Video & Transcript Research : 'grant program'
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ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee Apr 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not to implement the program.
- But we administer those programs: Homestead Tax Credit Program, Disabled Veteran Program. on potential
- But we administer those programs, Homestead Tax Credit Program, Disabled Veteran Program.
- The Homestead Tax Credit Program and the Disabled Veteran Program are administered by our office.
- We had a few grants for law enforcement. Yeah, law enforcement gets grants for the county.
Summary:
The meeting focused heavily on behavioral health and substance use treatment, especially the IMD exclusion and whether North Dakota should pursue a Section 1115 waiver to allow Medicaid reimbursement for services in institutions for mental diseases for adults ages 21 to 64. Turtle Mountain representatives described major local needs, including limited access to care, high syphilis rates, and the importance of timely public health data. They also discussed the tribe’s recovery center, which opened the prior year, now operating five levels of care with 16 beds, and the desire to expand capacity, possibly through an IMD waiver or related policy changes. Committee members also raised related issues such as rural health transformation funding, telehealth, workforce retention, and the need for better coordination between tribal and state public health systems.
A central issue was Turtle Mountain Public Health’s long-running effort to secure a data use agreement with the state so it can receive surveillance data and respond directly to infectious disease cases among tribal members. Speakers said the tribe had a successful COVID-era agreement that allowed faster contact tracing and case management, but that agreement ended with the pandemic. They argued that current delays in sharing data, especially for sexually transmitted infections, leave the tribe unable to respond quickly, while the state and county epidemiology workload is too distant and stretched to be effective. Committee members expressed support and said they would look into the issue, noting that other tribes have secured similar agreements.
The committee also heard a detailed presentation from the National Health Law Program on the IMD exclusion. The presenter explained that federal Medicaid law generally bars payment for care in facilities with more than 16 beds, but that states can use other tools such as state plan amendments, managed care arrangements, telehealth, and community-based services. He said IMD waivers are administratively complex, time-limited, and have shown mixed results in other states, with some gains in residential treatment access but limited evidence of improved overdose outcomes or stronger community-based care. He urged the committee to consider broader continuum-of-care solutions and cautioned that waivers alone are not a cure-all.
No final vote was taken on the bill draft during the portion shown, but the committee discussed the proposal to appropriate $49,000 and one FTE to HHS to pursue an IMD waiver and report back in the next interim. Members also debated the policy rationale for the 16-bed limit, the role of the state versus tribal sovereignty, and whether the bill should move through the Health Care or Human Services committee in the future.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Oct 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- That does not have management program for for the bear population.
- I think it's a continued its continue program.
- for program.
- It also expands grant programs to include the construction and maintenance of parking lots for boat ramps
- Grant funding is available to be used for parking infrastructure, which is outlined in our grant guidelines
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
An oversight hearing to examine Native communities' priorities for the 119th Congress. Feb 12th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Indian Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- This includes recognition that programs Program funding fulfills legal obligations, protection of funding
- , whether it's the school lunch programs. school breakfast programs, summer food services, the child
- and adult care food program.
- , for the kids to come to an after-school program. or a summer school program where they actually get
- Those are your programs. Those are programs that impact you.
Keywords:
tribal sovereignty, healthcare, education, public safety, Economic Development, Tax Parity Act, PROTECT Act, trust obligations, bipartisan support, Indian Health Services
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on crucial issues facing tribal nations, particularly emphasizing the federal government's trust and treaty obligations. The discussions highlighted ongoing challenges such as disparities in healthcare, education, and public safety within Native communities. Chair Murkowski underscored the importance of listening to Native leaders and aligning congressional efforts with community needs, advocating for legislative actions that support tribal sovereignty and economic development. Various initiatives, including the Tax Parity Act and the PROTECT Act, aimed at addressing jurisdictional and financial disparities, were discussed in detail. A call for bipartisan support to alleviate the funding shortages affecting Indian Health Services was made several times during the meeting. Testimonies from tribal leaders and representatives emphasized the dire need for legislative support to enhance infrastructure, healthcare access, and public safety initiatives in tribal communities.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Jan 19th, 2026 at 08:33 am
Transcript Highlights:
- So, what is SNAP and how does the program work?
- And why that cost is so high to manage that program? 111 million to manage a program? Mr.
- And administering the program in general.
- I'm a new program evaluator for the LFC.
- one, but the program lacks standardized program-level goals and metrics, which limits HCA's ability
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (06/20/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, um, this rule is on the volunteer programs that the agency does.
- So, um, this rule is on the volunteer programs that the agency does.
- So, the agency has been operating this program, including requiring forms, at least since 2019.
- implement the adopt a state park program implement the adopt a state park program and<00:09:53.680
- So we have been trying to program.
Summary:
The JLCAR June meeting opened with the pledge, approval of the prior minutes, and adoption of the consent calendar after one Fish and Game item was pulled for separate consideration. The committee then reordered the regular calendar and postponed an HHS item at the agency’s request because work was still ongoing.
The committee next considered OPLC item 2547, concerning amendments to licensure and discipline forms for regulated professions. Members raised concerns that the application was still too geared toward health professions and that renewal forms should be shorter, but the agency said it was moving toward a dynamic online form that would collapse irrelevant questions. The committee concluded the issue was more about agency operations than policy and adopted the rule.
For DNCR item 2551, on rules for the Adopt-a-Park volunteer program, staff explained the agency had been operating the program under statute but had realized rules were required and had been using DOJ review in the meantime. Committee members noted the agency had not followed the rulemaking requirement but was now correcting it, and the rule was approved. Fish and Game item 2570, on electronic OHRV and snowmobile registration applications, drew discussion over whether the online process should be processed in five days to match mail-in applications or remain at ten days; the agency cited workload and file-transfer delays, and the committee adopted a conditional approval with an oral amendment leaving the ten-day timeframe in place for now.
In other business, staff described a planned upgrade to the committee’s agency portal and database workflow, moving from email submissions to an online portal with better form validation and document upload features. Members supported the modernization and approved the manual change, with implementation expected after agency sign-up and training later in the summer.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Transportation and Energy Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Transportation and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- We came back and had a pilot program We came back and had a pilot program drafted.<00:05:03.199>
- program has a sunset provision on there. program has a sunset provision on there.
- So June 1st, 2028 uh is when the program So June 1st, 2028 uh is when the program will<00:05:31.759
- And again, it's just a pilot program.
- And again, it's just a pilot program.
Keywords:
SB341, Alabama, veteran license plate, veteran tag, distinctive license tag, specialty plate, radiation exposure, atomic bomb testing, ionizing radiation, World War II veterans, Vietnam veterans, Korean War veterans, Cold War veterans, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, Department of Veterans Affairs, probate judge
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2506 by Hinojosa, relating to the establishment of a grant program by the Texas Department
- Senate Bill 2512 by Schwertner, relating to creating the Texas Interoperability Council and a grant program
- Senate Bill 2512 by Schwertner, relating to creating the Texas Interoperability Council and a grant program
- Senate Bill 2545 by Hancock, relating to the establishment of a down payment assistance grant program
- Senate Bill 2666 by Hinojosa of Hidalgo, relating to the establishment of a grant program to allow the
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with remarks highlighting UTRGV’s growth, degree production, research expansion, medical school, and role in serving the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. The chamber also recognized the doctor of the day and adopted additional resolutions, including one for Denton County Days at the Capitol and another recognizing Texas HBCU Day.
