Transcript Highlights:

• 14:09.279><c> just</c><00:14:09.360><c> going</c><00:14:09.480><c> talk</c><00:14:09.600><c> about</c
• </c><00:14:10.120><c> a</c><00:14:10.240><c> little</c><00:14:10.399><c> bit</c><00:14:10.600><c> so<
• body and<00:14:17.320><c> the</c><00:14:17.480><c> change</c><00:14:17.759><c> does</c><00:14:18.000
• businesses will<00:14:22.600><c> be</c><00:14:22.720><c> eligible</c><00:14:23.519><c> to</c><00:14:
• 14:26.079><c> so</c><00:14:26.639><c> if</c><00:14:26.759><c> I</c><00:14:26.880><c> could</c><00:14:

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

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > to</c><00:14:03.199><c> happen,</c><00:14:04.320><c> it</c><00:14:04.560><c> it</c><00:14:05.279><c
• 14:12.639><c> many</c><00:14:12.880><c> thousands</c><00:14:13.440><c> of</c><00:14:13.680><c> people
• ><c> the</c><00:14:26.720><c> utility</c><00:14:27.440><c> that</c><00:14:27.839><c> needs</c><00:14:
• </c><00:14:33.279><c> Um</c><00:14:33.760><c> I</c><00:14:34.160><c> see</c><00:14:34.800><c> no</c>
• Um I see no way<00:14:35.360><c> out</c><00:14:36.240><c> of</c><00:14:37.600><c> something</c><00:14

Bills: SB99 , SB585 , SB2060 , SB2069 , SB2110 , SB2115 , SB2152 , SB2211 , SB2259 , SB2315 , SB2342 , SB2382 , SB2442 , SB2446 , SB2485 , SB2544 , SB2577 , SB2580 , SB2861 , SB2919 , SB3326

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: SB99, Hawaii, Employees' Retirement System, ERS, retirant, retiree rehiring, reemployment after retirement, retirement benefits, benefit suspension, school resource officer, SRO, public school safety, Department of Law Enforcement, DLE, labor shortage, difficult-to-fill position, teacher shortage, charter school, mentor teacher, vacancy rate

Summary: The Committee on Ways and Means met for decision-making only and adopted recommendations on a long list of Senate bills, with no oral testimony taken. Early actions included SB 99 to pass unamended, SB 585 to pass with a date correction to 2015, SB 2060 to pass with amendments involving public project lists, legislative approval for fund transfers, and removal of certain appropriations, and SB 2069 to pass with amendments extending a sunset date and requiring transit-oriented development zoning. The committee also advanced several other measures, including SB 2110, SB 215, SB 2259, SB 2382, SB 2442, and SB 2485 unamended, while SB 2152, SB 2315, SB 2446, SB 2919, SB 2577, SB 2580, and SB 2861 were moved with various amendments, mostly date changes, appropriation blanks, or technical clarifications. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 2211, where Department of Human Services officials explained how the department was covering costs by using restricted funds and shifting Med-QUEST funding, and noted a need for $14 million plus support for $16.5 million in ACA enhanced tax credit subsidies. The chair indicated the bill would move forward with amendments, including blanking the appropriation pending more information on lapses, and the recommendation was adopted. SB 2544 was also amended to remove a specific appropriation and replace it with a blank cap on funds from DUR, and SB 2342 was amended to require projects to be in transit-oriented development zones and to reflect prior committee concurrence. The most extended debate was on SB 3326, which would address utility restructuring. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it could raise rates, worsen reliability issues, and disrupt an existing utility without a clear plan, especially given island-specific conditions. Supporters argued the bill would separate generation from transmission and distribution, create competition, protect union jobs, and respond to aging infrastructure and financial weakness in the utility sector. After recesses and discussion of the Public Utilities Commission’s role, the chair changed the recommendation from pass unamended to pass with amendments requiring the PUC to conduct a study, provide an interim report before the next session, and a final report the following session. That amended recommendation was adopted, and the meeting then adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.840><c> pit</c><00:14:03.160><c> one</c><00:14:03.480><c> group</c><00:14:03.760><c> of</c><00:14
• </c><00:14:12.640><c> of</c><00:14:12.760><c> what</c><00:14:12.960><c> they</c><00:14:13.120><c> do.
• c><00:14:23.760><c> just</c><00:14:24.120><c> as</c><00:14:24.280><c> proud</c><00:14:25.240><c> as</
• And they<00:14:27.800><c> are</c><00:14:27.920><c> just</c><00:14:28.240><c> as</c><00:14:28.360><c>
• And<00:14:29.920><c> so</c><00:14:30.160><c> I</c><00:14:30.240><c> hope</c><00:14:30.520><c> that</c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c> link</c><00:14:06.839><c> is</c><00:14:06.959><c> it</c><00:14:07.120><c> might</c><00:14:07.240><
• </c><00:14:25.040><c> to</c><00:14:25.399><c> to</c><00:14:25.639><c> put</c><00:14:26.320><c> U</c><
• </c><00:14:33.040><c> provided</c><00:14:33.600><c> to</c><00:14:34.000><c> the</c><00:14:34.240><c>
• </c><00:14:39.120><c> kind</c><00:14:39.199><c> of</c><00:14:39.320><c> suggest</c><00:14:40.120><c>
• <00:14:45.360><c> if</c><00:14:45.480><c> you</c><00:14:46.199><c> put</c><00:14:46.320><c> in</c><00

