Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and I would move House File 3672. And we are laying it over.
• Commissioner with the Department of Administration, and I'm here to make some brief remarks on this bill, House
• I would move House File 3672, and we are laying it over. Your bill is before the committee.
• And with that, House File 3672 is laid over. on the language because um I want on the language because
• And with that, uh House<00:09:01.040> File<00:09:01.400> 3672<00:09:02.640> is<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 3672, authored by Representative Quam, and the bill was laid over. Quam said the measure is based on findings from past Legislative Audit Commission audits and is intended to clarify state requirements, strengthen agency compliance, and address gaps such as conflicts of interest in grant administration. He said he wants the auditor to work directly with the revisor and agencies so the rules are clearer and less likely to be misunderstood. Betsy Hayes, Assistant Commissioner with the Department of Administration, testified that sections 5 through 11 of the bill would strengthen grants management authorities, reporting, monitoring, training, and conflict-of-interest limits, and said those changes are generally supported and in some cases already reflected in policy. She raised concern about section 3, saying it could sweep too broadly by applying chapter 16B grants-management requirements to all state payments to non-state entities, including procurement payments, which could create fiscal impact and regulatory overlap. She said the department is working with the author, the Office of the Legislative Auditor, and Auditor Randall to refine the language. Chair Clayburn asked for clarification on the difference between grants and procurement contracts and on the relationship between chapters 16B and 16C. Hayes explained that grants are typically reimbursement-based payments to third parties under chapter 16B, while procurement contracts are inward-facing state purchases under chapter 16C. She said section 3 could unintentionally capture procurement and apply grants rules to it. Clayburn said the bill’s intent is good and welcomed continued work on the language before the bill moves forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• three levels<00:37:20.720> of<00:37:20.880> care<00:37:21.280> for<00:37:21.599
• Um,<00:37:23.680> this<00:37:23.920> slide<00:37:24.320> shows<00:37:24.960>
• :37:28.720> we're<00:37:28.960> proposing<00:37:29.280> to<00:37:29.440> do
• Um it is remains<00:37:48.000> a<00:37:48.240> priority<00:37:48.800> for<00:37:
• Um<00:37:50.720> the<00:37:51.599> building<00:37:52.079> 16<00:37:53.200> uh

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 5 minutes, then heard a presentation from Balig Engineering on cost drivers for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in small Minnesota communities. The testifier said most Minnesota communities are small, and that limited local staff, complex funding requirements, and the need to combine multiple funding sources make projects expensive and labor-intensive. He cited examples of aging infrastructure, including a Tracy street collapse and failing water mains, and said federal funding can help but often requires extensive reports that can cost tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of staff hours. He also pointed to inflation, supply-chain disruptions, colder climate requirements, higher material and labor costs, limited competition among contractors and suppliers, and newer treatment requirements such as PFAS removal and cybersecurity controls as major cost drivers. Members asked whether reduced bonding or less frequent state funding would lower prices, whether annual bonding bills provide market certainty, how regionalization could be encouraged, and whether tightening specifications adds costs. The testifier said stopping work would likely drive contractors out of the market and reduce competition, which could raise prices later, and that consistent funding helps keep contractors in Minnesota. He said regional water systems such as Red Rock Rural Water and Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water are already helping lower costs and that legislators could encourage more regionalization through incentives. He also said some specifications and federal requirements, especially around treatment plant controls and cybersecurity, increase costs, though some standards like deeper water-main burial are necessary. The committee then moved on to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, where John Kelly began presenting the governor’s 2026 capital budget recommendations and described the department’s mission, statewide network of veterans homes and cemeteries, and service to nearly 300,000 veterans and dependents.

