Transcript Highlights:

• We are willing and committed to working with the bill author on alternatives.
• through the, through the mediation through district courts that is in place and has not yet been tested

Transcript Highlights:

• That's an expensive, very poor alternative. We have state lands. I fully agree.
• That's an expensive, very poor alternative. We have state lands. I fully agree.
• That's an expensive, very poor alternative. We have state lands. I fully agree.
• Seems kind of low, but testing the market right now. Okay. out this this year, right, Brian?
• Those phases of the hiring process include agility testing, interviews, and those kinds of things.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've emailed the authors and all of you with alternative language to this bill, which I'd like you to
• /c><00:15:29.160> of<00:15:29.279> you<00:15:29.440> with<00:15:29.600> alternative
• <00:15:30.040> language and all of you with alternative language and all of you with alternative
• The second issue I would like to say is that it also disadvantages any alternative parties if they were
• it also disadvantages any alternative it also disadvantages any alternative parties<00:32:25.639

Bills: HF550

Keywords: redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:17.880> compliance through um alternative compliance through um alternative compliance
• <01:04:46.680> compliance purchase the alternative compliance purchase the alternative compliance
• You know, do we have enough transportation alternatives? Do we have the right alternatives?
• You know, do we have enough transportation alternatives? Do we have the right alternatives?
• You know, do we have enough transportation alternatives? Do we have the right alternatives?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard the Banking Department’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget presentation from Commissioner Amelia Galeri. She described the department as a self-funded consumer protection regulator overseeing two main areas: the Banking Trust Division, which supervises state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies, and the Consumer Credit Division, which oversees more than 7,000 licensees including mortgage and money transmitter businesses. She said the department’s budget is about 86% salaries and benefits, with 53 positions all filled, and explained that the agency funds itself through fees, fines, and end-of-year assessments on regulated entities. Galeri said the department is facing workload growth from several directions: continued growth in the trust industry, increased fintech supervision, and a new requirement to regularly examine auto dealers that take finance applications, which adds about 300 exams over two fiscal years. She said the department was directed to flat-fund its budget based on 2025 levels but was allowed to increase travel and training. To stay within that limit, she said the department reduced office space, went paperless, converted administrative and licensing positions into examiner positions, and expects to defund an embedded DOJ database administrator position once a new SharePoint system is fully implemented. Members asked about how the department’s revenue and assessments work, including whether fees were increasing and how much existing banks would pay. Galeri said fees are not being raised, most banks pay little or no fines, and assessments are based largely on asset size, with trust companies paying the bulk. She also explained that fines are set by statute, generally capped at $2,500 per violation for consumer credit entities, and said she would not recommend increasing that cap. The committee then voted to accept the Banking Department’s budget proposal as presented in HQ1, with a motion and second and no discussion. The transcript then moved to the Department of Energy budget. Commissioner Jared Chakin and Chief of Operations Lenny Radio discussed federal program funding, including LIHEAP fuel assistance and weatherization. They said the apparent drop in fuel assistance funding from FY 2024 actuals to the budgeted amount is due to the loss of ARPA and CARES Act supplemental funds, while weatherization remains a federally constrained program with a waiting list and limited flexibility. Members also asked about a proposed transfer from the renewable energy fund; staff said the transfer would still allow the department to carry out its statutory duties for the year, though the committee deferred deeper discussion until House Bill 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• sustainable aviation fuel by establishing a credit and expands that support for development of clean alternative
• for development of clean for development of clean of<00:03:38.800> clean<00:03:39.840> alternative
• c> fuel<00:03:41.400> to<00:03:42.160> jet<00:03:42.480> fuel of clean alternative
• fuel to jet fuel of clean alternative fuel to jet fuel um um um using<00:03:45.760> Minnesota-grown

