Transcript Highlights:

• We worked with someone, uh, from the regional pesticide or applicators organization to put together a
• So this is a bill that can provide that kind of regional regulatory framework.
• So this is a bill that can provide that kind of regional regulatory framework.
• There was a discussion about regional regulation.
• regional regulation. regional regulation.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And all region throughout our counties.
• foundation has served as a regional foundation has served as a regional administrator<01:07:55.359
• required by deed for the regional required by deed for the regional partners<01:08:05.599> throughout
• Promise Act statute as a regional Promise Act statute as a regional partner<01:08:20.080> and
• <01:23:18.239> economic lack of regional economic lack of regional economic diversification

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met on March 4, 2026, and focused almost entirely on an update and oversight discussion of the Promise Act, including its grant and loan programs. The chair opened by explaining that the committee wanted to better understand how the 2023 law was implemented, how funds are still being deployed in greater Minnesota and the metro, and whether adjustments made in 2024 and 2025 were working as intended. The minutes from March 3 were approved at the start of the meeting. Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon of DEED outlined the program’s legislative history, funding structure, eligibility rules, and oversight process. He said the grant side has about $94 million available, with $16 million going to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and $86 million to the Neighborhood Development Center, plus administrative and technical assistance set-asides. He noted legislative changes over time, including shifting the revenue eligibility test to the prior year, adding a home-office deduction requirement for businesses using a home address, and maintaining a preference for applicants who had not received more than $10,000 in prior state assistance. McKinnon said about $22 million had been awarded to 35 businesses at the time of the update, and that the loan program has $30 million appropriated, with about $9.5 million lent so far. He also described the application, verification, audit, and payment process, emphasizing that partners handle intake and DEED conducts final review and random audits. Shahir Ahmmed of the Neighborhood Development Center described the round-one and round-two grant process in more detail. He said NDC spent about nine months building the application platform, launched round one in June 2024, received more than 3,000 applications, and later paused awards while DEED and legislators clarified the law. He reported that 651 applications were approved in the first round for just under $9 million, and that round two launched in September 2025 with a goal of distributing up to $50 million in remaining grant funds. Ahmmed also explained the step-by-step applicant process, including email confirmation, eligibility screening, document upload, identity verification through Plaid, and final DEED review. He said applicants commonly use funds for payroll, equipment or inventory, rent, and utilities. The chair indicated there would be further testimony from other program partners and then member questions, but no votes or formal actions were taken on the Promise Act itself during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• from all over so it's really a regional from all over so it's really a regional asset<00:19:39.640
• <00:44:18.960> Public can uh Minnesota has 12 Regional Public can uh Minnesota has 12 Regional
• and Travers and were one of 12 Regional and Travers and were one of 12 Regional Public<00:49:03.559
• <00:49:36.920> Library Viking Library System Region Library Viking Library System Region Library
• highlights the history of the region highlights the history of the region through<00:52:34.480><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can go to member comments and questions. regional and a Statewide impact and we regional and a Statewide
• We are fortunate to have several key transportation corridors supporting our community region.
• That's half this to do a stretch of road that is a critical need for a whole region of the state.
• <01:09:26.600> of<01:09:26.759> the region of the region of the state<01:09:29.159>
• Thank you for your time. urban and Regional infrastructure urban and Regional infrastructure Finance<

Bills: HF192, HF268, HF1214, HF494

Keywords: Minnesota income tax, dependent exemption, personal income tax, tax relief, family tax relief, children, dependents, tax deduction, tax exemption, state revenue, inflation indexing, tax year 2025, taxable income, household tax policy, family tax credit, HF268, Joshua Schmidt Memorial Highway, memorial highway, highway naming, road designation

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that 10% will mean it's, I have the regional map that's up here on the screen, and it's 10% per
• region, and having the Deputy Fire Marshals get out there and communicate, and then also making sure
• I have the regional map that's up here on the screen, and it's 10% per region, and having the Deputy
• You know, can we get more regional schools put together where we, in my instance, Keene, Watford City
• And we are proud to have a conversation with you regarding the regional response fire model.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• the region for tourism etc. travelers. the region for tourism etc. travelers.
• Can you explain more of what that means to the regional grid and to us here in New Hampshire?
• solution um and and as a as a regional solution um and and that<00:49:00.720> seems<00:49:01.119
• grid and and to to the to the regional grid and and to<00:49:07.200> us<00:49:07.359> here
• One of our regional policy directors did attend virtually, and the conference that you were referencing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you to share that with your colleagues at the institution you're with, and also maybe help in a regional
• Maybe we do something right after the holiday break and come back with a couple of meetings regionally
• Some of our region institutions are also applying to OU specifically is doing.
• That would go directly to the regions and then we would distribute it to the hubs. Okay.
• I think ours would be dependent upon what higher regions would accept for teacher certification.

