Transcript Highlights:

• Is that a fair statement? >> That's correct.
• is that a fair statement is that a fair statement >> that's<00:07:28.639> fair<00:07
• It it's a fair >> is that a fair statement?
• <02:35:56.640> Azar statement, but as Commissioner Azar statement, but as Commissioner Azar
• Um I don't statement. It's good news.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All of my other statements were statements I did make to the Senate.
• You're likely going to be under oath if you need to provide a statement and those words could be used
• there as well as a state my statement there as well as a state my statement printed<04:18:51.840
• And you can read what the chatbot said to him, a direct quote in your statement there.
• And you can read what the chatbot said to him, a direct quote in your statement there.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 146, which would remove the requirement that a medical examiner physically view a body before issuing a cremation certificate. The prime sponsor, Sen. Suprentice, and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jenny Duval explained that the bill would not change the death certificate process or the existing waiting period before cremation; it would only eliminate the in-person viewing step. They said the current review of death certificates already catches the vast majority of cases that should be reported to the medical examiner, and that the physical view changes outcomes in less than 1% of cremation cases. The witnesses emphasized that the bill is intended to improve efficiency and reduce delays for families and funeral homes, while freeing deputy medical examiners to focus on homicides, suicides, accidents, and unexpected natural deaths. Dr. Duval cited an example where review of a death certificate, not the body, uncovered a long-ago strangulation-related homicide, arguing that the key safeguard is review of records and cause of death, not the physical view. She also said the change would save travel time and some costs for the department. Committee members asked about how death certificates list primary and contributing causes of death, whether the low percentage of findings means the current process has a deterrent effect, why cremation is treated differently from burial, and whether identification concerns are adequately addressed. The sponsors responded that identification is handled earlier by hospitals, families, and funeral directors, and that any questionable identification would already fall under medical examiner jurisdiction. They also said the bill would not alter the two-day cremation delay or other existing safeguards. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• May I follow up with either a question or statement?
• May I follow up with either a question or statement?
• So with that, just just a statement.
• So with that, just just a statement.
• So with that, just just a statement.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's just a statement, members, and uh I yield back to the chair.
• now, is um, us as a statement now, is um, us as a legislature<00:39:43.760> have<00:39:44.160
• So that's just a statement<00:40:29.920> members<00:40:30.320> and<00:40:30.800> uh<
• members and uh I yield back to statement members and uh I yield back to the<00:40:32.000> chair.
• So, um, just a quick statement. Um, it's very early in this and I hear all this.

Bills: HF3642, HF2700, HF3615

Keywords: virtual currency, kiosks, prohibition, customer payouts, cryptocurrency regulation, consumer privacy, data privacy, health data, sensitive data, Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act, personal data, data broker, targeted advertising, geofencing, location tracking, health care privacy, patient privacy, consent, minor privacy, children's privacy

Summary: The Commerce Finance and Policy Committee met on House File 3642, which would prohibit virtual currency kiosks in Minnesota. The bill was laid over, and the committee adopted a DE1 author’s amendment. Chair Kaggel and Representative Perryman described the measure as a response to widespread scams using crypto kiosks, especially against older adults and other vulnerable people, and said they would continue working with the Department of Commerce and other stakeholders. Testimony from law enforcement and advocates strongly supported the ban. A St. Cloud police sergeant and a Woodbury detective described cases in which victims lost large sums, said the current safeguards and refund rules are being bypassed, and argued that the kiosks are difficult to investigate because funds move quickly and often overseas. An AARP Minnesota volunteer also supported the bill, saying kiosks are a preferred tool for scammers and that existing protections have not kept pace with the problem. The Department of Commerce said it strongly supports the bill and reported that it has received 120 complaints over three years involving nearly $1 million in reported losses, with 2025 the worst year so far. The main opposition came from CoinFlip’s general counsel, who argued that the problem is fraud generally, not kiosks themselves, and said Minnesota already has consumer protections, including refunds for eligible victims. He urged stronger regulation rather than a ban, citing blockchain analytics, hold periods, and 24-hour customer service as alternatives. Committee members then asked questions about how long kiosks have operated in Minnesota, how many there are, who owns them, and the scale of losses; Commerce said there are hundreds statewide, operated by a variety of companies, and that reported losses are likely undercounts.