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:12 Discussion on 2025 Regular Session Proposals 00:01:00 Discussion for Future Meetings 00:18:25, 958, all

Summary: The Investments in IT Improvements and Modernization Projects Oversight Board met for its first meeting, approved the minutes from November 13, 2024, and then discussed BR 355, a bill draft intended to revise and clarify the board’s governing statute based on its first year of experience. The draft would rename the body as the Information Technology Oversight Committee, add or refine definitions for cybersecurity projects/systems and legacy projects/systems, move the annual submission deadline earlier, and require a six-year outline and funding-source information for transition planning. Members and staff said the bill was largely a codification of current practice, with no major controversy. State Budget Director John Hicks and CIO Jim Baird offered technical comments and suggested several drafting changes: using “system” instead of “project” for legacy and cybersecurity references, adjusting the first reporting deadline to give agencies more time if the bill becomes law in March, and clarifying that the statute should ask agencies for estimated expenditures and funding sources rather than implying an electronic link to the budget request. They also suggested that the linkage to the budget process could be handled through budget instructions rather than statute. Members discussed whether the six-year outline should be biennial and agreed that the April timing fit the capital planning process. After the discussion, the board agreed in principle to revise the draft along those lines, including changing the terminology, making the six-year outline biennial, and refining the budget-related language. The board also discussed future meeting dates and agreed to meet on Fridays upon adjournment, with February and March meetings to be scheduled later. The meeting ended with a motion and second to adjourn, which passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:11.560><c> Um</c><00:14:12.040><c> the</c><00:14:12.120><c> last</c><00:14:12.400><c> numbers
• :14:13.320><c> 52</c><00:14:13.720><c> million</c><00:14:14.040><c> a</c><00:14:14.120><c> year.
• :14:41.079><c> to</c><00:14:41.200><c> find</c><00:14:41.480><c> a</c><00:14:41.520><c> new</c><00:14
• </c><00:14:48.000><c> Well,</c><00:14:48.200><c> we</c><00:14:48.320><c> can</c><00:14:48.520><c> do<
• </c><00:14:49.959><c> Did</c><00:14:50.040><c> I</c><00:14:50.120><c> mention</c><00:14:50.440><c> I<

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Education Finance and Policy leaders discussed House File 3493, a school safety package presented as a bipartisan, common-sense effort to protect students in public, non-public, tribal, and charter schools. Rep. Brian Lawrence said the bill would provide more school safety funding, more student mental health support, local anonymous threat reporting options, safe school plans, and student discipline reforms. Chair Peggy Bennett and Rep. Ben Bakeberg emphasized that the proposal was intended to be flexible, practical, and responsive to local needs rather than a one-size-fits-all mandate. Several questions focused on whether the package would include gun restrictions, but the authors said the committee was focused on education-related tools it could control and on areas of agreement. They repeatedly said they were not willing to advance a package that left any students out, including those in non-public or tribal schools. Bennett said schools should be able to opt into anonymous threat reporting systems rather than being mandated, arguing schools are already overmandated and that good ideas will be adopted voluntarily. Members also discussed funding, including a proposed $50 million shift from Northern Lights money and the overall size of the appropriation, which was described as still unsettled but roughly $52 million a year in the latest figures. The speakers said the package was being moved during committee deadlines and that they wanted to act quickly on the areas where there was agreement. They expressed frustration that no Democratic counterproposal had been brought forward and said they hoped to pass a school safety package that could keep all kids safe.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:14:04.760><c> don't</c><00:14:04.960><c> take</c><00:14:05.120><c> it</c><00:14:05.200><c> for<
• </c> When<00:14:08.240><c> you</c><00:14:08.360><c> say</c><00:14:08.560><c> things</c><00:14:08.880>
• Well,<00:14:12.560><c> you</c><00:14:12.680><c> know,</c><00:14:12.839><c> I</c><00:14:13.079><c> I</
• 14:21.640><c> we'll</c><00:14:21.839><c> have</c><00:14:22.680><c> in</c><00:14:22.839><c> the</c><00
• <00:14:23.680><c> and</c><00:14:24.400><c> in</c><00:14:24.560><c> such</c><00:14:25.160><c> years</c

