Transcript Highlights:

• reduce holding and marketing costs while ensuring that homes reach income-qualified families more efficiently
• reduce holding and marketing costs while ensuring that homes reach income-qualified families more efficiently

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, ultimately improving efficiency in the process.
• requires state agencies to biannually evaluate progress towards website modernization, including cost efficiency

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• design is being put in place to put a new facility right next to the state penitentiary to maximize efficiencies
• So the efficiencies aren't there.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened in the afternoon and took up only Senate Bill 2015, the Department of Corrections budget. Representative Steeman explained that the budget reflected major changes from the Senate version because bed contracts with Grand Forks and Burleigh-Morton were still unresolved when the Senate acted. He described rising inmate populations, added county/regional jail payments, deferred maintenance and repair funding, planning money for a new Missouri River Correctional Center, software and equipment upgrades, victims of crime grants, and a one-time diversion/deflection center grant for Fargo funded through the Community Health Trust Fund. He also outlined funding for body cameras, tasers, and protective vests, and a Native American reentry program/report provision, along with a legislative management study on sentencing, corrections, and parole oversight. Members asked about the possibility of private or design-build alternatives for the new Missouri River Correctional Center. After discussion, the committee adopted language directing the steering committee to oversee design and construction and to explore other options. There was also discussion of the importance of maintaining North Dakota’s correctional rehabilitation culture, the cost and availability of out-of-state placements, and the current number of inmates housed in regional, county, and interstate facilities. The committee adopted the amendment to engrossed Senate Bill 2015 and then approved the bill as amended on a 21-0 vote, with two members absent and not voting. Representative Steeman was designated as the carrier. The chair then thanked members for their work and announced the committee would reconvene the next morning to continue with remaining bills and budget work before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• election officials with adequate space and parking necessary to conduct elections in an accessible and efficient
• This bill would provide election administrators with more efficient but most importantly to make polling

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• impacts, energy performance, emissions, operating problems. is changing at a rapid pace and with more efficient
• The ERCOT generation interconnection process can be very efficient.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's why Minnesotans should want an efficient government at the federal level that's rooting out
• We should want an efficient government here in Minnesota that is rooting out fraud.
• Talk about efficient government.
• Talk about efficient services.
• Talk about efficient government. government. government. as<01:52:13.119><c> people</c><01:52:13.360>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Rules and Administration Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability met on February 20, 2026, to hear from Minnesota Management and Budget State Budget Director Anna Mingi about federal funding changes affecting the state budget. Before testimony began, Senator Rasmusson objected to a draft committee report that had been prepared in advance of the hearing, arguing it was inappropriate to summarize testimony before it occurred. The chair responded that nonpartisan staff had prepared the draft from Mingi’s submitted presentation and could revise it after the hearing if needed. Director Mingi explained that federal dollars make up more than one-third of state spending and support about 650 federal awards totaling over $23 billion this year, with more than $15 billion supporting state entitlement programs. She said the federal funding environment had changed significantly since January 2025 through executive orders, pauses, terminations, new grant conditions, delayed awards, and the July 2025 passage of H.R. 1, the federal reconciliation bill. Her main focus was H.R. 1’s effects on health care and food assistance, including work requirements for some adults, changes to eligibility for legal non-citizens, limits on retroactive Medicaid coverage and directed payments, new limits on provider taxes, and SNAP changes that shift some benefit and administrative costs to the state and counties. She estimated H.R. 1 would reduce federal funds to state-administered programs by about $327 million in the current biennium and $1.6 billion in the next, with additional costs to hospitals, counties, and other partners beyond the budget horizon. Members asked follow-up questions about whether the estimates were relative to the forecast and whether federal Medicaid funding would still rise over time. Mingi said the estimates were based on the November forecast baseline and that Medicaid federal dollars would likely continue growing overall, though the law still creates significant losses relative to prior projections. Senator Rasmusson emphasized that point in remarks to the committee. The discussion then shifted to federal grant pauses and cancellations: MMB’s tracker showed about six awards on hold totaling roughly $491 million, 13 confirmed cancellations across areas including clean energy, education, food assistance, and public health, and additional threatened or litigated cuts not included in those totals. Mingi identified two canceled violence-prevention-related grants, including a FEMA public safety grant and a justice reinvestment grant, and noted that CDC had recently moved to cancel or seek cancellation of several Minnesota public health grants, including a $65 million public health infrastructure award.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that can have some good ROI to it because it's more efficient, but it can also have some negative
• </c><00:59:10.319><c> and</c><00:59:10.559><c> return</c><00:59:10.880><c> on</c> basic efficiencies
• Um, and yes, we are back again talking about the right way to most efficiently share our story with the
• </c><01:24:15.679><c> uh</c> university spend most efficiently uh university spend most efficiently uh
• Scott Baker, Office of Facility Development and Efficiency, Finance Administration Cabinet.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 10 minutes, and then handled a routine agenda of contracts and agreements. It deferred one Kentucky Educational Television contract to the August 2025 meeting because the vendor was not registered with the Secretary of State, and then approved the remaining routine items on the PSC green list and related contract lists without objection. The most detailed discussion involved two personal service contracts for the Kentucky Employees Health Plan. Officials from the Personnel Cabinet and Department of Employee Insurance explained that the contracts were designed to identify claims errors and overspending, with vendors paid a percentage of validated savings recovered for the plan. Senators asked how the savings were calculated and whether the contracts had changed plan processes; staff said the contracts had produced realized savings, some errors had been corrected going forward, and the vendors report quarterly. The committee approved those contracts. The committee then took up a retroactive Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority contract for a customized College Info Road Show bus. Members questioned why the contract was being presented months after execution, why it involved an out-of-state vendor, and whether the purchase was reasonable and timely. KHEAA staff said the delay stemmed from the need to finalize sustainability and safety details after the RFP, and acknowledged internal process and staffing issues. Several members criticized the retroactive approval process and said they could not validate the purchase from the information provided, but the committee ultimately approved the contract after debate. A final KHEAA discussion focused on the purpose and value of the mobile outreach bus. Staff said the bus supports college and financial aid outreach, especially in rural areas, and has been used for 26 years. Some members questioned the return on investment and whether the state should rely more on broadband and remote outreach, while others supported the program as a way to reach students and families. The committee approved the KHEAA contract, with Senator Douglas voting no and explaining concerns about whether such outreach programs are the proper role of government and whether they are the best use of public funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s ridiculous to continue this protocol based on the efficiency.
• It’s ridiculous to continue this protocol based on the efficiency.
• It’s ridiculous to continue this protocol based on the efficiency.
• It’s ridiculous to continue this protocol based on the efficiency.
• </c> this protocol based on the efficiency this protocol based on the efficiency it's<00:58:54.720><c

