Transcript Highlights:

• because I I studied<00:32:03.600><c> this</c><00:32:03.720><c> when</c><00:32:03.880><c> I</c><00:32
• <00:32:06.840><c> is</c><00:32:07.559><c> an</c><00:32:07.799><c> incentive</c><00:32:08.799><c> in</
• </c><00:32:09.799><c> make</c><00:32:09.960><c> sure</c><00:32:10.880><c> we're</c><00:32:11.080><c>
• we're meeting a real<00:32:11.799><c> need</c><00:32:12.399><c> at</c><00:32:12.559><c> the</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:18.960><c> is</c><00:32:19.320><c> there</c><00:32:20.120><c> and</c><00:32:20.360><c> we<

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House<01:32:09.520><c> Bill</c><01:32:09.840><c> 454</c><01:32:10.880><c> requiring</c><01:32:11.360>
• blended</c><01:32:16.239><c> with</c><01:32:17.040><c> 10%</c><01:32:18.000><c> or</c><01:32:18.320><
• </c><01:32:21.360><c> Uh</c><01:32:22.000><c> and</c><01:32:22.960><c> who</c><01:32:23.199><c> did</
• Anybody<01:32:42.960><c> else</c><01:32:43.199><c> would</c><01:32:43.360><c> like</c><01:32:43.440><
• :32:48.400><c> way</c><01:32:48.560><c> to</c><01:32:48.719><c> do</c><01:32:48.880><c> this.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a liquor-related amendment correcting an earlier drafting error that had accidentally removed enhanced penalties for death-related over-service from the statute. Members explained that the language had already been enacted briefly before being deleted by mistake, and the amendment simply restored the prior penalty provisions. The committee voted unanimously in favor. A second liquor amendment followed, concerning VFW and similar veterans’ clubs. The revised language would allow a veteran or member to sign in a limited number of under-21 guests, with testimony emphasizing that this was meant for small events and would mirror existing restaurant rules requiring a parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse. There was extended debate about whether private clubs were sufficiently public, whether towns could tighten liquor rules locally, and whether enforcement would be effective. Liquor enforcement testified that municipalities must approve licenses, only four minors could be signed in at once under a member’s signature, age-restriction signage remains required, and clubs often report violations themselves to protect their licenses. The amendment was ultimately approved unanimously, and the subcommittee then moved into executive session. In executive session, HB 186, relating to cannabis legalization, regulation, and appropriations, was recommended ought to pass on a 10-7 vote, with a minority report noted. HB 241, relating to treatment alternatives to opioids, was then supported with amendment 2990 and recommended ought to pass as amended; the bill was described as expanding access to non-opioid, non-surgical, and non-medication pain treatments, while the amendment clarified Insurance Department procedures and educational materials. That bill was placed on the consent calendar unanimously. HB 297, concerning access by self-funded employer health plans to claims data, was also recommended ought to pass with amendment 2987 and then ought to pass as amended unanimously; supporters said it would let employers opt in to deidentified claims data, improve transparency, and preserve privacy. It too was placed on the consent calendar unanimously. The committee then considered HB 312, dealing with student-athlete name, image, and likeness compensation, and voted to send it to interim study. Members said the issue remained too uncertain because of ongoing federal and NCAA developments, and that interim study would keep the committee’s options open without killing the bill. The motion was supported as a way to continue monitoring the issue for future action.

