Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Craft has been willing to listen to us on modifications to the bill, both in '23 and '
• emissions tool that we've been using for the last couple of years and draw the analogy around crash modification
• project, the future traffic volumes and That type of thing when you apply, like he said, the crash modification
• And then from there, you've got to that type of thing when you apply like he said of the crash modification

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 748, a bill revising Minnesota’s transportation greenhouse gas and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact assessment requirements for trunk highway projects. The chair first moved and adopted the A2 author’s amendment and then the A3 amendment, which was described as adding implementation time and project exemptions when federal dollars are available. The bill author explained that the measure responds to concerns from stakeholders that the current law can force costly mitigation, delay or stop safety and capacity projects, and create uncertainty because key implementation details are still being developed by a technical advisory committee. Testimony was split. County and city engineers, county commissioners, the Minnesota Transportation Alliance, and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities generally supported the bill, arguing that the current requirements can add 20% to 40% or more to project costs, are difficult to administer, and could jeopardize critical safety improvements, congestion relief, and federal funding. They cited examples such as Scott County and Trunk Highway 65, and said VMT mitigation is especially hard to quantify and fund. Opponents, including Move Minnesota and Sierra Club, argued that safety and climate goals are not in conflict, that reducing driving can save lives and reduce pollution, and that the bill would weaken an important tool for cutting transportation emissions. Members also asked about how GHG and VMT are measured, whether the required assessment was ready, and who would be responsible for mitigation assets and costs. After discussion, the committee held a roll call vote. The bill, as amended, passed 8-7 and was moved to the General Register.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we understand and agree that the proposed modification would clarify the use of commercial kitchen
• <00:18:36.320> to<00:18:36.640> be that the proposed modification to be that the proposed
• modification to be allowed<00:18:37.120> to<00:18:37.280> clarify<00:18:37.679> to<
• We also feel that the proposed modification does not impact food safety, and the department does not
• also feel that the proposed modification also feel that the proposed modification does<01:29:05.920

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• unexpected costs as design changes required to secure city permitting approval and unforeseen modifications
• unexpected costs as design changes required to secure city permitting approval and unforeseen modifications
• unexpected costs as design changes required to secure city permitting approval and unforeseen modifications
• unexpected costs as design changes required to secure city permitting approval and unforeseen modifications
• unexpected costs as design changes required to secure city permitting approval and unforeseen modifications

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just look at this as if it's our current bills, and then with some modification and some additions, to
• Just look at this as if it's our current bills, and then with some modification and some additions, to
• and it may have require um modification and it may have require um modification but<01:21:09.920
• The statutory modifications provided in the bill are largely conforming and technical changes.
• provided in the bill are modifications provided in the bill are largely<02:09:14.440> conforming<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the agency's discretion whether to utilize the administrative adjustment remedy to address the modification
• The bill clarifies that in a subsequent suit affecting the parent-child relationship modification...
• ...that in a subsequent suit affecting the parent-child relationship modification action, the due process

