Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have Eric Simonson with the Minnesota have Eric Simonson with the Minnesota deer<00:01:29.680><c
• </c><00:10:54.720><c> so</c> worked with the state of Minnesota so worked with the state of Minnesota
• </c> to other states and can see Minnesota to other states and can see Minnesota utilities<01:19:48.000
• Authority outlined in Minnesota statutes Authority outlined in Minnesota statutes and<01:21:13.320><c
• </c> emphasize again that they said Minnesota emphasize again that they said Minnesota was<01:30:12.960

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• But the a refundable Minnesota. Fine.
• </c> negotiates the transportation committee. negotiates the transportation committee.
• </c><00:54:14.319><c> Uh,</c> industry in northern Minnesota. Uh, industry in northern Minnesota.
• </c> Minnesota. It's beautiful. I love it. Minnesota. It's beautiful. I love it.
• Got a lot of northern Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:08.720><c> statute</c> says quote removed per Minnesota statute says quote removed per Minnesota
• </c> people of Minnesota. I appreciate you. people of Minnesota. I appreciate you.
• </c> I'm here on behalf of the Association of Minnesota School Districts, Minnesota Association of School
• </c><00:42:11.359><c> School</c><00:42:11.680><c> Districts,</c><00:42:12.160><c> Minnesota</c> of Minnesota
• School Districts, Minnesota of Minnesota School Districts, Minnesota Association<00:42:13.119><c> of

Bills: HF3422 , HF3461 , HF2904

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> So this is a a grant for um Minnesota So this is a a grant for um Minnesota homelessness<00:47:22.000
• So uh the department Minnesota council.
• </c><00:58:03.520><c> Humanities</c> 126 is um to the Minnesota Humanities 126 is um to the Minnesota
• So, this human services, transportation.
• Uh it is Minnesota care area.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> tonight is who is a Minnesota kid? tonight is who is a Minnesota kid?
• </c><00:10:09.120><c> students</c> to how many Minnesota students to how many Minnesota students attend
• </c> is a lot of independents in Minnesota is a lot of independents in Minnesota and<00:13:59.839><c>
• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• Minnesota Minnesota deserves<00:21:24.400><c> to</c><00:21:24.559><c> be</c><00:21:24.799><c> safe,<

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul Minnesota Foundation.
• Paul Minnesota and a grant to St.
• </c><00:11:00.800><c> management</c> Uh moving down to Minnesota management Uh moving down to Minnesota
• The House and Minnesota Arts Board.
• </c> the aging challenges of Minnesota. the aging challenges of Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• States like Minnesota tried strict limits, but fraudsters easily coached victims around the compliance
• steps in real time, forcing Minnesota to pass a full statewide ban this year.
• A portion of the transportation impact fee... ...infrastructure improvements so that growth pays for
• A portion of the transportation impact fees will support open space preservation, farmland protection
• Directing a portion of the transportation impact fee to it is smart policy.

Bills: HB373

Committee: Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology

Summary: The Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee met in hybrid format and heard testimony on several bills. HB 373, as amended, would regulate hemp-derived THC-infused beverages by defining the products, limiting them to 10 mg of Delta-9 THC per container, restricting sales to package stores and licensed marijuana retail stores, requiring testing and labeling, and imposing a 50-cent per container tax; the sponsor said the bill is intended to create guardrails and protect youth, and a wholesaler representative testified in support. HB 398 would allow racinos to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. and remove local authority to require earlier closing times; the sponsor and Bally’s representative said it would help Delaware remain competitive and increase revenue, and no opposition was heard. HB 433 would let municipalities and counties extend last call for bars, restaurants, and clubs from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.; a witness from Connect Delaware supported it as a competitiveness and retention measure, emphasizing that it is permissive rather than mandatory. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 441, which would ban cryptocurrency kiosks/crypto ATMs in Delaware and require existing machines to be removed within 90 days. The sponsor and supporters, including AARP, the Delaware Department of Justice, and the League of Women Voters, argued the machines are heavily used in scams, especially against older adults, and that regulation has not been effective. CoinFlip opposed the bill, saying it is a regulated operator, that the fraud statistics are overstated or incomplete, and that Delaware should instead adopt a regulatory framework and amendment. HB 465 would update the criminal code to formally define virtual currency and incorporate it into theft, money laundering, racketeering, and search-and-seizure provisions; the sponsor said it would align Delaware law with modern crypto-related crimes, and no opposition was presented. The committee then heard HB 467, which would prevent landlords from requiring renters to buy insurance from a specific company while still allowing them to require coverage meeting lease terms; the sponsor described it as a consumer-choice bill and there was no public opposition. HB 435 would require payment parity for certified registered nurse anesthetists and physicians when the same services are provided; the sponsor, nurse anesthetists, the Delaware Health Care Association, the Department of Insurance, and ChristianaCare supported it as a workforce and access-to-care measure, with no opposition. Finally, HS 1 for HB 450, the Road DE Act, would overhaul permitting and traffic-impact review, emphasize peak-hour traffic, set density standards in growth areas, create a transportation impact fee, and direct some revenue to open space, farmland, and coastal restoration; realtors, builders, environmental groups, engineers, and GEAR supported it as a way to speed permitting, reduce sprawl, and improve infrastructure planning. The committee adjourned after public comment; no votes were recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd like to clear the record in the fact that the former Speaker of the House of Minnesota, her and
• This had nothing to do with anything other than she took a vote to stand with the citizens of Minnesota
• As most of you know, our family farm is in Minnesota.
• They don't get to go; they might not have transportation to even get to a grocery store.
• President, your Appropriations, Transportation, and Technology Committee will be held at 1:30 tomorrow

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 29 present, and several guest introductions, including Scout groups from Phoenix/Levine, Dr. John Galgiani for Valley Fever Awareness, and Dr. Sarah Lee Davidson as Doctor of the Day. Senator Kavanagh read a proclamation recognizing Valley Fever Awareness and the work of the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence. The chamber also adopted a death resolution for Victor E. Hardy and observed a moment of silence. The Committee of the Whole considered SB 1036 on unemployment insurance, SB 1056 on reporting vacant state positions, SB 1236 on AHCCCS enrollment verification and presumptive eligibility, and SB 1238 on the physician assistant licensure compact. SB 1036, SB 1056, and SB 1238 were approved in Committee of the Whole, with SB 1036 and SB 1238 amended. During floor debate, SB 1036 drew criticism from Democrats as adding burdens and reducing benefits for unemployed workers, while supporters said it was aimed at preventing fraud; it later passed the Senate 17-12. SB 1056 also passed 17-12 after debate over whether automatic elimination of long-vacant positions would improve efficiency or harm agency staffing. SB 1238 passed with a conforming amendment and later the House version HB 2190 was substituted and passed. The Senate then took up several third-reading bills. SB 1126 on educational records passed 29-0. SB 1189 on campaign expenditures passed 27-2 after debate about political violence and campaign-related expenses. SB 1211 on sentencing passed 29-0. The chamber also reconsidered and substituted House bills for identical Senate bills: HB 2206 for SB 1333 and HB 2396 for SB 1368, both related to SNAP. HB 2206 passed 17-12 after debate over a proposed SNAP error-rate penalty and its impact on food access, and HB 2396 passed 17-12 after debate over restricting SNAP purchases. Finally, HB 2796 was substituted for SB 1236 and passed after debate over AHCCCS enrollment barriers. The Senate adjourned until Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'd like to clear the record in the fact that the former Speaker of the House of Minnesota, her and
• This had nothing to do with anything other than she took a vote to stand with the citizens of Minnesota
• As most of you know, our family farm is in Minnesota.
• They might not have transportation to even get to a grocery store, so we should allow them to buy what
• President, your Appropriations, Transportation, Technology Committee will be held at 1:30 tomorrow in

