Transcript Highlights:

• Hillsborough County to the list.
• judges, 7 in Miami-Dade County, two each in Duval and Palm Beach counties, and one each in Walton, Walton
• Johns County as the site for the museum.
• Johns County Board of County Commissioners to provide administrative assistance and staffing until the
• We've got a bunch of nonprofit folks here from Marion County visiting tomorrow's Marion County Day, but

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and guest introductions, and then took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley described the bill as a major criminal justice and behavioral health reform measure that would expand pretrial mental health diversion, strengthen treatment-based probation conditions, broaden grant uses for mental health and substance abuse programs, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, require certain DOC mental health evaluations, and create a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, data collection, and the Murphy family’s role in advancing the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then approved 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then received the Senate’s 2025-26 General Appropriations Bill, SB 2500, with Chair Hooper outlining a $117.4 billion budget that he said reduces spending, preserves reserves, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and reporting requirements. Committee chairs summarized their portions: K-12 funding at $34.7 billion with increases for FEFP, scholarships, VPK, school hardening, and school safety; higher education at $11.5 billion with workforce, nursing, reading, autism, and student aid investments; health and human services with a $1.8 billion increase for Medicaid, mental health, opioid response, disability services, and veterans programs; criminal and civil justice at $7.6 billion for corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, courts, and judgeships; transportation/tourism/economic development at about $18 billion including roads, housing, Visit Florida, and cultural grants; and agriculture/environment/general government with major Everglades, water quality, citrus, food bank, and agency IT funding. Members then questioned several budget items, especially education funding formulas, the shift of scholarship dollars below the line, the impact on public school districts, AP/IB and other accelerated program funding, the APD wait list, opioid settlement spending, arts grants, and the My Safe Florida Home and condo pilot programs. Chairs generally said scholarship and accelerated-program dollars were being restructured for transparency and flexibility rather than cut, that school districts would still receive funding based on enrollment, and that APD and other human services issues would continue to be worked out in conference. The budget discussion concluded with remarks praising staff and noting a 4% across-the-board pay raise for state employees and targeted increases for law enforcement and firefighters, followed by a recognition for FAMU Day at the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• And House File 2274 is in the shape that the author wants it. Oh, I'm the author of the bill.
• </c><00:04:43.479><c> uh</c> 2274 is in the shape that the author uh 2274 is in the shape that the author
• </c><00:21:24.520><c> Soil</c> $50,000 Grant to the inoka County Soil $50,000 Grant to the inoka County
• I was privileged to visit a VITA site in Monoman County a couple of years back.
• I had the privilege of visiting with a VITA in Monoman County a couple of years back.

Bills: HF2274 , HF1932

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: taxation, income tax, property tax, corporate tax, homestead credit, local government aid, tax credits, economic development, taxpayer assistance, tax credit outreach, tax preparation, free tax help, IRS, Department of Revenue, general fund appropriation, earned income tax credit, child tax credit, volunteer income tax assistance, VITA, low-income taxpayers

Transcript Highlights:

• But author, entrepreneur, and mentor.
• Madison County Attorney for 42 years, 36 years as the actual county attorney.
• ,</c> serving neighboring Analopee County, serving neighboring Analopee County, Smith's<02:14:12.560>
• While you will be missed in Madison County, we know that your continued work in Antelope County will
• Kataragus County involving an illegal Kataragus County involving an illegal immigrant.<02:33:11.280><

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can the cities and counties make money off that charging up the interest rate that we were charged?
• Can the cities and counties make money off that charging up the interest rate that we were charged?
• Chair Gomez thanked the chief author of House File 3381 and thanked the witness.
• the chief author of House<00:23:36.559><c> File</c><00:23:36.960><c> 3381.
• The motion prevailed, and the bill was now amended in the shape the author would like.

