Transcript Highlights:

• Is there signed up um ahead of time?
• House File 3611? House File 3611? Not<00:02:24.239> seeing<00:02:24.560> any.
• Thanks for your time. tax bill. Thanks for your time.
• House file 3909 committee members.
• commit a crime and he served his time commit a crime and he served his time for<00:19:59.600>

Bills: HF3611, HF3659, HF3909

Keywords: taxation, income tax, damage awards, sexual harassment, abuse claims, immigration enforcement, taxpayers, file income tax return, Minnesota-source income, tax regulations, detention facilities, gross revenues, private prisons, Minnesota law, 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes and then laid over House File 3611 for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Representative Finke described HF 3611 as creating a state income tax withholding deduction for damages awarded to individuals in lawsuits against federal agents such as ICE or CBP, including emotional and financial awards. There was no public testimony or member discussion on the bill before it was laid over. The committee then took up House File 3909, which Representative Hansen said would impose a 50% tax on the gross receipts of detention centers operated by private nongovernmental entities. Hansen argued the measure would recapture public money, deter what he characterized as misuse of taxpayer dollars, and target profits made by private detention contractors such as GEO Group and CoreCivic. He also cited projected revenues and profits for those companies and said the bill was a response to human rights and civil rights concerns tied to private detention operations. Testimony on HF 3909 included support from Nancy Fitz Simmons, a Minnesota State University, Mankato social work professor, who said social workers see the effects of these issues across the state and that the bill could return money to Minnesotans in need. Representative Swedzinski opposed the bill’s impact on the Appleton facility and emphasized local jobs and economic opportunity, while Representative Lee said Minnesota should seek better economic options than jail-related work. Representative Holland supported the bill as a way to offset costs to families and the state from detentions and deportations. Representative Weiner questioned the bill’s revenue potential and criticized the 50% gross-receipts tax as politicizing taxes. Representative Hansen responded that similar proposals were being explored in Washington and California and that the bill was intended to stand up to large corporate interests. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And apologies for the late filing.
• It's about time you got here. It's about time you got here.
• You can see the file.
• late-filed financial disclosure.
• I just think that the intention behind three times, and maybe not five times or whatever, is, like it

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills, with several focused on water safety, utilities, and local government transparency. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was explained as clarifying water quality credits and water quality enhancement areas, and it was reported favorably after one support appearance. SB 28, a claim bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland arising from injuries caused by a police shooting, was also reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 658 on water safety requirements for rental properties drew extensive testimony in support from child advocacy and drowning prevention advocates, who cited Florida’s high child drowning rates and the disproportionate impact on children with autism; the bill was amended to require front-end certification and remove local add-on authority, then passed favorably. CS/SB 18, a claim bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, was reported favorably after questions about the verdict, settlement posture, and who would receive the funds. SB 934 on areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a provision viewed as conflicting with the Live Local Act and then passed favorably. SB 1622, which creates a one-time waiver for certain late-filed financial disclosure fines, also passed favorably with support from an appearance form. SB 1264 on private schools and zoning was reported favorably after members noted ongoing concerns and planned further discussion. CS/CS/SB 260 on electric vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to narrow the bill to storage issues and cap the fee period until inspection; it drew both support and opposition from insurers, fire officials, and vehicle industry representatives, and was reported favorably. CS/CS/SB 1014, dealing with municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, was amended to limit it to residential development and clarify capacity standards, then passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 expanded the local infrastructure surtax to include body camera programs and was reported favorably after an amendment requiring voter approval. Finally, CS/SB 1724 and SB 1566, both on local government utility and budget transparency, were amended and reported favorably despite concerns from cities and counties about implementation costs and burdens.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we also do collect filing fees.
• cases filed in a given year.
• Filing fees for court cases.
• Court filing fees, Senator Martin—being an attorney, I'm sure you're familiar with the filing fees, right
• until the time we get in to see him.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice heard an update from Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon on staffing, overtime, capital needs, and inmate population growth. Dixon said the prison population has risen by about 8,000 since January 2021 while staffing has not kept pace, forcing the agency to open 53 housing units without funded positions and rely heavily on overtime and National Guard support. He cited a $189 million deficit tied to salaries and overtime, noted that most staff have less than three years of experience, and argued the solution is to fully fund posts for operational housing units. He also reviewed the department’s fixed capital outlay projects, including repairs, new housing construction, and medical modular units intended to reduce outside hospital transports, and gave an update on the VINE victim notification system and its expansion. The committee then heard from Florida clerks of court representatives Jason Welty and Miami-Dade Clerk Juan Fernandez-Barquin, who described clerks’ court-related and county duties and said clerk budgets have not kept pace with the broader justice system. They requested reimbursements for injunctions for protection ($3.3 million), Baker Act/Marchman Act/sexually violent predator cases ($2.5 million), and juror management ($4.8 million), and said future funding for new judges should include the full courtroom system, not judges alone. Fernandez-Barquin also raised concerns about unfunded mandates, rising retirement and health costs, low court-side pay, and the need to revisit filing fees and trust fund allocations. Members asked about collections, payment plans, license suspensions, and whether some fees or trust fund distributions could be redirected; the governor’s budget had already picked up the $2.5 million request for Baker/Marchman/SVP cases. During public testimony, speakers urged broader criminal justice reforms and additional funding priorities. A prosecutor emphasized that adding judges requires funding for prosecutors, public defenders, and clerks as well. Other speakers called for parole or long-term sentencing reform to reduce prison populations and costs, criticized staffing and conditions in prisons, and raised concerns about inexperienced correctional officers, visitation delays, and lack of air conditioning in some facilities. The committee took no substantive votes on the items discussed and adjourned after hearing the presentations and public comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 821 answers that question.
• I urge you to reconsider House File 821 to address that need. Thank you for your time. Thank you.
• Chair, I would move the DE4 amendment to House File 2446.
• Or a year ago at this point in time.
• I would move the A2 amendment to House File 2446.

Bills: HF2446

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone can file a complaint: the charter school can file a complaint, a parent can file a complaint,
• Anyone can file a complaint: the charter school can file a complaint, a parent can file a complaint,
• Anyone can file a complaint: the charter school can file a complaint, a parent can file a complaint,
• At the same time, when parents call us and they say we would like to file a complaint against the charter
• that start time bring back that time that start time because<01:40:30.880> then<01:40:31.000>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am going to bring House File 2908 before the committee, and I will move that House File 2908 be
• and four times more likely to graduate.
• and four times more likely to graduate.
• <00:02:37.720> graduate and four times more likely to graduate and four times more likely
• house file house file 2908<00:03:13.400> Mr<00:03:13.680> chair<00:03:14.040> and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I'd like to move the bill, House File 3549.
• House File 3549 is a House File 3549 is a a<00:01:52.240> realization<00:01:52.799> that
• Um times are recommend a no vote.
• Um times are difficult<00:05:08.240> all<00:05:08.560> over.
• I've had to wait a long time for their money if they got any at all.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and time again.
• to report this uh time and time again. to report this uh time and time again.
• . time. time.
• : Senate File 3720.
• and House file number file number 3720 and House file number 4598<02:26:06.160> now<02:26:06.399

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first adopted non-controversial motions, then approved an urgency motion to suspend the rules so Senate File 4476, the human services program integrity package, could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language into the bill, and proceeded to debate several amendments focused on program integrity, fraud prevention, and reporting requirements in human services programs. Representative Schultz offered Amendment A5 to remove a sunset on the periodic data matching report requirement, arguing the report helps ensure only eligible people receive medical assistance and welfare benefits and should continue to be delivered annually. Supporters said the report had been inconsistently delivered, cited past findings of ineligible recipients, and framed the amendment as a low-cost accountability measure. Opponents, including Representative Nor, said the report had been sent to the chairs, that the issue should be handled through broader HR1-related changes and negotiations with the Senate, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, A5 failed on a 63-67 vote. Schultz then offered Amendment A6, which would require reporting on homelessness programs, including how many people are served, total costs, outcomes, and possible recoupment of funds if reporting is inadequate. Schultz said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness programs without clear results and that better data would help the legislature make decisions and protect taxpayers. Several members supported the idea of more accountability, while others said the state already receives reports, that homelessness work is being done in partnership with stakeholders, and that the amendment was not the best approach. The discussion continued with further comments on homelessness data and program oversight, but no final vote on A6 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but I did door knock with her the two times, and then of course the third time that she was successful
• the third time that she was successful. the third time that she was successful.
• packet, uh Senate File 3691. packet, uh Senate File 3691.
• <00:51:13.880> So, precious time. So, precious time.
• Senate File 3691. Senate File 3691.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We get audited from time to time by the federal Office of Inspector General, and last time they looked
• house file house file 2354<00:03:07.040> otherwise<00:03:07.400> known<00:03:07.599
• it requires us to spend 100% of our time it requires us to spend 100% of our time investigating<
• time to time by the federal office of<00:04:55.160> Inspector<00:04:55.600> General<00
• of Inspector General and last time they of Inspector General and last time they looked<00:04:57.320><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Several amendments have been filed, which will be considered at this time.
• to educate us in history, and you took time to educate your own kids at a time when they might not have
• It's intended to make one-time investments. Mr.
• So I thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
• So thanks for listening, and I appreciate your time.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up Senate House No. 4010, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill funded largely by surplus Fair Share revenues. The Ways and Means chair described the bill as a $1.28 billion package, with major investments in education and transportation, including special education circuit breaker aid, higher education deferred maintenance, career technical education capital grants, school construction relief, high-dosage tutoring, English language learning grants, MBTA reserve replenishment and safety training, commuter rail maintenance, Chapter 90 local road aid, regional transit authority support, ferry and micro-transit funding, and a small World Cup transportation appropriation. Members from both parties generally praised the bill’s one-time, regionally balanced approach while emphasizing fiscal discipline and the limited, surplus-based funding source. The minority leader and others questioned the fund balances and the use of the education and transportation innovation and capital fund, the Student Opportunity Act trust fund, and the transitional escrow account; the chair said the bill would zero out the innovation and capital fund, leave about $430 million in the SOA trust, and about $200 million in the escrow account. Several members highlighted specific priorities. Senator Cronin and Senator Feeney strongly supported the $100 million career technical education investment, arguing it would expand vocational opportunities in comprehensive high schools and help meet workforce needs. Senator Feeney also emphasized MBTA funding, special education, local road repairs, English language learning tied to workforce needs, and World Cup preparations in Foxborough. Senator Comerford praised the bill’s regional equity, higher education maintenance funding, special education support, and transportation investments, while also noting the need for broader future work on Chapter 70 and school finance. Senator Tarr supported the bill but repeatedly stressed that the spending was a unique one-time opportunity and that the Commonwealth should preserve fiscal reserves and continue to address school funding inequities and MBTA finances more broadly. The chamber then considered numerous amendments. Amendment 1 on tariff pricing transparency was withdrawn after brief remarks, and Amendment 14, proposing a DESE study on educational outcomes for young men and boys, was rejected. Amendment 182, funding Worcester Regional Transit Authority capital expenses, was adopted. Amendment 228, adding $500,000 for Free Period to expand access to menstrual products in schools, was adopted. Amendment 257, funding Springfield Public Schools communication and safety systems, was also adopted. Other amendments, including Tarr amendments on supplemental district aid, MBTA reporting, and the Foundation Budget Review Commission, were rejected. Amendment 308 concerning MBTA Communities and Milton was withdrawn, after which Senator Driscoll began a presentation arguing Milton was being misclassified under the MBTA Communities Act and should be treated fairly under the law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our committee legislative assistant will keep track of time, and then we'll have a little bit more time
• With that being said, I will move House File 1171.
• Thank you very much for your time.
• I appreciate you taking the time to hear this bill.
• So, having "timely" in there was, we heard from the field, confusing as to what standard of time they

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a time commitment that a lot of society has a hard time with these days.
• And the legislature has LFC has Visited a couple of times and it's always a great time.
• It's a one-time.
• It was a bad timing issue.
• Well, part of it is just timing.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• File item number four, SB 951 Reyes.
• File item number two, SB 1316, Smallwood-Cuevas; file item number five, SB 1046, Blake Spear; and file
• And file item number six, SB 1059.
• File item number two, SB... Consent calendar. File item number two, SB 1316, Smallwood-Cuevas.
• File item number four, SB 951, Reyes.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on worker protections, AI in the workplace, bereavement leave, and construction labor standards. SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would increase public works contractor registration fees, raise prevailing wage and related penalties, and direct half of collected penalties back into the Public Works Enforcement Fund. Supporters said the bill would help combat wage theft and misclassification and strengthen enforcement; opponents argued the higher fees and penalties would burden contractors without fixing enforcement backlogs. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to Appropriations. The committee also approved SB 951 by Senator Reyes, which would require 60-day notice when 25 or more workers are displaced by technology and require reporting on AI-related job impacts. Supporters framed it as a response to rapid AI-driven layoffs and a way to gather real-time data; opponents raised concerns about small employers, proprietary information, and litigation. SB 947 by Senator McNerney, the “No Robo Bosses Act,” would require human review of automated discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and restrict predictive behavior analysis. Supporters said it would prevent biased or mistaken automated decisions; opponents objected to the inclusion of independent contractors, private rights of action, and other provisions. Both bills were advanced to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. The committee also passed SB 1149 by Senator Durazo, which would expand bereavement leave to cover a “designated person,” including chosen family relationships. Supporters, including AARP and a witness who described losing a long-term partner, said the bill reflects modern family structures; there was no opposition. In addition, SB 1185 by Senator Cortese, applying skilled and trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction, was approved despite opposition from business and construction groups who said there was no demonstrated safety problem and that the mandate could raise costs and reduce competition. Several other bills on the consent calendar were also approved, and all measures were reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:38.640> 110 you even look at the Senate file 110 you even look at the Senate file 110
• hold homes for a shorter period of time. hold homes for a shorter period of time. it<00:14:31.040
• three three something times. three three something times.
• <00:34:50.879> of trans uh fair market value at time of trans uh fair market value at time
• discussed Senate File 110 as amended. discussed Senate File 110 as amended.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So at this time, after all the discussion is had, I would like to uh move that Senate File 2530 as amended
• The next bill is Senate File 1481. The next bill is Senate File 1481, Senator Papus.
• but I'll leave it to a different time. but I'll leave it to a different time.
• Senate File 1535 provides one-time and ongoing funding for the local road wetland replacement program
• So this bill Senate file yeah.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• submit vote modifications and have filed submit vote modifications and have filed the<00:05:47.520
• This time I entertain any questions.
• orders of the day, read for a third time orders of the day, read for a third time by<00:18:34.720
• <00:58:46.240> the the primary sponsor and I filed the the primary sponsor and I filed the
• , today is the last day to bills to file, today is the last day to file<01:10:13.199> bills.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the journal, excused absent members, and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The clerk reported Senate Bills 156, 173, and 193 had passed the Senate and requested concurrence. Committee reports were then read, advancing a number of bills on banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing/occupations, and primary/secondary education, including measures on insurance, fraudulent practices, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, legal representation, costs and fees, barbering, fire protection, licensing background checks, dentistry, school reporting, teacher certification, and educator placement. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The chamber then took up House Bill 307, the “My Kentucky Future Act,” on proactive post-secondary admission. Sponsors explained that the bill would send opt-in letters from public universities to eligible high school juniors, include a common application for the state’s public institutions, and share data with KY Stats to track outcomes. Members asked about scholarships, the target student group, and privacy; the sponsor clarified that participation is voluntary, the letters do not guarantee admission, and the program is meant to streamline college access. House Committee Substitute 2 and House Floor Amendment 2 were adopted, and HB 307 passed 97-0. House Bill 418 on domestic violence was then considered. The sponsor said the bill prioritizes the non-offending parent, requires abusive parents to address violent behavior before unsupervised visitation, and gives courts more tools to consider false abuse allegations and victim advocates’ testimony. House Committee Substitute 1 was adopted, and after brief discussion the bill passed 96-1. House Bill 593 on data centers followed; its sponsor said the measure is intended to support data center development while protecting ratepayers from subsidizing infrastructure risk, requiring companies to bring their own generation, buy power on the open market, or prepay certain costs. After adopting House Committee Substitute 1, the bill passed 90-8. The House also passed House Bill 5 on prison educational programs, with a committee substitute and a floor amendment adding data collection on post-release employment; it passed 99-0. Finally, House Bill 584 on licenses for prescribing or dispensing controlled substances was debated. The sponsor said the bill removes a permanent ban so a physician who has regained licensure may apply for DEA registration, while opponents raised concerns about repeated misconduct and the ability to practice without DEA authority. The transcript cuts off before final disposition on HB 584.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your time. time. time.
• opposition to House File 3668. opposition to House File 3668.
• <00:46:11.119> data<00:46:11.760> and timely more much more timely data and timely
• Thank you for your time. I care policy. Thank you for your time.
• is House File 2779. is House File 2779.