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:43.560><c> Outlook</c> GDP turning now to the Minnesota Outlook GDP turning now to the Minnesota
• </c> Federal Medicaid funding to Minnesota Federal Medicaid funding to Minnesota every<00:31:15.639><
• Federal funding is critical to Minnesota.
• Federal funding is critical to Minnesota.
• </c> proportionately across States Minnesota proportionately across States Minnesota could<00:35:19.400

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget presented the February 2025 budget and economic forecast, with Commissioner Aon Campbell, State Economist Anthony Becker, and Budget Director Anam Mingi outlining updated revenue, spending, and long-term balance projections. The state’s FY 2026-27 general fund outlook remains positive but weaker than in November, with an ending balance of $456 million, down $160 million from the prior forecast. Looking ahead, the planning years FY 2028-29 show a projected deficit of just under $6 billion, driven largely by spending growth outpacing revenues. Officials emphasized that discretionary inflation is a major factor in the forecast, but also noted that those amounts are not automatically appropriated and would require legislative action. Becker said the national outlook has changed since November, with higher expected inflation, higher interest rates for longer, and slower growth in later years. He highlighted uncertainty around tariffs, trade policy, immigration policy, federal spending, and possible changes to tax and debt-ceiling policy, all of which could affect Minnesota’s economy and revenues. Minnesota’s labor market remains tight, with low unemployment and rising wages, and the revenue forecast was revised upward overall for FY 2026-27, including higher income and sales tax receipts, though corporate tax revenue was slightly lower than previously projected. Mingi said projected general fund spending is up $79 million in FY 2026-27 and $960 million in FY 2028-29 compared with November. The largest increases are in education and health and human services, especially due to inflation, higher pupil counts, special education costs, long-term care, and higher Medical Assistance spending. She noted that higher utilization of weight-loss drugs also raises Medicaid costs, and that a smaller assumed bonding bill helps offset some debt service costs. The commissioner and staff repeatedly warned that federal policy changes, especially possible Medicaid reductions, pose a major risk; they said Minnesota could face billions in lost federal funding, including a potential $2.4 billion hit if the enhanced Medicaid match for adults without children were eliminated. No votes or legislative actions were taken in the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> that really impacts northern Minnesota. that really impacts northern Minnesota.
• Tradition in Minnesota.
• This hurts Minnesota families.
• This<00:15:09.760><c> hurts</c><00:15:10.160><c> Minnesota</c> This hurts Minnesota This hurts Minnesota
• Whether you're in northern Minnesota, uh, whether you're in western Minnesota or southern Minnesota,

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> degrees in the state of Minnesota. degrees in the state of Minnesota.
• The Minnesota State Grant is an integral part of University of Minnesota and Minnesota State financial
• </c> Minnesota State financial aid packages. Minnesota State financial aid packages.
• is</c><00:49:53.680><c> to</c> Minnesota and Minnesota State is to Minnesota and Minnesota State is to
• </c> four-year Minnesota State University. four-year Minnesota State University.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So this widespread early adoption in Minnesota.
• I live in Prairie Lake, Minnesota. Yes, please proceed.
• Minnesota State is an open access system.
• That's handled with Minnesota State a little differently than the University of Minnesota, which issues
• Because I don't want to see Minnesota State go away.

Bills: HF3220

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• with this amendment, how I look at it is, you know, DVS is a service for, you know, everybody in Minnesota
• So this comes forward because we heard time and time again, constantly, last session in transportation
• taking up all of the spaces that were available there, and then local people throughout Greater Minnesota
• no matter where you're at um Minnesota no matter where you're at um I'm<00:04:13.480><c> I'm</c><00:
• You know, DVS is for everybody in Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:21:40.400><c> we</c> And already this year in Minnesota, we And already this year in Minnesota
• depends on a healthy Minnesota.
• depends on a healthy Minnesota.
• </c><00:56:30.640><c> Minnesota</c> League board of directors. Minnesota League board of directors.
• </c> passionate about Minnesota civics field. passionate about Minnesota civics field.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And then for Enterprise Minnesota Made in Minnesota program, $500,000 one-time.
• <00:09:08.880><c> in</c> for Enterprise Minnesota made in for Enterprise Minnesota made in Minnesota<
• There's no changes to the Minnesota<00:15:45.760><c> trade</c> Minnesota trade Minnesota trade office
• </c> Minnesota forward account is? Minnesota forward account is?
• </c><00:20:40.799><c> I'm</c> the uh Minnesota Forward Fund. I'm the uh Minnesota Forward Fund.

