Transcript Highlights:

• Stu Lori, government relations director for Minnesota Farmers Union, testified that the organization
• Data practices act requests by MCEA around a data center proposal in North Mankato revealed that the
• </c><01:02:14.720><c> uh</c><01:02:14.960><c> data</c><01:02:15.280><c> practices</c> theoretical concern
• . uh data practices theoretical concern. uh data practices act<01:02:16.000><c> requests</c><01:02:16.400
• </c> data center that um you know, Mr. data center that um you know, Mr.

Bills: HF1531, HF4017, HF3399, HF4146, HF4019, HF3677

Keywords: crossbow, crossbow hunting, archery season, deer hunting, bear hunting, turkey hunting, fishing, common carp, rough fish, game and fish, wildlife management, hunting license, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, sunset clause, expiration removal, archery equipment, outdoor recreation, infectious waste, pathological waste

Transcript Highlights:

• The second Minnesota Historical Society.
• </c><00:05:26.880><c> with</c> this body and the state government with this body and the state government
• Management and Budget, commonly known as MMB, Minnesota IT, which is commonly called Minnesota IT, the
• </c> effectively in the state of Minnesota. effectively in the state of Minnesota.
• </c> it and we'll be a better Minnesota it and we'll be a better Minnesota because<00:14:16.320><c> of

Bills: HF2783

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is Brandon Hirsch, and I serve as director of government relations for Minnesota
• <c> IT</c> government relations for Minnesota IT government relations for Minnesota IT services.<00:10
• , Minnesota geospatial offices' ability to provide access to the most current statewide data for use
• , Minnesota geospatial offices' ability to provide access to the most current statewide data for use
• , Minnesota geospatial offices' ability to provide access to the most current statewide data for use

Bills: HF2783

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• Public following when it becomes inactive, the data I would refer to the Data Practices Act in what it
• Inactive investigative data is classified as public; active investigative data is confidential.
• The data classification provisions are consistent with existing data classification of similar data reported
• to the Minnesota Department of Commerce pursuant to Minnesota Statute 60D.
• My name is Ado Shuny, and I'm the Director of Government Relations for the Minnesota Department of Education

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• The data I would refer to the Data Practices Act and what it says about criminal investigative data.
• to the data The data I would refer to the data practices<00:09:17.120><c> act</c><00:09:18.080><c> and
• Minnesota Statute 60D.22 provides that similarly reported data are classified as confidential or protected
• </c> data classification of similar data data classification of similar data reported<00:31:57.440><c
• I'm the director of government relations for the Minnesota Department of Education.

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• In fiscal year 2024, the federal government spent 6.9 trillion. Accounting.
• In 2024, the federal government collected $4.92 trillion in revenue, a shortfall of approximately $2
• The beauty of cryptocurrency is that it's not run by any government.
• I just don't want the government. OK, OK. Members, anyone else? OK.
• I just don't see that practically occurring, Senator. I really don't.

Bills: SB 21, SB 72, SB 140, SB 262, SB 370, SB 372, SB 495, SB 627, SB 703, SB 764, SB 842

Keywords: cryptocurrency, bitcoin, investment reserve, economic resilience, financial security, vehicle rental, damage waiver, consumer rights, business regulations, refund policy, telephone solicitation, telemarketing, text message marketing, SMS marketing, robotext, spam text, consumer protection, deceptive trade practices, DTPA, Business & Commerce Code

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to cryptobased data mining operations. to cryptobased data mining operations.
• House File 3296 simply data centers.
• I'm Ken Sulen, director of government relations and senior counsel for the Minnesota Municipal Utilities
• I spent about 20 years in different roles in Minnesota state government, most recently as the executive
• Um and the data that that region.

Bills: HF3296, HF3802

Keywords: energy conservation, data centers, electric sales, energy optimization, utility regulations, energy regulation, certificate of need, renewable energy, power production, energy efficiency, Minnesota statutes, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our local governments, large and small, all across the state, metro and rural and greater Minnesota,
• Our local governments, large and small, all across the state, metro and rural and greater Minnesota,
• Our local governments, large and small, all across the state, metro and rural and greater Minnesota,
• Our local governments, large and small, all across the state, metro and rural and greater Minnesota,
• Our local governments, large and small, all across the state, metro and rural and greater Minnesota,

Bills: HF4710, HF4055, HF3848, HF3989, HF4599, HF3767, HF3592, HF3575, HF3574, HF3543, HF4606, HF4489, HF3891, HF3438, HF3811, HF3400

Keywords: capital investment, water infrastructure, sewer systems, public funding, municipal development, Eveleth, wastewater treatment, state bonds, environmental compliance, infrastructure, bonds, economic development, local government, transportation, intersection improvements, Lake Elmo, HF4599, St. Joseph, Minnesota bonding bill, bond proceeds fund

Bills: SB138, SB166, SB117

Keywords: franchise, franchisor, franchisee, religious freedom, religious accommodation, sincerely held belief, Sunday closing, Sabbath, day of worship, contract law, commercial contracts, renewal, amendment, brand standards, small business, business hours, civil penalties, injunctive relief, attorney fees, Alabama

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the biggest challenge in Greater Minnesota, and not just Greater Minnesota, but across Minnesota
• </c><00:12:04.560><c> in</c> dentists in the state of Minnesota in dentists in the state of Minnesota
• Chair. treatment and Rural Minnesota is a big treatment and Rural Minnesota is a big part<00:21:08.679
• </c><00:54:26.000><c> state</c> general manager of the Minnesota state general manager of the Minnesota
• </c> we're going to pay for government we're going to pay for government spending<01:21:40.239><c> when

Bills: HF1833, HF148, HF1127, HF1227, HF1681, HF1974, HF1106, HF1016, HF2197

Keywords: sales tax, education funding, construction, Aitkin Public Schools, tax exemption, refundable credit, HF148, use of force training, deadly force, peace officer training, police training, law enforcement, POST Board, Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, scenario-based training, de-escalation, defensive tactics, force-on-force training, stress management, officer wellness

Transcript Highlights:

• but we are the largest community in southwest Minnesota.
• They made their way to America, to Minnesota, and they have woven themselves into the tapestry of Minnesota
• Minnesota FFA Foundation.
• Our celebration of 100 years of Minnesota FFA.
• Minnesota FFA has a rich, long history in our state.

Bills: HF2411, HF2471, HF1440, HF1393, HF1631, HF1259, HF280, HF1281, HF1459

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• And They made their way to Minnesota.
• ,</c><00:19:09.840><c> we</c> sure that as the state of Minnesota, we sure that as the state of Minnesota
• The ren the state of Minnesota.
• and the Minnesota FFA Foundation.
• The growing Minnesota video legacy.

Bills: HF2411, HF2471, HF1440, HF1393, HF1631, HF1259, HF280, HF1281, HF1459

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee on retirement and government resources will come to order. Let me do this first.
• To me, that doesn't serve any clear purpose when we're focused on transparency in state government.
• serve as a whistleblower in those situations where something untoward has happened in the state government
• But in state government, they tend to focus on what their tasks are.
• I just want to highlight the impact of government contracts on industry and commerce.

Bills: SB1415, SB1714, SB1962, SB26, SB172

Keywords: nondisclosure agreements, state employment, employee rights, transparency, government accountability, employee suggestions, cost savings, state agencies, incentives, performance awards, efficiency, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, state procurement, state purchasing, State Purchasing Director, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, OMES, exempt entities, purchasing exemptions, state contracts

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Retirement and Government Resources will come to order.
• The Committee on Retirement and Government Resources will come to order. Let me do this first.
• But I think this is a case where copying private business is not appropriate to state government.
• The common good or of our government.
• I just want to highlight the impact of government contracts on industry and commerce.

Bills: SB1415, SB1714, SB1962, SB26, SB172

Keywords: nondisclosure agreements, state employment, employee rights, transparency, government accountability, employee suggestions, cost savings, state agencies, incentives, performance awards, efficiency, Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act, state procurement, state purchasing, State Purchasing Director, Office of Management and Enterprise Services, OMES, exempt entities, purchasing exemptions, state contracts