Transcript Highlights:

• > coming</c><00:32:04.080><c> in</c><00:32:04.320><c> to</c><00:32:04.720><c> maintain</c><00:32:05.200
• </c><00:32:07.840><c> So</c><00:32:08.399><c> again</c><00:32:08.799><c> just</c><00:32:08.960><c> to
• c><00:32:14.720><c> the</c><00:32:14.799><c> last</c><00:32:15.600><c> two</c><00:32:15.840><c> or</c
• </c><00:32:17.039><c> How</c><00:32:17.279><c> close</c><00:32:17.519><c> do</c><00:32:17.679><c> you
• West Kentucky<00:32:28.799><c> RECCC</c><00:32:29.600><c> has</c><00:32:29.840><c> requested</c><00:32

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee heard testimony from the Energy and Environment Cabinet on the state-owned dam repair program and Kentucky’s electric grid resilience program. On dams, Commissioner Tony Hatton explained the legal definition and hazard classifications for Kentucky dams, noting there are 975 regulated dams statewide, including 76 state-owned dams, and that hazard ratings are based on potential loss of life or property damage if a dam fails. He described the cabinet’s screening criteria, including inundation mapping, engineering condition, and compliance status, and said the cabinet uses a design-bid-build procurement process to manage public funds responsibly. Hatton outlined current and planned dam projects funded from the prior biennium, including Willisburg Lake in Washington County, where work will address hydraulic capacity, unstable downstream slopes, and likely require a coffer dam, flood wall, auxiliary spillway, and raw water line replacement. He also said Big Bone Lake State Park Dam will be decommissioned, Clemens Lake Dam at Morehead State University is in design for a major rehabilitation, and additional projects include Marion County Sportsman’s Dam, Chenoa Lake Creek/Canning Creek Dam, and a rehabilitation study for the Mud River at Lake Malone. The cabinet also requested $500,000 for routine repairs and maintenance. Members questioned cost estimates, inflation, and whether it would be better to fund design separately; cabinet officials said estimates are current best engineering estimates, costs have generally stayed within about 10%, and the current funding flow requires all funds to be available before bidding. The committee then received a status update on the electric grid resilience program, a five-year federal formula grant under Section 40101(d) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Officials said Kentucky has received years one through three of funding, which has been allocated to state park facilities and municipal electric utilities, while years four and five have not yet been received and would go to distribution cooperatives and remaining municipal utilities. Projects discussed included upgrades at Ken Lake State Park and Kentucky Dam Village, plus municipal projects in Owensboro, Princeton, Williamstown, and Hopkinsville. The cabinet said the selected projects focus on hardening infrastructure, replacing poles, wires, conductors, and transformers, improving vegetation management, and adding or upgrading outage management systems. Officials reported that all projects are under contract and moving into subcontracting and construction, while the Department of Parks is finalizing an agreement with Western Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative for the park-related work.

Transcript Highlights:

• this<00:32:13.440><c> uh</c><00:32:13.600><c> language,</c><00:32:14.480><c> who's</c><00:32:14.799><
• ><c> it</c><00:32:17.679><c> going</c><00:32:17.840><c> to</c><00:32:18.000><c> cost</c><00:32:18.640
• And so I just<00:32:21.519><c> don't</c><00:32:21.679><c> think</c><00:32:21.840><c> we're</c><00:32:
• > uh</c><00:32:25.120><c> to</c><00:32:25.360><c> be</c><00:32:25.760><c> pushed</c><00:32:26.080><c>
• </c><00:32:27.760><c> And</c><00:32:28.080><c> I</c><00:32:28.320><c> would</c><00:32:28.559><c> urge

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> stop</c><00:32:26.720><c> trying</c><00:32:27.120><c> to</c><00:32:27.360><c> help</c><00:32:27.600
• If<00:32:29.360><c> they</c><00:32:29.600><c> choose</c><00:32:29.840><c> to</c><00:32:30.000><c> not
• </c><00:32:41.600><c> But</c><00:32:41.760><c> I</c><00:32:42.000><c> ask</c><00:32:42.159><c> you</c
• c> small</c><00:32:45.760><c> but</c><00:32:46.080><c> meaningful</c><00:32:46.720><c> vote</c><00:32
• "<01:32:06.480><c> But</c><01:32:06.639><c> I</c><01:32:06.880><c> don't</c><01:32:07.040><c> think</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:34.399><c> Moving</c><00:32:34.640><c> on</c><00:32:34.799><c> to</c><00:32:34.960><c> our
• Moving on to our last measure,<00:32:36.640><c> um</c><00:32:36.960><c> STR1</c><00:32:37.840><c> 197
• Indigenous<00:32:39.760><c> People's</c><00:32:40.080><c> Day,</c><00:32:40.320><c> Canada</c><00:32
• Um members, we<00:32:44.640><c> are</c><00:32:44.799><c> going</c><00:32:44.880><c> to</c><00:32:45.039
• </c><00:32:47.360><c> Um</c><00:32:48.080><c> we'd</c><00:32:48.399><c> like</c><00:32:48.480><c> to<

Committee: House Culture & Arts

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and Arts heard several resolutions recognizing observances and cultural/historical initiatives. STR 12 SD1 recognized International Dark Sky Week; DLNR and the University of Hawaii discussed the advisory task force structure, with the university agreeing to continue as chair, and the measure was later passed with amendments. STR 112 SD1 requested Honolulu City Hall be lit purple for National Purple Heart Day, but because the resolution could not create a permanent standing request, the committee amended it to apply only to August 7, 2025. STR 131 urged the state to acquire the Hawaii Theatre to preserve its cultural and historic significance and keep it in public use, and STR 169 SD1 asked the state archives to expand outreach and civic engagement; DAGS supported both measures, with the state archivist emphasizing the value of connecting people to documentary heritage and civics education. The committee also considered STR 197 SD1, which recognized June 1 as Indigenous Peoples Day, July 1 as Canada Day, and September 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in acknowledgment of ties between Hawaii and Canada. DBEDT supported the resolution, and a member asked about possible tariff impacts on tourism from Canada, with the department saying it would follow up by email. The chair noted there were some individuals in opposition, but no additional testimony was offered during the hearing. After a recess, the committee took up decision-making and adopted all measures. STR 12 SD1 and STR 112 SD1 were passed with amendments, STR 131 and STR 169 SD1 were passed as is, and STR 197 SD1 was passed with amendments including a request that the governor raise a Canadian flag in Hawaii at an appropriate recognition ceremony. The chair closed by noting this was the committee’s last hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• 32:03.519><c> expenditure</c><00:32:04.120><c> so</c><00:32:04.320><c> it</c><00:32:04.399><c> was</c
• > a</c><00:32:04.880><c> new</c><00:32:05.080><c> one</c><00:32:06.080><c> to</c><00:32:07.320><c> um
• ><c> and</c><00:32:12.360><c> uh</c><00:32:12.519><c> so</c><00:32:12.880><c> it</c><00:32:13.159><c>
• <00:32:22.679><c> except</c><00:32:23.960><c> for</c><00:32:25.000><c> um</c><00:32:26.000><c> uh</c>
• um<00:32:41.799><c> comes</c><00:32:42.080><c> to</c><00:32:42.320><c> us</c><00:32:42.639><c> with<

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:19.679><c> the</c><00:32:19.840><c> range</c><00:32:20.640><c> because</c><00:32:20.880><c> we
• Um,<00:32:24.720><c> and</c><00:32:24.880><c> I</c><00:32:25.120><c> can</c><00:32:25.279><c> talk</c
• ><00:32:25.440><c> a</c><00:32:25.600><c> little</c><00:32:25.679><c> bit</c><00:32:25.840><c> more</
• very</c><00:32:29.600><c> low</c><00:32:29.919><c> prices</c><00:32:30.240><c> and</c><00:32:30.399><
• <00:32:38.640><c> two,</c><00:32:38.880><c> three,</c><00:32:39.120><c> and</c><00:32:39.279><c> four

Bills: SCR48 , SCR28 , SCR74 , SCR62 , SCR60 , SCR89 , SCR147 , SCR179 , SCR182 , SCR59 , SCR54 , SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Transcript Highlights:

• And obviously<00:32:08.000><c> this</c><00:32:08.159><c> is</c><00:32:08.960><c> um</c><00:32:09.120>
• 00:32:13.840><c> and</c><00:32:14.159><c> the</c><00:32:14.320><c> the</c><00:32:14.559><c> work</c><
• </c><00:32:15.440><c> So</c><00:32:16.559><c> I</c><00:32:16.799><c> appreciate</c><00:32:17.120><c>
• But uh<00:32:21.200><c> thanks</c><00:32:21.440><c> for</c><00:32:21.519><c> the</c><00:32:21.679><c>
• 00:32:23.600><c> um</c><00:32:23.760><c> topic</c><00:32:24.080><c> to</c><00:32:24.320><c> address</

Bills: HF4736 , HF4737 , HF3806 , HF3352 , HF4840 , HF3748

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: emergency shelter, grant program, homelessness, capital investment, Minnesota Statutes, appropriation bonds, public funding, housing, infrastructure bonds, funding, appropriation, Minnesota constitutional amendment, public debt, state bonds, general obligation bonds, information technology, IT infrastructure, software licenses, technology modernization, capital improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:32:20.559><c> Um</c><00:32:20.880><c> the</c><00:32:21.120><c> effect</c><00:32:21.360><c> that<
• ><c> little</c><00:32:29.840><c> over</c><00:32:30.080><c> 1%</c><00:32:30.799><c> of</c><00:32:30.960
• /c><00:32:39.360><c> compliance</c><00:32:39.840><c> with</c><00:32:40.080><c> the</c><00:32:40.240><
• :40.960><c> the</c><00:32:41.200><c> earn</c><00:32:41.440><c> sick</c><00:32:41.600><c> and</c><00:32
• time laws.<00:32:43.919><c> To</c><00:32:44.159><c> the</c><00:32:44.399><c> extent</c><00:32:44.640

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:01.440><c> Thank</c><00:32:01.519><c> you,</c><00:32:01.679><c> Mr.
• Um it's the<00:32:40.240><c> reception</c><00:32:40.799><c> is</c><00:32:41.039><c> held</c><00:32:41.279
• </c><00:32:47.519><c> Can't</c><00:32:47.840><c> miss</c><00:32:48.000><c> it,</c><00:32:48.320><c> Mr
• President.<00:32:49.360><c> And</c><00:32:49.519><c> they</c><00:32:49.760><c> said</c><00:32:50.000>
• &gt;&gt; Thank<00:32:53.200><c> you,</c><00:32:53.519><c> Senator</c><00:32:53.840><c> from</c><00:32

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and approved the journal from February 17, 2026. The House communicated passage of several bills and requested concurrence, and committee reports were received, including favorable reports on Senate Bills 70, 74, 80, 127, and 154. Senate Bill 191 was also reported and then recommitted to the Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Senate Bill 104 was passed over and retained its place on the calendar. The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 47, which provides line-of-duty death benefits for search and rescue volunteers, with supporters emphasizing the dangerous emergency work these teams perform and the need to treat them like other first responders. Senate Bill 159, concerning missing and unidentified persons and aligning Kentucky with federal “Billy’s Law” database requirements, also passed unanimously after testimony about its value in helping families and law enforcement. Senate Bill 85, allowing state retirement beneficiaries to establish special needs trusts, passed unanimously as well, with members describing it as a way to provide long-term security for dependents with special needs. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 78 honoring the CSX Santa Train and Senate Resolution 76 honoring Frank Ryard and the Ryard’s Scoreboard for its long-standing role in Kentucky high school athletics. Members spoke about the scoreboard’s importance to athletes, families, and sports coverage statewide. Later, new bills and a concurrent resolution were introduced, including measures on state government, duty-related disability benefits, arrest-related deaths, detainee fatality review, carbon dioxide sequestration, and a mental health alternative response task force. The Senate received notice that Senate Bill 172 had been delivered to the Governor, then recessed for committee meetings and adjourned until February 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:32:05.400><c> it</c><00:32:05.480><c> would</c><00:32:05.560><c> be</c><00:32:05.720><c> all</
• :13.720><c> it</c><00:32:13.920><c> kind</c><00:32:14.120><c> of</c><00:32:14.560><c> takes</c><00:32
• /c><00:32:16.680><c> $50,000</c><00:32:17.520><c> vehicle</c><00:32:18.480><c> and</c><00:32:18.680><
• over the<00:32:22.680><c> years</c><00:32:23.200><c> and</c><00:32:23.320><c> what</c><00:32:23.440>
• c><00:32:24.920><c> you</c><00:32:25.040><c> were</c><00:32:25.120><c> to</c><00:32:25.240><c> do</c>

