Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to call the hearings from Resources, Recreation and Development to order.
• c> to whatever other resource they want to whatever other resource they want to pull<00:52:59.599
• <01:11:29.679> that really booming and the resources that really booming and the resources
• Cultural Resources. Cultural Resources.
• Representativelair to resources. Representativelair to resources.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > that<00:09:47.840> connect By investing in resources that connect By investing in resources
• So that we provide resources for them.
• <00:58:51.720> that school and just other resources that school and just other resources that
• that with support and resources for our centers right now.
• that with support and resources for our centers right now.

Bills: HF1660, HF1824, HF1926, HF1002, HF994, HF1915, HF1336

Keywords: children, youth programming, needs assessment, community engagement, state funding, education, funding, school districts, state budget, rural schools, food support, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, food shelves, grant funding, Minnesota FoodShare, early childhood, Head Start, education funding, developmental programs, literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we come home, we need resources for reentry. Thank you for your time.
• The Inspector General's role seems very limited based on your statutory authority and resources.
• I'm asking more around the authority, actually, both resources and capabilities in statute.
• As receiver, we work diligently with CDCR and with both parties to develop that action plan.
• Those resources...

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s handling of mental health care in prisons and allegations of sexual abuse, retaliation, and excessive force in the state’s women’s facilities. CDCR officials described their PREA-based prevention and response efforts, including training, oversight, body-worn cameras, retaliation follow-up, and partnerships with outside groups. The Office of the Inspector General explained its monitoring role, noting increased authority under SB 1069, but also limited staffing and the ability to monitor only a portion of cases. The Legislative Analyst’s Office added that prison population trends could allow the state to close a prison and save over $100 million, with some savings potentially redirected to prevention or response efforts. Advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses from Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition and the California Coalition of Women Prisoners testified that meaningful systemic change has not occurred and that retaliation, blocked programming, and unsafe reporting conditions remain widespread. They described alleged barriers to community-based services, forced or coercive treatment concerns involving Suboxone, and the need for survivor-centered reentry support, trauma-informed care, and more independent oversight. Sandra DeAnda gave detailed testimony about alleged staff abuse, retaliation, denial of mental health care, and a large use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, while Amika Mota and April Grayson urged release or resentencing for survivors housed with their abusers and greater investment in outside programs. Members of the committee pressed CDCR and OIG on accountability, use-of-force standards, criminal referrals, disciplinary outcomes, and whether investigations are completed within statutory timelines. CDCR acknowledged cultural problems at both women’s prisons and said it was retraining staff and working on reforms, while OIG said it had monitored 161 investigations and found most grievance routing appropriate, though some cases had lapsed due to time limits. Later exchanges revealed that CDCR has over 13,500 active cases and 109 investigators, and that some cases have exceeded deadlines, prompting concerns from members about whether the current system can adequately investigate misconduct and impose consequences. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, in that case, so you're asking if a factory-built house or multi-unit housing development is being
• Or multi-unit housing development is being manufactured, let's say, in Utah. Yeah.
• In the current cycle of our housing element, we have approved eight housing development projects, and
• a by-right CEQA-exempt ministerial process without requiring them to maximize housing development at
• And to sort of throw a project out at that point is wasting a ton of money, a ton of resources, a ton

