Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, and it allows for systems in a lot of counties. It's a system-based system.
• Yes, and it allows for systems in a lot of counties. It's a system-based system.
• Yes, and it allows for systems in a lot of counties. It's a system-based system.
• Yes, and it allows for systems in a lot of counties. It's a system-based system.
• It's a system-based system. ...system-based system, um, or system-based program in other counties.

Bills: HF1662 , HF1224 , HF1836 , HF1367 , HF1168 , HF1999 , HF1792 , HF102 , HF2127 , HF104

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, foreclosure

Transcript Highlights:

• But when we get this new system, the audit that we already knew showed that the MyKids software system
• </c> that we did to get a new my kids system. that we did to get a new my kids system.
• And so software system for our kids.
• We definitely need to keep new system.
• </c> we have a bedrock of a judicial system. we have a bedrock of a judicial system.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 12 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if it's complicate the whole system.
• </c> secure modern recordkeeping systems. secure modern recordkeeping systems.
• It is a systemic clerical issue.
• They are central to justice system.
• 19.600><c> with</c><01:48:19.679><c> a</c> Hampshire runs their system with a Hampshire runs their system

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the October 15, 2025 minutes and then held a broader discussion on current challenges with data retention and government transparency. Judy Randall of the Office of the Legislative Auditor said historical data is essential for post-audits, which often look back three to five years, and that retention decisions must balance audit needs with the burden of separating public and nonpublic data. She described the records-retention panel process as informal and largely based on individual judgment, noting she had objected to a proposed 60-day email retention period and generally uses a three-year guideline, though she said that standard is not grounded in a formal rule. Members discussed whether auditing standards should set retention periods, with Randall saying auditing is a good starting point but other offices, including the attorney general, also have needs, and that some agency discretion is unavoidable because of the gray area between official records and non-records. Representative Elkins raised the related principle of data minimization, arguing that government should not keep data longer than needed and citing a University of Minnesota legacy data warehouse breach as an example of the risks of retaining unnecessary sensitive information. Randall agreed that data no longer needed is a liability and said her office purges workpapers after five years. Representative Scott pressed whether three years is enough for fraud investigations and financial records; Randall responded that a reasonableness standard is needed and that longer retention can produce diminishing returns, though she said she would follow up on whether financial records should be treated differently. Tanya Tacker of the Rum River Special Education Cooperative testified in support of updating Minnesota’s data-retention laws for schools. She said districts want to protect student information and maintain transparency, but the current general retention schedule dates to 1985 and 2000 and does not reflect digital records, modern systems, or the volume of special education data. She urged modernizing the schedule, clarifying what must be kept in paper versus digitized form, aligning state rules with IDEA and other federal requirements, and providing practical guidance and tools. Members praised the specificity of her recommendations. Dr. BB Newman testified that retention failures in St. Anthony Village have made it difficult to obtain routine municipal and police data, with records delayed, missing, or inconsistently produced and no clear explanation of what systems were searched or whether records were destroyed. Newman argued these gaps undermine statutory access rights and force residents into costly litigation, and recommended stronger retention auditing, documentation of destruction, mandatory disclosure of systems searched, and consequences for noncompliance. In response to questions, Senate counsel said there is generally no direct penalty, but affected parties may seek mandamus, Data Practices Act claims, or informal mediation/opinions from the Data Practices Office. The discussion closed with calls for clearer standards and possible legislative updates to improve compliance and transparency.

Transcript Highlights:

• Courts have recognized that because those concepts are kind of inherent in our judicial system, they
• Why do you think numbers are dropping in the public ed system?
• Why do you think numbers are dropping in the public ed system?
• </c><06:30:30.478><c> it's</c> dropping in the public Ed system it's dropping in the public Ed system
• A disturbing incident occurred at Kearsarge High School during their recent deliberative session.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 763, an early bill concerning AED access at athletic events and venues. Representative Morris offered amendment 0743H to clarify the bill by removing charter schools from the language and tying AED placement to American Heart Association guidance, emphasizing that AEDs should be readily accessible within a reasonable walking distance rather than mandated on every field. The amendment and then the bill as amended both passed 17-0, and the bill was reported out as Ought to Pass with Amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 781, requiring school districts to adopt cell phone-free education policies, and a related bill, House Bill 131. HB 781 was amended to include charter public school boards, cover other personal electronic communication devices, require at minimum restrictions on student personal cell phones during class instruction, allow superintendent-approved exceptions for medical or language needs, protect students with medical needs or disabilities under Section 504, and set an effective date of July 1, 2025. Some members argued the amendment was too prescriptive and limited local control, while supporters said it still left districts flexibility outside classroom instruction. The amendment passed 16-1, and the bill then passed Ought to Pass as Amended 16-1. HB 131, described as a mirror bill, was then retained by a 17-0 vote. House Bill 398, a title bill requiring Holocaust and genocide studies to include impacts on people with disabilities, was moved to ITL after Representative Selig reported the genocide commission believed the topic was already being covered. That motion passed 17-0. The committee also agreed to hold several bills for later consideration, including HB 754, HB 1221, HB 360, and HB 699, citing the need for more review or missing copies. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Supporters argued the bill would preserve individual choice while preventing statewide or districtwide mandates in future public health emergencies, and cited a Department of Health and Human Services letter saying masks remain effective but decisions should be based on individual choice and risk assessment. Opponents emphasized local control and the need for districts to respond to different public health conditions. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 361 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have one child in the public school system, and I also feel like I'm here representing several parents
• I do have one child in the public today I do have one child in the public school<00:24:04.559><c> system
• 07.360><c> I</c><00:24:07.480><c> also</c><00:24:07.640><c> feel</c><00:24:07.880><c> like</c> school system
• and um I also feel like school system and um I also feel like I'm<00:24:08.159><c> here</c><00:24:08.360
• There's a huge problem with incident reporting, like when children get hurt or bullied and the district

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• system and the Data Practices Act is what determines what people's rights are and what government has
• </c><00:13:27.959><c> and</c> very elaborate classification system and very elaborate classification
• classification system because the data<00:13:59.120><c> classification</c><00:13:59.800><c> system</
• and the data data classification system and the data Practices<00:14:01.199><c> Act</c><00:14:01.800
• </c><01:15:42.719><c> across</c> wrecking ball to Payment Systems across wrecking ball to Payment Systems

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Producers impacted by this depredation deserve a compensation system that is timely, reliable, and fully
• Cow-calf operations account for the majority of wolf-related incidents in the state.

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

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It needs a new structural truss system. The seal plates have rotted away.
• The HVAC systems need to be replaced.
• need to be replaced we actually systems need to be replaced we actually go<00:32:25.720><c> out</c><
• because they're so old and we systems because they're so old and we can't<00:32:37.600><c> get</c><00
• Rift system that runs through<00:42:28.359><c> Minnesota</c><00:42:29.000><c> from</c><00:42:29.200>

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> pre-trial system. pre-trial system.
• We're still working out this new system. system. system.
• </c> you kind of put them into the system. you kind of put them into the system.
• justice system?
• </c> through the system. through the system.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:23:20.000><c> in</c> sustainable emergency medical systems in sustainable emergency medical systems
• </c> to speak up for them and create systems to speak up for them and create systems that<01:33:26.400
• Those systems must still be proven capable of handling the proposed load.
• Those systems must still be intensity.
• </c><04:08:05.120><c> that</c> a clearly broken government system that a clearly broken government system

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> excessive noise on a audio system? excessive noise on a audio system?
• Um, we've got the the the system.
• </c> It's called the MAX system from Arizona. It's called the MAX system from Arizona.
• </c><01:08:01.760><c> 35</c> system, but I do have to make a joke. 35 system, but I do have to make a
• </c> should include wastewater system. should include wastewater system.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:01.120><c> and</c> is designed to bolster the systems and is designed to bolster the systems
• </c><00:48:19.680><c> because</c> of the rural health care system because of the rural health care system
• regional systems.
• mainly um larger national or systems mainly um larger national or regional<00:54:27.680><c> systems.
• </c> motans when we see these health systems motans when we see these health systems shutting<01:14:31.040

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Select Subcommittee first took up adoption of three previously prepared nonpartisan committee summary reports dated October 15, November 13, and November 21. Senator Rasmusson objected to the lack of advance notice about the day’s testifiers and criticized the practice of having nonpartisan staff summarize what he described as a partisan agenda. The chair responded that the committee’s purpose is to gather information, not hear bills, and that the summaries were intended as neutral resources for the Senate. Senator Coopek moved adoption, the motion was opposed by Rasmusson and another member, and the motion passed. The committee then turned to the day’s hearing on federal impacts on Minnesota, with the chair focusing on federal funding threats and the effect of congressional budget actions on health care, especially in greater Minnesota. The first presentation came from the Minnesota Department of Health on the state’s rural health transformation work. Assistant Commissioner Carol Broom introduced the team and described the rural hospital transformation program as a major opportunity to invest in rural health, while acknowledging longstanding challenges such as demographics, transportation barriers, and the financing of care. Nitha Moibi outlined the state’s rural health chart book and data showing an aging population, workforce shortages, and many health professional shortage areas, and described proposed strategies including workforce pipelines, bridge payments for low-volume birth hospitals, telehealth access points, mental health urgent care, and chronic disease prevention. Acting Assistant Commissioner Anna Ashby of the Minnesota Management and Budget office explained the state’s application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created in federal law and awarded Minnesota just over $193 million for federal fiscal year 2026. She said the application was shaped by public comments, stakeholder meetings, and legislative outreach, and included initiatives on preventive care, workforce, care access, behavioral health, and provider financial stability. She also reviewed implementation constraints, including a January 30 revised budget deadline, limits on administrative spending, restrictions on using funds to offset Medicaid losses, and the need to show measurable progress to remain eligible for future funding. The presentation noted that most year-one funding would go to rural hospitals, with additional support for federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, tribal partners, and technical assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:11:49.600><c> of</c> in this case the university system of in this case the university system
• </c> specific terms of University system specific terms of University system domicile<01:21:52.120><c
• </c> so let's us trust the university system so let's us trust the university system of<01:23:44.040>
• This system worked.
• </c><01:43:52.679><c> in</c> but under the restrictive system in but under the restrictive system in

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:11:37.000><c> including</c> able to navigate the system including able to navigate the system
• </c><01:42:00.080><c> or</c> industrial classification system or industrial classification system or
• Does that system work?
• Thank you. does that system work um I don't want to does that system work um I don't want to give<03:
• under the system.

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:45.280><c> Um</c><00:07:45.919><c> this</c> facility payment system changes.
• Um this facility payment system changes.
• cost of uh uh I believe of 8,000 systems cost of uh uh I believe of 8,000 in<00:36:56.800><c> 24</c>
• system for nursing facilities.
• We've got the systems we need in place to serve people.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And uh we the cash management system?
• So we don't—will you explain the system that you're working on? >> Well, it's the Kindle system.
• Uh, the current system is the KD system, I believe.
• </c> we don't Will you explain the system we don't Will you explain the system that<00:32:41.519><c>
• Uh the current system is<00:32:53.039><c> the</c><00:32:53.760><c> KD</c><00:32:54.240><c> system,</c

