Video & Transcript Research : 'Senator Tim Scott'
Page 68 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - Part 2 - 03/24/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:48:13.000>
Koran. Senator Koran. Senator Koran. - Senator<01:41:56.560>
Kupec. Senator Kupec. Senator Kupec. - Senator Abeler, yes. Senator Boldon, aye. Senator Fateh, Senator Koran, no. Senator Kupec, yes.
- Senator<02:24:49.320>
Boldon. Senator Boldon. Senator Boldon. - Senator<02:37:32.280>
Utke. Senator Utke. Senator Utke.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Debate on bill to bar transgender athletes from girls sports 3/3/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I recognize Representative Scott. Representative Scott, uh, thank you, Madam Speaker and members.
- <00:56:22.000>
for thank you representative Scott for thank you representative Scott for bringing - Representative Scott will continue to yield? Representative Scott will continue to yield.
- Representative Scott, thank you.
- bill and thank you representative Scott bill and thank you representative Scott for<01:47:05.199
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:36:33.480>
Ric awesome uh chair kunish Senator Ric awesome uh chair kunish Senator Ric - Senator Kesh, Senator Eric, and members of the committee, my name is Joshua Blansky, and I am the dean
- > and blansky Senator Kesh Senator Eric and blansky Senator Kesh Senator Eric and members<00:46:28.839
- Melissa Marty: Thank you, Senator Kish, Senator Eric, and committee members for allowing us to speak.
- Chairman, Senator.
Summary:
The Education Finance Committee met on February 5, 2025, to hear testimony from representatives of Minnesota’s Catholic and other nonpublic schools, focused on state nonpublic pupil aid, transportation, counseling, nursing, and related support programs. Meg Forette of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis argued that Catholic schools serve more than 30,000 students across many districts, educate a diverse population, and achieve strong academic results while operating at far lower per-student costs than public schools. She urged lawmakers to reject proposed cuts to nonpublic funding, saying they would be inequitable and harmful to lower-income families, and also raised concerns about state teacher-licensing requirements conflicting with Catholic values.
Trisha Menshu, principal of St. John Paul II Catholic School in Northeast Minneapolis, described a student body with high levels of poverty, learning needs, and academic gaps, and said state-funded nurse and guidance-counseling services are essential to keeping students safe, healthy, and on track for high school. She said the school absorbs many costs itself, including medical supplies and significant staff time, and credited the support programs with helping students make strong academic growth and graduate on time. In response to a senator’s question, she clarified that the school uses the nursing aid for limited nurse time and pays other medical-related costs from operating funds, with no billing back to public school districts.
Committee members asked follow-up questions about the relationship between teacher licensing and Catholic values, and about how medical needs for nonpublic students are funded. Forette said the concern was not with welcoming all students but with how DEI-related trainings and language are presented in ways that conflict with Catholic teaching. The committee then moved on to the next testifier, Andrew Hiliker of Stella Maris Academy in Duluth, who began by describing his school’s growth and the state’s role in supporting all students, regardless of school choice.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
GVO DEFER, GVO-WTL, GVO-AEN Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Chang is excused. Senator McKelvie: Yes. Senator Dort: Yes.
- Senator Mari I sand vuro F Senator Senator Mari I sand vuro F Senator vlla<00:31:09.200>
is vote I Senator Chang is excuse Senator vote I Senator Chang is excuse Senator mckelvie<00:31:34.159 - Senator Mari: I. Senator San Vura: Aye. Senator Fa: I pass.
- >
Senator <00:45:37.680>fella maruki I Senator sandura I Senator fella maruki I Senator
Summary:
The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused.
In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands.
Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/15/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- Scott Miller: Good afternoon.
- Scott Miller: ...recruitment of our volunteers and the materials.
- Scott Miller: ...and the equipment to perform their duties.
- Scott Miller: ...the Panhandle.
- Scott Miller: ...department throughout their counties.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, members of the committee, Tim Temple, Commissioner of Insurance, Great State of Louisiana.
- Chairman, members, Tim Temple, Commissioner of Insurance, Great State of Louisiana.
- Chairman, members, Tim Temple, Commissioner of Insurance, Great State of Louisiana.
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on April 23 with a quorum present and first deferred HB 1142. The committee then heard HB 1187, which would direct any excess Louisiana Citizens emergency assessment funds, after related debt is paid, toward the Louisiana Fortified Homes Program or future Citizens debt. Representative Sawyer and Commissioner Tim Temple said the bill would likely redirect about $50 million in one-time surplus funds and would help expand a popular roof-mitigation program that has already awarded more than 4,600 fortified roofs. The bill drew support from several witnesses and was reported as amended without objection.
Next, HB 1210, dealing with insurance claim disputes and a pre-suit review process for Louisiana Citizens claims, was discussed. Representative Dana Henry said he was voluntarily deferring the bill and instead pursuing a study resolution after hearing concerns from members and stakeholders. Department and Citizens officials said the proposal was modeled on Florida’s process and could help resolve disputes faster and cheaper, but the bill was ultimately voluntarily deferred after testimony and some opposition cards were noted.
The committee then took up HB 1199, which requires coverage for genetic testing and treatment related to SCN2A-associated disorders. Representative Jordan and the Diedon family gave emotional testimony about their daughter Emily’s diagnosis and the importance of timely genetic testing. The bill was amended to require that testing be ordered by a provider and deemed medically necessary by the health plan, with discussion about whether a neurologist should be involved; members said that issue could be refined later. HB 1199 was reported as amended.
Finally, the committee considered HB 880, the Louisiana Artificial Intelligence Insurance Fairness Act, which would regulate AI use in underwriting, rating, and claims. After a lengthy discussion about state insurance regulation, McCarran-Ferguson, and concerns that the bill could jeopardize federal broadband funding, Representative Jordan voluntarily deferred HB 880, and HB 920 was also deferred. The committee then heard HB 1221, which would limit the policy data collected for the Louisiana Fortified Program Fund. Former Representative Bowler argued the bill was needed to protect policyholder privacy, while the Department of Insurance and Commissioner Temple said the data is needed for surplus-lines premium tax audits, fraud detection, and consumer assistance after disasters. The discussion continued with questions about what data would be visible and how it would be used, but the transcript ends before a final action on HB 1221 is shown.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor (3-5-26)
Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Howell. Senator Maiden. Senator Nunn. Senator Thomas. Senator Wilson. Senator Wise.
- Senator Boswell. Senator Clemens. Senator Funke Frommeyer. Senator Girdler. Senator Howell.
- Senator Maiden. Senator Nunn. Senator Thomas. Senator Wilson. Senator Wise. Chair Wheeler.
- Senator Thomas. Senator<00:02:40.680>
Wilson. Senator Wilson. Senator Wilson. - Scott Madon, Senate District 29. Mitch Whitaker, State Representative for the 94th District.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Roll Call: 00:26
SB 343 Discussion: 01:00
SB 343 Voting: 02:25
SB 19 Discussion: 03:25
SB 19 Voting: 20:10, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met with a roll call showing members present, then first took up Senate Bill 343, which would extend the Workers' Compensation Funding Commission and preserve the independent funding mechanism for the Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims. The chair explained that the bill would keep the current assessment structure in place beyond its scheduled 2029 expiration and support the department’s independence and budgeting flexibility. The committee voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably.
The committee then heard a presentation on Senate Bill 19, relating to a state mushroom. Senator Scott Madon and Representative Mitch Whitaker introduced students and a biology teacher from Letcher County Central High School, who presented research supporting the indigo milk cap (Lactarius indigo) as Kentucky’s state mushroom. The students described the mushroom’s blue color, ecological role, edible qualities, and possible educational and scientific value, and tied the proposal to Kentucky’s identity as the Bluegrass State. Senators praised the students’ presentation and the effort to involve young people in the legislative process, and one senator asked how to identify edible mushrooms, prompting advice that experience is important and that local mushroom groups can help. The committee then voted 11-0 to report Senate Bill 19 favorably.
Before adjourning, members briefly discussed the presentation and the educational value of involving students, with comments noting the strong participation of young women in science. Senate Bill 324 was on the agenda but was passed over and held for one week. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Wildfire Prevention Jun 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- You had a new state senator for the area who'd been in office for a month.
- You had a new state senator for the area who'd been in office for a month.
- We'll invite Scott Orr and Amy Bach to the dais or the panel.
- Scott, thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
- Chris: Yeah, just a quick question, Scott.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 123. Ayes 66, noes 0. Senate Concurrent Resolution 128.
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 130. Ayes 66, noes 0. Senate Concurrent Resolution 157.
- Senate-concar resolution, 123. I-66, no, zero. Senate-concurrent resolution, 128.
- Senate-concurrent resolution, one-30. I-66, no-0. Senate and current resolution, 157.
