Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, just one other thing I thought of, which is grid modernization, and I'm thinking in particular
• So we've heard about EV charging or just modernizing so that we can compete with all the other states
• we've heard about EV charging<00:40:32.400> or<00:40:32.720> just<00:40:33.040> modernizing
• <00:40:33.760> so<00:40:34.000> that<00:40:34.160> we charging or just modernizing
• so that we charging or just modernizing so that we can<00:40:34.480> compete<00:40:34.720>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, House Bill 5238 modernizes the section of law relating to the disruption of a meeting to include
• Members, this bill simply modernizes outdated landlord-tenant statutes, and I move passage.
• Senate Bill 1341 modernizes manufactured home code. Move passage. Question occurs on final passage.
• Members, this simply modernizes outdated statutes by aligning property owners associations and condominium
• Members, this simply modernizes outdated statutes. ...property code by aligning property owners associations

Bills: HJR138, HB42, HB 104, HB 129, HB677, HB426, HB668, HB1699, HB2017, HB2128, HB2038, HB3783, HB3717, HB2316, HB3686, HB2563, HB3883, HB4021, HB2788, HB2663, HB3305, HB3173, HB3474, HB 1105, HB3531, HB3490, HB3597, HB 1295, HB3512, HB3010, HB3112, HB4215, HB3223, HB3464, HB3120, HB4214, HB4511, HB3704, HB4081, HB4783, HB4063, HB2783, HB4937, HB5085, HB2510, HB3426, HB4361, HB 1169, HB2516, HB2347, HB4034, HB4700, HB3560, HB5150, HB3860, HB3146, HB3924, HCR98, HCR92, HB1520, HB1545, HB5265, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB 1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HB245, HB1465, HB294, HB793, HB809, HB3928, HB334, HB2037, HB1973, HB285, HB4341, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB1729, HB2498, HB1314, HB1353, HB3960, HB3923, HB2221, HB2517, HB2518, HB2213, HB5092, HB3748, HB5246, HB4344, HB1482, HB4044, HB2702, HB4264, HB2807, HB2898, HB3181, HB3250, HB2091, HB2115, HB2542, HB2768, HB3349, HB4406, HB1593, HB1899, HB3133, HB3133, HB4960, HB3214, HB2145, HB 1201, HB5061, SB29, SB879, SB65, SB1745, SB412, SB412, SB1746, SB1238, SB1341, SB522, SB1532, SB1378, SB1062, SB2066, SB1963, SB2204, SB1366, SB2077, SB1967, SB1151, HB1618, HB2156, HB2615, HB2615, HB2349, HB1926, HB569, HB1762, HB38, HJR138, HB42, HB 104, HB 104, HB 129, HB677, HB426, HB668, HB1699, HB2017, HB2128, HB2038, HB3783, HB3717, HB2316, HB3686, HB2563, HB3883, HB4021, HB2788, HB2663, HB2663, HB3305, HB3173, HB3474, HB 1105, HB3531, HB3531, HB3490, HB3490, HB3597, HB 1295, HB3512, HB3010, HB3112, HB4215, HB3223, HB3223, HB3464, HB3120, HB4214, HB4511, HB3704, HB4081, HB4783, HB4063, HB2783, HB4937, HB5085, HB2510, HB3426, HB4361, HB 1169, HB2516, HB2347, HB4034, HB4700, HB3560, HB5150, HB3860, HB3146, HB3924, HCR98, HCR92

Keywords: carbon tax, carbon emissions, greenhouse gas, climate policy, fuel tax, emissions tax, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax limitation, environmental tax, fossil fuels, energy policy, legislative taxing authority, ballot proposition, constitutional amendment, higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University

Transcript Highlights:

• rededication of the courthouse exactly the way it looked on the exterior, but the interior was modernized
• a critical area of need, since we have these sites around the state, is information technology modernization
• critical area of need, since we have these sites around the state, is information, technology, modernization
• an allocation of legacy fund money to paying off the unfunded liability, but also a sort of a modernization
• an allocation of legacy fund money to paying off the unfunded liability, but also a sort of a modernization

