America. [00:08:42] Glenn Pence continued: According to regulations and the Uniform
• Code of Military Justice.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• use to file their returns, and the fact that many times Congress is going to make changes to the tax code
• It also has to be constructed using weather-resistant materials.
• We have raised our children with that as a moral code in our home, because that's what honor means.
• It is a moral code to live an upstanding life with integrity.
• In fact, most construction labor unions are made up of Republican voters. Want to know why? Why?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think our criminal code I'd like to think it's tight enough.
• to our criminal code, you know, I'm a little cautious.
• <00:32:29.840> I'd I So I I think our criminal code I'd I So I I think our criminal code I'd
• their criminal code to our criminal<00:33:02.200> code,<00:33:03.200> you<00:33:03.360>
• So anything in the criminal code apply.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This focuses on making clear that no matter what your zip code is, you are entitled to the same level
• Um, so for me, the fact that it makes the law, um, uniform across all jurisdictions, I'm very much in
• Um, so for me, the fact that it makes the law, um, uniform across all jurisdictions, I'm very much in
• Um, so for me, the fact that it makes the law, um, uniform across all jurisdictions, I'm very much in
• Um, so for me, the fact that it makes the law, um, uniform across all jurisdictions, I'm very much in

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Calendar/2nd Readings 04:07 Orders of the Day 05:07 HB 144 05:15 HB 3 08:27 HB 290 12:34 HB 84 14:53 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:12 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 45:19 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 46:20 ConC/Rules Report 48:12 Floor Amendments 49:42 Adjournment 50:05, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 93 members present, approved the previous day’s journal, and reported several bills on second reading, including measures on elections, retired police officers, the Kentucky Communications Network Authority, local government, mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, and electric generating unit decommissioning costs. The chamber then moved to floor action on several bills. House Bill 144, relating to motor vehicle titles, was taken up first. A House Committee Substitute was adopted, and members discussed that the bill would let insurance companies avoid forfeiting titles for cosmetic damage such as hail damage while still requiring payment for the damage. The bill passed 94-0, and the clincher was applied. House Bill 3, relating to Medicaid reimbursement for pharmacist services, was then explained as allowing Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for services they already provide, such as strep testing, immunizations, and medication management, without expanding Medicaid or scope of practice. Supporters said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, and the bill passed 93-0, followed by the clincher. House Bill 290, concerning county law libraries, was explained as allowing local bar associations to use their funds for electronic legal research tools, including online subscriptions, computers, and internet access, rather than only books. It passed 94-0 and the clincher was applied. House Bill 84, on local government liability for failure to protect property during riots, generated the most debate. Supporters said it would make the law uniform across jurisdictions and hold governments accountable when they have notice and the means to act but do not; opponents raised concerns about outdated language, possible vigilante implications, and fiscal impact. A floor amendment adding an emergency clause was adopted 81-8, and the bill then passed as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, no constructive recommendation came from public schools.
• Additionally, no constructive<00:05:33.199> recommendation<00:05:33.919> came<00:05:34.160
• > from No constructive recommendation came from any of the testifiers.
• them, we must ask whether this governance model is fostering independence, professionalism, and constructive

Bills: SB2347, SB2911, SB2033, SB2158, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB3144, SB3096, SB3097, SB2968, SB2363, SB3154, SB2400, SB3313, SB2896, SB3279, SB2614, SB2687, SB2754, SB2549, SB3325, SB2658, SB2659, SB2602, SB2611, SB2877, SB3063, SB2615, SB3232, SB2875, SB3272, SB2854, SB3203, SB2803, SB2804, SB3302, SB3229, SB2969, SB2412, SB2657, SB2880, SB2540, SB2414, SB3142, SB3202, SB2281, SB2852, SB2272, SB2479, SB2589, SB2936, SB2720, SB2730, SB2749, SB2688, SB2798, SB3040, SB3107, SB3010, SB3109, SB3140, SB3187, SB2057, SB2377, SB3048, SB3083, SB3182

Keywords: tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, intoxicating liquor, direct shipment, breweries, distilleries, Hawaii, renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, veterinary workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, even though the amendment that we moved was referred to as a DE and it was a DE, it's actually coded
• Members, any questions on the rearranging of the coding of the amendment?
• I urge you all to establish this uniform baseline of dignity and empowerment for the collective children
• 00:20:32.799> to<00:20:33.120> establish<00:20:33.600> this<00:20:33.919> uniform
• <00:20:34.320> baseline all to establish this uniform baseline all to establish this uniform

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A near identical system is also constructed on the East Fork of the Trinity River.
• And then a third wetland system is going to be constructed.
• begin construction about 2028.
• Lake Livingston was constructed in the 1960s. Houston owns 70% of the water in it.
• Fortunately, under the Water Code, if the applicant requests it, they pick up the bill for it.

