Transcript Highlights:

• As the court of record for the state, there are nearly 100 statutes establishing Thurston County as the
• As the court of record for the state, there are nearly 100 statutes establishing Thurston County as the
• apply to new appropriations exceeding $2 million that meet the scope described in Executive Order 21-02
• , and it modifies the compliance timeframe for... ...described in Executive Order 21-02, and it modifies

Bills: SB6003 , HB2353 , HB2431 , HB1983

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: capital budget, funding, infrastructure, state projects, budget allocation, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning, construction costs, inflation adjustment, capital facilities, project review, allotments, lease approval

Bills: HR286 , HR287 , HR288 , HR289 , HR290 , HR291 , HR292 , HR293 , HR294 , HCR114 , HR275 , HR276 , HR277 , HR278 , HR279 , HR280 , HR282 , HR283 , HR284 , HR285 , HCR112 , HCR113 , SCR62 , SCR64 , SB132 , SB135 , SB405 , HR179 , HR216 , HR223 , HR225 , HR274 , HCR89 , SB39 , SB99 , SB111 , SB112 , SB124 , SB134 , SB174 , SB189 , SB190 , SB201 , SB233 , SB236 , SB258 , SB270 , SB273 , SB288 , SB307 , SB313 , SB320 , SB321 , SB325 , SB326 , SB331 , SB339 , SB341 , SB345 , SB346 , SB347 , SB353 , SB357 , SB359 , SB387 , SB393 , SB401 , SB415 , SB419 , SB422 , SB426 , SB435 , SB437 , SB440 , SB451 , SB464 , SB470 , SB487 , SB488 , SB495 , SB504 , SB505 , SB518 , SB523 , SB228 , SB408 , HR168 , HR174 , HR194 , HCR54 , HCR74 , HCR79 , HCR87 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR102 , HCR104 , SCR23 , SCR38 , HCR26 , HB250 , HB265 , HB339 , HB427 , HB445 , HB463 , HB468 , HB606 , HB639 , HB649 , HB665 , HB746 , HB781 , HB853 , HB861 , HB872 , HB886 , HB916 , HB937 , HB1054 , HB1068 , HB1117 , HB1237 , HB75 , HB705 , SB34 , SB164 , SB172 , SB198 , SB208 , SB232 , SB281 , SB286 , SB317 , SB322 , SB334 , SB380 , SB385 , SB409 , SB417 , SB421 , SB430 , SB439 , SB447 , SB458 , SB510 , SB54 , SB56 , SB72 , SB79 , SB97 , SB105 , SB123 , SB125 , SB129 , SB163 , SB171 , SB252 , SB287 , SB375 , SB386 , SB461 , SB466 , HR84 , SCR3 , HB582 , HB625 , HB646 , HB998 , HB1191 , HB1255 , SB81 , SB100 , SB109 , SB197 , SB374 , SB479 , SB78 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HB284 , HB302 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB82 , SB89 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB782 , SB149 , SB382 , SB441

Keywords: HR286, House Resolution 286, LED, Louisiana Economic Development, rural development, energy efficiency, renewable energy, public-private partnership, tax credits, economic development, workforce training, school energy costs, community colleges, technical colleges, local government, building modernization, on-site energy generation, public facilities, rural parishes, distressed communities

Transcript Highlights:

• It's true whether it's in Minnesota or Washington.
• And look, the incidents in Minnesota were tragic.
• And I don't want to take away from the tragic events in Minnesota, but I also don't want to be diverted
• And I don't want to take away from the tragic events in Minnesota, but I also don't want to be diverted
• We believe the events in Minnesota should be properly investigated.

Summary: House and Senate Republican leaders used the media availability to argue that the Democratic majority is making Washington less affordable through new taxes and fees. They cited measures including a utility surcharge bill, expanded producer responsibility costs for clothing, a tire fee bill, proposed tobacco and pharmaceutical taxes, and speculation about an income tax, saying these would raise the cost of living and burden working families and small businesses. They also criticized a bill affecting initiative procedures, calling it an attack on direct democracy, and said Republicans would continue to oppose measures they view as adding costs or limiting voter input. A major portion of the discussion focused on immigration-related bills and public safety. Republicans condemned Governor Ferguson’s comments about events in Minnesota as inflammatory and said the incidents there should be investigated without political escalation. They also opposed a bill to restrict face coverings for federal immigration officers, arguing it would not be enforceable and would not affect federal law enforcement. Another bill they criticized would allow the state health department to fine the Northwest Detention Center if inspections are blocked; Republicans said the state lacks authority to regulate the federal government in that way. They also rejected a proposal to bar ICE agents hired under the second Trump administration from future law enforcement jobs in Washington, saying it was political messaging and inconsistent with the state’s public safety needs. The caucuses also discussed several other bills and policy areas. They said they were generally supportive of restoring College Bound and Washington College Grants funding for private nonprofit colleges, but only if done through the budget without new taxes. They backed a proposal to increase accountability and reporting for nonprofit organizations involved in state programs, citing concerns about fraud in mortgage assistance and other state programs. On a housing bill that would limit local enforcement of anti-camping ordinances, House Republicans said the measure was delayed for further work and that cities were worried about implementation and liability. In closing, Republicans said they would keep pushing solutions centered on affordability, transparency, and public safety while continuing to oppose what they described as politically driven bills from the majority.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, COPEC and the Minnesota Medical Association are recognizing Dr.
• important new language to the bill, updating the scope of practice for optometrists in the state of Minnesota
• The A6 is a simple technical amendment provided by the Minnesota Management and Budget Department.
• also keeps the oversight of the profession firmly under the guidance of the Board of Optometry in Minnesota

