Transcript Highlights:

• Partners at DHS submitted a proposal, and which was funded.
• incarcerated and then Partners at uh DHS incarcerated and then Partners at uh DHS uh<00:49:37.960
• And I'm suggesting to you it's a chronic problem; maybe it's a DHS funding thing or whatever, but if
• And I'm suggesting to you it's a chronic problem; maybe it's a DHS funding thing or whatever, but if
• I'd have to turn over to DHS as the main payer.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• refer it to the DHS OIG and perhaps work with them.
• So I think of DHS OIG, which is embedded in DHS, and let's say they're looking at complaints related
• So I think of DHS OIG, which is embedded in DHS, and let's say they're looking at complaints related
• So I think of DHS OIG, which is embedded in DHS, and let's say they're looking at complaints related
• So I think of DHS OIG, which is embedded in DHS, and let's say they're looking at complaints related

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate File 563, a bill to change the board makeup of the Northern Koochiching Area Sanitary District. Senator Hild said the proposal had been heard the previous year and had broad support from local officials and stakeholders. Cali Briggs, the district’s executive director, explained that the board structure no longer reflected current populations and sewer service patterns: International Falls now holds six of eight seats after earlier consolidations, while East Koochiching has grown through sewer expansions and should receive additional representation. The bill would reduce the board to seven members, with International Falls having three seats, East Koochiching two, Rainier one, and one at-large member chosen by the board. The committee raised no substantive objections, and Senator Gustafson moved the bill to pass and go to general orders; the motion prevailed. Members then briefly joked about the topic and moved on to an overview from the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall described the office as a nonpartisan legislative branch agency serving both chambers, with a mission of strengthening oversight, promoting accountability, and producing objective, useful reports. She outlined the office’s structure, including financial audits, program evaluations, and a growing special reviews unit, and explained the Legislative Audit Commission’s role in appointing the auditor and selecting program evaluation topics. Randall also emphasized the office’s broad access to records and data, its independence, and its responsibility to protect nonpublic information. Randall answered questions about the office’s authority over entities such as the University of Minnesota, explaining that OLA has audit authority there but often relies on the university’s internal audit function and can also conduct special reviews and program evaluations. She noted that public employees are required to cooperate and that subpoenas are available if needed, though the office prefers to maintain cooperative relationships. Special Reviews Director Katherine Tyson then described how her unit handles complaints and allegations involving misuse of public funds, data, or noncompliance with law, including preliminary assessments, communications with complainants and agencies, and deeper reviews when warranted. She said allegations and reports have increased steadily, with 481 received from 2020 through 2024 and nearly 10 per week on average last year, contributing to a heavier workload for her small team.

Transcript Highlights:

• It involves many systems in DHS because we have within DHS and DCAF now multiple systems that impact
• The systems in DHS because we have within DHS and DCAF now multiple systems that impact the counting
• DHS in here saying um we want to make DHS in here saying um we want to make this<02:32:08.960> a
• <02:34:11.040> and FTEES that are in the bill for DHS and FTEES that are in the bill for DHS
• Because DHS, I've seen fiscal notes. Oh, it's going to cost X amount.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All are from DHS.
• Sarah Cunningham, Office of Procurement with DHS. Hey, good morning.
• Lori McDonald, Chief of Staff, DHS. Good morning. Thank you so much for joining us.
• But we did not know for certain what the cost would be on the state side, on the DHS side.