Transcript Highlights:

• > will While the housing committees will While the housing committees will address<00:07:52.880
• address the broader housing shortage address the broader housing shortage issues,<00:07:55.199> um
• housing and other basics necessities. housing and other basics necessities.
• And it does so for housing costs.
• harder to buy houses. So thank you. harder to buy houses. So thank you.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard House File 2499, as amended by the DE1, which would expand Minnesota’s renters’ credit by nearly doubling the income cutoff and increasing the maximum credit, with the bill laid over for possible inclusion in the tax bill. Representative Lee explained that the DE1 updated tax years and amounts after a new forecast, and argued the bill would bring the renters’ credit closer to parity with the homestead credit. She cited Department of Revenue data showing that recent changes to the renters’ credit increased participation and average refunds, and said the proposal would help more renters, including middle-income households and more seniors and people with disabilities. Testifiers Michael Dah of Homeline and Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project supported the bill. Dah said renters face rising housing costs and a shortage of affordable homes, and described how renters use the credit for basic needs like school supplies, clothing, eyeglasses, dental care, groceries, and car repairs. Madden said the credit refunds property taxes paid through rent, helps workers, families, seniors, and people with disabilities, and noted that more than 310,000 households received the credit in 2023 across every part of the state. She also said recent filing changes made the credit easier to claim and increased participation. Members broadly discussed the fairness of treating renters and homeowners similarly, the role of property taxes in housing costs, and whether the bill should be viewed as helping low-income or more middle-income households. Representative Abeler, Smith, Howard, and Huitt expressed support, while Representative Roach argued the broader problem is rising property taxes driven by mandates on counties and said the bill is only a temporary fix. Representative Anderson questioned extending the credit to higher-income renters and said policy should prioritize homeownership, while Representative Lee responded that many renters are middle-class, that renters often cannot save for a down payment, and that the bill would help them stabilize financially. The bill was then laid over as amended.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Faye Bernstein, a 20-year employee of the Department of Human Services, testified that she had experienced retaliation after raising concerns about contract irregularities and compliance problems years earlier. She said she was walked out of the building, banned from DHS property, and subjected to a lengthy investigation, which she described as professionally and personally harmful. Bernstein stated that the investigation ultimately found she had questioned leadership’s decision-making and held up contracts with compliance issues, and she said she stood by those actions. Her broader testimony focused on what she described as a culture of retaliation and a lack of fraud-prevention mindset at DHS. She criticized department leadership, including Commissioner Gandhi, and said internal auditors and others failed to adequately address the problems she raised. Bernstein argued that the department’s failures had serious consequences for vulnerable people, including homeless individuals affected by a program shutdown during winter, and said the agency needed major leadership changes and firings. The chair thanked Bernstein for her testimony at the end of her remarks. No committee vote or formal action was taken during this exchange.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:37:02.000> be<00:37:02.079> the<00:37:02.320> only<00:37:02.480> ones<
• > on<00:37:06.320> page<00:37:06.640> nine<00:37:06.960> you<00:37:07.200
• >> I'm<00:37:19.599> sorry,<00:37:20.079> Madam<00:37:20.560> Madam<00:37:
• Repres I'm sorry.<00:37:21.920> Could<00:37:22.079> you<00:37:22.240> say<00:37:
• <00:37:24.000> Is<00:37:24.079> that<00:37:24.240> what<00:37:24.320> you

