Transcript Highlights:

• And it's declared to be an emergency on this measure because it's going to start relatively... ...quickly

Bills: SB2019, HB1369

Keywords: career education, funding, appropriation, technical training, workforce development, state aid, school funding, public improvement, construction loans, school district levies, boarding care costs, 908, all

Summary: The committee met to finalize and advance the Career and Technical Education budget in Engrossed Senate Bill 2019. Representative Richter walked through Amendment 2004, which included increases for salaries and wages, inflationary operating expenses, a $2.5 million federal grant increase, $12.7 million for secondary grant programs and related work-based learning support, a $100,000 increase for Marketplace for Kids, and removal of the STEM initiative and adult farm management from the CTE budget because that program funding was moved to the Department of Agriculture. The amendment also included $750,000 for workforce training branch office positions and set the total general fund appropriation at $64 million. Members also discussed a $1 million virtual reality career exploration item, which remained in the bill but was shifted to SIF one-time funding. A new $150,000 one-time general fund appropriation was added for CTE moving expenses because the agency must relocate after Legislative Council expands into its current space. Committee members noted that amount may need to be revisited in conference committee once more accurate relocation and rent costs are known. Levi from legislative staff explained that the exemption language in the bill applies to remaining coronavirus capital projects fund dollars for CTE center construction, allowing those federal funds to be spent before they expire. The committee adopted Amendment 2004 on a 5-0 roll call and then passed Engrossed Senate Bill 2019 as amended on a 5-0 roll call. Representative Richter was named the carrier, and the committee adjourned after noting that higher education and congressional budgets were the remaining items to resolve.

Transcript Highlights:

• that's what Judge Galloway said in the year 2000 on the swept statewide education property tax was declared
• of policy, findings, and purposes, in which the state declares its commitment to provide and fund, in
• one, line 15, is the bill's declaration one, line 15, is the bill's declaration of<03:49:57.920>
• <03:50:02.399> its<03:50:02.800> commitment which the state declares its commitment
• which the state declares its commitment to<03:50:04.239> provide<03:50:04.720> and<03:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I took a boy headed for disaster, got him a job in a framing studio.
• ><05:04:55.440> boy<05:04:55.920> headed<05:04:56.240> for<05:04:56.958> disaster
• /c><05:04:57.958> got<05:04:58.160> him<05:04:58.360> a um a boy headed for disaster
• got him a um a boy headed for disaster got him a job<05:04:59.600> in<05:05:00.440> a<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• provide efficient and effective communication in many scenarios ranging from policymaking efforts to disaster
• Association of Firefighters and the State Fire Marshal's Association work closely with TDM on any natural disaster
• Beyond training and standards, TCFPP supports statewide response during natural disasters.
• Beyond training and standards, TCFPFP supports statewide response during natural disasters and assists

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• livestock is consolidated into fewer large facilities, the consequences of disease outbreaks, natural disasters
• facilities, the consequences of disease outbreaks,<01:03:03.720> natural<01:03:04.200> disasters
• ,<01:03:04.920> or<01:03:05.040> system outbreaks, natural disasters, or system outbreaks
• , natural disasters, or system failures<01:03:06.280> can<01:03:06.440> become<01:03:06.840

Bills: HF4740, HF3940

Keywords: financial assurance, feedlot permits, manure storage, environmental compliance, agriculture regulation, abandoned infrastructure, pollution control, environmental impact, animal feedlot, livestock, regulations, Minnesota Rules

Summary: The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 4740, authored by Rep. Hansen, which would require feedlots with at least 1,000 animal units to provide financial assurance for closure costs. Hansen argued the bill would shift cleanup responsibility from taxpayers to owners, citing abandoned feedlots, changing ownership structures, and the 2024 Pure Prairie Poultry bankruptcy as examples of why public funds should not be used for closures and cleanup. He also said the bill would apply to new or renewed permits and suggested a statutory definition of abandoned feedlot storage units may be needed. Farm and livestock groups testified in opposition. Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Milk Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation said existing MPCA and county permit rules already require closure planning and reporting, and that the bill would add unnecessary costs and barriers for family farms, beginning farmers, and expansion. They warned the financial assurance requirement could function like an animal-unit cap, encourage fragmentation or out-of-state relocation, and impose annual costs that would not improve environmental outcomes. Several testified that true abandonment is rare and that current permitting and closure processes already address it. MPCA staff said the agency has concerns with the bill, noted there is currently no formal fiscal note, and said the agency would need to ensure any appropriations cover ongoing staffing needs. MPCA officials explained that permitted feedlots already must notify the agency before closure, follow a checklist of closure requirements, and undergo follow-up inspection; they said abandonment notifications are uncommon and they are not aware of any currently permitted facilities in abandonment process. Members questioned whether the bill was needed, what form financial assurance would take, how other states handle similar requirements, and whether the proposal would unfairly burden smaller or family operations. No vote on HF 4740 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• hospital would put our health care system under incredible pressure, but closing HCMC would be a disaster
• HCMC<00:03:35.320> would<00:03:35.440> be<00:03:35.600> a<00:03:35.680> disaster
• <00:03:36.600> to<00:03:36.720> the closing HCMC would be a disaster to the closing
• HCMC would be a disaster to the state's<00:03:37.200> entire<00:03:37.840> health<00:03

