Transcript Highlights:

• 08:27.440><c> arec><00:08:27.720><c> brokenc> types of of permits um these are broken types of of
• ><c> ofc><00:19:34.559><c> whatc><00:19:34.840><c> typesc><00:19:35.240><c> ofc><00:19:35.400
• ><c> businessesc> examples of what types of businesses examples of what types of businesses fall<00
• <c> typesc><00:19:47.679><c> andc><00:19:47.880><c> levelsc> it would relate to the types and levels
• :19:53.760><c> manufacturingc> types often in manufacturing types often in manufacturing utilities<

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the January 21, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Chamber Foundation on its report about Minnesota’s environmental permitting system. The presenters said the report was based on research by Barr Engineering and the Policy Navigation Group and argued that permitting delays can discourage investment and make Minnesota less competitive for manufacturing, mining, energy, clean tech, and other industrial projects. They highlighted that Tier 1 permits are generally issued quickly, but Tier 2 air and water permits often take much longer than the state’s 150-day goal, with some median timelines ranging from 419 to 771 days for Tier 2 air permits and similar delays for industrial water permits. The report also said Minnesota’s permit timelines were longer than peer states and estimated that reducing delays could increase annual output by $260 million to $910 million and support 960 to 3,400 additional full-time-equivalent jobs per year. Committee members asked about which businesses fall under Tier 2 permits, the economic impact of permitting delays, and whether the Chamber had discussed the report with the governor or MPCA. The presenters said Tier 2 permits typically involve higher-emitting facilities such as manufacturing, utilities, mining, and other industrial operations, and that the economic estimates were based on modeling rather than exact lost-job counts. They also noted that the governor had been briefed and that MPCA had been invited to the hearing but did not attend. The committee then took up House File 8, which Chair Heintzeman said is intended to improve permitting efficiency while maintaining environmental standards. He described provisions that would reduce the number of 60-day wetland application extensions, require MPCA to issue permitting efficiency reports twice a year, break out data on missed timelines by municipal versus industrial applicants, treat failure to meet the 150-day Tier 2 deadline as a final action subject to judicial review, and require quicker notice when applications are incomplete. He also outlined sections that would allow separate construction and operating permits, expand expedited permitting, and change environmental assessment worksheet petition rules. The bill was moved to be re-referred to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, and the discussion began, but the transcript ends before any final vote on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• :51:52.480><c> ac><00:51:52.640><c> pre-trialc><00:51:53.119><c> typec><00:51:53.280><c> ofc>
• c><00:51:54.000><c> Soc> much like a pre-trial type of thing.
• :50.800><c> thec><00:52:51.040><c> typec><00:52:51.280><c> ofc><00:52:51.599><c> inc><00:52:51.839
• ><c> thec><00:52:52.000><c> categoryc><00:52:52.400><c> forc> um in the type of in the category
• <c> typesc><00:53:05.520><c> ofc><00:53:05.680><c> persons.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes of its June 10, 2025 meeting and then heard testimony on House Bill 198, “Angela’s Law,” sponsored by Representative Samara Hein. The bill would add a new aggravating circumstance in death-penalty cases when an offender abuses the corpse of a kidnapping or murder victim by engaging in deviate sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse, or sexual contact. Representative Hein and the victim’s parents described the case that prompted the proposal, saying the current law did not allow the conduct to be treated as an aggravating factor because the sexual act occurred after death. They emphasized that the bill would not require a death sentence or life without parole, but would give judges and juries another sentencing factor to consider. Doug and Angela Kerr gave emotional testimony about their daughter’s murder and said the current sentencing options were inadequate given the facts of the case. Several members expressed sympathy and supported the bill’s purpose. Senator Wheeler said the measure would signal that the Commonwealth will not tolerate such conduct, and Representative Petrie said he supported the concept but urged careful drafting so the language would not be too narrow or unintentionally reach co-conspirators or others whose conduct differed from the principal offender. The committee then received an informational presentation on KRS Chapter 202C from Judge Lisa Payne Jones and Shauna Mitchell of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. They explained that 202C was enacted in 2021 to address a gap in Kentucky’s civil commitment laws for defendants found incompetent to stand trial after serious offenses. The presentation outlined the process: a Commonwealth’s attorney must file a petition for qualifying offenses, an evidentiary hearing must be held quickly, and if the respondent is found by a preponderance of the evidence to have committed the offense, a commitment hearing follows with a higher burden of proof. They also described the 2024 amendment changing the commitment criteria from requiring all four factors to only one, and noted the statute’s review-hearing schedule and the availability of later review if circumstances change or new evidence emerges.

Transcript Highlights:

• > know,c><00:05:32.760><c> typec><00:05:33.040><c> ofc><00:05:33.200><c> agriculture,c><00:05
• :34.480><c> youc><00:05:34.520><c> know,c> you know, type of agriculture, you know, you know, type
• <c> andc><00:29:39.640><c> mortarc> better how the types of brick and mortar better how the types
• :31:40.880><c> thec><00:31:41.000><c> typesc> and these tours want to see, the types and these tours
• c><00:31:42.240><c> theyc><00:31:42.600><c> thec><00:31:42.720><c> typesc><00:31:42.960><c> of

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses. For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained. The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• thisc><00:05:32.240><c> isc><00:05:32.560><c> morningc><00:05:33.560><c> thisc><00:05:33.680
• ><c> havec><00:05:36.080><c> floorc><00:05:36.560><c> sessionc><00:05:37.000><c> atc><00:05:37.240
• :42.160><c> isc><00:05:42.319><c> onc><00:05:42.600><c> Zoomc><00:05:43.120><c> pleasec><00:05
• ><c> tryc><00:06:05.600><c> toc><00:06:05.880><c> getc><00:06:06.000><c> youc><00:06:06.240><
• :07.680><c> butc><00:06:07.840><c> ifc><00:06:07.960><c> wec><00:06:08.160><c> can'tc><00:06:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing opened with committee procedures and then took up SB 1, relating to vegetation management near utility lines. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it would shift rights, responsibilities, and liability onto the state and private landowners. Hawaiian Electric supported the measure with amendments, describing it as a first step to address wildfire risk and improve public safety and system reliability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and Command Schools both raised concerns that the bill could impose significant costs, liability, and access burdens on farmers, ranchers, and other landowners, especially where easements are old or unclear. Life of the Land argued the issue belongs before the Public Utilities Commission, and PUC staff explained that the commission is already reviewing Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire mitigation plan and vegetation management in a docket, with a decision expected by September and public meetings scheduled for April 23 and 24. Committee members questioned the need for legislation versus negotiated solutions, and witnesses said private parties could potentially renegotiate easements without statute. The committee then heard HB 1296, relating to disaster recovery. DLNR and OPSD supported the bill, saying it would ease regulatory burdens in post-disaster rebuilding and help speed permit review. Testimony and member questions focused on the bill’s five-year rebuilding timeline, the role of the coastal zone/SMA process, and how long permit reviews typically take; OPSD said SMA major/use permits generally take about six months, while minor permits are faster. Members also discussed whether the bill would apply to existing structures damaged in disasters and whether the amendments from the Attorney General’s office and OPSD were acceptable; no objections were raised. Finally, the committee heard SB 1170, relating to the expeditious redevelopment and development of affordable rental housing. HHFDC supported the bill, and testimony from a Maui affordable housing project said the measure is needed to rebuild the Weinberg Court Apartments, a 63-unit affordable project in Lahaina, using insurance funds rather than government money. Members asked whether the bill would help existing affordable rental projects damaged before the enactment of related coastal rules, and the response was that the bill is aimed at existing structures damaged during events and intended to speed rebuilding of affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> isc><00:14:43.279><c> ac> type of Faculty as well because AI is a type of Faculty as well because
• <00:18:42.960><c> diminishingc><00:18:43.480><c> typec><00:18:43.799><c> programsc><00:18:44.360
• ><c> andc><00:18:44.679><c> atc> versus diminishing type programs and at versus diminishing type
• ><c> typec> University side to implement these type University side to implement these type of<00:30
• <00:36:01.359><c> typesc><00:36:01.560><c> ofc> students looking at different types of students looking

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing covered Senate Bill 426, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the City and County of Honolulu, the Department of Human Services, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaiʻi College of Education, the Attorney General’s office, the Early Childhood Action Strategy, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, the University of Hawaiʻi’s early childhood educator project, and a Zoom testifier who described the importance of investing in high-quality early childhood education. Committee discussion focused on the program’s estimated cost, with figures of about $14.5 million in 2025-26 and $15 million in 2026-27, and on whether the program would require ongoing base-budget funding. The committee recommended technical, non-substantive amendments, including a statewide-concern amendment and a deferred effective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1622, which would appropriate funds to establish the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaiʻi to support statewide artificial intelligence initiatives. University representatives described the proposal as the product of campus-wide input and outlined five pillars: governance and policy, outreach and engagement, research and development, workforce development, and AI tools for key sectors such as health care, creative industries, manufacturing, data science, astronomy, and climate change. Members questioned staffing distribution, tuition, enrollment timing, housing, campus placement, and whether positions would be permanent or temporary; the university said it planned about 10 positions across campuses, would start with internal resources, and would house the effort under the Vice President for Research and Innovation initially. The committees recommended an SD1 with the appropriation amounts blanked out, a July 31, 2050 effective date, and committee-report language on housing and West Oʻahu, and the higher education and labor/technology committees adopted the amended recommendation. Finally, the Higher Education Committee took up Senate Bill 1488, a housekeeping measure to consolidate existing University of Hawaiʻi conference center statutes into a single revolving fund structure, and Senate Bill 636, which would fund retention and internship coordinator positions and broader enrollment management efforts at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. SB 1488 drew university support and no opposition. SB 636 prompted substantial questioning about Hilo’s declining enrollment, current retention rate of 72.8 percent, and the scope of the request, which includes not only two named positions but also about $432,000 for enrollment management initiatives such as data analysis, IT support, and other student services. Hilo said it is targeting 3 to 5 percent annual enrollment growth and that the positions would support recruitment, retention, internships, and data-driven enrollment strategy. The committee pressed for a clearer broader plan, but the discussion in the transcript ended before a final vote on SB 636 was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• 10:07.279><c> andc><00:10:07.600><c> custodialc><00:10:08.240><c> typec><00:10:08.480><c> work<
• thatc><00:13:09.680><c> typec><00:13:09.839><c> ofc><00:13:09.920><c> ac><00:13:10.160><c> handicap
• c><00:13:11.279><c> orc><00:13:11.519><c> orc> that has that type of a handicap or or that has
• ><c> thosec><01:29:12.719><c> arec><01:29:12.880><c> thec><01:29:13.120><c> typec><01:29:13.280
• , supervising type administrator, supervising type principal<01:32:15.840><c> ofc><01:32:16.000><c>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• type<00:19:11.200><c> ofc><00:19:11.720><c> challengec><00:19:12.159><c> movingc> type of challenge
• 30.720><c> havec><00:20:31.000><c> thatc><00:20:31.200><c> typec><00:20:31.400><c> ofc><00:20
• ><c> typec><00:26:51.840><c> ofc> standard related to those type of standard related to those type
• :31:59.440><c> todayc><00:31:59.639><c> andc><00:31:59.720><c> thesec><00:31:59.880><c> types
• c><00:32:00.080><c> ofc> discussion today and these types of discussion today and these types of discussions

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on the fiscal note process, prompted by concerns raised in a prior hearing about the fiscal note for the Paid Family and Medical Leave law. Chair Marty, Senator Pratt, and Senator Wiklund said the goal was not to revisit the bill itself but to strengthen understanding of fiscal note standards, the role of the Legislative Budget Office (LBO), and communication with agencies. They emphasized bipartisan concern that fiscal notes must be respected and that the process should be clearer going forward. Christian Larison of the LBO explained that the 2024 fiscal note issues stemmed from three main problems: choosing the proper baseline for a program that had not yet started, interpreting the seven-day qualifying event/waiting period, and determining whether DEED could adjust the first-year premium rate. He said the LBO, DEED, MMB, and House fiscal staff ultimately used the October 2023 actuarial analysis as the baseline because it was the most recent and likely most accurate estimate, but that choice meant the fiscal note did not show the difference from the 2023 enacted budget. He also described how DEED later interpreted the seven-day provision as a waiting period and how the premium-rate assumptions affected the fiscal impact. Larison outlined possible responses, including more assertive early communication from the LBO, providing more detailed analysis in unusual cases, and possibly creating a working group through the LBO Oversight Commission to consider new standards for substantial assumption changes, complex new programs, and third-party actuarial work. He also noted the LBO has authority to issue unapproved fiscal notes if standards are not met, though it has not used that authority. In questions, Senator Murphy asked about protecting the credibility of fiscal notes, and Larison said maintaining independence, objectivity, and consistent standards is central to the LBO’s role. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><01:04:38.319><c> uhc><01:04:38.559><c> Kentuckyc> other types of issues. uh Kentucky other types
• <c> typesc><01:05:54.000><c> ofc><01:05:54.160><c> revenuec> accounts for other types of revenue
• 02.560><c> aboutc><01:09:02.960><c> whatc><01:09:03.279><c> typec><01:09:03.520><c> ofc> uh and
• health plans and other types<01:12:53.199><c> ofc><01:12:53.520><c> ofc><01:12:53.600><c> ofc>
• to update this committee<01:19:36.480><c> onc><01:19:36.960><c> thec><01:19:37.199><c> typesc>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:11 Discussion of County Clerks’ Land Records Update 00:02:42 Discussion of Area Development Districts 00:22:48 Discussion of Legislative Measures 00:50:09 Discussion of Local Taxing Sources 01:02:33 Adjournment 01:29:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up an update from the Kentucky County Clerks Association on the transition to electronic recording and land records modernization. Testimony explained that legislation from the 2021 task force created funding and deadlines for counties to provide online search portals and complete a 30-year property record search, with a later move to a 60-year standard. Speakers said the money has been awarded to counties, but much of the work is still in progress because records must be scanned, indexed, and manually verified. They said only a handful of counties are fully compliant with electronic recording so far, while many are still working through staffing and vendor issues. They also noted that the 60-year standard may ultimately be easier and more efficient to complete than the 30-year standard, and that compliance is expected to improve by next summer. The clerks’ representatives also raised related issues, including deed fraud, the county document storage fee, and KDLA digitization grants. They said online recording can make deed fraud easier to attempt, so they expect to seek legislation next session to address it. They described an existing notification service available in many counties that alerts property owners when a document is recorded, which can help detect suspicious activity quickly. They also said the storage fee and separate county account structure has generally worked well, but that two recent KDLA grant cycles have not released money for clerks, limiting support for digitization work. Another topic was whether, once records are fully digitized and verified, some permanent records should remain publicly accessible or be moved to a safer archive under KDLA control. Members asked about the balance in the KDLA fund, what the General Assembly could do to help lagging counties, and how much of the $25 million modernization funding had been spent. Witnesses said they did not have the current fund balance but would try to get it, that the main obstacle now appears to be staffing rather than additional money, and that the funds have been awarded but not fully expended because work is still ongoing. They emphasized that counties are helping one another and asked members to alert association leadership if any county is struggling. The committee then heard a presentation from Dan London, executive director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, who described area development districts as regional staff extensions and technical resources for cities and counties, and highlighted their role in coordinating regional services and partnerships across county lines.

Transcript Highlights:

• :27:53.760><c> typesc><00:27:53.919><c> ofc><00:27:54.080><c> technologies.
• ><c> thosec><00:42:43.040><c> typesc><00:42:43.200><c> ofc> can't cause faults, those types of
• c> somec><00:52:16.319><c> typec><00:52:16.480><c> ofc> they're also going to want some type of
• <c> typec><01:11:22.320><c> 1c><01:11:22.560><c> diabetesc><01:11:23.840><c> whichc> cell therapy
• ><c> havec><01:11:26.960><c> typec><01:11:27.280><c> 1c><01:11:27.440><c> diabetesc><01:11:27.920

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:25:26.399><c> typec> said there's a basic Supply demand type said there's a basic Supply demand
• ><c> typesc><00:26:06.600><c> ofc><00:26:07.080><c> coveragec> specific sectors or types of coverage
• attractingc><00:39:56.280><c> thisc><00:39:56.480><c> typec><00:39:56.680><c> ofc><00:39:56.960
• shaltc><00:49:44.680><c> notc><00:49:45.440><c> typec><00:49:45.599><c> ofc><00:49:45.720><c>
• 45.880><c> typedc> that's it I have it on my video I typed that's it I have it on my video I typed

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 733-FN, a bill concerning third-party litigation financing (TPLF). Representative Cole, the prime sponsor, described TPLF as outside investors funding lawsuits in which they have no personal stake, arguing that the practice is largely unregulated, can involve foreign entities, increases litigation abuse, and contributes to higher insurance and consumer costs. He said the bill is modeled on an NCOIL proposal and would require disclosure of TPLF agreements, with guardrails and reporting requirements on specified pages of the bill. He also noted a couple of drafting fixes, including adding the word “knowingly” and incorporating a missing section later. Members raised questions about the bill’s foreign-entity language, especially the provision allowing a governor or the Department of Safety to designate a country as a threat to critical infrastructure. Representative Cole said he would have lawyers review that issue. Another member asked whether the bill would prohibit a party from obtaining outside funding for a lawsuit; Cole clarified that the bill is intended as a reporting measure, not a ban, and that disclosure would be required. He also said the bill is aimed at American citizens rather than foreign-backed financing, and that some states had considered caps on such arrangements, though this bill does not. Brandon Gratz of the Attorney General’s office testified that the enforcement language appears too limited, because it would allow only civil penalties and not broader Consumer Protection Act remedies such as injunctions or restitution. He suggested the Attorney General may not have meaningful authority under the bill as written and raised possible insurance-law issues. Commissioner D.J. Benton-Court of the Insurance Department said the disclosure could help insurers better assess risk and potentially soften the hard insurance market by improving transparency, competition, underwriting, innovation, and claims management. He also said the bill likely needs further work on jurisdiction and enforcement, and that the committee may need to coordinate with the Attorney General, Insurance Department, and possibly banking regulators. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> certainc><00:31:19.279><c> typesc><00:31:19.600><c> ofc> in um immigrants with certain types
• Can you<00:59:19.599><c> givec><00:59:19.839><c> anyc><00:59:20.000><c> typec><00:59:20.240><c>
• <01:31:11.120><c> recentlyc> type of license.
• ><01:41:35.360><c> typec><01:41:35.520><c> ofc> it's so difficult to do this type of it's so difficult
• c> typesc><01:42:19.679><c> ofc><01:42:19.920><c> cancer.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met and approved the minutes from its August 27 meeting. It then received a presentation from Katherine Castanza of the National Conference of State Legislators on the Medicaid provisions in the 2025 budget reconciliation bill, referred to as HR1. She explained that the bill is estimated by CBO to save the federal government $911 billion over 10 years, with more than 20 Medicaid-specific provisions, most of the savings concentrated in five policies and largely backloaded into 2030-2034. She emphasized that the bill’s effects will vary by state, but that expansion states and hospitals are expected to be most affected, in part because of changes to eligibility, provider taxes, and state-directed payments. Castanza highlighted several new funding and flexibility provisions, including a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund for 2026-2030 and a new home- and community-based services waiver option effective July 1, 2028, with $100 million in grants in fiscal year 2027. She also outlined major eligibility changes for Medicaid expansion adults: work or community engagement requirements effective January 1, 2027; twice-yearly redeterminations for the expansion population effective the same date; and new cost sharing for certain expansion adults effective October 1, 2028. She noted that Kentucky, as an expansion state, would be subject to these changes and that state agencies would face significant implementation demands, especially because federal guidance and timelines are tight. A substantial portion of the presentation focused on financing changes. Castanza described new limits on provider taxes, including a 0% safe harbor for new taxes and a phased reduction for existing taxes in expansion states beginning in 2028, while nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities are exempt from the reduction if already taxed. She also explained that state-directed payments will be capped and phased down over time, with existing arrangements grandfathered only briefly; she said Kentucky has 11 approved state-directed payments and could see significant fiscal effects. She added that the bill also bars Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood or similarly situated providers for one year, changes immigrant eligibility rules effective October 1, 2026, lowers the federal match for certain emergency services, and expands the scope of the federal erroneous payment recoupment provision effective October 1, 2029. Throughout, she stressed that federal savings may translate into state cost shifts and that implementation timing will be critical.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> snarec><00:20:02.120><c> drumc><00:20:03.120><c> thec><00:20:03.320><c> typec> proper role
• in the snare drum the type proper role in the snare drum the type of<00:20:03.799><c> smallc><00:20
• :06.399><c> likec><00:27:06.600><c> itc> type design so nothing really like it type design so nothing
• state<01:24:40.000><c> fromc><01:24:40.360><c> anyc><01:24:40.719><c> typec> Mr.
• anyc><01:26:42.560><c> catastrophicc><01:26:43.400><c> typec><01:26:43.600><c> ofc><01:26:43.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund requests and laid them over for possible inclusion. Senate File 673 sought $795,000 to help replace or refurbish the structurally unsound Marshall bandshell. Senator Gary Dames, Marshall Mayor Bob Burns, and Parks and Recreation Superintendent Preston Stenard described the bandshell as an iconic community venue used for concerts and arts events, noting prior repairs in 2004, a 2001 structural report, and the need for full replacement due to settlement and deterioration near the Redwood River. They said the project has local support and a local funding commitment for the remaining costs. Senate File 627 requested $850,000 for the Olmsted County Historical Society to continue rehabilitation of the George Stoppel Farmstead. Senator Liz Balden, Dr. Mark Warner, and Commissioner Sanum said the site includes three National Register buildings and preserves immigration and agricultural history in southeast Minnesota. They reported that $1.1 million had already been raised and that prior Legacy funding helped stabilize one structure, but additional work is needed on the bank barn and Stoppel house to complete restoration and improve accessibility. Senate File 822 proposed $65,000 in fiscal year 2026 for the Minnesota State Band to provide free public performances across Minnesota. Testifier Craig Allen said the volunteer band, formed in 1898, uses the funding to travel to small towns and schools, including outreach to students and veterans. Conductor Keith Leuty emphasized the educational value of school visits and upcoming concerts in Moose Lake, Grand Rapids, and Cloquet, including a performance at Fond du Lac Ojibwe School. Members expressed support, and the bill was also laid over. The committee then began hearing Senate File 575, which would appropriate $3.8 million for the Grand Rapids Old Central School renovation. Senator Iorn, city councilor Rick Blake, and City Administrator Tom Pagel described the 1895 building as a historic and arts-centered community landmark with artist residencies, galleries, concerts, and other public uses. They said the building needs major repairs, including a new roof, structural truss work, HVAC replacement, and ADA and elevator upgrades, and they were in the middle of detailing those needs when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> typesc><00:42:04.800><c> ofc><00:42:04.920><c> thingsc><00:42:05.839><c> havingc><00:42:06.119
• ><c> somec><00:42:06.319><c> typec> these types of things having some type these types of things
• having some type of<00:42:06.599><c> clearc><00:42:06.920><c> definitionc><00:42:07.520><c> soc
• ><c> firec><00:42:25.400><c> inc><00:42:25.520><c> duthc> type of definition we had a fire in duth
• ><c> didc><01:31:42.920><c> typec><01:31:43.080><c> ofc> admit what you did type of admit what

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:36:04.800><c> anyc><00:36:05.079><c> typec><00:36:05.280><c> ofc><00:36:05.440><c> program
• c><00:36:05.960><c> thatc> important that any type of program that important that any type of program
• :36:08.400><c> ownc><00:36:08.680><c> andc><00:36:08.839><c> otherc><00:36:09.040><c> typec><
• c><01:02:08.480><c> ac><01:02:08.839><c> ac> type students for instance we have a a type students
• 38.560><c> proc><01:30:39.000><c> thisc><01:30:39.360><c> particularc><01:30:39.760><c> typec

Bills: HF846, HF1538, HF1959

Keywords: education, special education, apprenticeship, funding, grants, intermediate school districts, teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:41:28.560><c> typec><00:41:28.720><c> ofc> then to have to pay out uh these type of then
• type of um individuals. um if these type of um protests<01:04:11.760><c> getc><01:04:12.000><c> out
• /c><01:05:27.760><c> uhc><01:05:28.079><c> thesec><01:05:28.480><c> typec><01:05:28.640><c> of<
• 01:08:16.319><c> typec><01:08:16.480><c> ofc> meetings are held and and these type of meetings are
• type of to the US Supreme Court on what type of immunity<01:21:58.239><c> uhc><01:21:58.480><c> law

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the February 20, 2026 journal, and then moved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of bills on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 85, concerning military protection orders in domestic violence cases, and Senate Bill 25, concerning land survey monumentation, were both adopted on the consent calendar and later reported out as amended and placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The chamber also briefly recognized the Denver Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and welcomed a visiting family member of a sergeant during moments of personal privilege. The committee then took up Senate Bill 5, which creates a state court remedy for violations of federal constitutional rights during immigration enforcement. Senators Weissman and Gonzalez supported the bill, arguing it is meant to protect constitutional rights and provide a civil remedy when those rights are violated. Senator Gonzalez urged a strong vote in favor, while Senator Weissman explained the bill’s scope and later supported amendments as technical or clarifying changes. Two amendments to SB 5 were debated at length and both were defeated. Amendment L004, offered by Senator Baisley, would have required that a violation be done “knowingly and intentionally”; supporters argued it would add fairness and guard against frivolous claims, while opponents said it would raise the burden for injured people and was unnecessary because the bill already concerns federal constitutional rights. Amendment L005, offered by Senator Lon, would have barred claims where the plaintiff provoked the conduct; supporters said it would protect self-defense and limit abuse of the bill, while opponents called it victim-blaming and said it would undermine accountability. Both amendments failed on voice votes, and debate on the bill continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thatc><00:21:48.960><c> typec><00:21:49.159><c> ofc> students to engage in that type of students
• 13.440><c> notc><01:34:13.719><c> havec><01:34:14.040><c> anyc><01:34:14.400><c> typec><01:34
• :36.679><c> typec><02:01:36.880><c> ofc><02:01:37.159><c> situationc><02:01:38.079><c> wherec
• is 48 states have<02:01:51.159><c> somec><02:01:51.520><c> typec><02:01:52.280><c> programc><02
• have<02:03:17.000><c> thisc><02:03:17.400><c> typec><02:03:17.679><c> ofc><02:03:18.040><c> program

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > typec><00:12:37.600><c> thec><00:12:37.920><c> typesc> field trips, uh the the type the types
• field trips, uh the the type the types of<00:12:38.320><c> activitiesc><00:12:38.800><c> andc><00
• ><c> typec><01:18:53.360><c> ofc><01:18:53.520><c> federalc><01:18:53.840><c> fundingc><01:18
• :54.080><c> wec><01:18:54.320><c> couldc> any type of federal funding we could any type of federal
• <01:55:02.719><c> preventsc><01:55:03.040><c> thec><01:55:03.280><c> typec><01:55:03.440><c> of

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> thec><00:37:35.800><c> typesc><00:37:36.000><c> ofc> energy so this um expands the types of
• ><c> thec><00:44:01.280><c> samec><00:44:01.960><c> typec><00:44:02.119><c> ofc><00:44:02.440
• 37.039><c> rulesc><01:05:37.440><c> aboutc><01:05:37.680><c> whatc><01:05:37.799><c> typec><01
• thec><01:43:44.400><c> typec><01:43:44.560><c> ofc><01:43:44.920><c> returnc><01:43:45.280><c
• > taxc><02:36:16.160><c> ofc><02:36:16.359><c> thisc><02:36:16.560><c> typec><02:36:17.160><c

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.320><c> typesc><01:01:46.680><c> ofc><01:01:46.840><c> linec><01:01:47.040><c> ofc><01:01
• c><02:20:12.920><c> Wec> work with all types of witnesses. We work with all types of witnesses.
• ><c> usec><02:45:42.440><c> ofc><02:45:42.880><c> thisc><02:45:43.040><c> typec> unlawful uh
• use the use of this type unlawful uh use the use of this type type<02:45:43.600><c> ofc><02:45:43.680
• ><c> embarrassc><02:45:46.040><c> thec> type of data to harass or embarrass the type of data to harass

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:10.360><c> typesc><00:31:10.639><c> ofc><00:31:10.840><c> transitionalc><00:31:11.440><c
• > housingc><00:31:11.840><c> wec> other types of transitional housing we other types of transitional
• c><00:45:42.200><c> arec><00:45:42.359><c> notc> type of practice they have they are not type of
• c><02:29:06.520><c> ofc> governments to collect this type of governments to collect this type of
• ><c> bec><02:34:56.840><c> neededc> age or what type of detail may be needed age or what type of

Keywords: 1191, senate, all