Summary: The committee first adopted its rules, which were distributed in the same form as the prior session’s rules. Members then took up several bills, beginning with SB 711, an HOA/condominium association bill that would extend and conform property-owner protections to condominium associations; the bill’s author and a Community Associations Institute representative testified in support, and the bill was left pending. SB 942 would allow child support and certain prenatal/postnatal medical expenses to be calculated from the date of conception rather than birth; it drew supportive testimony from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and the Attorney General’s Child Support Division, and was also left pending after testimony. SB 1448, an estates and probate cleanup bill, would require transfer of original wills by qualified delivery, add notice and electronic-order requirements for statutory probate courts, and make other clarifications; it received supportive testimony from the Texas Real Estate and Probate Institute and was left pending. The committee also heard SB 1403, the Attorney General’s Title IV-D child support modernization bill, which updates notice, review, remote-hearing, and administrative-process provisions and clarifies several enforcement and evidence rules; the AG’s office testified that it would improve efficiency, and the bill remained pending. SB 1404 would allow courts to require an email address in final SAPCR orders when other contact information is nondisclosed and clarify service and judgment requirements; the Attorney General’s office described it as a good-government measure, and it was left pending. SB 1559 would require transfer of protective orders into divorce or custody cases to avoid conflicting orders; family-law practitioners and a family court judge testified that it would resolve longstanding conflicts identified by multiple courts of appeals, and the bill remained pending. Finally, the committee considered SB 746, a guardianship bill that would address conflicts of interest in guardianship proceedings, allow guardian ad litem appointment earlier in the process, and require timely court action on annual guardianship reports and accounts; a committee substitute would remove some provisions and extend a reporting deadline from 20 to 30 days. TREP supported the bill, and one practitioner suggested requiring courts to state reasons when rejecting annual accounts. SB 1536 would require dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain family guardians, with a committee substitute narrowing the scope and reducing the training time from three hours to one; the Alzheimer’s Association supported the measure and the substitute, and the bill was left pending. No bills were voted out of committee during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• at line 8 the lee8 the sentence at line 8 the lee8 management<00:46:56.440> plan<00:46:56.920
• So this amendment just makes modifications as we discussed, and I think it’s consistent with everything
• as we discussed and I modifications as we discussed and I think<01:01:59.559> it's<01:01:59.760
• And then under Roman numeral 4, that begins on page 1 at line 26, and the sentences we're looking at
• we're looking at 26 and the sentences we're looking at are<03:35:23.160> four<03:35:23.359>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee opened by noting member absences and then reviewed the governor’s HB 2 trailer bill language creating a solid waste site evaluation committee. The chair explained that Finance would want the committee’s input on the proposal and also announced a temporary change to the committee’s schedule, with additional Wednesday meetings planned around school vacation. The committee then moved into a work session on several bills. On HB 150, Representative Ktoa offered a simple amendment changing food-processing language from “washed and rinsed” to “cleaned and sanitized” in the processing area. Members agreed the change better matched food safety practice, and the committee indicated support for advancing the bill. On HB 307, dealing with homestead food production areas, members discussed proposed amendment language that would add clearer sanitary requirements, including handwashing access, sanitary storage, sanitizable food-contact surfaces, and pest exclusion. The committee also discussed whether to replace “potentially hazardous food” with “time temperature control safe food,” but several members favored keeping the existing term because it is already well defined in food safety law. The bill was held for further amendment work rather than being executed immediately. The committee spent substantial time on solid waste legislation. For HB 479, members recalled a prior plan for a letter to the solid waste working group and agreed to proceed with the bill in executive session, with an offer of drafting help from Representative Bixby. For HB 77, which would require DES to establish site-specific setback distances for proposed new landfills, Representative Penza said his amendment was not ready yet but was close, and the bill was left for further discussion. The most detailed discussion was on HB 2115, which would require landfill permit applicants to submit a report on the project’s harms and benefits. Representative Germana explained an amendment that would replace section one, expand the list of benefits to include economic potential and infrastructure improvements, and set up a third-party review process in which the applicant submits a list of reviewers, DES screens the list, and the commissioner selects a reviewer if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked about who could serve as contractors, whether they had to be local, and how DES would judge qualifications; the response was that environmental engineering and similar firms could be used, local or outside the community, and that the process would remain somewhat flexible. Representative H. Haskins asked whether the legislature or subcommittee would be formally notified of preliminary review problems, and the chair said no additional notification process would be built in beyond existing practice. The committee planned to continue work on the bills in upcoming executive sessions, including after school break.

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<00:04:05.519> vote<00:04:05.920> modifications
• <00:04:06.640> and<00:04:06.799> have<00:04:07.040> filed submit vote modifications
• and have filed submit vote modifications and have filed the<00:04:07.519> proper<00:04:07.840

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 04:28 Election and Swearing In of Constitutional Officers 04:35 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 06:51 HR 1 08:08 HR 2 08:40 HR 3 17:11 Impeachment Petitions reported 18:33 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 20:27 Stand at Ease 20:54 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 28:30 Adjournment 33:05, 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky House convened for the opening of the 2026 regular session, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a declared quorum of 100 members present. The House then excused absent members and suspended the rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications to be filed. It also elected House staff constitutional officers by acclamation, including the chief clerk, deputy clerk, sergeant at arms, chief doorkeeper, enrolling clerk, cloakroom keeper, and janitor, followed by the oath of office. Members introduced and adopted House Resolutions 1, 2, and 3. House Resolution 1 established the 2026 House membership. House Resolution 2 adopted the House rules for the session, with changes reflecting the new temporary building, removal of COVID-related provisions, elimination of remote and alternative voting, shortening motions/petitions/communications time from 30 to 15 minutes, deleting guest introductions and gallery references, requiring only one signed jacketed bill copy, clarifying billbook co-sponsorship procedures, deleting consent orders and pairing rules, and updating chamber-access and lobbying restrictions. Some members objected that the changes reduced transparency and public access, and one member asked that the 15-minute limit be kept at 30 minutes, but the resolution was adopted. House Resolution 3 invited pastors of Frankfurt churches to open sessions with prayer; one member asked that it be broadened to include people of all faiths and beyond Franklin County, but it was also adopted. The House then reported interim communications, including citizen impeachment petitions filed against Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwine and Ballard County Jailer Eric Cppus. Members were reminded of a mandatory ethics meeting the next day. The clerk reported the first batch of filed bills and resolutions, including House Bill 11 on independent school districts and House Bills 12 through 34 on topics such as legislative privacy, income tax, rural hospital funding, Medicaid and Medicaid expansion, school employee payments, firearms, reproductive health and privacy, employment schedules, cancer treatment coverage, workers’ compensation for first responders, savings accounts, education opportunity accounts, leave from employment, criminal procedure, home purchases, FNF devices, data privacy, and death benefits, along with House Resolutions 4 through 6. The House then adjourned until 2 p.m. on January 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The changes include amendments necessary to the modification of Federal Regulation 49 CFR Part 23 and
• :26:19.919> necessary<00:26:20.360> to<00:26:20.520> the<00:26:20.640> modification
• Amendment necessary to the modification Amendment necessary to the modification of<00:26:21.360>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met with a quorum and approved the minutes from its previous meeting. It then considered several transportation-related bills, beginning with House Bill 157 on special license plates. The bill, as amended by a committee substitute, would create a commercial Friends of Agriculture plate to support agriculture-related programs, with proceeds going to the same fund used by the existing farm tag. Members also discussed the committee substitute’s fee exemptions for military-related plates, and the bill was reported favorably with the substitute attached. The committee next took up House Bill 682 on utility relocation. Testimony from Charter Communications explained that the bill would update outdated law so cable and broadband providers are treated like public utilities for reimbursement when forced to relocate facilities for highway projects, while preserving the Transportation Cabinet’s discretion over reimbursements. Members asked about the current reimbursement process and fiscal impact; witnesses said the bill does not change cabinet discretion and therefore has no fiscal note. The bill was reported favorably. House Bill 443, which would shift the east end signage of the H. Rogers Parkway farther east to US 23 in Prestonsburg to reflect the already four-laned section and support future federal funding efforts, also received favorable expression. House Bill 444, a commercial driver’s licensing measure brought by the Transportation Cabinet and amended by committee substitute, would align Kentucky reporting requirements with federal law and allow drivers age 18 and older to qualify for a hazardous materials endorsement, with limits excluding school buses and interstate transport. Members discussed the safety rationale and the need for drivers in agriculture and propane delivery; the bill was reported favorably with the substitute attached. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 493 on towing and storage of motor vehicles. Representative Pollock and a Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance witness described it as a cleanup bill aimed at transparency and enforcement against predatory towing and inflated charges, and members noted constituent concerns about towing practices. The bill was reported favorably with a committee substitute attached. The committee also reviewed Administrative Regulation 600 KAR 1:041, which updates disadvantaged business enterprise certification rules to conform to federal nomenclature and related federal changes; the regulation was reviewed without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• today's introduction calendar are given their first reading and referred as indicated with no modifications
• <00:07:18.280> We<00:07:18.400> will indicated with no modifications.
• We will indicated with no modifications.
• I said if you would let me finish my sentence. Oh, I'm sorry. For what purpose do you rise?
• , I believe might convicted, sentenced, I believe might have<03:04:18.440> pled<03:04:18.680><

