Transcript Highlights:

• to increase judicial and court safety. to increase judicial and court safety.
• safety resources for the judicial safety resources for the judicial branch. branch. branch.
• Jennifer Super, who's our judicial Jennifer Super, who's our judicial branch's<00:37:44.120>
• contain critical investments in judicial contain critical investments in judicial safety<00:40:03.480
• <00:40:28.280> officers reimbursements to both judicial officers reimbursements to both judicial

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Safety and Security Conference Committee met on May 13, 2026, with a quorum present and no immediate vote taken. Chairs explained the committee was working ahead of a possible target so it could act quickly later if needed, then proceeded with member introductions and a reminder about committee decorum. Staff noted a microphone delay and said the meeting would include a side-by-side walk-through of the House and Senate policy language and a review of the fiscal spreadsheet. Fiscal staff summarized major differences in court, public safety, and legislative security funding. The House and Senate proposals differed on safety and security funding for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts, as well as on courthouse grants, capital security enhancements, and a new legislative/protective services unit. Staff also reviewed Senate-only and House-only items, including a Senate proposal to require removal of insignia from public safety vehicles sold to the public, and House provisions for a security services task force and member security costs. Total general fund impacts were reviewed, with the House total corrected to include an open appropriation that had been omitted from the spreadsheet totals. Nonpartisan staff then walked through the policy differences. The Senate language focused on a Protective Services Unit and security for principal state officials, while the House language focused on a Legislative Services Unit and security for legislators. Both bills included provisions on Capitol Complex Security, reporting requirements, and reimbursement arrangements with local law enforcement, but differed on details such as whether elected officials must provide contact information to DPS and how requests for personal protective services are handled. The House-only amendment A8 was presented for discussion; it would revise emergency contact provisions, replace the House’s personal protective services request language with a more detailed threat assessment and mitigation framework, direct implementation of the new unit, and make related reimbursement and technical changes. Judge Richard Kyle, president of the Minnesota District Judges Association, testified in support of stronger judicial and court safety measures. He described rising threats against judges, citing survey results showing high rates of judges limiting personal information, receiving inappropriate communications, changing personal behavior, and experiencing threats to themselves and family members. He said the association supports legislative authorization and funding for home security and personal data protections for judicial officers, and emphasized that safety concerns for judges and court staff have become more serious in recent years.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bucky from Judicial Council here? Say that again. Jay Bucky from Judicial Council is here.
• Oh, Bucky from Judicial Council is here. Oh, the Judicial Council. Yes, welcome.
• over which bills would get judicial over which bills would get judicial review<00:40:55.480>
• But it is a long-term view. that money from a different judicial that money from a different judicial
• right other questions for judicial right other questions for judicial councel<00:58:25.680> no

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a proposed increase to the annual elevator certificate fee in the Department of Labor. The commissioner said the fee had been $50 for years and generated just under $300,000 annually, while the Inspection Division’s broader revenue far exceeded its expenses. Members noted the fee only covered the certificate, not the inspection itself, which is billed separately at $100 per hour. After comparing the fee to neighboring states and discussing the department’s revenue and staffing, the committee agreed to rewrite the language to set the fee at $75 and to vote on an amendment later. The committee then took up Section 139, which would expand the list of labor-law violations that can be penalized without first issuing a warning. The Department explained the change was meant to align House Bill 157 with other chapters, including youth employment and workers’ compensation provisions, where immediate civil penalties are already allowed. The section was accepted unanimously. A longer discussion followed on the Second Injury Fund. The commissioner explained that the fund reimburses insurers for certain workers’ compensation costs tied to claims involving pre-existing conditions, is financed by assessments on insurers, and requires notice within 100 weeks of injury plus a $10,000 deductible before reimbursement. He said the fund currently holds roughly $16 million to $22 million, one full-time employee administers it, and total staff involvement is about five to six people. Members questioned whether the fund should be sunset, but the department said the current House Bill 2 language does not propose a sunset; instead, it addresses increased hearing and litigation burdens after a recent Supreme Court decision. Sections 140 and 141, dealing with hearings, were then accepted unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed fines for late insurance coverage reporting, with the department noting the current rubric allows up to $50 per day but uses $112 per day, and members suggesting a lower amount.

Transcript Highlights:

• Number two, I did confirm at the end, I asked...
• And Peter Bragon stated for the record, I mean, we confirmed number one that it's an option—that being
• Number two, I did confirm at the end, I asked...
• <04:54:58.600> at number one number two I did confirm at number one number two I did confirm
• number one that it's an Ops confirmed number one that it's an Ops that<04:55:33.040> being<04

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And my understanding that because the Supreme Court gave or confirmed that authority upon the governor
• And the court made it very clear that they have authority over their judicial branch, and that should
• <02:06:35.840> in<02:06:36.079> invading<02:06:36.719> the<02:06:36.960> judicial
• authority in invading the judicial authority in invading the judicial branch.<02:06:38.320> And
• branch uh and that and their judicial branch uh and that and that<02:06:46.719> that<02:06:46.800

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the June 9 minutes, then reviewed a deferred personnel contract involving workers’ compensation claims administration. Staff explained that the roughly $50 million figure included about $48 million for claims payments and up to $1.45 million per year for administrative services, with billing based on a fee schedule for specific services rendered. Senator Meredith raised concerns about the vendor’s history, the scoring and bid process, and prior allegations involving the company; the administration responded that the procurement had been conducted under 45A through open competition, with outside scorers and no finding of wrongdoing tied to this contract. Meredith moved to disapprove Contract 167, Hart seconded, and the committee voted 5-2 to disapprove it. The committee then deferred a Western Kentucky University personal services contract because the vendors were still not registered with the Secretary of State’s office. Hart moved to defer the contract until the August 2026 meeting, Meredith seconded, and the motion carried. The committee also approved the agenda covering the various contract lists and deferred items. Next, the committee heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on several personal services contracts for medical staffing and related services. Secretary Steven Stack and staff explained that staffing shortages often require outside vendors, that the contracts were competitively bid under 45A, and that the cabinet uses a streamlined vendor pool for specialized needs such as actuaries, auditors, and technical consultants. The committee approved Contracts 52 through 55 without objection. Discussion then began on Contract 61, with Meredith expressing concern that the committee lacked enough detail to judge whether the services could be performed in-house or whether the exchange of resources was appropriate; Stack said the contract was intended to provide efficient access to specialized outside expertise. The transcript cuts off before a final vote on Contract 61 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• addresses that I got off the judicial addresses that I got off the judicial branch<00:23:09.159>
• six slide seven is our judicial six slide seven is our judicial headcount<00:39:01.359> we
• fully um staffed in terms of judicial fully um staffed in terms of judicial officers<00:39:07.599
• can I think if you have the judicial can I think if you have the judicial Council<01:06:08.799><
• It's quasi-judicial.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met for its first meeting of the new session with opening remarks, member introductions, and a discussion of committee logistics. Members described their backgrounds and priorities, including criminal justice, right-to-know and privacy issues, domestic violence, death-with-dignity legislation, abortion, firearms, landlord-tenant policy, housing, and technology/privacy concerns. The chair noted there were already 34 bills assigned to the committee and expected more, and said the committee would likely continue to have a heavy workload this session. The chair also outlined how the committee would operate: meetings would generally be on Wednesdays, with possible Mondays as needed; hearings would not require a quorum, but executive sessions would; and members were asked to provide updated phone numbers and email addresses, especially cell numbers. He explained that the committee would continue its practice of seating members in a mixed partisan arrangement to encourage communication, and that the new clerk had joined the committee. A significant portion of the meeting focused on procedures for executive sessions and meeting times. The chair said the committee would follow the traditional rule allowing executive sessions on bills heard that day if proper notice was given, but he would avoid taking up controversial matters without full attendance. Members then discussed whether meetings should start at 9, 9:30, or 10 a.m., with concerns raised about long commutes, evening obligations, and winter driving after dark. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided, but the chair indicated he would try to accommodate the committee’s preference while balancing the workload.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then our judges have judicial performance evaluations.
• So let's talk about the First Judicial Magistrate cases.
• They wanted everything to go to the First Judicial District.
• Um, if the resources are needed, as I did in the First Judicial.
• The judicial ruling is that it is likely unconstitutional.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the first is the judicial security and courthouse bill.
• branch and all the courouses we judicial branch and all the courouses we have<00:02:00.399> across
• Um the first is<00:02:18.800> the<00:02:19.120> judicial<00:02:19.680> security<
• judicial security and courthouse bill.<00:02:21.760> Um<00:02:22.080> that<00:02:22.400
• <00:02:40.400> branch yellow ties here for the judicial branch yellow ties here for the judicial

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3230, a security package combining several bills related to political and Capitol security. Members first adopted the DE6 amendment, described as reflecting the negotiated allocation and appropriations language, and then heard Chair Mullen explain that the bill covers judicial security and courthouse grants, continued Capitol grounds screening, hardware and hardening improvements, legislative services home security, temporary local law enforcement support for credible threats, a new task force, funding for the BCA threat assessment team, and DPS deficiency funding tied to recent events. Discussion focused largely on the balance between security and public access. Representative West objected to the Capitol screening and metal detectors, arguing the Capitol is the “people’s house” and questioning the cost and fairness of the measures; he also asked whether the bill changed who controls Capitol security. In response, members said the scanners were not created by this bill but were already decided by the governor and security commission, and that the bill includes a provision clarifying the chain of command and training responsibilities. Other members supported the package as a necessary response to political violence and threats, emphasizing protection for lawmakers, staff, visitors, and the public. After discussion, the committee renewed the motion to place House File 3230, as amended, on the general register. The motion passed without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• our school building without a judicial our school building without a judicial warrant. warrant.
• the school buildings without a judicial the school buildings without a judicial warrant. warrant
• valid judicial warrant. valid judicial warrant. That's<00:35:59.680> it. That's it.
• The Attorney General has already issued guidance to schools about judicial warrants.
• Thank you. guidance to schools about judicial guidance to schools about judicial warrants.<00:36:33.120

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That number was presented by the Board on Judicial Compensation.
• The Board on Judicial Compensation was created by the statute.
• And their budget is requesting a 517.58% judicial pay increase based on the Board of Judicial Compensation
• But I do think it's time that we have a judicial security officer housed at the Judicial Center that
• Primarily, we use the National Judicial College in Reno.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• no recourse other than to file for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, asking them to order judicial
• no recourse other than to file for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, asking them to order judicial
• no recourse other than to file for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, asking them to order judicial
• no recourse other than to file for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, asking them to order judicial
• no recourse other than to file for writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court, asking them to order judicial

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The judicial branch is not a discretionary program like much of what we deal with here in this House
• The judicial branch must be funded appropriately.
• The judicial branch was not at the negotiating table when leaders from the other two branches decided
• However, we are bringing you a conference report that underfunds the judicial branch.
• We funded operating adjustments to judicial staff at a level that would support less than a 1% raise,

Transcript Highlights:

• That would be done with notice to the firearm holder, and a judicial hearing to identify the record and
• Um, and a judicial hearing to identify the record and make the determination when the situation is so
• review hearing where uh more judicial review hearing where uh more testimony<01:42:32.159> can
• as prompt a response from uh judicial as prompt a response from uh judicial officers<01:43:36.719
• level of of prompt response by judicial level of of prompt response by judicial officers.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that the judicial officer consider the person's status as a resident of West Virginia.
• It only requires that the judicial officer give consideration to the resident...
• That the judicial officer give consideration to the residency status.
• It's only which judicial officer may issue that PR bond. Correct.
• They have a defense lawyer, and they have a full judicial review in front of a magistrate.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then considered a series of House bills, with several administrative reminders about floor session and the need to keep testimony focused. House Bill 4169, which expands the list of professionals who may provide the verified mental health certificate needed to petition to regain firearm possession rights, was reported to the full Senate without amendment. House Bill 4364, establishing concurrent jurisdiction with the federal government over certain military lands and related juvenile matters, was amended with technical/title changes and then reported as amended. House Bill 4366, allowing military protective orders to be used as evidence in protective-order proceedings and requiring notice to issuing agencies after arrests, was also amended and reported as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 4415, a strike-and-insert measure increasing penalties for bringing telecommunications devices and other contraband into correctional facilities, expanding the definition of telecommunications device, and adding federal correctional facilities; the strike-and-insert and title amendment were adopted, and the bill was reported as amended. House Bill 4606, which revises bail factors and adds language stating a magistrate may not release a felony defendant on personal recognizance, drew extensive debate and testimony from the House Judiciary chair, court system officials, and advocates. Concerns centered on whether the bill conflicted with existing code, whether magistrates should be barred from PR bonds in felony cases, and the impact on poor defendants and jail populations; an amendment to strike the felony PR-bond prohibition failed, and the bill was reported on a divided vote. House Bill 4610, expanding the Right to Try Act to include patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses and additional treatment types such as biosimilars and individualized gene therapies, was reported without amendment. House Bill 4552, clarifying that correctional officers are law enforcement officers for purposes of federal concealed-carry protections, received a technical amendment and was reported as amended. House Bill 4625, relating to the real estate transfer tax, was amended to change the valuation calculation and add/clarify exemptions, then reported as amended. House Bill 4755, adding certain offenses to the list of crimes triggering enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders, was reported with a title amendment. House Bill 4842, clarifying that civil remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images apply to sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion and establishing joint and several liability, was amended and reported as amended. Finally, House Bill 4850, requiring the State Bar to post free online educational materials about executors and administrators of estates, was amended and reported as amended after discussion about scope, disclaimers, and existing county resources; the committee then recessed for floor session, with two remaining bills postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we also have some financial concerns about the change for the judicial retirement fund.
• So, we also have some financial concerns about the change for the judicial retirement fund.
• Um, the judicial plan, you had the judges and clerks and their benefit that was created in 2016, but
• So, we also have some financial concerns about the change for the judicial retirement fund.
• >> Talking about the funding for the judicial side.

Bills: HB304, HB285, HB312, HB311, SB60

Keywords: impoundment, driver licenses, vehicle redemption, local identification cards, law enforcement, HB285, TJ's Law, traffic infraction, traffic ticket, uniform traffic ticket and complaint, minor driver, juvenile driver, parent notification, guardian notification, emergency contact, citing agency, traffic citation, driver safety, youth safety, Alabama traffic law

Transcript Highlights:

• judicial judicial Council Council Council um<01:48:33.280> to um to um to um<01:48:37.280>
• <01:48:48.040> account it's listed under judicial account it's listed under judicial account
• <01:51:17.719> council I know that the we the judicial council I know that the we the judicial
• <01:51:32.119> C within a certain limit the judicial C within a certain limit the judicial
• how are they going to fund the judicial how are they going to fund the judicial Council<01:51:55.000

