Transcript Highlights:

• it back next week because we still have one other section that Chair Heintzeman and myself are continuing
• it back next week because we still have one other section that Chair Heintzeman and myself are continuing
• So, for those watching at home and in the audience today, I just want to uh continue to express my uh
• Uh, I will mention that uh we are still having continuing discussions on another section that will be
• Um, and I would just ask for member support to continue working to pass House File 3426.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3426, an LCCMR bill, and focused on amendments while noting that the bill would be laid over for further work. Members said they were still negotiating one additional section, including guardrails to work with the DNR, and that the bill would return the following week. The committee adopted the A10 amendment, which addressed the “critical and emerging issues” account and was described as adding guardrails so the account would be used for truly emerging issues rather than as a fallback funding pot. The A11 amendment was also adopted after discussion; it added funding for the community grants appropriation and required applicants to provide a surety bond, with supporters describing it as an accountability measure for the new program. Several members expressed support for the amendments and for continuing to refine the bill, while one member initially indicated the A11 was not yet supported before the committee clarified the position and proceeded. No final vote on the bill itself was taken; instead, the motion to lay over House File 3426, as amended, carried so the committee could continue work on the remaining section and bring the bill back later.

Transcript Highlights:

• education policy and education budget bill to the calendar for the day, with the opportunity for a continued
• If we don't, then the plan is to table the bill and continue conversations.
• <00:00:51.680> conversation opportunity for a continued conversation opportunity for a continued
• to table the bill and continue to table the bill and continue conversations.<00:01:03.199> Um
• <00:04:37.360> to at this point and try to continue to at this point and try to continue to

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope that we can reconstitute it and do the task force 2.0 to continue this work, to continue to follow
• 2.0 uh to continue this work to continue 2.0 uh to continue this work to continue to<00:02:45.239
• services across the state uh continuing services across the state uh continuing to<00:21:04.760>
• an ongoing basis so that we can continue an ongoing basis so that we can continue to<00:25:13.080
• system our EMS Workforce um continuing system our EMS Workforce um continuing to<00:26:36.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee met on February 6, 2025, for an update on emergency medical services (EMS) policy and implementation. Senator Seberger described the work of the EMS Task Force, which traveled statewide to hear concerns from providers about staffing, reimbursement, and retention. She said the task force led to the Sprint Medic model and two innovation zones in Otter Tail and St. Louis counties, and she urged continued monitoring and possible reconstitution of the task force to evaluate what is working and what could be expanded statewide. She also said future EMS work should continue to explore alternative response models and telemedicine, but that the most immediate need is additional funding, especially to address unpaid non-transport calls. Dylan Ferguson, director of the newly formed Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services, gave a detailed update on the office’s structure and priorities after the transition from the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. He described the office’s three divisions, the appointment of deputy directors, the first meetings of the advisory councils, and work on a statewide EMS strategic plan. He also reviewed the $24 million emergency ambulance aid program, explaining its 40-40-20 formula, the emphasis on rural services, the reporting and spending deadlines, and the positive response from ambulance providers. He noted that the $6 million Sprint paramedic grant program is underway, with Otter Tail County moving forward and St. Louis County still finalizing its application. Ferguson also outlined the office’s budget request for modest staffing and contract-cost increases, two rulemaking efforts to update outdated ambulance vehicle standards and expand medication options for basic life support services, and ongoing data collection on workforce needs, violence against EMS providers, and ambulance crashes. He highlighted the paramedic scholarship program administered by the Office of Higher Education, saying nearly 300 scholarships have been awarded. Members and Senator Seberger praised the EMS reforms and emphasized that non-transport calls create significant unreimbursed costs, especially for rural and volunteer services, but no votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, we're we're happy to continue you know, we're we're happy to continue to<00:05:02.720>
• want to continue to work with us on. want to continue to work with us on.
• 56.880> and<00:58:57.119> make Continue to request information and make Continue to request
• continue to working on working on this. continue to working on working on this.
• <01:26:44.400> discussions willingness to uh continue discussions willingness to uh continue

Bills: HF4253, HF4257, HF3236, HF4264, HF4149, HF4019

Keywords: boat storage structures, public waters, natural resources, rule amendments, watercraft canopy, PFAS, environmental regulation, manufacturers, public health, product safety, groundwater, water appropriation, water-use permit, water permit, aquifer test, aquifer, well construction, groundwater permit, Department of Natural Resources, DNR

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:26.520> to building, we just kind of continued to building, we just kind of continued
• So, uh I hope we continue this conversation at all levels of education.
• this Well, I know uh I hope we continue this Well, I know we'll<00:21:15.400> continue<00:21:
• integrate attendance into continuous integrate attendance into continuous improvement<01:06:05.520
• <01:12:47.760> improve<01:12:48.240> continuous continuing improve continuous continuing

Bills: HF3776, HF3557, HF3585

Keywords: screen time, preschool, kindergarten, early childhood education, digital media, tablets, smartphones, educational technology, EdTech, classroom devices, publicly funded preschool, school policy, child development, special education, IEP, 504 plan, IFSP, Minnesota education law, climate literacy, education

Summary: The committee first approved the previous day’s minutes, then took up House File 3776, as amended by the A2 amendment, which clarified how the bill would apply to students with IEPs and 504 plans. The bill’s author argued that Minnesota should address screen time for preschool and kindergarten students, saying current law is too broad, that young children are especially vulnerable to developmental and attention harms from screens, and that parents and teachers should have more control over device use. The bill was laid over after discussion. Testimony on HF 3776 was split. Amanda Faye of Minnetonka Public Schools opposed the bill as drafted, saying it would conflict with existing academic standards, READ Act screening requirements, accessibility tools, and local control, and would force districts back to paper-based screening. Katherine Myers of Live More Screen Less supported the bill, citing concerns about early childhood screen exposure and arguing that screen-free time supports child development. Members raised concerns about local control, parental rights, and how to protect students who need devices for accommodations; the author and nonpartisan staff noted that schools can already adopt cell phone policies, but exceptions may be needed for certain students and uses. After laying over HF 3776, the committee began House File 3557. Representative Craft introduced the bill as a voluntary program to promote practical science education and workforce development tied to climate literacy, including a proposed Minnesota Seal of Climate Literacy for high school students. The bill was only introduced before the transcript ended, with no vote or final action recorded on HF 3557.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:33:57.519> to Wyoming National Guard will continue to Wyoming National Guard will continue
• <00:34:04.320> uh families are safe and uh we continue uh families are safe and uh we continue
• :02.240> is How much campaigning continuously is How much campaigning continuously is good<01:
• So, thank you for your continued patience.
• thank you for your continued patience. thank you for your continued patience.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and yet we continue to move forward. and yet we continue to move forward.
• It'll continue to be a bad idea.
• It'll continue to be a bad idea.
• It'll continue to be a bad idea.
• It'll continue to be a bad idea.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 7, recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month. The resolution was read at length and grounded in the history of Black history commemoration, Carter G. Woodson’s work, the evolution from Negro History Week to Black History Month, and Colorado-specific Black leaders and pioneers such as Barney Ford, Clara Brown, John T. Gunnel, Joseph H. Stewart, and others. Members emphasized that Black history is American history and that the centennial observance should honor both the struggles and achievements of Americans of African descent. Several representatives spoke in support. Representative Bacon described the resolution as an important tradition and said the chamber should record its history. Representative Joseph framed Black history as a living story of resilience, innovation, and justice. Representative Jackson said the resolution matters especially amid efforts to erase or minimize Black history, and tied it to Colorado figures and to her own family history. Representative Carter highlighted the importance of naming schools after Black Coloradans and introduced guests, including educators and community members connected to the resolution. Representative Gonzalez also spoke in support and honored a community member, Tony Gomes, who died of cancer. Representative DeGraaf stated full support for the resolution but offered a lengthy amendment to add more historical references, including Black patriots of the American Revolution, Nat Love, James Beckwourth, Harriet Tubman, and the Tuskegee Airmen. The transcript ends during his proposed amendment, and no final vote or disposition on the resolution is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:25.159> education and continuing education and continuing education requirements<00
• <00:05:13.880> to of individuals we regulate continues to of individuals we regulate continues
• in the Minnesota rules continuous in the Minnesota rules continuous evaluation<00:41:30.440>
• onetime basis or is it a continuing onetime basis or is it a continuing engagement<01:09:03.040>
• <01:26:52.679> using it asks for permission to continue using it asks for permission to continue