Transcript Highlights:

• of need and reasonleness the statement of need and reasonleness for<00:36:02.320> it.
• statement of need and reasonleness. statement of need and reasonleness.
• Um, and this is maybe two-tiered and a bit more of a statement.
• I know in and a bit more of a statement.
• Codelka's statement.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean what we have here is a statement that, um, what mitigation strategies and response methods are
• that um what have here is a statement that um what mitigation<01:16:17.120> strategies<01:16:
• particular statement there. particular statement there.
• Representative Thomas said, to piggyback on Representative Cormen's statement, the intent of this bill
• Representative Thomas said, and to piggyback on Representative Cormen's statement, the intent of this

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:36.320> that requirements and a statement that requirements and a statement that defines
• So it was pretty close to what was named in the statement there. Um.
• what was named in the the statement what was named in the the statement there. there. there.
• Just a quick statement: I really appreciate that.
• I really a quick um statement. I really appreciate<01:50:28.280> that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of representation without a statement of representation without a good<00:27:12.640> faith<00
• <00:31:33.039> that reference in my opening statement that reference in my opening statement
• Thank you, Senator P, for that statement and your sentiment.
• Chair and committee members, I think that's a correct statement. All right.
• Um, before you do your opening statement, we'll go to Miss Noner to give us a financial picture.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In her legal statement the guest reports that there was quote no water in the pool at the time of her
• as. harassing or discriminatory just because a hearer might construe the statements that way.
• Is that a fair statement or not? The science is catching up. It is a fair statement.
• Is that a fair statement? Don't don't operate in a vacuum on either side.
• Is that a fair statement? Nothing that ends well with having these products.

Bills: SB3, SB810, SB965, SB1073, SB1119, SB1505, SB 3

Keywords: Texas Education Code, public schools, school district, open-enrollment charter school, teacher speech, employee speech, biological sex, pronouns, gender identity, retaliation, discipline, workplace protections, school personnel, education policy, LGBTQ, transgender, charter schools, SB 965, religious speech, prayer

Transcript Highlights:

• The other thing that I just want to talk about is your statements about the structure of the sales tax
• The other thing that I just want to talk about is your statements about the structure of the sales tax
• The other thing that I just want to talk about is your statements about the structure of the sales tax
• energy committee um where a statement energy committee um where a statement was<00:52:16.280>
• Budgets are statements of our values, and that includes tax expenditures.

Bills: HF1277, HF1006

Keywords: data centers, tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, economic development, employment growth, property tax, abatement, land bank, redevelopment, political subdivision, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate your statement, Glen.
• The word 'illegal' just kind of doesn’t hit me well, so I appreciate your statement.
• I appreciate your statement, Glen.
• The word 'illegal' just kind of doesn’t hit me well, so I appreciate your statement.
• I appreciate your statement, Glen.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going to make my point, and then I'm going to get to my actual statement.
• I'm going to get to my actual statement.
• And I'm going to take Roger Wilder's statement, because he's absolutely correct.
• It's just we always make—we get to the end of it, and then we make this qualifying statement, but we're

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations met for its final meeting of the 2026 session and took up SB 312 by Senator Talbot, a bill concerning labor organizations, employee dues and fees, withdrawal from unions, annual notice requirements, and related reporting and notification provisions. The committee first adopted a technical amendment set, then debated a larger amendment set that shifted the cease-withholding request to the employer, required electronic confirmation, placed certain administrative costs on the labor organization, and added language about employer notification and authorization procedures. Members discussed whether the bill was needed, whether employees already have the ability to opt out, and whether the amendments would create confusion or unnecessary bureaucracy. Supporters said the bill protects employee choice and ensures dues stoppage happens at the nearest payroll period; opponents argued the added language was unclear and burdensome. The committee also adopted a separate technical amendment adding mass transit employees to the list of exemptions. Testimony came from the bill author and several stakeholders. Senator Talbot said the bill is meant to ensure workers know they do not have to join a union, can revoke dues authorizations, and can stop deductions without waiting for a fixed annual window. Representative Eccles defended the amendments as employee protections and a way to shift administrative costs away from taxpayers. Jim Patterson of LABI supported the amendments, saying they protect public employers and taxpayers from administrative costs. After the amendments were adopted on a roll call vote, union representatives Matt Wood of the Louisiana AFL-CIO, Peter Robbins-Brown of the AFL-CIO, and Larry Carter of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees testified in opposition to the amended bill, saying they had worked in good faith on a simpler opt-in/opt-out framework and objected to the new cost and bureaucracy provisions. Several members also spoke in favor of the bill as a matter of freedom of choice and employee control over paycheck deductions. At the end of debate, Representative Wilder moved to report SB 312 with amendments. The motion passed on a roll call vote, and the bill was reported from committee with amendments. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would expect 30 minutes-ish would be my statement.
• :44.600> be<00:44:44.720> my 30 minutes-ish would be my 30 minutes-ish would be my statement
• statement. Yes, half hour. statement. Yes, half hour.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So as part of the eligibility criteria, we are asking for specified financial statements.
• So as part of the eligibility criteria, we are asking for specified financial statements.
• So that would include Criteria: We are asking for specified financial statements.
• So that would include the last audited report, as well as internal recent month-closed financial statements

