Transcript Highlights:

• And that is something that is unique to students at Minnesota State receiving a Minnesota State grant
• And that is something that is unique to students at Minnesota State receiving a Minnesota State grant
• </c><00:30:43.760><c> state</c> covered because under Minnesota state covered because under Minnesota
• </c> lowcost institutions such as Minnesota lowcost institutions such as Minnesota State<00:30:56.399
• State receiving a students at Minnesota State receiving a Minnesota<00:31:14.960><c> State</c><00:31

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> District if you're in Greater Minnesota District if you're in Greater Minnesota if<00:05:07.520>
• </c><00:16:27.480><c> housing</c> of Cambridge commissioned housing of Cambridge commissioned housing
• Now I'd like to open up for public testimony. Is anyone here for public testimony? Nope.
• safety and public works.
• safety and public works.

Summary: The committee heard House File 1987, the Minnesota Starter Home Act, and first adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which made minor cleanup changes, removed sections two and three, adjusted ADU language, and tweaked density language. The bill authors described the measure as a bipartisan effort to address Minnesota’s housing shortage by allowing more starter homes, duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units, while also limiting some local zoning barriers and preserving city protections in certain sensitive areas. They emphasized that the state has a large housing gap, rising home prices, and that the bill is intended as one part of a broader housing package. Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Housing First Minnesota, Habitat for Humanity, AARP Minnesota, and Americans for Prosperity. These witnesses argued that workforce and starter-home shortages are hurting families, employers, and economic growth; that restrictive zoning and lengthy approval processes raise costs; and that more middle housing and ADUs would expand options for older adults, caregivers, working families, and people seeking homeownership. Several supporters said the bill would reduce regulatory barriers, lower development costs, and help communities add needed housing supply. Opposition or cautionary testimony came from city and municipal representatives, including officials from Cambridge, Eagan, and Mankato, as well as the League of Minnesota Cities and related groups. They argued that local governments already are approving substantial housing growth and need flexibility to manage zoning, parking, infrastructure, stormwater, and community input. They warned the bill could weaken local control, remove practical standards, and create unintended impacts such as more rental conversion in some neighborhoods or development without adequate infrastructure. No final vote on the bill itself was shown in the transcript beyond adoption of the A1 amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:42:01.760><c> both</c> commission and a commission meaning both commission and a commission meaning
• </c> commission the vote of the commission commission the vote of the commission was<01:49:01.719><c>
• We've had a gaming commission, or study, on a gaming commission ongoing for the past two years.
• that commission also.
• "Seeing none, I'll close the public hearing on HB 540. That concludes today's public hearings.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 135, introduced by Representative Michael Harrington. He said the bill would codify a portion of the New Hampshire Constitution to bar New Hampshire businesses from being required to collect sales or use taxes for other states unless Congress mandates it, arguing that the U.S. Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision created an onerous compliance burden for businesses. He described the patchwork of state and local sales tax rules, thresholds, and product exemptions as extremely complex and said the bill was intended to push the issue back toward Congress and the courts. Members questioned whether the bill’s reference to a “foreign government” would apply to other U.S. states, whether the proposal would conflict with the Supremacy Clause, and whether it would create standing for businesses to challenge Wayfair. Harrington responded that “foreign government” meant any government other than New Hampshire, that he believed the state could challenge the decision in court by passing a law contrary to Wayfair, and that businesses were already being harmed by compliance costs. Some members raised concerns about whether the bill was an unfunded mandate or simply a private compliance burden, and Harrington argued that the state itself would not be collecting the taxes, but businesses would still face recordkeeping and administrative costs. Sam Garland of the Department of Justice then testified. He said the department was not taking a formal position on the bill, but offered technical comments. Garland acknowledged that Wayfair created significant compliance burdens and noted that states have become somewhat more uniform, with all states now having a $100,000 economic nexus threshold, though not all use the 200-transaction threshold and local tax variation remains substantial. He said the department’s concerns were legal, describing the issue as uncharted constitutional territory involving both vertical and horizontal federalism. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said Minnesota is no different.
• </c> I realize I did not take public I realize I did not take public testimony<00:32:35.720><c> really
• </c> 102 seeing none I will close public 102 seeing none I will close public testimony<00:42:48.760><
• </c> the great start for all Minnesota the great start for all Minnesota children<01:00:16.079><c> task
• </c> now we will move to test public now we will move to test public testimony<01:09:35.000><c> and</