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill language should continue to be amended. Please just keep us in the loop.
• So we ask for an aye vote to continue this process.
• So it's heartening to hear your commitment to continue to work on the bill.
• So it's heartening to hear your commitment to continue to work on the bill.
• And so we will absolutely continue to work with them.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to continue to have FFT available across the state.
• So, we continue to focus on the 50%.
• We have continued to maintain that at both schools.
• We're hoping to continue that rate moving into 27.
• You may continue. Oh OK.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We continue to need to make these investments as required by the court. Okay, continue. Mr.
• Yep, continue.
• Continue.
• Go ahead, continue. Mr. Chairman. Oh, yes, please. Thank you.
• Gress, please continue. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee met to review the governor’s fiscal 2027 budget presentation, with the chair repeatedly asking members to keep questions brief and avoid speeches. The discussion focused first on the overall revenue and spending outlook, including concerns from members that the executive forecast was more optimistic than the JLBC baseline and that the budget appeared to front-load revenue and expenditure growth. The governor’s budget team said the forecast was close to JLBC’s, that the budget was structurally balanced, and that differences were roughly $100 million per year on ongoing revenue. Members asked for follow-up calculations in writing, including the total multi-year gap and the amount of revenue enhancements above base revenues. A major portion of the meeting centered on tax and fee proposals tied to data centers, water use, and sports betting. The governor’s team defended eliminating the existing data center tax incentive as the removal of a loophole rather than a new tax, arguing the incentive had already succeeded in attracting major investment. They also described a proposed Department of Water Resources fee-setting authority for data centers to support a new Colorado River Protection Fund, and said the proposal would apply to existing and future facilities without a grandfather clause. Members raised concerns about fairness, competitiveness, and whether the changes would require a supermajority vote. The team also discussed increased sports betting fees, saying the revenue forecast did not include dynamic behavioral effects. The committee then moved through major spending areas, including corrections, public safety, border security, cybersecurity, K-12 education, Medicaid, and developmental disabilities. The governor’s budget includes ongoing funding to prevent correctional officer pay cuts, money to comply with prison health care court orders, probation funding, body-worn cameras, law enforcement staffing, fentanyl task forces, and cyber readiness grants. Members questioned the lack of funding for a prison oversight committee and asked for corrections spending totals over the administration. On border security, the executive said it was seeking about $759.7 million in federal reimbursement for border-related costs and that the governor had met with federal officials, including Secretary Noem and Tom Homan, about the request. In education, the budget proposes renewing Prop. 123, adding K-12 base funding, and issuing $1.5 billion in school facilities bonds over three years; members debated whether the proposal was appropriate and whether Prop. 123 revenues could support the debt service. The meeting also covered AHCCCS cost growth and federal HR1 impacts, with the executive warning of major coverage losses and hospital funding reductions, and DDD funding, where the governor’s team said the budget fully funds services and includes about $120 million in supplemental needs. No votes were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let us continue to uplift, celebrate, and protect the voices, stories, legacy, and Let us continue to
• We are continuing and will continue to work on issues of RV, possibly setting a potential limit up there
• Continuing to uphold consumer protections and professional accountability.
• Colleagues, we continue to be at a crossroads in our state's history.
• I would gratefully ask for an aye vote to support their continued business in our state.

