Transcript Highlights:

• Line 10 is the Minnesota Indian scholarship program, which is $7 million and it remains at the base amount
• Line 10 is the Minnesota Indian base.
• Line 10 is the Minnesota Indian scholarship<00:03:06.159><c> program</c><00:03:07.120><c> which</c><00
• The line item has been reduced, but the appropriation itself has been distributed between the Indian
• Line 42 is the Minnesota American Indian scholars program.

Summary: The committee took up House File 2312 and first adopted the DE1 amendment, after which the amended bill was discussed. Nonpartisan fiscal staff walked through the spreadsheet and explained the bill’s higher education budget changes, including increases for state grants and tribal college assistance, unchanged funding for several existing programs, and reductions or eliminations for items such as state work study, summer academic enrichment, student loan counseling, concurrent enrollment, and the student parent support initiative. Staff also noted transfers to special revenue funds, the cancellation and reappropriation of ALS research funding, and a new licensing/registration revenue item. The committee was told the bill met the committee’s zero target overall, with a net general fund change of zero relative to the February forecast, while also adding some non-general fund expenditures for program licensing and registration. Members asked several questions about the transfers and specific line items, including whether any new special revenue accounts were being created, the foster care wraparound services line, and the treatment of the University of Minnesota and Centric Care partnership. Staff explained that the transfers generally did not create new accounts, that some items were not in the base, and that the U of M/Centric Care partnership was a one-time appropriation in the prior bill but was now being built into the base at a different amount. The University of Minnesota section also included new or continued funding for medical school development, health training restoration, emergency assistance grants, ALS research, and a weather resiliency program, while the Mayo Foundation section eliminated funding for Mayo Medical School and the Mayo family medicine residency program. The policy portion of the DE1 was then introduced. It included a maximum tuition and fee amount for state grants, direct appropriation of emergency assistance grants to Minnesota State, a juvenile justice appropriation for Metropolitan State University, and the ALS research reappropriation to the University of Minnesota. It also contained repealers for unfunded programs, including a delayed repealer for the student parent support initiative. In the higher education policy article, the bill would allow Minnesota State to offer applied doctoral degrees in cybersecurity, make technical changes to hunger-free campus and sexual misconduct procedures, extend pregnant and parenting student protections to private institutions, allow OHE to retain up to 10% of certain competitive grants for administration, consolidate reports, change the state grant formula so negative FAFSA contributions count as zero, and reduce the state grant lifetime credit cap from 180 to 120 credits. The Northstar Promise provisions would limit tuition and fees to resident rates and require MnState, and request the University of Minnesota, to ensure eligible students receive the benefit.

Transcript Highlights:

• clarify that the funding for the CCA can be used for flooding and prioritizes federally recognized Indian
• For the record, I'm Seth Worley, the government affairs director for UA Plumbers and Steamfitters Local
• Chair Robinson, members of the committee, for the record, my name is Jason Hudson, Government Affairs
• Chair Robinson, members of the committee, for the record, Jason Hudson, Government Affairs Director for
• My name is Aaron Yard, and I'm the Director of Policy and External Affairs at Building Changes.

Bills: HB1069 , HB2091 , SB6355 , HB2104 , SB6003 , HB2441 , HB2124 , HB2610 , HB2338

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: collective bargaining, retirement benefits, employee rights, public sector, supplemental benefits, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation, electric transmission, energy policies, infrastructure, regulatory framework, transmission systems, aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Luis Figueroa, and I am the senior director of legislative affairs for Every Texan.
• for our unique regional needs. including border policy, transportation and infrastructure, military affairs
• portion of San Antonio, the Asian diaspora is still a quarter, 25.8% of Asian... and 19.3% Asian Indian
• My name is Elisa Tamayo, Governmental Affairs Manager for El Paso County.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's the Director of Workforce Education at Northwest Indian College, but he's also a former BTC college
• He's also. education at Northwest Indian College, but he's also a former BTC college himself.

Bills: SCR8410 , SCR8410

Keywords: returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• It wanted by 2025 to have at least 70% of all the groups in the state—African Americans, American Indians
• It wanted by 2025 to have at least 70% of all the groups in the state—African Americans, American Indians

Transcript Highlights:

• I also recognize the important role that the Indian health care system plays for tribes and surrounding
• honoring government-to-government relationships with the 29 federally recognized tribes and urban Indian

Bills: SB5899 , SB6292 , SB6094 , SB6182 , SB5947 , SJR8206 , SB5933 , SB6138 , SB5823 , SB6210 , SB5921 , SB6226 , SB6159 , SB5924 , SGA9291 , SGA9307

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: chiropractic, animal care, veterinary medicine, license endorsement, nonhuman animals, health care, financing, legislative committee, joint committee, policy management, pediatric care, transitional services, healthcare, licensing, children's health, abortion, reproductive health, pregnancy termination, clinic access, abortion access fund

Transcript Highlights:

• This delay will literally delay restoration of Outstanding Florida Springs, of the Indian River Lagoon
• This delay will literally delay restoration of Outstanding Florida Springs, of the Indian River Lagoon

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met with a quorum present and took up several environmental bills and one confirmation. First, the committee considered SB 1422 on surface waters, which was amended with a strike-all focused on coral reef protection and designation of coral reefs as critical natural infrastructure. Senator Garcia described the amendment as a way to support restoration, disaster resilience, and access to federal funding; Audubon Florida waived in support. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS for SB 1422 favorably. The committee next considered SPB 7034, a DEP rule ratification concerning the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee River minimum flows and levels and recovery strategy. Senator Rodriguez explained the rule would replace prior MFLs and allow longer permits, while opponents from the Florida Springs Council and local river advocates argued the plan relies too heavily on one future wastewater reuse project, delays restoration, and lacks a clear funding source. DEP and JEA waived in support. After debate, the committee approved the motion to submit the proposal as a committee bill; the measure was favorably reported, with Senator Smith voting no. The committee then heard SB 1510 on DEP-related matters, as amended. The strike-all addressed Outstanding Florida Springs B-MAP mediation plans, septic system upgrades where sewer is unavailable, rural cost-share eligibility, notice to property owners, rulemaking procedures, and land acquisition governance, while removing biosolids and fee provisions. Florida Springs Council opposed the 60-day delay for B-MAP effectiveness, saying it could slow restoration and allow more conventional septic systems to be installed before stricter requirements take effect. DEP and others supported the bill. The committee reported CS for SB 1510 favorably. It also heard SB 1196 on waste facilities, which would prohibit new ash-producing incinerators and waste-to-energy facilities within two miles of certain federally authorized water impoundment areas, with an amendment narrowing the bill to Miami-Dade and Broward County. Supporters, including the City of Miramar, said it would protect water resources and Everglades restoration; opponents from the Florida Waste-to-Energy Coalition warned it would limit local solid waste options and could force more landfilling. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 1196 favorably. Finally, the committee considered SB 912 on battery collection and recovery, establishing a battery stewardship program and requiring producers and retailers to join a stewardship organization by 2028. Supporters from the battery industry and recycling sector said the bill would reduce fires and keep batteries out of the waste stream. The committee adopted the amendment and reported CS for SB 912 favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Gary Jennings to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we all know, the Indian River Lagoon is a very, very special place, and it's the most biodiverse estuary
• As we all know, the Indian River Lagoon is a very, very special place, and it's the most biodiverse estuary

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, and marine-biodegradable products, with supporters arguing it creates standards and avoids patchwork local rules; it was reported favorably. SB 1066, by Senator Brodeur, proposed a phased restoration of the Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam area, including partial dam restoration, recreation and economic development planning, and a local advisory council; testimony was strongly divided between restoration supporters and local officials concerned about water supply, reservoir value, and community impacts. The committee adopted an amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also approved CS/SB 698 by Senator Martin, which would let builders proceed with home construction after applying for septic permits rather than waiting for the permit to be issued first. Testimony from builders and industry representatives focused on permitting delays, contract pricing, and the need for a glide path if DEP rules change; some senators raised concerns about the 120-day transition period, but the bill passed favorably with a technical amendment. CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, would phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam for non-emergency use, require inventory and disposal reporting, create DEP rules and a registry of alternatives, and establish grant/cost-savings support for local agencies; it was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying DEP references and penalty language. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body feature in the Jupiter Narrows area as the Andrew Red Harris Shoal in honor of a local environmental advocate who died rescuing a friend. The bill was amended to clarify the shoal identification and then reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested the record reflect additional affirmative votes on certain bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we all know, the Indian River Lagoon is a very, very special place, and it's the most biodiverse estuary
• The Indian River Lagoon is a very, very special place, and it's the most biodiverse estuary in the country

Bills: S0698 , S0958 , S1066 , S1230 , S1288

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, marine-biodegradable products; supporters said it would reduce reliance on paper straws that may contain PFAS and create more uniform standards. The bill was reported favorably after brief supportive testimony and no opposition. The committee also approved SB 1066, by Senator Broder, a major Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam restoration proposal. The bill would direct DEP to implement a phased restoration plan, create an advisory council with local and military representation, fund recreation and economic development projects, and address safety concerns tied to the dam’s age and high-hazard status. Supporters from conservation groups, river advocates, and some local residents praised the restoration and planning framework, while several Putnam County officials opposed the bill, arguing the reservoir supports recreation, water supply, and local interests. The committee adopted a late-filed amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 698, by Senator Martin, was also reported favorably. It would let builders proceed with local building permits while septic permits are pending, rather than waiting for sequential approval, and includes a 120-day glide path related to new DEP rules; builders supported the bill as a way to reduce delays, while some senators questioned whether the transition period was too long. The committee then approved CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, which phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, restricts non-emergency training use, requires inventory and disposal reporting, creates DEP rulemaking and a grant program, and exempts certain federal, military, and emergency uses. Finally, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body in the Jupiter Narrows area in honor of Andrew Red Harris, with a technical amendment clarifying the shoal designation. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• My local state college, Indian River State College, was an Aspen winner, number one in the country among
• Our service area is roughly the same size as Indian River County or comparable to the city of Gainesville

