Transcript Highlights:

• for it, we have heard from districts across the state that the formula itself also requires a modification
• for it, we have heard from districts across the state that the formula itself also requires a modification
• for it, we have heard from districts across the state that the formula itself also requires a modification
• for it, we have heard from districts across the state that the formula itself also requires a modification
• for it, we have heard from districts across the state that the formula itself also requires a modification

Bills: HF1388

Keywords: BARR Center, Building Assets, Reducing Risks, education finance, school funding, grant appropriation, evidence-based program, student achievement, social and emotional learning, school climate, teacher effectiveness, high school graduation, students in poverty, students of color, BIPOC, equity in education, Minnesota Department of Education, urban schools, suburban schools, rural schools, school coaching

Transcript Highlights:

• does have exceptions for historical site preservation, care collection and museums, accessibility modifications
• does have exceptions for historical site preservation, care collection and museums, accessibility modifications
• does have exceptions for historical site preservation, care collection and museums, accessibility modifications
• does have exceptions for historical site preservation, care collection and museums, accessibility modifications
• does have exceptions for historical site preservation, care collection and museums, accessibility modifications

Bills: HF2446, HF2563, HF2444

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate File 2345 is a modification bill for the DNR. We just added some amendments.
• Yeah, so this is some modifications here.
• Yeah, so this is some modifications here.
• Yeah, so this is some modifications here.
• Senate File 2781, certain environmental review reporting requirements modifications.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• specification for automotive spark ignition engine fuel, and they were published in April of 2024, with a modification
• specification for automotive spark ignition engine fuel, and they were published in April of 2024, with a modification
• /c><01:32:18.760> a published in April of 2024 with a published in April of 2024 with a modification
• > July<01:32:20.719> Most<01:32:20.960> states<01:32:21.320> adopt modification
• in July Most states adopt modification in July Most states adopt the<01:32:21.719> latest<01:

Bills: HF737, HF247, HF325, HF1330

Keywords: lead, cadmium, consumer products, safety regulation, retail restrictions, motor sports, nonoxygenated gasoline, fuel regulations, storage requirements, racing events, HF325, flavored nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide, whippets, laughing gas, retail sales, consumer protection, misdemeanor, commerce, Minnesota Statutes chapter 325F

Transcript Highlights:

• in criminal sexual conduct and receive state sentences, and then we will also talk about post modifications
• The public can’t make a modification, they can’t make a suggestion, they can’t modify or form government
• > can't<00:57:25.920> make good the public can't make good the public can't make modification
• 27.960> they<00:57:28.119> can't<00:57:28.359> make<00:57:28.520> a modification
• they can't make a modification they can't make a suggestion<00:57:30.440> they suggestion they

Bills: HF7

Keywords: public safety, criminal justice, sentencing guidelines, Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, public sentencing database, felony dismissals, prosecutor reporting, bail notice, bond posting, law enforcement data, arrest data, public records, sex trafficking, human trafficking, mandatory minimum sentence, peace officer assault, police assault, fleeing police, vehicular flight, stolen motor vehicle

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this bill requires a simple modification to the state energy strategy statute to add a requirement
• And I'm hoping that we're in agreement, even if this might need some modification around what state regional
• And I'm hoping that we're in agreement, even if this might need some modification around what state regional
• Uh it was attempting to uh modification.
• that was duplicative of what is in 1718 and just had a small section at the end that required modification

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with no modifications. with no modifications.
• Um, there's a modification to the cannabis event organizer licensing regimen so that an event organizer
• > the<00:27:12.400> cannabis<00:27:12.960> event a a modification to the cannabis
• event a a modification to the cannabis event organizer<00:27:14.240> lensure<00:27:15.200>
• :19:53.760> for administrative hearings modification for administrative hearings modification

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It really should be a code modification. So I think, again, just some cleanup there.
• It really should be a code modification. So I think, again, just some cleanup there.
• It really should be a code modification. So I think, again, just some cleanup there.
• It really should be a code modification. So I think, again, just some cleanup there.
• It really should be a code modification. So I think, again, just some cleanup there.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate's modifications of this section instead specify that the agencies putting appropriations into
• The<00:03:26.480> Senate's<00:03:27.280> modifications<00:03:28.080> of<00:03:28.239
• > this The Senate's modifications of this The Senate's modifications of this section<00:03:29.080

