Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of a hangar space, it will house, you know, a thousand square feet of Class 1000 clean room
• room for advanced uh electronics clean room for advanced uh electronics manufacturing<00:15:15.440><
• And so what I want to highlight is the impact that cruise ships have on the local economy.
• And so what I want to highlight is the impact that cruise ships have on the local economy.
• </c> in a tourism dependent economy. in a tourism dependent economy.

Bills: HB1709, HB2195, HB2023, HB2031, HB2033, HB1937, HB2586, HB2575, HB2038, HB2030

Keywords: water carriers, transportation, public utility, Department of Transportation, liability, agricultural rates, certificates of convenience, cruise ship, passenger head fee, harbor, capital improvement, funding, environmental impact, active intelligent speed assistance, intelligent speed assistance, speed limiter, speed limiting device, speed governor, vehicle telematics, traffic safety

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation, Labor and Technology, and later Transportation and Economic Development and Tourism, heard several bills. SB 2573 would allow administrative driver’s license revocation hearings to be held by interactive conference technology such as Zoom and permit electronic exchange of evidence. The chief adjudicator for the ADLRO supported it as a non-mandatory option that has worked well since 2021, improving attendance and saving time and money; DOT also supported it. The committees voted to pass SB 2573 with technical, non-substantive amendments. SB 3215 would make permanent the requirement that securing mooring lines at commercial docks be performed by labor subject to collective bargaining by repealing the sunset date in existing harbor safety law. DOT did not submit testimony, and the chair noted support from longshore labor. The committees voted to pass SB 3215 unamended. The committees also heard SB 2693, which authorizes $15 million in general obligation bonds for planning, design, and construction of a 50,000-square-foot aerospace hangar and related facilities at Hilo International Airport. A Phoenix Space executive testified in support, saying Hawaii and Hilo have geographic advantages and that the project could support aerospace investment and jobs; several other organizations and individuals submitted supportive testimony. Committee members questioned whether federal matching funds or airport capacity existed, and DOT said it had no assurance of federal participation and would need to check on capacity and potential users. The hearing then moved to SB 2698, which would create a cruise ship special fund and impose a per-passenger head fee on cruise ships docking in state commercial harbors while repealing the existing cruise ship TAT framework effective January 1, 2026. DOT supported the bill but requested amendments to clarify that the new fee is in addition to existing passenger, port entry, and dockage fees and to raise the fee from $6.50 to $10; DOT said the higher amount would better fund harbor improvements such as shore power. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings testified in support but said the added fee would significantly increase costs, while a local ship supply business supported the cruise industry and opposed the TAT approach, saying cruise activity benefits local farmers and jobs. No final vote on SB 2698 was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aquaculture is a meaningful and growing part of Hawaii's aquaculture economy.
• Aquaculture is a meaningful and growing part of Hawaii's aquaculture economy.
• </c><00:55:43.520><c> State</c><00:55:43.839><c> data</c> aqua agriculture economy.
• State data aqua agriculture economy.
• It moved Hey, Nella started as energy. It moved to<01:19:47.280><c> research.

Bills: HB1601, HB1828, HB1616, HB1603, HB1606, HB1604, HB1605

Keywords: biosecurity, invasive species, Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Department of Land and Natural Resources, appropriation, agriculture, land use, farm dwelling, renewable energy, income qualification, solar energy, geothermal resources, hydropower, agricultural tourism, aquaculture, commercial activity, swine production, Korean natural farming, land leases, Hawaii

Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, SB 1754 prohibits tax abatements for renewable energy facilities that sell energy or ancillary
• , economic, clean air, and clean water benefits to Texas.
• In our opinion, SB 1754 picks winners and losers and only focuses on clean energy and batteries while
• It's a tool that has helped to attract roughly $120 billion of clean energy investment in Texas through
• When energy demand dictates where the facilities locate, it is difficult for dispatchable energy generators

Bills: SB913, SB1086, SB1087, SB1143, SB1534, SB1553, SB1718, SB1754, SB2004, SB2322, SB2448

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, SB 1754 prohibits tax abatements for renewable energy facilities that sell energy or ancillary
• , economic, clean air, and clean water benefits to Texas.
• In our opinion, SB 1754 picks winners and losers and only focuses on clean energy and batteries while
• The bill takes away decision-making authority from local entities who wish to attract clean energy and
• It eliminates a tool that has helped attract roughly $120 billion of clean energy investment in Texas

Bills: SB913, SB1086, SB1087, SB1143, SB1534, SB1553, SB1718, SB1754, SB2004, SB2322, SB2448

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee met to hear a series of bills and informational primers, with several resource witnesses from the Governor’s Office, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The chair opened by noting the death of Senator King’s son and asking members to keep the family in their prayers. Most bills were laid out and left pending subject to the call of the chair after brief author presentations and public testimony. The committee heard several local hotel occupancy tax bills: SB 1553 for Kerr County, SB 1086 for Childress County, SB 1087 for Mason County, and SB 913 for Alpine. Supporters, including the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association and local officials, said the measures would allow counties or the city to use hotel tax revenue for tourism-related projects and local development. The committee also heard SB 1534, which would direct a study on health physics education and workforce needs in Texas; resource witnesses from TWC and THECB testified on the bill. All of these measures were left pending. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 1754, which would prohibit local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power at wholesale, with an exception for certain battery storage tied to dispatchable generation. The bill drew strong support from witnesses who argued counties should not subsidize wind and solar projects that can harm neighboring landowners and that renewables already receive substantial federal support. Opponents from the solar and storage industry argued the bill would remove a voluntary local economic development tool, raise power prices, and discourage investment. Senators also debated landowner impacts, grid reliability, and whether the bill was the right policy tool; the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2322, a committee substitute related to the Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, which would exempt electric generation facilities from the program’s compelling-factor test so they can qualify for school tax limitation agreements. Supporters said the change would correct an unintended barrier for dispatchable generation, while Senator Johnson argued it would weaken the program’s purpose by subsidizing projects that would locate in Texas anyway. SB 1718 would add the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program; the NRA supported it, while gun violence prevention advocates opposed using state incentives for the organization. SB 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events program, and SB 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard SB 1143, a substitute bill aimed at improving transparency and coordination in programs serving opportunity youth ages 14 to 24, with witnesses supporting better reporting and workforce alignment. At the end of the meeting, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
• </c> Minnesota just reinsuring part of that. Minnesota just reinsuring part of that.
• Importantly, I have reviewed this clarification with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, the Minnesota Pollution
• It establishes officers in Minnesota.
• Police and Peace Officers Association, the Minnesota Chiefs, and the Minnesota Sheriffs have said, "

Bills: HF3475, SF3832, HF3508, HF3917, HF3404, HF3593

Keywords: agriculture, education, leadership council, compensation, research institute, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, investment, relief initiative, farm support, medication repository, drug donation, healthcare, Minnesota Statutes, pharmacy, public health, controlled substances

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:05.480><c> energy,</c> clean energy, clean energy, and<00:32:07.080><c> has</c><00:32:07.280><
• </c> Minnesota Youth Council. Minnesota Youth Council.
• </c> our Minnesota environment. our Minnesota environment.
• </c><00:45:15.400><c> Um</c> and clubs that are in Minnesota. Um and clubs that are in Minnesota.
• </c> represent the Minnesota youth. represent the Minnesota youth.

Bills: HF3776, HF3557, HF3585

Keywords: screen time, preschool, kindergarten, early childhood education, digital media, tablets, smartphones, educational technology, EdTech, classroom devices, publicly funded preschool, school policy, child development, special education, IEP, 504 plan, IFSP, Minnesota education law, climate literacy, education

Transcript Highlights:

• It builds the future economy of Minnesota and engages local communities’ strengths to build their future
• Today<00:25:20.480><c> in</c><00:25:20.799><c> Minnesota,</c> Today in Minnesota, Today in Minnesota,
• It builds the future economy<00:26:14.400><c> of</c><00:26:14.559><c> m</c><00:26:14.960><c> Minnesota
• </c><00:26:15.520><c> and</c><00:26:15.840><c> engages</c><00:26:16.480><c> local</c> economy of m Minnesota
• and engages local economy of m Minnesota and engages local communities<00:26:17.520><c> strengths</c

Bills: HF3650, HF2238

Keywords: student career pathways, education framework, experiential learning, employer engagement, career technical education, HF2238, Minnesota, workforce development, construction trades, youth skills training, youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, construction training, career and technical education, CTE, child labor laws, minor labor, labor exemption, workforce pipeline, skilled trades

Transcript Highlights:

• Line 15 is the Minnesota Center for the Book Reduction.
• Line 17 shows the Minnesota Youth Council from the Minnesota Alliance with Youth. Increase.
• Minnesota showed us that you value us and the work we do.
• Now we need Minnesota to support us back.
• This is a significant shortage area in Minnesota.

