Transcript Highlights:

• The warehouse solicits a multi-year agreement to sell both library books and textbooks to interested
• The warehouse solicits a multi-year agreement to sell both library books and textbooks to interested
• sent to our central warehouse the and sent to our central warehouse the warehouse<01:26:30.000> solicits
• <01:26:30.560> a<01:26:30.719> multi-year warehouse solicits a multi-year warehouse
• solicits a multi-year agreement<01:26:31.760> to<01:26:31.920> sell<01:26:32.320> both

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Education Policy Committee heard testimony on Senate File 508, a bill to restrict cell phone use in schools. Senator Mann said the proposal was based on roundtables with school districts across the state and on reports from other states, and argued that cell phones are harming student attention, mental health, classroom culture, and student-teacher relationships. She said K-8 restrictions are broadly supported, while high school policies should be more flexible, and emphasized that districts should control implementation. The bill also includes funding for education efforts around why the restrictions are being adopted and how students can use technology responsibly. Testifiers largely supported the bill or the general goal of limiting cell phone use. Dr. Anna Tyranny, a parent and licensed psychologist, said cell phones and social media can contribute to anxiety, poor concentration, cyberbullying, and inappropriate sharing, and urged a balanced approach that includes digital literacy education. St. Cloud Area Public Schools Superintendent Laori Pam and Tech High School staff member Molly Kenzie described their district’s policies, which keep phones away for the day in elementary and middle school and restrict them during class in high school. They cited U.S. Department of Education guidance, research on mental health and sleep disruption, and the need for age-appropriate, equitable, and consistently communicated policies. St. Cloud reported that its middle school policy, piloted and then expanded districtwide, led to a 50% reduction in cell phone discipline referrals and fewer classroom power struggles. The district said high school violations remain concentrated in certain grades, especially ninth and eleventh, and that it continues to address the issue through PBIS teams. No vote or final committee action on the bill was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the idea was to develop it; it's really a charitable... So, all right?
• The idea was to have the developer—it’s really a charitable endeavor—turn over the property and limit
• the BUILD products in our last summer, we hosted two open houses with the development community, solicited

