Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we want to strengthen our economy and make Minnesota affordable again so families can keep more of
• Work with us to lower the cost of energy, groceries, healthcare, and Minnesota government.
• in Minnesota.
• energy costs in<00:09:41.279><c> Minnesota.
• </c> greater Minnesota. greater Minnesota.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House Speaker Lisa Damoth and Leader Harry Niska held a press availability focused on “affordability” in Minnesota, arguing that families are being squeezed by rising costs for groceries, child care, housing, insurance, energy, and property taxes. They blamed recent DFL control for spending down an $18 billion surplus, raising taxes, and adding mandates and fees, and said House Republicans are prioritizing lower taxes and reduced mandates to help families keep more of what they earn. They outlined a package of Republican proposals, including making the state’s reinsurance program permanent, expanding direct primary care, requiring the state to pay for new health care mandates, allowing schools and local governments to opt out of some unfunded mandates, creating a property tax commission, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, repealing the retail delivery fee, ending the Social Security tax, lowering car tab and boat fees, and returning future surpluses to taxpayers. They also criticized DFL proposals such as additional health care mandates, a climate super fund, and higher car tab fees, and said they oppose any new tax increases. In response to questions, the leaders said some affordability measures could be affected by federal policy, but emphasized that many cost drivers are within state control. They said they are open to broader property tax relief, including caps, and to investments in DHS and county systems modernization to reduce fraud and improve efficiency. They also said they do not expect a large omnibus bill at the end of session, arguing that bills should move individually through committee and onto the House floor, and they accused House Democrats of delaying bills for bargaining leverage. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states the state of Minnesota.
• </c><00:13:48.320><c> I</c> University of Minnesota years ago. I University of Minnesota years ago.
• </c> Minnesota, I would gladly sign that. Minnesota, I would gladly sign that.
• </c><00:19:34.160><c> up</c> So, I'd just like to see that cleaned up So, I'd just like to see that cleaned
• And so I stay right here in Minnesota.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> knew Jim also knew his remarkable energy knew Jim also knew his remarkable energy and<00:09:56.080
• </c> backbone of the American economy. backbone of the American economy.
• This common sense measure economies.
• </c><07:20:36.958><c> Thank</c> keeping our environment clean. Thank keeping our environment clean.
• Can I afford that energy bill?”

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You asked for a clean CR. You got a clean CR. You asked for a limited amount of time.
• You asked for a clean CR. You got a clean CR. You asked for a limited amount of time.
• You asked for a clean CR. You got a clean CR. You asked for a limited amount of time.
• </c><01:11:52.800><c> You</c><01:11:53.040><c> asked</c> clean CR. You got a clean CR.
• You asked clean CR. You got a clean CR.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, September 19, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:24.919><c> yeah</c> clean yeah clean yeah yeah<00:05:27.600><c> um</c><00:05:28.479><c> why</c
• </c> of the purview this committee the energy of the purview this committee the energy committee<00:31
• </c> you know I think the clean you know I think the clean Transportation<00:53:03.280><c> fuel</c><00
• Cities are already investing in renewable energy by offsetting energy costs through subscriptions to
• by offsetting energy renewable energy by offsetting energy costs<01:22:12.280><c> through</c><01:22:

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So this simply cleans up that process and allows that facility to lease a kitchen space to a third party
• Please vote yes on the striking amendment, which cleans up a lot of difficulty in the underlying proposal
• That creates an ongoing update and correction and cleaning.
• electorate and let's encourage people to act in their own interest, to make sure the voter rolls are clean

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House considered and passed a series of bills on topics including public employee bargaining communication, condominium and middle-housing development, building code changes for scissor stairs, substance use disorder monitoring for nursing assistants, pet insurance continuity, liquor licensing flexibility, voter registration challenges, concealed pistol license records exemptions, social housing public development authorities, services for people with developmental disabilities, rent increase notices, and unlawful detainer notices. Members repeatedly described the housing bills as efforts to increase supply, improve affordability, and fix prior statutory problems, while the health-related bills were framed as improving patient comfort, provider flexibility, or workforce consistency. Several measures were advanced without amendment, while others were substituted with committee recommendations before final passage. The most debated item was Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1916 on voter registration challenges. Supporters said it would curb mass or frivolous challenges, protect voters, and give election officials clearer standards and more accountability. Opponents argued it would make legitimate voter challenges harder, reduce citizen oversight of voter rolls, and weaken election integrity. Multiple amendments were offered to reduce penalties from felony to gross misdemeanor, allow electronic challenges, remove county-residency limits, and strike sections of the bill; most were rejected, though one amendment removing the same-county requirement was adopted. The bill ultimately passed after a divided vote. Other notable debate included House Bill 2152, which would allow terminally ill patients in hospitals and similar facilities to use medical cannabis; supporters emphasized dignity and comfort at end of life, while one opponent worried about added burdens on rural hospitals. House Bill 2235, concerning Public Records Act exemptions tied to concealed pistol license records and a permit-to-purchase framework, passed with strong support. House Bill 1687 on social housing public development authorities passed after an amendment restored city council involvement in housing cooperation decisions, while House Bill 2249, relating to Washington Technical employees and civil service treatment, passed with a larger number of nays. The House then placed additional bills on second reading and adjourned until the next legislative day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, please join me today to strengthen entrepreneurship, support workers, and grow our economy.
• Speaker, please join me today to strengthen entrepreneurship, support workers, and grow our economy.
• It just clarifies and cleans up some language, makes it easier for the employees that are volunteering
• By covering their equipment as opposed to having to clean it. Many times, Mr.
• And cleans up some outdated language, because at the end of the day, Mr.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the previous day’s minutes, and heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members also announced caucus breaks and a reminder that Seahawks apparel would be permitted on the floor the next day. The chamber then moved through second- and third-reading business on a series of bills, with several committee substitutes and amendments adopted by voice vote before final passage votes were taken by roll call. House Bill 1155, dealing with non-compete agreements, drew the most debate. Supporters said it would ban non-competes, improve worker mobility, and promote entrepreneurship; opponents raised concerns about contract freedom and, in one failed amendment, sought to exempt high earners and senior executives. Other adopted amendments clarified tribal worker relationships, defined patients in place of customers, and required notice that existing non-competes would be void. The bill ultimately passed 65-29. House Bill 1002, concerning PTSD eligibility for coroners and medical examiners, failed an amendment that would have limited costs to the relevant risk class, then passed 70-24 after supporters argued the measure would help a small group of workers exposed to traumatic scenes. House Bill 2264, on unemployment benefits for workers who voluntarily participate in layoffs, passed unanimously 94-0. The House also passed House Bill 2110, allowing nurses to accompany inter-facility ambulance transports without EMT licensure, after an amendment requiring training on ambulance equipment; House Bill 2272, a technical update to ski equipment terminology; House Bill 2238, creating a statewide food security strategy and narrowing agency scope through amendment; House Bill 2445, aimed at stopping profiteering in probate cases involving unclaimed estates; House Bill 2109, allowing covered transport of certain vehicle loads to reduce roadway debris; House Bill 2492, requiring behavioral and mental health training for construction and trades workers despite objections about added costs; House Bill 2472, strengthening licensing enforcement for fire sprinkler work; House Bill 288, joining the dietician licensure compact; and House Bill 2229, updating the Professional Engineers Registration Act and requiring board members to have practiced in Washington for at least five years. Final votes on these bills ranged from near-unanimous to more divided, with each receiving the constitutional majority needed to pass.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, please join me today to strengthen entrepreneurship, support workers, and grow our economy.
• Speaker, please join me today to strengthen entrepreneurship, support workers, and grow our economy.
• Economy. Please vote yes. Thank you.
• It just clarifies and cleans up some language.
• Speaker... ...and cleans up some outdated language, because at the end of the day, Mr.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer. Members approved the prior day’s minutes, referred introduction-sheet bills, and later took up several second- and third-reading bills. Early in the day, the chamber also announced that members could wear Seahawks apparel during floor action the next day. The House passed House Bill 1155, which bans non-compete agreements, after adopting amendments clarifying tribal worker relationships, replacing references to “customer” with “patient” in certain contexts, and requiring notice to current and some former employees that non-competes are void. An amendment to exempt senior executives earning over $350,000 was rejected. The bill passed 65-29. The House also passed House Bill 1002, allowing certain coroners and medical examiners to seek workers’ compensation for PTSD; an amendment to isolate costs to their own risk class was rejected, and the bill passed 70-24. House Bill 2264, clarifying unemployment insurance eligibility for workers who voluntarily participate in layoffs, passed unanimously 94-0. Later measures included House Bill 2110, allowing nurses to accompany inter-facility ambulance transports without also holding EMT licenses, which passed 94-0 after an amendment clarifying training; House Bill 2272, a technical update to ski equipment terminology, which passed 94-0; House Bill 2238, creating a statewide food security strategy, which passed 83-12 after a technical amendment narrowing agency scope; and House Bill 2445, aimed at preventing profiteering in probate estates, which passed 67-28 after a technical amendment. The House also passed House Bill 2109 on securing vehicle loads (95-0), House Bill 2492 requiring behavioral and mental health training for construction workers and apprentices (79-16), House Bill 2472 on licensed contractors for fire sprinkler work (92-3), House Bill 288 joining the dietician licensure compact (93-1), and House Bill 2229 updating the Professional Engineers Registration Act and requiring five years of Washington practice for board members after an amendment (68-26).

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1002 , HB1065 , HB1155 , HB1916 , HB2264 , HB1078 , HB1687 , HB1701 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2088 , HB2091 , HB2107 , HB2109 , HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2152 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2228 , HB2229 , HB2230 , HB2235 , HB2238 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2249 , HB2253 , HB2254 , HB2269 , HB2272 , HB2283 , HB2304 , HB2317 , HB2340 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2445 , HB2452 , HB2472 , HB2492 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB2664

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Transcript Highlights:

• The county goes in, cleans it up, but it's been very difficult, very protracted for the taxpayers of
• very big problem and a big cost to the taxpayers at large, and ultimately the county has to go in, clean
• We put in hearing officers where we can cite the normal taxpayer and we can clean up the property.
• But they're living next to— We can cite the normal taxpayer and we can clean up the property.
• And that is what we saw in Minnesota.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and then heard a long series of bills, mostly from Senators Hoffman, Fernandez, and Bolick. Early action included SB 1436 on school bond/override ballot language, which passed 4-3 after brief debate over ballot length and transparency. SB 1568, requiring election systems to keep clocks within 60 seconds of official time and making violations a misdemeanor, was amended and passed 4-3 despite concerns about machine failures and the breadth of the penalty. SB 1569, limiting special election board members from collecting voter registrations while assisting confined voters, also passed 4-3 after testimony from county officials and a deputy registrar describing alleged misuse of SEBs. SB 1746, requiring schools to serve as polling places and closing schools on regular primary/general election days for staff training, passed 4-3 over objections about school autonomy and safety. SB 1295, allowing certain incarcerated people needing long-term care or treatment to be transferred to contracted medical institutions, passed unanimously after an amendment narrowing the medical eligibility language. The committee then took up SB 1067, a county blight/abatement bill allowing property tax bills to include assessments for removing rubbish, debris, and dilapidated structures; county officials from Gila and Pima Counties strongly supported it, and it passed 7-0. SB 1285, which would have repealed kratom protections and added kratom and its alkaloids to the narcotic-drug list, drew strong opposition from industry and a pharmacist and failed 3-4 after debate over safety, regulation, and criminal penalties. SB 1413, removing the $100,000 restitution cap for serious injury or death caused by a moving violation, passed after a short explanation that it was intended to conform statutes to a prior Arizona Supreme Court ruling. SB 1476, making prenatal exposure to dangerous or narcotic drugs and fetal alcohol syndrome a class six felony child neglect offense with an affirmative defense for mothers who completed treatment, drew emotional testimony from a foster/adoptive parent and opposition from reproductive justice and criminal defense advocates; it passed 4-2. Later, SB 1585, creating standards and funding mechanisms for sex offender-specific evaluations, treatment, and polygraphs, passed 4-2 after supporters argued it would improve oversight and opponents questioned the added surcharge and appropriation. SB 1662, requiring probation conditions to be the least restrictive necessary and tailored to risk and needs, passed 5-0 with support from justice reform advocates and defense attorneys. SB 1664, adjusting constable nomination signature requirements in Maricopa and Pima Counties, passed unanimously after county association support. The committee then began SB 1666 on in-state custodial interference, with the sponsor and a supporter describing repeated violations of custody orders and arguing for a tiered civil-penalty-to-felony structure; the transcript ends during questioning on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Supporters say the venues benefit the state's economy by millions of dollars.
• Minnesota provides free Question eight.
• </c> session would have let Minnesota session would have let Minnesota residents<00:04:10.720><c> aed
• Should cities and economy. Question 10.
• Minnesota is one after leaving office?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The segment presented the results of the 2025 Minnesota House legislative opinion poll, which asked fairgoers about a range of policy issues tied to recent or possible future legislative action. Topics included school calendar flexibility before Labor Day, state funding for sports stadiums and arenas, undocumented immigrants’ access to state programs, unemployment benefits for hourly school workers in the summer, banning guns in the Capitol, budget-balancing options for a projected 2028-29 deficit, removing party labels from legislative ballots, limiting free school meals by income, free fishing licenses for residents age 65 and older, local control over cannabis businesses, a post-employment lobbying ban for legislators, and a higher income tax rate for the highest earners. For several questions, the segment noted the underlying legislative context. It referenced the 2023 law making undocumented immigrants eligible for MinnesotaCare and the 2025 law ending adult eligibility at year’s end, the school meals program’s higher-than-expected costs, and a 2025 proposal to remove party designations from legislative ballots that did not receive a committee hearing. It also mentioned the projected nearly $6 billion budget shortfall for the 2028-29 biennium, the Xcel Energy Center renovation funding request, and the recent killings of House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and the shooting of Senator John Hoffman and his wife as part of the discussion about Capitol gun restrictions. The poll itself was presented as a public opinion survey rather than a legislative vote, so no formal committee action or roll call occurred. The segment closed by thanking participants and saying the poll would return next year at the fair.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> city Engineers Association of Minnesota city Engineers Association of Minnesota and<00:07:56.199
• </c> provide here in the state of Minnesota provide here in the state of Minnesota and<00:31:04.720><
• </c> Transportation Technologies Minnesota Transportation Technologies Minnesota has<00:50:10.319><c>
• </c> 460 traffic fatalities on Minnesota 460 traffic fatalities on Minnesota roadways<00:51:08.440><c
• </c><00:51:32.040><c> and</c> their quality of life for economy and their quality of life for economy