Keywords: This meeting was recovered from a back up copy and uploaded after the original meeting took place., 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on the FY 2025 road fund. Officials reported road fund revenues came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, but were down about $11 million from FY 2024, largely because a motor fuels tax rate reduction took effect at the start of FY 2025. Motor vehicle usage tax receipts were stronger than expected, and the cabinet said the road fund ended the year with a $61.6 million surplus, which the budget bill directs to state highway construction. Members also discussed how the motor fuels decline affects formula distributions to cities, counties, and rural/secondary roads, with officials saying about $122.8 million had been planned for revenue sharing but was not distributed because receipts were lower than forecast. Members asked about broader revenue trends, including fuel efficiency, electric vehicles, and the removal of a hybrid fee. Cabinet officials said improved fuel efficiency and CAFE standards reduce gasoline consumption and therefore fuel tax receipts, while EVs and plug-in hybrids are subject to a user fee. They also said toll revenues from the Louisville bridges are covering bills and commitments, though they did not have detailed figures at hand. On project delivery, officials said delays are often caused by right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and the large volume of projects in the highway plan, and that much of the work happens behind the scenes before construction begins. The committee also reviewed the cabinet’s cash management approach, which was adopted after 2000 to avoid setting aside full project costs all at once and to keep the road fund cash balance above a required minimum. Officials said the balance typically rises in winter and falls in summer as project bills come due, and that the current balance was about $166 million. They also reported that project awards for the year were nearing $998 million and expected to exceed last year’s total. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:48.880><c> and</c> had helped us build that system and had helped us build that system and
• And last year, two years ago, we had a mandate to audit our MyKids system, our case management system
• So another one of our big asks is to replace that system and, prior to replacing the system, clean up
• and prior to replace that system and prior to replacing<00:58:45.920><c> the</c><00:58:46.160><c> system
• It would be a Microsoft system.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a recent incident where a group of Kamehameha students, buses pulled up to offer lei po‘o to the
• Then we set up a system in which we worked with artists ongoing so that they had these opportunities.
• met the standards and then set up<01:34:40.719><c> a</c><01:34:40.960><c> a</c><01:34:41.199><c> system
• c> which</c><01:34:41.920><c> we</c><01:34:42.560><c> worked</c><01:34:42.880><c> with</c> up a a system
• in which we worked with up a a system in which we worked with artists<01:34:44.239><c> ongoing</c><01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts held an informational briefing on May 22 with the Hawaii Arts Alliance, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Chair Capella said the purpose was to better understand the organizations’ work and strengthen relationships ahead of the interim and next session. The Hawaii Arts Alliance, led by Executive Director Gay Humphrey, described its mission to enrich Hawaii’s cultural fabric through arts education, advocacy, and community engagement, and highlighted its history tied to Alfred Price, including the creation of Hawaii’s 1% for art law and the alliance’s 45 years of service. The alliance outlined its current work, including administering SFCA-funded statewide programs such as Artist in the Schools and the new folk and traditional arts program, with 34 teaching partners serving more than 100 public and charter schools and Kumu Hawaii as the single grantee for traditional weaving instruction. It also discussed Arts First Partners, the incubation of Arts at Mark’s Garage, expanded advocacy efforts supported by Creative West grants, and new multi-year philanthropic support from the Hawaii Community Foundation and Atherton Family Foundation. The alliance said it is launching statewide listening sessions and an arts advocacy training program, and noted that most SFCA funds pass through the alliance to program partners, with the organization retaining 10 to 14 percent for administration. SFCA Executive Director Karen Ewald then described the agency’s role as the state arts agency, its strategic planning process, and its main programs, including Art in Public Places, the Capital Modern museum, Artist in the Schools, apprentice mentoring grants, community arts grants, the Hawaii State Poet Laureate program, a statewide cultural extension program, and the Hawaii Open Arts Program. She said SFCA has 21 staff with one vacancy, is awaiting a federal NEA partnership agreement, and is considering new revenue streams such as a cultural trust. She also noted that the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission was recently attached to SFCA, which has improved coordination and allows SFCA to provide funding for conservation and upkeep of the King Kamehameha statues statewide. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, with questions deferred until after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a system that is just completely unacceptable.
• And so I just, it just is not going to change the system.
• This is a system Um it is unacceptable.
• And I think we should heed the system.
• Um revisiting these statutes to system.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That technology system was previously operated by Deote, the technology vendor.
• CDC federal funds are able to be used to bring those functionalities into the system.
• </c> those functionalities into the system. those functionalities into the system.
• controversial belief system such as critical<01:19:27.360><c> race</c><01:19:27.600><c> theory.
• </c><01:53:36.880><c> and</c> education system and education system and putting<01:53:39.199><c> more

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting. The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings. Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.