Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Eric.
• Eric. Okay. Further member questions. I Eric. Okay. Further member questions.
• Eric. Are you uh seeking recognition? Eric. Are you uh seeking recognition?
• Chair Eric. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Okay. Chair Eric. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Chair Eric, Further member discussion. Chair Eric, thank<00:36:13.119> you.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm so sorry, Eric.
• Go ahead, Eric. All right, Madam Chair.
• So, um, like Eric will be standing, this is really loud.
• Thank you Eric. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Thank you so much, Eric. Thank you public for paying attention.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, members of the committee, my name is Eric Shinye.
• Eric also mentioned it.
• This is one area where, as Eric mentioned, HCAFC came up a bit.
• Thank you, Eric and Secretary, for the presentation.
• And I, Eric, on your part, you brought this up.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Eric Cubard.
• Eric and I did the Colorado 500.
• Eric and I did the Colorado 500. Dave. Eric and I did the Colorado 500.
• Eric Hubard? What are you talking about? Eric Hubard? What are you talking about?
• Eric, appreciate you all coming. Eric, appreciate you all coming.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:12 Approval of Minutes 00:02:25 Co-Chair & Member Comments 00:02:48 Discussion of 2025 SB 137 00:06:58 Outdoor Adventure Tourism Opportunities 00:41:56 Public Service Commission Update 01:21:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the prior minutes. Members also observed a moment of reflection for Charlie Kirk and offered condolences to Representative Bobby McCool on the death of his mother. Representative Fugate then made announcements about the ongoing ATV/UTV trail system, including an October 21 opening in Letcher County and an October 2 groundbreaking in Knott County, and staff was asked to circulate the dates to members. The main agenda item was Senate Bill 137, presented by Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong with testimony from George Ecklan of the Coalition of the Homeless and Wesley Bryant, a flood survivor and Eastern Kentucky resident. The bill would prohibit utility disconnections for non-payment during dangerous weather and emergencies, including extreme cold, excessive heat, and declared natural disasters. Supporters said the measure is narrow, does not forgive past-due balances or change reconnection policies, and is intended to protect vulnerable residents, reduce risks to first responders, and create a minimum statewide standard amid a patchwork of utility policies. They cited weather thresholds and historical examples of extreme weather and disaster declarations in Kentucky. Testimony emphasized the human impact of shutoffs, especially for low-income households, older adults, and families facing illness or disaster recovery. Bryant described experiences with people shivering without heat or struggling to keep children cool when power was cut off, calling electricity a lifeline rather than a luxury. Representative Gu raised concerns that utility bills have become unaffordable due to broader policy and rate issues, argued that some customers may not pay if shutoffs are prohibited, and questioned whether the bill was needed. Senator Chambers Armstrong responded that the proposal is limited to non-payment shutoffs during short periods of dangerous conditions and is meant to keep people safe during emergencies. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Emma Erdoll from the DFL side researcher Emma Erdoll from the DFL side researcher Eric<00:03:58.519><
• :03:59.840> to<00:03:59.920> thank<00:04:00.080> my<00:04:00.319> vice Eric
• Um, I want to say thank you to our CLA's Emma Erle and Karen Hartwig, researchers Eric Anderson and Ben
• 27.280> Karen<00:05:27.600> Hartwig,<00:05:28.320> researchers<00:05:28.960> Eric
• Erle and Karen Hartwig, researchers Eric Erle and Karen Hartwig, researchers Eric Anderson<00:05

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Eric. Eric. Eric. Thank<00:08:07.400> you. Thank you. Thank you.
• Chair<00:09:23.240> Eric. Chair Eric. Chair Eric.
• Chair Eric, thank you.
• Chair<00:43:56.040> Eric. Chair Eric. Chair Eric.
• >> Chair Eric. Mr.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee discussed a higher education attainment-goals bill and several related amendments. Members first reached agreement on funding changes: one amendment redirected money for fraud-prevention software for MnSCU and $5,000 for trees in Bemidji, and another moved $570,000 for workforce development-related funding. Members noted the use of general fund dollars to cover a FIG shortfall and expressed support for addressing fraud prevention while also saying MnSCU should be made whole in the next biennium. Both amendments were adopted. The main policy debate centered on an amendment updating the statewide attainment goal and related P-20 partnership language. Senator Um Ruebain proposed returning the attainment goal from 75 percent to 70 percent, and members discussed whether the bill’s expanded reporting and coordination duties would create costs for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Nonpartisan staff and Commissioner Olsen said the Office of Higher Education and the P-20 partnership expected no costs, while DCYF’s fiscal note assumed reporting and staffing costs. After discussion, DCYF indicated it would absorb the costs, but some members still objected to expanding the partnership and creating additional bureaucracy. Members also debated whether early childhood and K-12 subgoals should be included as part of the attainment-goals framework. Supporters said aligning early childhood, K-12, and higher education goals is necessary to improve postsecondary attainment, while opponents argued the committee should focus on existing higher education goals and basic K-12 achievement. The committee ultimately adopted the Senate language on the attainment-goals section as amended, including the change back to 70 percent and revisions directed by staff to ensure the correct references were updated. The A12 amendment on pregnant and parenting students was also adopted earlier in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• of<00:14:26.600> Southwest Eric Hansen, the CEO of Southwest Eric Hansen, the CEO of Southwest
• Chris on deck we've got Eric Pershman.
• Eric Pershman is after Josh Kimber next.
• Is Eric Perschman >> Thank you so much. Is Eric Perschman here? here? here?
• Eric, if you please state your name for the record and begin your testimony. >> Yes, my name is Eric

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Chair<00:14:25.680> Eric. >> Chair Eric. >> Chair Eric.
• Chair Eric. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair Eric. Thank you.
• I'm more than happy to let Chair Eric go. >> All right. Chair Eric. Okay.
• Eric to go and then you wrap? Eric to go and then you wrap?
• Chair Eric. >> All right. Chair Eric.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4252 and first heard a walkthrough of a DE2 amendment that largely incorporated Office of Higher Education technical and statutory cleanup items, including reporting consolidations, updates to postsecondary registration and licensing statutes, and an anti-fraud provision. New provisions in the DE2 would require public postsecondary institutions to explain developmental courses before enrollment and obtain a written acknowledgement, revise the state grant tuition cap, add a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation in FY 2027 for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and provide $5,000 one-time funding for reforestation at Bemidji State University. Fiscal staff also noted additional special revenue fund revenue and expenditures tied to licensing and registration litigation response. The main debate centered on the A8 amendment offered by Representative Rarick, which would require the governor to appoint University of Minnesota regents only from candidates recommended by the joint legislative committee if the legislature fails to elect regents. Rarick argued the amendment was needed to address what he described as conflicts of interest and pay-to-play concerns in recent gubernatorial appointments. Several members questioned whether the language was constitutional, whether it actually addressed conflicts of interest, and whether it should instead refer to ARCAC-screened or ARCAC-recommended candidates. Nonpartisan staff said the governor’s appointment power is addressed in the university charter, not directly in the constitution, but could not definitively assess constitutionality if challenged. Members were divided: some supported the goal of cleaner governance but said the amendment was not ready or did not match the problem being described; others argued the legislature had failed to complete its own regent appointments and that the amendment was a response to that failure. No vote on the A8 amendment or the bill was reached in the portion provided, though a roll call was requested on the amendment and the chair indicated the bill would continue through amendment consideration before final discussion and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric: Mr.
• And panelists, this may be for Eric.
• Eric, do you have a point there?
• So, if we have that documentation, Eric, I'd love to see it.
• Question, Eric, this one is for you.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Eric Hall: GOOD AFTERNOON. >> Chair Garcia: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Eric Hall: I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE
• >> Chair Garcia: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Eric Hall: THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR.
• WE ARE GOING TO GO TO SIX NOW. >> Eric Hall: THANK YOU MADAM CHAIR.
• >> Eric Hall: I CAN GET YOU THE EXACT NUMBER BUT AS OF YESTERDAY THERE WERE I MAY HAVE THIS BACKWARDS
• >> Eric Hall: I CAN TELL YOU, I CAN GET YOU THE EXACT NUMBER BUT I THINK IT'S UNDER IDENTIFIED.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Chair Eric.
• Chair Eric, and thank you, Miss Flores. Chair Eric, and thank you, Miss Flores.
• Chair<01:19:18.000> Eric Chair Eric Chair Eric Yes.<01:19:20.480> So,<01:19:20.960>
• So thank you chair Eric. Um decisions. So thank you chair Eric.