Bills: HF238 , HF3381 , HF3754 , HF1049

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: microenterprise home kitchen operation, cottage food, home-based food business, home kitchen license, homemade food, prepared food, food entrepreneur, small food business, cottage food law, food safety training, ServSafe, food handler license, agriculture department, Minnesota food law, residential kitchen, local zoning, consumer labeling, allergen labeling, unpasteurized juice, time/temperature control for safety food

Transcript Highlights:

• , the School District of Osceola County, Valencia, and UCF. 50,000 student records from Orange County
• In 2010, Osceola County ranked 61st out of 67 counties in terms of the percentage of high school graduates
• And just so you all know, this is in Orange County, and I represent Orange County.
• And then about another 15% are from counties in Florida outside of Orange and Osceola counties.
• And then about another 15% are from counties in Florida outside of Orange and Osceola counties.

Summary: The subcommittee began with an informal “college day” exercise in which members described what careers and colleges they would choose if starting over, often citing factors such as program reputation, location, cost, graduation rates, employment outcomes, and family or personal interests. Members mentioned a range of possible paths including law, aviation, education, construction management, psychology, social work, criminal justice, nursing, intelligence studies, and the arts. Several also highlighted the value of historically Black colleges and universities, dual enrollment, and career/technical education. The chair used the exercise to frame the meeting’s broader focus on Florida’s higher education pathways and student outcomes. Dr. Kathleen Plinsky of Valencia College then gave an overview of the Florida College System and Valencia’s role in it, emphasizing Florida’s statewide articulation and transfer framework, open-access mission, affordability, and workforce alignment. She described Valencia’s record enrollment, high retention, large share of first-generation and working students, and partnerships such as Direct Connect to UCF, Osceola Prosper, and Open Door grants for short-term training. Members asked about guaranteed transfer, apprenticeships, enrollment trends, student demographics, out-of-state residency, county scholarship costs, dual enrollment outcomes, and barriers to expanding career dual enrollment. Dr. Plinsky said the system supports transfer and acceleration well, but funding constraints limit growth in some areas; she also noted that dual enrollment participation is high and that Valencia’s affordability and student support efforts have driven recent enrollment gains. Dr. Jim Clark of Florida State University followed with an overview of the State University System, describing its governance, performance-based funding, low tuition, and strong graduation and research outcomes. He highlighted FSU’s enrollment, research profile, transfer student success, FSU Health, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, partnerships with K-12 schools and Tallahassee State College, and efforts to expand nursing and medical education to address workforce shortages. After the presentations, the committee heard from a panel on student acceleration and mobility: Shannon Mercer of the Department of Education explained the Office of Articulation, the statewide course numbering system, FASTER records, the 2+2 transfer model, specialized AA transfer degrees, and credit for industry certifications, military, medical, and law-enforcement training. Panelists from Kaiser University, Florida State University, and Pinellas County Schools described their institutions’ roles in transfer, advising, career pathways, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> development on uh Honolulu County, development on uh Honolulu County, Hawaii<00:18:24.559><c> and
• and Maui counties. uh Honolulu County<00:18:27.360><c> will</c><00:18:27.600><c> get</c><00:18:27.840
• </c> the uh other uh counties. Next one. the uh other uh counties. Next one.
• </c> they'll actually give an authorization they'll actually give an authorization to<01:27:11.520><c
• </c> what's called production authority. what's called production authority.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Defend our liberties and give those entrusted with authority the spirit of wisdom, that there might be
• Madam President, colleagues, file item 20 is a confirmation of Santa Cruz County Sheriff Christopher
• But we held the line and are giving counties hundreds of millions of dollars for that. Senator.
• We had to take action in our budget subcommittee on county admin funding as a result of H.R. 1.
• In fact, H.R. 1 was... ...county admin funding as a result of H.R. 1.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, Reclamation put in place right away master crossing agreements, giving us our authority
• The Shoshone-Bannock Water Bank rules before you today enhance the authority and structure of the bank
• This is a jurisdictional definition where we have our authority to require permitting or not require
• Where we're authorized and we have the authority to issue permits that may not comply with these minimum
• They were in communication with multiple counties that were seeing an issue and asking what potential

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And license holder or authorized agent.
• We come from Rochester and Olmsted County. We come from Red Wing and Goodhue County.
• Cloud and Stearns County, Northfield, Faribault and Rice County, and Austin and Mower County.
• <c> Northfield,</c> Cloud and Sterns County, Northfield, Cloud and Sterns County, Northfield, Farabot
• > County.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Congress cois County Arizona Sheriff Congress cois County Arizona Sheriff Mark<00:21:39.400><c> danels
• that I mentioned earlier coochi county that I mentioned earlier coochi County<01:12:43.800><c> the</
• </c> me in securing our article one Authority me in securing our article one Authority and<02:07:27.480
• </c> met a young family in Sullivan County met a young family in Sullivan County who<02:28:09.800><c>
• </c><02:29:03.200><c> needs</c> young family in Sullivan County needs young family in Sullivan County

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, I know in Payne County I think they're setting them as low as $150, and so we're just trying
• I believe that there are Supreme Court rulings that have outlined the government's authority to place
• It's going to go through your county sheriff. Then it's going to go to the OSBI.
• For some reason, local utilities or local taxing authority municipalities did not ask for passage and
• It's probably accurate in counties like Oklahoma County or Tulsa County, but in places like Logan County

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills covering property, criminal justice, public safety, courts, insurance, housing, and family law. Early measures included HB 4343, which would let district courts set appraiser fees in condemnation cases at levels more comparable to private appraisers, and HB 4125, restoring firearm rights to certain nonviolent felons after meeting requirements. The committee also approved HB 4126 on liability protections for dirt bike tracks, HB 3471 expanding information protections for ongoing investigations by OBN, ABLE, and the Corporation Commission, and HB 3407 clarifying the process for abandoned manufactured homes on private property. Several bills were advanced on recorded votes, generally with strong support, including HB 2933, an omnibus insurance consumer protection bill, and HB 3453, which shifts the burden of proof in eminent domain cases to the condemning authority after amendment. A major point of debate was HB 3094, which would allow SDA license holders to carry firearms in the Capitol. Representative Jenkins argued the bill would align Oklahoma with other states and protect constituents who must leave firearms in vehicles; Department of Public Safety Director Tipton opposed it, citing safety, threat-assessment, and manpower concerns. Committee members questioned the bill’s practical effects, including screening, tracking, and whether the Capitol is truly a gun-free zone. The motion to advance HB 3094 failed on a 4-5 vote. The committee also rejected HB 3727, which would impose a four-year waiting period before former legislators could register as lobbyists, after members raised constitutional and free-speech concerns and the sponsor defended it as a revolving-door restriction. Other notable measures included HB 3845, restoring a driver’s license revocation tool for chronic child-support delinquency; HB 1453, barring foreign entities and individuals tied to designated countries from owning Oklahoma real property or agricultural land and requiring divestment; HB 387, extending garnishment timelines to 30 days; HB 2941, creating overdose reporting and fentanyl-related death presumptions; HB 2959, tightening mandatory child-abuse reporting from schools to law enforcement; and HB 2945, creating a civil qui tam action against trafficking in abortion-inducing drugs, which drew extensive questions about standing, privacy, enforcement, and intent but ultimately failed 3-5. The committee also advanced bills on child custody interview standards, workplace violence protective orders, utility debt collection through tax refunds, eviction mediation to stabilize housing for children, AI chatbot protections for children, supported decision-making for adults with disabilities, commercial receiverships, charitable reporting protections, notice publication errors for municipalities, uniform wage garnishment procedures, and ending cost arrest warrants for unpaid court fines and fees. Most bills were reported out by recorded vote, often with sponsors noting they would continue working on language with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• With an FDA-authorized test. genetic counseling, and care.
• With an FDA-authorized test already available, Florida has the opportunity to expand its newborn screening
• and non-laser ophthalmic procedures and therapies as authorized by the Board of Optometry, provided
• and non-laser ophthalmic procedures and therapies as authorized by the Board of Optometry, provided
• I also serve the county just south of me, Glades County. They have no eye care provider.

Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up five health-related bills. HB 1089, which would add Duchenne muscular dystrophy to Florida’s newborn screening panel, was presented as a way to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment; a pediatric neurologist from Nemours testified in support, noting existing FDA-approved therapies and ongoing clinical trials. After supportive debate, the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1083 would standardize patient access to medical records by setting deadlines for providers to produce or allow inspection of records and requiring electronic delivery when available. Supporters said it would reduce delays in care and costs, while two industry groups appeared in opposition. Members from both parties spoke in favor, and the bill passed 17-0 and was reported favorably. HB 1297, which aligns Florida’s electronic prescribing rules more closely with federal law and removes some state exceptions, drew opposition from physicians who argued paper prescriptions are still needed for emergencies, shortages, and price shopping. The sponsor said the bill’s goals were patient safety, fraud prevention, and efficiency; despite concerns, it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then considered PCS for HB 1421, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which would create a statewide blood clot and pulmonary embolism registry, require hospital reporting and risk-assessment policies, and expand training requirements in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The bill was presented with emotional testimony from Emily Adkins’ parents, who urged support and co-sponsorship in her memory. Members from both parties praised the family’s advocacy, and the PCS passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. Finally, HB 449 on optometry would expand optometrists’ authority to prescribe certain medications and perform specified laser and non-laser eye procedures after certification. The bill and amendment drew strong opposition from ophthalmologists and their association, who raised patient-safety, training, and delegation concerns, while optometrists argued the bill would improve access, especially in rural areas and counties without ophthalmologists. The amendment was adopted, and the bill as amended passed on a recorded vote and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• THEN, HOW WOULD THAT THEN EFFECT THE TAX STRUCTURE FOR THE COUNTIES IF THE COUNTIES HAVE BEEN, YOU KNOW
• IN LISTENING TO SOME OF THE COUNTIES SPEAK THOSE ARE SMALL COUNTIES THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.
• REPRESENTING VISIT TAMPA BAY IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
• BUT WE ARE OPPOSED FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES.
• I REPRESENT BROWARD COUNTY AND OUR COUNTY IS THE SECOND LARGEST IN THE STATE AND WE HAVE A TRANSPORTATION

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From Polk County, from Southeast Polk County, John Albert.
• From Polk County, from Southeast Polk County, John Albert, agriculture.
• That's all of Nassau County and the very best parts of Duval County.
• Of Nassau County and the very best parts of Duval County.
• So that's Orange County and Seminole County.

Summary: The Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee met to organize for the session, confirm a quorum, and hear introductory remarks from members about their districts and interests. Chair Esposito outlined the committee’s jurisdiction and budget overview, noting a total budget of about $7.2 billion, with major funding tied to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Citrus. She also described major cost drivers such as Everglades restoration, water quality, resiliency, land acquisition, and rural family lands, and asked members to review agency requests in small groups later in the process. Agency leaders then presented budget and program updates. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized department efficiency efforts, including IT modernization, staff reorganization, rural and family lands conservation, best management practices, Fresh From Florida marketing, hurricane recovery loans for farmers, and completion of the Connor Complex headquarters. DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert highlighted record investments in Everglades restoration, water quality projects, resilience grants, land acquisition, state parks, and enforcement. FWC Executive Director Roger Young discussed conservation research, fisheries and wildlife management, law enforcement, disaster response, and pressures from growth, boating, invasive species, and derelict vessels. Department of Citrus Executive Director Shannon Shep reviewed the industry’s decline due to hurricanes and citrus greening, current research and marketing efforts, and e-commerce campaigns to support Florida citrus sales. Members asked questions about citrus production declines, future replanting and therapies, rural family lands, PFOS cleanup, mangrove restoration, flooding and pump infrastructure, agricultural theft, and derelict vessel removal. Officials generally responded with updates, emphasized science-based management and enforcement, and in several cases said they would follow up with more detailed information later. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with the chair directing members to provide feedback on agencies for further budget review and then adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• authorization.
• County.
• Galveston County.
• Are you in the Parker or Tarrant County portion? Tarrant County, sir. Okay, great.
• My name is Ramon Rodriguez, and I am the county chair for the Presidio County Democratic Party.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and that is not enough time for Ramsey County to spend these dollars as intended they were granted
• And apparently like $1 million just wasn't spent and it wasn't until May of 2025 that Ramsey County was
• ><c> to</c><00:03:23.680><c> um</c> for Ramsey County to um for Ramsey County to um spend<00:03:24.519
• was even granted this that Ramsey County was even granted this money money money with<00:04:13.040><
• author. So, author.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 1082, which was being handled as the committee budget bill. Members first reconsidered and then adopted the previously approved DE4 amendment so the bill could be updated with a new amendment package. The committee then adopted several amendments, including A4, a technical reviser’s amendment; A3, which added LELS representatives to a task force related to House File 3095; and A9, which extended a spending deadline for a Ramsey County appropriation tied to dual status youth/crossover youth programming. Vice Chair Feist said the deadline change was needed because the original grant timing had been shortened, and she also criticized delays in spending youth justice funds. The committee also adopted A11, which Chair Mohler described as language previously seen in the domestic violence policy/task force bill, narrowed from an indefinite period to 28 days and then to 14 days for the gun-on-arrival arrest provision. A12 was then adopted to continue work on Department of Corrections changes related to the MinCorp program from House File 4031. A Department of Corrections representative explained that a disputed provision no longer used a percentage but instead used a ratio, and that the language reflected stakeholder agreement; a member confirmed the relevant line numbers and raised no objection. After the amendments were adopted, the committee withdrew the DE4 version, adopted the DE6 amendment as amended, and then re-referred House File 1082 as amended to the Ways and Means Committee. All motions were approved by voice vote, with no recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• identical bill to what the Senate passed last week, and I would defer to Representative Kozlowski, the author
• defer to Representative<00:01:00.600><c> Kozlowski,</c><00:01:01.040><c> the</c><00:01:01.160><c> author
• ,</c> Representative Kozlowski, the author, Representative Kozlowski, the author, for<00:01:01.920><c
• This bill provides an urgent $40 million in emergency rental assistance directed out straight to counties
• </c> Many counties have already exhausted their quarter two rental assistance, and they're desperate