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 157. Ayes 66, noes 0. Senate Concurrent Resolution 161.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after initially lacking a quorum, then completed the prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, journal motions, and a long series of procedural actions, including suspending rules to move bills and approve a large Appropriations Committee hearing list. Members also made several guest introductions, including Shannon Lee, district staff from Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez’s office, and later guests tied to agritourism and education recognitions.
The floor debate centered heavily on AJR 31, a resolution urging Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Supporters argued that recent Supreme Court decisions and redistricting efforts in other states were weakening Black and other minority representation and that California should take a clear stand for voting rights. Opponents argued the measure promoted racial division, conflicted with equal protection principles, and that districts should be drawn based on place or communities of interest rather than race. After a contentious debate with repeated parliamentary warnings over decorum, the Assembly suspended the rules to take up the resolution, added coauthors, and passed AJR 31 by a vote of 58-8.
The Assembly then moved through a series of bills and resolutions, generally approving them with little or no opposition. These included AB 2341 clarifying emergency language translation rules for local agencies; AB 1816 extending court supervision for certain sex-offender rehabilitation programs; AB 2561 protecting consumer privacy settings on phones and digital devices; ACR 167 recognizing World Agritourism Day; ACR 190 recognizing California Day of the Teacher; AB 1581 improving identification of Native American students in public schools; AB 1586 requiring opioid overdose prevention training for school resource officers and safety planning; AB 1665 requiring mental health training for school coaches; AB 1693 streamlining retail tenant-improvement permitting; AB 1768 authorizing a local tax measure related to health funding; AB 1712 facilitating a water-system sale for Santa Fe Springs; AB 1792 addressing sexually exploitive AI imagery in health education; and AB 1822 prioritizing school projects that address extreme heat. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, several unanimously, and the resolution on agritourism and the teacher day were adopted by voice vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee Sep 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate also shared these concerns last night.
- My understanding is the Senate failed to pass AB 158.
- Cork Silva and with our partners in the Senate and the administration.
- And I know there's been a lot of discussion on the Senate side.
- And so these... ...that this was legislative leadership with the Senate and the Assembly.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Committee held an informational hearing on the September budget package, which included SB 105 and a series of trailer bills covering health, human services, education, resources, child care, transportation, labor, public safety, housing, revenue, background checks, collective bargaining, and a special election. The Department of Finance described the package as largely technical and clarifying, but also responsive to state and federal changes, especially H.R. 1. Key items included roughly $3.3 billion in Proposition 4 climate and environmental spending, $540 million in discretionary greenhouse gas reduction funds, and major responses to H.R. 1 such as CalFresh error-rate mitigation, food bank support, and Medicaid-related changes. Other notable provisions included vaccine policy flexibility, an Abortion Access Fund, a gender-affirming care program, community college basic-needs and aid changes, CEQA and coastal permit exemptions tied to the 2028 Olympics, invasive mussel prevention funding, a civic media program, labor and pension-related provisions, and special election administration changes.
Members raised questions and concerns about several parts of the package. There was support for climate, water, transit, offshore wind, food security, and health investments, but also significant criticism of the lack of cleanup language for SB 131 and its advanced manufacturing exemptions, with multiple members saying promised fixes had not materialized and expressing concerns about tribal consultation, labor standards, and environmental protections. Members also questioned the scale and timing of some Proposition 4 allocations, including fairground upgrades, regional conveyance, and a UC Davis alternative protein research center. The Department of Finance said some programs would roll out over time and that certain funding levels reflected current implementation capacity.
The hearing also featured discussion of Bay Area transit financing, with Finance saying SB 105 directs the department and CalSTA to examine loan or other financing options rather than immediately providing loans. Members and public commenters also discussed the state’s response to H.R. 1, with advocates supporting food bank, health care, and immunization provisions while warning of ongoing harm to immigrants, foster youth, and other vulnerable groups. Public testimony broadly supported the health, food, water, offshore wind, and golden mussel provisions, while many speakers echoed legislative concerns about SB 131 and urged cleanup action in the next session. No votes were taken because the hearing was informational only, though the chair noted votes on the bills were expected later that night or the next morning.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate will be called to order. The Senate will be called to order.
- Senator Gilmore, you're recognized. Leave for Senator King. Thank you, Senator Gilmore.
- Senator Gilmore, you're recognized. Leave for Senator King. Thank you, Senator Gilmore.
- Senator Gilmore, you're recognized. Leave for Senator King. Thank you, Senator Gilmore.
- Any other senator wish to speak against, for, or on Senate Bill 1?
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- the house voted 112 to 17 and the Senate the house voted 112 to 17 and the Senate voted<00:01:58.280
- "Thank you, Representative Scott."
- committee thank you representative Scott committee thank you representative Scott resent<00:05:28.080
- <01:21:40.159>
finance presentation to the Senate finance presentation to the Senate finance - <01:26:05.280>
hi Schumacher hi representative Scott hi Schumacher hi representative Scott
Keywords:
pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 22nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Messages from the Senate: There are none. We are now on motions and resolutions.
- That's SB 25 by Senator Umberg, presented by our Majority Leader. The clerk will read.
- Senate Bill 25 by Senator Umberg, an act relating to business.
- I rise to present SB 25 on behalf of Senator Umberg.
- I'd like to adjourn in memory of Oxnard Police Commander Scott Aaron.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Routine procedural motions followed, including unanimous-consent actions to suspend rules for adjournment-in-memory remarks, guest introductions, and expedited floor processing of certain bills and committee reports. The chamber also recognized several guests, including Sacramento Police Detective Jason Collins, student musician Ethan Shue, and Glendale Councilmember Artie Kasakian.
On the floor file, AB 1184 by Assembly Member Patterson, the Homeowner Association Accountability and Transparency Act of 2026, was presented as a measure to add basic transparency requirements for HOAs; it passed 56-0. AB 871 by Assembly Member Stephanie, addressing financial elder abuse and scam reporting/training for financial institutions, also passed 56-0. On the Senate side, SB 25 by Senator Umberg, which would give the California Attorney General earlier access to federal merger-notification filings to streamline merger review, passed 43-14 after the Majority Leader presented it.
The Assembly then held several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including Paul R. Ignatius, former U.S. Secretary of the Navy and Glendale native; Oxnard Police Commander Scott Aaron; Private First Class Tanner F. Rubio of the U.S. Marine Corps; and former Yolo County Supervisor Betsy Marchand. Members and family guests offered remarks honoring their service and legacies, followed by a moment of silence for PFC Rubio. The session concluded with announcements about upcoming floor and committee deadlines and adjourned until Monday, January 26 at 1 p.m.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Oct 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Garcia, Senator Osgood, Senator Polsky here. Senator Simon, Senator Smith here.
- Senator Wright here. Senator Yarborough, you're a quorum is present. Mr. Chair, thank you.
- Senator Garcia and Senator Simon are excused from today's meeting.
- Thank you, Senator. We are in...
- Thank you, Senator.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Christian. Representative Fey. Senator Gainer. Senator Gainer. Senator Gaynor.
- Senator Hasegawa. Here. Senator Lovelett. Representative Mena. Representative McClintock. Here.
- Senator Salomon. Representative Scott. Senator Salomon. Representative Scott. Senator Short.
- Senator Wagoner.
- My name is Scott Frank.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on the accuracy and reliability of OSPI’s school apportionment system. Auditors said the system, which calculates and distributes K-12 funding using multiple feeder systems and a core apportionment engine, is outdated, unstable, inefficient, and at high risk of failure. They reported weak controls over data input, documentation, oversight, and staffing, and said OSPI relies heavily on manual workarounds, a few knowledgeable staff, and vendor support. In limited testing of three districts, the auditors found the system calculated funding correctly for the 2023-24 school year, but they identified nine small input discrepancies tied to differences between budget materials and state law, which they said could compound into larger dollar amounts. The auditors recommended replacing or modernizing the system and noted that delays in doing so prolong risk.
OSPI largely agreed that the current platform needs replacement and said it has been working toward a new system for years. Agency officials clarified that the Legislature requested a feasibility study in 2022, that the study found the system at risk of catastrophic failure, and that funding for a replacement is now in the state IT pool subject to OCIO/OFM gate reviews. OSPI disputed the audit’s characterization of the rounding and budget-law discrepancies, saying the issue was an agency rule and implementation choice, not an error that caused under- or over-allocation. Officials also said the current system is too old to easily absorb future formula changes, but that the planned replacement should be flexible enough to handle a new funding model if the Legislature adopts one.
Committee members asked about the amount and timing of the $16 million project funding, whether smaller districts face greater risk, how many times data is entered, and whether the funding formula should be simplified. Auditors and OSPI both emphasized that formula simplification is a policy question for the Legislature, not the audit. Public testimony came from one online witness, who urged full implementation of the audit recommendations and modernization of the system. The subcommittee took no formal vote and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 41 (3-6-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate has passed Senate Bills 59, 137, 177, and 199 and respectfully requests concurrence of this
- The Senate has passed Senate Bills 59, 137, 177, and 199 and respectfully requests concurrence of this
- legislation from a portion of Senate legislation from a portion of Senate Bill<00:24:12.920>
- <00:48:12.440>
Scott This resolution honors Mr. Scott This resolution honors Mr. - Lady from Scott. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Lady from Scott. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Summary:
The House convened, received the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The clerk also announced Senate passage of Senate Bills 59, 137, 177, and 199 and requested concurrence. The chamber then moved into second reading, reporting a slate of bills and resolutions on health care, energy, child welfare, Medicaid, workplace violence, and coal/energy assessment, before proceeding to third reading and passage of several measures.
A major focus was House Bill 542 on eminent domain. The sponsor described it as a transparency measure to improve communication with property owners, require better notice, prohibit misleading statements, allow owner-paid appraisals to be used throughout negotiations, and account for agricultural improvements and access. Members discussed the bill’s intent to treat property owners fairly and reduce court costs; the House adopted House Committee Substitute 1 and passed the bill 89-0. House Bill 565 on fire protection was presented as technical cleanup to clarify enforcement authority for local fire appeal boards created last year, and it passed 91-0.
The House also passed House Bill 611 on domestic relations, which creates a 10-year interpersonal protective order for certain felony assault convictions involving family members, unmarried couples, or dating partners, and updates domestic violence data reporting requirements; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 91-0. House Bill 657 on professional licensing background checks was explained as giving five licensure boards authority to obtain FBI ORI numbers so they can receive fingerprint background checks and comply with interstate compacts; it passed 91-0. House Bill 762 on legal representation was amended on the floor to avoid excluding appellate attorneys, then passed 91-0; it was described as clarifying Department of Public Advocacy representation and related salary provisions.
The House also passed House Bill 108 on solid waste management, which its sponsor said closes a loophole allowing residual waste landfills to be sited in a different county from the industry without local input; it passed 79-8. House Bill 67 on schools, a cleanup measure to prior legislation requiring traceable communication systems for school employees, was introduced with a committee substitute and discussed as clarifying definitions and exemptions while preserving protections for students; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Mar 18th, 2025
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legacy finance bill, HF2563, heard in House Ways and Means Committee 4/21/25
Transcript Highlights:
- [Applause] Members, this is a bill that will also be awaiting the Senate file.
- Representative Scott. Uh thank you, Mr.
- Representative Scott. Uh committee. Representative Scott.
- This is Uh, Representative Scott. Yes.
- As long as the Senate just adopts ours, we'll be in good shape.
Summary:
House File 2563, the Omnibus Legacy Bill, was presented as a roughly $779 million package funding projects across Minnesota through the four Legacy funds: Outdoor Heritage, Clean Water, Parks and Trails, and Arts and Cultural Heritage. Chairs Vang and McDonald described the bill as a responsible one-time spending measure with no ongoing base funding, emphasizing habitat restoration, water protection, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage. Nonpartisan staff then walked through the spreadsheet, explaining that the bill largely follows the recommendations of the relevant councils and governor, with some additions such as a Wilderness Inquiry partnership, an Ash River sewer extension, competitive grant funding, and several arts and history projects.
Staff highlighted the major allocations and structure of the bill: Outdoor Heritage funding for land and habitat projects, Clean Water funding for water-quality work, Parks and Trails funding following the traditional 40-40-20 split, and Arts and Cultural Heritage funding for the State Arts Board, Minnesota Historical Society, Humanities Center, Indian Affairs Council, Department of Education, and other recipients. They also noted policy provisions requiring Clean Water Council recommendations to be broken out by fiscal year, requiring recent 990 forms for arts grantees, limiting arts funds from being used for capital construction except in specified cases, and extending a prior appropriation for the Sunni Lee memorial project. Members asked about land acquisition, the new 990 requirement, and reduced funding for children’s museums; chairs and staff responded that Outdoor Heritage includes land acquisition, the 990 is simply a documentation requirement, and children’s museum funding is lower because more money is now placed in a competitive grant pool.
The chairs said the bill reflects compromise and an effort to keep the bill relatively clean of earmarks, while also noting that a Department of Revenue transfer of more than $31 million from legacy funds affected available funding and forced difficult choices. After discussion, the committee laid the bill over, with the chair noting it was also being done in honor of Representative Mary Murphy.