Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Senators questions. Senator DL, hi.
• Uh, Senators questions. Senator DL, hi.
• Senator Dco? please excuse Senator Richards. I... Senator FLL? hi.
• Senator dco pleas excuse Senator Senator dco pleas excuse Senator Richards<00:20:42.360> I
• Senator fukunaga excuse Senator vote Yes Senator fukunaga excuse Senator roads<00:27:45.360> hi

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first heard Senate Bill 151 relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and geothermal development on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL and Ulupono Initiative testified in strong support, saying the measure would help advance clean energy goals, create economic opportunities, and support DHHL’s mission. Fine Electric also supported the bill. Several members of the public testified in opposition, raising concerns about consultation with beneficiaries, water impacts, land issues, and the scale of the proposed spending. In response to questions, DHHL staff explained slimhole drilling, the permitting distinctions between water exploration and geothermal exploration, and said prior studies and geophysical testing had been done. The chair then recommended passage with amendments, including SMA technical amendments, a directive to establish a permitted interaction group to study geothermal options, removal of the appropriation language, and a new effective date. The committees adopted the recommendation and passed SB 151 with amendments, with one senator voting no and several excused. The joint committees then took up Senate Bill 371 on property damage to critical infrastructure facilities. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill with amendments, recommending broader critical infrastructure language to cover systems such as transportation, gas, power, water, and oil, and suggesting additional changes to improve prosecution. Utility and other supporters also testified in favor. The chairs proposed adopting the AG’s amendments except one, and further expanding the bill to make manslaughter explicit when a death results from disruption of critical infrastructure, and to add water as a covered infrastructure category. The committees adopted the amended recommendation and passed SB 371 with amendments. Finally, the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee heard Senate Bill 585 on special purpose revenue bonds for Bana Pacific. The Attorney General noted a possible issue with the company’s entity status and the bill title, but Bana Pacific stated it was in the process of converting from an LLC to a corporation and was satisfied with the title. The State Energy Office supported the concept, and Bana Pacific described the project as an integrated biogas and green hydrogen facility that would support energy security, create jobs, and reduce emissions. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 964 on waste-to-energy, where the State Energy Office offered supportive comments but many testifiers opposed the measure, arguing incineration is costly, polluting, and inferior to recycling. Written testimony showed more opposition than support, and public testimony focused on environmental and cost concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we have a visiting senator, Senator F, asked to come in, so please, Senator F, District 20,
• Linda Kalani Sonoda P. in support. a visiting Senator Senator flla asked to a visiting Senator Senator
• uh Senator F C in so please Senator uh Senator F District<00:13:53.880> 20<00:13:54.759> ever
• Senator Ihara, excuse. Senator K. Col, aye. Senator Deart, aye.
• > I<01:17:09.199> Senator ihar excuse Senator K col I Senator ihar excuse Senator K col

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs opened its first meeting of the 33rd Legislature with housekeeping announcements, including live streaming, a two-minute testimony limit, and notice that the committee would reconvene later if technical problems forced an early adjournment. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that written testimony was already on file and that public testimony would be taken measure by measure. On SB 109, which concerns the relationship between Hawaiian and English versions of state laws, the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that broadly allowing the Hawaiian text to supersede English could create ambiguity, and recommended narrowing the bill to laws originally drafted in Hawaiian that were never later amended in English. The Judiciary supported the bill, saying it reinforces Hawaiian as an official language, while OHA and several individuals also supported it. Testimony in support emphasized the importance of honoring Hawaiian language and preventing it from being treated as secondary. The committee then heard SB 268 on burial councils and SB 269 on the OHA budget. SB 268 drew strong support from OHA-related witnesses and many members of the public, who said burial council quorum problems and delays have hindered protection of iwi kupuna; one Moka representative opposed the bill, arguing the island had not been adequately consulted and that the real issue was the state process rather than council size. SB 269 received support from OHA and public testifiers who said OHA should be strengthened and better funded to serve Native Hawaiian needs. The committee also heard SB 624 relating to Prince Jonah Kūhiō, with DHHL and OHA supporting the measure to display portraits of Prince Kūhiō in public buildings; testifiers said the bill would promote cultural pride, education, and recognition of his legacy. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• me as Senate President, and for the past two years I've been Senate President.
• District, which is Senate District 60, where Senator DIC [questionable] held from, is a heavy DFL district
• because the Senate District uh which<00:02:49.000> is<00:02:49.120> Senate<00:02:49.440
• which is Senate District 60 where Senator<00:02:50.879> DIC<00:02:51.879> uh<00:02:52.159
• her death one of the things that Senator her death one of the things that Senator di<00:03:01.400