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing opened its second hearing of the session with remarks from Chairs Haggerty and Cyr emphasizing that the hearing was a broad look at Massachusetts’ housing crisis rather than a single bill. They highlighted topics including zoning, permitting, rental assistance, public housing, homelessness prevention, and housing production. The first witness, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus, reviewed implementation of the Affordable Homes Act and the state’s new housing plan, citing a 1.6% vacancy rate, a projected need for 222,000 new homes over 10 years, and ongoing efforts such as ADUs by right, fair housing enforcement, eviction record sealing, seasonal communities planning, and new funding for affordable housing, public housing, and the Momentum Fund. He also discussed infrastructure support for municipalities, technical assistance for ADUs, and concerns about possible federal funding cuts. Committee members questioned the secretary about ADU financing and technical assistance, the likely unit yield from the Affordable Homes Act, infrastructure barriers in suburban and rural communities, public housing waitlist management, supportive housing, and federal budget risks. MassNAHRO then testified that public housing authorities are facing rising operating and capital costs, a statewide waitlist nearing 300,000, and uncertainty over federal Section 8 and HUD funding. Witnesses described recent state support for operating subsidies, capital improvements, vacancy turnover teams, and resident service coordinators, while warning that proposed federal cuts could sharply affect voucher issuance and agency operations. CDAC’s executive director Roger Herzog described the agency’s role as a quasi-public source of early-stage financing and technical assistance for nonprofit housing developers, noting its loan capital, supportive housing bond programs, home modification loans, and preservation work under Chapter 40T. He said CDAC has helped produce or preserve more than 55,000 units and stressed the importance of patient capital and preservation tools. CHAPA CEO Rachel Heller urged the committee to focus on production, preservation, planning, and political will, supporting goals for affordability, supportive housing, and homeownership, and endorsing policy changes such as YIGBY, clearer site plan review rules, stronger fair housing funding, and more support for vouchers and public housing. MassHousing then outlined its financing role, including mortgage lending, down payment assistance, the Community Climate Bank, and the Momentum Fund, while noting that permitting delays, capital gaps, and possible federal changes could affect production. Members also asked about transparency, prevailing wage compliance, and a recent internal restructuring related to diversity and business engagement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, then it's charitable gaming. Well, then it's charitable gaming. Tamara, are you presenting?
• charitable purpose. charitable purpose.
• That's a charitable purpose. That's a charitable purpose.
• nonprofit or charitable organization. nonprofit or charitable organization.
• charitable organization.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• source of Revenue 96% of all charitable source of Revenue 96% of all charitable gaming<00:02:51.120
• not eliminating taxing on charitable not eliminating taxing on charitable gaming<00:05:25.960>
• <00:31:07.080> organizations lot of these charitable organizations lot of these charitable
• We used our charitable gambling funds in order to pay for this, and without charitable gambling funds
• our state are using their charitable our state are using their charitable revenue<00:56:08.440><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered. Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach. Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:16:46.280> charitable their organizational charit charitable their organizational charit
• some families by utilizing charitable some families by utilizing charitable gaming<01:48:55.920>
• It would change the concept of charitable gaming to the concept of charitable and educational gaming
• in<02:05:56.360> 2020 charitable G charitable gaming in 2020 charitable G charitable gaming
• charitable gaming we have charitable charitable gaming we have charitable gaming<03:11:29.720>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 530, a bill to increase funding for New Hampshire’s Affordable Housing Fund. Representative Jessica Lontine, the sponsor, described the state’s housing crisis, citing high rents, low vacancy, and the lack of affordable units. She said the bill would double the annual transfer-tax deposit into the fund from $5 million to $10 million, and she later presented an amendment to hold the Education Trust Fund harmless by directing the housing-fund deposit from remaining revenue after that trust fund is funded. She also explained a prospective appropriation idea tied to a possible future sale of the Laconia State School property, with the goal of supporting community housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Much of the testimony focused on the shortage of accessible and supportive housing for people with disabilities and aging family caregivers. Lontine, Ben Saul of Visions for Creative Housing Solutions, Lori McIntosh of Our Place NH, and Maddie Mandelbaum all described the difficulty families face in planning for adult children with disabilities as parents age or die. They emphasized that many people need not only affordable housing but accessible, supportive settings, and they argued that state investment would help nonprofit providers build such housing and prevent homelessness or inappropriate institutional placement. Several witnesses also noted that existing projects rely on capital funding and that operating revenues are limited because residents often depend on SSI and Medicaid. Committee members asked questions about the fiscal impact of the bill and amendment, including whether the proposal would shift money from the general fund or education trust fund and whether the Finance Committee should have final say over spending priorities. Lontine said she understood those concerns but argued that housing should be prioritized. Housing Action New Hampshire’s Tom Duroza also testified in support of the bill, saying the state’s housing shortage is driving record prices and vacancy rates below 1%, and that the Affordable Housing Fund has leveraged more than $500 million in private investment and helped build thousands of rental homes. He said his organization supported the underlying bill but had not yet reviewed the amendment. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• one in the nation for charitable one in the nation for charitable gambling<00:15:38.959> we
• to charitable missions.
• to charitable missions.
• to charitable missions.
• to charitable missions.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• gamble cage does not oppose charitable gamble cage does not oppose charitable gambling<00:21:41.799
• went to charitable missions.
• only 126 million went to charitable only 126 million went to charitable missions<00:26:50.320>
• to 4.57 billion meaning charitable to 4.57 billion meaning charitable gambling<00:26:55.559>
• <00:37:12.160> gambling gambling or these charitable gambling gambling or these charitable