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Establishes a state internship and workforce development program.
• Development for placement of interns in the state executive branch departments, agencies, and programs
• Establishes a state internship and<00:04:33.840> workforce<00:04:34.240> development<00
• and workforce development program. and workforce development program.
• the Department of Human Resources the Department of Human Resources Development<00:04:39.759>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The conference committees reconvened on April 25, 2025, and worked through a series of measures, mostly public employment cost items, appropriations, workers’ compensation, data sharing, and retirement-related bills. Several bills were briefly held for later action because Finance/FIN-WAM or related release had not yet been received, including SB 382, HB 423, HB 480, HB 214, HB 828, HB 717, HB 1065, and HB 1036, with some of those rolled over to a 2:30 p.m. meeting in Conference Room 16. HB 1424, relating to appropriations, was described as requiring the Director of Finance to report on transfers between position funding and operating expenses; the conferees agreed to a CD1 and voted to pass it. HB 430, relating to internships, was also agreed to in CD1 with technical amendments removing certain appropriation language and was passed after clarification that the funding covered both years and included the Helima program. The committees then moved through a block of public employment cost items. HB 1026, HB 1027, HB 1028, HB 1029, HB 1030, HB 1032, HB 1034, and HB 1035 were each reported as having CD1 agreement and Finance/WAM release, with appropriations tied to various bargaining units and governor’s messages; each was voted out. HB 1036 and HB 1037 were held over due to release issues, while HB 1038 was noted as having CD1 and Finance/WAM release and was passed for bargaining unit 13. HB 1039 was also rolled over for lack of release. Later, SB 336 on defense of state employees was agreed to with technical cleanup and passed as a CD, and SB 1491 on departmental data sharing was amended to add agencies to the state longitudinal data system and require aggregation/anonymization of certain data before being passed as a CD. Additional measures were also resolved. SB 935, relating to government, was amended to reduce the ERS multiplier for judges beginning in 2031, remove sheriff and deputy sheriff language, and require a DHR study on changing vesting from 10 to 5 years; it passed as a CD with no appropriation. SB 1567 required DERT to complete a comprehensive review of classification and compensation systems by October 31, 2026, allowed a third-party contractor, required legislative reports, and included $1.75 million in the budget; it passed as a CD. SB 855, relating to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act, clarified covered employers, required automatic enrollment unless employees opt out, repealed a fee cap, and added funding for FY26 and FY27; it passed as a CD. SB 743 established a data sharing governance working group within the Office of Enterprise Technology Services and required a legislative report; after a brief recess it was passed as a CD. SB 717 and SB 1065 were both continued to the later 2:30 p.m. meeting because release was still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Operational efficiency, automation technologies, development of leaders, leadership and growth development
• As Will mentioned, the leadership development.
• better lives for themselves, develop better lives for themselves, develop careers,<00:47:05.760>
• mentioned, the leadership development. mentioned, the leadership development.
• everyone in the Economic Development everyone in the Economic Development Committee<01:06:58.160

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call: 00:01:36 Homeland Security: 00:03:46 Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership: 00:36:29, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Safety is paramount in the product development cycle with those damage levels set.
• development cycle with those damaged level set.
• Unfortunately, project-based vouchers are scarce, putting developments at risk.
• Availability has been an issue because of a lack of hiring, not a lack of resources.
• resources, time, or legal expertise to challenge such violations in court.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a developer agreement.
• We have a developer agreement. contract. We have a developer agreement.
• Department of Human Resources Department of Human Resources Development<00:36:50.079> to<
• new human resources department's new human resources officer,<00:47:42.560> Steven<00:47:42.960
• <00:55:24.319> officer Laura Mashiro, human resources officer Laura Mashiro, human resources

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The subtext being that if you don't give this tax break, we'll sell to developers and you'll use it to
• The entire, all three members of the Select Board ran on pro-development, pro-growth campaigns, and we
• We can't force the country club to develop its property, but we can ask them to pay their fair share
• I took the more complex route and achieved my goal of protecting my farm from development.
• The economic pressures on residential and commercial development are tremendous right now.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the co-chairs explaining committee procedures, testimony limits, submission instructions, and the new deadlines for acting on House and Senate bills. The committee then heard testimony on several bills related to agriculture, land use, environment, housing, transportation, and taxation, with legislators often taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was H. 3206, a bill to allow fossil fuel-free 529 college savings plans to qualify for the state tax deduction if MEFA does not offer a comparable option. Representative Steve Owens said the bill would not force MEFA or Fidelity to change existing plans, but would create a definition for fossil fuel-free funds and extend the deduction to qualifying out-of-state plans. The committee also heard strong local testimony on a Belmont home-rule petition, H. 3970, to change tax treatment for the Belmont Country Club under Chapter 61B. Belmont residents and officials argued the private golf course receives an unfair tax break that shifts costs to other taxpayers, while Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers supported the measure as a way to help the town recover revenue. Committee members asked about town meeting support, the club’s lack of payment in lieu of taxes, and the size of the tax savings. The committee next heard testimony on a vehicle miles traveled tax proposal, S. 1925, from Senator Barrett and economists Gilbert Metcalf and Christopher Knittel. They argued that declining gas-tax revenue and rising fuel efficiency, especially with electric vehicles, require a more stable transportation funding source; they also said a VMT tax could be designed to be revenue-neutral and mildly progressive, though members raised concerns about administration, fairness, EV disincentives, and the possibility of annual tax shocks. The largest block of testimony focused on the Ahead Act, H. 3194/S. 1973, which would double the deed excise fee and dedicate the new revenue to affordable housing and climate adaptation. Supporters from MACDC, MAPC, FICC, Boston Climate Action Network, CLF, 350 Mass, CHAPA, and a tenant advocate said the bill could generate about $300 million annually for housing production, vouchers, weatherization, resilience, and environmental justice communities, and that it links two urgent crises with a stable funding stream. The committee also heard testimony on the Conservation Land Tax Credit bills, H. 3147/S. 2083, which would raise the annual cap on the credit from $2 million to $5 million for three years and then sunset back down. Conservation groups and a landowner said the program has conserved thousands of acres and that the higher cap would reduce delays and help meet state conservation goals. Finally, the committee took testimony on the Fairness for Farm Workers bills, S. 2011/H. 3107 and S. 2012, which would extend overtime, minimum wage, breaks, and paid time off protections to farm workers and include a refundable tax credit to help farmers offset overtime costs. Senator Gomez and advocates described the bills as overdue civil rights and public health measures, citing low wages, long hours, dangerous conditions, and the racial history behind farm labor exclusions. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3240, a bill to give municipalities a local option vacancy tax on chronically vacant shopping malls, with the sponsor arguing it would help towns address blight, encourage redevelopment, and potentially create housing and tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Resources. Number two makes conforming changes. Very good. Anyone else? All right.
• House Bill 2946, relating to municipalities, counties, and development fees.
• fees if a municipality adopted the development fees before the effective date.
• Members, today I have a shadow from the University of Arizona's Natural Resources Users' Law and Policy
• Enactment section 946005-949-19-15-9-11-11-1-a-1-a-vice to line to head to development fees.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In some areas, we are in the plan development phase.
• We're really encouraging sharing of resources and really not reinventing the wheel.
• This has been developed with quite a few folks having some input.
• I would kind of watch to see that workload. happen and be adequately resourced.
• So, Carlsbad coming online is a resource center. On the cemetery.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, sitting in manage these resources.
• management plans developed by the BLM, including clean air, including water.
• management plans developed by the BLM, including clean air, including water.
• Um, and energy companies have been able to develop what they want to develop out of what's available
• <00:47:14.880> that's available for mineral development that's available for mineral development

Bills: SJ0001

Keywords: mineral leasing, federal lands, Wyoming, energy policy, local control, federalism, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From way back in 2000 when Knowles was first developed.
• Of course, our 4-H Youth Development Program is the largest positive youth development program in the
• It teaches practical skills related to cooking, food safety, and food resource management.
• Well, the Resource Station Center—you got a grant from USDA on the first phase.
• And so, it is a resource issue. It's not a lack of judgment. It's not an absence of data.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we will probably work with the faculty and institutions in developing that accompanying procedure.
• We will probably work with the faculty and the institutions in developing that accompanying procedure
• , or is it under Job Service, Workforce Development Council?
• But it would allow you to not have to rely so much on the Workforce Development Council list.
• So... ...Workforce Development Council and Job Service North Dakota for the most recent year.