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard budget presentations for the Texas Historical Commission, the Pension Review Board, the Employees Retirement System (ERS), Social Security and benefit replacement pay, the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESSRS), and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The Legislative Budget Board outlined recommendations and major changes for each agency, including reductions tied to one-time projects at the Historical Commission, continued funding for courthouse grants, heritage trails, and Holocaust/genocide education, as well as new or modified riders and capital items. For the pension-related items, LBB described funding changes for PRB, ERS, Social Security, and TESSRS, including ERS health plan cost growth driven largely by pharmacy costs, the status of pension funding reforms, and TESSRS’s request for additional state support to address its unfunded liability and staffing needs. Members asked extensive questions about the Historical Commission’s one-time funding, unexpended balance authority, courthouse preservation, the Presidio La Bahia and National Museum of the Pacific War projects, and coordination of Texas history messaging across sites such as the Alamo, San Jacinto, Washington on the Brazos, and other heritage locations. The Historical Commission chair emphasized heritage tourism, economic development, and the need for continued investment in historic sites, staffing, IT modernization, and vehicles. On the pension items, senators discussed PRB oversight of local systems, including the Dallas police and fire pension situation, and ERS investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health costs. ERS officials said the plan remains well funded overall, noted a 2021 cash balance reform and a planned supplemental legacy payment, and explained that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are a major driver of pharmacy spending; they also said the agency is working with the Texas Pharmacy Initiative and that rebates are contractually returned to ERS. For TESSRS, LBB and agency staff said the system serves volunteer and part-paid emergency personnel, is facing an infinite amortization period, and is requesting additional appropriations, staffing, and IT funding, along with a statutory change to allow an actuarially determined state contribution. The agency said it may otherwise need to cut benefits for volunteer firefighters. For CPRIT, LBB reported about $600 million in recommended funding for the biennium and a 10-FTE increase, while the agency described its $6 billion voter-approved program, $3.75 billion in grants awarded to date, and $10.4 million in revenue sharing since 2011. CPRIT’s only exceptional item was a request for a 10% salary increase for two exempt positions. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Use modern methods when you put on the GPS that they're able to have. GPS is one tool.
• Use modern methods when you put on the GPS that they're able to have. GPS is one tool.
• coffee within like I said the size of a coffee canister<00:23:32.679> use<00:23:33.080> modern
• methods<00:23:34.039> when<00:23:34.120> you<00:23:34.320> put canister use modern
• methods when you put canister use modern methods when you put on<00:23:35.679> uh<00:23:35.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard Senate File 59, authored by Senator Green, which would require counties to locate and restore original public land survey monuments and related boundary markers. Green argued that newer GIS/GPS-based surveys have sometimes shifted long-established property lines, creating disputes for landowners, counties, and state agencies. He described examples involving his own property and constituents, including a case where a neighbor allegedly lost access to a well and septic system after a new survey and another where a landowner was told he was farming school trust land based on a newer plat reference. Testimony in support came from Allan Roger Olen, who said a newer survey changed his family’s property lines and created a dispute over land, a building permit, and ownership of well and septic systems. Senator Green also said county plat books are not legally binding and that the bill is intended to force counties to find original monuments before more disputes arise. Committee members raised concerns from the Association of Minnesota Counties about the bill’s timeline, funding, and requirement that counties employ a land surveyor. Green responded that counties had already been told to hire surveyors in some disputes, acknowledged the funding concerns, and said he would look for funding sources while emphasizing protection of property rights. A committee member who teaches surveying explained that adverse possession is a real legal doctrine in Minnesota and noted that restoring all monuments would cost far more than the $10 million already appropriated, estimating the total need at about $300 million. Phil Reigns of the Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors testified that the Public Land Survey System underlies Minnesota’s land tenure system, that the original monuments were set mostly between 1850 and 1908, and that surveyors aim to restore them as accurately as possible using historical records and modern tools. He said the work is expensive because many counties lack staff surveyors and must hire consultants. Members discussed whether the bill would create boundary conflicts or authorize counties to alter lines, and Green said his intent was to restore original monuments and avoid litigation. Co-Chair Lang moved that Senate File 59, as amended, be recommended to pass and re-referred to the Committee on Judiciary. The motion prevailed on a voice vote. Afterward, the committee began receiving an overview from the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill seems to cover pretty much everybody as long as they have modern medical care.
• Our membership deserves clear, up-to-date regulations that reflect the realities of modern technology
• This bill would modernize the electrical trade ratio requirements set under state licensing and bring
• However, modern fireproofing materials can significantly enhance a building's resilience during a fire