Bills: HF2436 , HF470 , HF2643 , HF2456 , HF102 , HF1367

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• the public.
• the public.
• to the laws of Minnesota.
• to the laws of Minnesota.
• </c><00:27:01.520><c> that</c> happening within Minnesota that happening within Minnesota that Minnesota

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• As some of you know, I was on the Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission before I was on here.
• Minnesota to date. We have not detected Minnesota to date.
• </c> in Minnesota. in Minnesota.
• We're privileged to be able to manage for the people of Minnesota some extensive public lands.
• of Minnesota some extensive public<02:17:48.000><c> lands.

Summary: The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council met on May 27, 2026, approved the January 7 minutes and the day’s agenda, and reported no conflicts of interest. The executive director gave staff updates, including introductions of new staff member Cara Castanza and DNR liaison Jason Co., both of whom were welcomed by the council. Members were also informed about three minor easement/conveyance matters in the packet, including a small Bowser easement impact with about $1,600 returned to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, a Minnesota Land Trust easement request involving a DNR trout stream easement, and an access easement revision in Itasca County. The council also noted several upcoming dedication events and a June field tour in southeast Minnesota beginning in Winona on June 16, with visits to Whitewater WMA, bluff prairie and stream sites, and a river segment if a boat is secured. A major agenda item was a legislative session recap on the Outdoor Heritage Fund portion of Senate File 2077, the omnibus Outdoor Heritage Fund, Legacy, and Lands bill. Staff reported that all council recommendations were incorporated into the bill, which passed both chambers on May 17 and was expected to be signed by the governor. The fiscal year 2027 Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations covered 53 programs totaling about $188.9 million, with the February forecast increasing the appropriation slightly so the final total was about $191.16 million; eligible programs were proportionately increased. Staff also highlighted a few changes made during the legislative process, including adjustments to the Roso Lake rehabilitation phase three project, the conservation partners legacy grant language, and statutory provisions affecting the council. The recap also covered policy changes in the bill: a public member term limit of eight years, with a short vacancy exception and transition rules for current members; a revised executive director hiring process allowing the Legislative Coordinating Commission to provide support while preserving the council’s final hiring authority and permitting closed meetings for candidate discussions; and an extension of the Upper Mississippi River invasive carp deterrent design deadline to June 30, 2027. Members discussed the Roso Lake amendment at length, with Senator Lang and Representative Burkel explaining that the added delay and injunction-related language were intended to address local concerns and preserve the council’s process while litigation proceeds. The meeting ended without any additional formal action beyond receiving the updates and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm looking at page 27 where it talks about public health. Mr.
• the public libraries that are scattered around the state of Oklahoma.
• And I think those were very Valuable for us and for the public.
• We've got the public budget meetings that take place.
• Nobody saw the increase in utilization in Medicaid and Medicaid utilization.

Bills: HB3418 , HB3985 , HB3463 , HB3002 , HB4303 , HB3919 , HB3416 , HB3417 , HB3415 , HB2206 , HB3414 , HB3265 , HB3310 , HB3413 , HB4486 , HB1219 , SR39 , SB1177 , HB3298 , HB2696 , HB3941 , HB3970 , HB3264 , HB3321 , HB2650 , HB3497 , HB3980 , HB3981 , HB4421 , HB3177 , HB3322 , HB3499 , HB3500 , HB3845 , HB3742 , HB3622 , HB1250 , HB2710 , HB3831 , HB4408 , HB1002 , HB3008 , HB3086 , HB3595 , HB3678 , HB4107 , HB3695 , HB3315 , HB3590 , HB3006 , HB3151 , HB2959 , HB2398 , HB3026 , HB3467 , HB4268 , HB3372 , HB2210 , HB4359 , HB4427