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Joint Revenue committee met with a quorum and heard a series of interim topic proposals focused on tax policy. Representative Brown raised two ideas: reinstating an exemption reporting requirement for corporations and entities receiving tax exemptions, with loss of the exemption for the current and prior year if they fail to report, and revising property tax treatment for wind turbines and related infrastructure by shifting the taxed footprint from agricultural to industrial classification. Senator Case and others then discussed energy taxation more broadly, including a possible generation tax for electricity, how to handle large data-center electricity loads, and whether sales tax revenue from very large electrical loads should be shared statewide rather than concentrated locally. The committee referenced prior bills and studies, including House Bill 300 and Senate File 76, and discussed using a mechanism that would keep local electricity bills net neutral while redirecting revenue distribution. The committee also took up problematic gaming and program funding. Senator Case described personal experiences with gambling addiction and the lack of available resources, while the presenter said the topic had been requested in multiple committees and that the biggest concern from House Bill 171 was protecting county and municipal funding. Members discussed whether the issue belonged in Revenue, Health, Labor, or Transportation, and several suggested it should stay with the standing committee handling gaming. Ideas raised included using gaming-related revenue for prevention and treatment, fully funding the 988 lifeline, and creating a broader trust fund for addiction-related services and law enforcement. The committee appeared to agree to continue the topic for educational purposes and to examine taxation of HHR and other gambling activity. Senator Case then proposed a severance tax on wind energy, arguing that wind development creates permanent landscape impacts and that the state should be compensated similarly to coal, oil, and gas extraction. Curt Meier, the state treasurer, supported reviewing lease agreements and said Wyoming should get more from wind resources, noting the state’s unique wind potential and the loss of viewshed. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to reform property tax relief by extending it to motor vehicle registration. Former Revenue director Dan Noble argued that vehicle taxes should be treated like other property taxes, using fair market value, depreciation, the residential assessment ratio, and local mill levies, which he said could provide broad relief but would be expensive, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $120 million. Representative Chestek followed with a related reform proposal based on Pennsylvania’s base-year assessment model, arguing that Wyoming’s current statewide relief measures treat symptoms rather than the underlying problem of rapidly rising local valuations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And like<00:32:07.919><c> I</c><00:32:08.080><c> said,</c><00:32:08.240><c> that's</c><00:32:08.480><
• benefits uh<00:32:25.919><c> of</c><00:32:26.240><c> being</c><00:32:26.559><c> in</c><00:32:26.799>
• But I have witnessed<00:32:44.880><c> in</c><00:32:45.120><c> the</c><00:32:45.600><c> five</c><00:32
• ><00:32:48.000><c> the</c><00:32:48.320><c> competence</c><00:32:49.279><c> and</c><00:32:49.600><c>
• </c><00:32:50.880><c> just</c><00:32:51.120><c> the</c><00:32:51.840><c> highest</c><00:32:52.240><c>

Keywords: 00:00:39 Roll Call 00:02:57 Severe Weather Damage 00:39:00 Work Zone Safety 00:47:12 Local Assistance Road Program 01:10:18 Admin. Regs 01:15:37 Aviation Impact Study, 958, all