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened with logistical remarks about testimony procedures, time limits, accessibility supports, and the large number of witnesses. The first bill discussed was H. 451, which would allow professional license applicants who do not have a Social Security number to use an ITIN instead. Supporters said the bill would help qualified workers, especially immigrants, enter licensed trades and professions without lowering training or testing standards, while addressing workforce shortages. Committee members asked a few questions, and the bill was framed as a uniform statewide licensing reform. The bulk of the hearing focused on S. 210 and H. 1278, two bills aimed at improving wheelchair repair and warranty protections. Supporters included the Attorney General’s Office, disability advocates, wheelchair users, clinicians, and legislators, who described long repair delays, missed work and medical appointments, loss of independence, hospitalizations, pressure injuries, and other harms caused by broken wheelchairs and slow service. They argued for stronger timelines, two-year warranties, required parts availability, loaner chairs, and enforcement mechanisms, with H. 1278 modeled on a Connecticut-style repair deadline and S. 210 focused on warranty protections. Several witnesses emphasized that wheelchairs are essential medical equipment, not ordinary consumer goods. Opposition came from NCart, which said it supports solutions but raised concerns that the bills, as written, could be difficult to implement for complex rehab technology. NCart said some warranty provisions may not fit wear-and-tear components and noted that MassHealth has already taken steps such as preventive maintenance, reduced prior authorization, and transportation support. Other witnesses and advocates countered that the current market is dominated by a few profitable companies and that the legislature needs to impose clear standards because voluntary fixes have not worked. The committee also heard testimony on S. 195, a toxic-free kids bill from Senator Comerford and Representative Hawkins, which would restrict PFAS and other toxic chemicals in children’s products and create disclosure and phase-out requirements. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, we're looking at ways to support the department's modernization efforts.
• So really taking a focus on permitting modernization and streamlining.
• Also, we're looking at ways to support the department's modernization efforts.
• So really taking a focus on permitting modernization and streamlining.

Bills: HCR95, HB4, HB244, HB615, HB648, HB1049, HB1201

Keywords: sales tax, exemptions, credits, rebates, uniformity, legislative rules, fiscal report, constitutional convention, Louisiana constitution, electoral process, government structure, delegate elections, delegates, state election, ratification, Louisiana, public meetings, broadcast, transparency, government accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's sort of—I don't know—since 1970, it's been a modern policy.
• And so the modern policy is to respect the treaties. Mr. Chairman, just got one more clarification.
• more of a complicated historical background that the tribes are seeking to redress through the more modern
• more of a complicated historical background that the tribes are seeking to redress through the more modern

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's sort of, I don't know, since 1970 it's been a modern policy, and so the modern policy is to respect
• bit more of a complicated historical background that the tribes are seeking to redress through more modern
• more of a complicated historical background that the tribes are seeking to redress through the more modern

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues. A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded. The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's sort of, I don't know, since 1970 it's been a modern policy, and so the modern policy is to respect
• more of a complicated historical background that the tribes are seeking to redress through the more modern
• more of a complicated historical background that the tribes are seeking to redress through the more modern

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and first heard welcoming remarks and introductions from tribal leaders and program directors. Chairwoman Street and other tribal representatives outlined a range of concerns and requests for state action, including taxation of reservation lands, support for non-beneficiary students at the tribal school, homelessness funding, Indian-managed health care, gaming and e-tabs, Feather Alert improvements, industrial farming near waterways, tourism, and better state-tribal consultation. Committee members responded that the meeting was intended to improve understanding and communication, and several members suggested future legislation or resolutions could be used to advance some of the issues. The tribe also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to legislators and staff. A major portion of the discussion focused on Spirit Lake fish and wildlife jurisdiction and the lake boundary. Tribal representatives asked for an MOU or co-stewardship agreement with the state to clarify hunting and fishing rights, recognize tribal licenses, and reduce recurring disputes over “gray areas” on the reservation and lake. Committee members discussed whether to draft a bill or resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and asked that North Dakota Game and Fish be invited to a future meeting. Related concerns included aquatic nuisance species prevention, with both sides agreeing that more aggressive boat inspection and cleaning measures would be beneficial. The committee also discussed taxation and county relations. Tribal leaders raised concerns about county resistance to fee-to-trust transfers and about property and vehicle taxation affecting members living on or near reservation lands. Committee members and tribal counsel reviewed federal treaty principles and court cases, and one member noted that the committee had previously taken no formal action on similar issues. Later, Benson County’s tax equalization director explained how the county values taxable land, handles inundated land applications, and tracks land coming off the tax rolls when the tribe repurchases acreage. The discussion ended with a presentation from the president of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, followed by an HHS presentation on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion as the committee moved to its next topic.

Transcript Highlights:

• voters have a chance to voice their opinion on this means that Minnesota would have an opportunity to modernize
• :38.120> to Minnesota would have an opportunity to Minnesota would have an opportunity to modernize
• 49:39.360> system<00:49:40.160> in<00:49:40.280> a<00:49:40.360> way modernize
• its justice system in a way modernize its justice system in a way that's<00:49:40.760> both<00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on draft constitutional amendment language from Representative Holland to create universal pre-trial release except in certain circumstances and eliminate cash bail. Representative Holland said the proposal is intended to make Minnesota’s pre-trial system fairer and more equitable by basing detention decisions on public safety and due process rather than a person’s ability to pay, and noted that a separate bill would later provide the detailed framework for an intentional release-and-detention system. He emphasized that no action would be taken at this hearing. Testifiers in support included Joshua Page of the University of Minnesota and the Pre-Trial Justice Minnesota Coalition, Alicia Gransee of the ACLU of Minnesota, Jess Palia of Violence Free Minnesota, and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi. Supporters argued that cash bail creates unequal treatment, contributes to racial disparities, harms families and communities, and does not reliably improve court appearance or public safety. They cited research and coalition findings about high pre-trial detention rates, overrepresentation of Black and American Indian Minnesotans, the impact of detention on housing and employment, and the need for courts to use individualized risk assessments, conditional release, and services instead of money-based release decisions. Palia focused on domestic violence cases, saying cash bail can pressure survivors to pay for abusers’ release and that current hearings often give little time to victim safety concerns. During member questions, concerns were raised that the amendment could remove an important tool for judges in the middle range of cases. Choi responded that conditional release and other protections could still be built into implementing legislation, and Page said detention would become an option but many cases would still involve conditional release and support services. He also argued there is no evidence that money itself motivates court appearance and said cash bail often shifts costs to low-income family members, especially women of color. The hearing ended without any vote or formal action, with members and testifiers noting that further legislation and discussion would follow if the amendment advances.

Transcript Highlights:

• represents something the Louisiana workers' compensation system has needed for more than a decade: a modern
• What this bill does is replace stagnation with structure, replace outdated rules with modern science,
• For these reasons, and on behalf of those who want a workers' compensation system that is modern, fair
• and medically sound... ...and on behalf of those who want a workers' compensation system that is modern

Bills: HB282, HB293, HB390, HB456, HB460, HB561, HB819, HB1023, HB1047, HB1101

Keywords: employment discrimination, criminal history, rehabilitation, hiring process, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientation, workplace equality, labor rights, domestic abuse, unpaid leave, employee rights, workplace protection, mental health, survivor support, workers' compensation, employment benefits, claims process, fraud prevention, legal petition

Transcript Highlights:

• New Hampshire county nursing homes answered the call during one of the most challenging periods in modern
• one of the most challenging<00:40:50.720> periods<00:40:51.040> in<00:40:51.280> modern
• <00:40:51.520> public challenging periods in modern public challenging periods in modern public

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this is a practical modernization measure rooted in good government.
• a<00:15:46.760> practical Members, this is a practical Members, this is a practical modernization
• > measure<00:15:48.440> rooted<00:15:48.720> in<00:15:48.839> good modernization
• measure rooted in good modernization measure rooted in good government.<00:15:50.079> I<00:15

Bills: HF4364, HF4821, HF4543, HF3945

Keywords: Central and Eastern European Affairs, ethnic council, advisory council, Minnesota state government, immigrant communities, refugees, humanitarian parolees, Ukraine, Poland, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Czech Republic, Baltic states, Slovakia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Russia

Summary: The committee first approved the April 7, 2026 minutes and then held an informal hearing on House File 4364, which would establish a Central and Eastern European Ethnic Council in Minnesota. Representative Jordan and testifiers Mykola Mager and Julia Miller described the large Central and Eastern European community in Minnesota, its contributions to the state, and the need for a formal advisory body to help address barriers to government services, support refugees, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and cultural understanding. Members expressed general support and noted the bill’s importance, but no formal action was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then took up House File 4543, a bill to create a centralized payroll reporting portal for prevailing wage projects. Representative Frazier said the bill would reduce administrative burden on project owners, improve transparency and accountability, and help prevent wage theft, misclassification, tax fraud, and insurance fraud. Testifiers from county, city, and contractor groups largely supported the idea of streamlining reporting, but contractor representatives raised concerns about employee data privacy, public access to sensitive payroll information, duplication of existing systems, interoperability with contractor software, and the need for stakeholder engagement. Members echoed both support and caution, and the bill was laid over as amended rather than advanced. Finally, the committee considered House File 4821, described by Chair Klevorn as addressing the “penny problem” and a related change to high-deductible insurance plans. The bill would authorize state agencies to round cash transactions because of the penny shortage and would change MMB’s obligation to offer certain high-deductible health plans from “must” to “may,” producing modest administrative savings. Members questioned the drafting of the rounding language and asked about cash transactions at state agencies and the handling of cannabis tax payments. The chair noted the bill had missed the deadline and would be caught by the chief clerk’s office; the discussion ended with the bill being laid over as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's been bills over the years to modernize requirements, and my assumption is that this is where
• There's been bills over the<00:26:39.520> year<00:26:39.720> to<00:26:39.840> modernize
• <00:26:40.400> requirements<00:26:41.200> and the year to modernize requirements and
• the year to modernize requirements and um,<00:26:42.480> my<00:26:42.720> assumption<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this bill does today is modernize the LPR statute to ensure it's reflective of how these public-private
• 00:07:56.200> bill<00:07:56.400> does<00:07:56.600> today<00:07:57.320> modernizes
• >> So what this bill does today modernizes >> So what this bill does today modernizes

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 4205, as amended, was heard and then re-referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. Representative Tabke said the bill is intended to protect Minnesotans’ private data tied to license plate reader systems by requiring warrants for out-of-state access, limiting dissemination of privately collected data, and adding reporting and oversight. He said the amendment was substantive and was adopted before the bill was discussed. Tabke also said he was open to changes, including revisiting the audit requirement, and noted the bill should still allow law enforcement to use license plate data for investigations. John Beeler of the ACLU of Minnesota testified in support, arguing that automatic license plate reader use has expanded far beyond what the 2015 statute contemplated and that third-party vendors have complicated data practices and accountability. He said the bill would modernize the law, require public disclosure of data-sharing relationships, and ensure private vendors are subject to data obligations. Jeff Potts of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association opposed the bill as written, saying LPR technology has been important in investigations, including a recent child abduction case, but that the annual audit requirement would be too costly for small agencies and could make the technology unaffordable. He said the association was open to further discussions on guardrails but opposed the bill in its current form. Members raised questions about what data is actually returned by a license plate query versus an LPR hit, with Representative Duran arguing the bill conflated limited registration information with broader private data. Representative Feist supported the bill, saying the public should not trust Flock and that the issue is the cumulative tracking of people’s movements, not just isolated data points. Representative Hudson said the bill raised valid questions but might unintentionally hinder investigations, and he requested a roll call. The committee ultimately adopted the A1 amendment and moved the bill forward on a roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the vast majority of workers, the threat of debt becomes a form of modern-day indentured servitude
• becomes<00:13:31.360> a<00:13:31.519> form<00:13:31.680> of<00:13:31.839> modern-day
• <00:13:32.320> indentured becomes a form of modern-day indentured becomes a form of modern-day

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• believe the tariffs paid for by foreign countries will, like in the past, substantially replace the modern-day
• in the past, substantially<01:13:47.199> replace<01:13:47.600> the<01:13:47.920> modern-day
• substantially replace the modern-day substantially replace the modern-day system<01:13:49.120>

Keywords: Presidential address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, Senator Higdon, thank you for that update, and, you know, that was the first time that in modern
• the first time um you know, that was the first time that<00:21:00.799> in<00:21:01.120> modern
• history<00:21:01.840> that<00:21:02.159> the<00:21:02.799> general that in modern
• history that the general that in modern history that the general assembly<00:21:03.520> has<00