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard Assembly Bill 108, a budget bill junior that would amend the 2025 Budget Act to provide a one-time $25 million General Fund grant program through HCAI for hospitals in immediate and significant financial distress. Finance explained that eligible hospitals would need to show less than 10 days cash on hand, best efforts to exhaust other financing, a payer mix of more than 50% government payers and uninsured patients, and nonprofit status. The bill also included a technical change related to property tax deferments for eligible low-income seniors, plus expedited contracting and rulemaking authority so HCAI could move funds quickly. Most of the discussion focused on whether the amount and eligibility standard were sufficient, how many hospitals might qualify, and whether the state was addressing the underlying causes of hospital distress. Members raised concerns about limited and lagging data, the 10-day threshold, fairness compared with the earlier Distressed Hospital Loan Program, and whether hospitals receiving grants should be required to maintain services. Several members cited broader pressures such as Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, seismic retrofit costs, federal policy changes, and the need for loan forgiveness or a more comprehensive hospital support plan in the next budget cycle. The LAO noted that the bill was intentionally narrow and short-term, while the administration said the grant was meant as a bridge until July 1 and that more extensive discussions would continue with the May Revision and the 2026 budget. Public commenters from the California Hospital Association, district hospital leaders, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and county representatives supported the measure and urged additional longer-term funding for distressed hospitals. After discussion, Senator Richardson moved the bill, the committee voted unanimously in favor, and AB 108 passed 18-0, with the roll held open briefly to secure remaining votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You put a statement into your paper that doesn't even match the primary data of your paper.
• That statement was softened for a reason.
• Would you believe that's a question or a statement? Wouldn't you agree?
• Thank you for the statements.

Bills: HB3270, HB3145, HB3056

Keywords: farmed cervidae, chronic wasting disease, genetic resistance, wildlife management, agriculture, wildlife tagging, hunting regulations, Cervidae family, feral swine, exotic wildlife, conservation, commercial hunting, raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just heard another member make a statement which, while I'm not going to contest the statement that
• I want to contest the statement that was I want to contest the statement that was just<00:28:06.240><

Bills: HF3475, SF3832, HF3508, HF3917, HF3404, HF3593

Keywords: agriculture, education, leadership council, compensation, research institute, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, investment, relief initiative, farm support, medication repository, drug donation, healthcare, Minnesota Statutes, pharmacy, public health, controlled substances

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for being here today and for the reminder that our tax code is a statement of our values.
• ><00:20:43.160> a the reminder that our tax code is a the reminder that our tax code is a statement
• <00:20:44.400> Welcome<00:20:44.720> to<00:20:44.800> your statement of our
• Welcome to your statement of our values.

Bills: HR204, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB3320, SB2543, SB3097, SB3096, SB3140, SB2593, SB2567, SB2466, SB2140, SB2088, SB3090, SB608, SB2795, SB3294, SB3263, SB3001, SB2907, SB3251, SB2074, SB2360, SB2354, SB2908, SB2353, SB3045, SB2047, SB3254, SB3246, SB3133, SB2425, SB2671, SB3229, SB2969, SB1166, SB896, SB2391, SB2125, SB3118, SB3325, SB2613, SB2614, SB494, SB2376, SB3326, SB2001, SB2599, SB3048, SB3169, SB2002, SB3247, SB3253, SB2155, SB2192, SB3187, SB2190, SB2398, SB2424, SB3028, SB2338, SB3219, SB2981, HCR14

Keywords: H.R. 204, House Resolution, Hawaii LifeSmarts, LifeSmarts State Competition, student competition, academic recognition, congratulatory resolution, Iolani School, Kalani High School, Waipahu High School, personal finance, consumer rights, health and safety, technology education, environmental education, National Consumers League, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Credit Union League, youth achievement, high school teams

Transcript Highlights:

• See none, closing statements. >> Representative Ray Brower. >> Thank you so much, Chair, and thank you
• See<00:19:10.640> none,<00:19:11.039> closing<00:19:11.520> statements.
• <00:19:12.080> Uh, See none, closing statements. Uh, See none, closing statements.

