Transcript Highlights:

• were trying to become recertified as a provider after having been one for 25 years, we included the Duluth
• We mentioned to the DCF recertification specialist that even the Duluth model contains a faith-based

Bills: S0062, S0156, S0168, S0288, S0290, S0292, S0296, S0298, S0364, S0386, S0624, S7004, S7006, S7008, S7012, S7014, S7016

Keywords: candidate qualification, political party, voter registration, election law, Florida Statutes, rural electric cooperatives, energy production, Florida law, energy tariffs, regulation, agriculture, landscape equipment, gasoline-powered, ecologically significant parcels, local government regulations, public records, appellate courts, information exemption, safety, personal identifying information

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules met with a quorum present and considered a long agenda of bills, many of which were reported favorably. Early action included CS for SB 62 on candidate qualification, which would create an enforcement mechanism for party-affiliation qualification requirements, and CS for SB 156, the Officer Jason Raynor Act, which would clarify resistance-to-officer language and add mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer. SB 156 drew strong support from the City of Daytona Beach and law enforcement groups, while the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers opposed parts of the bill, arguing it removed useful limits on force and imposed overly rigid sentencing. The committee also approved several open-government sunset review bills, including measures extending exemptions for social media platform investigations, small business loan program records, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles investigatory records, emergency shelter recipient information, Department of Military Affairs records, conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information, Public Service Commission records and meetings, and Florida Gaming Control Commission records and meetings. The committee also advanced CS for SB 624, allowing batterers’ intervention programs to offer optional faith-based activities, with supporters saying faith-based counseling can help reduce domestic violence and no participant would be required to take part. Other approved measures included HB 167 on former phosphate mining lands, which limits certain liability claims if notice and survey requirements are met; CS for SB 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units and was amended to remove hearing and variance requirements and clarify local ordinance obligations; SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, described as a negotiated glitch bill preserving co-op authority over generation and power purchases; and CS for SB 364 on public accountancy, which creates additional CPA licensure pathways and mobility provisions. The committee also approved SB 292 creating a public records exemption for appellate court clerks and their families, despite some opposition votes. Later, the committee passed CS for SB 296 and CS for SB 298, which expand protections for victims of domestic violence and dating violence by creating a feasibility study for a secure web-based 911 alert platform and extending address confidentiality and public records protections to dating violence, stalking, and aggravated stalking victims. SB 386 on farm equipment, described as a “lemon law” for tractors and similar equipment, also passed. Additional open-government bills were approved for emergency shelter recipients, military affairs records, conviction integrity unit materials, PSC records, and gaming commission records. SB 168 on public nuisances was reported favorably as well. One bill, CS for CS for SB 290 on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, was temporarily postponed after extensive stakeholder testimony; the chair allowed public comment but no vote was taken, and the sponsor indicated ongoing discussions and possible changes. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded several individual votes for the record, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I spent 9 years driving from Ely to Duluth once a month to be on this committee.
• So, I spent 9 years driving from Ely to Duluth once a month to be on this committee.
• 44.200> to So, I spent 9 years driving from Ely to So, I spent 9 years driving from Ely to Duluth
• <01:03:45.120> once<01:03:45.400> a<01:03:45.440> month Duluth once a month Duluth
• So I spent 9 years driving from Ely to Duluth once a month to be on this committee. It's important.

Bills: HF3879

Keywords: outdoor heritage, conservation, habitat restoration, natural resources, wildlife management, 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the April 8, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3879, the Legacy Finance Outdoor Heritage bill. The committee adopted the DE1 author’s amendment, which incorporated the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council’s revised recommendations and made technical corrections, and staff explained that the bill appropriates about $191.081 million in Outdoor Heritage funding, plus carryforwards and an extension for a carp deterrent project at Lock and Dam. Staff also noted the bill makes no changes to the Clean Water Fund or Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, and the bill was moved to the Committee on Ways and Means. A large portion of the meeting focused on the Roseau Lake rehabilitation/Roseau River restoration project and related concerns about landowner impacts, eminent domain, drainage, and whether Outdoor Heritage dollars are being used on private property. Landowners and their attorney testified that the project threatens private farmland, that they do not consent to easements or takings, and that funding should be paused until litigation and legal questions are resolved. They described flooding, drainage problems, financial burdens, and long-term harm to family farms, and asked the committee to suspend funding for the project. Supporters of the project, including Roseau Mayor Dan Fabian and farmer/watershed district manager Jason Bratton, said the project is part of a broader flood-mitigation effort following the 2002 Roseau flood and would help control water, reduce flood damage, and improve conditions for downstream farmers. After testimony, the committee considered the A5 amendment, offered by Representative Heintzeman, which would delete the Roseau Lake Rehabilitation Project Phase 3 from the bill. Members debated the amendment, with some emphasizing landowner concerns and pending litigation and others defending the project and the council’s vetting process. The transcript cuts off during continued discussion, and no final vote on the A5 is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• Television in Bemidji and Brainerd, $650,000 to KSMQ in Austin and Rochester, $250,000 to PBS North in Duluth
• Television in Bemidji and Brainerd, $650,000 to KSMQ in Austin and Rochester, $250,000 to PBS North in Duluth
• $250,000 to<00:51:59.960> PBS<00:52:00.640> North<00:52:01.320> in<00:52:01.440> Duluth
• <00:52:02.040> and<00:52:02.200> Superior,<00:52:03.200> and to PBS North in Duluth
• and Superior, and to PBS North in Duluth and Superior, and $200,000<00:52:04.720> to<00:52:04.840

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• "Yeah, so Lakeland, Bemidji, um, you know, and up in Duluth, and so. Okay."
• Lakeland, Bemidji, um you know, and<00:23:02.440> up<00:23:02.640> in<00:23:02.760> Duluth
• and up in Duluth, and so. Okay. and up in Duluth, and so. Okay.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But Minneapolis and Rochester and Duluth and Spring Lake Park all look different.
• 00:33:48.280> and Um but Minneapolis and Rochester and Um but Minneapolis and Rochester and Duluth
• :51.680> Lake<00:33:51.880> Park<00:33:52.280> all<00:33:52.440> look Duluth
• and um Spring Lake Park all look Duluth and um Spring Lake Park all look different.<00:33:53.480>

Keywords: 1183, house

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• to move away from using their local accountant to, I know that they had gotten some quotes out of Duluth
• /c><00:56:49.280> quotes<00:56:49.640> out<00:56:49.760> of<00:56:49.880> Duluth
• <00:56:50.320> They gotten some quotes out of Duluth.
• They gotten some quotes out of Duluth.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Enbridge Energy up in Duluth hired me, so I was a construction project manager for them and then moved
• Enbridge Energy up in Duluth hired me, so I was a construction project manager for them and then moved
• Enbridge Energy up in Duluth hired me, so I was a construction project manager for them and then moved
• Enbridge Energy up in Duluth hired me, so I was a construction project manager for them and then moved

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Committee on Energy Finance and Policy met for an informational session and quorum was present, but the chair stated no action would be taken. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Chris Swedzinski outlined the committee’s broad goals of improving Minnesota’s energy system for families and businesses, with an emphasis on affordability, reliability, and development. Several members echoed those priorities, especially concerns about electric reliability, base-load generation, and the needs of rural communities, co-ops, munis, farms, and small businesses. House fiscal analyst Ashley presented a budget overview for the committee’s jurisdiction. She reviewed spending and base amounts for the Energy Resources Division, the Renewable Development Fund, the Petroleum Tank Release Cleanup Fund, and the Public Utilities Commission, and explained that the committee also oversees special revenue and other accounts. She noted that the Renewable Development Fund is supported by utility payments for spent nuclear fuel storage, the cleanup fund by a petroleum distribution fee, and that the Commerce Department receives significant federal LIHEAP and weatherization funds. Members asked about the large increase in the Climate and Economic Development Fund and the status of recent appropriations; staff explained that the 2023 session set a larger target, that about $79 million had been spent from the relevant budget, and that some funds may carry forward. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on community solar gardens. Representative Dave Baker asked for an update on the program, and staff explained that Minnesota has about 1,600 megawatts of solar, with more than 900 megawatts in community solar. Staff said 2023 legislative changes capped annual additions and created new incentives for low- and middle-income participation. Members also discussed concerns about program cost, local siting opposition, and a large interconnection queue; staff said there is a backlog of projects, including a reported 56 gigawatts in the MISO queue, and that utilities need distribution upgrades to handle new capacity. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hear this when the Range and Duluth gets together and we work on common goals. We do it.
• I hear this when the Range and Duluth gets together and we work on common goals. We do it.
• I hear this when the Range and Duluth gets together and we work on common goals. We do it.

Bills: HF3393

Keywords: unemployment insurance, iron ore mining, additional benefits, labor force, economic support, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We also are able to get $10 million to the Duluth airport, a cut to Greater Minnesota transit of $22
• We were also able to protect the blue line extension, the NLX line to Duluth, as well as look at trying

Transcript Highlights:

• We span five counties, covering 6,000 square miles of northeastern Minnesota, all around Duluth, but
• not including Duluth.