Keywords: public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust, electronic bidding, school districts, property rights, public nuisance, compensation claims, government enforcement, Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, municipal audit, state auditor, local government, financial transparency, gasoline tax allocations, counties, county officers, education

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill proposes a task Minnesota.
• public resources.
• to the misuse of public funds or public<00:37:14.160><c> resources.
• </c> at Minnesota Management and Budget. at Minnesota Management and Budget.
• the</c> commission commission staff on the commission commission staff on the amendment.<01:12:24.719

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Four grants were made for Faribault Public Schools Adult Education, Minneapolis College, Minnesota North
• Four grants were made for Faribault Public Schools Adult Education, Minneapolis College, Minnesota North
• public sectors our public nonprofit and public sectors our public two<00:56:37.799><c> years</c><00:56
• And the dollars can only be used at our public colleges or universities in the state of Minnesota.
• to help Minnesota undergraduates pursue a degree at both public and private institutions in our state

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:01.000><c> supplemental</c> housing support Minnesota supplemental housing support Minnesota
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid is $136 million.
• </c><00:10:16.120><c> supplemental</c> is $167 million Minnesota supplemental is $167 million Minnesota
• Minnesota has a strong per capita GDP, which means Minnesota receives the lower bound of the federal
• Minnesota has a strong per capita GDP, which means Minnesota receives the lower bound of the federal

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess, speaking of the Minnesota case, the only thing that I would ask, or perhaps we consider as far
• we changed the language to reflect how premeditated this assassination of an elected official in Minnesota
• . ...how premeditated this assassination of an elected official in Minnesota was.
• And that was to employ or utilize To employ or utilize the research arm of the Evans School, which, as
• And I just want to remind you all that the previous research we've done, for example, the publication

Summary: The Joint Select Committee on Civic Health met to revisit its work and discuss next steps before the committee’s resolution expires unless reenacted. The chair updated members on related efforts, including the Project for Civic Health’s three principles—engage with respect, seek common ground, and disagree constructively—and a successful WASLE training program for newly elected city council members. Members also reviewed a draft committee statement condemning political violence and supporting nonviolent, non-abusive, productive dialogue. The group made several edits, including removing the word “crazed,” adding “non-abusive,” and changing the closing language to be more inclusive of nonreligious members by using “hope and pray.” The committee then discussed a proposed Evans School research project to survey legislators about civility, collaboration, and legislative working relationships. Members generally supported the idea, while one member asked how the project would measure progress and achieve its goals. The chair said the survey would help gather broad input and that the committee would encourage participation, with results expected by December. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on how to improve civility and relationship-building in the legislature. Members described the value of informal dinners, breakfasts, and one-on-one conversations across party lines, and several said there are now fewer opportunities for such interaction than in the past. Suggestions included in-person committee meetings, a retreat, mentoring newer legislators, and bringing back outside facilitators such as Tom Little from the National Institute for Civil Discourse. No formal votes were taken, but the committee agreed to proceed with the violence statement and to move forward with the Evans School survey, pending remaining digital signatures from several members.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota. Minnesota. Yay. Hey, Gophers. Minnesota. Yay. Minnesota. Yay.
• Utilities Commission, along with two special revenue accounts, which are the pro fund and the renewable
• Minnesota is getting warmer, Minnesota.
• Minnesota lakes in northern Minnesota.
• Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we will not be utilizing that clock today.
• So again, I'm here speaking as administrator of the Soil Water Conservation Commission.
• Conservation Commission, as well as anybody else in the public that had an interest to provide input
• Within this structure, the Soil and Water Conservation Commission would retain all...
• with the commission?

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We're the only public university that's Division II.
• State Moorhead, Minnesota Duluth, St.
• We're the only public university that's Division II.
• State Moorhead, Minnesota Duluth, St.
• Publication there is almost like a table of contents.

Summary: The committee met on the Minot State campus for a presentation from President Shirley and several university leaders on enrollment, academics, workforce initiatives, and partnerships. Shirley reviewed the university’s financial audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings in recent years, and highlighted Minot State’s major programs, specialized accreditations, and ties to Minot Air Force Base and NCAA Division II athletics. Members asked about education workforce shortages, athletic tuition waivers, dual credit incentives, and the university’s in-state tuition policy for all students. Shirley also discussed the university’s recruitment efforts, including the Hometown Pride and Academic Excellence scholarships, campus visit growth, and the Emerging Scholars dual-credit reimbursement program. A major focus was workforce development and new academic offerings supported by legislative Workforce Education Innovation Funds. Shirley described the new Innovation Engineering program, which was developed with industry input to train broadly skilled engineers for western North Dakota, and said it had already drawn more applicants than expected. Dr. Crystal St. Peter presented a new master’s program in counseling that integrates mental health and addiction counseling to address statewide provider shortages, with a hybrid format to reach rural students. Members asked about licensure requirements, internship hours, and job placement for graduates. Shirley also outlined a new nursing simulation center and health sciences space in downtown Minot, made possible by state support and the purchase of the former Trinity Health Center West building. The committee also heard about Minot State’s efforts to build pipelines into education and special education, including the Aspire program for rural high school students and an online paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Shirley said these programs, along with new articulation agreements and a large Bush Foundation grant, are intended to address teacher shortages and keep students in North Dakota. No formal committee votes or actions were taken during the presentation; the session consisted of informational updates and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> themselves or to the public. themselves or to the public.
• Commission. Commission.
• </c> commission first. commission first.
• &gt;&gt; In<02:29:39.680><c> Minnesota,</c> &gt;&gt; In Minnesota, &gt;&gt; In Minnesota, there<02:29
• </c> instead of commission. instead of commission.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 3123, which would treat free tuition or school-conditioned enrollment at private educational institutions as a conditional gift rather than a contractual obligation unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Office of the Governor supported the bill, and Kamehameha Schools and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools strongly backed it, saying it would protect donor intent, preserve school-ohana relationships, and help maintain tuition assistance and educational access for families. A committee member commented favorably on the unity among school organizations, and there were no objections raised before the committee moved on. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2438, which creates a civil cause of action for interference with constitutional and statutory rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion, with private and government enforcement options and protections for constitutionally protected speech. Testifiers from the Community Alliance on Prisons and a know-your-rights educator supported the measure as a civil rights protection grounded in the Hawaii Constitution. No opposition testimony was presented during the hearing, and the measure appeared to receive general support from those who testified. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 3142, which establishes offenses for dangerous and habitual dangerous intoxication and allows civil protective custody and emergency examination in lieu of arrest in certain cases. The Attorney General, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Department of Health, and Department of Human Services supported the bill as a treatment-oriented diversion tool for people who are dangerously intoxicated and at risk to themselves or the public. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, warning it could expand police discretion, burden emergency rooms, and function as a loss of liberty without sufficient treatment resources, while committee members questioned whether the bill would simply cycle people through emergency rooms and back onto the street. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the chair said decision-making would occur at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> mistake to make Minnesota the fourth. mistake to make Minnesota the fourth.
• This type of forward-thinking approach will ensure Minnesota can continue to access critical public programs
• This type of forward-thinking approach will ensure Minnesota can continue to access critical public programs
• This type of forward-thinking approach will ensure Minnesota can continue to access critical public programs
• Minnesota? Minnesota? &gt;&gt; Commissioner<01:42:42.960><c> Marquart.

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:42:49.040><c> in</c> to the Legislative Audit Commission in to the Legislative Audit Commission
• Minnesota law defines what information about a state employee discipline is public, and we will be as
• ><c> information</c> Minnesota law defines what information Minnesota law defines what information about
• Minnesota without the OLA uncovering Minnesota without the OLA uncovering that.<01:17:36.360><c> Um</
• </c> but it may not do so without public but it may not do so without public notice<01:34:47.720><c>

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• </c> across the whole state of Minnesota. across the whole state of Minnesota.
• :18.080><c> and</c> Minnesota fam- Minnesota veterans and Minnesota fam- Minnesota veterans and their
• The Minnesota GI Minnesota statutes.
• </c> bigger deal than it is not utilized. bigger deal than it is not utilized.

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans met on March 4, 2026, and began with a moment of silence honoring Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake, who was killed while serving in Kuwait. The committee then took up Senate File 3956, an MDVA policy bill giving the commissioner clearer authority to direct staff time and other non-monetary resources toward partnerships with organizations serving veterans, especially on food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and related efforts. MDVA and Disabled American Veterans testified that the bill would help them work more quickly and clearly with outside partners, including food pantry and outreach efforts, while remaining focused on non-monetary support. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment narrowing the bill to the three named priorities and removing the broader “other critical issues” language; the amendment was adopted after discussion about whether the reporting language also needed adjustment. SF 3956, as amended, was laid over for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate File 3955, which would create a new procedure for temporary closure of a Minnesota veterans home if an involuntary termination notice requires it, bringing state law into closer alignment with federal expectations. MDVA emphasized that it had no intention of permanently closing any veterans homes and that the bill was intended only to establish a temporary closure plan to satisfy survey requirements. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment clarifying that any closure would be temporary unless the legislature approved a permanent closure; MDVA and the Department of Health indicated the change was acceptable. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to recommend SF 3955, as amended, to pass and refer it to the full committee. Finally, the committee began Senate File 4072, an MDVA cleanup and conformity bill. After adopting a technical A3 amendment, MDVA explained that the bill would reclassify the Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief of Staff role as Deputy Commissioner for Administration to better reflect the scope of the position, and would also repeal outdated statutes related to environmental hazards assistance and a data-collection requirement that the department said it could not implement. The bill was still being presented when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SF 4072 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Joint Commission, of course, accredits hospitals.
• We’ll move on to public testimony. There’s appearance cards: Vance Ayrins. I’m sorry.
• To do so, OPAGA utilized information and data from state and federal entities.
• It establishes minimum educational training and experience requirements to protect public safety, and
• Minnesota allots no more than one board member per congressional district.

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills, most of them focused on drowning prevention and public safety. SB 428, by Senator Yarborough, would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA representatives emphasized Florida’s high drowning rates, especially among very young children, and argued that swim lessons can significantly reduce risk. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit the funding allocation as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 606, by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing practices to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer requires home birth providers to maintain proof of compliance. A parent who lost a child to drowning and Senator Berman spoke in strong support, stressing that the bill would educate new parents at a critical time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute. SB 162, by Senator Davis, would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively low-cost and already used in many facilities, while several witnesses supported the bill as a worker-safety measure. Other senators raised concerns about the lack of data, possible rural hospital impacts, and whether the mandate could add costs without clear evidence of harm. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 340, by Senator Harrell, requiring nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, after amending the bill to shift the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves. Testimony from a trafficking survivor and nursing advocates supported the measure, and it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; chiropractic industry representatives supported the change, and the bill was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Joint Commission, of course, accredits hospitals.
• We'll move on to public testimony. There are appearance cards: Vance Ayrins—I'm sorry.
• To do so, OPAGA utilized information and data from state and federal entities... ...to do so, OPAGA utilized
• It establishes minimum educational training and experience requirements to protect public safety, and
• Minnesota allots no more than one board member per congressional district.

Bills: S0428 , S0606 , S0192 , S0162 , S0340

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and took up several health-related bills, with a strong focus on drowning prevention and patient safety. SB 428 by Senator Yarborough would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. Supporters, including a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA leadership, cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be available to more children. Senator Harrell noted the need to consider increasing the program’s funding as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 606 by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum materials provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer home birth providers. A parent who lost a child to drowning testified in support, and senators emphasized the preventability of such deaths. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 340 by Senator Harrell would require nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure; after a strike-all amendment shifted the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves, the bill received support from advocates and was reported favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also considered SB 162 by Senator Davis, which would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already common in many facilities, while opponents and some senators questioned the medical evidence, enforcement, and possible impacts on rural and smaller facilities. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with some members voting no. SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, would remove the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change as pro-small-business, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation comparing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system with other states, focusing on board autonomy, rulemaking oversight, board composition, appointments, term limits, and funding mechanisms.