The Senate gave extensive recognition to outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp through Senate Resolution 368. Senators from both parties praised his long public career, leadership of the A&M System, support for regional universities, and bipartisan approach. The resolution was adopted after multiple members added their names. The chamber also heard from advocates with the Texas Streets Coalition, and received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
On legislation, the Senate passed several major bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to address teacher vacancies, bilingual certification testing, paid leave options, classroom removals, and appeal rights, then passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment on parents’ right to direct a child’s education, advanced on a 22-9 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, aimed at preventing foreign influence and intellectual property theft at public institutions of higher education, passed unanimously. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the business entities bill, also passed after debate over corporate governance and shareholder protections. Senate Bill 857, authorizing law enforcement to tow certain vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed despite some concern about towing abuses during disasters. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, but the transcript ends as that bill is being laid out.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Apr 15th, 2026
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And they can request, and will be granted, a meeting with a board if they’re non-renewed.
- But there is other employees of the school district that can request and be granted...
- They are granted. But this is for any building-level principal.
- First, it ensures all high school kids have access to a workforce assessment program.
- Sometimes you can go through that 16-week training program for a particular job.
Summary:
The committee met in executive session and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 31, which recognizes seniors through a civics and patriotism work group. The sponsor explained a substitute that clarified the work group’s role in setting qualifications and awarding gold, silver, and bronze certificates, with DESE producing the seals and schools submitting qualifying students. The substitute also retained recognition for veterans and students entering the armed services. Members, including the ranking member, supported the revised structure, and the committee adopted the substitute and voted the resolution do pass on a 16-0 vote after correcting an earlier clerical count.
The committee then considered House Bill 21, House Bill 26, and House Bill 2197 together in a committee substitute focused on building-level administrator evaluations and nonrenewal procedures. The substitute required administrators to be evaluated at least once per contract year, required written notice of renewal or nonrenewal by March 1, and gave nonrenewed administrators the right to request written reasons and a closed-door hearing before the school board. Members discussed the bill’s removal of earlier tenure-related language and whether the hearing right gave administrators more protection than other employees, but sponsors said the intent was to ensure annual evaluations and a fair explanation for nonrenewal without creating tenure. The committee adopted an amendment, rolled it into a new substitute, and voted the bill do pass 17-0.
After moving back into open session, the committee heard House Bill 3489, which would expand access to workforce readiness assessments such as WorkKeys and allow students to earn up to nine hours of college credit for demonstrated workplace skills as recommended by the American Council on Education. The sponsor said the bill was intended to support career pathways, not replace college-bound options, and to gather feedback for future work. Testimony in support came from ACT, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and DESE, all emphasizing workforce development, employer demand, and existing state use of WorkKeys; DESE noted current funding and implementation issues tied to sports wagering revenue and said a related study on WorkKeys’ validity and industry recognition is ongoing. Committee members asked about how the bill would affect school testing requirements and college credit transfer, and the sponsor clarified that the measure was meant to broaden options rather than mandate a single path. No vote was taken on HB 3489 before adjournment.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (7-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- federal program? federal program?
- <00:08:08.160>
uh household incomes and the program uh household incomes and the program uh - tenants of this program is increasing tenants of this program is increasing the<00:09:33.680>
- <00:09:41.680>
u other types of assistance programs u other types of assistance programs u - Again the largest benefit we program.
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy met for a public hearing and presentation on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). After approving the minutes, members heard from Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky, who explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant used in Kentucky to help low-income households pay home energy bills, prevent utility disconnects, and support weatherization and crisis assistance. Hall outlined the program’s income eligibility limits, the fact that payments go directly to vendors or utilities rather than households, and the program’s funding levels, including $43.4 million spent in federal fiscal year 2025 and an anticipated $58 million for federal fiscal year 2026.
The presenters described LIHEAP’s main components: fall and spring subsidy programs, winter crisis assistance, and weatherization. They gave participation figures for recent program cycles, including tens of thousands of households served in each component, and explained that weatherization prioritizes elderly, disabled, households with children, and high-energy-burden homes. They also noted that weatherization is carried out in partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation and includes repairs and efficiency measures such as insulation, air sealing, and safety checks.
Rick Baker described Community Action Kentucky’s role as the statewide administrator through 23 local community action agencies, emphasizing their presence in all 120 counties and their local board structure. Members praised Baker’s long service and the program’s importance for families facing high energy costs, especially in coalfield areas. One member asked for clarification on a slide reference to “Assurance 16,” but the transcript cuts off before the answer is completed. No votes or other committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 1st, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So, was this privileged violation after the emergency privileges were granted?