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in the in Minnesota. in the in Minnesota.
• </c> Minnesota state taxes. Minnesota state taxes.
• </c> to have a clean bill? to have a clean bill?
• of Minnesota small businesses and Minnesota job creators and Minnesota jobs.
• businesses, to harm to harm Minnesota businesses, to harm Minnesota<00:23:01.640><c> taxpayers</c> Minnesota

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, it was at a time when the whole environment around energy and energy projects, they were having
• the same way because it's been 20-plus years since the SEC ever visited RVK, because we have such a clean
• Is it a percentage of GDP that becomes a goal, you know, outside of energy and agriculture?
• You've got ag and energy, and you can put energy is a broad conversation in and of itself.
• You know, I was thinking when he's talking about that, you got 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, you got Black

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and receive updates on the Legacy Fund transparency website and fund performance. Staff reported the website procurement was in contract negotiations, with a planned go-live around November 1, and that the site would provide downloadable, more transparent information on fund holdings, allocations, history, and legislative appropriations while protecting confidential data. The investment office then reviewed performance through January 2026, describing strong returns relative to benchmarks, noting real estate and fixed income as weaker areas, and explaining that the fund’s diversification and internal management had helped offset market volatility, including recent geopolitical impacts. Members also discussed the in-state investment program, especially the Bank of North Dakota’s CD-match allocation. Several members questioned whether the program had been static for years and whether the uncommitted balance should remain parked there if it was not being used. The committee voted to pause further transfers into the program until the Bank provides a report and the committee can consider possible statutory changes; the motion also requested a cost-benefit analysis from RVK, and it passed by roll call vote. In the afternoon, RVK presented its review of the investment policy statement as it relates to the in-state investment program. The consultant said it found no major policy impediments, and that implementers and stakeholders generally felt the program was proceeding as intended. RVK emphasized best practices such as third-party due diligence, competitive risk-adjusted returns, diversification, pacing, and exit strategies, while cautioning that required lower-return investments or spending commitments can create pressure on the fund’s long-term real value. The consultant also raised ancillary concerns about state-level concentration risk, the need to distinguish between public and commercial infrastructure, and the lack of a central repository for all state funding commitments to the same projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, it was at a time when the whole environment around energy and energy projects, they were having
• Is it a percentage of GDP that becomes a goal, you know, outside of energy and agriculture?
• Is it a percentage of GDP that becomes a goal, you know, outside of energy and agriculture?
• You've got ag and energy, and you can put energy's a broad conversation in and of itself.
• over the longer period of time, I presume unless the state wants to be the driver of North Dakota economy