Transcript Highlights:

• amount of non-taxable land from the University of Minnesota Forestry Center, DNR parcels, and federal Indian
• pond and associated water and sewer line infrastructure for the Little Rock District on the Red Lake Indian

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

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• this is U.S. shrimp, this is Gulf shrimp, this is pond-raised Vietnamese shrimp, this is pond-raised Indian
• I assure you that none of the seafood restaurants had a picture of an Indian pond.

Bills: HB2226 , HB2269 , HB2343 , HB2760 , HB3621 , HB4079 , HB4204 , HB4518 , HB4531 , HB4555 , HB4850 , HB4876 , HB4903 , HB4996 , HB5122

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• But then also, next generation, I worked in Indian education for a very long time.
• I think it's funny that your kid allowed you to follow him all the way through; as I was an Indian education

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Counties that have passed this resolution include Alachua, Broward, Collier, Holmes, Indian River, Leon
• Sebastian, Vero Beach, Winter Garden, and towns including Orchid, Palmetto Bay, Key Biscayne, and Indian

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to review its fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal and several bills. The chair outlined a roughly $18 billion budget area, including major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, library/cultural/historical initiatives, affordable housing, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical adjustments and then approved the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee next heard and approved CS/SB 666, creating a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate, with proceeds supporting scholarships, academic, athletic, and arts programs at Miami Northwestern Senior High School. Members praised the school’s academic and athletic achievements, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition. The committee also heard extensive testimony on CS/SB 1318, which would rename Florida’s texting-while-driving law as the hands-free driving law and expand the prohibition to handheld use of wireless devices, including in work zones. Supporters, including law enforcement, health care, bicycling, and crash victims’ advocates, argued it would save lives and make enforcement clearer; some senators supported the goal but raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways in Hillsborough and Charlotte counties for Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen and Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, creating the International Aerospace Innovation Fund to be administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills were reported favorably with little debate. Senators also requested to be recorded in the affirmative on selected bills, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• One measure supported by the 11 tribes of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and the Minnesota Association
• threats as airboats, wakeboats, invasive species, permits issued without tribal consultation, and non-Indians
• We have multiple incidents last year of non-Indians sneaking onto Lower Rice Lake, which is the largest
• It's been supported by the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, representing the 11 tribes across the state

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Such as the Indian Education Advisory Council, the Black Education Advisory Council, and the Federally
• there is actually an addition to it that allows for the Hispanic Education Advisory Council and the Indian
• within the advisory councils, what type of collaboration do you have with the councils within the Indian

Transcript Highlights:

• American Indian Communities OIC, $1 million; Father Project, Goodwill Easter Seals, $2 million; Big Brothers
• Minnesota Diversified Industries Career Skills, $250,000; Ujamaa Place, $800,000; Hired American Indian
• Minnesota Diversified Industries Career Skills, $250,000; Ujamaa Place, $800,000; Hired American Indian
• American Indian Communities OIC, $800,000; Father Project, Goodwill Easter Seals, $1 million; Big Brothers

Transcript Highlights:

• lot of concerns among lawmakers, environmental advocates, and most significantly the Prairie Island Indian
• significantly the advocates, and most significantly the Prairie<00:26:50.400><c> Island</c><00:26:50.720><c> Indian
• </c><00:26:52.400><c> Um,</c> Prairie Island Indian community. Um, Prairie Island Indian community.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also must include contributions of the Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities, including
• of the must include contributions of the Minnesota<00:26:10.559><c> American</c><00:26:11.039><c> Indian
• </c><00:26:11.440><c> tribes</c><00:26:12.000><c> and</c> Minnesota American Indian tribes and Minnesota
• American Indian tribes and communities<00:26:12.880><c> including</c><00:26:13.520><c> urban</c><00:
• The CCSSR framework, the Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities, including urban Indigenous

Bills: HF3489 , HF3550

Committee: House Education Policy

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:

• I am in support of this bill on behalf of Pichanga Band of Indians, and thank the majority leader for
• Holly, for many days, news with like-house public affairs on behalf of Abundant Housing, Los Angeles,
• And with me today is Michael Lane from SPUR, and Holly de Jesus may show up from Lighthouse Affairs.
• And Holly de Jesus may show up from Lighthouse Affairs, who are also in support of the measure and here
• Again, Holly Fermini to his is the White House public affairs on behalf of Abundant Housing Los Angeles

Committee: House Natural Resources