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order, a quorum was established, and remote voting was authorized for several members. The body adopted committee reports except those related to Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, gave Senate File 4067 a second reading, and referred newly introduced bills as listed on the agenda. It also adopted a motion to strike and re-refer House File 3379 to the Committee on Finance, and then moved into special orders and floor debate. The main floor action was on House File 2358, a public safety bill providing enhanced criminal penalties for certain coercion offenses. Senator Lang described it as creating a Minnesota crime targeting sexual extortion of children, including online extortion. Senator Maye Quade supported the bill and spoke about the tragic constituent story behind it. The Senate took a roll call and passed the bill 67-0, with its title agreed to. The Senate then began debate on Senate File 4511, which would clarify Minnesota gambling law to prohibit prediction-market style betting disguised as futures contracts. Senator Marty argued the bill was needed to stop companies such as Kalshi and Polymarket from using futures-contract language to evade state gambling restrictions and to protect existing regulated gambling businesses. Senator Johnson initially offered the A10 amendment to delay action until federal jurisdiction issues are resolved, but withdrew it after debate. He then offered the A8 amendment to preserve longer-term weather-related hedging contracts, which Senator Marty supported as a distinction from short-term, manipulable bets; the A8 amendment was adopted. Debate continued with questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would reach election-related or financial contracts.

Transcript Highlights:

• encourage you to look at Minnesota Statute 182.659, and that in your bill here you have maybe three sentences
• Representative Hicks: "...maybe three sentences about inspections.
• I strongly support the bill's modifications to ACT team lead requirements.
• I strongly support the bill's modifications to ACT team lead requirements.

Bills: HF1, HF98

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• committee amendment for HB 7031E provides for a number of tax reductions and other tax-related modifications
• The following are provisions that were in the bill we passed in March that were retained with modifications
• The following are provisions that were in the bill we passed in March that were retained with modifications
• This is the implementing bill that makes modifications to statutes to conform laws to our GAA. Mr.
• Speaker, members, this is the implementing bill that makes modifications to statutes to conform laws

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Don Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber announced it would take up 11 budget conference committee reports, with no third-reading bills or special-order calendar items. Members were reminded that conference reports were subject to debate but not amendment, and that the required review periods had been satisfied. The first major action was on HB 7031E, the tax package. Representative Duggan explained that the conference report included a mix of retained, modified, and new tax provisions, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related changes, reductions in certain gaming and carbon-related taxes, changes to child care and documentary stamp tax credits, a new refund process for public works construction tax paid by universities and colleges, and other tax administration changes. Debate focused on the bill’s consumer impact, the reduction of the child tax credit from three years to one, the inclusion of firearm accessories in a sales tax holiday, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the homestead exemption provision for certain deployed diplomatic and foreign service personnel. Critics argued the package favored niche or corporate interests over broad affordability relief, while supporters said it provided targeted tax relief and reflected conference negotiations. The House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11. The House then began presenting the conference report for HB 501E, the state budget, which totaled $114.5 billion for fiscal year 2026-27 and was described as below the prior year’s spending level while maintaining reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major budget areas: pre-K-12 funding included an increase in FEFP, salary increases for veteran teachers, stabilization funding, and support for declining enrollment; higher education included full Bright Futures funding, workforce programs, college operating support, university initiatives, and school guardian expansion; IT funding focused on Palm, ACCESS, APD’s I-Connect replacement, corrections systems, emergency management systems, and cybersecurity grants; health care funding covered Medicaid, nursing home rates, waiver provider increases, ADAP funding and restructuring, child welfare, and behavioral health; transportation and economic development included housing, cultural grants, jobs and rural infrastructure, Visit Florida, Space Florida, highway patrol equipment, and local transportation projects; justice funding included correctional construction, juvenile justice facilities, law enforcement grants, and clerk and due process reimbursements; state administration included fire stations, constrained counties, building maintenance, and Safe Florida Home; and agriculture/natural resources funding emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality, land acquisition, Florida Forever, state parks, and citrus research. Members then began questioning the budget details, including school voucher accountability, school funding formulas, public defender parity, prison technology, wastewater monitoring in prisons, ADAP policy, SNAP fraud controls and AI-assisted verification, Florida Forever funding, school lunch funding, and coral reef restoration. No final vote on HB 501E appears in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Studies on behavioral modification are mixed.
• We think it's important, but not everybody is going to engage in behavioral modification initially.
• We do ask them to get involved in behavioral modification.
• When I meet with a patient, I am giving them behavioral modification each and every time that I meet
• That does not behavioral modification.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on October 14, approved the minutes, and then took up a large group of staff-suggested amendments to multiple regulations. Those staff amendments were approved without objection and were described as technical changes needed to comply with KRS Chapter 13A and other governing law. The committee then moved out of order to consider Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure regulation 2011 KAR 9:270, which governs buprenorphine prescribing and related standards. Board representatives said the regulation has been updated over time since 2015 and that the current amendments are intended to streamline the rule, remove outdated federal references such as the X-waiver, narrow education requirements to addiction-related topics, and create exceptions for settings like emergency rooms and certain pain treatment situations. The agency amendment would also allow buprenorphine monoproduct for up to 30 days when a patient is transitioning from a full opioid agonist, and would add physicians certified in addiction medicine as eligible specialty consultants. Board officials said the regulation was developed through a two-year process with a work group, informal outreach to medical organizations, and multiple comment periods, and they argued the rule is working because overdose deaths have declined and provider numbers have increased. Several witnesses and committee members raised concerns that the regulation remains too restrictive. Senator Rocky Adams noted that major medical organizations had said the proposed language could restrict access and worsen overdose risk, and he questioned whether the committee was being asked to choose between conflicting expert views. Opponents, including a medical student, a recovery advocate, and Dr. Colleen Ryan of the Kentucky Society of Addiction Medicine, argued the rule is outdated, creates unnecessary barriers to buprenorphine treatment, and should be repealed or substantially revised to align with federal guidance and evidence-based care. They said rigid requirements can discourage treatment and that addiction should be treated like other chronic illnesses. No final vote on the medical licensure regulation is reflected in the transcript excerpt, and the discussion ended with the chair preparing to hear from additional opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the timer goes off, please wrap up your sentence and the thought.
• 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:

• 54.520> any any new curricula or or excuse me any any new curricula or or excuse me any modifications
• 55.520> have<00:49:55.680> been<00:49:55.839> made<00:49:56.079> to modifications
• that have been made to modifications that have been made to curricula<00:49:57.119> that<00:49
• practice, and so what you're seeing reflected here is all of this language just summarized into two sentences
• [Applause] Okay, next up is Senate File 197, School Board Modification Bill 197, authored by Senator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it could be a very large commission, and we've suggested some modifications to what was originally
• filed in order to accommodate as many people as possible. ...modifications to what was originally filed
• This harbor line modification is a prerequisite for initiating the necessary permitting process.
• Once we are hopefully approved through the harbor line modification, we will go forward with conservation
• initiating the necessary permitting process once we are hopefully approved through the harbor line modification

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The modifications that we would recommend to those are expanding some of the horizon of when those funds
• which I know um Mr chair modification which I know um Mr chair you<01:26:21.719> are<01:26:22.000
• <01:26:50.119> that<01:26:50.239> we um those uh the modifications that we um those
• uh the modifications that we would<01:26:50.520> recommend<01:26:50.840> to<01:26:51.040
• <01:29:11.520> of mentioned is the modification of mentioned is the modification of commercial

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Housing Finance and Policy Committee approved the previous meeting’s minutes and then heard testimony from Housing First Minnesota and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on housing supply, affordability, and land-use policy. Mark Foster of Housing First Minnesota said the state is chronically undersupplied by roughly 100,000 units, that the median new single-family home price has risen above $530,000, and that only about 27% of Twin Cities households can now afford a new home. He argued that regulatory and local approval processes, especially planned unit developments and aesthetic mandates, add significant cost and reduce the number of homes built, and he urged the committee to remove exclusionary barriers and modernize residential development approvals. Members questioned Foster about zoning, aesthetic requirements, and homeowners associations. He said most new housing in growing metro communities is negotiated through PUDs, which he described as increasing costs and limiting supply, and gave examples such as stone exterior requirements adding thousands of dollars to a home. He also said HOAs can be useful in some cases but are often imposed when not needed. Several legislators responded positively to the Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s work, including transitional housing and veteran housing projects. Elizabeth Wefel of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities said cities outside the metro also face a housing shortage, but their challenges differ: market failure, inadequate sewer and water infrastructure, and gaps in starter, workforce, and senior housing. She said many Greater Minnesota cities are already updating zoning, reducing lot sizes, allowing more density and ADUs, and investing local money, land, and partnerships to spur development. She asked the legislature to speed up rollout of housing funds, support infrastructure and workforce programs, and adjust housing tax credit and TIF rules, while warning against one-size-fits-all preemption of local zoning authority. Members discussed the need for tailored solutions and the differences between metro and Greater Minnesota housing markets.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, I was glad to bring that to light and make that modification to the bill.
• get your input and see if we can't figure out the best way to solve this problem, whether it's modifications
• that'll lead to another bill to introduce next year, modification to this bill that could be heard.
• Modification to this bill that could be heard potentially before November.

Keywords: Freedom of Information Advisory Council, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a simple modification to an important act of transportation safety training that school districts
• It's a simple<00:01:07.840> modification<00:01:08.640> to<00:01:09.040> an<00:01
• :09.280> important<00:01:09.600> act simple modification to an important act simple modification

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There's risk of allowing equipment modification.
• The risks of allowing equipment modifications are serious.
• Uh, there's risk of allowing equipment modifications are serious.
• Uh, the risks of allowing equipment modifications are serious.

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and first heard SB 1826 by Senator Martin, which would restrict ultra-processed foods served to public school students during the school day. Senator Martin said the bill is aimed only at government-purchased food in public schools, not parents’ lunches or after-school sales, and argued it is intended to protect children’s health and school performance. Members questioned the bill’s definition of ultra-processed food, its scope during the school day, and possible cost and compliance issues. Senator Rouson offered a friendly amendment extending the compliance date from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026, and the committee adopted it. Several industry groups and associations spoke against the bill, citing lack of a clear definition, FDA preemption concerns, costs, and the risk of a state-by-state patchwork; Moms for Liberty waived in support. Senator Martin then temporarily postponed the bill for further work. The committee next took up CS for SB 1132 by Senator Truenow on consumers’ right to repair certain equipment, including agricultural equipment and portable digital devices. An amendment by Senator Boyd was adopted to exclude security and life-safety systems and remove automobile-related provisions. Public testimony included opposition from TechNet, which said the bill is unnecessary because repair parts, tools, and manuals are already available and asked for changes to make the bill prospective and remove the private right of action. Agricultural equipment dealers and manufacturers testified against the bill, arguing that current repair resources and a memorandum of understanding with the Farm Bureau already address repair access, while warning that the bill could undermine dealer margins, parts inventory, training programs, safety, cybersecurity, and emissions compliance. Some members supported the concept but noted the bill still needed work. The committee voted 4-0 to report CS for SB 1132 favorably. The meeting concluded with a presentation from Florida 4-H youth leaders on the organization’s impact and goals. The presenters described 4-H’s role in leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living, highlighted statewide participation and camp programs, and asked for continued support for camp improvements, especially the Camp Cherry Lake revitalization effort. Senators praised the students’ presentations and the value of 4-H before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Family Services Department for Community Based Services in Harlan County, PR 5800, and a lease modification
• 5800<00:02:27.160> and<00:02:27.319> a<00:02:27.480> lease<00:02:27.800> modification
• <00:02:28.560> of<00:02:28.720> at 5800 and a lease modification of at 5800 and a lease
• modification of at least<00:02:29.080> 50,000<00:02:30.080> space<00:02:30.360> change

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Approval of Minutes 00:59 Information Items 03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet 12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority 21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt 23:27 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions. The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line. Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%. Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.