Bills: HF1388

Keywords: BARR Center, Building Assets, Reducing Risks, education finance, school funding, grant appropriation, evidence-based program, student achievement, social and emotional learning, school climate, teacher effectiveness, high school graduation, students in poverty, students of color, BIPOC, equity in education, Minnesota Department of Education, urban schools, suburban schools, rural schools, school coaching

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:22.079><c> County</c> assist Greater Minnesota County assist Greater Minnesota County attorneys
• </c> temporary commissioner for the Minnesota temporary commissioner for the Minnesota Department<00:
• Minnesota.
• </c><00:47:02.800><c> uh</c> in the executive branch of Minnesota uh in the executive branch of Minnesota
• </c><01:18:54.400><c> bill</c> um clean bill um clean bill I'm<01:18:55.679><c> more</c><01:18:55.880

Bills: HF1470, HF1310, HF1837

Keywords: opioids, substance use, addiction recovery, mental health, state cabinet, HF1310, Office of Cannabis Management, cannabis, marijuana, tribal consultation, government-to-government relationship, Minnesota tribes, Tribal governments, state government, consultation, rulemaking, Indian affairs, cannabis regulation, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> role as president of the Minnesota role as president of the Minnesota School<00:04:44.320><c> Board
• </c> long page who served on the Minnesota long page who served on the Minnesota House<00:09:58.680><
• effect to the local economy?
• in Minnesota for every you know that in Minnesota for every dollar<00:15:58.160><c> spent</c><00:15:
• </c> has a huge impact on the economy has a huge impact on the economy not<00:19:29.640><c> to</c><00

Bills: HF1124, HF1457, HF1803

Keywords: school calendar, education, school year, Labor Day, state law, school construction, landfill, dump site, closed landfill, contaminated site, pollution control agency, school siting, public school, charter school, environmental health, student safety, brownfield, solid waste, waste disposal site, site contamination

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> transportation in the state of Minnesota transportation in the state of Minnesota look<00:02:54.000
• </c> transportation in the state of Minnesota transportation in the state of Minnesota in<00:03:28.840
• </c><01:09:25.120><c> so</c> northeastern Minnesota so northeastern Minnesota so I'm<01:09:26.239><c>
• all throughout Minnesota.
• all throughout Minnesota.

Bills: HF1167, HF1242

Keywords: Northern Lights Express, NLX, Minneapolis-Duluth rail, passenger rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail, Duluth, Minneapolis, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, transportation funding, rail appropriation, general fund, trunk highway fund, rail project cancellation, infrastructure spending, commercial driver training, CDL, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• working Blue Collar Minnesota families working Blue Collar Minnesota families house<00:02:42.080><c>
• Paul, Minnesota.
• Nurses Association, Minnesota Medical Association, Minnesota Hospital Association, Minnesota Farmers
• Nurses Association, Minnesota Medical Association, Minnesota Hospital Association, Minnesota Farmers
• </c> Association Minnesota Hospital Association Minnesota Hospital Association<01:03:04.640><c> Minnesota

Bills: HF10, HF27

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, permit to carry, concealed carry, handgun permit, firearm permit, pistol training, sheriff, application process, electronic filing, mail application, fax submission, certified mail, certified delivery, gun rights, Second Amendment, firearms regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of Minnesota. of Minnesota.
• </c> Minnesota School Safety Center. Minnesota School Safety Center.
• </c> officers throughout Minnesota. officers throughout Minnesota.
• They include the Minnesota Association of Counties, Minnesota Inter-County Association, MICAH, Minnesota
• ><c> Minnesota</c> Association of Counties, Minnesota Association of Counties, Minnesota Inter-County

Bills: HF3753, HF4299, HF4700, HF4282, HF4139, HF3530, HF4031

Keywords: school safety, threat assessment, pilot project, education, real-time monitoring, public safety, HF4299, school safety specialists, Minnesota School Safety Center, appropriation, general fund, fiscal year 2026, school security, school violence prevention, student safety, Department of Public Safety, school resource support, education funding, peace officer, training reimbursement

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:49.040><c> we</c> just say that uh in rural Minnesota we just say that uh in rural Minnesota
• </c> learning and more stu more Minnesota learning and more stu more Minnesota students<00:19:54.400>
• According to the state of Minnesota, House File 1607 would give Minnesota high schools the flexibility
• According to the state of Minnesota, House File 1607 would give Minnesota high schools the flexibility
• According to the state of Minnesota, House File 1607 would give Minnesota high schools the flexibility

Bills: HF630, HF1435, HF1607

Keywords: short-call substitute, substitute teacher, substitute teaching license, pilot program, teacher shortage, education workforce, school district, charter school, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, background check, paraprofessional, education support personnel, temporary license, substitute training, retaliation, teacher pay, daily substitute pay, Minnesota education law, education innovation