Summary: The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call, a quorum, and a briefing from Transportation Cabinet officials on the Cabinet’s response to severe weather and tornadoes in Kentucky, especially the May 16–17 storms that caused deaths and widespread damage in Pulaski and Laurel counties, with an additional tornado noted in Washington County. Secretary Jim Gray, State Highway Engineer James Ballinger, and District 11 engineer Chris Jones described how crews in all 120 counties were placed on alert, how roads were cleared of debris, and how KYTC coordinated with emergency management, law enforcement, local governments, and utilities to restore access and power. They reported major impacts on roads, signals, and other infrastructure, including the EF4 tornado path through Pulaski and Laurel counties, and said KYTC also helped with debris hauling, airport cleanup, and delivery of water and meals. The officials gave specific recovery figures for Laurel County, including 1,800 loads of construction and demolition debris hauled, about 11,000 tons and 22,000 cubic yards removed, with roughly 50% of vegetative debris cleared at that point. They said all state roadways in Laurel County were reopened, the London-Corbin Airport was returned to flight operations by Sunday, and a transition plan was underway for Laurel County Fiscal Court’s contractor to take over debris operations. Gray also noted that KYTC had helped issue replacement IDs, licenses, registrations, and titles at no cost in disaster areas, and said the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund had raised nearly $1.5 million from more than 6,000 donors. Members praised KYTC staff as first responders and thanked them for their quick response and coordination. Several legislators recounted local impacts in Washington, Pulaski, and Laurel counties, including blocked roads, rescue challenges, looting concerns, and the scale of property damage. One member asked how KYTC inspects bridges and infrastructure after disasters to check for hidden damage, and officials said the process depends on the event and can include bridge inspections and checks of tall infrastructure such as light poles. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• > co-chair<00:32:06.240><c> so</c><00:32:06.440><c> I</c><00:32:06.519><c> don't</c><00:32:06.679><c>
• ><c> they</c><00:32:09.519><c> all</c><00:32:09.679><c> go</c><00:32:09.799><c> to</c><00:32:09.919><
• ><c> implement</c> we<00:32:33.519><c> got</c><00:32:33.639><c> we</c><00:32:33.760><c> got</c><00:32
• :32:37.559><c> many</c><00:32:37.720><c> more</c><00:32:37.880><c> slides</c><00:32:38.200><c> you</c
• :43.760><c> just</c><00:32:44.279><c> so</c><00:32:44.480><c> when</c><00:32:44.679><c> you</c><00:32

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.200><c> that</c><00:32:12.519><c> so</c><00:32:13.200><c> with</c><00:32:13.399><c> that</c><00:32
• <c> yes</c><00:32:27.360><c> represent</c><00:32:28.240><c> C</c><00:32:28.760><c> yes</c><00:32:29.679
• 00:32:34.559><c> vote</c><00:32:34.919><c> is</c><00:32:35.240><c> 5</c><00:32:35.559><c> to</c><00:32
• ><c> on</c><00:32:38.240><c> House</c><00:32:38.559><c> Bill</c> 684<00:32:44.840><c> and</c><00:32:45.000
• ><c> that</c><00:32:45.200><c> closes</c><00:32:45.600><c> the</c><00:32:45.840><c> session</c><00:32

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Election Law Subcommittee met to review its report and vote on eight bills concerning voter registration, absentee voting, domicile qualifications, photographic identification, and related election procedures. The chair explained that the subcommittee’s mission was to consolidate and reconcile the bills, review constitutional and federal-law issues, and issue recommendations. Members thanked the chair, legislative staff, and outside contributors for the report and supporting materials, including research memos and testimony. The report was expected to be formally issued later in the week, with the bill recommendations finalized at the meeting. The subcommittee first voted on House Bill 27, relative to absentee ballots, where members discussed a proposed bipartisan follow-up bill to clarify language for voters in jail and correctional facilities. The bill was recommended ought to pass by a 3-2 vote. House Bill 289, on domicile qualifications for voting, and House Bill 323, requiring government-issued photographic identification to vote, were both retained by unanimous 5-0 votes. House Bill 385, concerning a prior voting law, was recommended inexpedient to legislate by a 3-2 vote after members cited constitutional concerns and cost. House Bills 418, 618, and 684 were each recommended inexpedient to legislate unanimously, with members saying the subcommittee was consolidating overlapping bills into one measure per topic. The final bill, House Bill 686, requiring identification when requesting an absentee ballot, was retained unanimously for further work over the summer and review by the full Election Law Committee in November. After completing all eight votes, members said the process helped them better understand the issues and that there was substantial bipartisan agreement on many principles, even where they differed on implementation. The meeting concluded with thanks and no further action beyond the subcommittee recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:00.880><c> So</c><00:32:01.039><c> this</c><00:32:01.200><c> is</c><00:32:01.279><c> a</c>
• So this is a back<00:32:01.600><c> of</c><00:32:01.679><c> the</c><00:32:01.840><c> budget</c><00:32:
• </c><00:32:03.320><c> Um</c><00:32:04.399><c> uh</c><00:32:04.640><c> same</c><00:32:04.799><c> thing
• ><00:32:08.000><c> very</c><00:32:08.240><c> large</c><00:32:08.559><c> numbers</c><00:32:09.039><c>
• Apparently,<00:32:18.720><c> they</c><00:32:19.679><c> um</c><00:32:20.399><c> were</c><00:32:20.919>

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those<00:32:10.480><c> reserve</c><00:32:10.880><c> dollars</c><00:32:11.360><c> not</c><00:32:11.600
• </c> As<00:32:25.440><c> I</c><00:32:25.600><c> close,</c><00:32:26.000><c> I</c><00:32:26.159><c> want
• </c><00:32:26.240><c> to</c><00:32:26.399><c> reinforce</c><00:32:26.880><c> that</c><00:32:27.120><c
• </c><00:32:29.840><c> We</c><00:32:30.000><c> have</c><00:32:30.159><c> a</c><00:32:30.320><c> very</
• of<00:32:34.080><c> nearly</c><00:32:34.480><c> $3.7</c><00:32:35.279><c> billion</c><00:32:36.080><

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget officials presented the February 2026 budget and economic forecast, saying the state remains in a strong financial position but faces continued structural imbalance and significant uncertainty. Commissioner Aaron Campbell said the FY 2026-27 balance is now projected at more than $3.7 billion, up about $1.3 billion from November, and the FY 2028-29 planning period is projected to end with a $377 million positive balance. He emphasized that the improvement comes largely from higher projected revenues, especially individual income and corporate franchise taxes, but warned that the state is increasingly reliant on more volatile sources such as capital gains, interest income, and corporate profits. State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker said the national outlook improved slightly, with stronger projected GDP, consumer spending, and investment, but weaker payroll growth and ongoing trade-policy uncertainty. He noted that the forecast was complicated by missing federal data because of the federal shutdown, and that tariffs, immigration policy, equity markets, and possible AI-related shifts all present risks. Revenue projections were raised for the current biennium, including individual income tax receipts, sales tax revenue, corporate franchise tax revenue, and other revenues, while Becker stressed that federal funding threats, especially involving Medicaid and other entitlement programs, could materially alter the outlook. State Budget Director Anna Mingi said general fund spending in the current biennium is projected to be $68 million lower than previously estimated, but planning-year spending is up $152 million. The biggest spending changes came from education, where special education costs rose sharply after updated local spending data, and from human services, where a new prepayment review process for certain Medicaid benefits reduced projected spending by $133 million this biennium and $105 million in the next. She also said discretionary inflation is now estimated at $1.04 billion, up $104 million from November. Campbell closed by saying the state’s reserve remains at a record $3.8 billion and that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy help protect against downturns. He cautioned, however, that the long-term structural imbalance remains about $3.4 billion in the planning years, or $2.3 billion excluding discretionary inflation, and urged policymakers to offset any new spending with reductions. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session on the forecast.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:32:03.720><c> result</c><00:32:04.000><c> in</c><00:32:04.120><c> a</c><00:32:04.200><c> $2.4
• $2.4 billion hit<00:32:06.000><c> to</c><00:32:06.159><c> the</c><00:32:06.279><c> state</c><00:32:06.840
• is unknown however<00:32:16.679><c> it</c><00:32:16.919><c> the</c><00:32:17.039><c> chart</c><00:32:
• of</c><00:32:22.519><c> the</c><00:32:22.679><c> services</c><00:32:23.159><c> we</c><00:32:23.399><c
• :32:25.880><c> I</c><00:32:25.960><c> will</c><00:32:26.080><c> turn</c><00:32:26.240><c> it</c><00:32