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 733, which would restore electronic pull-tab features such as open-all, free play, bonus games, and similar functions that were restricted in 2023. The bill’s supporters, including representatives of Allied Charities of Minnesota, the American Legion, and a Bloomington school activities foundation, argued that the 2023 changes reduced revenue for charitable gambling operations and, in turn, cut funding for veterans programs, youth sports, food shelves, school needs, and other local community services. Several supporters cited early revenue declines since the new rules took effect, including double-digit drops and one example of a Bloomington site reporting a 29% year-over-year decline overall and a 44% drop in e-tab revenue. They also argued that restoring the features would help charities without meaningfully increasing casino play. Opponents, including Citizens Against Gambling Expansion and the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, said the bill would expand slot-machine-like gambling in neighborhood bars and restaurants and increase problem gambling and related social harms. They argued the features in question mimic slot machines, are especially concerning in non-age-restricted locations, and would amount to a major expansion of gambling. The tribal representative also said the 2023 clarification was appropriate, that charitable gambling revenues do not translate efficiently into mission funding, and that tax relief or other policy changes would be better ways to help charities than restoring the disputed features. The chair reminded testifiers to keep comments neutral and not partisan. After testimony, a member discussion began, with Representative Ray Rower thanking the testifiers and expressing support for their work. The transcript excerpt does not show a final vote or disposition beyond the bill being recommended to be re-referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• source of Revenue 96% of all charitable source of Revenue 96% of all charitable gaming<00:03:17.159
• property taxes out of charitable property taxes out of charitable gambling<00:25:39.840> um
• <00:31:33.080> organizations lot of these charitable organizations lot of these charitable
• <00:32:18.080> gambling different kinds of charitable gambling different kinds of charitable
• We used our charitable gambling funds in order to pay for this, and without charitable gambling funds

Bills: HF169, HF195, HF194, HF1756, HF2133

Keywords: HF169, Minnesota insurance, health plan, summary of benefits and coverage, SBC, patient assistance program, deductible, health insurer, consumer disclosure, out-of-pocket costs, medical assistance funds, copay assistance, health coverage transparency, chapter 62Q, enrollee, HF195, Fairmont, street reconstruction, bonding bill, capital investment

Transcript Highlights:

• require municipalities to tax charitable require municipalities to tax charitable organizations?
• >> Do you think there are some charitable >> Do you think there are some charitable
• So, this is just charitable organizations. Um, what is charitable?
• charitable and uh RS SA723-L. charitable and uh RS SA723-L.
• you also a charitable organization? you also a charitable organization?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chapters: Division of Consumer Protection, Chapter 21, Credit Service Organizations Act; Chapter 22, Charitable
• Solicitations Act; and Chapter 26, Telephone Fraud Prevention Act.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For charitable gambling under statutes, certain charitable organizations are authorized to conduct charitable
• For charitable gambling under statutes, certain charitable organizations are authorized to conduct charitable
• For charitable gambling under statutes, certain charitable organizations are authorized to conduct charitable
• and charitable and charitable gambling and charitable and charitable gambling and in<01:31:30.560
• we charitable and charitable gambling we charitable and charitable gambling we have<01:31:54.320

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's going to save charitable gaming a little bit of money there.
• <00:02:40.720> charitable<00:02:41.120> gaming<00:02:41.360> a save charitable
• charitable gaming a save charitable charitable gaming a little<00:02:41.560> bit<00:02:41.680
• It won't just be for charitable gaming; they'll be able to do horse racing, sports wagering.
• Also, as it relates to charitable gaming, I think there's some things in there that the charitable gaming

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 00:05 HB 566 Discussion 01:34 HB 566 Vote 16:42 HB 39 Discussion 19:15 HB 39 Vote 23:10 HB 70 Discussion 24:48 HB 70 Vote 27:36 HB 72 Discussion 28:58 HB 72 Vote 39:45 HB 79 Discussion 41:45 HB 79 Vote 42:58 HB 223 Discussion 45:34 HB 223 Vote 46:24 Adjournment 47:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 566, which would implement the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation created last year. Chairman Cook described major provisions affecting charitable gaming, horse racing, sports wagering, and quarter horse racing, including locking charitable gaming fees in statute at a slightly lower rate, expanding charitable gaming board representation, preserving existing gaming technology, allowing school districts to hold charitable gaming licenses, and setting up self-funding for the new corporation through administrative set-asides from gaming-related funds. The bill also addresses uncashed vouchers, cross-training of investigators, ethics and employment provisions, and a three-year quarter horse breeding incentive intended to grow the industry. A committee substitute made two technical changes: clarifying voucher money stays with the track facility and making the school district itself the license holder. The substitute and then the bill both passed favorably, with several members noting concerns from last year but supporting the revised structure. The committee then heard House Bill 70, an interstate compact for dietitians. Sponsor Representative Vanessa Grossl and witnesses said the measure would allow reciprocity with other compact states, improve workforce mobility, help military families, expand patient access and telehealth, and reduce administrative burden on the licensing board. The committee substitute created a third license category for educational interpreters, but that language actually belonged to the next bill; for HB 70, the committee voted the bill favorably without reported amendments. The bill passed unanimously or near-unanimously and was sent to the House floor. Next, House Bill 72 was presented by Representative DJ Johnson to amend the law governing limited x-ray machine operators. The sponsor explained that current law effectively prevents limited x-ray operators from working in the same facility as other imaging equipment, which he said creates compliance problems, disrupts training, and can force practices to move equipment or lose employees. The bill would allow limited x-ray technicians to operate in the same facility as other imaging equipment. During discussion, some members noted opposition from students and others in the field, and the sponsor invited industry witnesses to explain their concerns. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 72 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Indeed, the court held that an out-of-state attorney general had standing to sue a Florida charitable
• So the bill does not in any way shield or immunize a Florida charitable trust from Florida charitable
• So the bill does not in any way shield or immunize a Florida charitable trust from its own wrongdoing
• So we have charitable trusts in many forms, and I'll use the Red Cross.
• The proposed revision only applies to expressly named charitable entities.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and considered five bills, all of which were reported favorably. The committee first heard SB 1168 by Senator Leek, which increases the penalty for unlawfully installing or using a tracking device or app on another person’s property when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; an amendment broadened the bill to cover both furtherance of and commission of such crimes. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then approved SB 1286 by Senator Grall, clarifying that parents allowing children to engage in unsupervised activities like biking, walking, or playing outside does not by itself constitute child harm or neglect unless the conduct is reckless and endangers the child. That bill also passed without opposition. The committee next took up CS for SB 1198 by Senator DiCeglie, creating a new statute addressing fraudulent use of gift cards and setting penalties and guidelines for such conduct. Several organizations and businesses, including AARP, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Walgreens, and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 774 by Senator Wright, which requires clerks of court to electronically transmit certain involuntary mental health, substance abuse, and risk protection order paperwork to the county sheriff within six business hours after entry; the bill was presented in response to a fatal delay in serving an ex parte order in Volusia County. An amendment clarified the six-hour requirement applies to business hours, and the bill passed unanimously. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 806 by Senator Yarbrough, which clarifies that the Florida Attorney General is the exclusive public official with standing to assert the rights of qualified beneficiaries in Florida charitable trusts. Senator Ruson raised concerns about whether the bill could limit out-of-state attorneys general and potentially affect litigation over trust distributions, but said he would support the bill while continuing discussions before Rules. The committee adopted the bill and it was reported favorably. Senator Simon later asked to be recorded in support of SB 1168 and SB 1286, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• sports betting and charitable gaming. sports betting and charitable gaming.
• <00:05:01.120> gaming state service to charitable gaming state service to charitable gaming
• Charitable gaming has a $25 fee.
• Charitable gaming has a 150 to 5,000. Charitable gaming has a $25<00:09:02.800> fee.
• charitable um it's going to charitable charitable um it's going to charitable organizations,<00:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its August 21 meeting and then received an update from Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation leadership on implementation of Senate Bill 299 and House Bill 566. Jamie Eids and staff described the agency’s new structure after charitable gaming was brought under the corporation, including new divisions, staffing, banking, payroll, insurance, procurement, and reporting systems. They also unveiled the corporation’s new logo and tagline, and said the transition had been designed to avoid interruption for charities, licensees, and racing operations. A major focus was the fee structure required by House Bill 566. Eids outlined current licensing fees across racing, sports wagering, and charitable gaming, compared Kentucky’s fees with other states, and recommended keeping the status quo for one more year because the agency has only recently brought all three components fully in-house. Members asked about whether charitable gaming had harmed veterans’ groups or other nonprofits, whether any revenue should be transferred back to the state, and whether the charitable gaming licenses cover one-off raffles as well as standing operations. Eids said she had not heard complaints, said the licenses include all such activity with some exemptions, and agreed to look at the question of future transfers. The committee then heard from Melissa Combs Wright on pari-mutuel wagering and Hannah Sims on sports wagering. They reported continued growth in historical horse racing, more than $11 billion in total pari-mutuel wagering in fiscal year 2025, over $10.5 billion in HHR wagers, and about $161 million in pari-mutuel tax revenue, with most of that supporting the general fund and horse-breeding development funds. They also said sports wagering has generated nearly $5 billion in wagers since launch, $73 million for the public pension fund, and more than $2 million for problem gambling services, while expanding to 13 retail locations and 92 additional sports events. Members raised concerns about players being cut off after winning, the lack of local government revenue sharing from gaming facilities, and the growth of computer-assisted wagering; the witnesses said they were reviewing CAWs and that Kentucky does not license poker rooms through the corporation.