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate Tax Committee members presented a tax omnibus bill they said was a bipartisan effort aimed at making life more affordable and responding to federal policy changes they argued are increasing costs and harming Minnesota families, communities, farmers, and businesses. Chair Rest and other senators described the bill as a response to federal cuts to health care and food support, and said it also complements other Senate action on health and human services. Key provisions highlighted included a 12% increase in property tax refunds for homeowners, described as more than $100 million in direct relief; a $2 million provision related to Operation Metro Transit; a new health care sales tax in Hennepin County to replace an expiring local sales tax and help stabilize hospitals such as HCMC and North Memorial, with funds for uncompensated care and facility upkeep; and a social media tax on the largest platforms, which supporters said would raise revenue without affecting Minnesota residents. Senators also emphasized a sustainable aviation fuel credit, framed as a climate and economic development measure that could support in-state production and agricultural feedstocks. Members also discussed agricultural provisions, including lifting the cap on the beginning farmer tax credit extension and updating homestead-related rules, saying these changes would help farm transitions and reflect current conditions. Another property tax change would increase the market value exclusion for disabled veterans. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but senators said the bill had been passed to the floor and they were waiting for leadership to schedule it, while noting the House had not yet taken similar action.

Transcript Highlights:

• They drafted their own alternative policy and rallied the public to their side.
• They drafted their own alternative policy and rallied the public to their side.
• sections of the Code of Virginia relating to school boards, the opening of the school year, certain alternative
• Opening of the school year, certain alternative schedules, and schedule flexibility permitted.

Keywords: March 09, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The alternative is for those costs to continue to fall on Minnesota taxpayers.
• The<00:16:53.880> alternative<00:16:55.000> is<00:16:55.440> for The alternative
• is for The alternative is for those<00:16:57.360> costs<00:16:57.880> to<00:16:58.040>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Rep. Athena Hollins and Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart introduced Minnesota’s proposed climate superfund bill, describing it as a way to make major historical greenhouse gas polluters help pay for climate adaptation and infrastructure repair. They said the bill would target large fossil fuel corporations with significant emissions and use the revenue for projects such as stormwater upgrades, bridge and roof protection, erosion control, drinking water protection, cooling cities, and other resilience work. Both lawmakers framed the proposal as a matter of accountability and fairness, arguing that Minnesotans should not keep paying for damage caused by companies that profited from fossil fuel pollution. Several supporters testified in favor of the bill, including St. Paul City Council Vice President Nyang Kheimey, former legislator and medical student Hunter Cantrell, Unidos Minnesota volunteer Bonnie Becol, and 100% Minnesota’s Aurora Vautrin. They emphasized local climate impacts such as flooding, wildfire smoke, extreme heat, emerald ash borer damage, asthma, and infrastructure failures, and said the costs are increasingly falling on taxpayers, local governments, and vulnerable communities. Kheimey highlighted municipal needs and St. Paul’s own climate investments, while Cantrell focused on environmental racism and health harms, and Becol and Vautrin stressed species loss, community recovery costs, and the burden on residents. In the question-and-answer portion, Hollins and Johnson Stewart explained that the bill would apply to fossil fuel corporations with at least 1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions and a nexus to Minnesota, not local utilities. They said the State Auditor’s office would determine the assessments owed by companies, while the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency would hold the fund and administer grants. They also said they were looking to models in Vermont and New York and hoped the proposal could attract bipartisan support because it is tied to affordability and shifting costs away from taxpayers and onto polluters. No vote or formal committee action was taken in the transcript, and the event ended with the sponsors opening the bill to questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is September 1st and the second one is December 1st for counties that use the alternative protest
• One is September 1st and the second one is December 1st for counties that use the alternative protest
• One is September 1st and the second one is December 1st for counties that use the alternative protest
• One is September 1st and the second one is December 1st for counties that use the alternative protest

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the February 23, 2026 journal, and received several committee reports. Education recommended Senate Bill 67 be amended and sent to Appropriations, and Judiciary recommended Senate Bill 70 be amended and sent to Appropriations. The Education Committee also recommended confirmation of several Institute of Cannabis Research Governing Board appointments, and later the chamber confirmed a consent calendar of governor’s appointments, including members of the GOCO Trust Fund board, the Colorado Agriculture Development Authority, and the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Committee. On the floor, the Senate passed several bills. Senate Bill 85 and Senate Bill 25, both on the consent calendar, passed unanimously. Senate Bill 5, concerning state court remedies for violations of federal constitutional rights during immigration enforcement, passed on a 20-11 vote after a brief reconsideration mix-up and was then repassed. Senate Bill 18, concerning legal protections for a minor and sealing a related name-change record, passed 20-11. Senate Bill 31, concerning lawful use of a prescription drug product containing a Schedule I controlled substance, passed 29-2. The chamber then resolved into Committee of the Whole and took up Senate Bill 46, a property tax administration cleanup bill. After a Finance Committee report and adoption of amendment L003, the bill passed second reading and was ordered engrossed. The committee also laid over Senate Bills 53, 43, and 84 until February 25. Later, the Senate concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 52, concerning coal transition communities and just transition money, and then repassed it. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report and recessed until 11:00 a.m. after announcements and personal privilege remarks recognizing the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District and Musical Therapist Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is often how things unfold in the legislature, where there's a lot of different alternatives of
• :05:12.400> different where there's a lot of different where there's a lot of different alternatives
• > how<00:05:13.840> you<00:05:14.000> can<00:05:14.160> accomplish alternatives
• of how you can accomplish alternatives of how you can accomplish something<00:05:15.280> and<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• However, uh, if the budget allows for us to go the safest alternative, that's typically what we'll do
• and what happened during the, you know, phase AB reports when we're looking at all the different alternatives
• I mean, if, if an alternative shakes out, um, for safety reasons, um, it is, it, it is in the best interest
• rules, and, and do we need more bike lanes or at least consideration for that, because that is an alternative

Transcript Highlights:

• three increases the reimbursement rates for protected transportation, offering a humane, non-police alternative
• transportation offering a humane<00:03:03.040> non-p<00:03:03.440> police<00:03:03.760> alternative
• <00:03:04.319> for humane non-p police alternative for humane non-p police alternative for

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The alternative is letting banks dominate the stablecoin space, stifling innovation, and allowing no
• So we have the alternative which is to have a U.S. denominated stablecoin that becomes a world standard
• dollar is the official currency of the United States of America and that it cannot be replaced by an alternative
• ensure that enemies of the United States cannot supplant the dollar with unregulated offshore alternatives

Bills: SB875

Keywords: banking regulation, federal agencies, reputational risk, financial services, supervision, FIRM Act, bank supervision, depository institutions, federal banking agencies, FDIC, OCC, Federal Reserve, NCUA, CFPB, credit unions, Operation Choke Point, financial discrimination, safety and soundness, supervisory guidance, examination manual

Summary: This meeting focused on the markup of the Genius Act and the FIRM Act, two significant pieces of legislation addressing stablecoin regulation and the financial industry's regulatory framework. The Chairman noted the importance of providing clarity to the digital asset community and protecting American consumers, while also promoting innovation and competition within the financial sector. Members of both parties expressed varying viewpoints, with some highlighting concerns related to national security and the potential risks associated with stablecoins.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill mentions the line of credit, but also alternate sources of indebtedness, which is what the question
• So the alternate sources of indebtedness are just other sources of cash to use with the bond recycling
• The bill mentions the line of credit, but also alternate sources of indebtedness, which is what the question
• The alternate sources of indebtedness are just other sources of cash to use with the bond recycling program