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Judge Tim O’Malley, Minnesota’s director of program integrity, presented a roadmap to program integrity and fraud prevention built around nine areas for improvement, including leadership and culture, stronger program controls, better coordination among agencies and prosecutors, training, technology modernization, independent oversight, stakeholder engagement, and expanded resources. He said long-standing vulnerabilities in state programs have been exploited by organized criminals, and argued the state must shift from reactive enforcement to front-end prevention, faster detection, and recovery of improper payments. He emphasized that modern data sharing and analytics are especially urgent, and said oversight and accountability are essential for lasting change. Fay Bernstein, a long-time DHS employee, testified that she experienced retaliation after raising contract compliance concerns years ago. She said she was removed from the building, barred from DHS property, investigated for months, and accused of racism and threatening leadership, which she denied. Bernstein argued DHS leadership lacks a fraud-prevention mindset and said the department’s culture punishes employees who speak up, while serious program failures have harmed vulnerable Minnesotans. She called for major leadership changes and firings at DHS. Members questioned O’Malley about whether fraud was driven more by sophisticated criminals or by weaknesses in state systems. He said the vulnerabilities have existed for a long time and organized criminal groups are taking advantage of them, especially where data sharing is weak. Members also pressed him on whistleblower protections and retaliation; O’Malley said he should have included the legislature among places employees can report concerns, and said complaints should be thoroughly investigated with accurate information and appropriate consequences for supervisors who fail to act, ranging from coaching to termination depending on the case. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Next bill on the agenda is House File 29? 0, 6, Representative Smith.
• I will move that House File 29, 00:06 PM, referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.
• House File 296, this bill creates exactly the kind of framework we need to do this very safely.
• My name's West Cleaver, and I'm very heavily in support of House File 296.
• My name is Calvin Benson, and I'm here in support of House File 296.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:37:01.480> will<00:37:01.640> now<00:37:02.040> hear,<00:37:03.160> um,
• We will now hear, um, We will now hear, um, House<00:37:04.480> File<00:37:04.960> 1335
• House File 1335 House File 1335 as<00:37:06.760> amended.
• :27.480> being<00:37:27.680> on<00:37:27.840> the<00:37:27.920> hook<00:37
• tools<00:37:42.200> to<00:37:42.720> basically,<00:37:43.480> and<00:37:43.680>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 1335, a bill to authorize Minnesota digital/mobile driver’s licenses and related electronic credentialing. Chair Tapkey moved the bill as amended to Ways and Means, and the committee adopted the A2 author’s amendment changing the effective date. Tapkey described the bill as a modernization measure modeled on other states, intended to add convenience and security for ID checks at bars, restaurants, airports, hotels, and car rentals, while keeping physical IDs in place. Chair Kosnick objected that the bill’s subject matter should be heard in other committees, especially Commerce, Public Safety, and Judiciary, citing privacy and law-enforcement concerns, but the hearing continued. Several testifiers supported the broader move toward digital credentials and e-titling. Brian McDaniel of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association said the hospitality industry supports tools that make it harder for minors to access alcohol, while noting privacy concerns and wanting a role in developing the system. Amanda Doerr of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association supported the A3 amendment as an incremental step toward electronic titles and electronic signatures, saying Minnesota is behind other states and that the transition should be gradual. Jim Hurst of the Minnesota Deputy Registrars Association said deputies support moving toward e-titling but raised concerns about liability for fraudulent electronic documents and strongly opposed the A4 revenue-sharing amendment, warning it could put deputy registrars out of business. Sam Krieger, representing private deputy registrars, said the A4 amendment could exclude private deputies and close about half the offices in the state. Chair Tapkey said the A3 and A4 amendments were intended to improve customer service, digital access, and future title transfers, but after hearing objections, both amendments were withdrawn. The committee then considered the A5 amendment offered by Rep. Anderson, which would bar electronic driver’s licenses for people not lawfully present in the United States. Anderson argued it would prevent issuing credentials to people in the country illegally, including suspected terrorists. Opponents, including Rep. Kegel and Rep. Lucero Nicolai, argued it would create unequal treatment and could wrongly affect refugees or asylum seekers. DVS Director Pong Xiong testified that current applications do not include NCIC checks and that standard credentials are validated through document review rather than broader database screening. The transcript ends amid continued debate over the A5 amendment and related privacy and eligibility questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in conclusion, 37 years on ACCESS—let's not celebrate the 50th anniversary of ACCESS; I think we can

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I call the House Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee to order. A quorum is established.
• A lot of this work I think could be done from a computer figure out where the boat is, where the houses
• in the executive branch, also housed in legislative actions, and that similarly, the solutions have
• I served in the Legislature for 13 years, and some of that time served as Speaker of the House, and I
• I served in the legislature for 13 years and and some of that time served as speaker of the House and

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't believe we can add amendments on the House floor to Representative Roach's points.
• So there is a House rule that prohibits a constitutional amendment from itself being offered as an amendment

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will come to order. Prayer by the chaplain. Good afternoon. Let us pray.
• The following House Files have been offered for introduction today.
• The chief clerk will report the House Files and give them their first reading.
• Motions and resolutions. Motions and resolutions.
• There are copies of the non-controversial motions at the House desk and online.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I would move House File 3845 to be recommended to pass and be referred to the General Register. >> Thank
• Uh, thank you, um, Vice Chair Altonorf and Chairwam, um, for bringing House File 3845.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• opposition to House File 3357. opposition to House File 3357.
• right for me to have it on the house right for me to have it on the house floor. floor. floor.
• the people's house. the people's house.
• Um, the House is tied.
• House floor, and it is quite frustrating House floor, and it is quite frustrating to<00:20:25.400>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3357, a bill to prohibit weapons on Minnesota State Capitol grounds, with exceptions for official protective personnel. The bill’s author and co-author argued it was needed to create a safer environment for legislators, staff, and the public in light of recent threats and violence, including the killing of Speaker Emerita Hortman and other threats directed at members. Supporters said the Capitol should be a place for discussion, not guns, and emphasized the emotional and safety concerns faced by lawmakers, especially women. Opposition testimony came from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which argued the bill would burden peaceable permit holders rather than violent criminals. Opponents said permit holders are highly vetted, commit crimes at very low rates, and should not be forced to choose between First and Second Amendment rights at the Capitol. Several Republican members echoed those concerns, saying the bill would create a confusing patchwork, fail to address threats outside the building, and infringe on lawful self-defense rights. One member also raised concerns about threats against legislators and questioned whether the bill’s assumptions about permit holders were supported by verifiable data. The discussion became contentious at points over procedure and interruptions, with the chair reminding members about decorum and allowing a roll call vote after repeated requests. The committee then voted 6-7, with one excused, against the motion to re-refer the bill to Public Safety. As a result, the motion did not prevail and House File 3357 was laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• 12.640> a<00:37:12.800> long<00:37:12.960> way<00:37:13.440> in<00:37:13.680
• 37:16.880> Minnesota<00:37:17.359> Guard.
• :33.760> did<00:37:34.000> a<00:37:34.160> renovation<00:37:34.640> on.
• Thank<00:37:42.320> you<00:37:42.480> for<00:37:42.640> your<00:37:42.880> time
• <00:37:44.640> Uh<00:37:45.040> first<00:37:45.200> up,<00:37:45.520> Representative

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes by voice vote. It then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Zoo on its aging facilities and bonding needs. Zoo staff highlighted the zoo’s economic and educational role, its 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, and its Free to Explore program, while stressing that many of its 50-year-old buildings are in poor condition, with more than $78 million in backlog and safety concerns for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said the governor recommended $4 million for critical life-support systems and asked for an additional $6 million in asset preservation to renovate the original animal hospital building so a new hospital wing can function properly. Testimony emphasized that the renovation is necessary for staff space, storage, code compliance, asbestos removal, and safe animal care, and described recent injuries and close calls tied to outdated facilities. Members asked questions about porcupine quills, natural predators, and the meaning of the zoo’s incident rate. Zoo staff explained that quills are not poisonous but are barbed and can be difficult to remove, and that predators include larger cats, owls, and fishers. On incidents, staff said they include close calls and injuries linked to aging infrastructure, such as a tiger reaching farther through a wall after fencing shifted over time, and staff injuries during animal procedures in older spaces. Members also confirmed that the hospital project has shifted from a standalone building to a wing attached to the existing hospital because of rising construction costs. The committee then heard from Perpich Center for Arts Education. Perpich described its statewide role as both a public high school and an arts education resource center, serving students and educators across Minnesota. It said it hosted 313 events last year for nearly 2,000 educators and administrators and worked with 275 school districts across all 67 Senate districts. Perpich emphasized that nearly seven in 10 students rely on its residential programs because there are no comparable arts high school options in greater Minnesota, and noted strong student outcomes including a 100% graduation rate and national recognition as an exemplary school. For capital needs, Perpich said it received $1.26 million last year for HVAC and building automation work, is grateful for the governor’s recommended $1.3 million this year, and requested $6 million to create a secure, accessible main entrance and upgrade outdated restrooms to ADA compliance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Representative O'Driscoll moves House File 3388. I see there is an amendment.
• And I will move the A1 amendment to House File 3388 to get it in the shape that I would like to discuss
• And for those reasons, the Minnesota Business Partnership strongly supports House File 3388.
• And for those reasons, the Minnesota Business Partnership strongly supports House File 3388.
• support of House File 3388 today. support of House File 3388 today.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3388, and an A1 amendment was adopted by voice vote. The bill, as amended, would direct the Department of Commerce to seek another federal waiver to continue Minnesota’s reinsurance program and preserve the assessment-and-tax-credit funding model adopted last session. Chair O’Driscoll said the measure is intended to give future legislators options before the current reinsurance structure ends, warning that without it individual-market premiums could rise substantially and more people could lose coverage. Testimony was largely supportive. Dan Andre of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans said reinsurance has been a success since 2018, has lowered premiums by covering a portion of high-cost claims, and helped subsidize care for more than 5,000 Minnesotans in 2024. Ann New Brindley of the Minnesota Business Partnership and Steven Rubis of the Health Plan Partnership of Minnesota also backed the bill, saying market stability is important amid the loss of federal premium tax credits and that continued reinsurance would help prevent further premium increases and cost shifting. Jonathan Carter of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce likewise supported the bill, citing the program’s role in keeping Minnesota’s individual-market premiums among the lowest in the country. Members also discussed how the assessment and tax-credit mechanism works, with Chair O’Driscoll describing it as an assessment on plans followed by a tax credit against state liability. Representative Elkins questioned how insurers self-assess, and Representative Smith said the assessment model is preferable to a general-fund approach if the program continues. Representative Kaggel raised concerns about taxpayer costs and the broader health care system, while also saying the current system is unsustainable and in need of more fundamental change. The committee then renewed the motion to lay House File 3388, as amended, over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first bill on the agenda is House File 3296.
• Representative Mecklin moves House File 3296. Uh, sorry, I got my...
• House File 3296 simply data centers.
• demonstrate the need to approve House demonstrate the need to approve House File<00:04:09.920>
• File 3296 as to make a comment on House File 3296 as amended?

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 3296, as amended, was heard in committee and laid over. The bill would extend an existing exemption in Minnesota’s energy conservation/efficiency program calculations so that certain data centers, like crypto-based data mining operations, would not be counted in a utility’s gross annual retail sales if the new load increases the utility’s base load by 40% or more. Representative Gilman and testifier David Meyer of Glenco Light and Power argued the change is needed because large data loads can make the 1.5% annual savings target effectively unattainable for smaller municipal utilities, and they said the added revenue from the facility has helped lower rates for other customers. Ken Sulum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association supported the bill, describing it as narrowly drafted to address mid-sized data centers that do not fit other relief provisions but still create local utility problems. Sarah Wolf of Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light opposed the exemption, arguing that energy efficiency remains important amid rising demand and grid stress from data centers, and that large users should continue contributing to efficiency efforts rather than being exempted. Members raised questions about whether the facility had a long-term contract, whether the customer was helping lower rates, and how much savings were being passed on to ratepayers. Meyer said the customer had a three-year agreement extended another three years, the infrastructure costs were borne by the customer, and the facility’s revenue has allowed Glenco to reduce rates by about half a cent per kilowatt hour through a $40,000 monthly buy-down of its power cost adjustment. Some members expressed concern that data centers should continue to improve efficiency over time, while others noted the bill’s focus on smaller utilities facing disproportionate impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our<00:37:03.080> research<00:37:03.480> found<00:37:03.760> that<00:37:04.040><
• , experienced<00:37:11.280> misclassification<00:37:12.280> fraud<00:37:13.040> in
• Notably,<00:37:15.840> our<00:37:16.000> analysis<00:37:16.520> found<00:37:16.800
• 00:37:19.600> that<00:37:19.680> have<00:37:19.800> been<00:37:19.920> discussed
• :37:23.720> also<00:37:24.000> in<00:37:24.120> places<00:37:24.480> that

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target. Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then. Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:24.800> who<00:37:25.040> sits<00:37:25.200> on<00:37:25.359> the<
• <00:37:40.160> And<00:37:40.400> so<00:37:40.960> I<00:37:41.359> am
• And so I am led<00:37:42.240> to<00:37:42.560> just<00:37:43.119> question<00:37
• <00:37:46.880> desire<00:37:47.280> come<00:37:47.520> from<00:37:47.760>
• <00:37:52.480> Chair<00:37:52.720> and<00:37:52.800> me<00:37:53.119> and

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the March 3 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on state grant-management requirements. Deputy Legislative Auditor Katherine Tyson outlined the main controls agencies must follow, including pre-award risk assessments for grants of $50,000 or more, reimbursement as the preferred payment method, limits and documentation requirements for advance payments, and monitoring obligations for active grants. She emphasized that these controls are intended to reduce improper payments and fraud, but also require staff time and strong internal systems. In response to questions, she said advance payments are used in some grants but reimbursement is more common, and noted that agencies can add controls such as retaining a portion of funds, surprise visits, or audits. She also said surety bonds are required in some state programs, but not generally for grants, and that this could be a policy discussion for the executive branch. The committee then received a Department of Natural Resources presentation on the new Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund community grant program created in 2023 law. DNR officials said the program is intended to expand access to ENRTF funding, especially for communities affected by pollution and environmental degradation, and to support projects such as environmental education, resource restoration, trail work, and aquatic invasive species management. They said the department will use the same grants team that handles Outdoor Heritage Fund and LCCMR grants, which already manages a large volume of grants, and that the advisory council application is open through April 10. DNR described its implementation plan as similar to the Conservation Partners Legacy program, with both standard and expedited grant rounds, technical assistance, and use of technical experts. Differences include no match requirement, allowance for fiscal agents to help smaller organizations, and more flexibility for administrative expenses to reduce barriers to participation. Officials said the program will follow state grant rules, including pre-award financial reviews and monitoring, and will use the 5 percent administrative allowance to support both oversight and grantee assistance. They also said the report’s suggestion of advance payments for grants under $50,000 was raised for discussion, but they did not dispute the auditor’s emphasis that reimbursement is the preferred approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• came out<00:37:04.480> of<00:37:05.000> the<00:37:05.120> first<00:37:05.600>
• <00:37:14.160> discuss<00:37:14.600> the<00:37:14.760> findings<00:37:15.320
• has<00:37:18.520> been<00:37:18.840> ongoing<00:37:19.520> and<00:37:19.680>
• <00:37:28.320> response<00:37:28.760> to<00:37:28.880> the<00:37:29.200>
• <00:37:31.280> at<00:37:31.400> the<00:37:31.480> beginning<00:37:32.320>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Howard, I will move House File 3480 before the committee and be re-referred to Ways and
• Uh, House File 3480 is frankly a very straightforward and simple bill which calls for an independent
• Uh, we've had entire sectors turned on its head from the agriculture economy to housing and construction
• 00:02:22.640> to head from the agriculture economy to head from the agriculture economy to housing
• <00:02:23.440> and<00:02:23.640> construction housing and construction housing and construction

Keywords: 1183, house