Summary: The committee reviewed three DHS service contracts: a $690,000-plus sole-source contract for DCFS with Evident Change for maintenance and operation of the Child Welfare Structured Decision-Making Assessment tools; a $1.2 million contract with Sifter Solutions for a SNAP waiver compliance solution and related app; and a $156,000 contract with Samaritan Integrative Services for psychiatric services at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center. Staff said the Evident Change contract was needed to keep daily safety risk assessments, case planning, and reunification tools functioning, and that the vendor’s proprietary system made it sole source. Members questioned DHS about reliance on the vendor, the lack of an off-ramp, whether the state was paying more or less annually, and why the contracts were not aligned on the same cycle. DHS and the vendor said the new Evident Change contract was limited to maintenance and operations, that no additional services or employees were being added, and that the broader CQI/review contract would come up separately later. For the SNAP waiver contract, DHS explained that the waiver is intended to exclude certain unhealthy foods from SNAP purchases to improve nutritional value, and that Sifter Solutions would provide a dynamic list for retailers and an app for clients to check products by barcode. DHS said the contract is sole source because it is tied to the waiver implementation and because the vendor can provide the needed dynamic list and education features. Staff said the contract would be funded with remaining federal SNAP Nutrition Education dollars that would otherwise revert to the federal government, and that the University of Pennsylvania would conduct the evaluation at no cost. Members asked about the public benefit, future renewals, and whether the state would own the application; DHS said the two-year term was designed to match the waiver period and allow time to reassess future procurement options. Members also asked about the nutrition education component, and DHS said it is developing videos with a nutritionist on preparing budget-friendly healthy meals and plans to link them to the app and website. After discussion, no objections were raised, and the items were reported as reviewed. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, the topic originally for today was we had invited Commissioner Jodi Harpstead from DHS to come
• So, um, the topic originally for today was that we had invited Commissioner Jodi Harpstead from DHS to
• Are most of those whistleblowers coming from one particular agency, like DHS, or what does that look
• Certainly DHS has—we've been in contact with people there—but it's not only state agencies.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Representative Kristin Robbins, chair of the new House Fraud and State Agency Oversight Committee, said the committee’s first public hearing was canceled and used the meeting to outline its planned work. She said the committee had invited DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead to discuss fraud during her tenure, but Harpstead declined, and the committee instead planned to hear from Bill Glan of the Center of the American Experiment about his fraud and waste tracker. Robbins framed the committee’s mission as oversight of state government fraud, citing the Feeding Our Future case and other ongoing investigations, and said the work was not partisan. Robbins said the committee would also hold hearings on specific areas such as CCAP and medical transportation, along with other issues raised by whistleblowers. She said she had heard from at least two dozen whistleblowers in the prior week, including people from multiple state agencies and private-sector grant administrators, and described efforts to protect their confidentiality. She also said she is authoring a bill to expand whistleblower protections and that the committee is setting up a whistleblower portal. In response to questions, Robbins said she had a private meeting scheduled with Harpstead before her departure from office and said the committee could schedule another hearing if the House is able to meet with a quorum. She said she hoped for bipartisan participation, emphasized that neither party wants taxpayer money wasted, and said the committee would continue meeting and organizing hearings as soon as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• Within a month of starting at DHS, I began reorganizing the division, bringing in a new deputy director
• The state would be there, DHS would be there, and they'd bring the surveyors too.
• Years ago, I believe DHS sort of linked into the CMS system and did those stars.
• But if there's a complaint brought that that facility was in violation of one of the DHS regulations,
• Do you believe that any DHS regulation would prohibit conversion therapy? I'm not aware of any.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we're getting into that and working now, not just with DOD but with DHS, and there's a lot of exciting
• We found $63.6 million in question costs at DHS alone.
• an investigative audit at DHS.
• DHS set on these funds for about 18 months.
• And somebody at DHS saw it and said this is not calculated correctly.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So in general, when DHS is working with actuaries to set their rates for the coming year, they're using
• So in general, when DHS is working with actuaries to set their rates for the coming year, they're using
• So in general what when when<00:35:42.960> DHS<00:35:43.520> is<00:35:43.839> working
• with actuaries to when DHS is working with actuaries to set<00:35:45.680> their<00:35:45.839>
• Do you have any way of knowing if fraud contributed to the rise of costs in DHS programs?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Aaron Campbell, State Economist Dr. Tony Becker, and State Budget Director Anna Mingi presented the November 2025 budget and economic forecast. Campbell said the state now projects a nearly $2.5 billion surplus at the end of the 2026-27 biennium, about $575 million better than the end-of-session estimate, but also a projected negative balance of about $2.9 billion in FY 2028-29, reflecting a worsening structural imbalance. He said the budget reserve stands at $3.4 billion, with cash flow and budget reserves totaling $3.8 billion after a $244 million addition, and emphasized that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy remain strengths even as future sessions will need to address the long-term gap. Becker said the national economic outlook has changed only modestly since February, but growth remains below trend through the forecast horizon. He cited slower consumer spending, weak private investment, continued tariff uncertainty, lower projected immigration, and modest inflation that stays near 3% through 2026 before easing. Revenue forecasts for the next biennium were revised up to $66.3 billion, driven mainly by higher individual income tax receipts and other revenue, partly offset by lower sales and corporate tax forecasts. He also noted risks from federal policy changes, the recent shutdown’s effect on data availability, and possible equity market volatility. Mingi said general fund spending is projected to rise sharply, with current biennium spending up $3.4 billion from end-of-session estimates and planning-year spending up $1.9 billion. She attributed much of the increase to carryforward from prior one-time appropriations, discretionary inflation, and especially Medical Assistance. MA costs are projected to be about $2.5 billion higher over 2025-29, largely because managed care rates rose more than expected due to higher utilization and higher-cost services, including pharmacy costs, while long-term care and disability waiver costs also increased. In response to questions, officials said the federal reconciliation bill had only a relatively small effect on the health care changes, and that the carryforward amounts reflect unspent prior appropriations that now show up in later years rather than new spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• during that hearing we gathered some information and then it was explored afterwards in regards with DHS
• 31.120> with was explored afterwards in regards with was explored afterwards in regards with DHS
• <00:15:34.880> Is<00:15:35.120> that DHS and in an exemption piece.
• Is that DHS and in an exemption piece.
• food protection statutes in in DHS. food protection statutes in in DHS.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee met in work session on retained House Bill 396, which would exempt meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared in-state for in-state sale from certain inspections. The discussion centered on the bill’s conflict with federal law and whether any state action could help small farmers process and sell cuts of meat locally. Representative Comtois argued the current federal system unfairly burdens New Hampshire farmers and consumers, while committee members and witnesses repeatedly noted that federal action would likely be required. Mr. Johnson explained that the committee’s prior resolution asked USDA to allow small and very small slaughter plants to use custom-exempt criteria with a third-party inspector, and said discussions had been held with federal offices, but no change had been secured. Members and witnesses described the practical limits facing small producers, including the scarcity of USDA-inspected facilities in New Hampshire, long booking lead times, and the cost of shipping animals out of state. Representative German and others noted that slaughter schedules and seasonal grazing patterns make compliance difficult for smaller farms. Farm Bureau representatives said they were continuing to educate federal officials, but that the USDA secretary’s visit to a local operation had been rejected. They also explained that one local operation can process USDA-inspected meat, but that still involves federal inspection. Several members asked about possible exemptions, workarounds, or whether a state bill would be needed if federal relief were granted; the response was that a federal exemption or rule change would be sufficient and no state action would then be required. The committee also heard broader policy views. Senator Dan Innis said there was strong Senate support for helping small farms and that the issue is mainly federal overreach and economics, not food safety, while acknowledging the risk of federal enforcement against farmers. He compared the issue to other federal-state conflicts and said the current law reflects outdated concerns from the early meatpacking era. Members discussed whether the bill should be amended to include limits on the number of animals processed, similar to poultry rules, to make it more politically viable. No vote was taken during the work session, and the bill remained under discussion for possible amendment before the retained-bill deadline.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was an issue brought up over the weekend that DHS brought up, and I am running that down right
• , and instructs DHS to create a certificate of necessity application portal.
• So updating the system that DHS uses to be more transparent for the user is part of that aspect.
• I believe DHS is here to speak on it as well, but like I said, I know that there is one portion that
• So updating the system that DHS uses to be more transparent for the user is part of that aspect.