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on Minnesota Senate power-sharing after the chamber split evenly between DFLers and Republicans, leading to a temporary arrangement with two co-presiding officers instead of a single Senate President. Senator Bobby Joe Champion described the arrangement as historic but practical, noting that he and Senator Jeremy Miller both have prior leadership experience and mutual respect, which helps the Senate operate smoothly at the start of session. He said the agreement is intended to keep the Senate functioning while the seat in Senate District 60 remains vacant and until the 34th vote is restored. Champion said the power-sharing agreement will end once the tie is broken and the Senate regains a majority, after which one of the co-presiding officers will become Senate President. He expressed hope that he would hold that role, but emphasized that the broader goal is to keep the chamber focused on people-centered policymaking rather than partisan numbers. He also said some elements of the agreement, especially those that encourage closer collaboration, may continue even after the tie is resolved. The senator highlighted bipartisanship, committee balance, and working relationships across party lines as key features of the arrangement. He pointed to his role as co-chair of jobs and economic development and said he expects continued cooperation with Republican lead Senator Draheim on issues affecting Minnesotans. Throughout the interview, Champion framed the moment as an opportunity to “meet the moment” with leadership, citing the importance of how the Senate handles challenge and controversy.

Transcript Highlights:

• you Senator France uh Senator Senator Senator Port<00:19:55.480> thank<00:19:55.640> you
• you Senator report uh Senator Senator Senator gruenhagen<00:21:39.600> oh<00:21:39.799> thank
• :00:20.039> can first or Senator France Senator fren can first or Senator France Senator fren
• Lucero: yes Senator Drazkowski: yes Senator Port: no Senator Hoffman: no Senator Weber: yes Senator
• > Senator no Senator no Senator Ric Ric Ric yes<02:02:21.920> Senator<02:02:22.360>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Energy Committee heard Senate File 426, authored by Senator Icorn, which would remove the 100-megawatt cap on hydropower for purposes of qualifying as an eligible energy technology under Minnesota law. Supporters said hydropower is carbon-free, reliable, flexible baseload power that can help Minnesota meet its 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2040. Testifiers from Missouri River Energy Services and Minnesota Power described existing hydropower resources, including allocations from federal Missouri River dams, Minnesota hydro stations, and Manitoba Hydro, and argued that the bill would preserve and expand options for clean energy development. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s purpose and potential environmental impacts. Senator McEwen questioned why the size limit should be removed without specific proposed projects or more information about the need for larger dams, citing concerns about fisheries, water resources, and land use. Senator Port and others asked about costs, environmental effects, and where new projects might be built. In response, supporters said the bill is intended to open the door to future projects and allow agencies to review proposals through existing permitting and environmental processes, rather than approving any specific dam. Committee members offered mixed reactions. Senator Frentz said he supported the concept but recommended laying the bill over for further discussion and possibly sending it to the Environment Committee, noting environmental concerns and the need for more conversation. Senator Gruenhagen strongly supported the bill, arguing that it merely lifts a cap while leaving permitting and review requirements in place. Senator Hoffman also supported the bill, saying current policy blocks consideration of new projects and that the change would allow regulators to evaluate proposals on their merits. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the bill was left open for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Rheim. We have Senator Dames, and then Senator ... Well, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Thank you, Senator Prince and Senator Pratt. Thank you, Mr.
• Senator Wicklund, you're done, so Senator Draheim and I have Senator Pratt, but Senator Murphy before—go
• done so Senator dreim and I have Senator done so Senator dreim and I have Senator Pratt<01:37:08.880
• <01:44:12.000> Pratt<01:44:12.960> Senator spent sen M okay Senator Pratt Senator spent