Bills: HF568, HF433, HF1689, HF3135, HF3137, HF3145, HF2887, HF2819, HF2802, HF2664, HF2267, HF799, HF800, HF3049, HF296, HF580, HF1438, HF1237

Keywords: special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction

Transcript Highlights:

• The Duluth complex is home to one of the largest undeveloped mineral reserves in the world.
• <02:27:50.399> As In the Duluth complex to move forward.
• The minerals in the Duluth complex include copper, nickel, and cobalt.
• Mining in the Duluth complex was poised to change that.
• The minerals in the Duluth complex are called critical for a reason. We need them.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Scholastica in Duluth. I am also the co-project director for a $3.9 million, five-year U.S.
• Scholastica in Duluth. I am also the co-project director for a $3.9 million, five-year U.S.
• Awards have been terminated on four campuses: Twin Cities, Duluth, Crookston, and Morris, showing that
• From the medical school, 34% and 51% at our Duluth campus.
• For pharmacy, 36% and 47% at our Duluth campus. For nursing, that is 27%. For law, that is 41%.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm from Duluth, so I'm based in Duluth, and both of these slides are actually from different programs
• that have happened in Duluth.
• The one on the left was in a pretty creative grant application from the Duluth Traverse, which is a 100
• -mile-long mountain bike trail in the city of Duluth.
• My wife and kids and I were just up in the Duluth area and enjoyed some of those parks, and we appreciate

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have done work as far north as Duluth and up in Detroit Lakes, as well as the metro area.
• We have done work as far north as Duluth and up in Detroit Lakes, as well as the metro area.
• We have done work as far north as Duluth and up in Detroit Lakes, as well as the metro area.
• We have done work as far north as Duluth and up in Detroit Lakes, as well as the metro area.
• We have done work as far north as Duluth and up in Detroit Lakes, as well as the metro area.

Bills: HF1355, HF1469, HF1768

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF1469, Minnesota, workforce development, job training, job skills training, reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, ex-offenders, inmates, recently released inmates, felony conviction, felony-level offense, corrections, prison release

Transcript Highlights:

• But uh I think the city of Duluth is trying to work through a homeless shelter now to um—I can't remember
• But uh I think the city of Duluth is trying to work through a homeless shelter now to um—I can't remember
• The city of Duluth is trying to work through a homeless shelter now, but I can't remember the name of
• The city of Duluth is trying to work through a homeless shelter now, but I can't remember the name of
• He said Duluth is another big user, but for the most part St.

Bills: HF4736, HF4737, HF3806, HF3352, HF4840, HF3748

Keywords: emergency shelter, grant program, homelessness, capital investment, Minnesota Statutes, appropriation bonds, public funding, housing, infrastructure bonds, funding, appropriation, Minnesota constitutional amendment, public debt, state bonds, general obligation bonds, information technology, IT infrastructure, software licenses, technology modernization, capital improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• I have with me today online Kevin Biersly from the Duluth Seaway Port...
• me today online Kevin Biersly<00:22:10.880> from<00:22:11.040> the<00:22:11.160> Duluth
• Biersly from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, who will outline the impact of this change and highlight
• how the existing language has impacted a port development grant that Duluth was recently awarded.
• Now moving to an actual situation that we encountered at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I study policy and sociology.
• I'm a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I study policy and sociology.
• I'm a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I study policy and sociology.
• <01:23:56.520> I at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
• I at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• today Patty Masterer, who is the general manager of one of those stations, the CEO of PBS North in Duluth
• today Patty Masterer, who is the general manager of one of those stations, the CEO of PBS North in Duluth
• > the<00:05:25.560> duth<00:05:26.039> Cold So, for example, elements of the Duluth
• PBS North shares the best of Duluth and surrounding areas on Almanac North, fostering a deeper understanding
• The Twin Cities headquarters location, we have staff and reporters living and working in Bemidji, Duluth

Bills: HF1679, HF1019, HF2321, HF1740, HF2278

Keywords: public television, funding, grants, arts and culture, Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio, arts education, cultural heritage, community engagement, public radio, community radio, educational grants, community cable, public access, programming funding, civic engagement, ethnic media, public access television, Minnesota Humanities Center, funding appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• we can’t discharge patients out of our hospital here in Two Harbors, and the tertiary hospitals in Duluth
• Like I said, if there’s a shortage of CNAs in Duluth at either one of the large hospitals, they can’t
• , you know, specifically up the shore, which is just about, for reference, 20, 25 minutes up from Duluth
• He said they had two programs they ran: one in partnership with Lake Superior College in Duluth, about
• They had two programs: one with Lake Superior College in Duluth, about 45 to 55 minutes away, and another

Bills: HF110, HF111, HF263, HF105

Keywords: HF110, Adrian Independent School District, Independent School District No. 511, school construction, sales tax exemption, use tax refund, refundable exemption, construction materials, capital improvements, school roofing, playground remodel, retaining walls, plumbing, bathroom remodel, locker room remodel, window replacements, local tax relief, general fund appropriation, Minnesota chapter 297A, retroactive tax refund

Transcript Highlights:

• Westcom is a 100% employee-owned company doing electrical and automation work in Duluth, Minnesota.
• Westcom is a 100% employee-owned company doing electrical and automation work in Duluth, Minnesota.
• But my real paid job is being an HR consultant in Duluth, and my office is in Representative Johnson's
• My name is Lynn Gort, and I'm the co-owner of Northern Waters Smokehouse in Duluth.
• My name is Karen Fredman Ellis, and I serve as lead pastor at Peace United Church of Christ in Duluth

Keywords: 1183, house