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 35 recognizing May as AAPI Heritage Month, with extensive floor remarks from caucus leaders and members highlighting AAPI history, contributions, and solidarity with other communities. The chamber then honored 14 AAPI honorees from across the state, including public servants, advocates, artists, health professionals, and community leaders, before moving to the regular file. On the floor, the Assembly passed a series of bills on social media harms to minors, labor privilege, foster care family-finding, low-impact camping areas, student body association governance, drink-spiking prevention at music festivals, behavioral health access, greenhouse gas recapture, physical therapy access, housing enforcement, insurance licensing, density bonus clarification, water district proxy voting, park district updates, secured transactions, and property tax relief during emergencies. Most measures passed with broad or unanimous support; notable votes included AB 2 on social media platform accountability passing 59-0, AB 1109 on union communications privilege passing 45-4, AB 409 on student body association open meetings passing 55-6, AB 518 on low-impact camping passing 55-0, AB 668 on drink-spiking protections passing 72-0, AB 348 on behavioral health access passing 69-0, AB 663 on HFC recapture passing 71-0, AB 574 on physical therapy access passing 68-0, AB 712 on housing enforcement passing 57-1, AB 943 on insurance pre-licensing reform passing 63-0, AB 87 on density bonus law clarification passing 63-0, AB 523 on Metropolitan Water District proxy voting passing 62-1, AB 769 on park district code cleanup passing 68-0, AB 771 on secured transactions passing 69-0, and AB 1416 on property tax installment deferrals passing 66-0. The Assembly also took up AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Protection Act, which would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service. Supporters described the practice as predatory and discriminatory, while noting ongoing concerns about preserving legitimate discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was presented as a consumer protection measure aimed at preventing hidden price discrimination and reducing cost-of-living pressures. The transcript ends amid repeated and partially duplicated readings of AB 446, without a final vote shown for that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Ag Incentive Grant continues.
• It is crucial to continue this vital program.
• Learn more, we will continue to find ways to improve the program.
• We have had a continual increase in growth of usage of the platform.
• So, we continue to urge our inclusion on the. Agency Council.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The cabinet is given full authority to continue to use those rebates as they have been.
• 2024 serves as authorization to continue 2024 serves as authorization to continue those<00:13:05.079
• PHS1 was a continuation of a committee substitute that started and is now concluded today.
• PHS1 was a continuation of a committee substitute that started and is now concluded today.
• PHS1 was a continuation of a committee substitute that started and is now concluded today.

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:15 HB 537 Discussion 00:01:30 HB 537 Vote 00:05:15 HB 695 Discussion 00:07:00 HB 695 Vote 00:23:15 HJR 31 Discussion 00:27:40 HJR 31 Vote 00:29:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 537, as amended by PHS 1, which was described as a technical measure needed to ensure Kentucky can receive opioid settlement funds despite changes in bankruptcy court orders. The sponsor and Attorney General’s office explained that the bill does not change the settlement formula or substantive terms, but adjusts the mechanism for receiving the money. After brief discussion, the committee adopted PHS 1 and then passed HB 537 out favorably on a 17-0 vote, with one member recording attendance after arriving late. The committee then considered House Bill 695, also amended by PHS 1, a Medicaid stabilization bill. The sponsor said the measure is intended to hold the program steady while the legislature gathers more information and awaits work by a future Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. The bill would limit new waivers, state plan amendments, and coverage expansions; require reporting and record retention; create a Kentucky Medicaid Pharmaceutical Rebate Fund; direct certain behavioral health and managed care changes; and include an emergency clause. Members raised questions about the rebate fund, work requirements, and whether the bill could affect coverage or funding, while supporters emphasized transparency, data collection, and preventing new expansions until oversight is in place. Several members spoke in favor of the bill’s goals but expressed caution about micromanaging a complex program and about possible unintended consequences for beneficiaries. Representative Fleming stressed the need for stronger oversight and noted the potential fiscal impact of federal Medicaid changes. Representative Stevenson voted pass, saying the committee should let the new oversight board handle the issue, and Representative Gentry also passed, citing concern about overreach and the burden of data collection. The committee ultimately reported HB 695 favorably on a 16-1 vote with three pass votes. Afterward, members recorded additional yes votes on HB 537 for the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• Put simply, what we have said here today, and we will continue to say and continue to do, is we will
• Put simply, what we have said here today, and we will continue to say and continue to do, is we will
• Put simply, what we have said here today, and we will continue to say and continue to do, is we will
• Put simply, what we have said here today, and we will continue to say and continue to do, is we will
• and we will continue to say and continue and we will continue to say and continue to<00:18:16.039