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1194 HD2, a bill to regulate midwifery and require accredited education for licensed midwives. Supporters, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, ACOG, a pediatrician, and several licensed midwives, argued the bill would improve maternal and newborn safety, clarify the definition of midwife, strengthen accountability, and align Hawaii with national education standards. They said accredited training is necessary to avoid gaps in knowledge and to support safe transfers and collaboration with hospitals. Opponents, including many midwives, parents, cultural practitioners, and community groups, argued the bill would restrict access to care, criminalize traditional and apprenticeship-based midwifery, and undermine reproductive autonomy and Native Hawaiian and other cultural birthing practices. Several asked for amendments to preserve a birth attendant exemption, the PET/portfolio pathway, and cultural and religious protections. Others said the bill would disproportionately harm rural, Indigenous, and low-income families by making training and licensure less accessible. The committee also heard testimony from state and county entities and professional organizations, with some standing on written testimony and others offering brief comments. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers of the one-minute limit and the possibility that final decision-making would be deferred if quorum was lost. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is not about duplication; it is about enhancing oversight while ensuring efficiency.
• The bill is not about duplication; it is about enhancing oversight while ensuring efficiency.
• The bill is not about duplication; it is about enhancing oversight while ensuring efficiency.
• The bill is not about duplication; it is about enhancing oversight while ensuring efficiency.
• The bill is not about duplication; it is about enhancing oversight while ensuring efficiency.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would add that we also focus on workforce development while promoting the efficient use of financial
• , making some change for good, for good change and efficiency.
• MDE has the skill and the capacity to manage these grants more efficiently and better, and so we are
• , making some change for good, for good change and efficiency.
• for good, for good change and efficiency.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Internal controls help an entity run its operations efficiently and effectively, report reliable information
• Internal controls help an entity run its operations efficiently and effectively, report reliable information
• Internal controls help an entity run its operations efficiently and effectively, report reliable information
• Internal controls help an entity run its operations efficiently and effectively, report reliable information
• and efficiently and effectively and additionally<01:03:11.000><c> our</c><01:03:11.160><c> internal<

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From a financial management standpoint, the flexibility allows us to make more timely and efficient use
• From a financial management standpoint, the flexibility allows us to make more timely and efficient use
• Uniform statewide policy would bring consistency, fairness, and efficiency to state law.
• </c> fairness, and efficiency to state law. fairness, and efficiency to state law.
• ,</c><00:27:35.200><c> and</c> a way that is clear, efficient, and a way that is clear, efficient, and

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a research and education organization in support of sound tax policy, efficient spending, and
• We are a research and education organization in support of sound tax policy, efficient spending, and
• way to do more effective and efficient way to do tax<01:17:54.880><c> policy.
• Um, neutrality or economic efficiency, introducing economic distortions into the market violates that
• My preference is to cut taxes for everybody, and that is the most efficient, effective thing we can do

Bills: HF3127 , HF3524 , HF3525 , HF3754

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: taxation, pass-through entity, qualifying owner, partnership, S corporation, tax return, overtime compensation, tax deduction, income tax, federal regulations, tax reform, tip income, federal tax deduction, Minnesota Statutes, individual income, employer contributions, Trump accounts, federal law, gross income exclusion, 1183

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and they are low already from what they propose, but we want this to be um affordable and efficient
• </c> to be um affordable and and efficient to be um affordable and and efficient for<00:05:12.080><c>
• ><c> taxpayer</c><00:19:54.320><c> dollars</c><00:19:54.640><c> with</c> efficient with the taxpayer
• dollars with efficient with the taxpayer dollars with elections<00:19:56.000><c> um</c><00:19:56.160>
• </c> friends at the county um for efficiency friends at the county um for efficiency and<00:26:05.520

Bills: SJ0001 , SF0017

Committee: House Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Keywords: mineral leasing, federal lands, Wyoming, energy policy, local control, federalism, forestry management, good neighbor authority, state lands, employee funding, donations, revolving account, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are very efficient with what we do with those 275 employees, and we try to get the job done as
• with what we do are uh very um efficient with what we do with<00:35:54.560><c> those</c><00:35:54.800
• we're very efficient in pre-trial services.<00:49:06.640><c> Uh</c><00:49:06.960><c> now,</c><00:49:
• </c><00:49:08.800><c> and</c><00:49:09.040><c> I</c><00:49:09.280><c> will</c> we're not so efficient
• and I will we're not so efficient and I will totally<00:49:10.240><c> uh</c><00:49:10.800><c> fall</

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:01 Recognition of New Members: 00:01:17 Disaster Response: 00:01:41 Pretrial Discussion: 00:31:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, approved the minutes from the November 7, 2024 meeting, and then heard an update on disaster response and courthouse recovery efforts after the April flooding. Representatives from the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Franklin County Circuit and District Court Clerk’s office, and the Franklin Circuit Court described damage in Perry, Hardin, and especially Franklin counties. Perry County had limited roof and water infiltration issues with no operational impact. Hardin County’s justice center basement took about 18 inches of water, affecting court records and mechanical/electrical equipment, and court operations were briefly suspended. Franklin County’s courthouse was far more severely damaged, with about four feet of water on the first floor, forcing relocation of court operations to temporary sites, including AOC space and the regional jail for custody proceedings. Witnesses said damaged files from Hardin and Franklin counties were removed, sent to an out-of-state vendor for drying and remediation, and would be returned or destroyed as appropriate. They estimated combined costs for file restoration, building repair, and remediation at about $11 million, with insurance through KCOJ/KO expected to cover only part of the losses and FEMA reimbursement still pending a federal disaster declaration. They also said the Franklin County courthouse’s first floor remains gutted, electrical panels and HVAC systems need major replacement, and the second and third floors may be used temporarily once power and data are restored. Members asked about roof damage in Hardin County, the status of FEMA applications, digitization of court records, and whether Senate Bill 25 restricted funds could be used to cover the funding gap; staff said the funds cannot be spent without General Assembly authorization. The committee also discussed broader record-retention and e-filing issues, with members noting the limits of paper filing and the need for better digitization as a backup in emergencies. AOC staff said they are working with the Supreme Court and state law librarian on what records can be digitized and how long hard copies must still be retained. After the disaster-response presentation, the committee moved on to a separate informational presentation on pre-trial services, with introductions from the executive officer of pre-trial services, the president of the Kentucky District Judges Association, a circuit judge, and the manager of pre-trial services, who began explaining how the pre-trial system works for newer committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• The only fund I'm here to talk to you about today is the energy efficiency fund.
• The only fund I'm here to talk to you about today is the energy efficiency fund.
• The only fund I'm here to talk to you about today is the energy efficiency fund.
• through NHSaves. $2 million is allocated to energy efficiency programs for municipalities, and then
• through NHSaves. $2 million is allocated to energy efficiency programs for municipalities, and then