Summary: The committee held a hearing on high-capacity groundwater wells proposed in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties, with members framing the issue as one of local water supply, fairness, and the need to modernize groundwater law while protecting private property rights. Opening remarks focused on the scale of the proposed Redtown Ranch and Pine Bliss projects, the potential export of tens of thousands of acre-feet of groundwater annually, and concerns that the applications lacked sufficient technical detail and could harm nearby landowners, cities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Members also noted the broader context of the recent flooding tragedy in central Texas and the Legislature’s intent to address water-related loss of life in the upcoming special session. Witnesses from the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts and the Texas Water Development Board explained the current groundwater management framework. They described groundwater conservation districts as the state’s preferred management method, the role of groundwater management areas and desired future conditions, and how the Water Development Board uses those conditions to calculate modeled available groundwater. They emphasized that districts rely on local data, monitoring wells, and planning processes, but that information is often more limited in areas without a district, where the rule of capture applies. Members pressed witnesses on recharge rates, export permits, subsidence, the effect of pumping on nearby wells, the age and real-time availability of model data, and whether the proposed project would exceed modeled available groundwater in some counties. TCEQ explained its limited oversight role over groundwater conservation districts, including inquiries, compliance actions, and, in extreme cases, dissolution authority. Water Development Board staff also outlined funding programs, saying the New Water Supply for Texas Fund is limited to projects such as brackish desalination, reuse, ASR, and other new-supply projects, and does not fund fresh groundwater exports alone. They said the project at issue had not applied for board funding. A water lawyer then testified on the rule of capture, ownership in place, and district regulation, arguing that districts must use permitting and other tools to manage production within modeled available groundwater and that the Legislature could consider additional authority over groundwater exports under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, one of the codes that we follow is the National Electrical Code.
• Uh, number one would be to adopt an electrical code, right?
• Or to adopt the National Electrical Code.
• We don't enforce code directly. Again, that would be for the department to do.
• We don't enforce code directly. Again, that would be for the department to do.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the bill will amend Section 3.03(b) of the Penal Code to allow consecutive sentences. for
• Section 38.15a of the Penal Code states that a person commits the Class B misdemeanor offense of interference
• As the previous witness stated, there is no bright line rule for uniform training or standard protocols

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Schools have an obligation to have a uniform standard of education.
• Schools have an obligation to have a uniform standard of education.
• And then just in regards to the uniformity of schools, we have independent school districts throughout
• And then just in regards to the uniformity of schools, we have independent school districts throughout
• And then just in regards to the uniformity of schools, we have independent school districts throughout

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So would that mean that there's no construction? The loan would not be for construction? Mr.
• So, would that mean that there's no construction? The loan would not be for construction? Mr.
• for construction? for construction?
• So does that exclude construction?
• to our construction program. to our construction program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:37.359> Public<00:36:37.760> Expression called the Uniform Public Expression
• called the Uniform Public Expression Protection<00:36:38.720> Act<00:36:39.359> or<00:
• And it's there's a reason it's called the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, the model bill, and
• And it's there's a reason it's called the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, the model bill, and
• <00:43:42.480> Public reason it's called the Uniform Public reason it's called the Uniform

Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• We're gonna use old uniforms that we have.
• premium shifts, is all paid for by O dot if it's an O dot contract to do overtime shifts on a construction
• But everything there, those cars, those uniforms, those firearms, those folks are paid for by the turnpike
• is an academy that we're funding out of cars that we already have, firearms that we already have, uniforms

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Construction at Ellington Field.
• I would ask the facilities corporations to manage the construction, is that what I heard you say?
• I believe you were attending school when they were first constructed in 1941.
• And should the legislature consider funding capital construction projects?
• Our second key funding priority is the Campus Construction Assistance Program, or CCAP, for the construction

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Code of Military Justice.
• <00:05:12.360> Court much different under the uniform Court much different under the uniform
• Code of Military Justice.
• Given that Supreme Court case, doesn't it make all the language in the uniform agreement or uniform law
• in in the uniform agreement<02:24:48.279> or<02:24:48.520> uniform<02:24:49.000> law

Keywords: 1189, house, all