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met on January 9, 2025, to focus on internal controls, fraud prevention, and legislative oversight of state agencies. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall explained Minnesota’s internal control framework, based on the GAO Green Book, and described five core controls: assigning responsibility, separating duties, restricting access, maintaining policies and procedures, and keeping records. She tied each control to examples from recent audits, including DHS’s Medicaid provider debt recovery, the Minnesota State Academies’ travel reimbursement issue, privileged access at the Minnesota State Lottery, missing mileage-verification procedures at the Board of Firefighter Training and Education, and weak documentation in the Board on Aging’s senior nutrition program. Deputy Legislative Auditor Jod Mson Rodriguez then presented a new follow-up report on implementation of prior recommendations from 2022 through 2024, including special reviews. She said the office gathers agency documentation, evaluates progress, and categorizes recommendations from implemented to not applicable, while noting that some items require more work to verify and that this reflects OLA capacity rather than agency performance. Examples included the Department of Commerce, where some policy changes were verified but further work would be needed to confirm consistent investigator compliance, and the Metropolitan Council, where more data analysis would be needed to determine whether bonus payments were properly earned. She also noted that a legislature-directed recommendation to require grant manager training had not been implemented. Overall, OLA reported that state agencies had implemented or partially implemented close to 70% of its recommendations, while the legislature had implemented or partially implemented about 40% of recommendations from the last three years. Members generally praised the office’s work and discussed how agencies respond after reports are issued. Senator Westrom raised concerns about a recent media report on alleged fraud in CCAP, and Randall said OLA was aware of the issue but could not discuss details. Senator Draheim asked about post-report agency engagement, and Randall and Rodriguez said follow-up varies, with some agencies seeking private meetings and others engaging less, but that the follow-up process often prompts further discussion and improvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Senator Dibble, and Mr. Chair, Senator Jasinski.
• Thank you, Senator M. Thank you, thank you for that, Senator M.
• Thank you, Senator M. Thank you, thank you for that, Senator M.
• Thank you, Senator M. Thank you, thank you for that, Senator M.
• Chair and Senator?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on January 29, 2025, to hear the Metropolitan Council’s presentation on the Governor’s proposed agency budget requests. The Council outlined three main budget items: authorization to advance funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway project with arterial bus rapid transit construction; a proposal to make free regular-route transit rides permanent for eligible Metro Mobility riders, after a successful pilot that produced nearly 75,000 rides; and a reduction in general fund support for rail operations, which the Council said it could absorb in the near term. The Council also noted it was seeking $15 million in the bonding bill for bus rapid transit, including support for the H Line, and described other capital requests for an infill/infiltration program and regional parks. Council leadership said the advance-funds proposal would let two projects move together more efficiently, reduce disruption, and potentially lower costs by avoiding repeated reconstruction and maintenance. On the Metro Mobility fare pilot, they said the lower fare increased rider freedom and spontaneity while saving state money because fixed-route service is cheaper than individual Metro Mobility trips. On the general fund reduction, they said the agency is expanding service, opening the Gold Line, B Line, and E Line, and can manage the cut because of its diversified revenue sources, though it could affect future expansion. Senator Nelson raised concerns about the proposal to expand the Right-of-Way Acquisition Loan Fund to include regional parks and trails, warning that the legislation should clearly avoid creating condemnation authority for park or trail projects, especially where they are adjacent to MnDOT projects. Council staff responded that the program would finance local acquisitions rather than give the Met Council condemnation power, and said they would take the concern under advisement and ensure the legislation is carefully drafted. Members also discussed federal funding uncertainty; Council officials said federal transit operating support is about $30 million and that a pause or cut could affect future capital projects and some existing awards, while the region’s diversified funding base would help cushion operations. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Both of the Senate's co-president, DFL Senator Bobby Joe Champion, was elected as the Senate President
• last session, while Republican Senator Jeremy Miller was the President of the Senate from 2019 through
• Now, Senator, I know that you know one day you're in charge, the next day DFL Senator Bobby Joe Champion
• in the Senate um the Senate<00:02:40.000> has<00:02:40.159> a<00:02:40.400> a<00