Bills: HB2118, HB2181, HB2308, HB2309, HB2402, HB2476, HB2682, HB2698, HB2875, HB2877, HB2903, HB2910

Keywords: mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, HB2181, death certificate, death certificates, vital records, funeral establishment, funeral home, human remains, medical certification of death, death registration, state registrar, local registrar, county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner

Summary: The House Commerce Committee heard and advanced several bills. HB 2181, as amended, would extend the deadline for funeral establishments to submit death certificates from 7 days to a maximum of 14 days and clarify that a provider’s medical certification period excludes weekends and holidays. The sponsor and a mortuary owner testified that the current timeline is often difficult to meet because of weekends, holidays, doctor availability, county delays, and family circumstances. Several members said the bill did not fully address the underlying compliance problems, but the committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 6-4-1. HB 2682 would create a DES rental assistance program offering up to two months or $5,000 in aid, with a $5 million general fund appropriation for administration. The sponsor and a tenant advocate described the bill as a short-term bridge to prevent eviction and homelessness, while an industry representative said rental assistance is an effective early intervention tool. Some members raised concerns about limiting eligibility to households with children and about program administration, but the bill passed 7-4. HB 2698 would create a rental assistance study committee to evaluate program effectiveness and repeal in 2028; it passed on a 7-4 vote. HB 2476 would revise CPA certification and reciprocity requirements, creating multiple pathways to licensure and updating related rules and fees. Supporters said it would help address a CPA shortage and align Arizona with other states; after clarification from the sponsor and the State Board of Accountancy, the committee passed it unanimously, 11-0. The committee then heard HB 2308, which would bar dental insurers and certain holding companies from owning dental practices; the Arizona Dental Association supported it as a safeguard against vertical integration, while Delta Dental opposed it as overbroad and burdensome. The bill passed 8-0-3. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 2118 on mobile food vendors and local permitting, with the sponsor and food truck operators arguing for streamlined county/state licensing and reduced local duplication, while a vendor representative warned the proposal could affect existing local ordinances and private-property vendors.