Summary: The commission met with a quorum and introduced Brett Farley, who was discussed as a possible partner to help strengthen the nonprofit side of the commission’s work. Members also welcomed a new participant, Naomi Janes of Owasso Public Schools, who described her role in instructional technology and AI integration. The group spent much of the meeting on planning for the upcoming AI symposium, including venue logistics, room and meal costs, audio-visual expenses, fundraising progress, keynote and vendor participation, and ideas for breakout sessions and after-hours demonstrations. Members discussed keeping attendee contact information private unless permission is obtained, and they also considered future regional meetings and year-round follow-up to sustain momentum beyond the symposium. A major portion of the meeting focused on legislation and grant strategy. Michael provided an update on House Bill 1782, saying floor amendments had been filed and that the bill now includes authority for agencies to pursue gifts and donations, an expanded advisory council, broader research purposes, and a fund structure that can support multi-year projects without fiscal-year pressure. He also reviewed Senate Bill 1734, which would require parental disclosure, allow opt-outs, and require reporting on data minimization and privacy compliance for AI tools used in schools. Members discussed how the commission could help schools, families, and the public understand AI policy and how the new law might shape future recommendations. The group also reviewed several grant efforts. Anna reported on the NSF TechABLE/AI HubZone proposal, a three-year, $1 million-per-year opportunity with a June 15 letter-of-intent deadline and July 15 full proposal deadline, and noted plans to include staff positions to support the project. She also updated the group on a rural health care transformation proposal of roughly $700,000 and asked for follow-up on its status. In addition, Anna outlined a broader K-20 pipeline concept centered on a shared learner record and microcredential system that would connect K-12, CareerTech, higher education, libraries, and workforce systems, with tools such as Career Coach and Skill of Eye to link credentials to jobs. Members generally supported the idea, noting benefits for transcript portability, special populations, teacher certification, and workforce alignment. The commission agreed to meet again on June 14 at 1:00 p.m., and the meeting adjourned after a brief announcement of an informal AI book club for the summer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number one, it clarifies that regional occupational centers and programs are eligible to participate
• and we can have access to as well, just so we can see the results of what that's looking like by region
• , particularly in some of the regions where, you know, we need to be making investments.
• They have established a number of hubs throughout the state in regional areas, and since the hub was
• But I would just go back to my previous comment that with the regional hubs that are up and running through

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals across seven education-related items and received testimony from the Department of Finance, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Education, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and the Office of Public School Construction. On dual enrollment, the administration proposed $100 million one-time Proposition 98 funding plus policy changes to expand access, including eligibility for regional occupational centers, added support for justice-involved youth, priority for higher-need LEAs, teacher professional development, and a reduction in required daily instructional minutes for some dual enrollment students. The LAO recommended rejecting the funding as not clearly tied to implementation barriers, while CDE supported the proposal but suggested reserving $10 million for technical assistance. Several public commenters and members supported the investment and urged inclusion of technical assistance and adult dual enrollment. For the reading difficulty screener proposal, the Governor proposed $40 million one-time funding and statutory changes requiring kindergarten screeners after 91 school days and grades 1-2 screeners after 46 school days, with the stated goal of reducing over-identification and allowing time for foundational instruction. The LAO recommended rejecting the funding, saying costs were likely overstated and that LEAs could use discretionary block grant funds instead. CDE supported the funding but the timing restrictions drew significant concern from the chair and public witnesses, who argued the deadlines were too prescriptive and could delay early intervention; advocates and literacy organizations urged preserving local flexibility and screening earlier. CDE and Finance defended the timing as based on data and consistent with other states, while also emphasizing that early instruction and support could still begin on day one. On special education, Finance described a proposal to increase the base rate to $99 per ADA through a $509 million ongoing Proposition 98 augmentation, along with COLA and enrollment adjustments. The LAO said the proposal should be adopted but estimated it could be achieved with less funding; CDE strongly supported the increase, citing rising enrollment, cost pressures, and inequities across SELPAs. Public testimony from districts and SELPAs echoed the need for more funding and asked for even higher per-ADA support. The committee also heard a school facilities update showing Proposition 2 bond balances and demand levels, with OPSC noting funds are being used for new construction, modernization, small district set-asides, lead remediation, and natural disaster assistance. For the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, members heard that the student teacher stipend program’s grants management system is complete and that the Commission is seeking to track participation and outcomes; the Governor also proposed additional state operations funding to address misconduct workload, implement SB 848-related data systems, and administer the stipend program. Finally, the Governor proposed $250 million one-time funding to continue teacher and school counselor residency grants through 2029-30, which the LAO said could help fill shortages but may be harder for rural LEAs; CTC supported the program and said regional technical assistance hubs are helping expand access. No formal votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• 05.839> 68<00:11:06.480> only outcomes fall short and gaps in opportunity widen between regions
• and gaps in opportunity<00:11:57.200> widen<00:11:57.760> between<00:11:58.160> regions
• opportunity widen between regions. opportunity widen between regions.
• We know there are regions all across the state that have lost hundreds of students over the last 20 years
• We know there are regions all across the We know there are regions all across the state<00:25:33.679>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on local conditions for removal materials to regional landfills, we understand that maintenance
• Finally, the last two positions included are regional project managers; they would work under field.
• Listen, if you can double-check for me, I believe we're staffed to 12 or 14 regional project managers
• So I think it's, I really welcomed personally seeing the request for financial and additional regional
• Our regional project managers, if you will, are involved in this process.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the bottom, there is a recent study The public investments into quantum technology by different regions
• A regional coalition, and as of now, overall, there are 140 plus organizations.
• If we just look at this region, there's an expectation that over the next ten years we could see 77,000
• Workforce gap of that amount in this region, which is huge.
• There are other regions who are trying to get engaged.

Transcript Highlights:

• China's military is expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region with a focus on disputed territory
• UAVs, including systems capable of striking U.S. targets and allies in the region.
• Iran will likely continue efforts to counter Israel and press for U.S. military withdrawal from the region
• So this continues to be an issue not just for the region, but for Americans in particular.
• To be able to rearm itself and all the others around the region.

Keywords: national security, cyber threats, civil liberties, transnational crime, FISA Section 702, public-private partnership, intelligence community, Annual Threats Hearing

Summary: The Senate Intelligence Committee convened for a significant meeting focused on the Annual Worldwide Threats Hearing. Prominent officials from various intelligence agencies presented their insights on emerging national security threats, including concerns over increasing cyber threats, particularly from China and non-state actors. A major discussion point included the balance between national security and civil liberties, as evidenced by conversations surrounding Section 702 of FISA and its implications for privacy protection. The challenges posed by cartels and transnational criminal organizations, especially related to narcotics trafficking, were emphasized as pressing issues necessitating coordinated responses from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This meeting underscored the necessity of public-private partnerships to tackle these multifaceted threats effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• Key and impacted directly Cutler Bay, Florida City and Homestead as well as the greater Miami-Dade region
• That's the old Gulf Power region.
• So it is normalized for weather events of the things that that utilities experienced in different regions
• Kevin was regional manager of operations for Chesapeake Utilities Corporation.
• My name is Kevin Laws on the regional operations manager at Chesapeake Utilities, about 24 years and

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's one reason why regional representation on the Game Commission, which we've had historically, has
• On the regional representation, the bill two years ago had the at-large members being from different
• congressional districts, and that's how we were trying to achieve that regional representation.
• Patterson about the regional representation.
• But she could be in Las Cruces; Dona Ana County is included in that southwest region.

Transcript Highlights:

• Across the region, we're seeing a lot more aggressive recruitment strategies.
• Regional robotics competitions are now becoming a thing that's kind of normalized in this region, and
• I find that interesting—that people love this place and this region.
• institutions in their locations and regions.
• institutions in their locations and in their regions.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• Housing unit production on this scale improves housing affordability and options for our entire region
• Housing unit production on this scale improves housing affordability and options for our entire region
• <00:23:35.240> but<00:23:35.360> for just for my community and region but for just
• options for our entire region options for our entire region additionally<00:24:06.279> by
• centers itself uh concerns of regional centers itself uh this<00:48:04.800> pill<00:48:05.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• working-age population by region.
• And then we segment balance regionally.
• outdoor recreation and regional outdoor recreation and regional attractions<01:04:40.880> support
• Uh it also targets Dallas and region.
• people are coming into the region for? people are coming into the region for?

Bills: HF3004, HF3663

Keywords: workforce development, youth employment, internships, mentoring, job opportunities, digital platform, online portal, career pathways, youth workforce, employment and economic development, DEED, general fund appropriation, nonprofit grant, social media outreach, digital outreach, workforce opportunities, teen jobs, young adults, career exploration, Minnesota youth

Transcript Highlights:

• jobs not just for today but for future generations on the range so we can live and prosper in the region
• jobs not just for today but for future generations on the range so we can live and prosper in the region
• we can live and prosper in the region we can live and prosper in the region that<00:04:45.520>
• economic v vitality of the region. economic v vitality of the region.
• Another example is the steel region.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Park rangers across the state serve a variety of functions, including protecting regional park lands.
• are required to complete the POST-certified academy, which is the same as law enforcement in our region
• are required to complete the post-certified academy, which is the same as law enforcement in our region
• I have the Chief Ranger for Sacramento County's regional parks, Chief Orman. Good morning.
• Ankers Schenning, on behalf of United Auto Workers, UAW Region 6, and Local 1115, and the California

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met to hear several bills related to insurance coverage, wildfire risk, workers’ compensation, and paid family leave. SB 8 by Senator Ashby would extend workers’ compensation and disability protections to Sacramento County park rangers, with testimony emphasizing that they perform law-enforcement-like duties and should receive the same protections as comparable officers. SB 429 by Senator Cortese would create a public wildfire catastrophe model and related wildfire safety program, with support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates who said public access to modeling data would improve transparency and help evaluate private insurance risk models. The committee also heard SB 525 by Senator Jones, which would require the FAIR Plan to offer coverage options for manufactured and mobile home owners, including replacement cost coverage. Supporters said the bill would help lower-income residents obtain meaningful insurance protection, while no opposition testified. SB 495 by Senator Allen, as amended, would require insurers to provide a larger contents-coverage advance after a total loss during a declared emergency without requiring an immediate itemized inventory, extend proof-of-loss deadlines, and require insurers to provide catastrophe modeling and reinsurance data to the Department of Insurance. Several insurers withdrew opposition after amendments, and the Department of Insurance and United Policyholders supported the measure. SB 590 by Senator Durazo would expand paid family leave to cover care for designated persons or chosen family members, with strong support from AARP, labor, civil rights, caregiving, and health organizations, and testimony from a parent describing the need to care for a non-legal family member during surgery recovery. The committee also took up consent items SB 230 and SB 854. After roll calls, SB 8, SB 429, SB 495, SB 525, and SB 590 all received do-pass votes, with SB 429 sent to the Committee on Emergency Management, SB 495 to Judiciary, and SB 525 and SB 590 to Appropriations. The consent calendar bills were also approved, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This section also promotes the regionalization of water and sewer services by requiring the PUC to prioritize
• Romero: creating a regulatory gap that could lead to uncoordinated water dedications, conflicts with regional
• We're going to close the regulatory gap, strengthen conservation, protect regional water planning, and
• I show you registered as Cole Ruiz on behalf of Yancey WSC and Medina County Regional Water Alliance
• Cole Ruiz: The project itself is in the regional Region L water plan.

Bills: HB 4530, HB 4931, HB 5559, HB 5560

Keywords: water rights, Texas Water Trust, water bank, environmental conservation, water quality, instream flows, aquifer, water injection, Edwards Aquifer, environmental regulation, groundwater, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water conservation, drought, utility regulation, water use restrictions, Public Utility Commission, civil penalties, drought contingency, environmental protection