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds met to review the House budget provision that would impose a 5% administrative charge on a broad list of dedicated funds, with some exemptions. Members discussed the House approach versus the Senate’s more general approach of leaving the governor discretion over which funds could be charged. The chair explained the committee was hearing from agencies about any legal, contractual, or practical reasons their funds should be exempt, and the agenda was expanded to include several departments and written submissions from others. The Department of Education testified first, identifying several funds it said should be exempt: a printing revolving fund that is funded by transfers rather than fees; teacher certification, which is self-funded by educator licensing fees and would require an immediate fee increase if charged; a vending stand set-aside tied to the federal Randolph-Sheppard program and subject to federal approval and vendor committee procedures; and a public school infrastructure/safety account, where most revenue is transferred from the education trust fund or general fund rather than generated by fees. Members questioned the department about the effect on school safety projects and whether the fee would simply reduce the number of projects completed each year. The Veterans Home asked for exemptions for three funds: a donation benefit account used for recreational activities and quality-of-life expenses for residents, a small memorial trust fund whose interest supports veteran activities, and a resident member account that holds veterans’ personal income such as Social Security and pensions. The department argued the charge would reduce donations, cut services, and effectively function like an income tax on vulnerable veterans. The Banking Department also requested exemption for its consumer credit administration license fund, saying it is used to keep exam fees low and is expressly intended by statute to reduce costs on regulated businesses; it said the 5% charge would undermine that framework and could eventually force higher fees. The Department of Justice began testimony on its dedicated funds, starting with the medical legal investigative fund, which pays for death investigations and related services under statute and without general fund support. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee mainly heard testimony and asked questions about the practical and legal effects of applying the administrative charge.

Transcript Highlights:

• I commend you for identifying efficiencies in your proposal that address the projected budget deficit
• I commend you for identifying efficiencies in your proposal that address the projected budget deficit
• I commend you for identifying efficiencies in your proposal that address the projected budget deficit
• </c><00:42:47.760><c> Our</c><00:42:48.000><c> team</c> administrative efficiencies.
• Our team administrative efficiencies.

Bills: HF2435

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:54:46.799><c> the</c> embodies the greater efficiency the embodies the greater efficiency the
• So for an efficiency purpose on this, I'd urge a yes vote.
• So for an efficiency purpose on this, I'd urge a yes vote.
• So for an efficiency purpose on this, I'd urge a yes vote.
• So for an efficiency purpose on this, I'd urge a yes vote.

Bills: HF5

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• fiscal year... ...and maximizing efficiencies, the Healey-Driscoll administration's fiscal year 2026
• In 2024, EOPS leveraged advanced technology to enhance public safety, improve operational efficiency,
• What matters is governmental efficiency? Well, I'm here to tell you that it does matter.
• While public officials should be business-like and efficient, they are not business executives.
• It's not efficient. And so we need to change that.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was held in Clinton Town Hall as part of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means’ budget review, with local officials welcoming legislators and noting the long agenda of many panels. The main presentation was from Secretary Terrence Reedy of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s FY26 proposal for the secretariat, including a $1.7 billion budget and a 7% increase over FY25. He described investments in emergency preparedness, hate-crime prevention, reentry programming, technology modernization, internships, and public safety training, while also noting some reductions driven by resource constraints, including cuts to certain grant programs and administrative costs. Committee members also raised concerns about federal uncertainty and how it could affect state budgets and public safety planning. A major portion of the questioning focused on the Department of Correction. Secretary Reedy and Commissioner Sean Jenkins said the biggest challenges are staffing, officer wellness, facility safety, and contraband—especially K2. They described steps taken at MCI Souza and other facilities, including reducing population at the maximum-security unit, changing management, removing metal products and free weights, improving screening and roll calls, adding a rapid response team, and increasing investigative and technological efforts to combat K2. They also discussed the closure of MCI Concord, saying it was driven by high maintenance costs and staffing needs, and explained that savings are being used to improve staffing patterns and address deferred maintenance over time rather than producing immediate large budget reductions. Members also questioned the budget’s impact on police training and community policing. The administration defended the increase in police academy tuition from $3,200 to $6,000 as reflecting true training costs and said it would still be subsidized by the state, while acknowledging the burden on small municipalities. They said the MPTC is expanding regional training and considering proposals such as Greenfield Community College’s. On community policing, officials emphasized uniform statewide training, de-escalation, and communication skills. The State Police also announced an outside review of the academy by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and said the next class will be split into two smaller groups to improve oversight and allow quicker implementation of recommendations. Other topics included ICE and federal immigration enforcement, with Reedy saying state law prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from acting in a civil immigration capacity and that no state dollars were used in the Tufts-related ICE operation mentioned by a member. Senators and representatives also raised the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that it will require significant public safety resources and likely federal funding. Additional discussion covered restorative justice and juvenile diversion, health care costs in DOC, electronic health records, and the need for more diverse and culturally competent public safety staffing. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judges should be safe in courthouses, and we should think about the most efficient, fiscally responsible
• Judges should be safe in courthouses, and we should think about the most efficient, fiscally responsible
• It just gives Thermal energy networks use the ground to efficiently heat and cool buildings.
• I would maybe question the efficiency side of that, your comments made, Representative Skraba.
• This bill includes a series of election administration updates designed to improve efficiency, clarify

Keywords: 1183, house