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we're eliminating that part of the bill, or that part of the statute, with this bill.
• How are you going to bring that to the statute? So what are you going to do?
• How are you going to bring that to the five years in that portion of the statute?
• "This body, not too many years ago, changed statutes regarding what municipalities and counties can do
• And Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa, Idaho, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have filed this legislation.

Summary: The House established a quorum and then took up several bills for perfection and printing. House Bill 2189, sponsored by the Jasper member, would allow five-year vehicle registrations, eliminate the old even/odd model-year registration rule, and limit the five-year option to vehicles six years old or newer. Members discussed how the bill would interact with emissions, safety inspections, insurance verification, and county tax collection systems. House Amendment 1, which set the five-year fee at $45, was adopted, and the bill was then perfected and printed. The chamber next considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1790, a ballot-language measure sponsored by the St. Louis County member. The bill requires clearer ballot wording for local tax levies, including stating levy amounts in dollar terms, alphabetic labeling of propositions, disclosure when a measure would nullify a prior sunset, and a rollback rule tied to reassessment years and voter-approved levies. Members generally supported the transparency goals, and a drafting correction amendment adding a comma was adopted before the committee substitute was perfected and printed. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2178, sponsored by the Pike member, drew the most extended debate. The bill would limit commercial property assessment increases to 15% per reassessment cycle, require a physical inspection if increases exceed that threshold, and require Board of Equalization decisions by the end of September or revert to the prior year’s assessment. Amendments were adopted to add short-term rental protections so assessors cannot reclassify residential short-term rentals as commercial property, to incorporate ballot-language provisions from other bills, and to add taxpayer protections requiring clearer assessment notices, faster refunds, and litigation-cost recovery in some successful appeals. The body adopted House Amendment 1 by roll call, 92-43 with 5 present, and later adopted House Amendments 2 and 3; House Amendment 4 was then taken up for further discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last legislative session, there actually was a civil penalty that was drawn into the statute.
• Our statute is a little bit more broad than the federal statute.
• Ohio has another grooming statute.
• Ohio has another grooming statute.
• When that scenario happened, it was in Minnesota. And yes, that individual was. Okay.

Committee: Joint Protection and Victim Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Gracious and loving God, we come before you today as we gather for the 94th session of the Minnesota
• Legislature, this body, the Minnesota House of Representatives.
• Alan Gorecki, Lead Pastor at Hope Church in Blaine, Minnesota. Pledge of Allegiance.
• Paul, Minnesota, Thursday, February 13th.

Transcript Highlights:

• the North Dakota Association of Counties, the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts, and the Minnesota
• This is in statute where we are obligated to meet on a quarterly basis to review water issues, which
• regarding stormwater projects in the state, including looking at current funding sources, related statutes
• change or enhancement to the statutes regarding that area.
• regarding that, statute regarding that area.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• this paragraph here that's on page one, the only thing we're, he requests that we add was Revised Statute
• Only a small handful of states have enacted similar laws, including California, New York, and Minnesota
• It doesn't necessarily touch the existing statute, so I disagree, but we disagree about things all the
• I can list off all the federal statutes: Truth in Lending Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act,
• We contend that digital assets were already covered in our statute under the all-other provisions, but

Committee: Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee took up several House measures. HCR 66, as amended, asked Louisiana Economic Development and the Governor’s Office of Rural Development to study rural parish assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities, and it was moved forward without objection. HB 387, a clarification to allow the fire marshal’s office to review architectural and engineering plans equally, also passed favorably without objection. HB 1223, which would have LED promote Louisiana’s clinical trial capacity and adjust internal review board processes, was amended and moved favorably. HB 950, aimed at helping older adults recognize and avoid fraud through materials and resources from the Office of Elderly Affairs, was reported favorably. HB 975, a routine measure to recreate the Public Service Commission, was also reported favorably. HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, was amended and moved favorably. HB 1222, described as a Grocery Initiative Act to let LED identify ways to address food deserts and food insecurity, was introduced near the end of the meeting. The most extensive debate centered on HB 617, a consumer transparency bill requiring mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing. The author said the bill was intended to curb hidden fees and help consumers compare prices, with examples such as hotel resort fees and automatic restaurant service charges. Supporters argued it would improve transparency, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups said the bill was too broad, vague about terms like “total price,” unclear on enforcement and penalties, and could create compliance burdens and litigation risk, especially for small businesses. Housing advocates opposed the bill’s housing carve-out, arguing it could weaken renters’ ability to bring unfair-practice claims. Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard lengthy testimony on HB 797, which would create a Bayou Gold certification for certain transactional gold vendors that meet state-defined standards such as segregation, insurance, and nearby storage. The sponsor said the goal was to give consumers confidence and encourage vendors to keep gold closer to Louisiana, while critics argued the program would amount to a state endorsement of private companies, create misleading consumer impressions, and expose the state to confusion or liability. The bill drew opposition from the Sound Money Defense League and others, but the committee ultimately reported HB 797 favorably, with the understanding it still had to go to Finance. HB 1228, a hearing-aid cleanup bill updating definitions, contracts, testing periods, and licensing rules, was also moved favorably without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So how does this, how would the statute relate to the federal law that currently, you know, so it's not
• 2018, Ohio Governor John Kasich created a technology first task force by executive order, and in Minnesota
• They do already in statute have a requirement to notify anyone, hey, before you offer me your vehicle
• have to knowingly lend your vehicle to someone you know to be driving restricted they do already in statute
• So that's why we're putting it into statute. Just as a quick note, that was a while ago.

Bills: HB2051 , HB2114 , HB2127 , HB2134 , HB2207 , HB2574 , HB2700 , HB2800 , HB2916

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Keywords: AHCCCS, lactation care, breastfeeding, health services, healthcare access, special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, critical infrastructure, foreign adversaries, China, communications, security, braille, disability access, education funding, state corrections, inclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• interest, with the funds they receive from the school district facilities fund as authorized in the statute
• Senate Bill 1313 includes the dual licensure part of the statute.
• So Senate Bill 1269 updates Idaho's existing cloud seeding statute.
• Structured reporting and accountability mechanisms into statute so the program operates with consistency
• All but one of the Chapter 9 statutes were enacted between 1880 and 1909 and have not been amended since

Transcript Highlights:

• We currently operate under general pilotage statutes, unlike pilot organizations in Houston, Galveston
• In the bill, which is similar to how the other statutes are written governing pilotage in Galveston,
• Senate Bill 1729 removes obsolete statutes in the Transportation Code that have become ineffective due
• Operated vehicle in a construction or maintenance zone is not currently required by statute to be taught
• There are numerous little things this bill cleans up in different statutes that have evolved. ...involved

Bills: SB249 , SB546 , SB744 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1365 , SB1366 , SB1394 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB1772 , SB1816 , SB1841 , SB1939

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm from Yellow Medicine County, which is actually a small county in western Minnesota.
• :04:11.280><c> Western</c> actually a small County in Western actually a small County in Western Minnesota
• 12.560><c> traveler</c><00:04:13.079><c> so</c><00:04:13.360><c> it</c><00:04:13.480><c> was</c> Minnesota
• I'm the traveler so it was Minnesota I'm the traveler so it was about<00:04:13.720><c> a</c><00:04:13.799
• So we have really wonderful data in Minnesota, like from Yellow Medicine County, in terms of how it's

Transcript Highlights:

• And we also find that NDSU is the number one state of choice for students in Minnesota, which is really
• You know, if you look at Minnesota today, nearly half of our student body here comes from Minnesota,
• Forty-six percent of our Minnesota graduates accept their first job in North Dakota.
• Forty-six percent of our Minnesota graduates accept their first job in North Dakota.
• That excites me. around the world, but two-thirds of them live in North Dakota and Minnesota.

Committee: Joint Higher Education Institutions Committee

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for example, I'll use Minnesota as an example. >> I'm sorry.
• So, for example, in Minnesota, um, where we have individuals that really do need that one-on-one time
• So, they'll tell >> So, um the way it works, and I'm going to use Minnesota as an example.
• So, for example, in Minnesota, um, where we have individuals that really do need that one-on-one time
• So, for example, in Minnesota, um, where we have individuals that really do need that one-on-one time

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services heard a presentation on Kentucky personal care homes from representatives of the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities, Management Systems of Kentucky, and Elder Care Partners. Witnesses described personal care homes as a lower-cost, 24/7 residential option for adults with serious mental illness who do not qualify for nursing home care but need structured support, medication assistance, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and supervision. They said the homes are regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, are not Medicaid-funded, and rely on a state supplementation rate of about $50.70 per day, which they argued no longer covers operating costs because of rising food, labor, insurance, and maintenance expenses. The presenters said the sector has shrunk significantly over time, citing a drop from 64 homes in 2002 to 34 today among the homes serving this population, with 30 closures over 23 years and two more closures since August. They argued that the closures have contributed to homelessness, hospital overcrowding, and longer stays in psychiatric hospitals, and they gave examples of residents who had spent many months in hospitals before stabilizing in a personal care home. One provider also described spending more than $800,000 on capital improvements after acquiring Kentucky facilities and said reimbursement is too low to sustain safe operations. They asked for an incremental reimbursement increase over two years and said they have also proposed an assisted-living model for people with mental illness. Members asked about staffing, reimbursement, and the number of people still needing placement. The presenters said there is no requirement for licensed or certified staff in these facilities, though some homes use medication technicians and occasional LPNs. They estimated they are currently serving about 2,000 residents and said they receive roughly 30 referrals for every one person admitted, with many referrals involving people whose needs exceed the personal care home level. Senator Meredith and Representative Fleming said any funding request would need documentation of savings and corresponding budget offsets, while Representative Duval expressed support and asked about possible staffing and program improvements. The witnesses also compared Kentucky’s flat-rate reimbursement to a more individualized reimbursement model in Minnesota, saying a needs-based system would better match staffing and reduce hospitalizations.

Transcript Highlights:

• removing barriers to care for PA practice, this legislation updates outdated supervisory language in PA statutes
• Removing barriers to care for PA practice, this legislation updates outdated supervisory language in PA statutes
• harbor practice laws in Maine, Rhode Island, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota
• As has been mentioned, the safe harbor legislation has been passed in 11 states, including Maine, Minnesota

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing. There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tennessee, California, Oregon, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Louisiana, and Minnesota.
• data and what you saw happen here in California, what did it look like in places like Illinois and Minnesota
• At the same time, they often face a complex web of overlapping statutes and regulatory requirements,
• And proactively, and this is something I think the Legislature can do, review new statutes and regulations

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• Earlier this month, an 18-year-old natal female in Minnesota was followed into the ladies' room in a
• These women are being assaulted in restrooms, like the case that was mentioned already in Minnesota,
• The legislature cannot prohibit courts from declaring a statute unconstitutional, nor can it prevent
• diagnosed with chronic pain conditions, and for those chronic pain conditions to be included under that statute

Bills: SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB 6 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 11 , SB 12 , SB 13 , SB 15 , SB 17

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• re-referred Senate File 1464, a bill for an act relating to natural resources, establishing the Minnesota
• re-referred Senate File 2322, a bill for an act relating to health occupations, establishing the Minnesota
• 00:06:53.360><c> the</c> health occupations establishing the health occupations establishing the Minnesota
• However, I repudiate the idea that Satan is a good partner for the state of Minnesota or anyone.
• </c><00:16:18.959><c> Instead,</c> Minnesota or anyone. Instead, Minnesota or anyone.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we did look at other states that have done this, and Minnesota was the most recent state, and they've
• When Minnesota did this, they estimated around the same, and they went way over that.
• Madam Chair, you know, and piggybacking on what Brad suggested in the highly popular plate in Minnesota
• , even with that higher fee and us going just to... ...in Minnesota, even with that higher fee and us

Summary: The conference committee on Senate Bill 2133 met to resolve the remaining disagreement over fees for a proposed blackout specialty license plate. The Senate held to a $25 annual fee after dropping an initial $15 fee, while the House argued for $10 or, at most, $20, saying the plate does not support a cause and should be priced to encourage use. Members also discussed whether the plate should be treated like other specialty plates and whether any revenue should be dedicated to a specific purpose, but no particular cause was identified. The Department of Transportation testified that the $25 annual fee would go into the highway distribution fund, the same as personalized plate fees, and explained that the fund is distributed to the state, counties, and townships. DOT estimated the blackout plate could be very popular, projecting about 10% of eligible vehicles and motorcycles might choose it, based on experience in Minnesota and other states. Members noted that Minnesota saw strong demand even with higher fees. After discussion, the committee moved and adopted the Corey amendment setting the annual fee at $25. The roll call showed support from the Senate chair and Senator Paulson, with Representative Johnston voting no and Representatives Casper and Hendricks voting yes. With the amendment adopted, the committee reached agreement and adjourned, with Senate and House members designated to carry the report forward.