Keywords: 00:32 Call to Order and Roll Call 02:30 Road Fund Report 17:22 Approval of Minutes 18:07 High Growth Counties Projects 56:00 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee for Transportation met without a quorum at first, then later approved the July 15 minutes by voice vote after quorum was reached. The committee heard an update from the Transportation Cabinet on the road fund for FY 2024-25. Cabinet staff reported road fund revenue came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, with motor vehicle usage tax receipts setting an all-time high for the fifth straight year. Motor fuels tax revenue was below estimate and down from the prior year, while overall road fund collections totaled $1.86 billion, essentially flat year over year. Staff said the road fund ended FY25 with a $61.6 million surplus, which under the budget bill must be appropriated to state construction. Members discussed the gas tax formula, with Senator Higdon arguing it no longer works well because revenues fall when fuel prices fall, and the chair noting the committee may need to revisit the formula. The committee then received an update on High Growth County projects in the 2024 highway plan. KYTC said $16 million in HGC authorizations had been made, nine projects already had construction funds authorized or were otherwise underway, 12 more were scheduled to be let by the end of 2025 with estimated construction costs above $250 million, and one additional project was expected to be awarded through alternative delivery. The cabinet said it anticipated authorizing the full $450 million appropriated by the General Assembly. Members praised the effort and emphasized the need to get projects to market before the next budget cycle. Jason Sala of KYTC also explained why transportation projects take time, citing planning, design, right-of-way acquisition, and utility relocation as major steps that can delay delivery. He said these processes are complex and require coordination with property owners, utilities, consultants, contractors, and local governments. Eric Pelfrey then briefed the committee on professional and personal service contracts, saying they are used to expand cabinet capacity for design, inspections, right-of-way appraisal, safety, and related work. He reported that authorizations and payments for these contracts have trended upward over the past decade, and that the number of contracts has also increased. In response to questions, Pelfrey said design-build can speed some projects by overlapping steps, but it does not eliminate right-of-way or utility work when those are required; he said KYTC has been using alternative delivery more often, but project complexity still limits how quickly work can move.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, the bill modernizes Minnesota's on-ad disclaimer rules for digital ads, reflecting the prevalence
• Third, the bill modernizes<00:47:29.520> Minnesota's<00:47:30.000> onad<00:47:30.400>
• > disclaimer modernizes Minnesota's onad disclaimer modernizes Minnesota's onad disclaimer rules<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 6, amend to provide that the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council may recommend up
• ><01:15:07.400> and that the state highway safety and that the state highway safety and modernization
• c> Council<01:15:09.120> May<01:15:09.400> recommend<01:15:09.800> up modernization
• Council May recommend up modernization Council May recommend up to<01:15:10.080> 10<01:15:10.360

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The meeting included a joint public hearing of the House Housing and Transportation committees, followed by a Transportation Committee hearing. In the joint hearing, members considered SB 662 SD1, which concerned transportation and included two parts: transferring certain streets to the city and clarifying police authority on state streets. The chair recommended moving the bill out as an HD1 with Part One removed, explaining that the street-transfer issue should be worked out by the county and state and that removing it would improve the bill’s chances. The committees voted to pass the measure with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The Transportation Committee then heard several bills. SB 1095, relating to license plates, would increase decal size restrictions for special number plates; the Department of Transportation offered written comments, with testimony split between two individuals in opposition and one in support, and no questions were raised. SB 344 would require skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets; DOT supported the bill, as did TRIAA Hawaii, the Injury Prevention Coalition, and other individuals, while two individuals opposed it. SB 30 would require all moped riders to wear helmets regardless of age; DOT supported it, but Moped Doctors and Hawaiian Style Rentals and Sales opposed it, arguing the bill was overreaching, could be hard to enforce, and should be more narrowly targeted or replaced with education efforts. The committee also heard SB 1216, which would tighten noisy muffler and exhaust enforcement by conditioning inspection certificates, adding inspection-station penalties, increasing fines, and prohibiting repair or installation of noisy systems. DOT supported the measure, and Waiʻanae Neighborhood Board testified in support, while Moped Doctors and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it, saying the bill would burden inspection stations, create liability concerns, and raise questions about insurance-related language as applied to mopeds. The hearing included discussion of enforcement, inspection burdens, and whether the bill’s insurance references applied to mopeds. No final vote was taken on the Transportation Committee bills in the portion provided, and the hearing adjourned after testimony and discussion.