Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> went to the University of Minnesota, went to the University of Minnesota, got<00:05:53.120><c>
• </c> legal advocate at the Minnesota legal advocate at the Minnesota Disability<00:15:52.399><c> Law<
• We are in deeply rural Minnesota.
• </c> in Minnesota have misused programs. in Minnesota have misused programs.
• Minnesota? Minnesota?

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• First on the list, we have the Minnesota Legislative Auditor Office.
• </c> energy code AS established in Minnesota energy code AS established in Minnesota rules<00:18:16.080
• In our... ...projects at the University of Minnesota.
• What do most projects in Minnesota bonding money do? Do they match with federal money?
• What do most projects in Minnesota bonding money do? Do they match with federal money?

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota faced an unprecedented challenge.
• </c> overall Medicaid funding for Minnesota. overall Medicaid funding for Minnesota.
• </c> taxpayer was defrauded not the Minnesota taxpayer was defrauded not the Minnesota taxpayer<01:18
• </c> the attorney general here in Minnesota the attorney general here in Minnesota for<01:20:15.520><
• </c> some of them I had checked the Minnesota some of them I had checked the Minnesota healthcare<01:

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:53.920><c> I'll</c> Minnesota, and the Mayo Clinic. I'll Minnesota, and the Mayo Clinic.
• </c> bianium appropriation for the Minnesota bianium appropriation for the Minnesota Education<00:05:
• </c><00:13:09.040><c> State</c> when we get to the Minnesota State when we get to the Minnesota State
• , southeastern Minnesota, and Minnesota, southeastern Minnesota, and our<00:57:41.040><c> own</c><00:
• </c><01:11:04.400><c> On</c> at the University of Minnesota. On at the University of Minnesota.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> improve student attendance in Minnesota improve student attendance in Minnesota by<00:02:12.120>
• </c><01:00:02.760><c> State</c> and would require the Minnesota State and would require the Minnesota
• I represent the Minnesota State High School League.
• I represent the Minnesota State High School League.
• </c> Dietrich representing the Minnesota Dietrich representing the Minnesota school<01:36:34.159><c>

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• That's Minnesota Statutes 609.75.
• </c><00:57:42.039><c> is</c> would argue of the state of Minnesota is would argue of the state of Minnesota
• </c> there was a group called Minnesota there was a group called Minnesota Freedom<01:01:29.119><c> fund
• </c> out on the street because Minnesota out on the street because Minnesota Freedom<01:02:27.520><c>
• </c><01:08:46.839><c> County</c> today on behalf of the Minnesota County today on behalf of the Minnesota

Bills: HF7

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for Minnesota for Minnesota consumers<01:07:23.000><c> understanding</c><01:07:23.279><c> these<
• for Minnesota families.
• accessible for Minnesota products are accessible for Minnesota families<01:14:24.600><c> uh</c><01:14
• </c> don't have a vehicle for transportation don't have a vehicle for transportation so<01:17:20.560>
• Grocers the Minnesota to the Minnesota Grocers the Minnesota Farmers Farmers Farmers UFCW<01:26:25.840

Bills: HF2228 , HF46 , HF856 , HF2149 , HF2215

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the Judiciary and Transportation the Judiciary and Transportation Committees.<00:59:51.680><c> Welcome
• We have the Transportation Committee.
• </c><01:03:09.400><c> or</c> State Department of Transportation or State Department of Transportation
• Any discussion, members of the Transportation Committee?
• </c> members of the Transportation Committee? members of the Transportation Committee?

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota first and foremost. We trust Minnesota first and foremost.
• Um the original cannabis in Minnesota.
• </c> the purpose of sitting at the Minnesota the purpose of sitting at the Minnesota Indian<00:22:04.240
• Counties and the League of Minnesota Counties and the League of Minnesota<00:49:05.000><c> Cities</c
• If you're the only place Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and help me ensure that Minnesota and help me ensure that Minnesota families<00:08:28.400><c> don't
• Thank you. students at all Minnesota state colleges students at all Minnesota state colleges and<00:51
• </c><00:59:18.280><c> the</c> agricultural research in Minnesota the agricultural research in Minnesota
• </c> University of Minnesota University of Minnesota facilities<01:04:10.839><c> their</c><01:04:11.119
• </c> good for all good for all of Minnesota good for all good for all of Minnesota um<01:09:04.920><c

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:28.400><c> Pollution</c> commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution commissioner of the Minnesota
• </c> core mission and the one Minnesota core mission and the one Minnesota goals,<00:04:19.199><c> the
• </c> refineries and transportation refineries and transportation infrastructure<00:10:49.360><c> and<
• </c><00:58:05.920><c> Uh,</c> Minnesota. Is that correct? Uh, Minnesota. Is that correct?
• </c> in Minnesota. Thank you, Madam Chair. in Minnesota. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: HF1587 , HF2293 , HF2218 , HF1208 , HF1482

