Video & Transcript Research : 'House Resolution 134'
Page 96 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Surveillance-based price and wage discrimination prohibited 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up is Representative Greenman with House File 3794.
- They are not using price clearing<00:04:19.600>
houses. - So, they don't know um clearing houses.
- For these reasons, we cannot support House File 3794 as drafted.
- <00:24:09.360>
File reasons, we cannot support House File reasons, we cannot support House
Summary:
House File 3794, as amended by the A4 amendment, was heard in committee. Representative Greenman described the bill as a ban on surveillance-based pricing and wage discrimination, with a disclosure requirement for companies using automated data to set individualized prices or wages. The A4 amendment was adopted; Greenman said it updated language based on attorney general and stakeholder feedback and added a burden-shifting provision that would let consumers or workers establish a presumption, which companies could then rebut with data. Greenman and supporters argued the bill would stop companies from using personal data and AI tools to charge different prices to different people, while still allowing ordinary market-based discounts and clearly offered group discounts such as those for veterans, students, or teachers.
Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Farmers Union, a neighborhood bookstore owner, Consumer Reports, and a small business owner. They said surveillance pricing undermines fairness, transparency, and competition, and cited examples such as different online prices based on location, browser history, or loyalty-program data. Testifiers also warned that AI-driven pricing and discounting can be opaque and discriminatory, and that small businesses cannot compete with large firms that control more data. Consumer Reports said consumers should not have to use workarounds like VPNs to compare prices and noted that some discounts based on personal data may also need sunlight and guardrails.
Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Progress. They argued the bill’s definitions are too broad and could sweep in ordinary business analytics, loyalty programs, targeted promotions, inventory tools, and even spreadsheets, creating compliance risk and discouraging innovation and investment. They also warned the bill could burden small businesses and interfere with workplace management and compensation decisions. During member discussion, several legislators voiced support for the bill as a transparency and fairness measure, while one member noted that the most egregious examples appear to be in e-commerce and said the committee was laying the bill over for further consideration.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Um this uh housing care uh uh Schultz.
- That's in the House or the Senate. Like literally that didn't follow our own rules.
- That's in the House or the Senate. Like literally that didn't follow our own rules.
- That's in the House or the legislature.
- that you're going to lose your house. that you're going to lose your house.
Summary:
The committee met on March 4, 2026, and focused almost entirely on an update and oversight discussion of the Promise Act, including its grant and loan programs. The chair opened by explaining that the committee wanted to better understand how the 2023 law was implemented, how funds are still being deployed in greater Minnesota and the metro, and whether adjustments made in 2024 and 2025 were working as intended. The minutes from March 3 were approved at the start of the meeting.
Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon of DEED outlined the program’s legislative history, funding structure, eligibility rules, and oversight process. He said the grant side has about $94 million available, with $16 million going to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and $86 million to the Neighborhood Development Center, plus administrative and technical assistance set-asides. He noted legislative changes over time, including shifting the revenue eligibility test to the prior year, adding a home-office deduction requirement for businesses using a home address, and maintaining a preference for applicants who had not received more than $10,000 in prior state assistance. McKinnon said about $22 million had been awarded to 35 businesses at the time of the update, and that the loan program has $30 million appropriated, with about $9.5 million lent so far. He also described the application, verification, audit, and payment process, emphasizing that partners handle intake and DEED conducts final review and random audits.
Shahir Ahmmed of the Neighborhood Development Center described the round-one and round-two grant process in more detail. He said NDC spent about nine months building the application platform, launched round one in June 2024, received more than 3,000 applications, and later paused awards while DEED and legislators clarified the law. He reported that 651 applications were approved in the first round for just under $9 million, and that round two launched in September 2025 with a goal of distributing up to $50 million in remaining grant funds. Ahmmed also explained the step-by-step applicant process, including email confirmation, eligibility screening, document upload, identity verification through Plaid, and final DEED review. He said applicants commonly use funds for payroll, equipment or inventory, rent, and utilities. The chair indicated there would be further testimony from other program partners and then member questions, but no votes or formal actions were taken on the Promise Act itself during this portion of the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rehabilitative mental health service providers 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The next bill on the calendar is House File 3520. >> Jeff Fisher. >> Jeff Fisher. >> You're doing joint
- So, I would renew my motion to have House File 3520 be laid over, please.