Committee: Senate Finance

Bills: SB4 , SB23 , SB3 , SJR2 , SJR85 , SB34 , SB60 , SB75 , SB706 , SB1814 , SB1220 , SB523 , SB565 , SB1253 , SB840 , SB764 , SB2383 , SB2155 , SB1535 , SB1405 , SB1423 , SB1566 , SB1804 , SB1728 , SB1816 , SB1952 , SB1948 , SB2037 , SB2068 , SB1455 , SB213 , SB243 , SB627 , SB646 , SB670 , SB896 , SB917 , SB1184 , SB971 , SB1255 , SB1261 , SB1283 , SB1358 , SB991 , SB1733 , SB21 , SB231 , SB739 , SB1252 , SB1371 , SB664 , SB40 , SB9 , SJR1 , SB687 , SB1332 , SB458 , SB482 , SB927 , SB984 , SB651 , SB1620 , SB2124 , SB2448 , SB841 , SB843 , SB402 , SB2662 , SB2053 , SB2332 , SB2112 , SB745 , SB1247 , SB1789 , SB27 , SB207 , SB2938 , SB1901 , SB1227 , SB1248 , SB912 , SB1321 , SB2143 , SB2145 , SB1497 , SB1239 , SB2180 , SB1388 , SB1662 , SB1951 , SB1537 , SB493 , SB378 , SB1020 , SB1018 , SB992 , SB958 , SB920 , SB1350 , SB1762 , SB552 , HCR109 , SB2185 , SB4 , SB23 , SB3 , SJR2 , SJR85 , SB34 , SB60 , SB75 , SB706 , SB1814 , SB1220 , SB523 , SB565 , SB1253 , SB840 , SB764 , SB2383 , SB2155 , SB1535 , SB1405 , SB1423 , SB1566 , SB1804 , SB1728 , SB1816 , SB1952 , SB1948 , SB2037 , SB2068 , SB1455 , SB213 , SB243 , SB627 , SB646 , SB670 , SB896 , SB917 , SB1184 , SB971 , SB1255 , SB1261 , SB1283 , SB1358 , SB991 , SB1733 , SB21 , SB231 , SB739 , SB1252 , SB1371 , HB2970 , HB 109 , SB2308

Keywords: property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, constitutional amendment, elderly, disabled, ad valorem taxation, school district funding, SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:00.200><c> chamber</c> research for the Minnesota chamber research for the Minnesota chamber
• </c> opportunities for States like Minnesota opportunities for States like Minnesota um<00:03:26.159>
• </c><00:04:13.400><c> um</c> activity is occurring in Minnesota um activity is occurring in Minnesota
• </c> selection magazine shows that Minnesota selection magazine shows that Minnesota is<00:04:18.560>
• Fuel and animal feed from Transportation Fuel and animal feed from Minnesota<01:26:16.600><c> grown<

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, the committee will consider the nomination of **Sean Duffy** to be Secretary of Transportation
• Congressman Duffy comes to the Department of Transportation at a pivotal moment.
• He told us, "As the father of nine kids, I think about transportation quite a bit." and about transportation
• I am pleased to be the Secretary of Transportation.
• In this as well with legislation that I led on the bridge from Minnesota to Wisconsin.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> very substantial benefit for Minnesota very substantial benefit for Minnesota and<00:04:08.680><
• Minnesota Home Care Association.
• Minnesota Home Care Association.
• Minnesota Home Care Association.
• </c> Services and providers transportation Services and providers transportation and<01:30:44.600><c>

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services