Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we were like, hey, we're already over in the higher ed committee making our budget reduction.
• Well, we were like, hey, we're already over in the higher ed committee making our budget reduction.
• Well, we were like, hey, we're already over in the higher ed committee making our budget reduction.
• Well, we were like, hey, we're already over in the higher ed committee making our budget reduction.
• Well, we were like, hey, we're already over in the higher ed committee making our budget reduction.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The conference committee received a nonpartisan walkthrough of the House and Senate side-by-side for higher education-related legislation, with staff identifying Senate-only, House-only, identical, and technical-difference provisions. Topics included paid blood donation leave for Minnesota State employees, a revised higher education attainment goal, athletic fee restrictions, developmental course disclosures, American Indian Scholars Program eligibility, protections and definitions for pregnant and parenting students, online program management contracts, student aid reporting, work-study and dual training grants, private and out-of-state postsecondary education regulation, private career school licensing and data privacy, college savings plan changes, and several University of Minnesota-related provisions. House-only items also included an unemployment insurance aid adjustment, a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and $5,000 for Bemidji State University reforestation; Senate-only items included Board of Regents appointment language, limits on for-profit control of medical school curriculum, and reporting on for-profit funding in medical education. After the walkthrough, the committee moved to adopt the same and similar provisions and direct staff to make technical corrections. A senator asked about proposed adjustments to the pregnant and parenting student language, and the chair said amendments would be considered after adopting the same and similar provisions. The motion to adopt prevailed. During public testimony, Sydney Spre of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the Senate’s paid blood donation leave language, saying it would create parity for Minnesota State employees and encourage blood and plasma donation. Commissioner Dennis Olsen of the Office of Higher Education thanked the committee for adopting most of the agency’s proposed language and said he was available to help clarify remaining differences. In response to questions, he explained the Senate’s higher education attainment goal proposal, saying it would extend and broaden the existing goal, raise the target from 70% to 75%, expand the age range, and use additional metrics and partner agencies; he also said the overall attainment rate had been 63.5 under the prior goal. The transcript ends as the commissioner was being asked whether the proposal would require additional appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The third item is the general fund reduction.
• Can you talk more about the impact of this reduction, this 32?
• when we're talking about the reduction when we're talking about the reduction uh<00:43:20.280>
• The State Patrol has 91 trooper vacancies today, and the current academy that's ongoing of 42.
• The State Patrol has 91 trooper vacancies today, and the current academy that's ongoing of 42.

Bills: HF5

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard an overview of the governor’s transportation budget recommendations from fiscal staff Andy Lee. He explained that the spreadsheet showed only proposed changes, not base spending, and highlighted General Fund and trunk highway adjustments for MnDOT and the Department of Public Safety, including operating changes, extensions of prior appropriations, increased state road construction and Blatnik Bridge authority tied to anticipated federal funds, State Patrol hiring and a metro headquarters item, aeronautics changes, and revenue adjustments in the Driver and Vehicle Services special revenue account. The main testimony came from Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle, who outlined three budget-related items: advancing funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway reconstruction with a transitway project, making Metro Mobility riders eligible for free fixed-route transit, and reducing the Metro Transit general fund appropriation by $32.454 million annually. He said the advance would speed delivery and reduce disruption, the free-fare pilot had been successful and could save money if even a small share of Metro Mobility trips shifted to fixed-route service, and the general fund reduction was manageable in the near term because of new revenue streams but could constrain future expansion and capital maintenance. Members questioned the long-term effects of the proposed reduction, possible impacts on safety, service expansion, and capital maintenance, and whether federal funding uncertainty could affect operations and bus procurement. Zelle said the cuts would not affect immediate operations but could limit future BRT, microtransit, and transitway expansion, while also noting that capital maintenance needs include platform rebuilds, track work, rolling stock, and station repairs. He also said the 2023 funding package had accelerated projects and that the council was opening three transit lines this year. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• states, and we are seeing improvements in the quality of life of the residents, and data shows a reduction
• They deserved it, and they saw the benefit in their vacancy rates. We just ask for the same.
• Providers have over 35% in staff vacancy rates.
• Last session, SSLC DSP rates were raised to $17.50, and they saw the benefit in their vacancy rates.
• Percent in staff vacancy rates.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the analysis, the DCC's enforcement division has roughly 80 peace officers with a number of vacancies
• Our vacancy rate within our enforcement division is about 15 percent, which is consistent with the rest
• I think price is what we should be seeking, and a reduction in tax and costs would help that.
• However, many jurisdictions have actually moved to reduce their local taxes because they are seeing a reduction
• Over the past three years, Kiva has had to make employee reductions in order to stay in the state and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the citrus industry, we've had a 90% reduction in boxes of citrus produced over the last 25 years.
• Some of the first things we did when we got started was we had a 111-personnel headcount FTE reduction
• Once fully operational, these projects will result in an annual reduction of more than 727,000 pounds
• And we've taken our vacancy rates.
• We've cut our vacancy rates and have, again, because now we're able to pay our law enforcement more money