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> disrupts essential transportation disrupts essential transportation services<00:32:35.960><c> but
• </c> enacts The Proposal the Minnesota enacts The Proposal the Minnesota sentencing<00:52:02.599><c>
• </c> enhancements that will make Minnesota enhancements that will make Minnesota safer<01:25:24.000><
• </c><01:49:06.159><c> Minnesota</c> violence free Minnesota Minnesota violence free Minnesota Minnesota
• </c><01:51:45.440><c> since</c> in Minnesota since in Minnesota since 1981<01:51:47.400><c> um</c><01

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:36.159><c> sends</c> grateful that Minnesota sends grateful that Minnesota sends legislators
• <c> government</c><00:07:57.919><c> yet</c> Minnesota uh has divided government yet Minnesota uh has
• ><c> as</c> adults on Minnesota Care as adults on Minnesota Care as undocumented,<00:13:35.760><c> that
• </c><00:13:42.160><c> Care</c> undocumented that are on Minnesota Care undocumented that are on Minnesota
• /c><00:35:11.760><c> data</c> under current Minnesota law, data under current Minnesota law, data centers

Transcript Highlights:

• Eternal and merciful Creator, this chamber gathers today called to serve the people of Minnesota.
• Gratitude rises for Minnesota, its lakes and forests, its fields and cities, its diverse voices and shared
• Paul, Minnesota, Monday, February 24th, 2025.
• From capital investment to transportation, that is all.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution No. 169 by Senator Wheat is a resolution to direct the Department of Transportation
• Senate Resolution No. 169 by Senator Wheat is a resolution to direct the Department of Transportation
• Senate Resolution No. 169 by Senator Wheat is a resolution to direct the Department of Transportation
• We don't want to be in Minnesota. Is my understanding that most of the fraud Right.
• We don't want to be in Minnesota.

Bills: SCR12 , HB1259 , HB221 , HB509 , HCR117 , HCR58 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SB295 , SB312 , SB326 , SB348 , SB485 , SCR9 , SCR58 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB246 , SB249 , SB269 , SB282 , SB296 , SB323 , SB363 , SB369 , SB474 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB514 , HCR32 , HCR5 , HCR95 , HB75 , HB198 , HB244 , HB302 , HB325 , HB623 , HB719 , HB749 , HB755 , HB761 , HB797 , HB823 , HB1028 , HB1049 , HB1194 , HB1199 , HB1201 , HB1222 , HB17 , HB27 , HB36 , HB41 , HB73 , HB140 , HB166 , HB181 , HB211 , HB223 , HB226 , HB271 , HB308 , HB337 , HB399 , HB410 , HB487 , HB690 , HB712 , HB730 , HB750 , HB759 , HB762 , HB775 , HB906 , HB966 , HB968 , HB1006 , HB1009 , HB1018 , HB1036 , HB1062 , HB1081 , HB1086 , HB1098 , HB1107 , HB1112 , HB1203 , HB1215 , HB1220 , HB1242 , HB1252 , HB1256 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB283 , SB300 , SB341 , SB382 , SB387 , SB389 , SB401 , SB408 , SB449 , SB469 , HB74 , HB119 , HB134 , HB368 , HB414 , HB552 , HB732 , HB776 , HB848 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1117 , HB1236 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB78 , SB149 , SB441 , HB210 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB784

Summary: The Senate convened with 26 members present, heard a prayer from Dr. Steve Horn, and recited the pledge. The chamber then handled messages from the House, including concurrence in SCR 83 and appointment of conference committee members on several disagreements. A number of Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, mostly creating study task forces or commending individuals and organizations, including resolutions on energy infrastructure, breast pump access, insurance coverage for auto repairs, biomarker testing, higher education funding, public-private partnership contracting, and various commendations. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, while others were returned to the calendar or concurred in by recorded vote, including SCR 29 and SCR 33 with House amendments. The Senate also considered House and Senate bills and resolutions returned from the House, with many measures adopted or concurred in. Notable actions included concurrence in HCR 117 on homeowner insurance claims processes, adoption of HCR 5 on special red drum harvest permits, and passage of bills on TOPS Tech eligibility (HB 325), vapor product permitting (HB 623), ABLE/Tuition Trust administration (HB 749), design services contracting (HB 755), rare cancer advisory board composition (HB 761), non-emergency medical transportation reimbursement (HB 1028), public meeting notices (HB 1049), healthy food retail financing (HB 1194), genetic testing coverage for SCN2A disorders (HB 1199), grocery initiative grants (HB 1222, which failed), and a constitutional amendment on retirement debt repayment order (HB 27). The chamber also adopted HCR 95, creating a joint rule requiring a fiscal review of certain tax measures for sales and use tax uniformity. Several measures drew extended debate. HB 181, which would allow the legislative auditor access to Medicaid and SNAP-related tax information for eligibility verification and fraud review, prompted concerns about privacy and scope but ultimately passed 26-8. HB 1220 on the State Board of Medical Examiners generated amendment discussion about board composition and transparency, including live video broadcasting of meetings, but was returned to the calendar before final action. HB 1018, creating a temporary local moratorium on certain alcohol permits in one Shreveport district, passed after discussion about broader policy solutions. The Senate then recessed for lunch at 2 p.m. after completing the subject-to-call list for the morning session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the past president of the Minnesota Board of Optometry and a board member on the National Board
• I am the past president<00:15:30.760><c> of</c><00:15:30.840><c> the</c><00:15:30.920><c> Minnesota</
• c><00:15:31.440><c> Board</c><00:15:31.920><c> of</c> president of the Minnesota Board of president of
• </c> Kentucky to go to Michigan or Minnesota Kentucky to go to Michigan or Minnesota if<00:36:59.160>
• </c> Transportation Cabinet. Transportation Cabinet.