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That said, we know we can improve even more with the continued support of the legislature.
• This is an other fund. the agency to continue the Texas SURE program.
• Our excitement and our momentum continue, and we will do everything we can to keep going.
• They'll fulfill two or more statutory roles to ensure continuity of operations.
• There have been three continuances.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they continued to do the assessments.
• And also, at one point, do you know, release that child or individual from needing to continue for continuous
• And also at one point, do, you know, release that child or individual from needing to continue for continuous
• All plans have a continuity of care period.
• And it would also provide for that continuity.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s mental health and substance abuse system, with representatives from DCF, AHCA, two managing entities, and two providers describing how the state’s behavioral health network is funded and operated. Members focused on the implementation of prior legislative investments, especially the $50 million in recurring funding from Representative Maney’s bill and the earlier $126 million community behavioral health appropriation. Witnesses said the newer funds were used mainly for crisis beds, discharge planning, outpatient services, regional collaboratives, and a USF Marchman Act report, while the larger behavioral health appropriation supported CAT, FACT, FIT, forensic teams, residential and outpatient services, and crisis care, with most dollars going directly to services and only a small share to administration. A major theme was access to crisis care and the role of mobile response teams, 988, and central receiving facilities in diverting people from Baker Act admissions and reducing readmissions. DCF and providers said mobile response teams have expanded, are being used to de-escalate crises and connect people to care, and have shown strong diversion results and reductions in Baker Acts in some regions. Members also asked about waitlists, children in crisis, and how to handle people without housing or support; providers said discharge planning is individualized but often constrained by homelessness, transportation, and a lack of safe placements, and several witnesses identified housing as one of the biggest barriers to recovery and stability. The committee also examined provider sustainability, reimbursement, and funding gaps. Witnesses described delays caused by contract timing, cost allocation rules, and Medicaid reimbursement rates that do not always keep pace with labor and operating costs, especially for smaller providers and rural networks. DCF and AHCA said managing entities can provide advances, retroactive rate adjustments, and technical assistance, and that Medicaid managed care plans have network standards and complaint/dispute processes. Members raised concerns about a reported $7 million loss in federal non-sustainable funds, provider closures, and whether there is a formal ombudsman process for disputes; DCF said the federal reductions were known and tied to one-time funds, and that the department generally handles provider issues informally while working with managing entities to preserve continuity of care.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Defense is grateful for the tremendous efforts and support that California continues
• The LCAP is supposed to be a process of facilitating continuous improvement to districts.
• This bill continues California's national leadership on food safety. and school nutrition.
• We need to continue to fill that hole. That's why we have to create a new funding level.
• And so, you know, we certainly, you know, envision a future with CSPA continue perhaps to continue their

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Interviews with counselors continued in earnest.
• So interviews with counselors continued in earnest.
• That continues.
• But for you to continue to look forward in a value...
• And may God bless the families who continue to mourn.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if we continue and collect that sooner rather than stretching it out, and then remember last year
• So, if we continue and collect that sooner rather than stretching it out, and then remember last year
• So, if we continue and collect that sooner rather than stretching it out, and then remember last year
• So, if we continue and collect that sooner rather than stretching it out, and then remember last year
• So, if we continue and collect that sooner rather than stretching it out, and then remember last year

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Legislators and reporters discussed the final contours of a Minnesota bonding and tax package centered on a $1.2 billion capital investment bill. Supporters said the bill would fund state and local infrastructure projects, maintain state assets, and include anti-fraud measures such as electronic verification for service providers and a 100% excess tax on fraud proceeds to prevent offenders from profiting. They also said the package would backfill road-and-bridge funding so the fee reduction would not reduce transportation dollars. A major point of emphasis was a temporary reduction in tab fees, described as a $254 million savings for taxpayers in 2027. Republicans said the reduction was a top priority and that it was secured through negotiations, though they acknowledged it is only a one-year reprieve unless changed in a future session. They estimated the average savings at about $145 on a $50,000 vehicle, with larger savings for households with multiple vehicles. They also noted that the first proposal had included both a depreciation change and a rate change, but only the rate cut remained in the final compromise. In response to questions, lawmakers said the tab fee cut was driven by constituent complaints and that they would try to extend it next year. They also discussed related transportation issues, including accelerating collection of an auto parts sales tax and concerns about greenhouse gas-related costs for roads and bridges. On other topics, one lawmaker said gun control proposals in the House were not part of these negotiations and urged continued movement on the broader package. No formal vote was taken in the exchange, but participants expressed confidence that the bonding portion of the deal was largely settled, while some details of the full package still needed to be finalized.