- That was granted at the district court level.
- There was an immediate appeal by the hospital, and then that granting of the privileges was.
- And again, that's what they're making money off of from programs that are clinically unproven.
- These sorts of incentive programs, like waiving or reducing...
Bills:
SB331, SB883, SB926, SB1137, SB1138, SB1144, SB1151, SB1236, SB1270, SB1522, SB1869, SB2207, SB2422
Keywords:
healthcare, cost disclosure, transparency, administrative penalties, health facility compliance, COVID-19, off-label use, prescription drugs, patient access, medical standards, insurance, physician ranking, incentives, fiduciary duty, health plan issuers, SB 1137, group home, assisted living, residential care, board and care
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We might consider such a program again to gain more out of existing water supplies.
- I'm the director of the Texas Water Program at National Wildlife Federation.
- based on need without stranding precious assets and underutilized programs.
- as a separate program.
- As I mentioned earlier, more details... ...infrastructure fund program as a separate program.
Keywords:
judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, water infrastructure, Texas Water Development Board, financial assistance, water supply projects, rural municipalities, water access assessment, aquifer storage, Edwards Aquifer, water injection, environmental regulations, groundwater management, San Antonio River, pollution control
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Fabian Romero, Gabriel Lopez, Philip Apodaca, Damian Alday, Manuel Ortega, Grant Anati, Vicky Begay,
- Why do they require state support with grants? I mean, this is...
- President and Senator, do we know if there are programs that follow up if a student is expelled?
- President, there are, I think, a few programs. Mr.
- Same thing: it makes minimal changes to the fund, the Land Grant Merced Assistance Fund. And Mr.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- c> have<00:04:14.080>
witnessed Through this program, I have witnessed Through this program - <00:06:46.400>
Thank decision-making grant. Thank you. Thank decision-making grant. - ACT program is more of a day uh is a ACT program is more of a day uh is a program<00:19:11.440>
where - state like people in the MSOP program. state like people in the MSOP program.
- And section four, it establishes grants for an early episode of bipolar disorder program.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Employee Benefits Programs Committee May 7th, 2026
Employee Benefits Programs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- That is a program where if you have diabetes, this is a program that can help you make That is a program
- We also have a program that is designed for high-risk individuals, which is a prevention program. program
- were granted across multiple agencies as part of the standard salary program.
- granted.
- We've addressed, the programs have pointed toward those areas, the targeted market equity that we granted
Summary:
The Employee Benefits Committee met to hear presentations on state employee health insurance, compensation, leave policies, labor market conditions, and prevailing wage issues, then later took up committee rules and bill-draft jurisdiction. PERS reviewed the history and structure of the state health plan, noting the state has paid the full family premium since 1979, described cost-control and benefit-enhancement changes over time, and explained current plan options, wellness incentives, employer wellness discounts, and the upcoming bid process for the 2027-29 contract. HRMS then presented compensation comparisons showing state classified pay generally trails private and regional markets, with larger gaps at higher-level jobs, and reviewed benefits and leave policies, including the new enhanced annual leave and new-hire leave, the state’s unpaid family leave structure, and varying tuition reimbursement practices. Job Service reported on labor force trends, low unemployment, high labor force participation, job openings, and wage growth, and OMB said there are no state prevailing-wage requirements beyond federal Davis-Bacon rules for federally funded projects.
The committee then considered a proposed amendment to Joint Rule 211 to better align the health insurance mandate review process with recent statutory changes. Members discussed how the rule should reference both the committee’s required actuarial reports and the Legislative Council cost-benefit analysis, and the amendment was adopted on a roll call vote. The committee also discussed how its jurisdiction decisions affect whether a bill draft receives actuarial analysis, with staff explaining that a decision not to take jurisdiction means the bill is not treated as impacting the relevant retirement or health plans for purposes of that analysis.
After that, the committee began reviewing bill drafts for jurisdiction. The first draft, bill draft 33, would automatically renew pre-tax elections for dental and vision coverage during open enrollment instead of requiring annual re-election. Members debated whether it had any actuarial impact, noting the state does not pay those premiums directly, and the discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/13/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- and cost-saving program as to Bruce's and cost-saving program as to Bruce's point<00:15:53.440><
- Um, and this aggregation programs.
- <00:18:13.840>
through that have now launched programs through that have now launched programs - If a program generates discretionary revenues, reserve adders, or attracts grant dollars, SB 590 makes
- Um I know there's uh programs.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Most of those bond resolutions are to fund our capital program, which is driven by a federal consent
- We currently have a customer assistance program to help folks be able to afford their rates and their
- For example, we have an emergency wastewater rate assistance program that provides a 30% discount to
- have a senior C citizen discount program have a senior C citizen discount program uh<00:09:40.600
- that would save our ratepayers money, particularly seniors, or any programs of that nature.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:04
HB 387 Discussion 01:06
HB 387 Roll Call Vote 28:30
HCR 22 Discussion 29:26
HCR 22 Roll Call Vote 31:09
HB 519 Discussion 35:36
HB 519 Roll Call Vote 38:37, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 387, which would amend MSD governance and spending rules in Louisville. The sponsor said the bill was intended to add oversight and accountability in response to large MSD rate increases, though the original rate-approval provision had been removed because of concerns about contracts and bond ratings in Oldham and Bullitt counties. MSD Executive Director Tony Parrott testified that MSD is a public utility serving more than 800,000 people through wastewater, stormwater, and flood protection services, and argued that most rate pressure comes from federal and state mandates tied to a consent decree and other orders. He said MSD already provides annual notice and bond approvals through Metro Council, offers customer assistance programs, and needs flexibility for advertising, public notices, recruitment, and compliance. Members discussed stormwater funding, aging infrastructure, flood control, and the bill’s limits on advertising and other expenditures. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed on a roll call vote.
The committee then considered House Concurrent Resolution 22, as substituted, which expressed support for exploring nuclear energy and included language noting Kentucky’s ability to use nuclear waste, uranium tailings, and spent fuel in ways described by the sponsor as cleaner. Supporters said Kentucky faces an energy shortage and that nuclear, including small modular reactors, should be part of the state’s future energy mix. Some members said they would support the resolution but wanted a feasibility study or noted that it does not carry the force of law. The resolution passed.
Finally, the committee began House Bill 519, sponsored by Representative Fugate, which would prevent utility companies from passing demolition costs for retired coal-fired or fossil-fuel plants on to ratepayers. The sponsor cited sharply rising electricity bills in eastern Kentucky, the decline in coal employment, and the burden of demolition costs from the Big Sandy plant being placed on customers. He argued that utilities should absorb those costs rather than shifting them to ratepayers. The bill was introduced with a motion and second, and the committee was preparing to hear further questions and testimony when the transcript ended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- programs.
- Foundation School Program.
- We operate a very low benefits program health insurance benefits program.
- The last area is seaport connectivity program that program has been around for a while.
- That program. Yeah.
Keywords:
infrastructure, water supply, flood mitigation, Texas Water Fund, community projects, funding allocations
Summary:
During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It has outdoor recreation expansion by having a plan as state grants that will fund new and improved
- And so we would rather have it be a monitored four-year program.
- program... ...for Clay, St.
- program and cost-savings program to our counties as they transition, as our firefighters and our fire
- program and cost-savings program to our counties as they transition, as our firefighters and our fire
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, and marine-biodegradable products, with supporters arguing it creates standards and avoids patchwork local rules; it was reported favorably. SB 1066, by Senator Brodeur, proposed a phased restoration of the Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam area, including partial dam restoration, recreation and economic development planning, and a local advisory council; testimony was strongly divided between restoration supporters and local officials concerned about water supply, reservoir value, and community impacts. The committee adopted an amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the bill favorably as amended.
The committee also approved CS/SB 698 by Senator Martin, which would let builders proceed with home construction after applying for septic permits rather than waiting for the permit to be issued first. Testimony from builders and industry representatives focused on permitting delays, contract pricing, and the need for a glide path if DEP rules change; some senators raised concerns about the 120-day transition period, but the bill passed favorably with a technical amendment. CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, would phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam for non-emergency use, require inventory and disposal reporting, create DEP rules and a registry of alternatives, and establish grant/cost-savings support for local agencies; it was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying DEP references and penalty language.
Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body feature in the Jupiter Narrows area as the Andrew Red Harris Shoal in honor of a local environmental advocate who died rescuing a friend. The bill was amended to clarify the shoal identification and then reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested the record reflect additional affirmative votes on certain bills, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Mar 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THE PROGRAM IS INTENDED FOR NONVIOLENT OFFENDERS.
- THE TYPES OF PROGRAMS THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE REINVESTMENT GRANT PROGRAM
- VETERAN TREATMENT COURT PROGRAMS.
- THIS PILOT PROGRAM HELPS RESTORE COMPETENCY AND PROVIDE MORE COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT.
- THE DIVERSION PROGRAM WILL ALLOW THE LOVED ONES TO GET TREATMENT RATHER THAN JAIL TIME .
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- to the down payment assistance program. to the down payment assistance program.
- But otherwise, access this program.
- and department programs.
- dealing with the transition program.
- and department programs.
Bills:
HF3548
Summary:
The Agricultural Finance and Policy Committee met on April 15, 2026, approved the April 13 minutes with a correction to Assistant Commissioner Peter Kesset’s name, and then took up House File 3548. The bill, moved by Chair Anderson for re-referral to Ways and Means, centered on the farmer down payment assistance program and the Department of Agriculture’s budget and policy provisions. Anderson described the DE4 amendment as compromise language that reserved up to 25% of funds for applicants with purchase contracts, removed a proposed marijuana exclusion, and allowed appropriated funds to remain available through June 30, 2030 rather than reverting to the general fund at the end of the biennium. Laura Schreiber of the Land Stewardship Project testified in support, emphasizing the importance of keeping funds available and urging that grants remain capped at $20,000 so more farmers could participate.
The committee then adopted several amendments. A23, described as the governor’s budget request and department policy bill, was adopted and included moving the Emerging Farmers Office into the Agricultural Marketing and Development subdivision, combining some reports into the Agri report, and addressing delegated authority with MDA. A17, allowing certain eggs past their quality assurance date to be donated to food shelves under specific handling requirements, was adopted. A18, adjusting per diem rates for certain non-representative committee members, was adopted. A19, shifting about $20,000 to support farm land transition services such as mediation, contracts, financial planning, tax preparation, estate planning, and housing assistance, was also adopted.
A22, which combined funding for wolf depredation claims and the local food purchasing program, drew the most debate. Representative Smith questioned why the two items were combined and sought to divide the amendment, but staff said that would be problematic because the funding changes were interdependent. Supporters said the amendment would pay about 80% of wolf-loss claims and add money for local food purchasing, while opponents argued the local food need was greater and the wolf depredation approach was not the best use of funds. The roll call on A22 was confusing in the transcript, but the amendment ultimately prevailed. A21, which would have removed a physical-contact requirement for farm cervidae containment, failed on a 7-7 tie after opponents argued it would weaken disease protections and supporters said the fencing costs were driving deer farmers out of business. Hansen then declined to move A24, which would have advanced a paraquat ban, saying there was no agreement and he did not want a negative vote at that time.
After the DE4 as amended was adopted, the committee took a final roll call on House File 3548 as amended. The bill failed on a 6-8 vote and was laid over. In closing, members on both sides said the bill contained useful provisions for farmers, but disagreement over the unresolved paraquat issue prevented the committee from advancing it.