Transcript Highlights:

• thank um we've had ongoing conversations thank um we've had ongoing conversations about<00:56:47.760
• and I had conversations and I had conversations uh<00:57:52.079> in<00:57:52.319> the<
• <01:03:52.640> that for acknowledging the conversations that for acknowledging the conversations
• And we'd have conversations about it.
• <01:58:37.840> that and a a lot of the conversations that and a a lot of the conversations

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Wasn't a conversation. I mean, we finally had a conversation today where I wasn't interrupted.
• Wasn't a conversation. I mean, we finally had a conversation today where I wasn't interrupted.
• Wasn't a conversation. I mean, we finally had a conversation today where I wasn't interrupted.
• Wasn't a conversation. I mean, we finally had a conversation today where I wasn't interrupted.
• We haven't had a conversation bill. We haven't had a conversation about<00:42:19.599> it.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4252 and first heard a walkthrough of a DE2 amendment that largely incorporated Office of Higher Education technical and statutory cleanup items, including reporting consolidations, updates to postsecondary registration and licensing statutes, and an anti-fraud provision. New provisions in the DE2 would require public postsecondary institutions to explain developmental courses before enrollment and obtain a written acknowledgement, revise the state grant tuition cap, add a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation in FY 2027 for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and provide $5,000 one-time funding for reforestation at Bemidji State University. Fiscal staff also noted additional special revenue fund revenue and expenditures tied to licensing and registration litigation response. The main debate centered on the A8 amendment offered by Representative Rarick, which would require the governor to appoint University of Minnesota regents only from candidates recommended by the joint legislative committee if the legislature fails to elect regents. Rarick argued the amendment was needed to address what he described as conflicts of interest and pay-to-play concerns in recent gubernatorial appointments. Several members questioned whether the language was constitutional, whether it actually addressed conflicts of interest, and whether it should instead refer to ARCAC-screened or ARCAC-recommended candidates. Nonpartisan staff said the governor’s appointment power is addressed in the university charter, not directly in the constitution, but could not definitively assess constitutionality if challenged. Members were divided: some supported the goal of cleaner governance but said the amendment was not ready or did not match the problem being described; others argued the legislature had failed to complete its own regent appointments and that the amendment was a response to that failure. No vote on the A8 amendment or the bill was reached in the portion provided, though a roll call was requested on the amendment and the chair indicated the bill would continue through amendment consideration before final discussion and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are conversations that we hold on what the disparities are at our own dinner table.
• And so, I would love to have a conversation with you, Representative Nelson.
• are and I'd love to have a conversation are and I'd love to have a conversation with<01:33:47.320
• <01:38:22.960> belong, that arise in this conversation belong, that arise in this conversation
• > protection, conversation about child protection, conversation about child protection, about<

Bills: HF3665, HF3002, HF4217, HF4125, HF4174

Keywords: foster care, early childhood education, child care programs, placement plan, social services, extended foster care, kinship care, relative custody, permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar kinship assistance, independent living plan, transition services, youth aging out of care, medical assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, children youth and families, out-of-home placement, case plan, relative placement

Transcript Highlights:

• > during Those conversations that occur during Those conversations that occur during home<00:50
• <01:35:50.320> with Then we had a phone conversation with Then we had a phone conversation
• > marks After that conversation, the marks After that conversation, the marks suddenly<01:36:03.880
• , thank you for having this conversation, thank you for having this conversation, uh,<01:45:47.640
• Connect with my conversations with you.

Bills: HF1660, HF1824, HF1926, HF1002, HF994, HF1915, HF1336

Keywords: children, youth programming, needs assessment, community engagement, state funding, education, funding, school districts, state budget, rural schools, food support, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, food shelves, grant funding, Minnesota FoodShare, early childhood, Head Start, education funding, developmental programs, literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• a report of a conver the conversation a report of a conver the conversation that<00:04:06.400>
• conversation conversation uh<00:04:55.199> that<00:04:56.160> uh<00:04:56.520> representatives
• If have the substantive conversations.
• still waiting for um a conversation still waiting for um a conversation report<00:38:23.599>
• ,<01:41:38.560> but I'm open to those conversations, but I'm open to those conversations,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• concerned though with the conversation concerned though with the conversation that<00:48:43.520>
• So, it has to do with the existing conversion of licenses, the conversion of existing licenses as they
• is reflective of conversations is reflective of conversations uh,<01:29:36.080> that<01:29
• , the the conversion of existing licenses, the the conversion of existing licenses<01:31:31.560> um
• <01:41:53.400> before in in in our conversations before in in in our conversations before

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we do want to be a part of the conversation and would like to continue the conversation with the
• But we do want to be a part of the conversation, would like to continue the conversation with the sponsors
• and productive conversations with the sponsors over the last couple of years.
• I hope you continue the conversation around hospitals.
• We do look forward to continuing these conversations, especially as we further have conversations regarding

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 22 and took up a special order of bills focused largely on prior authorization and utilization management in health care. The chair framed the discussion as part of a broader legislative effort to reduce delays and barriers to care, especially in behavioral health, chronic disease management, cancer treatment, and rehabilitation services. AB 384 by Assembly Member Connolly would prohibit prior authorization for inpatient mental health or substance use emergency admissions and related physician care; supporters said it would prevent dangerous delays in crisis care, while insurers and health plans warned about fraud, abuse, and ambiguity around residential treatment facilities. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and passed the committee on a party-line style vote, with Republicans largely absent or not voting. The committee then heard AB 510 by Assembly Member Addis, which would require health plans, upon request, to provide a peer reviewer of the same or similar specialty when a treating provider appeals a prior authorization denial or modification. Supporters argued that specialty-matched review would make appeals fairer and more clinically informed; opponents said the requirement was too rigid and that timelines and electronic submission rules needed changes. After discussion about the need for timely, specialty-specific review, the bill was approved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. AB 539 by Assembly Member Schiavo would extend prior authorization approvals to one year or the duration of the physician’s prescribed treatment for chronic conditions; supporters cited repeated denials and treatment interruptions, while opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, fraud, and the need for shorter validity periods. The bill was also passed as amended and placed on call. The committee next considered AB 669 by Assembly Member Haney, which would bar concurrent and retrospective review for the first 28 days of medically necessary substance use disorder treatment and limit prior authorization for related outpatient medications. The bill was presented with a powerful personal story from Ryan Matlock’s mother about her son’s death after an insurer cut off treatment early; supporters said the measure would keep patients in care long enough to stabilize, while opponents argued it would reduce oversight and could allow lower-quality or non-evidence-based care. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. Finally, AB 512 by Assembly Member Harabedian would shorten prior authorization response times to 24 hours for urgent requests and 48 hours for non-urgent requests; supporters said delays can worsen outcomes, while opponents warned the timelines were unrealistic and could increase administrative burdens and safety issues. The bill was approved as amended and placed on call. AB 574 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez was then heard; it would allow up to 12 medically necessary physical therapy sessions for a new episode of care without prior authorization, with supporters emphasizing stroke and neurological recovery and opponents warning of reduced oversight and unnecessary care. The transcript ends during testimony on AB 574, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• > when experienced similar conversations when experienced similar conversations when we<00:21:
• we'll continue to have conversations we'll continue to have conversations with<00:59:15.839>
• <01:18:30.239> as continue to have these conversations as continue to have these conversations
• spirit and and have those conversations spirit and and have those conversations and<01:18:50.400
• would like to have some conversations would like to have some conversations with<01:18:55.199>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, you know, I have this conversation.
• <00:36:36.320> we're Uh this is fantastic conversation we're Uh this is fantastic conversation
• It's been a very interesting conversation today.
• Um one thing that conversation today.
• We conversations on election security.

Keywords: Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15 Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14 Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all

Summary: The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf. Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had those conversations.
• I had those conversations. Those same. I had those conversations.
• <00:53:55.920> today, we engage in this conversation today, we engage in this conversation
• further conversation. further conversation.
• <01:08:05.839> is help guide what this conversation is help guide what this conversation is

Bills: HF1531, HF4017, HF3399, HF4146, HF4019, HF3677

Keywords: crossbow, crossbow hunting, archery season, deer hunting, bear hunting, turkey hunting, fishing, common carp, rough fish, game and fish, wildlife management, hunting license, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, sunset clause, expiration removal, archery equipment, outdoor recreation, infectious waste, pathological waste

Transcript Highlights:

• That's currently part of our law, part of the conversation.
• states that if the parent or the custodian is not available, try to preserve the integrity of the conversation
• with the child and record... ...conversation with the child will record a conversation.
• And, um, but Madam Chairman, to go on from this conversation right here, you see, my goal is to continue
• We've had conversations, and there's been a lot of conversations with the members, and obviously, we

Bills: HB340

Keywords: child protection, due process, family preservation, child custody, human resources, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Looks like they're having a conversation. Oh, looks like maybe a conversation. Okay.
• You know, Representative Frazier has brought bills, and we've had those conversations.
• Um, and we had a conversation just yesterday—or it's kind of blending together this week.
• So So thank you for those conversations.
• I appreciate the conversation today.

Bills: HF2440

Keywords: labor market, employment, economic development, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and make sure that we get conversations and make sure that we get this<00:26:14.720> agreement
• <00:28:30.960> about so he and I are in conversation about so he and I are in conversation
• We've had very productive conversations about this.
• We've had very productive conversations about this.
• <00:58:57.119> with<00:58:57.280> the continuing conversation with the continuing conversation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this slide is a direct outcome of that conversation.
• Rickerson:** ...the same conversations over the last decade-plus.
• Didn't know you were so conversant.
• This slide is a direct outcome of that conversation. **Mr.
• I'm happy to have more conversations with you.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone from the committee have any conversation or discussion or questions?
• conversations felt we should land.
• Uh Senator in the conversation.
• so my my thought is this conversation so my my thought is this conversation has has has identified
• That conversation that you guys are having is spot on.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are happy to continue to be a part of this conversation.
• to be a part of this conversation. to be a part of this conversation.
• So, just stand in support conversation. So, just stand in support of<00:31:40.360> it.
• Seeing no more conversation, this meeting is adjourned. wrestling. Yes, you did.
• :08.600> this Seeing no more conversation, this Seeing no more conversation, this meeting<01:08

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The joint Minerals Committee met to select interim topics and announced its meeting dates for April 27-28 in Casper, June 4-5 in Casper, and August 27-28 in Cheyenne. Members heard public testimony on several economic development and minerals-related topics and were asked to identify their top priorities for later ranking and consensus. No formal votes were taken during this portion of the meeting. A major topic was removing obstacles to energy development in Wyoming, including possible regulatory, bonding, and permitting barriers. Testimony from the Mining Association and Energy Capital Economic Development supported revisiting barriers to development, similar to the earlier Regulatory Reduction Task Force. Another related topic was industrial siting exemptions on coal mine property, with testimony arguing that mineral-related projects such as rare earths, uranium conversion, and ferroalloys should not have to go through the full industrial siting process when communities have already dealt with similar development. Members also discussed industrial siting bonding requirements, including whether bonding or advance payments should be used to cover impacts on local services and emergency response, especially for projects like solar farms or battery storage. The committee also discussed coal bed methane industrial sovereign zones, tied to House Bill 120, with testimony seeking to include coal bed methane in value-added manufacturing zones. The sponsor said the goal was to create industrial zones that support economic development while protecting scenic values and limiting industrial sprawl. Another topic was sourcing curling stones in Wyoming, which was presented as a lighthearted but potentially useful way to promote Wyoming stone and broader dimension-stone quarrying; a state geologist testified that Wyoming has granite with similar mineralogy to stone used for curling stones elsewhere. Child care as an economic driver was withdrawn. The committee also heard support for a Business Council restructure review, though several members said the Minerals Committee should do the substantive review because the Business Council falls within its jurisdiction, while still coordinating with Appropriations. Finally, the committee heard a proposal for a domestic preference in residential general service contracts, extending Wyoming preference concepts beyond construction into goods and services, with testimony emphasizing local economic multipliers and possible exceptions for federal funding or other procurement limits.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's now casual conversation. That's not right.
• Conversely, states fallen by over 10%.
• You know, I think it's a bigger conversation, and we've had this.
• You know, I think it's a bigger conversation, and we've had this.
• <00:36:59.440> a lot of conversations about a lot of conversations about a comprehensive<00:37

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> conversations I'm having with conversations I'm having with businesses,<00:18:17.360> they're<
• <00:45:57.839> Um,<00:45:58.480> I the from uh the conversation.
• Um, I the from uh the conversation.
• <00:46:02.400> with to go up in the conversations with to go up in the conversations with
• My last conversation with Charlie was that we talked about the $5 increase.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And to the point of the conversation around return on equity, that is certainly a topic that has ...conversation
• We appreciate the conversations we've had with the author and his staff.
• I appreciate the deep dive and thorough conversation here.
• But you can’t have the conversation about who pays without also having the conversation about who benefits
• We had a conversation about a bill earlier.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Come up to me after this and have a conversation. Stop and think.
• Come up to me after this and have a conversation. Stop and think.
• Come up to me after this and have a conversation. Stop and think.
• ,<00:17:43.720> historical classroom conversations, historical classroom conversations, historical
• We have conversations about that, candid conversations.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections. Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts. Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.