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing-related measures. Senate Bill 65 would appropriate funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for rehabilitation and repair of public housing units. Testifiers from the Department of Human Services, HPHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and Roar Cares supported the bill, emphasizing that repairing vacant units is a fast, cost-effective way to increase available housing for homeless and elderly residents. HPHA later told the committee it had 139 vacant units, with an estimated average repair cost of about $73,000 per unit. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 65 with amendments, including an appropriation of $10,147,000, and the motion passed. The committee also considered Senate Bill 40, which would allow HHFDC to secure a line of credit or other indebtedness for the bond volume cap recycling program. HHFDC supported the measure and explained that Act 35 had provided a $150 million line of credit for fiscal year 2025 only, so this bill would extend that authority; HHFDC said the bonds involved would be revenue bonds. Roar Cares supported the bill, while the chair asked whether the Legislature would need to pass such a bill annually. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage with amendments to specify revenue bonds and noted the administration should study other ways to secure the line of credit without annual legislation. For Senate Bill 35, which would create a Housing Efficiency and Innovation subaccount within the rental housing revolving fund and allow fund transfers without legislative approval, HHFDC and several others supported the measure, arguing that more flexible fund movement would improve efficiency. The committee adopted a recommendation to pass SB 35 with amendments, including language prioritizing projects on state or county land or projects by entities required to reinvest surplus into housing, and noting nonprofit developers could qualify for prioritization. Senate Bill 42, which would repeal certain 30% AMI set-aside and preference requirements for rental housing revolving fund projects, drew opposition from Catholic Charities Hawaii, which argued the bill would reduce the supply of the most vulnerable housing units, while HHFDC warned it could reduce production of 30% AMI units. The committee deferred SB 42. The final bill discussed was Senate Bill 75, which would establish a working group to revise the state’s qualified allocation plan and related rental housing revolving fund loan terms and report back to the Legislature. HHFDC and others offered comments, while Catholic Charities asked that the bill be deferred, saying HHFDC already had the capacity to work with the community without a new law. Roar Cares supported the concept but urged broader stakeholder inclusion. In decision-making, the chair said the committee report would note concerns about prior QAP revisions and the need for more transparent, ongoing stakeholder participation, and the committee recommended passage of SB 75 without amendments. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• concentrating on modernizing the experience for our constituents to enhance their ability to have alternative
• Chairman, I think you mentioned it's an alternative method.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• if we're taking something away, that we're making sure we always include a, you know, accessible alternative
• from... ...making sure we always include a, you know, accessible alternative from a price standpoint

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources first took up House Bill 3193. Members adopted a committee amendment adding an exception for health, safety, and compelling human need, then rolled the amendment into a new substitute and adopted the substitute as amended. The committee then voted the House Committee substitute for HB 3193 do pass by a vote of 8 ayes and 3 noes. The committee then heard House Bill 3366, sponsored by Representative Michael Burton, which would establish Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day on April 22. Burton described the growth of Missouri’s black bear population, the history of black bears in the region, and the need to educate the public on avoiding conflicts with bears, including using bear bells, bear spray, proper food storage, and not feeding bears. He also noted the bill’s connection to a separate effort to make the black bear the official state mammal. Members asked questions about public safety, bear behavior, picnic basket theft, bear bells, and other bear-related topics, with the sponsor emphasizing that the goal was awareness and coexistence rather than fear. No one testified in favor, opposition, or for informational purposes during public testimony, and the hearing on HB 3366 was concluded. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Standards and Education to prescribe qualifications for the licensing of administrators through the alternate
• discussion this session about changing the word scholarship to stipend, which changes some of our alternative

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• shared, and I think it, you know, it's particularly relevant, particularly since they've found an alternate
• They've found an alternate revenue source with the charitable gaming.

Bills: SB2014

Keywords: industrial commission, economic development, housing finance, oil and gas, rail infrastructure, financial assistance, emergency funding, 908, all

Summary: The Government Operations Division met to continue work on the remaining bill and related amendments. Joe Morse asked the committee to include a $219,000 general fund replacement for rent that would no longer be collected from Career and Technical Education after the 15th floor of the tower becomes legislative space under the Legislative Council’s jurisdiction. Members discussed that state law currently requires rent only from executive branch office space, not legislative or judicial space, and there was no objection to adding the request to the amendment package. The committee then revisited a set of amendments it had previously discussed, including whether to include funding for Prairie Public. Senator Dwyer argued against any Prairie Public funding, citing its reserves, endowment, and charitable gaming revenue, and said the state should prioritize other needs. Senator Irby supported a one-time infrastructure contribution as the state shares in related infrastructure costs. Senator Sickler said Prairie Public still provides unique local programming, but that a one-time infrastructure item would be a reasonable compromise rather than ongoing operating support. A motion was made and seconded to provide Prairie Public $850,000 from the Strategic Investment and Improvement Fund for infrastructure needs. The roll call vote failed 3-2, with Senators Sickler and Irby voting aye, Senators Dwyer and Burkhard voting no, and Chairman Wanzek voting yes. After that vote, the committee indicated the amendment package was otherwise complete, though leadership had asked that final action on the bill be held for a little longer. The meeting adjourned with the understanding that more amendments could still be brought forward before the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, I wonder, Senator Draheim, if an alternative to the A65, which I would have to vote no on as
• And so, I wonder, Senator Draheim, if an alternative to the A65, which I would have to vote no on as
• And so, I wonder, Senator Draheim, if an alternative to the A65, which I would have to vote no on as
• And so, I wonder, Senator Draheim, if an alternative to the A65, which I would have to vote no on as
• <01:33:30.560> care, and supports um, for alternative care, and supports um, for alternative

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in chapter four, we have an alternative way to look at the data.
• an alternative way to look at the data. an alternative way to look at the data.
• An<00:36:05.160> alternative<00:36:05.760> way<00:36:05.880> to<00:36:06.000>
• think<00:36:06.200> about An alternative way to think about An alternative way to think about
• Just an alternative way to look at the data.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Without this bill, LCHC does have alternative avenues to fill prescriptions.
• Without this bill, LCHC does have alternative avenues to fill prescriptions.
• The first one is that SB 228 removed the alternate names for excited delirium that have been used by
• <01:49:47.600> So, alternate solution to this measure.
• So, alternate solution to this measure.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with SB 1442, which would update the statute governing the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and clarify its role as the state Medicaid provider of intensive mental health services for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance. The Department of Health testified in strong support, saying the current statute is outdated and warning against any unfunded mandate because the division relies on federal funding and faces uncertainty about future resources. Written testimony from several organizations also supported the bill. The committees took no immediate action and said they would hold decision-making until later. The hearing then moved to SB 479 on ABLE savings accounts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, arguing that ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save money without losing benefits and that the state needs more outreach and staffing to expand participation. A testifier with a disability said the bill would help people keep Social Security and housing stability. The chair indicated an intention to move the bill forward, and asked about funding; the discussion settled on a requested appropriation of about $75,000 for incentives. Next, SB 1245 on reimbursement of pharmacists drew broad support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, rural pharmacies, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others, who said the bill would improve access to care, especially on neighbor islands and in rural communities, and help pharmacies participate in 340B-related services. The Insurance Division and HMSA raised concerns about bill language, saying it could be read to cover pharmacists outside an insurer’s network and that the scope of reimbursable services needed clarification; the pharmacists’ association said the bill is intended to apply only to in-network pharmacists and should continue to reference existing scope-of-practice law. The hearing also took up SB 1279, which would allow pharmacists to authorize medications via telehealth under certain circumstances. The State Board of Pharmacy opposed the bill, citing patient safety, a pilot project with reported errors, concerns about controlled substances and unregulated technicians, and the view that in-person pharmacist services are safer and already available on the affected islands. Several pharmacies and health care groups supported the measure as a way to preserve 340B access and improve service on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, while some local pharmacies said they already provide in-person service and opposed remote dispensing. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.