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a Deputy District Attorney at the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office.
• I'm the District Attorney in Curry and Roosevelt County.
• I'm a Deputy District Attorney at the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office.
• I'm a resident of Bernalillo County.
• Graduate students must remain legally authorized to study in the United States.

Committee: House House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And how about the counties? Are you working with the counties? Yes, absolutely.
• The rest is all county.
• And how about the counties? Are you Got. And how about the counties?
• </c> authorization, putting some standards? authorization, putting some standards?
• that authority.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees received an informational briefing from Hawaii DOT and related partners on the Navahine settlement and the department’s plan to meet its climate and transportation commitments. Speakers described the settlement as a first-of-its-kind agreement rooted in the state constitution, the public trust doctrine, and prior legislative findings and laws, including Act 131. They said the settlement is intended to formalize DOT’s work, establish milestones, and keep climate and transportation policy less dependent on changes in administration. The presentation emphasized that transportation is Hawaii’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and that the plan is aimed at meeting 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals. DOT outlined several major implementation pieces: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. The youth council reported on its membership, statewide representation, meetings, and work on charter, bylaws, and committees focused on policy and legislation, events and advocacy, and ground transportation. Youth members said they provided feedback on the energy security plan and discussed walk audits and safe routes to school. The department also described a new project-scoring tool to measure greenhouse gas impacts of every DOT project, which it said is intended to make Hawaii a national leader in evaluating transportation emissions. A major topic was the settlement’s transportation network requirement, which speakers said compresses roughly 15 years of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit network work into five years and will require about $40 million to $50 million per year over the next five years. They said a GIS map is being developed to identify gaps and that the work will involve counties and other partners, with benefits for safety, connectivity, and emissions reduction. Other topics included clean fuel standards, electrification of ground transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel transitions, cold ironing at ports, and the costs and availability challenges associated with those transitions. DOT also reported progress on EV charging infrastructure, including two completed sites and more planned, and said it is using a sustainability partner contract to maintain chargers and recover only electricity costs. The briefing also highlighted carbon sequestration and fire mitigation work, including native tree planting. DOT said it has exceeded its minimum annual tree-planting commitment, with 3,000 trees planted in 2024 and 4,200 by mid-2025, and noted that the Legislature provided $15 million for fire mitigation that is being used for this work. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate District 23, which would be almost all of Mau County, all of Freeborn County, and then parts of
• </c> District 4, uh Clay and Becker counties. District 4, uh Clay and Becker counties.
• The other area that also provides some of our authorities is, you may not know this, but county veteran
• The other area that also provides some of our authorities is, you may not know this, but county veteran
• in Ramsey County.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

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