Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, I could literally tell you I<00:31:54.159> am<00:31:54.320> Nathaniel<00:31:
• <00:31:55.039> Olsson,<00:31:55.360> the<00:31:55.519> disability I am Nathaniel
• Olsson, the disability advocate<00:31:56.399> for<00:31:56.559> the<00:31:56.720> state
• <00:31:56.799> of<00:31:56.960> Minnesota.
• I'm in<00:31:58.720> opposition<00:31:59.519> of<00:31:59.760> this<00:32:00.000

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:06.320> We<00:31:06.559> were<00:31:06.720> then<00:31:07.279> uh<
• Um then<00:31:18.960> uh<00:31:19.120> in<00:31:19.440> October<00:31:20.000>
• <00:31:28.320> Uh<00:31:28.559> and<00:31:28.720> then<00:31:28.880> that
• :31:30.880> of<00:31:31.919> uh<00:31:32.159> of<00:31:32.480> 2025<00:31
• <00:31:35.360> We<00:31:35.679> were<00:31:35.840> then<00:31:36.480> uh<

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met on March 4, 2026, and focused almost entirely on an update and oversight discussion of the Promise Act, including its grant and loan programs. The chair opened by explaining that the committee wanted to better understand how the 2023 law was implemented, how funds are still being deployed in greater Minnesota and the metro, and whether adjustments made in 2024 and 2025 were working as intended. The minutes from March 3 were approved at the start of the meeting. Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon of DEED outlined the program’s legislative history, funding structure, eligibility rules, and oversight process. He said the grant side has about $94 million available, with $16 million going to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and $86 million to the Neighborhood Development Center, plus administrative and technical assistance set-asides. He noted legislative changes over time, including shifting the revenue eligibility test to the prior year, adding a home-office deduction requirement for businesses using a home address, and maintaining a preference for applicants who had not received more than $10,000 in prior state assistance. McKinnon said about $22 million had been awarded to 35 businesses at the time of the update, and that the loan program has $30 million appropriated, with about $9.5 million lent so far. He also described the application, verification, audit, and payment process, emphasizing that partners handle intake and DEED conducts final review and random audits. Shahir Ahmmed of the Neighborhood Development Center described the round-one and round-two grant process in more detail. He said NDC spent about nine months building the application platform, launched round one in June 2024, received more than 3,000 applications, and later paused awards while DEED and legislators clarified the law. He reported that 651 applications were approved in the first round for just under $9 million, and that round two launched in September 2025 with a goal of distributing up to $50 million in remaining grant funds. Ahmmed also explained the step-by-step applicant process, including email confirmation, eligibility screening, document upload, identity verification through Plaid, and final DEED review. He said applicants commonly use funds for payroll, equipment or inventory, rent, and utilities. The chair indicated there would be further testimony from other program partners and then member questions, but no votes or formal actions were taken on the Promise Act itself during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:26.519> legislator<00:31:27.519> I'm<00:31:27.679> very<00:31:27.960>
• > so<00:31:29.080> each<00:31:29.360> and<00:31:29.600> every<00:31:29.799
• can't<00:31:33.840> work<00:31:34.240> fast<00:31:34.600> enough<00:31:35.000><
• <00:31:40.399> if<00:31:40.519> we<00:31:40.760> give<00:31:40.960> you
• give you<00:31:41.720> money<00:31:42.000> you<00:31:42.159> better<00:31:42.480

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 627, which concerns Department of Education school safety funding and staffing. DOE said the bill would restore two positions and related funding that had been removed from the governor’s budget: a targeted violence prevention and threat assessment program manager and a security technology manager. DOE described ongoing work on school vulnerability assessments, fire suppression measures, security camera research, panic buttons, and active shooter prevention training. Testifiers from DOE, the Department of Law Enforcement, fire services, HSTA, and an individual witness all supported the bill, with the individual citing a past school shooting experience as a reason to increase school resource officers and safety measures. Members asked about the positions’ duties, how the request differed from existing security funding, and the status of active shooter training; DOE said it would provide more information on training statistics. The committee then took up HB 249, relating to Executive Office on Early Learning family child interaction learning programs. The Early Learning Board, EOEL, Commit to Kids, Early Childhood Action Strategies, Partners in Development Foundation, and others testified in support. EOEL said it currently spends about $800,000 annually on FCI program contracts and supports expanding state funding for FCIL programs, including infant and early childhood mental health, if the appropriation covers the broader scope. Testifiers emphasized that FCIL programs are trauma-informed, evidence-based, and help families and children, with one provider sharing a long-term example of a parent and child benefiting from the program. Members asked how many programs are supported, whether FCIL exists on all islands, and whether the request was in the governor’s budget; EOEL said the expansion was requested by the office but not included in the governor’s budget. HB 429, concerning pre-K expansion, drew broad support from the Lieutenant Governor, EOEL, HSTA, and community groups. Supporters said the Ready Keiki initiative has already opened more than 50 classrooms and would add another 50 over the next two years, including Hawaiian immersion classrooms. EOEL said it currently administers 72 public pre-K classrooms across 74 campuses and that the bill’s funding was included in the governor’s budget request. Testimony stressed kindergarten readiness, affordability for working families, equity across islands, and inclusion classrooms. Members asked about national quality benchmarks, with EOEL stating Hawaii meets 10 of 10 benchmarks and that only five states had done so at the time referenced. The Lieutenant Governor also described construction and delivery efforts, including refurbishing existing classrooms, modular options, possible use of state buildings, and even collaboration with libraries to expand child care access. Finally, the committee heard HB 439 on J-1 teacher licensure. DOE supported the bill, while the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposed it, arguing licensure standards are not place-based and should remain rigorous and uniform for all educators. The Attorney General’s office offered technical comments, including replacing “educators” with “teacher” and clarifying the bill’s language on issuance and renewal conditions. Several organizations and individuals testified in support, including school, cultural, business, and educator groups. One witness, a teacher from the Philippines, said J-1 educators are highly qualified and described the rigor of teacher preparation in the Philippines. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:06.320> and<00:31:06.720> corn<00:31:06.960> in<00:31:07.279> Texas
• "Uh,<00:31:10.320> there's<00:31:10.559> a<00:31:10.720> lot<00:31:10.799>
• Joint resolution provided for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code
• chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code of<00:57:44.240
• Joint resolution providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code,

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 1, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• they<00:31:02.840> just<00:31:03.000> try<00:31:03.200> to<00:31:03.399> do<
• <00:31:05.760> the<00:31:06.159> citation<00:31:07.159> and<00:31:07.279> we<
• we both complain<00:31:08.159> about<00:31:08.519> that<00:31:08.799> and<00:31
• 01:31:12.480> to<01:31:12.600> be<01:31:12.760> a<01:31:12.920> part<01:31
• c><01:31:14.840> life<01:31:15.320> there<01:31:15.440> is<01:31:15.600> no

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > town<00:31:02.679> Bedford<00:31:03.120> does<00:31:03.639> that<00:31:
• :04.159> need<00:31:04.279> to<00:31:04.519> get<00:31:04.919> rid<00:31:
• > you<00:31:13.200> so<00:31:13.559> in<00:31:13.720> the<00:31:14.039>
• > zoning<00:31:49.200> ordinance<00:31:50.039> as<00:31:50.240> long<00:31
• :51.679> in<00:31:52.039> line<00:31:52.399> with<00:31:52.679> the<00:31

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :31:09.920> in<01:31:10.159> which<01:31:10.320> we<01:31:10.480> find uh
• are<01:31:16.639> being<01:31:16.800> served<01:31:17.600> uh<01:31:17.760>
• uh by the program<01:31:18.719> that<01:31:18.960> is<01:31:19.199> under<01:31
• So I<01:31:20.639> would<01:31:20.960> uh<01:31:21.120> appreciate<01:31:21.520>
• There's<01:31:35.520> an<01:31:35.679> amendment<01:31:35.920> at<01:31:36.080><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first adopted non-controversial motions, then approved an urgency motion to suspend the rules so Senate File 4476, the human services program integrity package, could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language into the bill, and proceeded to debate several amendments focused on program integrity, fraud prevention, and reporting requirements in human services programs. Representative Schultz offered Amendment A5 to remove a sunset on the periodic data matching report requirement, arguing the report helps ensure only eligible people receive medical assistance and welfare benefits and should continue to be delivered annually. Supporters said the report had been inconsistently delivered, cited past findings of ineligible recipients, and framed the amendment as a low-cost accountability measure. Opponents, including Representative Nor, said the report had been sent to the chairs, that the issue should be handled through broader HR1-related changes and negotiations with the Senate, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, A5 failed on a 63-67 vote. Schultz then offered Amendment A6, which would require reporting on homelessness programs, including how many people are served, total costs, outcomes, and possible recoupment of funds if reporting is inadequate. Schultz said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness programs without clear results and that better data would help the legislature make decisions and protect taxpayers. Several members supported the idea of more accountability, while others said the state already receives reports, that homelessness work is being done in partnership with stakeholders, and that the amendment was not the best approach. The discussion continued with further comments on homelessness data and program oversight, but no final vote on A6 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 31:03.639> we'll<00:31:03.840> be<00:31:04.039> working<00:31:04.320> more
• > yeah<00:31:07.360> thank<00:31:07.519> you<00:31:07.639> very<00:31:07.840
• :31:09.880> sure<00:31:10.240> I<00:31:10.320> got<00:31:10.480> a<00:31:
• :31:19.880> there<00:31:20.000> a<00:31:20.240> need<00:31:20.480> to<00:
• title 38 us<00:57:16.680> code<00:57:17.119> section us code section us code section 8153

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed. Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted. The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families. Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.159> uh<01:31:00.400> was<01:31:00.800> ruled<01:31:01.159> out<01:31
• <01:31:04.480> would<01:31:04.679> not<01:31:04.880> require<01:31:05.560>
• > it<01:31:07.159> would<01:31:07.520> only<01:31:07.960> apply<01:31:08.320
• <01:31:17.440> whether<01:31:17.639> to<01:31:17.960> keep<01:31:18.159>
• going<01:31:18.800> or<01:31:18.960> not<01:31:19.239> which<01:31:19.360><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• title, we purchase a title title, we purchase a title for<00:14:52.280> either<00:14:52.480
• :11.920> to<00:31:12.320> find<00:31:12.840> ways<00:31:13.360> to<00:31:
• <00:31:24.040> And<00:31:24.680> um<00:31:24.880> this<00:31:25.120> is
• <00:31:28.080> as<00:31:28.280> a<00:31:28.320> way<00:31:28.680> to<
• ><01:31:40.520> is<01:31:40.720> in<01:31:41.440> uh<01:31:41.640> a<01:31

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're both amending this section 153 of the family code.
• As mentioned before, this bill passed the Senate 31-0, and I ask for your favorable consideration.
• In keeping with this principle, Texas Family Code Chapter 153 requires courts to prioritize the best
• As a result, it is estimated that Texas is home to over 75,000 parcels of land with clouded titles at
• Clearing a title is a complicated process that can cost upwards of $15,000.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um<00:31:03.520> thank<00:31:03.679> you<00:31:03.840> so<00:31:04.080>
• <00:31:28.640> So<00:31:28.960> any<00:31:29.360> comments<00:31:29.679>
• <00:31:33.679> And<00:31:33.840> I<00:31:34.080> just<00:31:34.240> want<
• All<00:31:54.640> those<00:31:54.880> investments<00:31:55.760> um<00:31:56.000>
• uh 28 through<01:31:44.400> 31<01:31:44.800> years?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Who's going to do the billing and the coding, right?
• Yes, those two examples are apples to apples based on the code.
• Is there a code? Here's your code. It's on demand.
• AI also has benefits regarding accurate coding for billing purposes.
• We have a really strong focus on coding and billing.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “Title IX coordinators and civil rights officers report that the current language in the Education Code
• To Education Code Section 66270. Sounds great.
• Education Code 66270—not saying I agree with it.
• elsewhere, is already in that code.
• And we had 12 bills that came out of that Title IX report last year as well.

Summary: The committee hearing covered several higher education bills, with extensive testimony on student aid, affordability, and institutional debt. AB 587 would add veteran representation to the California Student Aid Commission; the author said the change would bring lived experience from the veteran community to student aid policy, and members raised a concern about keeping the commission’s membership odd-numbered, which the author said would be addressed by amendment. AB 791 would standardize cost-of-attendance housing calculations using objective data and improve notice of the adjustment process; supporters said current budgets often underestimate students’ real living costs, while UC, CSU, and independent colleges opposed or had concerns about the bill’s prescribed methodology, fiscal impact, and a 14-day turnaround for adjustments. AB 850 would create a one-term grace period for students with institutional debt to re-enroll while arranging repayment, bar reporting that debt to credit agencies, and require more transparency; proponents described students being blocked from continuing school over debts, while CSU, UC, and private-college representatives said they already use holds and payment plans and worried about added liabilities and budget pressures. AB 537 would extend the California College Promise Program to part-time community college students; supporters said most community college students attend part-time and should not be excluded from fee waivers, while the committee noted fiscal concerns but ultimately advanced the bill. AB 7 would allow universities to consider whether an applicant is a descendant of American chattel slavery in admissions as a reparative measure; supporters framed it as lineage-based reparative justice, while opponents argued it would function as a racial proxy and conflict with Proposition 209 and equal-protection principles. The committee took roll-call votes on the measures, advancing AB 587, AB 791, AB 850, and AB 537 to Appropriations, with AB 850 and AB 537 receiving fewer votes and the roll left open for additional members.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:06.720> I'd<00:31:07.039> like<00:31:07.120> to<00:31:07.279> know
• <00:31:10.559> it<00:31:10.799> was<00:31:10.880> much<00:31:11.120> more
• > uh<00:31:12.720> if<00:31:12.960> they<00:31:13.120> would<00:31:13.279>
• /c><00:31:18.240> a<00:31:18.480> program<00:31:18.799> such<00:31:19.039> as
• I'll<00:31:22.960> ask<00:31:23.200> the<00:31:23.840> commissioner<00:31:24.240

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 21 January, 2026: 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks present its FY27 budget request and discuss accomplishments from prior appropriations. The commissioner highlighted improved conservation officer retention after salary increases, continued training and wellness efforts, upgrades to state parks and cabins, expansion of tiny homes, fisheries stocking and youth fishing programs, ongoing chronic wasting disease testing, and the Museum of Natural Science’s recent accreditation. The agency said it wants to maintain parks and facilities so they do not deteriorate again, and it emphasized tourism and public access benefits. Budget staff then outlined the request: $21.7 million in general funds, including increases for state parks, the museum, law enforcement, and chronic wasting disease; $23.2 million in state support capital and education funds; and $86.99 million in special funds authority. Major capital requests included $18.8 million for state parks projects at several parks, $1.25 million for law enforcement facilities, $2 million for Lake Lamar Bruce improvements, and $1.125 million for mobile teaching vans. Members asked for more detail on general fund increases, proof that law enforcement salary enhancements reached field agents, more information on the tiny home program and its return on investment, the source of motor vehicle funds, and a breakdown of requested pins and vacancies. The committee also questioned the agency about chronic wasting disease, with the department saying the $400,000 request supports testing and research and that live testing is not yet reliable. Members raised concerns about prioritization of lake and park maintenance, especially Lake Claude Bennett, and whether the agency is too reactive rather than proactive in addressing deteriorating facilities. The department said funding limitations and federal restrictions on certain lake dollars drive its priorities, and that it focuses on the most-used parks and lakes. No votes or formal actions were taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• that<00:31:23.520> some<00:31:23.760> of<00:31:23.840> the<00:31:23.919>
• :24.240> we<00:31:24.399> put<00:31:24.559> in<00:31:24.720> place<00:31:
• You know,<00:31:33.039> the<00:31:33.279> reason<00:31:33.440> I'm<00:31:34.120>
• :31:36.720> here<00:31:37.039> is<00:31:37.640> that<00:31:38.640> I'm<00
• The<00:31:44.960> one<00:31:45.200> thing<00:31:45.279> that<00:31:45.519> we