• Senator, thank you for that.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senator Jeremy Miller discussed the Minnesota Senate’s new power-sharing arrangement with DFL Senator Bobby Joe Champion, describing it as a historic opportunity to restore cooperation after what he said were difficult and trust-losing last sessions. He said co-presiding officers should not slow progress, argued that the Senate has a tradition of respectful dialogue, and said his goal is to help rebuild relationships and focus on what is best for Minnesotans rather than partisan interests. Miller said he has heard positive feedback from constituents and emphasized that Minnesota is a “purple state” that expects balance and collaboration. He also said the legislature should address a looming budget deficit by reining in spending, reviewing the budget line by line, and targeting waste, fraud, and abuse, which he said could help create room for tax relief. He framed his legacy goal as cooperation and working together across party lines, saying he and Champion were entrusted by colleagues to lead in the best interest of the Senate and the state. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken in the interview.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, you are correct.
• correctly Senator correctly Senator Lance<00:33:54.600> Senator<00:33:55.000> Lance
• We'll move on to Senate File 7. Senate File 7. Senator Latz, Mr.
• Senator Westrom, thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Senator Kwan.
• Senator Westrom, thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Senator Kwan.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 308. Senator Jess Kowski, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Drazkowski, Senator Hauschild, Senator D. Dibble?
• Drazkowski, Senator Hauschild, and Senator S.
• But I do want to thank Senator Dibble, Senator Weber, and Senator Nelson for once again supporting the
• > Nelson<01:07:46.799> uh Weber and Senator and Senator Nelson uh Weber and Senator and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:17.640> Senator<00:03:18.599> uh<00:03:19.280> uh Senator Senator uh uh Senator
• Going to Senator Muhammad and then Senator Abeler.
• Going to Senator Muhammad and then Senator Abeler.
• > AER Programs Senator rason and Senator AER Programs Senator rason and Senator AER andless<00:58
• <00:58:45.720> Senator andless Senator no you're good Senator andless Senator no you're good Senator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Nelson.
• Thank you, Senator Nelson.
• Thank you, Senator Nelson.
• Senator Pratt, thank you, Mr. Chair. And, thank you, Senator Pratt.
• Thank you, Senator Pratt.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to introduce Senate Bill 158 on behalf of Senator Dan Enis.
• Thank you for your consideration of Senate Bill 158. Senate Bill 158 on behalf of Senator Dan Enis.
• Senator Lang, representing Senate District 2, said the bill is simple.
• Senator Sullivan.
• Motion on consent: Senator Murphy's motion, second by Senator Fenton.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to introduce Senate Bill 123.
• Good morning, Senator Birdell, Senator Roosa for Senator Apprentice, and Senator Long.
• 16:39.279> apprentice<00:16:39.680> and Senator Roosa for Senator apprentice and Senator
• > Senator<00:57:26.960> Bill Ganon thank you senator um Senator Bill Ganon thank you senator
• Senator Burzell, thank you very much for pinch-hitting for Senator Avard and Senator Avard.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• no Senator abler yes Senor a i Senator no Senator abler yes Senor a i Senator Balden<01:58:45.159
• > Senator<01:58:48.400> icorn Balden no Senator Balon no Senator icorn Balden no Senator
• I Senator hosch child I Senator hosch child child child I<01:58:56.520> Senator I Senator I Senator
• > Senator no Senator man no Senator man no Senator no Senator man no Senator man no Senator Miller
• Senator Miller, yes. Senator Miller, yes. Senator Miller, yes. Senator Wesenberg, I.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Chang here. Senator DeCoite here. Senator Dort here. Senator Dela Cruz here.
• Senator Elefante here. Senator Fevella here. Senator Fukunaga here. Senator Gabbard here.
• Senator Hashimoto here. Senator Ihara excused. Senator Inouye present. Senator Kanuha here.
• Senator Keohokalole here. Senator Kidani excused. Senator Kim. Senator Lee. Senator McKelvie.
• Hi, Senator Moriwaki. Senator Richards excused. Senator San Buenaventura. Senator Wakai. Mr.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Chair Dela Cruz, Vice Chair Moriwaki, and honorable members of the Senate Committee on
• Yes, and follow up to Senator Kim's question, Director and Deputy Director, two-part question: is there
• denante yes and follow up to Senator denante yes and follow up to Senator Kim's<00:16:34.319>
• Kim is saying so the placees senator Kim is saying so that<00:33:24.720> we<00:33:24.840>
• you are absolutely right I think Senator you are absolutely right I<01:06:05.200> think<01:06

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, Senator, thank you.
• The result would... livon yeah Senator I'm I don't know if livon yeah Senator I'm I don't know if I'd
• behind me could um good morning Senators behind me could um good morning Senators my<01:02:06.279
• <01:27:07.159> Claire send a special thanks to Senator Claire send a special thanks to Senator
• Heights were very proud that Senator Heights were very proud that Senator kunesh<01:35:25.239> represents

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:43:07.400> Senator members could could I Senator Senator members could could I Senator
• Thank you, Senator Weber.
• Thank you, Senator Weber.
• Thank you, Senator Weber. Senator Anderson, you have a motion on Senate File 553? Mr.
• Senator Anderson, you have a motion on Senate File 553? Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To the right of me: Vice Chair Wai, Senator Fukunaga, and Senator Kim.
• Senator Senator and<00:01:52.320> okay<00:01:52.840> um<00:01:53.759> so<00:01:
• Yes, Senator, thank you.
• noi and Senator earmarks from Senator noi and Senator aaka<01:16:59.520> on<01:16:59.719>
• Go ahead, Senator. You done? Senator, thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Keywords: 927, senate, all