Summary: The Committee on Retirement and Government Resources heard several bills dealing with state employment, purchasing, and retirement policy. Senate Bill 1415, by Senator Brooks, would prohibit nondisclosure agreements when a state employee resigns or is terminated, with exceptions for statutorily protected confidentiality such as physician or attorney privilege. Members questioned how the bill would interact with whistleblower protections and sensitive information, but the bill passed 6-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1714, by Senator Jett, which would expand an existing state employee suggestion/incentive program to encourage agencies to identify cost savings and efficiencies, require agencies to review recommendations in good faith, and report back on accepted or rejected ideas. Members raised concerns about open meetings, employee notification, written documentation of suggestions, and possible disputes over the value of savings. The author agreed to work on amendments, the title was struck, and the bill passed as amended 5-2. Senate Bill 1962, by Senator Bullard, would move certain purchasing exemptions out of statute and into the administrative rules process so exemptions must be periodically renewed and justified. Supporters said this would reduce personality-driven exemptions and improve oversight, while concerns were raised about ongoing needs and emergency situations. The bill passed unanimously 7-0. The committee also passed Senate Bill 26, which would allow retired teachers to return to work after a 90-day break with a salary set by local districts and a 3% contribution back to the retirement system, and Senate Bill 172, which would tie cost-of-living adjustments for pension systems to funding benchmarks and a rolling average, rather than legislative discretion; both bills passed, with SB 26 passing 7-0 and SB 172 passing 6-1. The chair noted the committee expected at least one more meeting and hoped to finish the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota county. Minnesota county.
• and our state governments.
• “The Minnesota Department of Revenue produces the property values and assessment practices report, which
• “The Minnesota Department of Revenue produces the property values and assessment practices report, which
• The Minnesota Department of Revenue produces the property values and assessment practices report, which

Bills: HF2715, HF2499, HF3420, HF3657, HF2303

Keywords: HF2715, homestead credit refund, property tax refund, property tax relief, homeowner tax relief, homestead credit, co-pay reduction, Minnesota property taxes, tax rebate, state refund, income thresholds, inflation adjustment, property tax circuit breaker, housing affordability, elderly homeowners, fixed income, taxation, Minnesota Statutes 290A.04, renters credit, income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of government relations for the Minnesota Department of Education.
• </c><00:13:57.720><c> the</c> of government relations for the of government relations for the Minnesota
• </c> Minnesota Department of Education. Minnesota Department of Education.
• Another issue is why they would go against federal best practice and pull the Minnesota Department of
• John Kelly, director of government affairs for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

Bills: HF3489, HF3393, HF3785, SF856, HF4006, HF4615, HF3919, HF4591, HF3682, HF4240

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fraud in Minnesota. fraud in Minnesota.
• </c> Minnesota, that works for the agencies. Minnesota, that works for the agencies.
• I'm not a Minnesota expert.
• </c> something that's just good governance. something that's just good governance.
• You know, Minnesota people.

Bills: SF856, HF4482, HF3672, HF1234, HF4591, HF3554, HF936

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, HF4482, Minnesota Historical Society, state historic sites, historic site management, historic preservation, county historical society, local historical society, municipality, county government, admission fees, grants-in-aid, site operations, site maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• Veterans in Minnesota.
• I know that some video production in Explore Minnesota went outside of Minnesota production companies
• Minnesota companies.
• I'm the Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Minnesota Public Radio. All right.
• Minnesota Public Radio meets the goals of the Minnesota Legacy Arts and Cultural Heritage Programming

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:

• Minnesota communities through Minnesota Minnesota communities through free<00:07:27.160><c> accessible
• I know that some video production in Explore Minnesota went outside of Minnesota.
• I am the Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Minnesota Public Radio.
• </c><00:31:08.120><c> Radio</c> Minnesota next uh Minnesota Public Radio Minnesota next uh Minnesota
• Other positions in state government, for example, and this is all public data, so I'm not sharing anything

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:

• State Mano and and of Minnesota State Mano and and of Minnesota<00:14:43.360><c> State.
• </c> Minnesota that the students initiated. Minnesota that the students initiated.
• </c> like in practice. like in practice.
• </c> Minnesota management and budget agency. Minnesota management and budget agency.
• Minnesota. Minnesota.

Bills: HF4479, HF4368, HF4889

Keywords: higher education, public university, college campus, postsecondary institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, town hall, town hall meeting, elected official, legislator, public forum, constituent meeting, campus access, free meeting space, parking fees, civic engagement, public outreach, chapter 135A, HF4368, Minnesota State