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• is a<00:31:02.400> broad<00:31:02.800> reading<00:31:03.120> of<00:31:03.360>
• of the regulation<00:31:15.800> of<00:31:15.920> firearms<00:31:16.640> or<00:31
• House<00:31:21.120> Bill<00:31:21.280> 78<00:31:22.000> simply<00:31:22.400>
• :31:27.080> when<00:31:27.480> we<00:31:27.760> as<00:31:27.960> a<00:31:
• There's<00:31:34.120> a<00:31:34.160> motion<00:31:34.760> and<00:31:35.000>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The<01:31:36.080> clerk<01:31:36.400> will<01:31:36.560> close<01:31:36.719>
• There<01:31:49.760> being<01:31:50.080> 65<01:31:50.480> yays<01:31:51.120>
• :31:10.960> a<02:31:11.200> hard<02:31:11.359> time<02:31:12.080> and the
• <02:31:12.640> the<02:31:12.800> things<02:31:12.960> that<02:31:13.200>
• <02:31:20.160> And<02:31:20.399> we<02:31:20.560> have<02:31:20.640> a

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House began with a resolution recognizing May 15, 2026, as Peace Officer Memorial Day and the week of May 10-16 as Police Week in Minnesota. Members read a series of “whereas” clauses honoring fallen peace officers, including three names added to the memorial this year, and thanking the thousands of officers serving across the state. The resolution was adopted without objection, and the chamber also received a Rules and Legislative Administration report placing several bills on the calendar for the day. The main floor action was on House File 4252, the higher education finance and policy conference committee report. Supporters said the bill includes funding for identification verification systems in the MNSCU system to combat enrollment fraud, money to cover a shortfall in Fostering Independence grants for foster youth, and a small appropriation for trees at Bemidji State University. Several members praised the public conference committee process and the bipartisan work behind the bill. Others criticized the bill for not addressing the larger state grant shortfall and raised concerns about how grant dollars are allocated. The House adopted the conference report and repassed the bill 101-33. The House then concurred in Senate amendments to House File 3825, a public safety vehicle bill that also carried a package of scope-of-practice and licensing changes. Members described provisions affecting acupuncture, athletic trainers, massage therapy, mortuary science, music therapy, social work title protection, pharmacist prescribing, physical therapy, and advanced practice nursing. Supporters argued the changes improve access, affordability, workforce flexibility, and patient care, while one member warned that some scope expansions were insufficiently scrutinized and could harm the health care system. After debate, the House agreed to the Senate amendments and moved the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• procedures and uh a<00:31:01.600> way<00:31:01.840> for<00:31:03.039> the<00:31
• to<00:31:09.520> have<00:31:10.000> you<00:31:10.159> know<00:31:10.240>
• know a signature act.<00:31:12.399> Um,<00:31:13.440> a<00:31:13.679> lot<00:31:
• 13.760> of<00:31:13.919> times<00:31:14.240> what<00:31:14.559> we<00:31:
• 31:12.400> in<01:31:12.560> in<01:31:12.960> the<01:31:13.199> procedure?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be<00:31:31.840> with<00:31:32.000> an<00:31:32.159> agent<00:31:32.640>
• <00:31:36.880> One<00:31:37.120> is<00:31:37.360> it's<00:31:37.600> good
• <00:31:39.039> know<00:31:39.200> e<00:31:39.440> expertise<00:31:40.080>
• the people in<00:31:43.440> it<00:31:43.840> but<00:31:44.080> the<00:31:44.240>
• other<00:31:44.640> thing<00:31:44.880> too<00:31:45.200> much<00:31:45.519

Keywords: 1191, senate, all