Transcript Highlights:

• I filed a formal appeal with DHS, but lost.
• DHS but lost.
• I was told while DHS DHS but lost.
• eyewitness to the incident and a DHS eyewitness to the incident and a DHS finding<00:38:35.440><
• And then happening between DHS and DCYF.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm still waiting to hear back from DHS I'm still waiting to hear back from DHS on<05:59:24.638>
• authority and transfer it over to DHS. authority and transfer it over to DHS. and<05:59:36.160><
• <06:00:49.120> Three cycle for DHS is three years. Three cycle for DHS is three years.
• We could not ask them any from DHS.
• and licensing by DHS. and licensing by DHS. And Thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Municipal and County Government Committee met in executive session on February 17, 2026, to act on a series of bills. Early in the meeting, members agreed that they could consult the online submission summaries rather than have changing submission counts read aloud. The committee then took up House Bill 1386, which would have allowed citizens in a municipality to vote to require a financial audit of a local school district. Members opposing the bill argued that school districts already have audit authority and reporting requirements under existing law, and that the proposal was unnecessary and potentially burdensome. The committee voted 17-0 to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate, placing it on the consent calendar. The committee next considered House Bill 1181FN on public hearing notice requirements for zoning board of adjustment appeals. Members who opposed the bill said newspaper publication provides independent third-party verification and archival value, and that removing that requirement would weaken public notice. The committee voted 17-0 ITL and sent the bill to the consent calendar. It also voted 17-0 ITL on House Bill 1327, concerning the definition of commercially zoned land, largely because the sponsor was absent and members said they could not do due diligence without hearing from the sponsor. The committee then acted on House Bill 1473FN, concerning the use of agricultural fairground property, and House Bill 1147, concerning the use of capital reserve funds. In both cases, members cited the sponsor’s absence and the need for more information as reasons to recommend inexpedient to legislate; both votes were 17-0 and both bills were placed on the consent calendar. House Bill 1220, which would have allowed municipal governing bodies to review and approve school budgets, was also recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after members raised concerns about local control, legal conflicts between separate entities, and technical drafting problems. The committee recommended ought to pass on House Bill 118, which raises the amount of money municipal treasurers may hold before depositing it in the bank, with supporters saying the higher threshold would reduce unnecessary trips to the bank and improve efficiency. It also recommended ought to pass on House Bill 1151, a housekeeping bill correcting statutory references related to conservation commission appropriations, and it approved House Bill 1309 as amended after adopting Amendment 2026-0411H to clarify town meeting warrant language. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1385, prohibiting negative property tax rates in certain municipalities, and recommended ITL by a 17-0 vote after testimony indicated the practice at issue had already ended and that a blanket prohibition could create problems for municipalities with excess revenues. The committee also began work on House Bill 1369, relating to posting warrants for special town meetings, and discussed an amendment to preserve newspaper notice while also allowing website posting where available.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there anyone here from DHS who could help Representative Gordon with this question?
• Paul have some distancing requirements in place today for certain DHS licensed facilities.
• Paul have some distancing requirements in place today for certain DHS licensed facilities.
• <01:19:58.240> licensed today for certain DHS licensed today for certain DHS licensed facilities
• <01:20:12.280> and proximity requirements to both DHS and proximity requirements to both DHS

Bills: HF4110, HF4101, HF4144, HF3546

Keywords: workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, medical assistance, data matching, eligibility, reporting, human services, assisted living, health regulations, inspection authority, vulnerable adults, local government, program integrity, high-risk providers, enrollment requirements, fraud prevention, compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• bill is really just a technical adjustment, and it doesn't affect the administration of benefits by DHS
• We've worked with DHS and DCF on this proposal and don't really have any concerns; they are generally
• We've worked with DHS and DCF on this proposal and don't really have any concerns; they are generally
• We've worked with DHS and DCF on this proposal and don't really have any concerns; they are generally
• We've worked with DHS and DCF on this proposal and don't really have any concerns; they are generally

Bills: HF1662, HF1224, HF1836, HF1367, HF1168, HF1999, HF1792, HF102, HF2127, HF104

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, foreclosure

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just want to thank the DHS team. They have been good to work with.
• I am the statewide clinical director with the Behavioral Health Clinics with DHS.
• This was conducted by DHS, myself as clinical director with the clinics, as well as Dr.
• In 2009, DHS was required to complete a study of the reimbursement system.
• Presentation by DHS. Chris is coming back up. Okay. Okay. Hi.

Summary: The committee first heard an update on North Dakota’s Interagency Council on Homelessness and Continuum of Care funding. Jennifer Henderson of the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported that homelessness remains driven by tight housing markets, low incomes, rising rents, and barriers to rental assistance, public benefits, and disability determinations. She said the state’s one-time North Dakota Homeless Grant is serving all regions but reaches far fewer households than the former Rent Help program, and that aging homelessness, shelter staffing shortages, and limited affordable units are growing concerns. Members discussed the need for more housing supply, better coordination with Health and Human Services, landlord engagement, reentry housing, and possible continued one-time funding for the $10 million Homeless Grant and $25 million Housing Incentive Fund. Henderson also warned that federal Continuum of Care funding is uncertain, with HUD expected to issue a new notice June 1 and possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing toward transitional housing and other models. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described the school’s services for infants, children, and adults, including screenings, mobility training, assistive technology, and outreach across the state. He said the agency works closely with Vocational Rehabilitation and is also involved in improving website and document accessibility, especially for PDF materials. Public testimony highlighted barriers such as inaccessible CAPTCHA systems, online forms, driver’s license requirements on job applications, and limited transportation in rural areas. A deaf resident urged broader use of video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training so people know how to use them effectively. Finally, Kay Larson presented the final report on the child care provider licensing study. The report recommended streamlining North Dakota’s child care licensing structure into three provider types plus a preschool designation, while preserving health and safety standards and maintaining eligibility for child care assistance. The committee discussed simplifying training and qualification rules, revising ratio and group-size requirements, and adjusting age bands for infants and toddlers. The report also noted that some changes would require statutory amendments and later administrative rule changes, with a transition period likely extending through 2029. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, but the committee accepted the updates and scheduled follow-up presentations for a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once that's approved and you get approval from DHS, you get to start your project.
• Once that's approved and you get approval from DHS, you get to start your project.
• think<00:02:14.040> it's approval from um I think it's approval from um I think it's DHS
• um you get to start your project DHS um you get to start your project once<00:02:18.080> your
• can explain a staff or someone from DHS can explain a little<00:04:18.479> bit<00:04:19.000><

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

Transcript Highlights:

• People like a quote financial compliance lead at DHS whose literal job was to ensure that rules are followed
• People like a quote financial compliance lead at DHS whose literal job was to ensure that rules are followed
• Just two months ago, the legislative auditor revealed that multiple DHS employees, not just one or two
• Just two months ago, the legislative auditor revealed that multiple DHS employees, not just one or two
• Just two months ago, the legislative auditor revealed that multiple DHS employees, not just one or two

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Biden administration and former DHS Secretary Mayorkas deliberately ignored the painful connection
• So I'm going to submit to the hearing record a DHS Office of Inspector General report entitled The Coast
• The DHS-OIG estimated that the Coast Guard could have interdicted up to an additional 89 metric tons
• But primarily, when I talk to my DEA, DHS partners, it's that we're catching a fraction of the illegal
• I would certainly defer to our partners. at DHS, which would be the source of that statistic, but yes

Keywords: Coast Guard, maritime drug enforcement, illegal drugs, fentanyl crisis, legislative reforms, public testimony

Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation addressed critical issues surrounding maritime drug enforcement and the Coast Guard's role in stopping the influx of illegal drugs. The chairman highlighted the alarming consequences of current policies allowing drugs to cross borders, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms, such as the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025. There was an intense discussion regarding the operational challenges faced by the Coast Guard, which has recently made significant drug seizures, indicating progress but also revealing gaps that need addressing. Several witnesses, including victims of the drug crisis, shared their compelling testimonies, which underscored the urgency for stricter controls and comprehensive support for law enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• DHS will have more authority programs.
• No other agency really does this the way that DHS does. So, Mr.
• Uh, DHS was charged 150 million.
• So while I understand that DHS general.
• And in 2023, DHS estimated that these And in 2023, DHS estimated that these updates<03:46:10.319>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:06.720> and during the separation of DHS and during the separation of DHS and DCT<00
• prisons uh are required to notify DHS prisons uh are required to notify DHS when<00:36:21.920>
• <02:08:36.480> uh<02:08:36.639> DHS Department of Human Services. uh DHS Department
• And thus far it seems that DHS plays a significant role here.
• DHS working on this. Now, um, uh, you DHS working on this.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all