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Republicans announced the formation of the Minnesota Latino Caucus as a sub-caucus of the House Republican Caucus. Chair John Koznick said the group is intended to give Latino conservatives a voice, promote “common sense” and right-of-center policies, and reach Latino communities across Minnesota, especially around affordability, lower taxes, less regulation, and government accountability. Representatives Bedell Duran and Erica Schwartz joined Koznick as founding members and described the caucus as a response to the diversity of Latino communities and the need for representation beyond a single political viewpoint. The members emphasized personal backgrounds and constituent outreach. Koznick discussed his adoption from Colombia and his long involvement with Latino advocacy groups, while Duran and Schwartz spoke about their districts, family histories, and experiences that shaped their politics. They said Latino Minnesotans live throughout the state, work in many fields, and should not be viewed as a monolithic voting bloc. They also highlighted issues such as education, postsecondary achievement, entrepreneurship, public safety, and the economic impact of immigrants and Latinos. In response to questions, the lawmakers said the caucus was not created solely because of recent Latino voting patterns, but they acknowledged Republican gains among Latino voters and said they want to continue competing for Latino support. They also said immigration policy should be clearer and more transparent, while supporting secure borders and reform. Koznick said he has bipartisan relationships with Latino legislators and pointed to support for a Hispanic or Latino art museum in St. Paul as an example of possible cross-party cooperation. No formal votes were taken; the event was a caucus launch and press availability, and the members said they would hold a celebratory kickoff later that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:01.560><c> Chairman,</c><00:14:02.440><c> members</c><00:14:03.120><c> of</c><00:14:03.680
• Uh Uh Uh This<00:14:07.320><c> may</c><00:14:07.680><c> seem</c><00:14:08.080><c> to</c><00:14:08.200
• ><c> be</c><00:14:08.920><c> May</c><00:14:09.000><c> I</c><00:14:09.040><c> go</c><00:14:09.160><c>
• Um Um Um This<00:14:13.360><c> may</c><00:14:13.520><c> seem</c><00:14:14.080><c> a</c><00:14:14.160>
• <c> little</c><00:14:14.400><c> bit</c><00:14:14.560><c> of</c><00:14:14.680><c> a</c><00:14:14.760><

Committee: Senate State & Local Government

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:10 Attendance Roll Call: 00:15 SB 133 Discussion: 00:52 SB 133 Vote: 05:01 SB 226 Discussion: 06:10 SB 226 Vote: 09:36 SJR 62 Discussion: 10:22 SJR 62 Vote: 12:55 SB 261 Discussion: 13:42 SB 261 Vote: 18:19 SB 262 Discussion: 19:10 SB 262 Vote: 26:36 Adjournment: 28:02, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> that</c><00:14:02.560><c> can</c><00:14:02.720><c> do</c><00:14:02.800><c> a</c><00:14:03.040><c
• :04.000><c> of</c><00:14:04.160><c> how</c><00:14:04.240><c> the</c><00:14:04.399><c> bill</c><00:14:
• ><c> I</c><00:14:11.519><c> know</c><00:14:11.680><c> we've</c><00:14:11.839><c> got</c><00:14:12.000
• <00:14:16.560><c> Uh</c><00:14:17.199><c> Ron,</c><00:14:17.440><c> or</c><00:14:17.600><c> would</c>
• <00:14:17.760><c> we</c><00:14:17.839><c> like</c><00:14:18.000><c> to</c><00:14:18.160><c> refer</c>

Bills: HF4141 , HF3951

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing authority, criminal penalty, assault, public safety, redevelopment, submetered utility service, tenant rights, digital payment, eviction protection, housing policy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So let's move<00:14:02.160><c> on</c><00:14:02.320><c> to</c><00:14:02.480><c> the</c><00:14:02.639><
• &gt;&gt; I<00:14:06.079><c> didn't</c><00:14:06.240><c> know</c><00:14:06.320><c> we</c><00:14:06.480
• Okay, let's<00:14:09.199><c> move</c><00:14:09.360><c> on</c><00:14:09.519><c> to</c><00:14:09.680><c
• Call<00:14:10.320><c> the</c><00:14:10.480><c> first</c><00:14:10.639><c> speaker,</c><00:14:11.040><
• ;&gt; how<00:14:14.720><c> long</c><00:14:14.880><c> are</c><00:14:14.959><c> we</c><00:14:15.120><c>

Bills: SB88 , SB337 , SB88 , SB337 , HB623

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: expungement, criminal records, courts, victim rights, rehabilitation, Alabama law, SB337, Montgomery County, probate judge, judge of probate, county officer compensation, salary increase, circuit judge parity, local legislation, county commission, general fund, public official pay, judicial compensation, Montgomery County Legislation, construction management

Transcript Highlights:

• > the</c><00:14:02.399><c> for</c><00:14:02.639><c> the</c><00:14:02.880><c> season</c><00:14:03.120>
• to work you<00:14:03.680><c> know</c><00:14:03.760><c> on</c><00:14:03.839><c> a</c><00:14:04.000><c
• workers<00:14:08.480><c> here</c><00:14:08.720><c> on</c><00:14:08.959><c> time</c><00:14:09.279><c>
• c><00:14:11.680><c> if</c><00:14:11.839><c> you're</c><00:14:12.079><c> you</c><00:14:12.240><c> know
• and if you<00:14:15.680><c> know</c><00:14:15.760><c> if</c><00:14:15.920><c> that</c><00:14:16.399>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: State legislators and farm leaders held an impromptu discussion focused on the impact of federal immigration enforcement activity, especially ICE presence in Minnesota, on agriculture and rural communities. Speakers argued that agriculture is central to the state’s economy and said fear of raids is causing legal immigrant and guest workers, including H-2A workers, to stay home, disrupting farms, food processors, restaurants, grocery stores, and other parts of the food supply chain. They also linked the issue to broader federal uncertainty, including USDA funding freezes and cuts, and said the lack of transparency from federal agencies is making it difficult for state officials and producers to plan. Senator Rob Kupec and Minnesota Farmers Union president Gary Wertish said ICE activity in both the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota is creating fear, trauma, and labor shortages, with reports of workers avoiding work, lunch trips, medical appointments, and school. Wertish said the organization supports comprehensive immigration reform and called for an end to the ICE surge, while also emphasizing the need to respect local law enforcement and the rule of law. Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Andrea Vaubel said immigrants are a critical part of Minnesota’s food and agriculture workforce, warned that labor shortages could raise production costs and food prices, and said the state would not have its current food supply without immigrant workers. In response to questions, speakers said they had anecdotal reports from rural areas such as Pelican Rapids, Willmar, and Detroit Lakes, but that the situation is changing quickly and many incidents may not yet be public. They said the lack of coordination with local law enforcement and the use of masks contribute to fear and confusion. Legislators said they have no direct jurisdiction over ICE operations but see their role as documenting what is happening, communicating with constituents, and avoiding state actions that would worsen the problem. They also said the issue is not purely partisan and may be mobilizing concern across political lines, especially among farmers worried about labor availability for planting and other seasonal work.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:02.520><c> One</c><00:14:02.640><c> of</c><00:14:02.720><c> them</c><00:14:03.040><c> that
• c> we</c><00:14:06.280><c> need</c><00:14:06.440><c> to</c><00:14:06.560><c> do</c><00:14:06.720><c>
• ><c> so</c><00:14:08.680><c> that</c><00:14:08.920><c> they</c><00:14:09.080><c> can</c><00:14:09.640
• </c><00:14:18.360><c> There's</c><00:14:18.600><c> a</c><00:14:18.640><c> lot</c><00:14:18.880><c> of
• </c><00:14:22.520><c> Um</c><00:14:22.839><c> and</c><00:14:23.000><c> if</c><00:14:23.120><c> we</c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 4906, adopted the H4906A1 amendment, and heard a staff explanation that the bill would create a one-time property tax refund in calendar year 2026 for residential homesteads and the house/garage/1-acre portion of agricultural homesteads. As amended, the bill would appropriate $4 billion in fiscal year 2027, distribute payments based on 2026 property tax due, include a clawback for delinquent taxpayers, and coordinate with existing property tax refund programs so recipients would not receive more than they paid in taxes. House Research also discussed a disagreement with the Department of Revenue over whether the refund would be taxable federally, with House Research suggesting it would likely be treated as a non-taxable recovery of prior taxes. Public testimony was largely opposed. Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota argued the proposal was too large, would create a deficit and force future service cuts, and would disproportionately benefit higher-income homeowners. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project said the bill would create a major budget hole, threaten funding for health care, food support, schools, and other services, and exclude renters and lower-income Minnesotans. Members echoed those concerns, citing impacts on public safety, rural EMS, hospitals, education funding, and equity, while noting that renters and many seniors would receive nothing. Representative Howard questioned whether the bill was a cautious use of state resources, and Representative Norris said it missed the mark for struggling renters. Chair Davids defended the concept as a way to put money back in people’s pockets and said the proposal was scalable and intended to start a discussion. Representative Wiener strongly supported the bill, saying many homeowners and farmers in his district are not wealthy and need relief from property taxes; he said the bill should be even bigger. No vote on final passage was taken in the portion of the meeting provided, and the committee moved on after testimony and member discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.600><c> said</c><00:14:00.880><c> that</c><00:14:01.040><c> I'm</c><00:14:01.160><c> a</c><00:14:
• 00:14:02.880><c> I</c><00:14:03.000><c> know</c><00:14:03.120><c> when</c><00:14:03.279><c> there's</
• <00:14:03.880><c> and</c><00:14:04.040><c> a</c><00:14:04.160><c> second</c><00:14:04.399><c> on</c><
• 00:14:04.560><c> a</c><00:14:04.720><c> bill</c><00:14:05.560><c> and</c><00:14:05.680><c> so</c><00:
• going<00:14:06.160><c> to</c><00:14:06.320><c> reserve</c><00:14:06.639><c> it</c><00:14:06.720><c>

Keywords: 00:00 - Introduction 00:15 – Attendance Roll Call 03:15 -- House Bill 186 09:59 – Roll Call Vote 11:51 – HB 370 22:55 – Roll Call Vote 24:45 – HB 304 28:47—Roll Call Vote 30:13 – HB 391 43:09—Roll Call Vote, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 186, which would streamline food-service rules for churches and nonprofits providing meals to homeless shelters and people displaced by natural disasters. Representative Duvall said the bill is meant to remove unnecessary kitchen and plumbing requirements so organizations can safely serve simple meals in emergencies. Members discussed food safety, whether the bill applies only in declared disaster situations or also to homeless shelters, and whether training should be offered; Duvall clarified that the disaster and homelessness provisions are separate and that food must still be safe and wholesome. After discussion, the committee took a roll call vote and House Bill 186 passed with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 370, a Department of Agriculture reorganization measure sponsored by Representative Payne. Payne and Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said the bill would move the Division of Farm Safety and Rural Health and create an Office of Economic Development to better support programs such as Food Is Medicine, rural health, farmer mental health, and farm safety. Members asked about the removal of references to shows and fairs, whether the bill would affect livestock shows and county fairs, and whether any new funding was included; Payne said the department would still support shows and fairs, the change was about efficiency and focus, and no new funding was specified because budget decisions come later. Discussion on House Bill 370 also highlighted the department’s broader economic role, including agricultural economic development and outreach tied to the new USDA secretary’s visit to Kentucky. The committee then voted and the bill passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee began House Bill 304 on soybean assessment language. Representative Bivens and soybean association representatives explained it as cleanup language related to the soybean checkoff and a contingency if the federal checkoff changes. Members asked whether a referendum had already occurred and whether producers supported the measure; the witnesses said the referendum had already taken place and that soybean producers and the association supported it, while one member noted the state may increasingly need to adjust to federal changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:02.160><c> 425,000</c><00:14:03.600><c> times</c><00:14:04.320><c> our</c><00:14:04.639><c
• police department<00:14:07.360><c> in</c><00:14:07.600><c> the</c><00:14:07.680><c> metro</c><00:14:
• </c><00:14:24.959><c> an</c><00:14:25.199><c> agreement</c><00:14:25.600><c> between</c><00:14:25.920
• Is<00:14:38.880><c> this</c><00:14:39.040><c> at</c><00:14:39.199><c> all</c><00:14:39.279><c> akin</
• /c><00:14:55.040><c> analogous</c><00:14:55.680><c> do</c><00:14:55.839><c> you</c><00:14:55.920><c>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: At a morning press conference, lawmakers and advocates discussed a bill by Rep. Tabke aimed at tightening Minnesota’s automatic license plate reader (ALPR) laws. Speakers argued that license plate data is being misused, especially in connection with immigration enforcement and “Operation Metro Surge,” and said motorists expect privacy for the personal information tied to their plates. Several individuals described incidents in which they believed federal agents used ALPR data to identify their homes, photograph their houses, or otherwise intimidate them after they had observed ICE activity. John Beler of the ACLU of Minnesota said ALPR systems capture plate numbers, time, date, and location, and that private vendors and out-of-state agencies can access the data with little oversight. He cited public records showing large numbers of searches, including one metro agency with about 425,000 searches in six weeks and another with nearly 100 searches explicitly for civil immigration enforcement. He said the bill would prohibit sharing ALPR data outside Minnesota unless authorized by a court order or judicial warrant, require data-sharing agreements among agencies, require signage for private ALPR use, and bar sale or transfer of the data without consent or legal process. In response to questions, speakers said the bill is intended to regulate local law enforcement and private vendors rather than federal agencies directly, by limiting how data is shared and accessed. They compared the issue to prior bipartisan concerns about driver’s license lookups and said they hoped the measure would advance out of judiciary later that morning and then to public safety, though they said they could not guarantee support or passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> The<00:14:03.839><c> last</c><00:14:04.079><c> project</c><00:14:04.480><c> is</c><00:14:04.800>
• projects</c><00:14:23.440><c> are</c><00:14:23.760><c> on</c><00:14:24.000><c> the</c><00:14:24.160><
• :14:27.519><c> from</c><00:14:27.839><c> July</c><00:14:28.320><c> to</c><00:14:28.560><c> November</
• So the permits<00:14:40.480><c> that</c><00:14:40.639><c> are</c><00:14:40.800><c> required</c><00:14
• season is short.<00:14:49.600><c> So</c><00:14:49.839><c> we'll</c><00:14:50.399><c> I'll</c><00:14:

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:30 Office of the Attorney General 00:01:50 Kentucky River Authority 00:12:50, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met without a quorum at first, then heard an update on child exploitation enforcement efforts from the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Criminal Investigations. The presenters described the specialized investigation and prosecution unit funded in House Bill 6, saying the added resources allowed them to hire four staff members and expand work on cyber tips, search warrants, arrests, forensic processing, victim advocacy, and training for local law enforcement. They highlighted a recent rescue of a 5-year-old victim from a Discord-related case and said the office had also filed a civil lawsuit against Roblox, alleging the platform lacked adequate age verification and allowed predators access to children. Senators asked about the lawsuit, and the presenters said Kentucky was one of only two states to sue Roblox and that the complaint was based on evidence collected by the office. The committee then received an update from the Kentucky River Authority on lock and dam repairs funded in the 2024-2026 budget. The authority reported progress on three capital projects: upper guide repairs at Locks 2 and 3, design and repair work at Dam 7, and design work to reopen Lock 5 for navigation. Officials explained that river construction is limited by flooding and fish-spawn restrictions, and they described the engineering and safety issues involved in replacing guide walls and repairing Dam 7’s spillway. They also said the authority had demolished three obsolete lockmaster houses and filled a fifth lockmaster position, while continuing to work on pay retention for those employees. Members asked about the transfer of the lock and dam properties from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the permitting process through the Division of Water, and the timeline for reopening navigation. The authority said the Corps had transferred the properties to Kentucky, that permits for river work are handled through the Division of Water and the Army Corps, and that Locks 1 through 4 are open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October. Officials said Lock 5 would add 14 miles of navigation if reopened, but that it would still take a few more years before that project is complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:08.880><c> like</c><00:14:09.040><c> this</c><00:14:09.199><c> will</c><00:14:09.399><c> get</
• um<00:14:12.320><c> gosh</c><00:14:12.519><c> I</c><00:14:12.560><c> don't</c><00:14:12.680><c> know
• </c><00:14:17.399><c> thoughts</c><00:14:17.639><c> you'd</c><00:14:17.800><c> like</c><00:14:17.959>
• ><c> are</c><00:14:30.000><c> Republicans</c><00:14:30.560><c> 101</c><00:14:31.079><c> are</c><00:14
• ><c> the</c><00:14:36.040><c> opportunity</c><00:14:36.839><c> to</c><00:14:37.839><c> hit</c><00:14:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I<00:14:18.800><c> guess</c><00:14:18.959><c> the</c><00:14:19.199><c> first</c><00:14:19.440><c>
• question</c><00:14:20.000><c> I</c><00:14:20.240><c> have</c><00:14:20.480><c> when</c><00:14:20.639
• ><c> against</c><00:14:25.760><c> is</c><00:14:25.920><c> anybody</c><00:14:26.240><c> from</c><00:14
• from NAMI here that<00:14:28.000><c> we</c><00:14:28.240><c> can</c><00:14:28.560><c> ask</c><00:14:
• &gt;&gt; Nami's<00:14:33.120><c> been</c><00:14:33.279><c> quiet</c><00:14:33.519><c> since</c><00:14

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• senate</c><00:14:08.959><c> bill</c><00:14:09.199><c> thank</c><00:14:09.440><c> you</c><00:14:09.839
• what<00:14:24.480><c> we</c><00:14:24.639><c> really</c><00:14:24.880><c> need</c><00:14:25.120><c>
• is</c><00:14:25.360><c> is</c><00:14:25.600><c> a</c><00:14:25.680><c> transfer</c><00:14:26.079><c>
• > be</c><00:14:34.480><c> taking</c><00:14:34.800><c> money</c><00:14:35.120><c> out</c><00:14:35.360
• :14:56.959><c> in</c><00:14:57.040><c> the</c><00:14:57.199><c> senate</c><00:14:57.519><c> bill</c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee reviewed a side-by-side comparison and fiscal analysis of Senate File 3472, a reinsurance-related bill affecting the premium security plan account, MinnesotaCare, and related health care funding. Staff explained the Senate and House versions of the bill, including how the Senate proposal extends reinsurance for five years and uses a projected $1.087 billion general fund transfer to fully fund claims and administrative costs through fiscal year 2028, while the House version conditions continuation of the program on federal approval of the state innovation waiver. The fiscal presentation also covered appropriations for MNsure, a mental health parity and substance abuse office, and House provisions for delivery reform and a public option study, along with a House transfer of $110.674 million to the health care access fund. Members debated the budget horizon and whether costs should be forecast beyond fiscal year 2025. Representative Schultz argued that the spreadsheet understated the broader fiscal impact of reinsurance and warned about future funding cliffs for MinnesotaCare and other health programs, while other members and staff noted that the state’s standard forecast ends in fiscal year 2025 and that the fiscal note only estimated reinsurance costs through the five-year extension. Supporters said reinsurance was the best available option to reduce premium increases, especially in rural areas, and some pointed to a public option as a longer-term alternative. Opponents argued reinsurance does not address underlying health care costs or deductibles and urged consideration of other reforms. House Research then walked through the policy differences. House-only provisions would change Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association board membership, require platinum plans in certain markets, expand postnatal coverage, require a prescription drug benefit in some plans, set a minimum actuarial value for MinnesotaCare, create an Office of Mental Health Parity and Substance Abuse Accountability, and direct reports on delivery reform and a public option. The shared provisions would extend the premium security program to 2027 and delay the transfer of remaining premium security plan funds to the health care access fund until 2029, with the House language again contingent on federal waiver approval. No formal vote was taken in the excerpt; the chair closed discussion after hearing no further questions and indicated members would be contacted about next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• 14:04.959><c> which</c><00:14:05.120><c> I</c><00:14:05.240><c> know</c><00:14:05.440><c> a</c><00:14
• we just need<00:14:08.519><c> to</c><00:14:08.680><c> be</c><00:14:08.839><c> clear</c><00:14:09.160
• ><c> that</c><00:14:09.399><c> the</c><00:14:09.800><c> the</c><00:14:10.759><c> any</c><00:14:11.639
• come<00:14:15.560><c> as</c><00:14:15.680><c> a</c><00:14:15.880><c> result</c><00:14:16.360><c> of<
• 14:57.639><c> a</c><01:14:57.760><c> lot</c><01:14:57.880><c> of</c><01:14:58.000><c> people</c><01:14

Bills: HF656 , HF655 , HF633

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: child care, childcare, day care, daycare, licensing, variance, licensed capacity, capacity limit, staff qualifications, staffing, child care center, family child care, provider flexibility, Minnesota career lattice, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, licensing rules, enrollment, indoor space, professional development

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:24.480><c> Um,</c><00:14:24.880><c> so</c><00:14:25.040><c> we</c><00:14:25.360><c> want</
• ><c> time</c><00:14:31.920><c> to</c><00:14:32.079><c> have</c><00:14:32.160><c> a</c><00:14:32.320><
• We're<00:14:38.320><c> how</c><00:14:38.560><c> many</c><00:14:38.720><c> states</c><00:14:38.959><c>
• </c><00:14:48.480><c> Most</c><00:14:48.720><c> of</c><00:14:48.800><c> the</c><00:14:49.040><c> mo</
• :14:58.959><c> particularly</c><00:14:59.279><c> at</c><00:14:59.440><c> a</c><00:14:59.600><c> time<

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House DFL leaders held a press availability outlining a broad anti-fraud agenda focused on state programs, especially Medicaid-related services, but also unemployment and tax fraud. They said the package is intended to strengthen accountability, improve oversight, and prevent fraud before it occurs, while arguing that fraud harms vulnerable Minnesotans such as children with autism, people with disabilities, seniors, and homeless people. They also tied the problem to long-term privatization of public services, arguing that outsourcing creates more layers and opportunities for fraud, and cited examples like county case management and managed care arrangements. Specific proposals discussed included strengthening the attorney general’s Medicaid fraud control unit, creating or expanding inspector general functions, requiring more in-person site visits, using electronic visit verification, improving background checks and fingerprinting, and upgrading outdated IT systems. Members said some bills would be relatively low-cost while others would require funding, and that bills without fiscal notes might move separately while others could be folded into budget discussions. They also said the House DFL had already taken steps in prior sessions, including creating a fraud unit at the BCA and adding DHS staff for site visits. The discussion also covered the Office of Inspector General bill, with DFL members saying they support placing the office in the executive branch and that the governor should make the final appointment for constitutional reasons. They said Republicans had blocked amendments they viewed as adding fraud-prevention authority to the OIG bill, and that the governor’s staff had not been involved in working groups. On a separate bill involving disclosure requirements, they said the committee version was improved but still flawed because it could interfere with investigations; they said it would next go to the Children and Families Committee. No votes were taken in the exchange, and members said they were still early in session and hoped for more constructive negotiations later.

Transcript Highlights:

• 05.800><c> we</c><00:14:06.000><c> have</c><00:14:06.280><c> or</c><00:14:06.400><c> could</c><00:14:
• <00:14:18.280><c> this</c><00:14:18.480><c> timing</c><00:14:19.000><c> thing</c><00:14:19.280><c> of
• ><c> that</c><00:14:26.840><c> it</c><00:14:26.920><c> could</c><00:14:27.080><c> be</c><00:14:27.640
• </c><00:14:30.160><c> So</c><00:14:30.320><c> we</c><00:14:30.440><c> have</c><00:14:30.600><c> this<
• I<00:14:41.680><c> think</c><00:14:41.839><c> that's</c><00:14:42.000><c> precisely</c><00:14:42.440>

Bills: SCR180

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: wildfire, fire hazard, Lahaina, West Maui, Maui wildfire, vegetation management, fuel reduction, defensible space, fuel breaks, invasive grasses, emergency access, evacuation route, fire lane, state lands, public safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal, community risk reduction, hazard mitigation, brush clearance, wildland-urban interface

Summary: The committee opened by noting it was likely its last hearing of the 2026 session, then took up several resolutions. SCR 54, on appointing a hydrogen fire safety expert and training on hydrogen-related protocols, and SCR 59, on allowing certain health care professionals to practice without a license during a state of emergency, drew no testimony. Members discussed SCR 59 as a response to past emergencies and the need for pre-approved, updated registries of professionals who could be deployed quickly in emergencies. SCR 62 SD1, which asks the 911 Board to form a working group with the disability community to address access issues in emergency and 911 responses, received testimony from disability advocates and the 911 Board. Testifiers said the measure should ensure an integrated system with EMS infrastructure, real-time access for dispatchers and field personnel, and public education about the system; they also noted that Smart911 is no longer being used on Oahu and Maui and that a statewide, integrated approach is needed. Members agreed to work the suggested language into the resolution. SCR 179, urging Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, was noted as having no testimony but continuing to raise important issues. SCR 74, calling for an audit of no-bid contracts issued under emergency proclamations from 2020 through 2025, drew strong support from a late testifier who tied the measure to emergency procurement concerns after the Lahaina wildfire and COVID-era contracting. The witness argued that procurement rules should not be waived in ways that compromise safety, and described concerns about unlicensed contractors and construction problems in a state housing project. Members asked about the scope of the audit and whether it would interfere with criminal investigations; the witness said the audit should cover a broad range of contracts, including nonprofit contracts, and should not be limited to the wildfire period. The committee also heard SCR 28 SD1 on creating a Hawaii Vietnam Veterans Medal, with support from the Department of Defense and veterans advocates, who said the resolution is intended to do the groundwork for a future appropriation and to determine eligibility and distribution procedures. Finally, SCR 60 SD1, requesting updates on the “Breaking Cycles” rehabilitation and restorative justice study, received support from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, and reform advocates. The department asked that reporting be annual rather than quarterly because of the complexity of the OCCC project, and supporters said the measure would promote transparency and help ensure the study’s recommendations are implemented. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.