Summary: The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection. Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection. Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:07.160><c> House</c> page who served in the Minnesota House page who served in the Minnesota
• </c><00:09:18.959><c> leg</c> that happens here at the Minnesota leg that happens here at the Minnesota
• </c><00:10:51.800><c> we</c> has a long history here in Minnesota we has a long history here in Minnesota
• Minnesota the needs of shaki are not the Minnesota the needs of shaki are not the same<00:16:44.880><
• School in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I looked very hard at University of Minnesota and Minnesota schools.
• </c> Minnesota and Minnesota schools. Minnesota and Minnesota schools.
• </c> back to Minnesota? back to Minnesota? &gt;&gt; I<00:09:42.880><c> will.
• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• c> the</c><01:37:08.639><c> Minnesota</c> Diagnostic Lab, the the Minnesota Diagnostic Lab, the the Minnesota

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul or up on the Range or in Southern Minnesota or in Western Minnesota.
• Paul or up on the Range or in Southern Minnesota or in Western Minnesota.
• Paul or up on the Range or in Southern Minnesota or in Western Minnesota.
• Paul or up on the Range or in Southern Minnesota or in Western Minnesota.
• Paul or up on the Range or in Southern Minnesota or in Western Minnesota.

Summary: The conference committee on House File 1141, the Omnibus Housing Finance and Policy Bill, reviewed the fiscal spreadsheet and policy language for the agreement. Staff explained the major funding items, including appropriations for greater Minnesota workforce housing, manufactured home park infrastructure grants, family homelessness prevention, supportive housing, a tenant hotline, and housing infrastructure bonds, along with a cancellation of unused Tyler settlement funds and a reallocation of Housing Development Fund earnings. Staff said the package was budget neutral over the forecast window. The policy walk-through also covered provisions on livestreaming Housing Finance Agency board meetings, limits on administrative retentions for new grant programs, restrictions and reporting on Housing Development Fund transfers and earnings, clarifying language for local public housing, an exemption related to lived-experience engagement, and access for legislative fiscal staff to agency accounting information. Members then considered several amendments. The A12 amendment, allowing certain local governments to invest long-term funds in housing-related investments, was adopted after a roll call showed support from all three caucuses. The A16 manufactured housing bill of rights amendment, which would have addressed park-owner practices, purchase opportunities, enforcement, and rent increases, was not adopted. The A18 amendment to allow additional flags in HOAs and other areas was also not adopted. The A17 amendment to limit private equity ownership of single-family homes to 100 units was not adopted. The A13 amendment to preempt local rent control was not adopted. Members on both sides said some of the rejected issues warranted further discussion in future sessions, while supporters argued they were needed to address housing affordability and ownership pressures. In closing discussion on the bill as a whole, members from both chambers praised the bipartisan process, the staff work, and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency’s collaboration. Supporters said the agreement would help build thousands of homes across the state, assist vulnerable Minnesotans, and improve transparency and accountability in housing programs. They also noted the bill’s mix of single-family, multifamily, manufactured housing, homelessness prevention, and policy reforms. The committee expressed intent to move the agreement forward to the House floor and ultimately to the governor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota is experiencing a severe housing shortage.
• </c><00:36:24.400><c> the</c> organizations from across Minnesota the organizations from across Minnesota
• </c> developing housing in greater Minnesota developing housing in greater Minnesota for<00:41:58.040
• </c> Saha a contribution from the Minnesota Saha a contribution from the Minnesota state<00:43:03.040
• </c> Care infrastructure and transportation Care infrastructure and transportation and<00:59:46.920><

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention