Video & Transcript Research : 'House resolution'
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MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I support House File 3524 and House File 3525 and the previous one as well.
- House File 25, pardon me, 3524 and House House File 25, pardon me, 3524 and House File<00:04:51.040><
- The back of the house sees the front of the house count their cash, and you know they need it.
- sees the front of the house the house sees the front of the house count<00:08:26.000>
their <00 - >> mean house file 3525. >> mean house file 3525.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3524 and House File 3525 and laid both over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill, with no amendments adopted and no vote taken at this stage. HF 3524 would conform Minnesota law to the federal overtime tax deduction, and HF 3525 would conform to the federal tip-income deduction. The author argued both bills would help workers keep more of their earnings, simplify tax filing, support labor-force participation, and provide relief to workers in hospitality, trades, health care, and other industries.
The committee heard testimony in support from a restaurant owner, Sandra Weiss of the Finnish Beastro in St. Paul, who said the bills would help tipped workers keep more of their income and would support hospitality businesses. She described her staff as roughly half men and half women, including students and long-term employees, and said front-of-house tipped workers and back-of-house workers face different pay levels. She also said Minnesota’s tip rules and lack of a tip credit create challenges for the industry. During questioning, members discussed wage disparities, the makeup of her workforce, and the practical effects of the proposals.
Opposition testimony came from Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota, both of whom argued the bills are regressive, poorly targeted, and costly. They said the deductions would mainly benefit higher earners, violate horizontal equity by treating similar incomes differently, and could encourage compensation restructuring. They also warned the combined cost would exceed $500 million over the 2028-29 biennium and could pressure funding for health care, education, and other public services. Mark Havenman of the Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence similarly criticized the bills on tax fairness and administrative grounds, noting the federal tip deduction framework is still under development and could create enforcement issues. Nonpartisan staff provided revenue estimates showing HF 3524 would reduce general fund revenue by about $365.9 million in fiscal 2027 and HF 3525 by about $126 million in fiscal 2027, with smaller ongoing impacts in later years. Members also raised questions about how the bills would be paid for and what income would qualify under the overtime deduction.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Community solar garden named for Melissa Hortman 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that Steve Simon was presiding over the House that day, and um Aaron Murphy was on the House
- >> Yeah, I would like to move House File 3556 to the general register. >> Okay, Chair, you can move House
- Yeah, I would like to move House it?
- support, my support for House File 3556. support, my support for House File 3556.
- <00:24:26.640>
Energy that came before the House Energy that came before the House Energy
Summary:
House File 3556 was presented as a bill to rename Minnesota’s community solar garden program the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. The author described the measure as a tribute to Hortman’s leadership and her role in creating the program, which was said to have helped launch Minnesota’s solar industry and expand access to clean energy. The bill was moved to the general register before testimony began.
Testifiers from the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, solar industry groups, clean energy organizations, and community solar developers all supported the bill. They described Hortman as the original legislative champion of the 2013 community solar law and a driving force behind the 2023 revisions that increased access for low- and moderate-income households. Several witnesses said the program has become a national model, has generated jobs and investment, and has enabled renters, small businesses, schools, nonprofits, and households without suitable rooftops to participate in solar.
Witnesses also shared personal reflections about Hortman’s accessibility, preparation, and willingness to listen, saying she treated people with respect and helped shape a durable clean energy policy framework. No opposition testimony or votes on final passage were recorded in the excerpt, but the committee did act to advance the bill to the general register.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Limiting local governments from mandating HOAs 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, House File 2614, Mr.
- So, House File 2614, Mr. Very good. So, House File 2614, Mr.
- Housing First Minnesota is a trade group representing nearly a thousand members of the housing industry
- <00:05:32.960>
Housing <00:05:33.240>First Housing First Minnesota. - Housing First Housing First Minnesota.
Summary:
House File 2614 was heard with a delete-everything amendment adopted at the outset. The bill, as explained by the authors, would prevent local governments from requiring amenities or common property that effectively force the creation of a homeowners association, while still allowing developers to create HOAs voluntarily when needed. The authors said the language was negotiated with stakeholders, including the League of Minnesota Cities, and was intended to be moved on to the Housing Committee for further discussion.
Supportive testimony came from Housing First Minnesota and the Minnesota Homeownership Center. They argued that unnecessary HOA mandates can raise housing costs, reduce homebuyer choice, and shift public infrastructure costs onto homeowners through dues in addition to property taxes. Testifiers cited examples involving single-family developments, a Burnsville case involving a large roof assessment and disputed ACH withdrawal, and the Heritage Park development in Minneapolis, where an HOA was required but later became difficult to dissolve. They said the bill would preserve HOAs where they are genuinely needed, such as townhomes or shared-amenity developments.
Members raised questions about the removal of county-specific language in the amendment, the meaning of the bill’s references to services and common property, and whether the bill would still allow neighborhood signs or other developer-requested features. A major point of concern was stormwater ponds and drainage infrastructure: one member argued that prohibiting cities from requiring HOA maintenance of such facilities could shift costs to taxpayers, while the authors responded that the bill was meant to stop cities from mandating discretionary amenities and that maintenance issues had been partly addressed in the amendment. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but the amendment was adopted and the bill was discussed for referral onward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Private Equity Presentation 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, thank you, co-chairs Becker and Berman, and members of the House Health Finance and Policy Committee
Summary:
The committee took up two bills concerning health entity ownership and heard invited testimony before acting on them. Dr. Yasha Singh of Brown University testified about private equity in healthcare, describing how PE firms use debt-financed acquisitions, short investment horizons, and roll-up strategies that can avoid disclosure requirements. He said the lack of transparency makes it difficult to track ownership and outcomes, and cited research linking PE ownership to higher costs in outpatient care, more ancillary service use, workforce turnover, and worse outcomes in hospitals and nursing homes. He also noted Minnesota-specific concerns, including PE involvement in opioid treatment programs, and said the policy challenge is balancing needed capital investment with protections for patients and workers.
Sam Brooks of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care testified in strong support of the legislation, focusing on nursing homes. He argued that private equity ownership is associated with worse resident outcomes, including higher mortality, more pressure ulcers, more hospitalizations, and more deficiencies, and said leverage buyouts divert money from staffing and care into debt service, management fees, and lease-back arrangements. Brooks said staffing levels and quality ratings decline under PE ownership and pointed to recent bankruptcies as examples of instability. He said the bills would add safeguards such as transparency, attorney general approval of acquisitions, and requirements that a large share of public funds go to direct resident care.
The testimony framed the bills as responses to concerns about private equity ownership in healthcare and long-term care, especially the effects on quality, staffing, and financial stability. No vote or final committee action was described in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State official protective services 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, now we're going to move with House File 3791.
- , The second I pulled into my house, The second I pulled into my house, I<00:21:05.120>
got closer than 23 minutes away to her house closer than 23 minutes away to her house to<00:47:37.120- And that was just me at my house.
- Um, we have three lawmakers who serve in the House or serve in the House and the Senate, and two of us
Summary:
House File 3791 was laid over for possible inclusion later, with Rep. Green and Rep. Noor presenting it as a response to rising threats against Minnesota elected officials and public officers. They cited increased threat reports, the June 2025 killings of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband, the shootings of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, and other recent threats as evidence that current protective resources are insufficient. The bill would create a state officials protective services unit within the State Patrol, provide security and threat-assessment services for principal state officials, and require reporting on credible threats. Rep. Noor said the proposal would be triggered by leadership when there is a credible threat, would include legislators and constitutional officers, and would be funded at about $3.98 million in FY 2027 with an ongoing base of $3.25 million, with some ability to contract with local law enforcement for support in official-capacity situations.
Members raised concerns about scope, jurisdiction, and cost. Rep. Olsen argued the bill was not narrow enough and worried it could allow Capitol Security to provide home or event security too broadly, rather than limiting the work to the Capitol and catastrophic incidents. Rep. Joy offered an A1 amendment to use existing funds instead of adding new spending, saying local sheriffs and police already handle many situations. That amendment failed on a voice vote. Rep. Olson then moved an A2 amendment focused on clarifying who should be in charge of protection at home and how local law enforcement would be involved; discussion centered on whether Capitol Security, State Patrol, or local agencies should lead response and how credible threats would be determined.
Supporters of the bill, including Rep. Green and Rep. Muir, said the events of June 14 showed the need for a dedicated, coordinated protective service and that local responses were uneven across jurisdictions. Rep. Muir described delayed or inconsistent police responses after the attacks and said lawmakers need a more reliable system to keep members and their families safe. Rep. Keagle also testified about personal threats and harassment at home, including a prank pizza delivery that made her fear someone knew when she was home. The committee did not take final action on the bill beyond laying it over, and the A1 amendment failed; discussion on the A2 amendment and the bill’s details continued.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- House file number 3131. >> Second reading. House file number 3241. >> And second reading.
- and resolutions.
- The chief clerk has a resolution. at the House desk and online.
- House Resolution 6, a House resolution providing for the impeachment of Timothy J.
- House Resolution 7, introduced by Davis and others, a House resolution providing for the impeachment
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, approval of the prior journal, adoption of standing committee reports, second readings of House Files 3131, 3241, and 3436, and first readings of House Files 3814 through 3922. The chamber also referred House Resolution 6, calling for the impeachment of Governor Tim Walz, and House Resolution 7, calling for the impeachment of Attorney General Keith Ellison, to the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration.
The main floor debate centered on House File 3412, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks while on duty, including local, state, and federal agents, with stated exceptions. Representative Long moved to suspend the rules so the bill could be recalled from committee and brought to final passage. Supporters, led by Representative Finke, argued that masked, unidentified officers undermine public trust, intimidate communities, and should not be allowed to operate anonymously; they framed the bill as a public safety and transparency measure. Opponents, including Representative Noatne, said the bill was poorly written, unnecessary, and could interfere with legitimate law enforcement needs, urging a no vote.
Other members spoke at length on both sides. Supporters described recent incidents involving masked federal agents, family separations, and fear in communities, arguing that Minnesota should require identification and accountability for anyone enforcing the law. Opponents emphasized the professionalism of peace officers, the need for masks in some situations, and the importance of not stripping humanity from law enforcement. Representative Pinto also supported the motion, saying transparency and accountability are essential and that masked officers resemble “secret police.” The transcript does not include the final roll-call result or final disposition of the motion/bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Supportive housing provider grant funding provided 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- uh purpose of of our supportive housing uh purpose of of our supportive housing providers.<00:01
- People in supportive housing stay housed and nearly eliminate their use of shelter.
- House fiscal. >> Um, thank you, Mr.
- House<00:05:24.160>
fiscal. House fiscal. House fiscal. - members support of House File 3425. members support of House File 3425.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Criminalizing damaging farm machinery and equipment 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Last bill up is House File 3566. Vice Chair Harder is making her way up to the testifier table.
- I'd like to move House File 3556, please.
- House File 3566 is about safety, accountability, and protecting the people who grow food.
- Member questions on House File 3566.
- House<00:03:44.400>
file <00:03:44.640>3566 House file 3566 House file 3566 is<00:03:46.519
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Establishing an Office of Gun Violence Prevention 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The first bill on the agenda is House File 3668 from Chair Beerman. >> Yes, please, Madam Chair.
- <00:09:55.120>
I your support of House File 3668. I your support of House File 3668. - I'm here today in opposition to House File 3668.
- House File 3668. House File 3668.
- It is for these reasons that I urge you to vote no on House File 3668. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard House File 3668, authored by Chair Beerman, which would create a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Beerman and several supporters framed gun violence as a public health crisis, arguing the office would improve research, coordination, data collection, and evidence-based prevention. Supporters cited firearm deaths among children and adults, the trauma experienced by survivors and families, and Minnesota’s need for a centralized structure to guide policy and prevention efforts.
Testifying in support were representatives of the Minnesota Medical Association, Protect Minnesota, a parent affected by the Annunciation school shooting, family physicians, an OB-GYN, and a pediatric emergency physician. They described gun violence as a daily clinical and community reality, pointed to rising firearm deaths and injuries, and said Minnesota should apply the same public health approach used for motor vehicle safety, tobacco, and other crises. Several witnesses emphasized the impact on children, suicide prevention, maternal health, and the need for Minnesota-specific research and coordinated responses.
Opposition came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would create a taxpayer-funded bureaucracy that could be used to advance gun control policy and treat lawful firearm ownership as a public health problem. The group said the state should focus instead on enforcement, prosecution, and victim services. Vice Chair Nidau offered an A2 amendment to move the office from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety, citing data-sharing and accountability, but withdrew it after discussion with Chair Beerman. The hearing ended with additional member discussion, including concerns about existing violence-prevention spending and whether school safety investments would be a better use of funds; no final vote was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Suspend House Rules to take up HF3412 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Long moves that the rules of the House be so far suspended so that House File 3412 be recalled from
- House File 3412 is Representative Finnegan's bill, which was heard in Public Safety and would prevent
- And the idea that a masked man in a truck is going to approach my house and I will give him some sort
- <00:04:56.560>
and truck is going to approach my house and truck is going to approach my house - his house. his house.
Summary:
The House took up a motion to suspend the rules and recall House File 3412 from the Committee on Public Safety, Finance, and Policy so it could receive second and third readings and be placed on final passage. The bill, authored by Representative Finnegan, would prohibit law enforcement officers in Minnesota, including local, state, and federal agents, from wearing masks while on duty, with limited exceptions. Supporters argued the measure would increase transparency, accountability, and public trust, and said masked officers create fear and resemble “secret police,” especially in the context of recent immigration enforcement actions. They also said the state has authority to regulate this area and that the bill would not interfere with essential law enforcement duties.
Opponents said the bill was poorly written, unnecessary, and politically motivated, and argued that current and pending laws already address officer identification and badge numbers. Representative Nathe said the bill would allow protesters or rioters to wear masks while restricting law enforcement, and urged a no vote. Representative Roach said the term “secret police” was a made-up political phrase and defended masked ICE agents as necessary for officer safety because they deal with dangerous criminals and could be doxed or targeted.
Several members spoke in favor of the motion, including Representatives Curran, Sencer-Mura, and Pinto, who emphasized the importance of public trust and shared personal stories about children, family experiences, and encounters with masked federal agents. They described immigration enforcement incidents involving children and families as frightening and said officers should be identifiable when interacting with the public. The debate included a brief exchange between Representatives Pinto and Roach about whether masked law enforcement should be considered “secret police.” The transcript ends during that discussion and does not include the final vote or disposition of the motion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 3/2/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm originally from Chicago, and this is my first session at the House. Hi everyone.
- first<00:00:50.480>
session <00:00:50.880>at <00:00:51.000>the <00:00:51.080>house - first session at the house. first session at the house. Awesome.<00:00:52.360>
Welcome. - He said that creates multiple layers of privatization and may make sense to bring that back in house.
- <01:12:06.960>
stabilization fraud we've seen, housing stabilization fraud we've seen, housing
Summary:
The committee met on March 2 and approved the February 23 minutes after a quorum was reached. The main presentation was from the Department of Human Services on non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), a federally required Medicaid benefit that helps Minnesota Health Care Program enrollees get to medically necessary appointments. DHS said the program served more than 250,000 people in 2025 at a cost of $127 million, with participation up about 14% over five years, and described the seven transportation modes, provider enrollment requirements, STS certification, background checks, prior authorization rules, and planned transitions to a single administrator for parts of the program in 2026 and 2027.
DHS officials emphasized fraud prevention efforts, saying NEMT is one of the agency’s high-risk Medicaid services. They described enhanced prepayment review, provider revalidation and site visits, removal of inactive providers, and a provider moratorium in metro counties. Inspector General James Clark said the governor’s anti-fraud proposal would add pre-enrollment risk assessments, more staffing and technology, and electronic visit verification. He also noted that about 80% of NEMT spending is in managed care and that managed care organizations have their own compliance and special investigations units.
Committee members raised concerns about fraud, oversight, and privatization. Chair Robbins questioned DHS about the absence of the commissioner and the program’s use of brokers, citing past concerns and asking about the vendor MTM’s history; DHS said the RFP for the new broker had closed and the vendor selection was still underway. Representative Pinto questioned why oversight is outsourced to managed care organizations and suggested bringing more oversight back in house. MTM representative Phil Stahlberger defended the company’s record, said the Missouri dispute was about contract terms from about 15 years ago, and said MTM currently works in Minnesota counties and many other states, with on-site reviews, trip verification, and complaint review processes. No further votes or final actions on the NEMT policy were taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Management and Budget Press Conference 2/27/26
Summary:
Minnesota Management and Budget officials presented the February 2026 budget and economic forecast, saying the state remains in a strong financial position but faces continued structural imbalance and significant uncertainty. Commissioner Aaron Campbell said the FY 2026-27 balance is now projected at more than $3.7 billion, up about $1.3 billion from November, and the FY 2028-29 planning period is projected to end with a $377 million positive balance. He emphasized that the improvement comes largely from higher projected revenues, especially individual income and corporate franchise taxes, but warned that the state is increasingly reliant on more volatile sources such as capital gains, interest income, and corporate profits.
State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker said the national outlook improved slightly, with stronger projected GDP, consumer spending, and investment, but weaker payroll growth and ongoing trade-policy uncertainty. He noted that the forecast was complicated by missing federal data because of the federal shutdown, and that tariffs, immigration policy, equity markets, and possible AI-related shifts all present risks. Revenue projections were raised for the current biennium, including individual income tax receipts, sales tax revenue, corporate franchise tax revenue, and other revenues, while Becker stressed that federal funding threats, especially involving Medicaid and other entitlement programs, could materially alter the outlook.
State Budget Director Anna Mingi said general fund spending in the current biennium is projected to be $68 million lower than previously estimated, but planning-year spending is up $152 million. The biggest spending changes came from education, where special education costs rose sharply after updated local spending data, and from human services, where a new prepayment review process for certain Medicaid benefits reduced projected spending by $133 million this biennium and $105 million in the next. She also said discretionary inflation is now estimated at $1.04 billion, up $104 million from November.
Campbell closed by saying the state’s reserve remains at a record $3.8 billion and that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy help protect against downturns. He cautioned, however, that the long-term structural imbalance remains about $3.4 billion in the planning years, or $2.3 billion excluding discretionary inflation, and urged policymakers to offset any new spending with reductions. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session on the forecast.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Republican Media Availability 2/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Lisa Demuth, Speaker of the House.
- House Republicans stand ready in three ways: federal tax conformity, we're also looking to take the pressure
- Uh, my name is Harry Niska, the Republican floor leader in the Minnesota House.
- With that, I think most of the other points have been covered very well with House leadership.
- We are still in a tie in the House.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Media Availability 2/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Housing costs are up through tariffs and labor shortages.
- They advise taking out a 50-year mortgage to buy a house.
- out a 50-year mortgage to buy a house. out a 50-year mortgage to buy a house.
- The House DFL will stand with those folks this session.
- <00:08:29.440>
say I heard the speaker of the house say I heard the speaker of the house say
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor Tim Walz Media Availability 2/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I will credit again bipartisanly Republican House leadership, with Paul Torkelson, who was, I think
Summary:
The governor discussed Minnesota’s budget outlook ahead of a supplemental budget release next month, saying the state remains financially strong but should be cautious because of federal uncertainty and a structural imbalance in spending. He said the administration’s approach will be measured, with limited new spending and possibly modest revenue measures, while prioritizing a bonding bill and maintaining the state’s AAA bond rating, reserves, and middle-class tax cuts. He also praised the 2023 legislative session and bipartisan cooperation as the basis for the state’s current position.
A major topic was spending growth in special education and the broader human services system. The governor said special education is a fundamental service the state is legally and morally obligated to provide, but costs need to be managed more efficiently. He pointed to legacy IT systems in the Department of Human Services and county service delivery as expensive, antiquated, and error-prone, and said the state needs a multi-year modernization plan and continued reorganization. He argued that reforms such as prepayment verification and other fraud controls should reduce costs without cutting services.
The governor also addressed federal actions affecting Medicaid and other programs, sharply criticizing efforts to withhold funds and claims of widespread fraud. He said Minnesota’s Medicaid error rate is lower than the national average and argued that the federal government’s approach would harm children, pregnant women, and seniors without improving fraud prevention. He also said the state’s gun violence prevention and fraud-fighting packages are expected to be relatively close to budget neutral. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the meeting, which was primarily a press availability and Q&A.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Expanding and modifying Medicaid fraud provisions 2/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill has bipartisan support, and it passed out of the House last year.
- This bill has bipartisan support, and it passed out of the House last year.
- Of Norris moves House File 2354 to be re-referred to Judiciary Finance Civil Law Committee.
- Across the country, AG offices house what are called Medicaid fraud control units.
- Chair and members, uh Ben Johnson from House Research. I'm going to walk through the A5 amendment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tax Expenditure Review Commission annual report 2/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So nine members: four from the House, four from the Senate, and then the Department of Revenue commissioner
- <00:04:39.360>
four <00:04:39.600>from <00:04:39.680>the <00:04:39.759>house - , nine members uh four from the house, nine members uh four from the house, four<00:04:40.160>
- <00:30:26.399>
colleagues <00:30:26.960>in <00:30:27.279>the <00:30:27.440>house - <00:30:28.000>
and nonpartisan colleagues in the house and nonpartisan colleagues in the house
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Creating the Educator Group Insurance Program (Part 2) 2/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 2904 creates a statewide large health insurance pool for all public schools and their employees
- Thank you for your time today, and I ask for your full support of House File 2904 and the Educator Group
- He said House File 2904 requires employer contributions of 95% and 85% for family and individuals.
- House File 2904 requires employer contributions of 95% and 85% for family and individuals.
- House File 2904 requires employer contributions of 95% and 85% for family and individuals.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Banning cryptocurrency kiosks 2/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're hearing House File 3642, virtual currency kiosk prohibited. >> And the motion is to lay over. >
- >> I move the DE1 to House File 3642. >> I move the DE1 to House File 3642. >> So members, the DE1 author's
- So, House File 3642, as amended, is a bill to prohibit crypto kiosks in Minnesota.
- The department strongly supports House File 3642.
- And then with that, House File 3642 is amended and laid over for further discussion.
Summary:
The committee heard House File 3642, as amended by the DE1, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. The author, Chair Kaggel, said the bill is intended to stop scammers from using crypto kiosks to defraud vulnerable people, especially older adults, because the transactions are often irreversible and hard to trace. Representative Perryman spoke in support, describing local fraud cases and saying the issue had come to her attention through St. Cloud residents and police. The bill was laid over for further work with the Department of Commerce and other interested members.
Testimony from law enforcement and advocates strongly supported the ban. A St. Cloud police sergeant said the problem is statewide and described a case in which a 78-year-old woman lost $80,000 after being directed to a kiosk. A Woodbury detective said current safeguards, including warnings, limits, and refund provisions, have not stopped weekly victimization and that scammers coach victims to bypass protections. An AARP Minnesota volunteer said kiosks are a preferred vehicle for scammers because they move stolen funds quickly and are especially harmful to older adults, and he noted that the 2024 consumer protections have not been enough.
The Department of Commerce also supported the bill, saying crypto kiosks are a growing fraud vector and citing 120 complaints over three years, nearly $1 million in reported losses, and 70 cases with $540,000 in losses already in 2025. The department said many victims do not report losses, so the true amount is likely higher. In contrast, Coinflip’s general counsel opposed a ban and argued that fraud should be addressed through stronger regulation, refunds, blockchain analytics, and customer-service requirements rather than prohibiting a legal product. He said scams would continue through other channels if kiosks were banned. In discussion, members asked about the number of kiosks, how long they have been operating in Minnesota, and the scale of losses; the department said there are about 350 licensed kiosks operated by 8 to 10 operators, though the total number may be higher.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Auggie Basics Housing, a program to address emergency housing needs among our students, has seen a large
- Reports flooded in of plainclothes agents going from housing complex to housing complex, getting closer
- <00:47:42.600>
Higher Goldman, welcome to the House Higher Goldman, welcome to the House Higher - So, I am a housing resource navigator.
- Um again, some had some, you the house.
Summary:
The committee adopted the minutes from its February 24, 2026 meeting after a motion by Vice Chair Coulter. The hearing then focused on the impact of federal immigration enforcement, referred to throughout as Operation Metro Surge, on Minnesota college campuses. The chair said the purpose was to document alleged abuses, campus fear, and racial discrimination, and to hear from testifiers about effects on students, faculty, and staff. Representative Novotny briefly objected to the framing, saying the committee should be finding facts rather than making a predetermined presentation, and the chair responded that members should remain respectful and that questions would be held until after all presenters testified.
Augsburg University President Paul Pribbenow described what he called relentless and unprecedented disruption, including student stops and interrogations, family separations, and an ICE operation on campus in which armed masked agents allegedly detained a student without a warrant and pointed weapons at students and staff. He said the campus received bomb threats afterward, increased virtual learning options, and saw spikes in student support needs, housing assistance, and leaves of absence. Jenna Chernega of the Inter Faculty Organization said faculty across Minnesota State universities reported widespread student and colleague stress, increased workload, disappearing students, and a need for clearer sensitive-location protections and academic freedom guidance. Mark Grant of Minnesota State College Faculty said community conditions inevitably affect classrooms, that campuses have not yet had an ICE incident but are bracing for one, and that faculty want to support students and may need financial help if enrollment declines.
Jennifer Irwin of AFSCME said fear from ICE activity extends beyond campus boundaries and is affecting attendance, work, and daily life for staff and students; she cited a member detained in St. Paul while trying to prove legal status. Student testifiers Brendan Frazier of Concordia University, St. Paul, Jonathan Fitzgerald of Minnesota State Mankato, Sudi Adow of Lead MN, and Will Luther of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities described panic, reduced attendance, food insecurity, disrupted classes, and fear of leaving home or commuting to campus. They urged stronger student privacy protections, support for international and immigrant students, emergency aid, and policies to keep campuses safe. No further committee action or votes were taken after the minutes approval.