• Chair<01:29:39.040> Eric.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee reviewed differences among the Governor’s, House, and Senate proposals for state grant parameter changes and their effects on state grant spending, North Star Promise spending, and average student awards. Nonpartisan staff explained that the proposals use different combinations of parameter changes, with the Governor’s and Senate plans modeled to avoid or minimize rationing, while the House plan would require rationing to balance the program. Staff reported projected biennium balances of a positive $29.836 million for the Governor’s proposal, a negative $60.758 million for the House proposal without rationing, a positive $994,000 for the House proposal with rationing, and a positive $3.623 million for the Senate proposal; North Star Promise balances also varied, with the Senate showing a positive balance and the Governor and House with rationing showing negative balances. Staff also said the Senate proposal would extend availability of the state grant appropriation and suspend surplus procedures through fiscal year 2029, allowing the balance to carry forward. The committee then focused on the House-only tuition and fee cap provision, which would limit the tuition recognized for state grant purposes for four-year programs to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities level, with 1% annual increases in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. House members said the cap was intended to address rising tuition, especially at the University of Minnesota, and to produce savings in the state grant program. The governor’s office confirmed the provision was not included in the Governor’s bill. Representatives from the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Private College Council opposed the cap, arguing it would reduce awards for low-income students and shift costs to students rather than address underlying tuition pressures; they also said it could discourage enrollment at higher-cost institutions. Supporters from Minnesota State argued the cap would improve fairness because students at lower-tuition institutions are effectively capped lower, while students at more expensive institutions receive larger awards, and they said the legislature should intervene in a variable that has grown substantially over time. Committee members questioned how the cap would work and whether it was tied to the Twin Cities campus rate. Testifiers clarified that the state grant formula is tied to the University of Minnesota level, but because Minnesota State institutions are below that level, the cap effectively limits their students to their own lower tuition while allowing higher awards at the University of Minnesota and private colleges. No formal vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated the committee would continue with item-by-item review of the remaining parameter changes and hear additional testimony from agencies and institutions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rasmussen, uh Stephanie James, Eric Rasmussen, uh Stephanie James, Eric Olson,<00:01:14.320> Liz
• Eric Anderson, and Alexis Rorick. Eric Anderson, and Alexis Rorick.
• Eric do some. Eric do some.
• I want to thank Eric Olafson.
• I want to thank Eric Olafson.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up a large bonding bill and reviewed the final spreadsheet of capital investments. Chairs and members repeatedly thanked staff, House and Senate negotiators, and the Governor’s team for a collaborative process. The bill was described as a statewide package rather than a partisan one, with major funding for higher education asset preservation, DNR projects, public safety, transportation, the Met Council, veterans facilities, corrections, DEED/local projects, and a large water infrastructure section. House Fiscal staff and Senate fiscal staff walked through the bill line by line. Highlights included University of Minnesota and Minnesota State asset preservation, education and language immersion school funding, DNR trail and flood mitigation projects, public safety facilities, local road and bridge grants, Met Council parks and I/I grants, veterans home and armory funding, corrections projects including the Faribault vocational expansion, and many local economic development and public facility projects across Greater Minnesota and the metro. The bill also included Public Facilities Authority water and wastewater grants, housing rehabilitation funding, historical society grants, a Minnesota Zoo operating transfer, airport appropriations, and several cancellations of prior appropriations to help finance the package. Members generally praised the bill and the bipartisan work behind it. Some Republicans emphasized the one-time license fee reduction and affordability, while also saying DEED’s business development infrastructure funding was too low. Senator Nelson highlighted long-awaited transportation projects such as Highway 14 and township roads. Senator Dibble supported the transportation investments but criticized the bill for having no transit funding, calling that a major omission. No vote was recorded in the excerpt, but the discussion centered on final review and support for moving the bonding bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we will now move on to welcoming Eric Winger from UW and Matt Skinner from Wazoo.
• And thank you, Eric. Good morning. Thank you. Thank you, Eric.
• I also want to thank Sarah and Eric for their presentations.
• Similar to what Eric shared for the University of Washington, I thought it would be interesting just
• Thank you, Eric. You make me smile. I'm thinking back to 1980.

Summary: The Joint Higher Education Committee met for a work session on higher education accounting practices and financial transparency. OFM Deputy Director Sarah Rupp explained how state accounting rules and higher education reporting differ, including what data is captured in AFRS today and what will move into Workday, with universities generally reporting summary-level fund data, mandatory codes, and most balance sheet and income statement activity, but not transaction-level detail or vendor payment information. Representatives from the University of Washington and Washington State University described the complexity of their own accounting systems, the many entities and business lines they must track for audits and compliance, and the need to reconcile university-level accrual accounting with state reporting requirements. The committee also heard from the Education Research and Data Center on the public four-year finance dashboard created under Senate Bill 5512; ERDC said the dashboard is based on publicly available data, is best used to examine institutions individually rather than compare them directly, and will be updated with additional metrics in 2025 and 2026. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington Student Achievement Council on the Workforce Education Investment Account (WIA). Joel Anderson reviewed WIA’s creation under House Bill 2158, its revenue sources, and its intended uses for higher education, financial aid, and workforce development. He said recent legislation significantly increased WIA revenues and that, in the 2025–27 budget, the account is being used in new ways, including to replace general fund support for University of Washington operations and to fund a larger share of the Washington College Grant and some faculty compensation costs. Anderson said roughly 98% of current WIA appropriations go to higher education, but the share used to supplant other higher education funding has grown, and he estimated about 60% to 70% of current spending still aligns with the account’s original intent. He also described a new effort to track WIA appropriations across biennia in more detail and noted the WIA Oversight Board’s role in recommending uses of the account and monitoring outcomes. No votes were taken; the committee ended by moving into executive session for staffing issues and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Miss Fergus, if Thank you, Chair Eric.
• But as Chair Eric said, Indeed, it is.
• Thank you, Chair Eric. Uh uh Chair Wang. Thank you, Chair Eric.
• Anything Anything further chair Eric?
• Chair Eric, we can't meet past midnight. Chair Eric, we can't meet past midnight.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if you can if you're Eric.
• You know, uh, Eric Nman, can I mean, you know, uh, Eric Nman, can I mean, what other options exist for
• on targets, I mean, it's up to you guys. and if that's the case, Eric, and if that's the case, Eric,
• Eric, that's the best I can do. Monday. Eric, that's the best I can do.
• uh Kyle Raymond um and hear from Eric uh Kyle Raymond um and hear from Eric Nman<02:54:30.800>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric DeGisero, New Jersey Independent Electrical Contractors. Eric, come on up, sir.
• Eric, you go first, Eric.
• Eric Blumgren, I see Eric here, New Jersey Energy Marketers Group, opposed. No need to testify.
• Eric Richard, AFL-CIO, opposed. Opposed? Don't need to testify. Eric Richard, AFL-CIO, opposed.
• Eric Blumgren, the Jersey Energy Marketers Group, opposed.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric and Amy, come on in. [Applause] [Applause] Woo! Heat. So, we have a surprise for Eric and Amy.
• In recognition of for Eric and Amy.
• And Eric will be there. [Applause] Thank you, Eric. That's a big one.
• >> Thank you, Eric. That's a big one. >> Thank you, Eric. That's a big one.
• Thank you both very much, Eric. Thank you.

Keywords: Presidential address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Jason Loose from CenterPoint and Eric Swanson to testify.
• And so with that, uh, here with me today is Eric Swanson from WINR and uh Weinstein and Jason L. with
• Uh, Eric Swanson from WINR and Weinstein is one of the folks that authored this bill, and he is here
• Swanson from winr and uh Weinstein Eric Swanson from winr and uh Weinstein and<00:04:04.159> Jason
• Chair, committee members, Eric Swanson from WINR and Weinstein, and I'm pleased to be here testifying

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Eric not available on Zoom. Chair, Alisa Nelson in support on Zoom. Are you present? Present?
• Eric not available on Zoom. Chair, Alisa Nelson in support on Zoom. Are you present? Present?
• Eric not available on Zoom. Chair, Alisa Nelson in support on Zoom. Are you present? Present?
• Eric not available on Zoom. Chair, Alisa Nelson in support on Zoom. Are you present? Present?
• Eric in opposition. Are you on Zoom? Eric not available on Zoom.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held decision-making on SB 146, SB 147, and SB 1166. SB 146 and SB 147, both relating to condominiums, were recommended to pass with amendments. The committee adopted amendments based on testimony from Anne Anderson, including mediator/arbitrator qualifications, clarifications about disputes involving managing agents, small claims timing, lien rights, and refund determinations by an early neutral evaluator. For both bills, the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050 for further discussion. Each measure was adopted with no objections. SB 1166, relating to insurance, was also passed with amendments. The committee removed language that would have required insurers to bring claims and condition rates on doing so, replacing it with encouraging language. The amended bill adds a private cause of action against responsible parties, authorizes insurer actions under certain conditions, defines terms tied to climate-related events and fossil fuel products, and requires HPIA to report to the insurance commissioner on whether it exercised direct action rights. The effective date was likewise deferred to July 1, 2050, and the measure was adopted without objection. The committee then heard SB 985, relating to consumer protection and gift card fraud, and SB 1525, relating to electronic smoking devices and e-liquids. SB 985 drew support from a consumer fraud victim and others who said gift card scams disproportionately harm kupuna, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii opposed the bill’s packaging/display requirements and suggested stronger penalties instead. The committee voted to pass SB 985 with amendments, deferring its effective date to July 1, 2050, and noted it would move on to Judiciary next. SB 1525 drew significant opposition from the Attorney General’s office, Department of Taxation, Department of Health, and public health groups, who argued it conflicted with federal tobacco law, was hard for Tax to administer, and would not effectively remove unauthorized vape products. After testimony, the committee recommended deferral of SB 1525 without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:42:58.480> why come up to me and said, ' Eric, why come up to me and said, ' Eric, why
• Eric can't repeat anything she said now. Eric can't repeat anything she said now.
• > from<00:50:53.960> Brooklyn, record, I'm Eric Power from Brooklyn, record, I'm Eric Power
• Eric, if we pass everything, how much of Eric, if we pass everything, how much of my<01:18:01.840>
• I'm from name is Eric Power.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all