Committee: Joint Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October 22 minutes, and received an update on the planned Legacy Fund transparency website. Jody Smith said the site is in contract negotiations after six bidders responded, with a target go-live around November 1 after added security review. The website is intended to provide downloadable, more detailed public information on the Legacy Fund, including historical changes, legislative allocations, and investment breakdowns. Members asked about comparables and data detail, and Smith said North Dakota would likely be the first state to offer this level of sovereign wealth fund transparency. Scott Anderson of the Retirement Investment Office then reviewed Legacy Fund performance through January 31, 2026, describing strong returns, low fees, and the benefits of diversification. He noted that real estate had been a drag on returns, but it is a small portion of the portfolio, and he discussed market effects from geopolitical events, inflation, credit spreads, and private credit. Members also questioned the in-state investment program and the BND CD-Match program. Representative Bosch moved to pause new transfers to the CD-Match program until the bank reports back, and the motion passed on a roll call vote. The committee also agreed to request a cost-benefit analysis from RVK on that change. After lunch, the committee heard from RVK consultant Jim Voidko on the investment policy statement, focused on the in-state investment provisions. He reported that, after interviews with implementers and stakeholders, RVK found no major policy impediments in the current IPS and no strong calls to change the size limits or core guardrails. He emphasized the importance of risk-adjusted returns, diversification, pacing, exit strategies, and governance, and warned that foregone returns or higher spending obligations can pressure the fund’s long-term mission. He also recommended clearer terminology around “infrastructure,” distinguishing public infrastructure from commercial infrastructure, and noted unresolved policy questions about nexus and economic diversification. The committee then began reviewing proposed IPS updates with Rio staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• demand and our progress towards climate and clean energy goals.
• demand and our progress towards climate and clean energy goals.
• That standard being 50% of the power must be met by battery storage or clean energy technology.
• Data centers need to build and bring their own energy, and ideally that energy would be clean and renewable
• Clean energy is important, reliable energy is important, economic growth is important, but so are environmental

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on energy, public safety, and environmental cleanup. House Bill 455 would create a historic preservation license plate to raise funds and awareness for Delaware preservation efforts, and House Bill 471 would tighten rules and penalties for off-highway vehicles on shared private roads, with golf carts excluded. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 439, the Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act, would require clearer disclosures when selling electric mopeds and electric motorcycles so consumers understand classification, power, and licensing/insurance requirements. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 407, related to the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act and brownfields, would shift funding for brownfield cleanup from the original realty transfer tax approach to a dedicated share of the hazardous substance cleanup fund and raise civil penalties for fraudulent acts. The committee also approved the June 18, 2026 minutes once quorum was reached. Most of the meeting centered on House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 233, as amended, a large-load/data center bill intended to protect ratepayers from costs tied to massive new electricity users. The sponsor and Public Advocate said PJM’s warnings about a coming reliability backstop auction made it urgent to establish a Delaware framework now, requiring large energy users to sign utility agreements, cover their share of transmission, distribution, and capacity costs, and comply with curtailment and other protections. Supporters from environmental groups and some labor and business voices said the bill was needed to prevent cost shifts to households and small businesses, while opponents argued it was being rushed, could deter investment, and might unintentionally affect other industries; several asked for more time and clearer definitions. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee also took up House Bill 470, which would authorize Delmarva Power, with PSC approval, to build and operate utility-owned battery storage and spread costs across the customer base. The sponsor and Delmarva said the bill would improve reliability quickly and help avoid outages, while the chair expressed concern that the state had not yet fully studied whether utility-owned or competitively procured storage is the best model, noting a recent SEU storage study and broader policy questions. Supporters said utility storage could be deployed faster and help with peak shaving, while others urged a competitive process; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 470.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> little bit higher than in Minnesota. little bit higher than in Minnesota.
• </c> institutions in the state of Minnesota. institutions in the state of Minnesota.
• </c><00:36:45.200><c> State</c> who is attending a Minnesota State who is attending a Minnesota State
• Minnesota want.
• University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I'm University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not growing anything there other than energy, but we don't grow any energy when the sun doesn't
• We're not growing anything there other than energy, but we don't grow any energy when the sun doesn't
• They sell that company to North Star Clean Energy out of Michigan.
• They sell that company to North Star Clean Energy out of Michigan.
• We're working on in Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota.

Committee: House Utilities

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Energy Conservation Grant Fund, which is at the Department of Commerce, is 1.5%.
• And the Clean Water Program has about 70% revenue bonds and 30% improvement bonds.
• And the clean water program has about 70% are revenue bonds and 30% are improvement bonds.
• The clean water program does not allow that.
• The energy industry has not been opposed to paying for water. It's not been a problem.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the people in the economy of Minnesota that rely on healthy natural resources.
• We're targeting northern Minnesota counties and northern Minnesota residents and northern Minnesota industries
• ><c> northern</c> Minnesota counties and northern Minnesota counties and northern Minnesota<01:18:59.679
• and central Minnesota.
• </c><01:19:42.719><c> And</c> Minnesota and central Minnesota. And Minnesota and central Minnesota.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all