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Minnesota also past president of the Minnesota Society<00:24:56.559><c> of</c><00:24:56.760><
• </c><00:25:39.640><c> done</c> this important work for Minnesota done this important work for Minnesota
• 25:42.320><c> offers</c> preserving plss in Minnesota offers preserving plss in Minnesota offers numerous
• </c><00:37:26.160><c> we</c> point that out uh here in Minnesota we point that out uh here in Minnesota
• </c> fraud in the country here in Minnesota fraud in the country here in Minnesota we<00:37:39.000><c

Bills: HF1, HF1754, HF1809, HF1478

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> political Affairs at the Minnesota political Affairs at the Minnesota Association<00:04:45.160><
• </c><00:05:14.440><c> Association</c><00:05:14.919><c> of</c> the Minnesota Association of the Minnesota
• <00:24:01.080><c> themselves</c><00:24:01.919><c> started</c> Minnesota themselves started Minnesota
• </c> relations on the board of the Minnesota relations on the board of the Minnesota child<01:36:47.440
• </c> something positive done for Minnesota something positive done for Minnesota families<01:39:46.599

Bills: HF1, HF1384

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• It's almost as nice as Minnesota.
• </c><00:15:10.480><c> The</c> Minnesota where the lakes begin. The Minnesota where the lakes begin.
• </c><00:30:54.159><c> There's</c> us in northern Minnesota. There's us in northern Minnesota.
• Wisconsin to Minnesota and U.S.
• </c> not only in Minnesota, but nationally. not only in Minnesota, but nationally.

Bills: HF1569, HF460, HF850, HF707, HF798, HF852, HF366, HF365, HF836, HF866, HF885, HF959, HF1196, HF1788, HF1349, HF2272, HF2652, HF1251, HF607

Keywords: transportation, bond issuance, capital investment, infrastructure, road improvements, HF460, Sibley County, Highway 21, County State-Aid Highway, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, transportation grant, infrastructure improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, stormwater, public works, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 9 establishes a state building renewable energy storage vehicle account.
• This would enable us to leverage federal funds for renewable energy and energy storage upgrades at state-owned
• and Minnesota consumers.
• to come after us with that energy bill.
• I think we've got to bring back our focus and concentrate on Minnesota.

Bills: HF2783, HF2603, HF2846, HF2354, HF1836, HF2713, HF1198, HF1389

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• and Minnesota consumers.
• </c> crimes across the state of Minnesota. crimes across the state of Minnesota.
• </c> focus on the state of Minnesota. focus on the state of Minnesota.
• </c> program, which in Minnesota is DHS. program, which in Minnesota is DHS.
• </c> Minnesota Management and Budget. Minnesota Management and Budget.

Bills: HF2783, HF2603, HF2846, HF2354, HF1836, HF2713, HF1198, HF1389

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Bills: SB2373, SB2101, SB2905, SB3231, SB2486, SB2376

Keywords: carbon sequestration, marine ecosystem, climate change, renewable energy, biodiversity, nature-based solutions, organic waste, solid waste, waste diversion, composting, bioconversion, recycling, food waste, green waste, food-soiled paper, wood waste, landfill diversion, waste reduction, waste management, county solid waste plan

Summary: The committee heard SB 2006, which would clarify that a farm dwelling permit in an agricultural district may include a single-family farm dwelling with an accessory employee housing structure, subject to restrictions. Testimony was largely supportive, with comments from the Department of Agriculture Biosecurity, DPP, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Realtors, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Hawaii Farmers Union, Housing Hawaii Future, and several individuals. The chair noted there were nine in support, two opposed, and four offering comments. In decision-making, the chair recommended passing the bill with OPSD-suggested amendments to clarify the definitions of farm employee housing and bona fide agricultural services. The chair also referenced opposing testimony that raised concern the original draft could limit tourism activities that provide supplemental income for bona fide farming operations. The proposed amendments were intended to make clear that farm employee housing is only for workers and not visitor accommodations, while allowing tourism activities on the same parcel if they are secondary and incidental to a bona fide agricultural operation, do not occur in employee housing units, and comply with county ordinances. The committee adopted the recommendation and voted to pass SB 2006 with amendments. The recorded votes showed the chair, vice chair, Senator Rhoads, and Senator Awa in favor, with Senator DeCoite excused. The same pass-with-amendments recommendation was then made to the housing committee and adopted there as well, with Senator Elephante voting aye and Senator Favella excused.