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The conference committee on the housing omnibus bill began with member introductions and a staff walk-through comparing House and Senate provisions. House Research staff reviewed major policy differences affecting Minnesota Housing Finance Agency operations, including limits on how much the agency may retain from state appropriations for administrative costs, new reporting requirements, restrictions on transfers between appropriated accounts, and House-only language requiring annual expenditure of investment income from state appropriations. Senate provisions were also summarized, including tighter rules on when appropriations may be placed into Housing Development Fund bookkeeping accounts, updated operating-cost reporting, and Senate-only changes to how investment earnings may be used. Staff also described shared and differing provisions on program-money transfers, a lived-experience earnings exemption, and a long list of Senate-only policy changes, including manufactured home park tenant protections, low-income housing tax credit and bond-related changes, a task force on housing taxes and fees, and repealers affecting Housing Development Fund authority and certain older programs. Fiscal staff then reviewed the budget impacts. The House side included one-time appropriations for workforce housing development, family homeless prevention and assistance, a Minnesota Nice Home Share pilot, and homebuyer education, along with debt service for $100 million in housing infrastructure bonds and transfers/cancellations that produced a net zero general fund impact across the budget window. The Senate side noted a fiscal note for the housing taxes and fees task force and a smaller housing infrastructure bond authorization, with corresponding debt service costs and a total Senate budget-window impact of about $1 million in general fund debt service. After the staff presentations, the committee moved to public testimony. Commissioner Jennifer Ho of Minnesota Housing said the bill’s housing infrastructure bonds and continued support for family homeless prevention were important, and she supported the lived-experience earnings exemption, while noting concerns about the interest-earnings provisions. Testifiers from Greater Minnesota groups praised the workforce housing investments and Senate updates to the state housing tax credit and infrastructure grant program, though they suggested changes to the geographic distribution language. HOME Line urged funding for statewide tenant hotline services, citing rising demand and asking for $1 million if additional money becomes available. The Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers supported the bill’s investments and emphasized the need to pair housing development with supportive services. Housing First Minnesota praised housing infrastructure bonds and other investments but criticized the omission of the Minnesota Starter Homes Act. The Minnesota Multi Housing Association began testimony opposing certain rent-control-related provisions in the House bill. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• rules for the purpose of allowing members to co-sponsor bills and resolutions or to submit vote modifications
• or to co-sponsor bills and resolutions or to submit<00:05:00.200> vote<00:05:00.520> modifications
• <00:05:01.480> and<00:05:01.600> have<00:05:01.720> filed submit vote modifications
• and have filed submit vote modifications and have filed the<00:05:02.080> proper<00:05:02.440

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 386, Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026. >> House Bill 386 is on third reading and final
• House Bill 386, Metro Funding Modification<00:36:51.200> Act<00:36:51.520> of<00:36:51.839
• Modification Act of 2026. Modification Act of 2026.

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, March 5, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 127 members present, heard a prayer, and then recognized 2025 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools and the Maryland Municipal League on its 90th anniversary. The Blue Ribbon resolution named Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Diamond Elementary School, Little Flower School, Meyersville Elementary School, St. Louis School, Stoneleigh Elementary School, and Wilson Whims Elementary School, with principals introduced from the gallery. The MML resolution honored the league’s service to Maryland’s cities and towns and invited members to meet municipal officials after the floor session. The clerk also noted a second printing of the 2026 rule book due to a table-of-contents error. The chamber then took up House Bill 80, the Residential Leases Fee Disclosures bill. Floor debate focused on what fees must be disclosed, what counts as a utility versus a fee, whether the bill applies to oral leases, and how the measure applies to landlords with four or more units. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure tenants know all upfront fees before signing and to create a clear enforcement pathway; opponents raised concerns about penalties, affordability, and the burden on landlords. The bill passed on third reading by a vote of 95-34. The House next considered House Bill 153, which requires air conditioning in newly constructed residential rental units and units undergoing specified substantial renovations, with the standard that habitable spaces be kept at 80 degrees or lower. Members asked whether window units would satisfy the requirement, how the bill interacts with older buildings and ongoing renovations, whether it applies retroactively, how enforcement would work, and whether it references federal refrigerant rules; the sponsor said it does not require central air and is prospective only. Supporters argued it reflects existing practice in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and clarifies habitability standards, while opponents cited costs and concerns about older homes. The transcript ends during debate on this bill, before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• rules for the purpose of allowing members to co-sponsor bills and resolutions or to submit vote modifications
• or to co-sponsor bills and resolutions or to submit<00:05:11.800> vote<00:05:12.080> modifications
• <00:05:12.960> and<00:05:13.080> have<00:05:13.200> filed submit vote modifications
• and have filed submit vote modifications and have filed the<00:05:13.560> proper<00:05:13.919

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm not comfortable with the modification to the Tinker test.
• 09.760> comfortable<01:08:10.240> with<01:08:10.640> the<01:08:10.960> modification
• <01:08:11.680> to not comfortable with the modification to not comfortable with the modification

Bills: HB0159

Keywords: student rights, free expression, K-12 education, speech protection, religious views, political speech, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Accordingly, I was encouraged to hear the department plans to include necessary staffing and facility modifications
• to include necessary staffing and to include necessary staffing and facility<00:32:24.480> modifications
• <00:32:25.200> in<00:32:25.440> its<00:32:25.679> budget facility modifications
• in its budget facility modifications in its budget bill<00:32:26.559> and<00:32:26.799> would

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The working group convened with all members present, approved the minutes from its October 16, 2025 meeting and its October 28, 2025 Halawa Correctional Facility site visit by unanimous consent, and received no public testimony on the agenda or minutes. The chair then reviewed the statutory timeline under Act 292/SB 104, noting the group continues until January 8, 2027, and discussed required reporting dates and the need to develop a work plan for the remaining meetings. The chair also said the October 16 DCR presentation would be treated as satisfying the group’s interim-report purpose, though the legal reporting obligations to the Legislature and oversight commission still needed to be sorted out. The main discussion focused on DCR’s proposed amendments to Act 292 and the department’s interim report. Director Johnson said the department’s October 16 presentation included recommended statutory amendments because the law, as written, could not be fully complied with; the proposals were described as section-by-section changes intended to address implementation problems. Members discussed several specific issues, including transfer language for higher levels of care, the 2010 MOA with the Department of Health, and replacing “physician” with “clinician” to reflect staffing realities. DCR explained that the change would allow licensed clinicians, including APRNs and doctors of osteopathy, to make decisions when physicians are not on duty, and that the MOA is being updated so transfers can occur from any DCR facility to the state hospital. An OHA staff member gave a detailed critique of the proposed amendments, saying they would weaken Act 292’s intent by reducing procedural protections, expanding exceptions, and relying on aspirational language such as “strive” and “if practicable.” OHA also raised concerns about the lack of baseline data on restrictive housing use and said the department’s report showed serious operational problems, including overcrowded and outdated facilities, limited space for private medical or mental health exams, and the use of suicide/safety cells for people who may not need mental health treatment. DCR responded that it had requested 35 new medical positions in the budget, supported by the governor, and said those positions are needed to meet basic care obligations for people in custody. The group did not take a vote on the proposed amendments. Instead, members agreed to continue the discussion, with the chair saying the reports, settlement tracker, 2010 MOA, and comparison guidelines would be distributed and used as the basis for future work. In the final discussion on work-plan priorities, members identified staffing shortages, physical plant limitations, and the need to examine humane alternatives and implementation challenges as key topics for upcoming meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• and now there is a removal or a— when the bond has been issued and now there is a removal or a modification
• certainly not just by the Housing Division, but with consultation from the Council, and those modifications
• I think this is a modification of the NRS from a language standpoint.
• The modification of the NRS from a language standpoint in moving, as used in this section, the crossout

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for capital construction or new buildings except when it's a historical site or accessibility modifications
• historical site or um except when it's a historical site or um accessibility<00:15:50.800> modifications
• <00:15:51.680> and<00:15:51.920> for accessibility modifications and for accessibility
• modifications and for exhibits<00:15:52.720> and<00:15:52.959> art<00:15:53.199> installations

Bills: HF2563

Keywords: HF2563, legacy finance bill, Legacy Amendment, outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, arts and cultural heritage fund, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, Minnesota legacy funds, habitat conservation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, forest conservation, riparian buffers, water quality, groundwater protection, drinking water, septic systems, watershed planning

Transcript Highlights:

• there are certain populations at higher risk for the same smoking levels, we could not make that modification
• 00:25:27.039> that levels that we could not make that levels that we could not make that modification
• c> So<00:25:28.279> similar<00:25:29.279> that's<00:25:29.440> that's modification
• So similar that's that's modification.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard three University of Hawaiʻi-related measures. HB 718 HD1 would appropriate funds for faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in cardiovascular, law, biology, tropical medicine, quantitative health/biostatistics, and environmental health and safety. Testimony was in support, including from university representatives and others who submitted written testimony. Members asked whether the positions were additional and how they would affect enrollment; the university said the hires would teach medical students and conduct biomedical research, helping increase the class size to about 77 and eventually 80, and noted a workforce paper requested by the committee would be provided soon. The committee then discussed SB 1170 HD1, which would grant resident tuition at any UH campus to certain graduates of Hawaiʻi high schools enrolling in undergraduate programs. UH supported the bill and said it had adjusted its testimony in response to prior committee concerns. Members focused on the proposed four-year window, asking why that timeframe was chosen and whether the change was needed at all. UH explained that four years would allow students who left the state to return and still complete an undergraduate degree or prepare for graduate school, and said the bill would help students who come back after one or two years but otherwise would have to wait a year to reestablish residency under current rules. UH also said it was discussing possible administrative rule changes as an alternative if the bill did not pass. Finally, the committee heard HB 1300 HD1, which would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center pilot study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and people living near landfills in Nanakuli, focusing on social determinants of health, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and resilience factors. Testimony from researchers and advocates strongly supported the measure, saying the study could help explain cancer disparities and support future research funding. Members questioned the cost, the reliance on future federal or foundation funding, and the practical outcome of the study. The Cancer Center said the pilot would cost about $500,000 per year for two years, with later funding sought from federal, nonprofit, or private sources; it said the study would produce longitudinal data that could help identify at-risk groups and provide evidence for policy decisions, though members expressed concern that the project needed a clearer end goal and stronger case for public investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• they could then potentially be charged with a crime as a result of that, but maybe there's some modification
• some result of that um but maybe there's some result of that um but maybe there's some modification
• > the<00:51:10.520> bill<00:51:10.920> language<00:51:11.680> that modification
• in the bill language that modification in the bill language that could<00:51:12.119> be<00:51

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, maybe we can look at making a few modifications for small businesses in these areas.
• at<01:10:38.880> making<01:10:39.199> a<01:10:39.320> few<01:10:39.600> modifications
• <01:10:40.440> for<01:10:40.719> small at making a few modifications for small at making
• a few modifications for small businesses<01:10:41.880> in<01:10:42.159> these<01:10:42.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor Committee heard Senate File 560, a bill to require the Commissioner of Labor and Industry to establish a cost-per-square-foot valuation for residential building permits. Senator Dornink said the measure is intended to make permit fees more fair, reasonable, transparent, and predictable, and to reduce housing costs by limiting large differences in permit fees between municipalities. He said the bill would be sent to the Housing Committee without recommendation, and members discussed but did not act on a related amendment that would have shifted plan review and inspection fees to hourly and trip-based charges and made fee information publicly available. Testimony from Housing First Minnesota supported the bill’s goal, arguing that Minnesota’s housing shortage and high new-home prices make it important to reduce inefficiencies in the permitting system. The witness said permit valuations are often increased by cities, leading to higher costs for homebuyers, and cited examples of large fee differences between municipalities and claims of overcollection. He said some other states, including Texas and Wisconsin communities, use square-footage-based approaches. A League of Minnesota Cities representative opposed the amendment language and cautioned that trip charges and hourly billing would make fees less certain, could raise costs, and would be especially burdensome in Greater Minnesota; he said current valuation-based fees better reflect the actual cost and complexity of service and can be appealed if disputed. A representative of the Association of Minnesota Building Officials also raised concerns about the amendment, saying building departments provide consultations, inspections, plan review, and other services beyond a single trip, and that trip charges would not fit a responsive fee-for-service model. He said the current valuation system helps cover the full range of permitting work, though he acknowledged that a consistent square-foot valuation standard could improve transparency and reduce disputes over project value. Committee members asked about other states’ approaches and the scope of the bill, and the discussion emphasized that the proposal applies to one- and two-family dwellings.

Transcript Highlights:

• It makes other modifications to how the money is spent depending on the amount that's there and what

Keywords: 1182, all