Transcript Highlights:

• fellowship while helping charitable fellowship while helping charitable organizations<00:01:09.640
• And when participation drops, charitable fundraising drops with it.
• 49.560> drops<00:01:49.920> with drops, charitable fundraising drops with drops, charitable
• little things that a charitable little things that a charitable association<00:04:00.640> can
• updates outdated limits to charitable updates outdated limits to charitable organizations<00:10:

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a press event and advocacy push for HF 4090 and SF 4515, bills that would modernize Minnesota’s charitable meat raffle rules. Speakers, including Amanda Jackson of Allied Charities, Rep. Jim Nash, Sen. Judy Seeberger, and Sen. Zach Duckworth, argued that the current ticket and prize limits are decades old and no longer reflect inflation or current meat prices. They said raising the ticket cap to $5 and the prize limit to $200 would help charitable organizations keep raffles attractive and financially viable without expanding gambling overall. Testimony from representatives of the American Legion and a youth wrestling club emphasized that meat raffles help fund veterans’ programs, youth sports, scholarships, travel costs, and other local needs. Speakers also said the events support bars, restaurants, and local meat markets, and that the money stays in the community. Several lawmakers described the proposal as bipartisan and noncontroversial, while also criticizing efforts to tie it to other legislative disputes. One speaker said the Senate had just taken a procedural step to bring the bill directly to the floor, and another said the conference committee report had failed but could still be revived. The event concluded with a mock meat raffle demonstration and a call for a clean vote on the legislation. No formal committee vote on the bill was taken during the transcript, but the speakers said the measure remained alive procedurally and positioned for further action in the Senate and House.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill aims to clarify the wording to preserve the property tax exemption for charitable organizations

Bills: HB22, SB250, SB375, SB536, SB845, SB1633, SB1944, SB1957, SB2081, SB2137, SB2262, SB2299, SB2419, SB2452, SB2522, SB2549, SB2594, SB2605, SB2631, SB2639, SB2675, SB3029, SJR60, HB22, HB1392, HB2525

Keywords: emergency communication, broadband, funding, natural disasters, technology, HB 22, Texas broadband development office, comptroller, emergency communications, early warning systems, disaster alerts, natural disaster notifications, interoperable communications, interoperable emergency radio, public safety communications, 9-1-1, next generation 9-1-1, NG911, broadband grants, low-interest loans

Bills: SB250, SB375, SB536, SB845, SB1633, SB1944, SB1957, SB2081, SB2137, SB2262, SB2299, SB2419, SB2452, SB2522, SB2549, SB2594, SB2605, SB2631, SB2639, SB2675, SB3029, SJR60, HB22, HB1392, HB2525, HB22

Keywords: municipal annexation, railroad, adjacent areas, local government, property rights, healthcare provider, Harris County Hospital District, hospital funding, healthcare services, public health program, home loans, nurses, veterans, public servants, Texas Heroes program, low-interest loans, social workers, housing assistance, SB 1633, Texas Tax Code

Transcript Highlights:

• So, and there's other groups that benefit from the charitable gambling altogether, but those are specifically
• couple of the different sports organizations that run raffles at different locations and do they solicit
• wanted to say um [laughter] my husband and I often go down to High Stakes, which is our local den of charitable
• It does tremendous amount of benefit for, as the testifier said, for charitable organizations, sports

Bills: HF4145, HF4009, HF4304, SF2511, HF4090, HF357, HF901

Keywords: alcohol consumption, nursing homes, assisted living, resident activities, Minnesota Statutes, seasonal liquor licenses, resorts, intoxicating liquor, county board, Brainerd, Northern Pacific Center, event center, liquor license, on-sale license, alcohol sales, special law, local option, Minnesota liquor law, chapter 340A, Sunday sales

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS BILL IS NECESSARY BECAUSE RECENT HELD THAT THE AG POWER TO LITIGATE CHARITABLE TRUST ISSUES IS NOT
• THE COURT HELD AN OUT-OF-STATE AG HAD STANDING FLORIDA CHARITABLE TRUST IN A FLORIDA COURT BACK IN MAY
• THE COURT DECISION OPENS THE DOOR TO A NUMBER OF ACTORS IN AND OUTSIDE TO SEE FLORIDA CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE BILL DOES NOT SHIELD OR IMMUNIZE OF LOADABLE CHARITABLE TRUST FROM WRONGDOING.
• NUMBER VICE PROVISION APPLIES TO CHARITABLE ENTITIES AND NAMELESS CHARITIES WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• gambling, that are interested in sports betting: the tribes, the tracks, and charities that offer charitable
• Those charities that offer charitable gambling for tax relief.
• disappointing when I became a senator was charities actually pay more in taxes than they do in charitable
• And when you look at these charities that offer charitable gambling, you're talking about volunteer fire
• gambling now of course offer charitable gambling now of course the<00:01:51.600> Minnesota<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Republican Sen. Jeremy Miller discussed his updated Minnesota Sports Betting Act 3.0, saying the bill is intended to build on last session’s bipartisan momentum and finally legalize sports betting in Minnesota. He argued the state is an outlier because neighboring states have already legalized it, and said sports betting is already happening through offshore sites or by crossing into other states, so legalization would bring activity into a regulated system and generate tax revenue. Miller said the new proposal is designed to give benefits to the main gambling stakeholders he identified: tribes, horse racing tracks, and charities that conduct charitable gambling. Under his plan, tribes would receive licenses, tracks would receive a share of tax revenue to support horse racing, and charities would receive tax relief so they can give more in their communities. He also said the bill would direct funding toward youth sports, problem gambling programs, and efforts to attract major sporting events to Minnesota. He said he is hearing strong interest from constituents and described the odds of passage as about 50-50, while noting progress with tribes, both horse tracks, and charities. Miller acknowledged concerns about expanding gambling and problem gambling, but said legalization would better address those issues than the current unregulated market. He estimated that if approved, the program could take close to a year to fully implement, though some temporary options might be possible sooner.