- House File 3520, as amended, is laid over for possible inclusion.
Summary:
House File 3520, as amended by an A1 technical amendment from DHS, was heard in committee. The bill was described as a policy-only measure aimed at modernizing mental health statutes to reduce confusion, ease staffing burdens, and improve recruitment and retention in a workforce facing shortages. The author said the bill was developed with mental health stakeholders over several years, shared with DHS, and intended to have no cost unless provisions are later flagged for fiscal impact.
Chris Westgard of Touchstone Mental Health testified in support and walked through the bill’s main provisions. Section 1 would exclude weekends and holidays from the 10-day deadline for completing diagnostic assessments after admission to intensive residential treatment services, which he said would reduce weekend and holiday work for limited staff. Section 2 would clarify statutory language governing the behavioral health fund’s coverage of intensive residential treatment and residential crisis stabilization services. Section 3 would update Youth ACT rules by allowing board-certified psychiatrists with relevant clinical experience to serve as prescribers, making registered nurses optional team members, and allowing teams with demonstrated experience to serve children and youth ages 8 to 20.
Members raised questions about statutory wording, including the use of “notwithstanding” and the term “qualified provider.” Nonpartisan staff said the bill could be tightened with a cross-reference if it advances. There was no public testimony against the bill. The committee laid House File 3520, as amended, over for possible inclusion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Press Conference 3/4/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I co-chair the House Energy Committee.
- My name is Esther Agbaje, and I represent a House District in Minneapolis. Housing is expensive.
- Supply is a factor in the high cost of housing.
- Supply is a factor in the high cost of housing.
- <00:10:33.000>
affordable address housing affordable address housing affordable affordability
Summary:
House DFL leaders held a press event outlining an affordability agenda focused on housing, child care, health care, groceries, energy, and taxes. Speakers argued that Minnesota families are being squeezed by rising costs and income inequality, and said the caucus would pursue policies aimed at lowering everyday expenses and shifting more costs onto corporations and wealthy residents. Representative Bierman said health care costs are pushing people to skip care and called for system reforms, including moving toward a more universal model and reducing the role of insurers and pharmacy benefit managers.
Representative Kotiza-Wazhushk said the caucus is pushing for universal or low-cost child care, expanded pre-K and community-based care, and a bill to stop grocery surveillance price gouging. Representative Acomb and other energy leaders said the House DFL wants to lower utility bills through more energy assistance, weatherization, renewable energy support, limits on utility cost recovery for lobbying and executive pay, and stronger PUC authority to prevent shutoffs and limit rate increases. Representative Agbaje described housing as unaffordable for many renters and homeowners, cited a shortage of housing units, and said the caucus supports restricting private equity and corporate purchases of single-family homes.
Leader Stevenson framed the agenda as a response to a budget picture that he said reflects gains for corporations and wealthy Minnesotans, and he criticized federal tax policy and Medicaid cuts. In response to questions about cost, he said several proposals would not require state spending, while others could be funded by looking at new revenue and at those who benefited most from recent tax changes. The event also included a detailed explanation of the grocery surveillance pricing proposal, which would restrict the use of personal data and AI to set individualized prices and limit rapid electronic shelf price changes. No votes were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Subtraction for damage awards 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I'm going to move that House File 3611 be laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill
- Is there anyone present who wishes to testify on House File 3611? awards.
- closing remarks for us. anyone present who wishes to testify on anyone present who wishes to testify on House
- House File 3611? House File 3611? Not<00:01:42.240>
seeing <00:01:42.479>any.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3611 and the chair moved to lay the bill over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Representative Fininky presented the bill as a first tax proposal and explained that it would allow a state income tax withholding deduction for damages awarded in lawsuits against federal agents such as ICE or CBP, including emotional and financial awards. He said current law already provides similar tax treatment for certain sexual assault and physical violence claims, and argued the bill would help people harmed during recent federal enforcement activity in Minnesota.
No one signed up to testify, and none of the members offered questions or comments. The chair noted the absence of testimony and discussion before moving to closing remarks.
Representative Fininky closed by expressing hope that the bill would be included in the tax bill, and the chair responded positively, thanking him for presenting the measure.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Curbing private equity purchases of single-family homes 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Family the Family Housing Fund.
- And address their housing challenges.
- .<00:30:25.840>
So housing. - to agree is that we are lacking housing. to agree is that we are lacking housing.
- have 95% privatized housing. have 95% privatized housing.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 2687, as amended by a DE1 amendment. The amendment narrowed the bill to prohibit private equity companies from buying single-family homes and to limit corporations and partnerships to owning no more than 50 single-family homes, with enforcement through the Attorney General’s office. The committee adopted the DE1 amendment, and the author, Representative Bajaj, described the bill as a step toward expanding homeownership and reducing corporate concentration in the housing market.
Representative Bajaj and supportive testimony argued that corporate ownership of single-family homes makes it harder for first-time buyers and working families to compete, especially in lower-income neighborhoods, and can lead to absentee ownership and poor maintenance. Ellen Sahli of the Family Housing Fund cited research on single-family rentals showing that larger portfolios are associated with worse renter experiences, higher rents, and more repair problems. Rachel Ruby Jones testified in support based on her experience renting from Havenbrook, describing flooding, delayed repairs, safety concerns, and poor treatment by management, and said private equity ownership can shift risks and costs onto vulnerable tenants.
Opposition focused on market effects and the bill’s scope. Mark Brunner of the Minnesota Manufactured Home Association said the language was too broad and could unintentionally affect manufactured home communities on leased land. Paul Eger of Minnesota Realtors warned that market prohibitions could create unintended consequences, especially in a cyclical housing market, and suggested alternatives such as tax incentives for sales to owner-occupants and more first-time buyer assistance. In member discussion, Representative Nash questioned whether the problem was widespread and pressed for details on enforcement and divestiture; Representative Agbaje said the current language is forward-looking, would not force existing owners below the cap, and would rely on lawsuits and remedies the Attorney General deems appropriate, with more detail to be worked out later. The chair indicated the bill would be laid over for further consideration and likely move next to Judiciary, with some discussion of whether Commerce should also be a stop.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I would move that House... >> Oh, okay. Pardon?
- will be clarifying language beyond that. >> The Senate would not have the House, and the House would
- members of the House.
- members of the House.
- addresses for the members of the house. addresses for the members of the house.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3363, a bill focused on protecting the privacy and safety of legislators and other candidates by limiting public access to home addresses and related information in campaign finance and election filings. The author said the bill was prompted by the events of June 14 and was intended to make temporary Campaign Finance Board changes permanent. No public testimony was offered, and the author explained that the bill had been narrowed and reorganized after a Senate delete-everything amendment expanded its scope.
Members then considered a series of amendments. The A1 amendment, which added security devices and security services as allowable non-campaign disbursements, was adopted after questions about family relationships and whether payments to relatives could qualify. The A2 through A9 amendments were also adopted, covering data classification or redaction of street addresses in Campaign Finance Board reports, lobbyist gift reports, candidate affidavits of candidacy, nominating petitions, local government candidate reports, and retroactive redaction of existing reports. The A4 amendment was modified by A12 to apply city, state, and ZIP code reporting to political committees, political funds, and party units. The A13 amendment removed a proposed misdemeanor penalty tied to disclosure violations, and the A14 amendment was adopted to give caucus and chamber leaders access to actual candidate addresses, though members noted the language still needed refinement and that the intent was to continue working on it.
There was discussion about whether the address-access language in A14 would apply to all candidates or only legislative candidates, and whether it would affect residency disputes; staff said it would not change complaint or court processes, but could be a data point. Several members said they had concerns about the breadth of the language but were willing to keep working on it. After the amendments were adopted, the committee moved to the bill as amended and recommended that House File 3363 be re-referred to the Judiciary Committee.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Limiting access to child care center facilities discussed 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Pérez Vega will move that House File 3415 be re-referred to the General Register.
- Miss Fain, or House Research, excuse me.
- I watched agents ram a car in front of my house.
- I watched agents ram a car in front of my house.
- unfamiliar I'd have to kick it to house unfamiliar I'd have to kick it to house research<01:21:49.440
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3415, a bill aimed at limiting immigration enforcement activity at child care centers. House Research explained the DE1 amendment, which defined key terms and barred child care employees from consenting to civil immigration enforcement entry without a judicial warrant, while requiring officials to identify themselves and state their purpose; the amendment also clarified that it would not block officials administering child care programs. After brief debate, members adopted the DE1 amendment.
The bill author, Representative Sensor Mura, said the measure was intended to address fear and disruption in child care settings caused by recent immigration enforcement activity and to keep those spaces safe for children and families. Supporters, including a pastor, a Children’s Defense Fund representative, parents, child care workers, and an ACLU policy counsel, testified that immigration enforcement near daycares has caused fear, staff absences, lockdowns, and emotional harm to children. They argued the bill would not stop lawful enforcement but would require warrants and basic identification before entry, protecting children from witnessing raids or arrests and giving providers clear rules.
Several witnesses described specific incidents involving ICE activity near Spanish immersion daycares in Minneapolis and St. Paul, including staff members being detained, parents organizing safety watches, and children showing distress. Testimony emphasized that many affected children are U.S. citizens in immigrant families and that visible enforcement can create toxic stress and separation anxiety. No final action on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided beyond adoption of the DE1 amendment and continuation of testimony.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agency resources to help veterans' initiatives 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 3467. >> Okay. Thank you, Chair.
- Um, so, House File 3467, its goal is to provide a clear statutory authority for the Minnesota Department
- As mentioned by Representative Rrower, House File 3467 is a policy bill that provides clear statutory
- committees in the Senate and the House committees in the Senate and the House here<00:02:39.599>
- File 3467 is a policy bill uh, House File 3467 is a policy bill that<00:03:41.840>
provides <00
Summary:
The committee heard House File 3467, a policy bill by Representative Ray Brower that would give the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs clearer statutory authority to collaborate with veterans organizations using staff time, expertise, and other nonmonetary resources. Brower and MDVA testified that the bill is permissive, does not move money, and is intended to help the agency support initiatives related to food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and similar needs. They cited a DAV-led effort to expand veterans food pantry services statewide as the main example, including possible use of MDVA space and staff support, and noted a reporting requirement to legislative veterans committee leaders.
John Kelly of MDVA said the bill arose from discussions with agency counsel and is meant to avoid uncertainty about whether the department can partner quickly on emerging initiatives. Stefan Whitehead of the Disabled American Veterans described the food pantry work already underway in Minneapolis, where DAV says it serves about 300 boxes of food a month, and said the organization wants to expand statewide with MDVA’s help in identifying need, coordinating partners, and connecting veterans to benefits and other resources. He emphasized that DAV is not seeking state funding, but rather MDVA expertise and coordination.
Members generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the bill’s wording and whether it could be read to allow use of agency resources beyond nonmonetary support or lead to added costs or staff positions. Chair Bliss and Representative Wilson asked for clarifying language to ensure the bill does not authorize spending or full-time employees, and Kelly said MDVA was willing to work on amendments to make that clear. The committee did not take final action and instead laid the bill over for possible amendment and further work.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Pre-K, kindergarten screen time prohibition 3/4/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And while you're getting settled, I will move House File 3776 before us.
- So it is with our mission in mind that I come before you to support House File 3776 and to encourage
- So it is with our mission in mind that come before you to support house file. 37 76.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- , Chair Nani, would you like to move your bill before the committee with a recommendation that the House
- That is my motion. >> Um, Chair Noatne, please begin your testimony. >> House File 962 is in regards
- I authored House File 962 last year to put some standards, some uniformity, and protections in place
- House File 962 represents meaningful progress towards creating a consistent and transparent framework
- Motion carries, and House File 962, as amended, is re-referred to Judiciary.
Summary:
The committee heard House File 962, the Brady-Giglio bill, which seeks to create a more uniform statewide process for how prosecutors identify and manage law enforcement officers whose credibility may be questioned. The author explained that the bill grew out of stakeholder work over the past year, and the committee adopted the DE3 amendment, which reflected much of that negotiated language. Testifiers from the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, Law Enforcement Labor Services, the Minnesota Sheriffs Association, the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, and the Minnesota County Attorneys Association all said the bill was moving in the right direction and emphasized the need for consistency, predictability, security, and due process in Brady-Giglio decisions.
Several witnesses said the bill should prevent Brady designations from being used as the sole basis for discipline and should prohibit prosecutor-maintained do-not-call lists. County attorney and law enforcement representatives said the current draft is a major step forward but that work remains, especially on data access, data retention, sharing, and security provisions. They also noted that the language had not yet been fully approved by all stakeholder boards, though they supported continuing the process and asked the committee to advance the bill so negotiations could continue.
