Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Maye Quade replied that she had spoken with the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society.
• Senator Johnson Stewart said she had said the wrong thing: it is not Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
• , it is Missouri River Energy Services.
• Energy Society, it is Missouri River Energy Service.
• </c> last year by the League of Minnesota last year by the League of Minnesota Cities Cities Cities that

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota was we were all still reeling. Minnesota was reeling. reeling. reeling.
• This is what Minnesota thinks.
• , Minnesota, Minnesota, what<00:59:34.280><c> kind</c><00:59:34.520><c> of</c><00:59:34.640><c> world
• There's a lot of guns in Minnesota.
• </c> school sport in Minnesota. school sport in Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• For clean energy projects to implement the requirements of Section 94530.
• Finally, the Clean Energy Reliability Investment Plan (CIRRP) was discussed earlier.
• We don't allow fossil fuel resources; they're all clean energy projects.
• So we were not, our mission—we are laser-focused on a clean energy future—but we were in a moment of
• It is a clean energy program, and it would be for a state water facility.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in the Department of Commerce, there's some investments of CCA dollars for some clean energy rebates
• In the Department of Commerce, there's some investments of CCA dollars for some clean energy rebates
• It is part of our coalition's mission to ensure that the energy affordability crisis is addressed this
• We appreciate the governor's acknowledgement of the energy affordability crisis through his proposal
• of one-time energy assistance credits at $30 million.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee opened with committee guidelines for the 2026 session, including limits on testimony, amendment deadlines, confidentiality expectations, and professionalism rules. Chair Ormsby also reviewed housekeeping for the public hearing, noting the meeting was recorded and live streamed, and that testimony would be limited to one minute because of the large number of sign-ups. The committee then began its work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental operating budget, presented by OFM Director Katie Chapman, who outlined the state’s fiscal pressures: higher caseloads in major programs, a revenue forecast decline of about $390 million, federal policy changes tied to H.R. 1, inflation, and a relatively small ending fund balance. She said the governor’s budget solves about a $2.3 billion shortfall through nearly $800 million in spending reductions, revenue shifts, fund transfers, use of about $1 billion from the Budget Stabilization Account, and some tax preference changes, while also making targeted investments in areas such as child welfare, behavioral health, wildfire response, housing, and IT modernization. Chapman also explained that the proposal does not fully balance over the four-year outlook under the state’s statutory assumptions, but said the governor relied on the budget-balance law’s exception tied to BSA use and low employment growth. A question from Rep. Connors about credit ratings was answered with the view that the impact is difficult to predict and that Washington’s strong pension funding and balanced-budget framework remain positives. The public hearing drew testimony from state officials and many advocates, most of whom opposed specific cuts or fund shifts in the governor’s proposal. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs objected to proposed sweeps from the corporations and charities fund and the library archives account, citing prior cuts, layoffs, cyberattack-related costs, and the need to upgrade aging systems. Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove urged restoration of wildfire prevention funding, saying the proposed amount was still $30 million short of the commitment in House Bill 1168 and that underfunding would increase suppression costs and risk to communities. Many education witnesses opposed reductions to Working Connections Child Care, transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, Running Start, and higher education across-the-board cuts, arguing they would harm access, equity, and workforce development. Higher education leaders from community colleges, the University of Washington, Western Washington University, and Evergreen State College described staffing cuts, program reductions, and pressure on student services, while K-12 groups and OSPI said the budget would deepen existing funding gaps. A large portion of testimony focused on human services, health, housing, and civil legal aid. Child welfare and youth-serving organizations supported some targeted investments but opposed cuts to child care, child welfare network administration, and youth programs; advocates for foster youth, homeless youth, and mentoring programs asked for continued or increased funding. Health care and long-term care providers warned that proposed Medicaid and rate changes would reduce access for seniors, people with disabilities, and safety-net patients, while Planned Parenthood and abortion access advocates urged full restoration of the Abortion Access Project and related reimbursements. Housing and legal aid witnesses backed the governor’s proposed right-to-counsel funding but asked for more support, and homelessness advocates sought contingency funding for federal housing programs. Crime victim and domestic violence service providers repeatedly said the proposed $12 million was far short of the roughly $21.38 million needed to avoid service cuts and closures. Other testimony addressed the Climate Commitment Account shift for the Working Families Tax Credit, with environmental advocates opposing the diversion of CCA dollars and workforce advocates supporting the governor’s economic security and employment programs. No votes or formal committee action were taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• energy projects, and yet that remains a recommendation in the text.
• Very recently, the governor just submitted an energy affordability bill that proposes to eliminate the
• energy, renewable gas, if you will, for farmers.
• energy, renewable gas, if you will, for farmers.
• And very timely because there are new advances in climate and energy, as Senator Barrett mentioned.