Bills: HF3668, HF2779, HF2771

Keywords: gun violence, public health, Department of Health, prevention, criminal justice, health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration

Summary: The House Finance and Policy Committee met on March 2 with a quorum present and heard House File 3668, which would create a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The bill author argued the office would treat gun violence as a public health crisis, improve research and coordination, and help reduce deaths and trauma, especially among children. Several supporters testified, including representatives from the Minnesota Medical Association, Protect Minnesota, family medicine, public health, and obstetrics/gynecology, all emphasizing firearm injury and suicide as major public health problems and urging a coordinated, data-driven response. Multiple testifiers shared personal accounts of shootings and their effects on children and families, including the Annunciation shooting, and said the office could help align prevention efforts across health care, law enforcement, and community organizations. Opposition came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would create a permanent taxpayer-funded bureaucracy that could be used to shape firearm policy and restrict a constitutional right. The group said Minnesota should focus instead on enforcing existing laws, prosecuting violent offenders, and providing direct victim services. During committee discussion, Vice Chair Nadeau offered an A2 amendment to move the proposed office from the Department of Health to the Department of Public Safety, citing data-sharing, accountability, and examples from other cities and states; after discussion with the bill author, he withdrew the amendment. Chair Becker then noted existing state and local spending on violence prevention and public safety programs and raised concerns about duplication of effort.

Transcript Highlights:

• now proceed to testimony on House File now proceed to testimony on House File 3462. 3462.
• I'm here today to testify against House File 4362. Mr. Goch testified against House File 4362.
• c> firearm House File 4362 expands firearm House File 4362 expands firearm restrictions<00:14:32.880
• FAFSA filing rates.
• your name and proceed at this time. your name and proceed at this time.

Bills: HF4362, HF4252, HF4440

Keywords: firearms, guns, gun rights, gun control, campus safety, public college, university, postsecondary institution, higher education, visitor carry, concealed carry, open carry, campus policy, Minnesota Statutes 624.714, petty misdemeanor, parking lot carry, firearm possession, public safety, college campus, student carry

Transcript Highlights:

• Times have changed.
• Times have changed.
• Times have changed.
• Times have changed.
• Times have changed.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all