Transcript Highlights:

• Cloud for a potential sixth campus.
• into expansion campuses we are looking into expansion to<00:03:37.040> St<00:03:37.319> Cloud
• > potential<00:03:38.319> six<00:03:39.120> campus<00:03:40.120> um to St Cloud
• for potential six campus um to St Cloud for potential six campus um each<00:03:40.519> of<00:
• oils for low carbon make seed-based oils for low carbon Transportation<00:14:48.600> fuels<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee met and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The chair noted that agency overviews from the Office of Higher Education and other state agencies were not available, so the committee proceeded with University of Minnesota presentations instead. The committee also reviewed posted committee rules. University of Minnesota representatives gave an overview of the university’s research enterprise, describing it as a system of five campuses with a possible expansion to St. Cloud, and highlighting research strengths across campuses in agriculture, energy, natural resources, health, and the Twin Cities flagship campus. They said the university has more than $1.3 billion in annual research expenditures, receives most of its research funding from federal sources, and is ranked highly for both overall research and interdisciplinary research. Examples discussed included the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the Forever Green initiative, and research tied to sustainable crops, health, and commercialization. Members asked questions about specific research areas, including biodegradable or renewable plastics, wheat research, food dyes, health and environmental toxins, and the market for winter camelina and winter pennycress. University staff said they could follow up with more detailed information and explained that the winter crop work is intended to become market-driven over time, while also improving soil health and creating new revenue streams for farmers. They also clarified that the university’s federal research funding includes money from NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, and other agencies, and that the “other” funding category includes foundations, subawards, and internal university seed funding. The committee then heard a second University of Minnesota presentation focused on partnerships, commercialization, and workforce development. Testimony highlighted collaborations with industry and government partners such as U.S. Steel, 3M, Medtronic, Cisco, and defense-related industry leaders, as well as programs supporting microelectronics, AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable aviation fuels. No formal votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and the committee ended the segment by moving on to the next testifier.

Transcript Highlights:

• think through technologies and, you know, just like this land-grant university with developing new seed
• I know, look at Senator... the different crops you're growing compared to what you used to and the seed
• Providers of things like fertilizer, seed, and other agricultural services that would not exist if not
• That gets us into our second funding pathway for a startup seed fund, whereas the R&D is for research
• , for up to $50,000 of seed funding with a bit broader use.

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases. Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have our cloud seeding in the Wind River and Sierra Madre mountain ranges.
• Again, just like last year, what we're requesting for the cloud seeding, which we discussed in November
• We have our cloud seeding in the Wind River and Sierra Madre mountain ranges.
• I'm trying to remember, there was also, I believe, a cloud seeding bill moratorium that failed on vote
• Um, so at this point in time, I think we're good to move forward with cloud seeding as far as I know.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cloud.
• Cloud.
• Cloud.
• Cloud.
• Cloud.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• 44.960> originally<00:19:45.360> from St. cloud, but I'm originally from St. cloud, but
• The seed for the next generations of farmers and agriculture here in Minnesota.
• On line 59 for the seed potato On line 59 for the seed potato certification<01:07:07.520> statute<
• modifications to seed potato provisions and<01:10:34.239> chapter<01:10:34.679> 21.
• And section 64 repeals statutes and rules relating to seed potatoes.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To any of you, or maybe John, with TETM, was there any cloud seeding going on?
• But was there any cloud seeding any days before this flood?
• One in particular was Operation Popeye in 1967 in Vietnam, where they did use cloud seeding, which was
• There's different terms of. cloud seeding, which a lot of times those providers are licensed with the
• Cloud seeding, this is different. It's known by climate engineering. I prefer geoengineering.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > numerous Cloud where builders have numerous Cloud where builders have numerous housing<00:17
• Cloud and the Twin Cities.
• Cloud and the Twin Cities. Cloud and the Twin Cities.
• Cloud and the Twin Cities.
• I mean, you're basically talking about gathering seeds.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cloud [member_23770], here. Senator McMath [member_2947].
• Senator Cloud, did the question— I’m sorry, is Senator Abraham okay?
• Would you take a question from Senator Cloud? Yes, Mr. Chair, Mr. Acting Chair.
• Senator Cloud? Yes, sir. Yes, sir. We'll offer up a set of amendments on this bill, too.
• I think it clouds things up. I think it clouds things up from a Port Association standpoint.

Bills: HB345, HB503, HB511, HB590, HB655, HB685, HB692, HB707, HB715, HB748, HB776, HB856, HB860, HB868, HB887, HB888, HB896, HB999, HB1000, HB1086, HB1233

Keywords: rail infrastructure, ports, Class II railroads, Class III railroads, transportation, HB 503, Act 554, Golden Meadow, utility terrain vehicle, UTV, recreational off-highway vehicle, ROV, golf cart, low-speed vehicle, road shoulder travel, local ordinance, municipal traffic regulation, vehicle registration decal, municipal general fund, insurance requirement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation and Public Works met with five members present and approved the April 29, 2026 minutes. The committee then heard and favorably reported several bills, including HB 1233, which lowers the contract threshold for hospital service districts to use the Seymours program for certain hospital construction projects, and HB 715, which requires aerial applicators operating from public airports to have a transponder and radio; an amendment removing language about airport use of ADS-B data for fees was adopted after sponsors said the issue would be handled in another bill. HB 999 was reported favorably to allow impoundment of out-of-state vehicles operated in Louisiana without liability insurance, and HB 692 was amended to let parishes and municipalities use group purchasing organizations, with a narrowing amendment limiting one-source procurements and assurances that local bidders would not be disadvantaged. The committee also advanced HB 511, creating a grant program for pursuit intervention technology in response to officer safety concerns, and HB 590, which would let OMV issue specialized envelopes or notices for drivers with autism or other disabilities so officers are alerted during traffic stops. HB 503 was reported favorably after a local cleanup change to a golf cart bill for Golden Meadow, and HB 655 was approved to let DOTD use cost-plus contracts for operation and maintenance of state-owned ferries. HB 748 clarified that school board-owned or leased vehicles are exempt from tolls, and HB 860 would allow fillable electronic bids for local government procurement. Later, the committee approved HB 896, a major tolling-related cleanup bill for Plaquemines Parish that addresses customer service center access, administrative fees, and exemptions, with members and local officials criticizing the toll structure and its impact on the parish. HB 1000 was reported favorably as a cleanup measure tied to highway priority program reporting and local district contract limits. HB 887 established a more consistent scoring and ranking process for Seymour projects, with an amendment to avoid conflict with changing FAA grant rules. HB 888, a cleanup bill on temporary tags, was amended with added security features and then reported favorably. HB 1086, a broad electronic title and registration modernization bill, received a lengthy amendment set but was voluntarily held over for a week so members could review the new language. The committee also advanced HB 776 to expand the Port Priority Program to larger projects, with amendments clarifying flexibility and removing private projects from the bill. HB 707 was reported favorably to let the Department of Agriculture and Forestry handle promotional activities for the liquefied petroleum gas commission through a cooperative endeavor agreement. HB 868, a farm safety bill requiring safety chains or other manufacturer-specified equipment on trailers, was reported favorably after testimony about a fatal accident and assurances it would not change engineering standards beyond existing manufacturer requirements. Finally, HB 856 was amended to authorize indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting for DOTD maintenance and construction work, then reported favorably, and the committee later corrected the record on HB 856 by reconsidering and withdrawing one technical amendment set so further floor cleanup could be made. The meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Excel Saint Cloud. Thank you so much, Senator Putnam.
• And Excel Saint Cloud. Thank you so much, Senator Putnam.
• Thank you so >> And Excel Saint Cloud.
• Cloud State University during high school.
• Any comments from Saint Cloud? Vote green. Thank you, Senator Kupec. Any comments from Saint Cloud?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:23:46.960> Cloud operate residency programs in St.
• Cloud operate residency programs in St.
• Cloud or anywhere else in the state.
• Cloud or anywhere else St. Paul or St.
• internal funding pool used to seed internal funding pool used to seed promising<01:12:14.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next slide: Minnesota's Cloud Journey.
• Minnesota's Cloud Journey.
• The investment that was made in cloud transformation has really been incredibly effective.
• first bill so couple years ago the cloud first bill so cloud<01:29:17.800> is<01:29:18.080>
• construct, and as such, you know, we provide support services in many different cloud areas.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > grassroots Seeds Were Sewing, grassroots Seeds Were Sewing, grassroots organization<00:57:22.240
• Cloud.
• Cloud. Um two low barrier high St. Cloud.
• Cloud, modeled after the highly successful Avivo Village of Minneapolis.
• Cloud facility and construct a Vivo St.

Bills: HF2115, HF2276, HF1644, HF99, HF2068, HF2707, HF2704, HF2406, HF1674, HF1579

Keywords: human services, aging services, disability services, behavioral health, long-term care, nursing home, nursing facility, assisted living, waiver services, medical assistance, Medicaid, case mix reimbursement, PDPM, RUG, direct care and treatment, developmental disabilities, day services, positive support, guardian, conservator

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is one area, this water funding, and in particular the ability to do cloud seeding within this
• The ability to do cloud seeding within this bill is something that they have collectively raised their
• sheet, where would we find, because I know it's going to come up during debate, where can we find the cloud
• seeding?
• seeding?

Bills: HB0122, SF0004, SF0012, SF0013, SF0067, SF0070, SF0124

Keywords: healthcare, rural health, transformation program, funding, incentives, training, access, perpetuity fund, Medicaid, emergency medical services, ground ambulance, healthcare funding, reimbursement rates, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment

Transcript Highlights:

• and the SEED program and maybe community solar.
• The biggest second sector was buildings, specifically residential, and that's where our SEED program
• And so those are kind of the three big so to speak, ticket items that our SEED program would help us
• And so that's what the SEED program is what we're using those funding and dollars for.
• But I'm always, and I was a sponsor of the SEED as well, so I'm concerned about making sure that our

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Executive Director of Seeds, a grassroots organization supporting low-income mothers and families
• Cloud.
• Cloud area is experiencing a significant challenge with increasing numbers of unhoused veterans, families
• Cloud, modeled after the highly successful Avivo Village of Minneapolis.
• Cloud facility, and House File 1579 would allow this facility, as well as the Minneapolis Village, to

Bills: HF2115, HF2276, HF1644, HF99, HF2068, HF2707, HF2704, HF2406, HF1674, HF1579

Keywords: human services, aging services, disability services, behavioral health, long-term care, nursing home, nursing facility, assisted living, waiver services, medical assistance, Medicaid, case mix reimbursement, PDPM, RUG, direct care and treatment, developmental disabilities, day services, positive support, guardian, conservator

Transcript Highlights:

• Cloud, St. Paul, Mankato, and other locations.
• Rochester duth to Marshall uh St Cloud Rochester duth to Marshall uh St Cloud St<01:31:54.920>
• We provide the technical assistance and the seeding assistance for the actual seed that gets installed
• that gets installed in the ground seed that gets installed in the ground next<01:38:18.199> slide
• contractors are hired and and seeding contractors are hired and and seeding companies<01:42:41.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just think that this bill and the ability to seed this fund for AEOA creates a really great model
• I just think that this bill and the ability to seed this fund for AEOA creates a really great model that
• This bill and the ability to seed this fund for AEOA creates a really great model that isn't just for
• Cloud and all the borders we cover. We cover a lot of territory.
• and all the borders we cover of St Cloud and all the borders we cover a<01:05:09.760> lot<01:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes directly supporting demonstration projects with seed funding that is so vital for startups
• :46.320> with supporting demonstration projects with supporting demonstration projects with seed
• 00:04:48.280> is<00:04:48.400> so<00:04:48.680> vital<00:04:48.919> for seed
• funding that is so vital for seed funding that is so vital for startups<00:04:50.039> their<00
• Cloud, and, obviously, a hot topic, hosted by the Alexandria-based Vaus in partnership with the Rochester-based

Bills: HF1013, HF1598, HF1656, HF2162

Keywords: energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• The seed laws or the seed services.
• wheat, and soy seeds. wheat, and soy seeds.
• Um so if a farmer uh uses those seeds seeds seeds um<02:51:10.960> but<02:51:11.680> doesn't
• Thank you. seeds even get into the ground. Seeds seeds even get into the ground.
• not treated seed in those? not treated seed in those?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• think through technologies and, you know, just like this land-grant university with developing new seed
• I know, look at the different crops you're growing compared to what you used to and the seed varieties
• lot of those things... ...the different crops you're growing compared to what you used to and the seed
• Providers of things like fertilizer, seed, and other agricultural services that would not exist if not
• , for up to $50,000 of seed funding with a bit broader use.

Summary: The committee met in Fargo and approved the minutes from the March 31 meeting before hearing a series of informational presentations focused on North Dakota agriculture, water, and research. NDSU President David Cook opened with remarks about NDSU’s land-grant mission, emphasizing statewide service through research, teaching, and extension, and highlighting examples such as the Lilac Agriculture startup and the university’s role in applying research to real-world problems. He said he intends to spend time listening across the state to better understand local needs. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study projected significant potential for expanded irrigation acreage, especially in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau, and estimated major economic gains from irrigation, including higher farm returns and support for value-added agriculture. Members discussed water permits, surface water versus aquifers, infrastructure, drought resilience, and the role of legal drains in improving productivity and generating economic activity. The presenters also noted that the full report is available online. Dr. Greg Lardy followed with NDSU’s required interim report, outlining the university’s agricultural research and extension system, including the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education, seven research-extension centers, and the economic importance of agriculture to the state. He highlighted recent research impacts such as new crop varieties, potato breeding successes, virtual fencing, AI-assisted weed control, weather-network tools, and 4-H programming. He also described NDSU’s budget priorities: restoring the governor’s proposed 10% cuts, additional operating support, and deferred maintenance funding. Committee members asked about the new agricultural field lab, storage sheds, and NDSU’s partnership with Grand Farm. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor presenting water-related research, including data center cooling, water reuse, smart irrigation, and a feasibility study on co-locating data centers with greenhouse and aquaculture production. Members asked about water use, ownership, and whether the concepts were operational or still speculative. Finally, North Dakota AgTech presented its NSF-funded innovation engine work, describing startup commercialization, on-farm trials, workforce development, and partnerships with NDSU, UND, tribal colleges, and other land-grant institutions. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the prior meeting minutes.