Summary: The meeting was the final session of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century, convened to adopt its final report. The chairs described the report as the product of extensive public engagement, research, and collaboration, focused on challenges and opportunities for Massachusetts agriculture, including climate resilience, farmland access, workforce development, food security, and farm viability. Several members and stakeholders thanked the chairs and staff for the multi-year process and emphasized the value of hearing directly from farmers and industry participants. Senator Barrett offered a detailed set of draft corrections and concerns for the record, including the report title, outdated references, repeated definitions of MDAR, the need to better reflect suburban communities, and a possible tension between recommendations supporting anaerobic digestion and a governor’s proposal affecting the alternative portfolio standard. The chairs noted that comments had been circulated for written review and said substantive feedback would be considered, while also indicating the document was nearing finalization. The commission then held a roll call vote and unanimously voted to adopt the final report, with all members present voting yes. The chairs said the final report would be formatted, published online, and distributed to stakeholders and the public, with a public rollout and media briefing planned for the fall. They also noted that the report was intended to support related legislation already filed or expected to be filed in the Legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vanessa Flores, on behalf of Clean and Healthy California, in support.
• economy, but we worry California is becoming a cautionary tale of what not to do.
• Consider Anthro Energy, a Bay Area battery company.
• California awarded Anthro more than $5 million through the Energy Commission.
• And even while contributing to our economy every day, taxpayers are footing the bill.

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on labor standards, worker safety, and public transparency. SB 954 by Senator Blakespear would revise last year’s CEQA exemption for advanced manufacturing by adding worker protections such as prevailing wage, a skilled and trained workforce, high-road employment standards, and environmental guardrails. Supporters from labor, environmental justice, and conservation groups said the bill restores promised safeguards after SB 131, while business groups argued the added requirements would undermine the exemption and discourage investment. The committee voted 5-0 to do pass and re-refer SB 954 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open for absent members. The committee then considered SB 966 by Senator Gonzalez, which would codify refinery worker participation and safety protections adopted in 2017 after the 2012 Chevron Richmond fire. Supporters, including United Steelworkers and a former refinery worker, said the bill would preserve workers’ ability to report hazards, select representatives, and stop unsafe work, preventing future disasters. The Western States Petroleum Association opposed the bill, arguing it could be preempted by federal labor law and would add regulatory uncertainty. The committee passed SB 966 3-0 and re-referred it to Appropriations, with the roll left open. Next, SB 1203 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas sought to modernize private security guard training, expand de-escalation instruction, strengthen accountability, and create a clearer professional pathway for the industry. The author and many security workers testified that guards are often first responders in volatile situations and need more practical training and better standards; opponents from industry and business groups warned the bill would raise costs, worsen staffing shortages, and create implementation problems, especially around third-party training and a new wage order. The committee voted 4-1 to do pass and re-refer SB 1203 to Public Safety, with one no vote and the roll left open. The committee also heard SB 1284 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, a transparency bill requiring DHCS to publish the names of large employers with workers enrolled in Medi-Cal and the estimated taxpayer cost. Supporters said the measure would show how low wages and unaffordable coverage shift health costs to the public, while opponents argued Medi-Cal enrollment depends on many factors and that naming employers would be misleading and amount to public shaming. After discussion, the committee voted 4-2 to do pass and re-refer SB 1284 to Appropriations, leaving the roll open. The transcript then began discussion of SB 1054 by Senator Cabaldon, which would improve workforce data collection and sharing to better evaluate job-training pathways, but the excerpt cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Turning to the next page, you'd have the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority.
• There is some grant funding that's been committed out of the Clean Sustainable Energy Fund.
• And then finally, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority.
• Same thing with clean sustainable energy, for instance.
• Same thing with clean sustainable energy, for instance.

Summary: The committee received a compliance and budget update on Industrial Commission agencies and programs, including the Industrial Commission administrative office, the Oil and Gas Research Program, the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority, the State Energy Research Center, the Research Technology Park grant program, and related funds. Staff reviewed spending and balances for items such as electric grid resiliency grants, lignite research, enhanced oil recovery, the salt cavern business case study, and the new NDSU research and technology park grant. Members also discussed timing, carryover balances, matching requirements, and how some programs are structured to reimburse projects over several years rather than spend funds immediately. Karen Tyler of the Industrial Commission described the agency’s administrative budget, the grant management system nearing completion, and the transition to standalone audits and staffing after separating from other agencies. She also outlined the status of active grant rounds across lignite, oil and gas, renewable energy, outdoor heritage, and clean sustainable energy programs. Members asked about the length of active grants, demand for clean energy funding, and the possibility of future grant rounds. Tyler and members also discussed the salt cavern study, the need to better define its commercial value, and the research technology park grant’s cash-match requirement. Ron Ness then testified on enhanced oil recovery and broader oil and gas market conditions. He said North Dakota production remained steady, but future growth depends on infrastructure, longer laterals, and better use of natural gas and carbon dioxide for EOR. He described the state’s EOR grant round, the use of federal DOE funding to replace part of a state-funded project, and the expectation of additional grant rounds. Members asked about CO2 supply, storage, and the economics of using legacy fields and pipelines to extend oil production and support agriculture and industrial uses. The committee also heard from Bank of North Dakota President Don Morgan, who reviewed the bank’s mission, governance, lending verticals, disaster programs, and new initiatives. He said the bank is seeing deposit growth flatten and is responding to fintech competition by focusing on liquidity, risk management, and a new payment infrastructure initiative called Rough Rider Coin, which he emphasized is not crypto and not a public coin, but a banking payment rail for North Dakota institutions. Members asked about student loan rates, disaster lending, and how the bank’s lines of credit and balance sheet capacity are affected by deposit trends. Morgan said the bank remains profitable and continues to support agriculture, commerce, and industry through participation loans, student lending, and state-directed programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have... renewable energy renewable energy &gt;&gt; is<00:15:37.120><c> that</c><00:15:37.279><c> is
• </c><00:18:27.840><c> requires</c> relating to energy efficiency requires relating to energy efficiency
• :34.880><c> Office</c><00:18:35.120><c> to</c> the Hawaii State Energy Office to the Hawaii State Energy
• </c><00:26:38.960><c> Justice</c> Um, testimony from the Energy Justice Um, testimony from the Energy
• Hi, State Energy Office, with comments in person. >> Aloha, John Chin, Hawaii State Energy Office, will

Bills: HB2241 , HB2316 , HB1566 , HB1926 , HB1673 , HB1948 , HB2602 , HB1598 , HB2334 , HB2451 , HB2243

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a bill to expand the solar energy tax credit for single-family residential properties by removing certain cap amounts and raising the adjusted gross income limits for taxpayers to elect a refund of excess credits. The Hawaii State Energy Office and Department of Taxation both said they were standing on written testimony, while industry and advocacy groups largely supported the measure. Members questioned whether the income thresholds were set appropriately, how many taxpayers would be affected at different income levels, and how many would qualify for refundable treatment; Taxation said it did not yet have the requested numbers but was preparing a fiscal estimate. A major issue raised was drafting and administration: witnesses said the bill appears to apply differently to owner-purchased systems versus third-party leased systems, and Taxation said it likely could not easily verify household income for leased systems or cross-reference different taxpayers. Discussion also covered whether the credit should remain refundable, whether credits should be limited to amounts actually expended, and whether the bill should instead be structured to keep the credit with the system owner or lessor, with concerns about equity, market effects, and possible incentives to lease rather than buy. The committee then moved to HB 2316, which would align state restrictions on lead materials in drinking water infrastructure with federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The Department of Health and other supporters testified in favor, and there were no questions from the chair. Next, HB 1566 on energy efficiency would require state agencies to use energy-efficient lighting, with the Hawaii State Energy Office providing technical assistance and a compliance survey prioritized for first responder facilities; testimony from state agencies and advocates was in support, and again there were no questions. For HB 1926 on Red Hill, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Board of Water Supply, and multiple organizations and individuals supported funding for remediation studies, environmental monitoring, groundwater research, independent testing, and a public dashboard, with DLNR emphasizing that decades of work remain necessary even after defueling and that the bill supports ongoing university and community partnerships. The committee then heard HB 1673 on landfill units. The Department of Health initially said it was in support but later corrected the record and stated it strongly opposes the measure, saying the bill would undo protections enacted last session that keep landfills out of areas over aquifers; the Board of Water Supply also opposed repeal of those protections, while the City and County of Honolulu supported the HD1 version that leaves siting decisions to the counties. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and the Energy Justice Network opposed the bill, arguing the original protections should remain and that the amended version had confused commenters; supporters of the original version urged restoring it and considering additional language on ash.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are contributing to our economy.
• economy has been upended and we are too high a cost of production.
• And I don't know exactly how you do that in a free market economy.
• economy has been upended and we are too high a cost of production.
• economy has been upended and we are too high a cost of production.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5828, which would restore and adjust Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship award levels for students attending private, not-for-profit four-year institutions. Staff explained the bill would set the awards at 90 percent of the regional and state college rate rather than 50 percent of the research rate, with an estimated fiscal impact of $3.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and $18.6 million over four years. Testimony was largely in support from private college presidents, students, and school counselors, who said the bill would help low-income and first-generation students and preserve access and enrollment choices; some public college student representatives said they did not oppose the bill but argued that cuts to public-school aid should be restored first. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5911, which would prohibit DCYF from using benefits or funds of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for their cost of care beginning in 2027, while requiring support for benefit management and payee arrangements and allowing protected accounts such as ABLE accounts. Staff estimated a net fiscal impact of $608,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $2.2 million per biennium thereafter. Testimony in support said the bill would end the practice of withholding SSI and other benefits from youth in care and better support disabled youth transitioning to adulthood. Members asked questions about fiduciary responsibility and representative payee arrangements. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and advanced several bills. It adopted Amendment Clark 350 to House Bill 2689, raising the required provider response rate for the child care market rate survey to 65 percent, and then reported the bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 18-11, with two excused. It adopted Amendment H-3743.1 to Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5395 on retrospective prior authorization denials and reported that bill out unanimously. It also adopted Amendment Pool 272 to Senate Bill 5420 and reported that bill out unanimously. For Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5496, the committee adopted several amendments clarifying scope and penalties but rejected amendments that would have delayed the bill or replaced it with a study; the bill was then reported out with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard amendment briefings on other bills, including 5981, 6026, 6160, 6184, and 6211, but deferred action on some items heard that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cloud and Northwest Minnesota. And St. Cloud and Northwest Minnesota.
• </c> greater Minnesota transit account. greater Minnesota transit account.
• </c> small communities um small Minnesota small communities um small Minnesota communities<00:38:16.960
• </c><01:14:50.719><c> Senate</c> Minneapolis as the Minnesota Senate Minneapolis as the Minnesota Senate
• </c><01:30:36.960><c> up</c> transparent by kind of uh uh cleaning up transparent by kind of uh uh cleaning

Transcript Highlights:

• a fee restructuring of the Clean Energy Commission's opt-in and application for certification permitting
• clean-up to the Energy Commission, Department of Water Resources, and California Air Resources Board
• AB 142 is the second energy trailer bill.
• Energy codes actually reduce energy use and increase utility bill savings, so as written, this bill will
• Around the Clean Cars for All changes.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• benefit the universities, the local communities, and the state by pushing Florida's research and economy
• And obviously its roles are in coastal and food security, environmental monitoring, clean energy, drugs
• And obviously its roles are in coastal and food security, environmental monitoring, clean energy, drugs
• More recently, the neurodgenive decision. triggering, clean energy, drugs from the sea.
• It helps to diversify the economy of the Panhandle and make it more resilient in the future.

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Education Postsecondary Committee held its first meeting and focused on state university centers and institutes, with an overview from the Board of Governors on how the more than 500 centers and institutes across Florida’s public universities are categorized, overseen, and reported. The Board described three categories: state-level centers, legislatively established centers, and university-established centers. Members were told universities must maintain policies, notify the Board of changes, publish public inventories, and submit annual reports and compliance certifications. Senator Harrell asked about funding sources and whether underperforming centers are reviewed for elimination; the response was that funding varies by center and that universities decide whether to maintain or disband centers under their own policies, with annual reporting and audit findings shared with the Board. Four university presentations followed. Florida Atlantic University highlighted its Center of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology, describing research in marine-derived drug discovery, genomics, imaging, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and ocean sustainability, along with spin-off institutes and partnerships that have generated significant grant and contract support. FIU presented its Center of Excellence for Hurricane Damage Mitigation and Product Development, emphasizing the Wall of Wind facility, hurricane and water intrusion testing, code and product innovation, insurance modeling, and future expansion toward higher wind speeds and flood simulation. Florida State University’s High-Performance Materials Institute described work in advanced materials, aerospace composites, sensors, nanocomposites, and AI-enabled materials development, along with patents, industry partnerships, and new facilities tied to economic development. The University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning outlined its work on teacher professional learning, literacy, New Worlds Reading, tutoring, and mathematics supports, including microcredentials, statewide book distribution, and early results showing improved reading confidence and growth. Members generally praised the centers for their research, commercialization, workforce development, and education impacts. Senator Jones and Senator Harrell commended the Lastinger Center’s literacy work and the broader return on investment from these programs, while Senator Berman noted the value of the synergies across institutions. The chair emphasized that future funding requests should clearly show measurable success, commercialization, and statewide impact. The committee then adjourned without any formal votes on legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oil spills devastate marine life. shut down fisheries and beaches, damaged coastal economies and erode
• California's coast supports a trillion dollar economy driven by tourism, fishing, recreation and clean
• So we ask for your aye vote to help protect California's coastal communities, ecosystems and economy.
• chair members Joe Zanzi with San Diego gas and like We had a post position Going into utilities and Energy
• It's a cleaned-up version of the failed Bill AB307 from last year.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• economy.
• economy.
• </c><00:26:14.960><c> economy</c><00:26:15.960><c> a</c> population to the Minnesota economy a population
• to the Minnesota economy a recent<00:26:16.559><c> report</c><00:26:16.960><c> by</c><00:26:17.120><
• Paul, Minnesota.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 16, and the chair moved the bill with a recommendation that it be re-referred to Elections Finance and Government Operations. Representative Rymer said the bill would require reporting to ICE when an illegal immigrant is arrested on suspicion of a violent crime, even if the county attorney does not prosecute, and would bar state and local entities from blocking federal immigration enforcement. He described the bill as narrowly focused on serious offenses such as murder, assault, robbery, kidnapping, and criminal sexual conduct, and said it was intended to improve communication with federal authorities about dangerous offenders. Supporters argued the bill would improve public safety and cooperation with federal law enforcement. David Zimmer, a former local law enforcement official, said cooperation with ICE is consistent with law enforcement practice and helps with information-sharing, warrants, consulate notifications, and locating individuals. Several other supporters, including a crime victim family member and a security officer, said the bill would help identify dangerous criminals and protect communities. Opponents said the bill would reduce trust in local law enforcement and discourage victims and witnesses from reporting crimes. Testifiers from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, The Advocates for Human Rights, Violence Free Minnesota, the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, the Northstar Alliance, the City of Minneapolis, and others said mandatory ICE notification could deter domestic violence and trafficking victims from seeking help, harm due process, and undermine community safety. Some also warned it would interfere with local separation policies, burden local agencies, and have negative economic and civil rights impacts. The committee also heard emotional testimony from individuals describing domestic abuse and immigration-related fears, and from family members of a murder victim who supported the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Energy projects siting and military bases from Representative Sarana. Thank you.
• represented to all project partners that property used for the renewable energy.
• Ricky Lee Chavez on behalf of the Innerwest Energy Alliance.
• My name is Michael Barrio and I represent Advanced Energy United.
• , and support workforce training opportunities in the clean energy and infrastructure sectors.

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] Good morning and welcome to the inaugural meeting of the Minnesota House Commerce and Policy
• </c> happens here in the state of Minnesota happens here in the state of Minnesota and<00:11:47.480><
• I represent Blaine, Ham Lake, and Columbus in the Minnesota House.
• Minnesota, I think, well, I know they didn't do those things.
• </c><01:06:07.359><c> will</c> the compacts but I think Minnesota will the compacts but I think Minnesota

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We need energy. We need to be able to maintain our roads.
• And these Level 2 chargers are the energy-use equivalent of a dryer outlet.
• air and clean transportation goals.
• You need a ton of energy to run ...right? This is not super complicated.
• Most utility customers are billed monthly for energy use.

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• couple weeks ago on the House floor, and What this bill does is a bill request from the Oklahoma Energy
• So 1439, Creates an Energy Security and Independence Act.
• Without them, our State, our economy fails, and not just kind of fail.
• If we pollute water, it has an impact and it takes a long time to clean up.
• And the world's economy without oil and gas, I mean, we're back at the stone age.

Committee: House Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been part of tax packages where we look at everything from advanced energy to renewable energy to
• workforce. that we need to continue to build an economy-based workforce.
• It's the one that's really driving our economy here in New Mexico.
• Those are the folks that make sure your drinking water is clean.
• Those are the folks that make sure your parks are clean and ready to go.

Bills: SB240

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• They feature Minnesota artists.
• They feature Minnesota artists.
• </c><00:24:24.919><c> state</c> agency now called the Minnesota state agency now called the Minnesota
• know, you talk about the gig economy; most artists are in the gig economy and they're doing projects
• Minnesota receives a $2 return on that investment, which obviously directly impacts state and local economies

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy