Transcript Highlights:

• His name is John Prescott Chaplain.
• President George W.
• President George<02:21:30.319><c> W.
• Bush launched the glo the George W.
• Thank you Madam of this body John.

Bills: HR519 , HR538 , HR530 , HR537

Keywords: Minnesota lawmakers, political violence, domestic terrorism, assassination attempt, state legislators, Melissa Hortman, John Hoffman, Yvette Hoffman, Mark Hortman, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, public safety, law enforcement response, civil discourse, democracy, gun violence, elected officials, House resolution, condemnation, bipartisan unity

Transcript Highlights:

• And to first introduce the House members, John Moran is here, James Arena-DeRosa, Ranking Member David
• So I want to welcome Senator John Keenan, who's a member of the committee, and then a good friend, Senator
• Next is Representative Hannah Bowman and Chief John Lachillard from the Beverly Police Department.
• Next is Representative Hannah Bowman and Chief John Lachillard from the Beverly Police Department.

Bills: S3044 , S3031 , S3017 , H5189 , H5246 , H5297 , H5248 , H5359

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: retirement benefits, teachers' retirement system, creditable service, public education, emergency law, sick leave bank, leave donation, personal days, vacation days, extended illness leave bank, public employee, county sheriff, Worcester County Sheriff's Office, personnel bill, employee leave, disability leave, illness leave, compassionate leave, Massachusetts public service, police recruitment

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:51.720><c> training</c> then train at our Camp Ripley training then train at our Camp Ripley
• The 175th Regional Training Institute is up at our Camp Ripley installation.
• </c> uh which is up at our Camp Ripley uh which is up at our Camp Ripley installation<00:17:03.160><c
• c> thou</c> installation Camp Ripley uh 50 thou installation Camp Ripley uh 50 thou 53,000<00:17:06.160
• </c> director of government Affairs John director of government Affairs John Kelly<01:14:14.760><c> I'm

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Bills: S0174 , S0388 , S0470 , S0488 , S0490 , S0584 , S0628

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: transportation, memorial, honorary designation, Miami-Dade, Charlie Kirk, license plates, Florida Wildflower, vehicle registration, annual use fee, specialty plates, Fraternal Order of Police, license plate, funding, memorial foundation, law enforcement, motor carriers, fuel tax, military exemptions, safety regulations, electronic submissions

Transcript Highlights:

• Wednesday, January 28, 2026, to receive a message from the Honorable W.
• Brent Powell, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Missouri, and be it further W.
• Speaker, I rise today along with the gentleman from Ripley and the gentleman from Iron to honor a former
• Speaker, I rise today along with the gentleman from Ripley and the gentleman Mr.
• At this time, I would like to turn the mic over to the gentleman from Ripley, and today we have with

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> director of government affairs, John director of government affairs, John Kelly.
• Um we ran out of space at Camp Ripley.
• ,</c><00:32:55.360><c> uh,</c> artillery pieces from Camp Ripley, uh, artillery pieces from Camp Ripley
• </c> that you see here uh General John that you see here uh General John Vessie's<00:36:04.800><c> 46
• Our Camp Ripley partnership is key.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• thank you. ...and I received an email a couple days ago about something that's happening in Camp Ripley
• Again, for the record, my name is John Kelly, and I serve as the Director of Government Affairs for the
• Again, for the record, my name is John Kelly, and I serve as the Director of Government Affairs for the
• record<00:32:05.279><c> my</c><00:32:05.360><c> name</c><00:32:05.480><c> is</c><00:32:05.639><c> John
• Kelly and I serve record my name is John Kelly and I serve as<00:32:06.679><c> the</c><00:32:06.799>

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• Johns County, Florida.

Bills: S0032 , S0068 , S0210 , S0246 , S0340 , S0418 , S0428 , S0606 , S0628 , S1028 , S1734

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Keywords: injunctions, protection orders, domestic violence, serious violence, court procedures, enforcement, risk protection, statewide communication system, pediatric care, emergency departments, hospital regulations, patient safety, health care standards, public records, violence protection, confidentiality, defamation, specialty license plate, specialty plates, motor vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is John Cling.
• </c> committee this morning and uh jock John committee this morning and uh jock John clim<00:01:15.439
• </c> you I'm going to turn it over to John you I'm going to turn it over to John clam<00:05:14.160><c
• Camp Ripley also receives PILT payments.
• </c> military Refuge lands those Camp Ripley military Refuge lands those Camp Ripley lands<01:17:02.440

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:32.480><c> site</c> as adding to maybe Camp Ripley site as adding to maybe Camp Ripley site
• Ripley land. You know, possibly we could Ripley land.
• John Walker.
• John Walker. straight to uh testifiers. John Walker.
• </c> John Walker from Roseville, Minnesota. John Walker from Roseville, Minnesota.

Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've actually got Camp Ripley in my district and I've been watching the museum come along for a long
• actually got Camp Ripley in my district and<00:02:51.519><c> I've</c><00:02:51.840><c> been</c><00:02
• at Camp Ripley, it was time<00:05:28.479><c> to</c><00:05:28.960><c> uh</c><00:05:29.199><c> design<
• What you see here is the south facade of the new facility at Camp Ripley.
• The process of moving these macro artifacts, which have been displayed on Camp Ripley for a number of

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• John also served his the livestock.
• c> Virginia,</c> John Ba Harrington from Virginia, John Ba Harrington from Virginia, Minnesota.<02:22
• </c> nation, Congressman John Lefals. nation, Congressman John Lefals.
• Army Major General John C. Ron Jr., who Army Major General John C.
• He then took it and gave it to my brother John and said, "Now, John, I want you to pop this string.

Bills: SB146 , HR973 , HR859 , HR906 , HB2449 , HB2399 , HR866 , HB2482 , HB2444 , HB2458 , HB1721 , HB2480 , HB1479 , HB1442 , HR1402 , HR617 , HR452

Keywords: nonconsensual, visual depictions, digital forgery, intimate content, online platforms, privacy, protection, harm prevention, John F. Kennedy Center, Donald J. Trump, Federal arts funding, memorial designation, cultural institutions, Congressional authority, public arts programs, Hampden-Sydney College, anniversary, higher education, civic responsibility, liberal arts

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um I think when we're looking at Detroit Lakes or Staples, Little Falls, where Fort Camp Ripley is
• So, um I think when we're looking at Detroit Lakes or Staples, Little Falls, where Fort Camp Ripley is
• So, um I think when we're looking at Detroit Lakes or Staples, Little Falls, where Fort Camp Ripley is
• </c><00:08:13.520><c> is,</c> Little Falls, where Fort Camp Ripley is, Little Falls, where Fort Camp
• Ripley is, these<00:08:14.160><c> are</c><00:08:14.319><c> good</c><00:08:14.479><c> things</c><00:08

Transcript Highlights:

• ALL READINESS CENTERS ARE ARMORIES ARE 50, Ripley Training Center are 100% federally funded.
• This $2.5 million asset preservation request, along with the federal RIPLEY TRAINING CENTER ARE 100%
• John Kelly is here from the Indy VA, and he will later go over the recommendations with all of you in
• Was made by two political groups, from President John F.
• For the record, John Kelly, Director of Government Affairs for MDA.

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans heard a Department of Military Affairs presentation on bonding, tuition benefits, and cyber response. The department requested $3.5 million in design funding for a new hangar at the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, citing safety problems with the aging 1950s-era hangars and the need to improve the wing’s competitiveness for future federal military construction funding. It also sought $2.5 million for asset preservation at Army facilities statewide, emphasizing that state dollars are often matched by federal funds. A National Guard lieutenant also testified about the State Tuition Reimbursement Program, describing how it helped pay for her undergraduate and doctoral education and reduce student debt. The committee also received an update on Minnesota National Guard cyber operations, including the response to the July 2025 ransomware attack on the City of Saint Paul. Testimony described the cyber coordination cell’s role in planning, interagency coordination, and support during the incident, including helping re-image about 500 computers and assisting with network recovery. Members heard that the Guard’s cyber teams conduct extensive partner engagement and are prepared to support state and local entities when civil resources are exhausted and the incident exceeds local capacity. Three bills were then heard and advanced. Senate File 4075, as amended, would implement recommendations from the task force on Special Guerrilla Unit and regular forces veterans from the Secret War in Laos, including eligibility and benefit changes; the committee adopted an amendment and passed the bill to the full committee. Senate File 3956, as amended, would clarify that the Department of Veterans Affairs may partner with veteran-serving organizations using nonmonetary resources to address food insecurity, homelessness, and suicide prevention; it was also referred onward. Senate File 4056, as amended, would add veteran or military status as a protected class under the Minnesota Human Rights Act; testimony supported the change, including concerns about service members losing educational opportunities while on state active duty, and the bill was passed to the full committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that gun is now up at the Minnesota Military Museum at Camp Ripley.
• And that gun is now up at the Minnesota Military Museum at Camp Ripley.
• And that gun is now up at the Minnesota Military Museum at Camp Ripley.
• And that gun is now up at the Minnesota Military Museum at Camp Ripley.
• Now up at the Minnesota Military Museum at Camp Ripley.

Summary: The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections. Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts. Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.

Transcript Highlights:

• for Senate bills to Yamina Lashmi at Y-A-M-A-M-A-S-H-M-A-S-E-N-E-N-A-S-E-N-E-S-E-N-E-E-S-E-E-L-R-R-R-W.
• Welcome, Ripley. Chair.
• Together with the magnificent Professor Ruth Harleine W.
• Together with the magnificent Professor Ruth Harleine W.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a late-file hearing on several bills, with testimony limited to three minutes per individual or set time limits for panels. Chairs Michael Day and Lydia Edwards outlined hearing rules, written testimony procedures, and confidentiality protections before moving through the agenda. The committee heard testimony on bills including H.4876, H.5111, H.4783, H.4826, H.5116, H.5244, S.2975, and S.2976. On H.4876, supporters described it as the “Overcomers Law,” aimed at strengthening supports for survivors of abuse by limiting abusers’ legal standing after death, requiring survivor notification of an abuser’s death, expanding coercive control definitions, improving privacy protections, and creating education and resource programs. On H.5111, the Attorney General’s Office and legislative sponsors backed changes to strengthen Massachusetts antitrust enforcement, including broader jurisdiction over multi-state conduct, higher penalties, clearer treatment of invitations to conspire, labor-market protections, housing-related changes, and a longer statute of limitations. The committee also heard support for H.4783, which would reaffirm the rights of people experiencing homelessness and push back against criminalization of homelessness, and for H.4826, which would update condominium law to give owners more rights and nonjudicial dispute-resolution options. A large portion of the hearing focused on H.5116, which would rename the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse. Representative Worrell, the Harris family, senators, prosecutors, lawyers, educators, and community advocates testified in strong support, describing Judge Harris’s legacy of fairness, mentorship, community service, and support for young people and Black legal professionals. The committee also heard testimony on S.2975, which would prohibit civil immigration arrests in courthouses to protect access to justice, and S.2976, which would create a state cause of action for constitutional violations by federal officers. Finally, H.5244 was supported as a repeal of an archaic criminal statute that advocates said has been used to punish pregnancy loss and should be removed from the books. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm John Holquist. I'm the committee administrator.
• There are dozens of them, with the capstone being Camp Ripley in central Minnesota.
• There are dozens of them, with the capstone being Camp Ripley in central Minnesota.
• AMVETS, with John Flores. The Marine Corps League, with Commandant Andrew McCormick.
• </c> Bellis uh Amvets with uh John Bellis uh Amvets with uh John Flores<00:21:23.240><c> the</c><00:21

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from Ripley. Down in front. Gentleman from Ripley. Down in front.
• Yes, gentleman from Ripley. Introduction of special guests. Proceed, please.
• John from St. Louis County.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal, and a long series of introductions recognizing student groups, interns, FCCLA and FBLA participants, a Missouri Rural Water Association delegation, medical students, family guests, and legislative assistants. Members also highlighted the Tipton Lady Cardinals girls basketball state championship team and several job-shadowing students from across the state. Announcements included committee meetings and a Missouri Department of Conservation Earth Day tree-seedling giveaway in the rotunda. On legislation, the House received committee reports recommending passage of several measures, then took up House substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3068 and 3049. Members discussed the bill as a vehicle for multiple bipartisan provisions, including public safety, AI, trafficking training, and other topics; opponents raised concerns about anti-trans language and the bill’s breadth, while others defended it as a package of widely supported items. The House passed the measure 117-10 with 17 present. The chamber also truly agreed to and finally passed Senate Bill 914, dealing with soil analysis/perk test issues, by 108-34 with one present, and Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1142, a Secretary of State business filing measure for series LLC certificates of good standing, by 142-0 with one present. The most extended debate was on House Bill 1758, a daylight savings time trigger bill. The sponsor argued Missouri should lock in daylight savings time if the federal government authorizes a nationwide change, to avoid neighboring states forcing Missouri into standard time and to support tourism, safety, and economic activity. Supporters cited health, mental health, family, and business benefits, while opponents argued for standard time, raised concerns about children, circadian rhythms, and prior failed experiments, and questioned the federal-state authority issues. After extensive discussion and a point of order, the House ordered House Bill 1758 perfected and printed. The session ended with announcements and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• 03:53.920><c> the</c> And whereas head coach Jack Huard and assistant coaches Eric Rhodess, Braden Ripley
• > and assistant coaches Eric Rhodess, and assistant coaches Eric Rhodess, Braden<00:04:54.080><c> Ripley
• , and Corey Lumbard were Braden Ripley, and Corey Lumbard were essential<00:04:56.160><c> guides</c><
• ,</c><00:07:05.280><c> and</c> coaches Eric Rhodess, Braden Ripley, and coaches Eric Rhodess, Braden
• Ripley, and Corey<00:07:06.160><c> Lumbard.

Transcript Highlights:

• tell you that if Sierra Vista Hospital is included in this, and we know right now from the days of John
• Judge, to clarify that negotiated deal was based on the D C H W Y D H C W R H R P H P P I believe The
• Senator Ripley, no. Senator Duhigg, no. Senator Cedillo Lopez, no. Senator Stewart.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary