Transcript Highlights:

• 14 and I would repeal that subdivision 14 and I don't<00:53:54.000> disagree<00:53:54.400>
• So we had, notwithstanding subdivision 14, we had that 10 times in the bill.
• 14, we had that 10 times in subdivision 14, we had that 10 times in the<00:54:30.319> bill.
• have so many thousands of subdivision have so many thousands of subdivision notwithstanding<01:03
• :11.440> subdivision<01:03:12.440> 14<01:03:13.720> because notwithstanding subdivision

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The office is supportive of the provisions in subdivision 1.
• sub subdivision one I think<00:36:33.240> um<00:36:33.440> we<00:36:34.040> remain<
• 5, part B, and section 204C.19, subdivision 3.
• <01:22:01.679> to authorizing a political subdivision to authorizing a political subdivision
• So this amendment allows a political subdivision to establish policies in accordance with this.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Section 1, Subdivision 4 requires a maintenance major project maintenance plan for those highway
• 3 adds that kind Section 1 Subdivision 3 adds that kind of<00:09:12.400> fiscal<00:09:12.800>
• Again, subdivision three, titled limitations on expansion. We need expansion.
• Um, and then in subdivision two, we’re looking at the application.
• “Um, and then in subdivision two, we’re looking at the application.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that, I'm going to offer the A2 amendment, which is basically just going to delete section, or subdivision
• The A2 amendment would basically just delete section one or subdivision one, and it'll just renumber
• So, um, for the record, uh, subdivision 8, resident student, uh, means a student who meets one of the
• Can you tell me what that subdivision 8.
• <00:53:56.360> 8, So, um for the record, uh subdivision 8, So, um for the record, uh subdivision

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans met on March 4, 2026, and began with a moment of silence honoring Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake, who was killed while serving in Kuwait. The committee then took up Senate File 3956, an MDVA policy bill giving the commissioner clearer authority to direct staff time and other non-monetary resources toward partnerships with organizations serving veterans, especially on food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and related efforts. MDVA and Disabled American Veterans testified that the bill would help them work more quickly and clearly with outside partners, including food pantry and outreach efforts, while remaining focused on non-monetary support. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment narrowing the bill to the three named priorities and removing the broader “other critical issues” language; the amendment was adopted after discussion about whether the reporting language also needed adjustment. SF 3956, as amended, was laid over for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate File 3955, which would create a new procedure for temporary closure of a Minnesota veterans home if an involuntary termination notice requires it, bringing state law into closer alignment with federal expectations. MDVA emphasized that it had no intention of permanently closing any veterans homes and that the bill was intended only to establish a temporary closure plan to satisfy survey requirements. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment clarifying that any closure would be temporary unless the legislature approved a permanent closure; MDVA and the Department of Health indicated the change was acceptable. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to recommend SF 3955, as amended, to pass and refer it to the full committee. Finally, the committee began Senate File 4072, an MDVA cleanup and conformity bill. After adopting a technical A3 amendment, MDVA explained that the bill would reclassify the Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief of Staff role as Deputy Commissioner for Administration to better reflect the scope of the position, and would also repeal outdated statutes related to environmental hazards assistance and a data-collection requirement that the department said it could not implement. The bill was still being presented when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SF 4072 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• to the area located within naturally occurring watersheds rather than assigning it on political subdivision
• to the area located within naturally occurring watersheds rather than assigning it on political subdivision
• I would say as an overall summary, the conversation has been that the local subdivisions have identified
• I would say as an overall summary, the conversation has been that the local subdivisions have identified
• It's held by the political subdivision, so we don't hold the money, they hold it.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Subdivision two provides definitions.
• Subdivision three specifies what a federal agency needs to access campus.
• Subdivision three specifies what a federal agency needs to access campus.
• Section 3, subdivision 3. Section 3, subdivision 3.
• Um, but I I think as subdivision five.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• are already subject to a tiered system of coverage under the Whistleblower Protection Act, under subdivision
• So for this committee, it's important to refer to 179A.07, subdivision 1, which outlines inherent managerial
• So under subdivision 1, it currently says that the employee in good faith reports a violation, suspected
• So under subdivision 1, it currently says that the employee in good faith reports a violation, suspected
• Similarly, down in subdivision 6, it says that the employee believes the information to be truthful and

Bills: HF23, HF1355

Keywords: whistleblower, whistleblower protections, public employees, state employees, retaliation, reporting fraud, misuse of authority, personal gain, state government, state services, state programs, legislative auditor, constitutional officer, public corruption, fraud reporting, government accountability, employee rights, labor law, Minnesota Statutes 181.931, Minnesota Statutes 181.932

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I mean, what's the subdivision? It might just be... It might just be...
• We want to know how big the subdivision is.
• It has 16, 17, 18, 19, so if this would just mean that subdivision and not all of 124, that's fine.
• Yeah, I mean, that again, of course, A16 covers all the political subdivisions as well as the state,
• as well as the political subdivisions as well as state<01:53:52.560> but um<01:53:57.560>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee reviewed selected House Bill 2 provisions, focusing first on the group two pension reform language and whether it matched prior legislation and the fiscal note. Members discussed two main issues: the treatment of extra and special duty pay in the pension calculation for employees hired before 2011, and the annuity multiplier after 15 years of creditable service. Several members said the HB 2 language was intended to restore prior law and protect against pension “spiking,” while others worried the draft and fiscal note may not have fully reflected current law, potentially affecting the cost estimate. The discussion repeatedly emphasized the need to avoid underfunding or double counting and to make sure Finance had the correct actuarial assumptions. No vote was taken; the committee agreed to flag the issues for Finance and to clarify the fiscal note. Members also discussed the vested-rights language, which was described as an explicit definition of vesting and a restriction on future legislative changes to compensation calculations after three years of service. Some viewed it as a policy protection with no immediate fiscal impact, while others noted it had been included in prior legislation and should be clearly understood before the bill moved forward. The committee also briefly referenced prior pension legislation, including House Bill 436 and House Bill 727, and noted that HB 2 was being used to carry forward related pension repair provisions. The committee then turned to an OPLC-related section transferring building, plumbing, electrical, and fuel gas inspector positions from OPLC to the Department of Safety’s Fire Marshal’s office. Testimony explained that the nine inspector positions are funded from the licensing fund, and that the move was justified as a public-safety function better aligned with the Fire Marshal’s mission because the inspections are statewide code-enforcement work rather than facility-specific licensing work. The discussion ended with a note that the remaining HB 2 changes run through 2034 and a brief announcement about memorial arrangements for C.J. Gerard.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the interest of an employer, but does not include the state or any political or governmental subdivision
• Railway Labor Act, as amended from time to time, nor the state or any political or governmental subdivision
• political or governmental subdivision political or governmental subdivision thereof<00:30:34.559
• political or governmental subdivision political or governmental subdivision there<00:30:42.919><
• 4731 121 subdivision 4731 121 subdivision 2<01:02:31.200> and<01:02:31.400> that<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for counterfeit or fraudulent plat for counterfeit or fraudulent plat placards,<01:22:11.280> possibly

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with SB 12, which would let certain veterans who already qualify for a disabled veteran license plate use that VA disability determination to obtain a walking disability placard without having to undergo a second physical or submit additional proof. Senator Waters, the prime sponsor, said the bill was prompted by a constituent and would reduce redundant paperwork. Melinda Sims of United Spinal and Leo Pacquin of the State Veterans Advisory Committee both supported the bill, saying veterans already go through an extensive VA certification process and should not have to repeat it for the state. A DMV representative said the department had no known objection and explained that the change would let the placard travel with the veteran in another vehicle. The hearing on SB 12 was then closed. The committee then took up SB 40, which would allow safe boater education certificates to be completed and tested online, rather than requiring an in-person final exam. Representative Coker and Senator Tim Lang described the bill as a cleanup measure to make a COVID-era online process permanent and said it would improve convenience and keep more revenue in New Hampshire. Tom Praol, representing the vendor, said the state lost significant revenue when the online option ended and argued that online proctoring can verify identity and prevent cheating. The New Hampshire Marine Trades Association supported the bill, saying it would help boaters learn New Hampshire-specific laws and keep dollars in-state. The Department of Safety Marine Patrol was neutral: Captain Tim Dunlvy said the current system includes classroom and online coursework followed by an in-person proctored final exam, and he raised concerns about safety, exam integrity, and lower scores in computer-only testing, while noting New Hampshire’s strong boating safety record. Committee members asked about reciprocity, proctoring methods, costs, and crash data, but no vote was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 671, by Shaheen, relating to the use of a political subdivision of public funds for lobbyists. certain
• contracts for and concerning the purchase of a residential real property at located and plotted subdivisions
• Acting by ABC, proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize a political subdivision other than a
• school district to establish a limitation on the amount of taxes that a political subdivision may impose

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Article 1, section 8, beginning on line 8.23, adds a subdivision to the school safety drills law that
• Article 1, section 8, beginning on line 8.23, adds a subdivision to the school safety drills law that
• Article 1, section 8, beginning on line 8.23, adds a subdivision to the school safety drills law that
• 1A line 8.25 on the school subdivision 1A line 8.25 on the school safety<01:35:25.600> drills.
• <01:42:33.040> around statute subdivision around statute subdivision around transportation

Bills: HF3698, HF3067, HF3730

Keywords: libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, paraprofessional, paraprofessional qualifications, education support staff, teacher aide, teacher assistant, special education, Title I, federal personnel qualifications, Minnesota Department of Education, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, Read Act, reading instruction, math instruction

Transcript Highlights:

• It seems like since some of these laws were written in the last 20 years, political subdivisions were
• Data is not supposed to be a cash cow for political subdivisions.
• So, I think it might be time for the legislature to re-acclimate political subdivisions about what the
• . subdivisions. subdivisions.
• <00:36:49.440> where desks in political subdivisions where desks in political subdivisions

Keywords: 919, house, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Subdivision one is a repeal of some political and campaign provisions that are regarded generally as
• Subdivision two is a requirement that admin provide a model ordinance for outdoor lighting.
• Um, subdivision two is unconstitutional.
• Subdivision three is a lighting.
• And subdivision 4 um is reorganization.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1967, the state encouraged political subdivisions to join the statewide retirement system for teachers
• The state reneged on its promise; the political subdivisions have had to pay for the state share of the
• It would provide much needed relief to political subdivisions and help offset the need for increased
• pay 7 a half% of political subdivision pay 7 a half% of political subdivision employer<00:03:26.560
• subdivisions needed relief to political subdivisions and<00:05:58.840> help<00:05:59.120>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on several bills and announced at the outset that no votes would be taken because the measures would go to divisions later. The first major bill, HB 197, would require the state to pay 7.5% of political subdivision employer pension contributions for teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Representative Mike Edgar, the prime sponsor, argued the state had repeatedly reduced and then eliminated its promised share of retirement costs, shifting the burden to municipalities and property taxpayers. He said the bill would partially restore that commitment and provide relief to local governments, businesses, and taxpayers. Several witnesses testified in support of HB 197, including Representative John Cluder, Bradford selectman Marlene Fryer, the New Hampshire Municipal Association’s Margaret Burns, and Epping representative Mark Fone. Supporters said the bill would help with property tax pressure, school budgets, and municipal hiring, and they emphasized that much of the retirement cost reflects unfunded liability decisions made at the state level rather than by local governments. Committee members questioned whether the bill would change local incentives to control costs and how it would affect hiring and compensation. Burns said the state contribution would function as property tax relief because it offsets existing municipal expenses, and she noted the state is already on a long-term schedule to pay down the retirement system’s unfunded liability. After closing the hearing on HB 197, the committee opened a hearing on HB 97, introduced by Representative Tom Buco. He said the bill would continue funding for delayed and deferred wastewater projects and help municipalities finance expensive wastewater infrastructure, which he tied to housing development and local debt planning. No action or votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section three amends Title 20 by adding a new definition in the Chapter 1 emergency management subdivision
• /c><01:11:26.159> or they have the necessary zoning or they have the necessary zoning or subdivision
• :27.440> but<01:11:27.679> no<01:11:27.920> entity<01:11:28.320> is Subdivision
• bylaws. uh we had a section subdivision bylaws. uh we had a section that<01:15:14.080> removed
• <01:21:40.159> um reading here about a new subdivision um reading here about a new subdivision

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, remembering last year's one, I think it went through a subdivision, an entire subdivision, and
• I mean, remembering last year's one, I think it went through a subdivision, an entire subdivision, and
• I mean, remembering last year's one, I think it went through a subdivision, an entire subdivision, and
• subdivision subdivision an<00:55:31.240> entire<00:55:31.760> subdivision<00:55:33.120
• > and an entire subdivision and an entire subdivision and uh uh uh the<00:55:36.520> housing

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 649, which would create a small boat harbor commercial vessel special fund and raise mortgage fees on commercial vessels to fund harbor improvements. DLNR stood on written testimony in support, while the Ocean Tourism Coalition, Activity and Attractions Association of Hawaii, Calypso Charters, and a local commercial operator all opposed the bill, arguing that the fee increase would burden thin-margin businesses without fixing procurement and staffing problems and that the bill’s fee language and fund allocations were too vague. A DLNR witness also noted a prior bill, HB 2477, had sought to broaden the fee base to more ocean operators statewide rather than increase the percentage. No vote was taken on HB 649 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2599 on aquatic protection, which would prioritize ecosystem integrity and use of best available science in managing aquatic resources and set coral reef resilience goals. DLNR supported the measure, and a testifier from the public urged stronger coral goals for Oahu and a broader framework including water quality, herbivore management, fishery management, enforcement, and coral restoration. There was no opposition or vote shown on HB 2599 before the committee recessed to a joint hearing. In the joint Economic Development and Tourism / Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts hearing, members heard HB 2118 on transferring the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission from DAGS to DBED, HB 2474 on authorizing non-binding international cooperative agreements, HB 1863 on creating an honorary ambassador to Canada, HB 1943 on out-of-state DBED offices and export promotion, and HB 2604 on a performing arts ticket surcharge. Testimony was generally supportive for HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943, with questions focused on agency placement, sister-state relationships, and the rationale for overseas offices. HB 2604 drew opposition from the Tax Foundation and others, who argued the surcharge functioned as a tax and would make arts participation more expensive; the chair recommended deferring it. During decision-making, both committees passed HB 2118, HB 2474, HB 1863, and HB 1943 with amendments, including technical changes and revised effective dates. For HB 2474, the amendments were described as clarifying definitions for sister-state and international cooperative agreements, allowing relationships with national governments, and preserving legislative approval and transparency. HB 1943 was amended to require an office in Laoag City, Philippines, rather than a non-existent DBED Philippines office. HB 2604 was deferred. After the joint session, the Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts committee resumed and heard HB 2395 on permits for taking marine deposits and HB 2361 on administrative support for the Kahului Bay Regional Council, both of which drew only DLNR written testimony and no further action in the excerpt. The committee then began HB 1823 on Coastal Zone Management Act exemptions, with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs testifying first, but the transcript cuts off before further testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wherever the bill says 'as described in subdivision 4,' the reference is meant to apply both in the local
• This is just described in subdivision 4.
• Described in subdivision 4. The next section is starting on line 4.24.
• are have to comply with this subdivision are have to comply with this subdivision under<00:06:54.800
• That provision directly conflicts with Minnesota Statutes section 504B.216, subdivision 7B.

Bills: HF4207, HF3639, HF3981, HF3064, HF2123

Keywords: housing aid, local housing trust, funding projects, income provisions, technical changes, landlord regulations, tenant rights, minor children, lease agreements, eviction, privacy protection, housing, lease termination, medical care, death, infirmity, landlord obligations, St. Paul, public housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency

Transcript Highlights:

• The implied easement is when, in this particular case, the best example is when there's a subdivision
• example is when there's a subdivision example is when there's a subdivision plan,<00:38:09.359><
• to get lot five off the subdivision to get lot five off the subdivision plan,<00:38:18.359> and
• And I feel that it's the responsibility of all property owners, whether it's part of a subdivision or
• or to when you think that subdivision or to when you think that there's<00:49:11.120> encroachment

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Public exhibition to agents of political subdivisions, including our constitutional entities, state entities
• , and all the subdivisions.
• that we would disallow violators of this section from contracting with the state or any of its subdivisions

Bills: HB2650, HB3277, HB3386, HB3419, HB3430, HB3742, HB3791, HB3835, HB3905, HB3968, HB4119, HB4153, HB4408

Keywords: probate, estate administration, summary administration, decedent, inheritance, vehicle inspection, title registration, salvage vehicles, ownership, Oklahoma Statutes, evictions, forcible entry, mediation, residency proof, children, housing law, corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law