Transcript Highlights:

• Why do we have a Judicial Nominating Commission? Thank you, Mr. President. Mr.
• The history of the Judicial Nominating Commission was back in 1967.
• to the Open Records Act, to be more transparent, in that they got to have public meetings, public open
• to the Open Records Act, to be more transparent, in that they got to have public meetings, public open
• For the sake of judicial integrity and public confidence, I urge your no vote.

Bills: HB4248 , HB4429 , HB2588 , HB3472 , HB4317 , HB3462 , HB2035 , HB3501 , HB3127 , HB3143 , HB3144 , HB3260 , HB4321 , HB3011 , HB3522 , HB3530 , HB3940 , HB3078 , HB3043 , HB3005 , HB3007 , HB3403 , HB1907 , HB3175 , HB3986 , HB3466 , HB3411 , HB4246 , SJR49 , HB3281 , HB4319 , HJR1086 , HJR1024 , HJR1087

Keywords: HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, proxy advisory services, shareholder rights, financial transparency

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and several introductions recognizing the Doctor and Nurse of the Day, visiting school groups, and other guests in the galleries. Members also heard a personal privilege statement from Senator Peterson marking the 100th anniversary of his father’s immigration to the United States, followed by a reception announcement in the lounge. The chamber then took up H.J.R. 1024, a proposed constitutional amendment revising the Judicial Nominating Commission by removing political affiliation restrictions, changing term rules, and allowing consecutive service. An amendment was adopted to move the special election date to August 25, 2026, but the special-election provision later failed on a 27-17 vote. After extended debate over judicial independence, transparency, and political influence, the resolution itself passed 35-8. The Senate next considered H.J.R. 1087, which would place before voters a constitutional amendment on the five-year ad valorem tax exemption for qualified manufacturing facilities and allow the Legislature to set reimbursement levels for local entities. Supporters said it would give the state more control over costly reimbursements; the measure passed 38-7, and the special-election provision also passed 38-7. The Senate then laid over two agenda items, made committee and event announcements, and adjourned until Monday, April 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> published on a public dashboard. published on a public dashboard.
• And the second rebuild public trust.
• </c> Commission uh in support on Zoom. Commission uh in support on Zoom.
• The Hawaii Public Health Institute.
• <00:42:09.359><c> the</c><00:42:09.520><c> Healthy</c> Public Health Institute and the Healthy Public

Bills: HB2241 , HB2316 , HB1566 , HB1926 , HB1673 , HB1948 , HB2602 , HB1598 , HB2334 , HB2451 , HB2243

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: renewable energy, income tax credit, solar energy, wind energy, low-income households, energy policy, lead materials, drinking water, public health, water infrastructure, safety regulations, HB1566, energy efficiency, LED lighting, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent bulbs, fluorescent fixtures, compact fluorescent lamps, CFL ban, mercury-free lighting

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a bill to expand the solar energy tax credit for single-family residential properties by removing certain cap amounts and raising the adjusted gross income limits for taxpayers to elect a refund of excess credits. The Hawaii State Energy Office and Department of Taxation both said they were standing on written testimony, while industry and advocacy groups largely supported the measure. Members questioned whether the income thresholds were set appropriately, how many taxpayers would be affected at different income levels, and how many would qualify for refundable treatment; Taxation said it did not yet have the requested numbers but was preparing a fiscal estimate. A major issue raised was drafting and administration: witnesses said the bill appears to apply differently to owner-purchased systems versus third-party leased systems, and Taxation said it likely could not easily verify household income for leased systems or cross-reference different taxpayers. Discussion also covered whether the credit should remain refundable, whether credits should be limited to amounts actually expended, and whether the bill should instead be structured to keep the credit with the system owner or lessor, with concerns about equity, market effects, and possible incentives to lease rather than buy. The committee then moved to HB 2316, which would align state restrictions on lead materials in drinking water infrastructure with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The Department of Health and other supporters testified in favor, and there were no questions from the chair. Next, HB 1566 on energy efficiency would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting, with the Hawaii State Energy Office providing technical assistance and a compliance survey prioritized for first responder facilities; testimony from state agencies and advocates was in support, and again there were no questions. For HB 1926 on Red Hill, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Board of Water Supply, and multiple organizations and individuals supported funding for remediation studies, environmental monitoring, groundwater research, independent testing, and a public dashboard, with DLNR emphasizing that decades of work remain necessary even after defueling and that the bill supports ongoing university and community partnerships. The committee then heard HB 1673 on landfill units. The Department of Health initially said it was in support but later corrected the record and stated it strongly opposes the measure, saying the bill would undo protections enacted last session that keep landfills out of areas over aquifers; the Board of Water Supply also opposed repeal of those protections, while the City and County of Honolulu supported the HD1 version that leaves siting decisions to the counties. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and the Energy Justice Network opposed the bill, arguing the original protections should remain and that the amended version had confused commenters; supporters of the original version urged restoring it and considering additional language on ash.

Transcript Highlights:

• To the Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission instead of having a new section, so the percentage
• From Minnesota Public Radio, $4.1 million for Ampers Public Radio.
• There's $9.5 million for Minnesota Public Television.
• In addition, the DNR, Met Council, and Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission have all
• Any other testimony from the public? Any other testimony from the public? Don't be shy.

Bills: HF2563

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: HF2563, legacy finance bill, Legacy Amendment, outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, arts and cultural heritage fund, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, Minnesota legacy funds, habitat conservation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, forest conservation, riparian buffers, water quality, groundwater protection, drinking water, septic systems, watershed planning

Transcript Highlights:

• Regional Parks and Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails<00:08:56.399><c> Commission</c><00:08
• There's $2 million from Minnesota Public Radio, $4.1 million for Ampers Public Radio, and $9.5 million
• for Minnesota Public Television.
• In addition, DNR, Met Council, and Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission have all developed
• In addition, DNR, Met Council, and Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission have all developed

Bills: HF2563

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: HF2563, legacy finance bill, Legacy Amendment, outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, arts and cultural heritage fund, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, Minnesota legacy funds, habitat conservation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, forest conservation, riparian buffers, water quality, groundwater protection, drinking water, septic systems, watershed planning

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for Minnesota for Minnesota consumers<01:07:23.000><c> understanding</c><01:07:23.279><c> these<
• for Minnesota families.
• accessible for Minnesota products are accessible for Minnesota families<01:14:24.600><c> uh</c><01:14
• Grocers the Minnesota to the Minnesota Grocers the Minnesota Farmers Farmers Farmers UFCW<01:26:25.840
• </c> uninsured driving rates in Minnesota uninsured driving rates in Minnesota more<01:31:15.159><c>

Bills: HF2228 , HF46 , HF856 , HF2149 , HF2215

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: homeowners insurance, property insurance, commercial property insurance, insurance affordability, insurance market stabilization, reinsurance, catastrophic reinsurance fund, self-insured pool, premium costs, coverage notice, liability reform, climate risk, climate change, housing affordability, multifamily housing, rental housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, small business insurance, Minnesota Commerce Department

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of Minnesota. of Minnesota. &gt;&gt; All<00:03:44.000><c> right.
• </c> public transit. public transit.
• Thank you. speed is a public health crisis. I know speed is a public health crisis.
• </c> car to keep the rest of the public safe. car to keep the rest of the public safe.
• </c> work zone every day across Minnesota. work zone every day across Minnesota.

Bills: HF3429 , HF3418 , HF3431 , HF1597

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: intelligent speed assistance, transportation, speeding offenses, public safety, license restrictions, speed control, pedestrian safety, traffic safety, roadway improvements, nonmotorized transportation, crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, complete streets, Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, MnDOT, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, local road authority

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, currently we have two statutes that cover the State Ethics Commission.
• </c><00:07:08.880><c> before</c> been executed by the commission before been executed by the commission
• But since this is being rolled into public health, which is a good thing, because now it would really
• allow them to expand their scope working on the public health departments, where they can also go to
• </c> the public health through the public the public health through the public health<00:09:17.279><c

Bills: SB89 , SB54 , SB127 , SB128 , SB77 , SB78 , SB100 , SB101 , SB102 , SB103 , SB113 , SB126 , SB122 , SB136

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Keywords: pilotage, commission, statewide laws, maritime regulation, repeal, sunset law, Alabama Surface Mining Commission, environmental regulation, mining, state commission, Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling, state agency, continuous operation, government efficiency, sickle cell disease, healthcare, regulatory commission, public health, 911 services, 911 Board

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have across the state here in Minnesota have across the state here in Minnesota and<00:14:47.639
• </c><00:54:15.000><c> laws</c> enacted would be um in Minnesota laws enacted would be um in Minnesota
• like utilization, but current law.
• </c> positive support staff across Minnesota positive support staff across Minnesota particularly<01:
• </c><01:46:17.480><c> and</c> particularly in Greater Minnesota and particularly in Greater Minnesota

Bills: HF2367 , HF2319 , HF2523 , HF1742 , HF671 , HF2331 , HF2722 , HF2406 , HF1674

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: HF2367, Community First Services and Supports, CFSS, personal care assistance, PCA, consumer-directed community supports, CDCS, home and community-based services, HCBS, direct support professionals, direct care workers, caregivers, support workers, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, collective bargaining agreement, retention stipend, health care cost stipend, training stipend, orientation program, retirement trust

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's also deceiving the betting public.
• There's trainers that are suspended that will grab a guy and utilize his name and the betting public
• costs of building those power plants onto utility customers, allowing the utility to make money off that
• , not just utility prices, but air quality.
• utilities, which today is 40%.

Bills: SB251 , SB150 , SB154 , SB73 , SB111 , SB172 , SB76 , SB181 , SB235

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Bills: SB251 , SB150 , SB154 , SB73 , SB111 , SB172 , SB76 , SB181 , SB235

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Bills: SB251 , SB150 , SB154 , SB73 , SB111 , SB172 , SB76 , SB181 , SB235

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a public hearing signup time.
• </c><00:18:28.880><c> works</c> playground equipment and public works playground equipment and public
• We have a public hearing on the bill. And so we'll get to that in just a second.
• </c> to go ahead and open the public hearing. to go ahead and open the public hearing.
• </c> Jefferson County Commission Jefferson County Commission um<00:47:13.520><c> and</c><00:47:13.760

Bills: SB115 , SB131 , SB93 , HB319 , HB163 , HB268 , SB115 , SB131 , SB93 , HB319 , HB163 , HB268 , HB181 , HB153 , SB132 , SB26 , SB189 , SB196 , HB140 , SB197 , HB117 , HB181 , HB153 , SB132 , SB26 , SB189 , SB196 , HB140 , SB197 , HB117

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: SB115, Alabama, impersonating a peace officer, peace officer, law enforcement impersonation, police impersonation, unauthorized police officer, fake cop, certification revoked, certification suspended, Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, APOSTC, Class C felony, law enforcement hiring, appointment of officers, federal law enforcement, arrest authority, public order, criminal offenses, Judiciary Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The 811 commission wants to talk with them and get some things clarified.

Bills: HB517 , SB110

Committee: House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure

Keywords: underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response

Transcript Highlights:

• health plans in Minnesota.
• </c> we have Chelsea Olsen from the Minnesota we have Chelsea Olsen from the Minnesota Council<00:15:
• I'm the Vice President of Public Policy for the Minnesota-North Dakota chapter of the Alzheimer's Association
• I'm the Vice President of Public Policy for the Minnesota-North Dakota chapter of the Alzheimer's Association
• </c><01:41:07.159><c> of</c> Minnesota um the Minnesota Department of Minnesota um the Minnesota Department

Bills: HF1937 , HF2407 , HF1678 , HF1477 , HF2040 , HF1840 , HF257

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services, long-term care, community-based services, support person, healthcare, patient rights, assisted living, community support, caregiver respite, financial eligibility, Minnesota Statutes, HF1477, residential program licensing, community residential setting, small group home, licensed capacity six or fewer, rental licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:56.959><c> these</c> where they need to utilize these where they need to utilize these services
• The state of Minnesota has the opportunity to show its support of a program that serves all of Minnesota
• I live in Todd County all of Minnesota I live in Todd County Minnesota<00:48:37.119><c> and</c><00:48
• </c> with you about the work of the Minnesota with you about the work of the Minnesota the<01:06:25.680
• </c> staffing open in our greater Minnesota staffing open in our greater Minnesota areas<01:15:44.360

Bills: HF1380 , HF1166 , HF487 , HF1553 , HF1472 , HF258 , HF1911

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: psychiatric treatment, human services, mental health funding, per diem rate, Clay County, disability services, assistive technology, remote support, advocacy, training programs, HF487, Wellness in the Woods, Minnesota human services, grant funding, general fund appropriation, peer support, substance use recovery, addiction recovery, reentry services, reentry after incarceration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:00.360><c> has</c> degree with the the virus Minnesota has degree with the the virus Minnesota
• Minnesota, that kind of sums up what this bill does.
• Chair Anderson, you know I'm a strong supporter of Minnesota agriculture.
• Chair, I just wanted to point out that the Minnesota Clean Car standards for Minnesota expire at the
• c> the</c> standards for Minnesota expires at the standards for Minnesota expires at the end<00:12:10.240

Bills: HF1704 , HF1722

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: Minnesota agriculture budget, Department of Agriculture appropriation, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, farm bill, rural development, agricultural grants, soil health, livestock compensation, crop damage, meat inspection, poultry inspection, county agricultural inspectors, biofertilizer, nitrogen management, commercial nitrogen fertilizer, water quality, farm down payment assistance, beginning farmers

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to address concerns from the Minnesota to address concerns from the Minnesota Association<00:14:
• </c> communications with the Minoc Minnesota communications with the Minoc Minnesota Association<00:15
• </c> were brought forward by the Minnesota were brought forward by the Minnesota Association<00:15:43.040
• ><c> Association</c><00:16:09.759><c> of</c> received from Minnesota Association of received from Minnesota
• </c><00:27:22.000><c> Health</c> Nath, um director of Minnesota Health Nath, um director of Minnesota

Bills: HF3521 , HF1807 , HF1270 , HF2070 , HF3136

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, as you recall, Minnesota<00:03:25.519><c> statute</c><00:03:26.319><c> 14451</c> Minnesota statute
• Um, our public interest review is being finalized. Um, and we expect to have it public very soon.
• </c> for the Minnesota Department of Health. for the Minnesota Department of Health.
• And Minnesota is not every single day. And Minnesota is not immune. immune. immune.
• So we're past their time. >> Public safety, I'm sorry, public safety is coming in at 3.

Bills: HF3521 , HF1807 , HF1270 , HF2070 , HF3136

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a Minnesota values bill, and now it's a Minnesota values law.
• It's a Minnesota values bill, and now it's a Minnesota values law.
• It's a Minnesota values bill, and now it's a Minnesota values law.
• It's a Minnesota values bill, and now it's a Minnesota values law.
• company uh Minnesota proud Minnesota company uh Minnesota based<00:29:16.480><c> company</c><00:29:16.919

Bills: HF1976

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: paid leave, family leave, employment law, Minnesota statute, benefit eligibility, seasonal employment, workforce, labor rights, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The county commission approves it.
• </c> this is this is the gaming commission this is this is the gaming commission would<00:16:53.759><
• </c> they have to put it on uh their public they have to put it on uh their public agenda.<00:30:04.240
• </c> transparency and public input. Um, Mr. transparency and public input. Um, Mr.
• Any others for public &gt;&gt; Any others? Any others for public testimony?

Bills: SF0045 , SJ0001

Committee: House Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: pari-mutuel wagering, simulcasting, historic horse racing, HHR terminals, horse racing, gaming commission, Wyoming Gaming Commission, local control, city approval, county approval, municipal approval, permit renewal, gaming permit, wagering regulation, racetrack, live pari-mutuel event, district court appeal, public notice, land use, public safety