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget presented the February 2025 budget and economic forecast, with Commissioner Aon Campbell, State Economist Anthony Becker, and Budget Director Anam Mingi outlining updated revenue, spending, and long-term balance projections. The state’s FY 2026-27 general fund outlook remains positive but weaker than in November, with an ending balance of $456 million, down $160 million from the prior forecast. Looking ahead, the planning years FY 2028-29 show a projected deficit of just under $6 billion, driven largely by spending growth outpacing revenues. Officials emphasized that discretionary inflation is a major factor in the forecast, but also noted that those amounts are not automatically appropriated and would require legislative action. Becker said the national outlook has changed since November, with higher expected inflation, higher interest rates for longer, and slower growth in later years. He highlighted uncertainty around tariffs, trade policy, immigration policy, federal spending, and possible changes to tax and debt-ceiling policy, all of which could affect Minnesota’s economy and revenues. Minnesota’s labor market remains tight, with low unemployment and rising wages, and the revenue forecast was revised upward overall for FY 2026-27, including higher income and sales tax receipts, though corporate tax revenue was slightly lower than previously projected. Mingi said projected general fund spending is up $79 million in FY 2026-27 and $960 million in FY 2028-29 compared with November. The largest increases are in education and health and human services, especially due to inflation, higher pupil counts, special education costs, long-term care, and higher Medical Assistance spending. She noted that higher utilization of weight-loss drugs also raises Medicaid costs, and that a smaller assumed bonding bill helps offset some debt service costs. The commissioner and staff repeatedly warned that federal policy changes, especially possible Medicaid reductions, pose a major risk; they said Minnesota could face billions in lost federal funding, including a potential $2.4 billion hit if the enhanced Medicaid match for adults without children were eliminated. No votes or legislative actions were taken in the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:32:12.080><c> closing</c><00:32:12.440><c> moo</c><00:32:12.840><c> supports</c><00:32:13.200><c
• ><c> presented</c><00:32:14.240><c> in</c><00:32:14.360><c> house</c><00:32:14.639><c> file</c><00:32
• :39.840><c> you</c><00:32:40.399><c> Mr</c><00:32:41.360><c> uh</c><00:32:41.600><c> Hilgard</c><00:32
• </c><00:32:45.679><c> my</c><00:32:45.799><c> name</c><00:32:45.960><c> is</c><00:32:46.080><c> Matt<
• you</c><00:32:55.240><c> for</c><00:32:55.399><c> the</c><00:32:55.559><c> time</c><00:32:55.720><c>

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Now,<00:32:04.159><c> I</c><00:32:04.320><c> know</c><00:32:04.480><c> there</c><00:32:04.640><c> may
• </c><00:32:11.679><c> any</c><00:32:11.919><c> indication</c><00:32:12.480><c> of</c><00:32:12.720><c
• There was<00:32:14.000><c> one</c><00:32:14.240><c> roll</c><00:32:14.559><c> back</c><00:32:15.440><
• that<00:32:22.320><c> don't</c><00:32:22.640><c> impact</c><00:32:23.039><c> any</c><00:32:23.360><c
• </c><00:32:25.120><c> as</c><00:32:25.279><c> a</c><00:32:25.440><c> signal</c><00:32:25.760><c> that

Keywords: 981, all