Keywords: 1183, house

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, if you have $100,000 or more of annual receipts, you have to annually prepare financial statements
• 57.960> financial you know, annually prepare financial you know, annually prepare financial statement
• 59.680> 4<00:03:59.920> years,<00:04:00.600> contract<00:04:01.160> for statement
• every 4 years, contract for statement every 4 years, contract for the<00:04:01.520> application

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:10 Attendance Roll Call: 00:15 SB 133 Discussion: 00:52 SB 133 Vote: 05:01 SB 226 Discussion: 06:10 SB 226 Vote: 09:36 SJR 62 Discussion: 10:22 SJR 62 Vote: 12:55 SB 261 Discussion: 13:42 SB 261 Vote: 18:19 SB 262 Discussion: 19:10 SB 262 Vote: 26:36 Adjournment: 28:02, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 133, which would raise audit and reporting thresholds for certain special purpose governmental entities and allow entities with two consecutive clean audits to move to a less frequent audit cycle. Sponsor Matt Nunn said the bill was intended to reduce audit burdens and costs without reducing transparency, and the committee substitute was adopted. The bill passed the committee 8-0 with favorable expression. The committee then took up Senate Bill 226, sponsored by Senator Greg Elkins, which would allow funeral directors to take up to a 15% administrative fee once a pre-need funeral contract is fully funded. Elkins and a representative of the Funeral Directors Association explained that the bill applies to trust-funded pre-need burial contracts and does not affect insurance-funded arrangements. The bill passed 8-0 with favorable expression. Senate Joint Resolution 62 was next, a resolution by Senator Mayden asking the Division of Water to provide clearer guidance to local governments on cleaning out creeks and waterways, especially in light of flooding and debris concerns in Eastern Kentucky. The resolution passed with favorable expression, 8-0. The committee also approved Senate Bill 261, sponsored by President Stivers, which addresses ownership, responsibility, and maintenance authority for swinging bridges in Eastern Kentucky and would allow cities and counties to spend money on their upkeep; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 9-0. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 262, also sponsored by President Stivers, which would allow constitutional amendments to be presented on the ballot by question rather than full text. Stivers argued this would make amendments more understandable and noted prior Kentucky constitutional changes had been made by ballot question. One senator explained a no vote, saying the bill did not clearly define who would determine a fair and accurate summary. The bill passed 7-1 with favorable expression and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Representative Bray, just want to make a quick statement if I may, Chairman.
• a<00:19:40.480> quick [clears throat] to make a quick [clears throat] to make a quick statement
• <00:19:42.400> Um,<00:19:43.440> I<00:19:43.679> want statement if I may, Chairman
• Um, I want statement if I may, Chairman.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:38 HB 576 discussion: 01:56 HB 576 voting: 06:54 HB 593 discussion: 08:25 HB 593 voting: 21:58, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 576, which would create the Kentucky Talent Recruitment Grant Program. Representative Robert Duvall said the bill is intended to address Kentucky’s workforce shortage by funding local recruitment efforts for out-of-state talent, with grants of up to $500,000 to cities, counties, and nonprofits, a required 20% local match, and performance-based payments. He said the program is modeled on existing efforts already operating in Kentucky and cited projected economic and tax benefits. The committee substitute removed an appropriation and emergency clause so funding would go through the regular budget process, and members approved the committee substitute, the bill, and a title amendment with favorable expression. The committee then took up House Bill 593, sponsored by Representative Josh Bray, which addresses data centers and utility costs. Bray said the bill is designed to protect ratepayers from subsidizing data center infrastructure and to ensure projects either bring their own generation, use power purchase agreements, or pay upfront for any needed transmission or generation upgrades. He explained that the committee substitute made mostly technical changes, including giving municipal utilities more time to set tariffs, clarifying terms, adding exemptions for certain TVA- and DOE-related projects, and preserving existing contracts and net metering arrangements. Members asked about local control, the $75,000 prepayment, and TVA authority; Bray said the prepayment covers utility due diligence and screens speculative projects, local requirements must be certified before incentives apply, and TVA is federally regulated. The bill received supportive comments from several members, who emphasized protecting utility bills and ratepayers, and it passed the committee with favorable expression.