Summary: The committee met to discuss higher education funding and capital building policy. Members first heard an update from NDUS Deputy Commissioner Lisa Johnson on low-producing academic programs. She described a proposed board policy using a five-year rolling window and thresholds of fewer than 10 undergraduate graduates or fewer than 5 graduate graduates, with programs flagged for three consecutive review periods going to the board. Possible outcomes would include continuation, continuation with modifications, inactivation, or termination. Members asked about how the review would account for program costs, service to other students, workforce demand, and the difference between inactivation and termination. Johnson said the board would consider broader factors and that campuses already do detailed program analysis. Several members also asked about cost savings and staffing impacts from program terminations, and Johnson said the board would try to provide more information later. The committee then received a report on the Capital Building Fund from Jamie Wilkie. He reviewed the program’s history, matching requirements, and recent uses, noting that about $334 million in state and matching dollars has been invested overall, with most going to deferred maintenance and extraordinary repairs. Members discussed whether the program is reducing deferred maintenance and requested updated systemwide data on deferred maintenance and campus space utilization. Wilkie said the board is considering a new study to update deferred maintenance figures, which are based on information more than 12 years old. He also reported that several institutions have used current biennium funds for projects such as residence hall renovations, health sciences housing, generators, and building repairs. Later, the committee began a detailed walkthrough of a draft bill that would replace the current higher education funding formula with an FTE-based model and also revise the capital building fund structure. The draft would use fall enrollment FTEs, add completion incentives for degrees in in-demand fields, and create a separate research funding component for UND and NDSU tied to doctoral completions and external research expenditures. Members raised concerns about the use of older data in the formula, the treatment of waivers, the weighting of professional and health sciences programs, and the use of CIP codes to define CTE and education incentives. The bill draft would also combine capital building fund tiers, broaden eligible uses for deferred maintenance and legislatively authorized projects, change matching requirements, repeal the old formula chapter and the capital pool, and transfer funds from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund into the capital building fund. No final votes were taken during the portion provided; the meeting was primarily discussion and review.

Transcript Highlights:

• They provide consumer-facing navigational resources and services, so that means sort of for students
• for members um if you have resource for members um if you have questions<00:43:49.240> uh<00:
• <00:43:59.400> and facing navigational resource and facing navigational resource and services
• natural resources and Community Development<01:15:24.960> vment<01:15:25.840> and<01:15
• <01:26:50.639> um with regard to Workforce Development um with regard to Workforce Development

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Higher Ed Finance and Policy Committee met to begin a budget overview for higher education. The chair noted quorum, committee member introductions, and that Democratic members were absent. The chair also said the Office of Higher Education would not be appearing for the planned budget deep dive, so nonpartisan fiscal staff would present instead. Ken Savory, the committee’s nonpartisan fiscal analyst, introduced a presentation on the higher education finance structure and timeline. Savory explained the state budget cycle, the difference between direct appropriations, statutory appropriations, open appropriations, base funding, tails, and one-time appropriations, and how those concepts apply to higher education. He described the committee’s usual budget areas: the Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State, the University of Minnesota, and the Mayo Foundation. He also reviewed historical spending charts showing higher education’s share of the general fund over time, the 2/3-1/3 funding policy in statute, and how tuition and general fund support have shifted. He noted that the FY 26-27 base for the Office of Higher Education area is about $725 million, including roughly $450 million for the State Grant program and about $99 million for North Star Promise. Members asked about comparing the current budget to earlier biennia, and staff responded that they would need to calculate the percentage difference. The chair then summarized prior budget growth, saying the previous budget was about $650 million over base and the current budget/tail was about $450 million over base. Staff also reviewed the 2024 omnibus higher education bill, including a roughly $5 million reduction to North Star Promise that was redirected to the Fostering Independence Grant program and a $500,000 appropriation for Minnesota State’s Kids on Campus program. The committee did not take any formal votes or actions during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• To do whatever they can to develop the economic development of the region and to serve their citizens
• As a result of the economic development from those projects.
• For foreign trade zone development.
• to the Secretary of Economic Development.
• We are on final passage of House Commerce and Economic Development Committee substitute.

Transcript Highlights:

• From the business perspective, they had to get licensed, develop their processes and procedures, and
• Usatheff leverages the expertise and resources of more than two dozen local.
• together to think about a broader enforcement strategy and resources?
• Do we have enough resources and enforcement?
• That cost should be shared with an agency that is putting those resources in, to your point.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the Department of Cannabis Control’s report on the condition and health of California’s cannabis industry. Department staff reviewed the evolution of state cannabis law, the creation of the current regulatory framework, licensing and compliance efforts, and enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids. The department said the licensed market has grown in production and retail units sold, while active licenses and retail sales value have declined, and that the illicit market remains a major competitive factor. The department also highlighted consumer education efforts, product testing and recalls, and coordination through the state enforcement task force and other agencies. The department’s economist said the data show continued growth in licensed production and a rising share of consumption through the licensed market, but falling wholesale and retail prices have reduced overall industry value. He identified major headwinds as taxes and fees, illicit-market competition, local prohibitions that limit retail access, regulatory costs, and broader business pressures, while noting opportunities in product innovation and possible hemp-market changes. Committee members pressed the department on enforcement, public health concerns, equity ownership and employment, delays in grant administration, pesticide testing, and whether the legal market is truly viable for small businesses and farmers. Several members argued that stronger enforcement and lower costs are needed, while one member raised concerns about cannabis-related health harms and said the hearing focused too narrowly on supply-side issues. Public commenters from industry groups and advocacy organizations largely echoed concerns about high taxes, regulatory burdens, limited retail access, and the size of the illicit market. Many urged the Legislature not to let the excise tax rise from 15% to 19% and called for tax relief, compliance reform, more enforcement, and broader retail access. Some speakers said the report was too optimistic and did not reflect business failures, debt, and closures, while others emphasized the need to protect small farmers, address wildfire insurance, and support equity businesses. No votes or formal actions were taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh I don't think the resources account.
• , and there's some differences there in how the local plans should be developed and used.
• , and there's some differences there in how the local plans should be developed and used.
• , and there's some differences there in how the local plans should be developed and used.
• , and there's some differences there in how the local plans should be developed and used.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• significant resources significant resources um<00:53:42.680> to<00:53:42.840> support<
• ,<00:54:20.960> not<00:54:21.200> separation, resources, not separation, resources, not
• those resources is what this asking for. those resources is what this asking for.
• They need additional resources.
• that they want additional resources. that they want additional resources.

Bills: HF3665, HF3002, HF4217, HF4125, HF4174

Keywords: foster care, early childhood education, child care programs, placement plan, social services, extended foster care, kinship care, relative custody, permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar kinship assistance, independent living plan, transition services, youth aging out of care, medical assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, children youth and families, out-of-home placement, case plan, relative placement

Transcript Highlights:

• So some of those free and ready-to-use resources included things like public educational videos.
• And so I'd like to think about this as a framework that we developed, because the reality is that the
• We've worked hard to develop more ways to quickly start medications like buprenorphine and methadone,
• We were able to develop materials. We were able to disseminate this.
• Together, we provide post-overdose resources to individuals struggling with substance use.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on xylazine held its first meeting, with House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Co-Chair John Keenan outlining the commission’s charge and a proposed work plan. The commission is tasked with studying the public health and safety impacts of xylazine in the illicit drug supply, including whether it should be scheduled as a controlled substance, how to regulate its production and distribution, and how to improve outreach and treatment for people exposed to it. Members were told the report deadline had been extended to March 30, 2026, and staff proposed a series of public hearings and working groups leading to a final report. The meeting also included attendance, packet materials, and procedural planning. The first major testimony came from BSAS Director Deirdre Calvert, who described xylazine’s appearance in Massachusetts drug supply data, the state’s public health alerts, and DPH’s partnership with Brandeis, CDC, and harm reduction organizations. She emphasized four priorities: reducing stigma and discrimination in health care, expanding self-directed wound care support and coverage for supplies, expanding access to drug checking and test strips, and supporting low-barrier services such as mobile vans and drop-in centers. Commission members asked about first responder awareness, medical education, and whether harm reduction services might face federal restrictions; Calvert said misinformation remains a problem and noted ongoing training efforts, including collaboration with public safety agencies. Several other speakers reinforced the need for low-barrier care and drug checking. Dr. Raghini Jala, an infectious disease and addiction medicine physician, said xylazine has become a common component of the unregulated opioid supply and urged support for rapid-response education teams, community-based drug checking, and better hospital and detox protocols for xylazine withdrawal and wounds. Recovery coach Alan Young testified from lived experience, describing severe wounds, fear of inadequate withdrawal treatment in emergency settings, and the value of mobile care vans that can provide methadone, buprenorphine, and wound care in the community. Dr. Sarah Wakeman echoed the need for naloxone, rescue breathing, low-threshold treatment, and non-stigmatizing health care settings, while Sarah Macon of the Boston Public Health Commission described Boston’s harm reduction and drug checking work, including on-site testing, wound care, and a decline in opioid mortality. Tracy Green of the Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream explained that xylazine has declined in recent samples while metatomidine is rising, said drug checking is increasingly used but still not enough, and argued for more funding, staffing, and statewide access to real-time drug checking and harm reduction services.