Members raised questions about whether public defenders, defendants’ rights groups, and other public employees had been included in the discussions. The author and other supporters said the main alignment so far has been among prosecutors and law enforcement, with additional input from other groups to come later. In closing, the author described personal experiences that illustrated how an error or misunderstanding could unfairly affect an officer’s career and argued for a statewide standard. The committee then voted to re-refer House File 962, as amended, to the Judiciary Committee.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Grant for lender serving underserved entrepreneurs 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for the time to present House File 2581.
- With that, the chair lays over House File 2581 for possible inclusion in a budget bill.
Summary:
House File 2581 was presented as a request for a $1 million state investment in Fortis Capital, a Minnesota nonprofit economic development lender. The bill was described as supporting entrepreneurship and wealth-building by expanding access to capital for businesses that are underserved by traditional lending, especially in rural areas, communities of color, immigrant communities, and low-wealth areas. Testifiers argued that conventional underwriting standards leave viable businesses without financing and that Fortis provides flexible gap financing to help deals close, complementing rather than replacing banks and CDFIs.
Brian Smith, co-founder and CEO of Fortis Capital, said the organization was established in 2019 and has deployed 37 loans totaling over $4 million since 2021, leveraging an additional $29.5 million through partnerships. He said Fortis seeks to increase lending capacity, reduce risk in innovative capital structures, expand statewide partnerships, and accelerate small business growth and job creation. In response to questions, he said Fortis typically charges about 6.12% on average, has had two defaults, and operates as a revolving loan fund. He also explained that Fortis already participates in some Department of Employment and Economic Development programs, but is not eligible for certain grant programs because those grants go directly to borrowers.
Committee members asked how the proposal fits with existing state economic development efforts and whether competitive grant programs exist for this kind of work. A DED representative said he would need more detail to compare the proposal to agency programs, though he mentioned the emerging entrepreneur loan program as a possible fit. Members also discussed broader concerns about direct appropriations versus competitive grants. No public testimony was offered. Chair Frasier closed by saying the bill addresses a real need and laid House File 2581 over for possible inclusion in a budget bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Interstate teacher mobility compact established 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, next on the agenda will be House File 3635 and House File 3638.
- I would like to move House File 3635 before the committee to be laid over.
- Now, you've already moved your bill, House File 3635.
- <00:13:36.399>
3638, In regards to House File 3638, In regards to House File 3638, I<00:13 - <00:25:23.760>
File that, the chair lays over House File that, the chair lays over House File
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3635, the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, and House File 3638, which would make several changes to teacher licensing and related agency operations. Dr. Yolena Bailey walked through the compact, explaining that it would let teachers move more easily among member states while preserving Minnesota’s authority over licensing, data, discipline, and rulemaking. She emphasized that the compact must be adopted without changes to be effective and that it would still require eligible teachers to hold a qualifying license, pass a state background check, and meet any compensation-related documentation requirements.
Testifiers from school administrator groups and Western Governors University supported both bills. They said Minnesota’s teacher shortages, especially in special education, make it difficult to fill classrooms and often force districts to rely on substitutes or leave positions vacant. Supporters said the compact would speed licensing for qualified out-of-state teachers without lowering standards, and that the Tier 2 change in HF 3638 would help candidates enrolled in out-of-state teacher prep programs, including working adults and rural students, access Minnesota licensure pathways. WGU said the Tier 2 barrier affects its students and partnerships, including special education pipeline efforts and Teach For America collaborations.
For HF 3638, Bailey described operational changes that would move the voluntary pair professional credential to MDE, allow a data-sharing agreement with the Board of School Administrators, let the agency use forfeiture fees for IT needs, update mental health training language and rulemaking, expand Tier 2 eligibility to some out-of-state teacher prep students, and extend the timeline for an online licensing system project by two years. Members asked whether the compact would add requirements for Minnesota educators or reduce licensure quality; Bailey and Representative Hill said it would not add classroom requirements and would mainly reduce paperwork while maintaining standards. The bills were laid over for further consideration, with no vote taken in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Requiring MMB to include fraud impacts in budget forecasts 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, uh, Chair Nash, you have another bill, House File 3683.
- Chair, I would move House File 3683 and refer it to the general register.
- With<00:04:27.160>
respect <00:04:27.919>to <00:04:28.120>House <00:04:28.400> - File<00:04:28.640>
3683, With respect to House File 3683, With respect to House File 3683 - House File 3683 is laid over.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3683, which would require the state budget forecast to estimate the budgetary impacts of fraud committed against state programs. Chair Nash argued that fraud has real fiscal effects on the state, that those costs should be quantified in the forecast much like inflation was previously incorporated, and that doing so would help lawmakers understand the true cost of money lost to fraud. He also said the bill was intended to give MMB direction to develop a way to forecast fraud’s impact and that the issue should be treated as part of the state’s fiscal outlook.
Deputy Commissioner Anna Mingy of Minnesota Management and Budget testified in opposition to the bill’s approach, saying fraud is unacceptable and MMB is committed to combating it, but that the twice-a-year forecast is not the right tool for this analysis. She said forecasts are forward-looking budget tools based on projected revenues and spending, while fraud analysis is retrospective and involves legal definitions and processes. She also warned that requiring MMB to consult with legislative chairs on fraud estimates before public release could politicize the forecast and would be a departure from current practice.
Members raised concerns about how fraud would be defined and quantified, whether the bill would cover known or potential fraud, and whether it would duplicate existing budget adjustments. Chair Nash responded that the bill was modeled on prior inflation-forecast language and said fraud’s fiscal impact should be estimated even if the exact number is debated. Other members questioned whether the proposal would add value or create subjective numbers, while supporters said audits and program integrity data provide a basis for estimating a range. Deputy Commissioner Mingy also answered questions about bond ratings, saying Minnesota maintained its AAA rating and that rating agencies focus on governance and long-term obligations, not specific fraud estimates. She later said the administration’s anti-fraud package includes permanent bans on state contracts and grants for individuals convicted of fraud. The discussion ended without a recorded vote or final action in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Custodial accounts for virtual currency 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 3709 also helps level the playing field.
- House file 3709 rather than outside it.
- House file 3709 levels the appropriate.
- House File 3709. >> I did not I don't mind saying.
- House file 3709. before the committee? House file 3709.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House File 3709, which would allow Minnesota banks and credit unions to offer custodial accounts for digital assets such as cryptocurrency. The bill authors said the measure is intended to let local financial institutions provide a regulated “digital safety deposit box” service, keeping innovation and consumer choice under Minnesota oversight rather than pushing customers to out-of-state or offshore providers. The Department of Commerce testified in support, saying it appreciates efforts to incorporate virtual currency into the regulatory framework and that the bill levels the playing field for trusted community institutions.
Members and testifiers discussed whether the bill was really about consumer protection, institutional competitiveness, or both. Supporters from the Minnesota Credit Union Network and St. Cloud Financial Credit Union said the bill helps local institutions remain relevant as customers increasingly ask for crypto services, and one testifier said the credit union had seen significant liquidity leave local communities for exchanges. They also emphasized that the accounts are custodial, not exchange services, and are not NCUA-insured; one witness noted some institutions may obtain private insurance for risks like loss of keys or hacking. A Department of Commerce witness also said the agency is working on separate legislation to address unclaimed virtual currency property.
Several members raised concerns about volatility, scams, and whether the bill simply helps banks stay relevant. In response, supporters argued that local institutions can provide a trusted point of contact and help customers avoid fraud, unlike stand-alone crypto exchanges or kiosks. The committee also discussed fees, with one witness saying the credit union’s expected charge would be percentage-based with a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $25. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Child care program integrity discussed 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 3819. I will move House File 3819 to be re-referred to the Committee on Judiciary. Okay.
- House File 3819 is will be re-referred to the Judiciary Committee.
- So, House File 3819 is a bill to address what we've been hearing a lot about in recent days related to
- So, House File 3819 is a bill to address what we've been hearing a lot about in recent days related to
- File 3819 is >> uh with that, uh, House File 3819 is laid<00:38:06.400>
over.
Summary:
House File 3819 was heard and ultimately re-referred to the Judiciary Committee after the committee adopted the author’s A1 amendment and then defeated a DE1 amendment. The bill, as described by Chair West, is aimed at strengthening integrity in state child care assistance and other public programs by requiring annual disaggregated fraud reporting, making certain inspections unannounced and in person, tying inspectors to electronic attendance records, extending data retention for video footage from 28 to 90 days, requiring cameras at entrances and exits for centers receiving more than $500,000 in CCAP and/or early learning scholarship funds, adding an extra licensing visit for those higher-funded centers, and restoring perjury penalties for false attendance records. West said the changes were intended to address fraud, improve accountability, and protect assistance for families who need it.
Public testimony was largely opposed. Child care providers and advocates argued the bill would impose expensive, unfunded surveillance and compliance burdens on small businesses, blur the line between fraud enforcement and licensing/safety regulation, and disproportionately target providers serving low-income families and families of color. Several testifiers said cameras and retention requirements would be costly, technically burdensome, and invasive, and warned the bill could deter providers from participating in CCAP and discourage families from using assistance. One testifier supported stronger child protection measures in principle but said the bill should focus on funding, training, and wages rather than surveillance. Another parent testifier opposed the bill on privacy and discrimination grounds and urged investment in child care instead.
Representative Hansen offered the DE1 amendment, which would have created a task force to study child care surveillance and develop recommendations on safeguards such as encryption and breach notification. Hansen argued the committee was not equipped to design cybersecurity policy on its own and that the issue of child sexual abuse material required urgent, bipartisan attention. Chair West opposed the amendment, saying task forces often do not produce meaningful change and that the bill already addressed the issue. The committee voted on the DE1, and it failed on a tied vote. After that, the committee voted to re-refer House File 3819, as amended, to the Judiciary Committee.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Nolan West Press Conference 3/3/26
Transcript Highlights:
- This is expanding on a bill, House File 1915, that had portions of it passed last year that required
- This is expanding on a bill, House File This is expanding on a bill, House File 1915,<00:09:15.800>
- House File 1915 had bipartisan support, bipartisan authorship in both bodies, and was a more expansive
- > I<00:19:25.880>
have <00:19:26.080>at <00:19:26.160>my <00:19:26.280>house - to see what my that I have at my house to see what my dog's<00:19:27.440>
doing.
Summary:
State Representative Nolan West announced “Harvey’s Law,” a proposal to require child care centers that receive state funding through CCAP, early learning scholarships, or Great Start compensation to install cameras in infant and toddler rooms and retain footage for 28 days. West said the bill is an expansion of portions of House File 1915 passed last year, arguing that cameras are needed for transparency, accountability, and child safety, and that waiting for a maltreatment violation before requiring cameras is too late. He also said the measure is aimed at centers rather than family child care, and that he would like to see cameras more broadly but is focusing this bill on state-funded centers.
West and Harvey’s parents, Catherine and Hunter Mucklebust, described Harvey’s death at daycare and said cameras could have revealed earlier abuse, prevented later harm, and led to stronger accountability. They said they believe Harvey would still be alive if cameras had been installed, and that even if the bill does not pass in full, any step toward cameras would be meaningful. A statement from Blaine Police Captain Mark Borboom was read, saying a 2024 child care abuse investigation showed how a 7-day retention period can cause critical evidence to be lost and that cameras are about transparency and protection, not surveillance.
During questions, West addressed privacy and cybersecurity concerns, saying the bill uses closed-circuit systems, access controls, and audit logs, and that cybersecurity experts would testify at the committee hearing. He said the main opposition is the risk of hacking, but he believes child safety outweighs that concern. West also clarified that the bill discussed at a separate 3:00 hearing was a different measure related to CCAP fraud and attendance verification, not Harvey’s Law. The Mucklebusts said they expect a long legislative process but remain committed to pushing the bill forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
BCA Use of Force investigations of federal agents 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The next bill on today's agenda is House File 3405, Chair Mhler's bill.
- And Chair Mhler, would you like to recommend that House File 3405 be placed on the general register?
- I'm speaking today in light of the amendments adopted to House File 3405.
- House File 3405 proposes to require the Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions use of force investigations
- amendments adopted to House File 3405. amendments adopted to House File 3405.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to move that House File 3526 be laid over for possible inclusion. >> Chair Schumacher, to your
- "Just to say, Madam Chair, thank you for the time today, and I'd like to renew my motion that House
- "Seeing no further discussion, House File 3526 is laid over as amended."
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Limiting zoning authority of local governments over housing types 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- housing in stupid places item, right? housing in stupid places item, right?
- ,<00:14:15.199>
housing Kravitz, manager of housing, housing Kravitz, manager of housing, - Cities do not resist housing. Cities build housing.
- House File 3895. House File 3895.
- task force on housing in 2017. task force on housing in 2017.