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 313, and Representative Perez moved to retain the bill, saying it needed work and was not ready as written. Representative Smith supported that approach, and the motion to retain passed 18-0. The committee then considered House Bill 391, an anti-SLAPP measure. Representative Smith and others argued the bill was too broad, could create litigation and discovery disputes, and might even be read to affect criminal cases. The committee voted 18-0 to retain HB 391 as well, and the chair agreed to place it on consent with a report to be prepared. The committee next heard House Bill 462, establishing a cause of action for unwarranted video imaging of residential properties. Representative McFarland moved to retain, saying the bill raised First Amendment and property-rights concerns. The motion passed 18-0. The committee then took up House Bill 509, a fiscal note bill requiring reporting related to forfeitures. Members on both sides discussed the bill’s cost, the burden of collecting and collating the data, possible duplication across fiscal years, and whether the information was already being collected. The OTP motion passed 11-7, and Chairman Lynn asked Representative McFarland to prepare the report; a minority report was anticipated. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 520, which would authorize Department of Education hearing officers to issue subpoenas. Representative Kuttab supported the bill, saying similar authority exists in other agencies and states. Opponents argued the DOE already can obtain information through the attorney general, that the bill would create an unbalanced internal enforcement process, and that the subpoena authority was not tied to the curriculum-related concerns raised in testimony. Representative Ter offered Amendment 0842H to shift subpoena authority from DOE hearing officers to the attorney general; the amendment failed 7-11. The committee then voted on the bill as amended, and the OTP motion passed 10-8, with a minority report also requested.

Transcript Highlights:

• Essentially, this is a new budget obligation that the judicial council has not had previously.
• Essentially, this is a new budget obligation that the judicial council has not had previously.
• Essentially, this is a new budget obligation that the judicial council has not had previously.
• paying for these, to my agency, the judicial council.
• So essentially the payment obligation went from the judicial branch to the judicial council. >> Okay.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on Friday, November 21st and first approved the October 17th minutes, with one member abstaining because she was not present. The committee then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar after removing two items for separate consideration. On tab four, members discussed item 25282 with the Commissioner of Administrative Services and Public Works staff; the project had been delayed after testing revealed design errors and flaws, and the committee was told the work would restart with test piles the following week and was projected for completion in fall 2027. The item was approved. On tab five, item 25279 concerned a Health and Human Services facility project and a federally required element added late in the process. Commissioners explained that the project had originally been funded at $21 million, later required additional financing, and that the legislature had recently lifted a restriction so non-ARPA funds could be used. They also said the sale of the existing Manchester property would not be needed to complete the build, that a broker RFP was about to be issued, and that any sale would require further approvals. The committee approved the item. The committee then approved item 25280 after a brief exchange about rainy day fund estimates and prior budget assumptions, and approved item 25278 without discussion. Item 25272 drew questions about the consumer advocate’s RFP for outside utility-rate-case assistance; the office said it eliminated proposals focused only on return on equity work after the Eversource decision, selected a Michigan firm for spreadsheet and operating-cost analysis, and noted there were no in-state firms doing this specialized work. The committee approved the item, with one member recorded in opposition. On tab nine, item 25261 concerned a new judicial council budget obligation tied to legislation and public defense staffing needs. The presenter said the request reflected a late-added obligation from the judicial branch, that more requests may still be needed, and that public defense staffing was strained by vacancies and competition from Massachusetts. The committee approved the item. Under informational items, members received an update on 529 plan distributions and on interest and dividends tax refunds, with Revenue Administration saying roughly $21 million more in refunds remained and that the repeal-related refunds were nearly finished. The committee also noted an environmental services item for which questions would be submitted separately. The next meeting was set for December 19th at 11:00 a.m., and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• She confirmed that the updated amount is correct and said the earlier email was incorrect.
• She also confirmed that the $28 billion of exempt properties in the 37 counties is already included in
• Shelly confirmed they are still dealing in 2024 numbers and collecting 2025 data, but that it will not
• Just to note that, looking forward, I believe Chairman Vigesaa can confirm this or not, but I believe
• It won't be on the website for quite a while, but if you have it now, I think that would be judicious

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to continue its tax reform and relief study agenda, approved the December 3, 2025 minutes, and announced a new subcommittee to examine property tax statement issues with counties, auditors, and the tax office. Representative Headland was named chair, Senator Rummel vice chair, and Representatives Dressler and Dr. Dr. and Senator Patton were also assigned. The chair noted the group may need an additional meeting and thanked staff and attendees. A major portion of the meeting focused on economic development incentives. The Department of Commerce presented on the Renaissance Zone program and TIF districts, describing Renaissance Zones as locally tailored tools that combine local property tax relief with state income tax incentives. Commerce said the program has supported thousands of projects since 1999 and cited examples from Beach and Mandan showing increases in property and taxable value, business retention, housing, and downtown revitalization. Committee members raised concerns that smaller rural communities often lack the staff and expertise to apply, and Commerce said it provides outreach through conferences, office hours, and one-on-one assistance. League of Cities and local officials from Bismarck and Ellendale echoed the capacity issue, discussed how the programs have worked in their communities, and suggested possible reforms or more targeted support for small towns. Ellendale’s mayor also described two TIF districts, one for industrial infrastructure in Oaks and one for housing infrastructure tied to a data center project in Ellendale. The committee then turned to stripper oil taxation. The Tax Department gave a comparison of oil and gas tax structures in selected states, noting that most have some form of stripper or marginal well provision, while Alaska does not appear to have a specific stripper-well exemption. Members asked for more detail on definitions and North Dakota’s annual adjusted rate. The Department of Mineral Resources followed with a detailed presentation on North Dakota stripper wells, explaining the statutory thresholds, the 12-consecutive-month production test, and the fact that once a well qualifies it remains on stripper status even if production later rises. DMR said about 11,332 stripper wells are active, representing roughly 54% of wells and about 16% of state production, and emphasized that stripper status can extend well life, preserve tax revenue, and reduce orphaned wells. Committee members and industry witnesses discussed refracs, the economics of keeping marginal wells active, and the competitive disadvantage created by North Dakota’s oil price discount. No votes were taken on these informational items.

Transcript Highlights:

• And how are prosecutors and how is the judicial system addressing the fundamental issues of those crimes
• I'm the Director of Operations for our judicial and correctional services.
• We already, you know, our judicial dockets so that people can't be seen.
• We've got backed-up judicial dockets.
• See, you haven't been Senate confirmed. I don't think I can do that. You get that in session.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 619, as amended, clearly reinforces judicial efficiency while prioritizing humane treatment
• It returns the administrator position back to the judicial branch.
• Place the administrative office back under the judicial branch.
• Restore the neutral judicial branch.
• Senate Bill 415 addresses an ongoing deficiency in the judicial system.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, row 41, judicial branch uh,000 cost.
• about 7.8 million on the judicial about 7.8 million on the judicial branch.<01:03:58.559> These
• There was a reduction judicial branch.
• 39.600> council judicial council uh contract council judicial council uh contract council received
• . uh judicial branch space assignment. uh judicial branch amended<01:21:01.679> RSA<01:21:02.800

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Legislative Budget Assistant staff presented an overview of the Senate changes to the House-passed budget, focusing on revenue estimates, appropriations, and ending balances across the general fund and education trust fund. The presentation emphasized that the Senate’s budget reflected higher revenue assumptions than the House, driven in part by updated April revenue figures, changes to business, tobacco, and real estate transfer tax splits, and different assumptions about video lottery terminal revenue. The Senate also adjusted lapse estimates upward, especially for HHS, after receiving updated information that lapses could be much larger than originally assumed. The presenter walked through the major differences in the surplus statements for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. Compared with the House, the Senate budget generally showed higher revenues, lower or different appropriations in some areas, and larger balances carried forward, including a larger education trust fund balance and a different rainy day fund transfer. The Senate’s approach also changed several policy assumptions, such as maintaining liquor revenue dedication, removing the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap, changing the treatment of unique revenue, and altering the process for meeting a targeted revenue amount by giving the governor more flexibility. On the appropriations side, the Senate removed or modified several House reductions and added funding or adjustments in areas including the judicial branch, corrections, HHS, the Human Rights Commission, and certain settlement costs. The presenter also highlighted Senate changes in House Bill 2 and related budget provisions, including a new arts tax credit, a nursing home bed fee, changes to Medicaid premium assumptions, and differences in how motor vehicle inspection repeal and BLT-related revenue are handled. No votes were taken in the portion shown; the discussion was informational and comparative, aimed at explaining the Senate budget changes before conference committee negotiations.