Bills: HF4841, HF4234, HF3697

Keywords: Hennepin County, sales tax, health care facilities, ballpark improvements, tax revenue, HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund

Transcript Highlights:

• Other just captures things like disaster recovery, small housing mediation grant program, things like
• Um other just captures things like<00:06:28.720> uh<00:06:28.960> disaster<00:06:29.440
• > recovery<00:06:30.479> uh<00:06:30.560> small like uh disaster recovery uh small
• like uh disaster recovery uh small housing<00:06:31.120> mediation<00:06:31.680> grant

Bills: SF2434

Keywords: housing, development fund, affordable housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, expenditure provisions

Transcript Highlights:

• dissolution of the Met Council, [snorts], which has been proposed many times, which I think would be a disaster
• think would proposed many times, which I think would be<00:48:54.240> a<00:48:54.280> disaster
• <00:48:55.440> And be a disaster for this region. And be a disaster for this region.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this does include their operations account as well as their disaster recovery trust.
• as well include their operations account as well as<01:25:40.200> their<01:25:40.360> disaster
• <01:25:42.080> Does as their disaster recovery trust.
• Does as their disaster recovery trust.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery. The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference. The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Their experience has been that their disaster-resistant initiatives have led to fewer claims in a culture
• <00:26:38.720> been<00:26:39.840> that<00:26:40.240> their<00:26:41.039> disaster
• experience has been that their disaster experience has been that their disaster resistant<00:26:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It takes care of natural disasters like fires, and it also is supposed to address this issue of market
• It takes care of natural disasters<01:13:37.920> like<01:13:38.239> fires<01:13:39.520>
• 01:13:39.760> it<01:13:40.000> also<01:13:40.560> uh<01:13:40.800> uh disasters
• like fires and it also uh uh disasters like fires and it also uh uh is<01:13:41.199> supposed

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance was led, and the clerk called the roll, establishing a quorum. The committee approved the prior minutes after correcting the date and changing a reference so that a draft-legislation note attributed to Representative Wlette was corrected. After that, the chair introduced a carbon presentation by Mr. Charlie Lebec and invited members and guests to move closer to view the slides. Mr. Lebec’s presentation focused on forest carbon science and forest carbon offset markets, with emphasis on how forests store, sequester, and emit carbon. He explained greenhouse gases and the relationship between atmospheric CO2 and temperature, then defined key terms such as carbon storage, sequestration, flux, sinks, and sources. He also described forest carbon pools, noting that soils contain a large share of forest carbon, and discussed how forest age affects storage and sequestration, arguing that younger forests often sequester carbon faster while older forests store more carbon overall. He also addressed how harvested wood products can continue to store carbon, responding to a question from a member about mass timber and carbon sinks. The presentation included regional comparisons showing New Hampshire’s forest density, carbon storage, and sequestration relative to other New England states, and noted that New Hampshire forests offset more than 30% of the state’s annual greenhouse gas emissions from nonforest sources, while Maine and Vermont offset even larger shares. Mr. Lebec said eastern forests are generally carbon sinks, unlike some western forests affected by wildfire, and stressed that forest management, soil protection, and forest age all influence carbon outcomes. No votes or substantive policy actions were taken beyond approving the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• , but general aviation and our airports support our air ambulance operations, medical transport, disaster
• ambulance operations,<00:08:34.159> medical<00:08:34.479> transport,<00:08:35.039> disaster
• operations, medical transport, disaster operations, medical transport, disaster response,<00:08:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Kentucky Aviation Association on the importance of general aviation airports in Kentucky and their economic and public-safety role. Witnesses said the state has more than 50 general aviation airports that support jobs, agriculture, tourism, medical transport, disaster response, and law enforcement, and they urged continued support for aviation infrastructure and workforce development. They asked the legislature to again provide $200,000 per general aviation airport for operating and basic infrastructure costs, to route the money through the Kentucky Department of Aviation for accountability, to revisit a special-purpose governmental entity audit requirement they said is too costly for small airports, to create a long-term appropriations process for the roughly $100 million in unmet capital needs, and to fund the Arrow Act for aviation education and scholarships. Members asked about a dedicated aviation fuel tax and about local training partnerships, simulators, and school or community college programs; the witnesses said they preferred an appropriations-based solution and offered to help connect interested communities with aviation education resources. The committee then took up “Troy’s Law,” sponsored by Representatives White and Flannery, which would allow tow trucks to use blue lights while stationary and actively removing vehicles or debris from highways. Sponsors and tow operators said the bill is intended to improve worker safety after the deaths of tow operators Troy Cwell and Hubert Mosley in highway hit-and-run incidents, and they emphasized that tow operators often work in dangerous conditions at night, in bad weather, and near fast-moving traffic. They said the proposal would not apply while driving or towing and noted that other states have adopted similar measures. Witnesses from the towing industry, including Bubba Johnson and Barbara Maguire, supported the bill as an added layer of protection and described tow operators as first responders who help motorists in emergencies. Representative Flannery and other members expressed support for the safety goal and invited further discussion, but no vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when there's a mass tragedy event, whether it's a natural disaster or school shooting, we would be
• 02.320> natural tragedy event whether it's a natural tragedy event whether it's a natural disaster
• 04.040> shooting<00:10:05.040> we<00:10:05.200> would<00:10:05.399> be disaster
• or school shooting we would be disaster or school shooting we would be able<00:10:05.800> to<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Primary and Secondary Education Committee met and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 43, a proposal tied to the Southern Regional Education Board’s crisis recovery network. Senator West and Dr. Puit explained that, for an additional $10,000 in dues, Kentucky would help create a network of 40 trained counselors in each of the 16 Southern states to provide post-crisis stabilization and psychological first aid after events such as the Marshall County shooting. They emphasized that the effort would be complementary to local and state response, would run through the school district, would not replace therapeutic services, and would allow districts to coordinate parent notifications and other protocols as usual. Members asked about parent involvement and whether pastoral counselors could participate; the presenters said local districts would remain in charge and that pastors could be included if properly credentialed. The committee then voted, and SCR 43 passed with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee next took up Senate Bill 207, the School of Innovation Act, with a committee substitute. Senator West described the bill as creating an optional path for districts to contract with an outside education service provider for a three-year school-of-innovation model, aimed at turning around low-performing schools or supporting other schools that want to innovate. He said the model would preserve core district functions such as transportation, facilities, and SEEK funding, while allowing waivers from certain statutes and regulations inside the school building. The committee substitute also added a high-quality instructional materials component, creating a vendor-supported repository of vetted instructional materials that KDE would still control, with testing data used to evaluate whether the materials were improving outcomes. Members questioned how the proposal differed from existing district-of-innovation law and what safeguards would exist for students. Senator West said the bill would repeal the unused district-of-innovation framework and replace it with a clearer process and guardrails, including KDE oversight, attendance rules, and authority to shut down a school arrangement for financial malfeasance. He also said the model could work with local partners, including superintendents’ associations, and could be used by magnet or other schools, not only low-performing ones. The discussion also touched on whether the bill would allow more flexibility in choosing third-party providers and whether it could support longer-term recovery and even philanthropy in schools. The transcript ends during the discussion of SB 207, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• and it's similar to what we've dealt with in the federal government, where we used to have annual disaster
• 26.960> annual government where we used to have annual government where we used to have annual disaster
• 28.560> and<01:35:28.719> move<01:35:29.040> towards<01:35:29.400> crop disaster
• bills and move towards crop disaster bills and move towards crop insurance<01:35:30.920> and<

Bills: HF601, HF271, HF1101, HF979

Keywords: agriculture, depredation compensation, livestock, crop damage, elk, wolves, wildlife management, skills path program, career and technical education, CTE, dual credit, postsecondary options enrollment, apprenticeship, apprenticeship readiness, dual training, work-based learning, career pathways, skilled trades, workforce development, high school to career

Transcript Highlights:

• fire department covers all of the nearby townships and also assists in the nearby cities for fire disasters
• fire department covers all of the nearby townships and also assists in the nearby cities for fire disasters
• fire department covers all of the nearby townships and also assists in the nearby cities for fire disasters
• fire department covers all of the nearby townships and also assists in the nearby cities for fire disasters

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• a.m. the day of for amendments and other things that can be changed if we're going to run into a disaster
• 01:31:52.719> a changed if we're going to run into a changed if we're going to run into a disaster
• <01:31:53.560> with disaster with disaster with nonpartisan<01:31:55.639> staff<01:31:55.840

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an introductory overview of its jurisdiction and budget, with the chair emphasizing the committee’s role over a large portfolio of children, youth, and family programs and the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). House Research and House Fiscal staff explained their roles and described the 2023-24 reorganization that transferred many programs from DHS, DPS, MDH, and MDE to DCYF, along with a statute recodification and a crosswalk resource for members. Doug Berg then walked through the committee’s budget structure, explaining the difference between all-funds and general fund views, the major funding sources, and how forecasted programs and grant bases roll forward. He highlighted that the committee’s general fund base is a little over $2.1 billion for the biennium, with large federal components such as SNAP and TANF, and noted smaller accounts including child protection-related opioid funds and federal reimbursement offsets (FFP) for administrative costs. Members asked several questions about federal financial participation, TANF, and the effect of the repeal of the Diversionary Work Program (DWP). Staff explained that FFP generally applies to administrative costs for federally related programs and usually does not change much unless program activity changes, while TANF is a block grant that has been stable for years. On DWP, staff said the program was sunsetted effective March 1, 2026, and that the associated funding and administrative costs were being reworked rather than simply removed. A member also asked about federal funding fluctuations; staff said no changes were currently factored in, though SNAP or other federal policy changes could alter future numbers. Danielle Penelli then presented on economic assistance and employment supports transferred to DCYF, focusing first on MFIP, Minnesota’s state-supervised, county-administered welfare program jointly funded by state and federal dollars. She explained that MFIP provides cash and food assistance, employment and training services, and related supports, with a 60-month time limit and certain exemptions for illness, incapacity, or other barriers to employment. She also described the program’s income and asset standards, including a $10,000 asset limit with exclusions for homesteads and one vehicle per assistance unit member age 16 or older. Members asked clarifying questions about how the time limit applies and what assets count, and staff responded that the limit applies to the caregiver and does not restart with additional children. Penelli also introduced support services grants, which fund employment services for MFIP, DWP, and SNAP participants through workforce centers, counties, tribes, and community agencies, and help cover some county and tribal administrative costs. She began outlining nutrition programs under DCYF, including SNAP, the Minnesota Food Assistance Program, the Minnesota Food Shelf Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and the American Indian Food Sovereignty Program. No formal votes or bill actions were taken during this meeting; it was primarily an informational staff briefing and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Disaster Recovery dollars have gone to purchase other plots of land to develop single-family housing,
• <00:08:22.800> um inroads with existing property um inroads with existing property um Disaster
• 23.840> dollars<00:08:24.240> have<00:08:24.400> gone<00:08:24.720> to Disaster
• Recovery dollars have gone to Disaster Recovery dollars have gone to purchase<00:08:26.639> um

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first reorganized by electing Representative Hart as House co-chair and Senator Douglas as Senate co-chair by acclamation, then approved the December 10 minutes. It then took up deferred and routine contract items, beginning with a Council on Postsecondary Education item that was withdrawn after staff explained the contract had been canceled and should not have come before the committee because the granting authority, not CPE, was issuing it. The committee next reviewed a Department for Local Government contract tied to an Eastern Kentucky flood recovery housing project in Jackson. Members questioned the high per-unit cost and whether renovation was more expensive than new construction. Staff explained the cost included acquisition of an existing downtown building and needed water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, and said developable land was limited in the area. With no motion to object, the contract was allowed to move forward. The committee then considered Kentucky Transportation Cabinet professional services contracts for highway design work. Members asked about the size of the contracts and how much of the available funding is typically used; staff said the contracts are two-year agreements, that the prior cycle reached close to $2 million per contract, and that this year’s limits were reduced because less money is available in the Highway Plan. The committee also approved a PSC amendment contract for the Bridging Kentucky program after staff explained the $150 hourly loaded rate was within the normal range for consultants. Both Transportation Cabinet items were approved without objection. Finally, the committee heard a Kentucky Communications Network Authority contract for an $85,000 study of the dark fiber market. Members asked what dark fiber is, why the study was needed, whether there was coordination with the Office of Broadband Development, and whether existing service meant there was already a market. KCNA said dark fiber is unused fiber that local providers can light to deliver service, that the study was needed because the contractor said no market existed while ISPs said demand exists, and that the report would help both KCNA oversight and broadband development planning. The contract was reviewed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• But during that time, after a drug has been proven to be effective before it is declared safe enough
• safe enough to be before it is declared safe enough to be sold<03:38:48.880> broadly.
• I've got the declaration of intent form, and I will pass that in now.
• <05:28:18.160> a<05:28:18.400> conflict 38, I am going to uh declare a conflict 38,
• I am going to uh declare a conflict of<05:28:19.040> interest<05:28:19.360> and<05:28:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have some funding built in for disaster SNAP.
• time New Mexico has a forest fire or flash floods that impact a community, we have to go stand up disaster

Transcript Highlights:

• charts because then we can analyze... ...that school-to-prison pipeline, which I think is such a disaster
• That's people in crisis in general, whether it is a natural disaster or whether they need to seek some