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met to organize for the session, confirm a quorum, and hear introductory remarks from members about their districts and interests. Chair Esposito outlined the committee’s jurisdiction and budget overview, noting a total budget of about $7.2 billion, with major funding tied to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Citrus. She also described major cost drivers such as Everglades restoration, water quality, resiliency, land acquisition, and rural family lands, and asked members to review agency requests in small groups later in the process. Agency leaders then presented budget and program updates. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized department efficiency efforts, including IT modernization, staff reorganization, rural and family lands conservation, best management practices, Fresh From Florida marketing, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, and completion of the Connor Complex headquarters. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert highlighted record investments in Everglades restoration, water quality projects, resilience grants, land acquisition, state parks, and enforcement. FWC Executive Director Roger Young discussed conservation research, fisheries and wildlife management, law enforcement, disaster response, and pressures from growth, boating, invasive species, and derelict vessels. Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shep reviewed the industry’s decline due to hurricanes and citrus greening, current research and marketing efforts, and e-commerce campaigns to support Florida citrus sales. Members asked questions about citrus production declines, future replanting and therapies, rural family lands, PFOS cleanup, mangrove restoration, flooding and pump infrastructure, agricultural theft, and derelict vessel removal. Officials generally responded with updates, emphasized science-based management and enforcement, and in several cases said they would follow up with more detailed information later. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair directing members to provide feedback on agencies for further budget review and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• availability of certified, well-prepared teachers. prepared teacher candidates, and the need to fill vacancies
• Dutton's House Bill 11, which included many of the recommendations from the Teacher Vacancy Task Force
• That they see a reduction in their amount and it puts pressure on the rep. to do its best for all of
• To not let that reduction happen, whereas, if they just got seven out of the blue, they would have been
• As we grow them and had the ability to serve on the teacher vacancy task force many years ago. when many

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a reduction for the enterprise translation office, an increase for in lieu of rent, a reduction
• the spending increases over base for state government agencies, plus the $1.7 million that was a reduction
• fill special elections called fill special elections called fill legislative<00:25:43.120> vacancies
• <00:25:43.679> The<00:25:43.840> proposal<00:25:44.080> is legislative vacancies
• The proposal is legislative vacancies.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, currently the state has a hiring freeze, and so the department's vacancy rate is up at 22%
• <01:50:53.360> rate and and so the department's vacancy rate and and so the department's vacancy
• Um so those are of the budget reduction.
• rate of eligibility workers vacancy rate of eligibility workers right<03:44:21.279> now.
• <03:50:13.040> of a vacancy a high vacancy rate of a vacancy a high vacancy rate of anywhere

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work. Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them. Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• infrastructure for recycling grant as part of the national recycling goal and food loss and waste reduction
• least for the next grant season, we can get at least the same that we got this time instead of a reduction
• This is due to rising caseloads, staff vacancies, and emergency child protection demands that occur outside
• This is due to rising case lows staff vacancies and emergency child protection demands that occur outside

Summary: The committee met to review a large slate of fiscal year 2026 and 2027 appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. Early items included temporary appropriations for agencies such as Health, DHS, Education, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, and Game and Fish, covering items like maternal health outreach, energy assistance repayments, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim reparations, aviation grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Members asked questions on several items, including DHS aging carry-forward funds and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to COVID-era balances; the committee also approved a disclosure by the chair on the Game and Fish-related item before voting to approve the section. The committee then approved continuation requests, CARES Act and ARPA reallocations, and federal grant appropriations. Notable discussion included the Boonville developmental disability project, ALIGN program reallocations at several universities, a small business technical assistance grant at UA Little Rock, and a Department of Public Safety highway safety grant, for which members requested more detail on operating expenses and professional fees. Additional approvals covered a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive program, restricted reserve fund transfers for military medical command and university projects, and a state central services deduction held at 2%. The Department of Commerce also received approval for a reallocation of positions and spending authority tied to its organizational realignment. Later sections included shared technology and higher education transfers, cash fund appropriations for school Medicaid reimbursements, corrections, youth mental health, narcotics detection canines, bike safety equipment, a state motor pool pilot, and law enforcement safety costs. The committee also reviewed budget classification transfers, including a Governor’s Office legal fee transfer related to a California lawsuit, and heard explanations about E-Rate reimbursements affecting the Office of State Technology. Members asked about VOCA funding levels for crime victim services and about the National Security Grant Program for nonprofits and faith-based organizations; officials said federal funding had declined from prior highs but appeared to have stabilized, and that the nonprofit security grant is an annual federal program. The meeting concluded with review of pay plan requests, DHS overtime funding for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustment request allowing DFA to make up to $1 million in transfers to close the books, after which the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• realized in the pilot program is that there was reduced absenteeism, increased academic support, and a reduction
• Instructor vacancies have a very short shelf life, often 90 days or less.
• Any loss of an instructor position will require a corresponding reduction in enrollment for that program
• Any delay in the instructor licensure process places the filling of instructor vacancies at risk and

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We intend to discuss those as part of our comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
• With the legislature in developing an overall framework for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
• The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is balanced at May revision?
• The other thing: what are the major changes related to the vacancy sweeps and efficiency cuts?
• We are talking about a reduction of up to $3 billion between now and fiscal year 2028-2029.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rental markets are tight, our rental criteria is harder and more firm than if we are in a higher vacancy
• when rental markets, our tight rental criteria is harder and more firm than if we are in a higher vacancy
• So this would actually be a reduction of... to safe sleep and mandated reporter training for a total
• So this would be actually a reduction of.
• The reduction in meeting frequency over time reflects the overall stability and functionality of the

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:

• Additionally, the committee decided to restore the previous reduction of $26 million at FY18 of Division
• been open for over three years by eliminating 37 general fund positions that resulted in a budget reduction
• We also were able to target reductions of $5 million in contractual savings.
• The special election is not required if the vacancy occurs very close to a regularly scheduled election
• Specifically, if the vacancy happens in an election year and the timing would force a special election

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, opened with a moment of silence for Ted Williams, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then accepted the previous day’s minutes and moved into a series of recognitions, beginning with House Resolution 27 designating June 24, 2026 as Staff Appreciation Day. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the chamber spent much of the meeting honoring legislative staff across both caucuses, with members and staff introducing themselves and being recognized for years of service and behind-the-scenes work. The House also recognized staff member Justin, who is leaving for a position with the Delaware State Board of Education, and later gave farewell remarks for Representative Kevin Hensley and Representative Charles Postles, both of whom are retiring. Numerous members spoke in tribute to their service, constituent work, and personal character, and both Hensley and Postles offered remarks thanking colleagues, staff, and family. The House then received communications from the Senate, including several bills and resolutions passed and returned, and a notice of Senate concurrence on other measures. Representative Wilson-Anton made a brief statement explaining her vote on Senate Bill 100 and reaffirming support for marriage equality and related civil rights issues. The chamber also took up Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, which set the official revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027; both were read, called to roll, and passed by constitutional majority votes of 37-4 and 40-1, respectively. Finally, the House considered Senate Bill 335, the operating budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Representative Williams presented the budget on behalf of the Joint Finance Committee, describing major funding items including raises for state and education employees, health insurance and retiree benefit funding, developmental disability services, Medicaid growth, purchase of care, and maintenance of reserve funds. Several members praised the committee’s work, while Representative Shupe said he would vote no, citing concerns about the budget’s 6.3% growth despite appreciating the committee’s effort. After the budget presentation and comments, Leader Harris moved that the House recess for party caucuses, and the House stood in recess until the call of the bell.

Transcript Highlights:

• Figure two shows the historical commission FTE vacancies.
• We have a real hard time filling vacancies.
• We're starting now to send more because the Rio Grande Valley has no vacancies.
• I wanted to include our vacancy rates in law enforcement since 2015.
• We have 230 FTEs, but that vacancy rate of 18% has a shortcoming.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's about a $35 million reduction from FY26, and it's roughly 2% of the overall budget.
• No, that is actually one of the governor's core reductions that he made.
• There are reductions that are in this ITSD consolidated core.
• There was a core reduction in ITSD's budget that core reduced $33,000 GR.
• We did have some reduction in retirees, but it was mostly new state employees.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it was about a 40,000 kid reduction.
• There's also a reduction in births that happened after the Great Recession 2011.
• Well, I mean, a one percentage point reduction in average daily attendance, even with.
• The same number of kids is a $380 million reduction in district budgets. Okay. Statewide.
• This explains the small reduction in the early draft of the 2026 UTP.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Proposition 36 partially rolled back those punishment reductions that were made by Prop 47, and so
• We're still waiting to see what the final reduction is.
• It probably, it appears that the reduction is going to be relatively small in the near term.
• And in our ballot... materials we estimated low... a reduction relative to the hundred million dollar
• While I'm able to restore some hours, I still have vacancies similar to San Bernardino's.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Start sort of this I mean you keep talking about reductions in population.
• Reductions of kids in placement, reduction of kids on probation, reductions of contact with systems.
• I mean are we talking about just the reductions for the sake of the reductions?
• I mean what are we getting for... for those reductions? Like, why are we seeking those reductions?
• We currently have 22 vacancies between our pre and post.

Bills: HB31, HB3360

Keywords: juvenile justice, community supervision, felony offenses, treatment of children, juvenile facilities, chemical dispensing device, solitary confinement, rehabilitation, criminal proceedings, delinquency, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So any time that there is a reduction to the cap...
• There's going to be by default, because it represents 75% of the class, there will be a reduction in
• Every time we've seen it. percentages, we do see a reduction in that diversity.
• somehow reflect the demographic yeah again time we've brought down the percentage rate we always see a reduction
• How the vacancies will be filled, let's see. The vacancies will be filled, let's see. Mmm-hmm.

Bills: HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125

Keywords: higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the last four years, we've seen a 31% reduction in the number of children entering foster care and
• individuals receiving behavioral health services, resulting in a decrease in Baker Act admissions, and a reduction
• agencies, managing entities, and other non-profits, and over the last four years, we've seen a 31% reduction
• that we have the personnel to do some of the monitoring of edits and audits, we need to fill our vacancies
• And so we have a 90-day plan and a six-month plan in terms of shoring up vacancies to make sure we are

Summary: The Health Policy Committee met for its final meeting of the session and handled a very full agenda, beginning with a few housekeeping items and a brief thank-you to staff. Senate Bill 596 was temporarily postponed. The committee then reconsidered and amended SB 1606 on patient access to records, clarifying portal access obligations and deleting a section that would have improperly affected nursing home facility records; the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of a block of appointees and separately confirmed Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after testimony focused on transparency, financial oversight, Medicaid managed care accountability, and internal controls at AHCA. Harris said she would prioritize staffing, monitoring, and improved reporting, and several health care groups waived in support. The committee next heard and passed several bills, including claims bills SB 28 and SB 22 for South Broward Hospital District settlements, both reported favorably. It also approved SB 772 on undesignated glucagon in schools, SB 998 on allowing physician assistants and APRNs to complete death certificates under hospice/palliative protocols, SB 1412 on home health agency administration and staffing flexibility, SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF, SB 306 on Medicaid managed care network access during holidays and after hours, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies and informed consent, SB 1602 on pediatric readiness standards in emergency departments, SB 1156 on the home health aide program for medically fragile children, SB 1490 on Children’s Medical Services and Medicaid managed care administration, and SB 1182 on Medicaid coverage of continuous glucose monitors. Most of these bills were amended, generally to narrow scope, align with the House, or make technical changes, and most received support from provider associations, advocacy groups, or affected institutions. The most debated measure was SB 1270, which combined several health freedom and medical marijuana provisions. The strike-all amendment retained language prohibiting discrimination based solely on vaccination status, added protections related to mRNA vaccine documentation requirements, and included medical marijuana regulatory and background-screening language. The committee heard extensive testimony both in support and opposition, including concerns from senators about whether the bill would force providers to treat patients contrary to medical judgment, and support from witnesses arguing it protected patient autonomy and access to care. After a time-certain motion, the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned.