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• Our first testifier will be Steve Ble, director of government relations from the Minnesota Grocers Association
• I am director of government relations for the Minnesota Grocers Association.
• I am here on behalf of the MGA's sister organization, the Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation, established
• <00:21:52.640> and Steve Ble: The Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation provides tuition
• Steve Bartle with the Minnesota Grocers Association.

Bills: HF1439, HF1004, HF498, HF1326

Keywords: HF1439, Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation, Carts to Careers, workforce development fund, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, grocery industry, food industry, food retail, retail workforce, job training, career pathways, scholarships, certifications, workforce pipeline, one-time appropriation, industry training, labor shortage, youth employment, apprenticeship

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• I'm here today on behalf of the Minnesota Sheriff's Association.
• Minnesota Sheriff's Association values Minnesota Sheriff's Association values the<00:11:40.480><
• :05:26.480> Sheriff's behalf of the Minnesota Sheriff's behalf of the Minnesota Sheriff's Association
• Next up, John Hlanden from the Minnesota Truckers Association.
• Next up, John Hlanden from the Minnesota Truckers Association.

Bills: HF962, HF3541, HF2936, HF3762, HF2879

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

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• directly to Minnesota schools. directly to Minnesota schools.
• League Foundation.
• ADs, and our Coaches Association. ADs, and our Coaches Association.
• I represent the Minnesota Inter-County Association.
• I serve as the chair of the legislative committee for the Minnesota Association of Assessing Officers

Bills: HF4906, HF3971, HF4777, HF2109, HF2988

Keywords: property tax, tax refund, taxpayer relief, Minnesota taxation, one-time payment, taxation, property valuation, Tax Court, evidentiary standards, Minnesota Statutes, disparity reduction, aid payments, local government, funding, Fillmore County, education funding, managed forest land, classification, forest management plan, agricultural land

Summary: The committee first approved the April 9 minutes, then took up House File 2988, which would extend for eight more years a sales tax exemption tied to Minnesota State High School League tournament ticket revenue that is funneled into the league’s foundation and returned to schools as grants. Chair Youakim and Executive Director Eric Martins said the program sends more than $1.1 million annually back to schools for activity fee reductions, scholarships, coaching and training, AEDs, late buses, and other school needs, with over 98% of funds going directly to schools. Representative Huot and others spoke in support, while Representative Robinson questioned the structure and suggested the state could instead simply reduce ticket prices and not tax the tickets. The committee laid HF 2988 over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill. The committee then heard House File 4906, as amended, which would create a one-time property tax refund in calendar year 2026 for owners of residential homesteads and the homestead portion of agricultural property, funded by a $4 billion appropriation in fiscal year 2027. The bill includes a clawback for delinquent taxpayers and offsets to ensure no one receives more in property tax refunds than they paid. A House Research staffer said the Department of Revenue viewed the refund as potentially taxable, while House Research said it likely should be treated as a recovery of prior taxes, and the two would follow up. The bill was introduced with testimony from Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota and Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project, both of whom opposed it, arguing it would create a large budget hole, force future cuts, and disproportionately benefit homeowners while excluding renters and lower-income Minnesotans. Several members also raised concerns. Representative Hewitt said the state should prioritize public safety, rural EMS, and safety-net hospitals rather than a large rebate, and Representative Youakim argued the money would be better spent on longer-term property tax relief and education funding. Representative Hollins said the proposal would worsen racial and wealth inequities because homeownership is lower among communities of color and renters would get nothing. In response, the author and supporters said the bill is meant to put money back into people’s budgets and that individuals should be able to decide how to use their own money. The discussion continued with questions about the bill’s size and fiscal impact, but no final action on HF 4906 was taken in the portion provided.

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• It provides additional authority to the Minnesota Insurance Guarantee Association in cases where a property
• <00:01:20.640> Insurance<00:01:21.159> guarantee Minnesota Insurance guarantee Minnesota
• Jeff Christensen, Executive Director, Minnesota Insurance Guarantee Association. Thank you.
• Automobile Dealers Association.
• I'm also a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association business law section.

Bills: HF747, HF1014, HF320, HF400

Keywords: corporate governance, shareholder rights, beneficial ownership, defective corporate acts, Minnesota Business Corporation Act, Minnesota Insurance Guaranty Association, MIGA, insurance guaranty fund, insurer insolvency, covered claim, net worth threshold, high-net-worth insured, financial information request, insurance claims, self-insured retention, deductible, commercial insurance, insurance regulation, Minnesota Statutes 60C.09, guaranty association

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• With me today is Jeff Tolison, the president of the Minnesota Technology Association, and Andrew Thomas
• Jeff Tolison said he serves as president of the Minnesota Technology Association and, on behalf of all
• With me today is Jeff Tolison, the president of the Minnesota Technology Association, and Andrew Thomas
• Jeff Tolison said he serves as president of the Minnesota Technology Association and, on behalf of all
• > on Minnesota technology Association and on Minnesota technology Association and on behalf<00

Bills: HF1936, HF849, HF989, HF1130, HF1223, HF1907, HF1847, HF1957

Keywords: workforce development, youth employment, career guidance, education, job skills, Duluth Promise, education funding, career training, employment support, youth apprenticeship, economic development, minority support, internship program, Bloomington, funding, youth mentorship, job training, disadvantaged youth, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youthprise

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• Mester is also the president of the Minnesota Public Television Association. Ms.
• I'm president of the Minnesota Public Television Association.
• Minnesota Public Television Association. Minnesota Public Television Association.
• I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Association of Small Cities.
• I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Association of Small Cities.

Bills: HF1458, HF2063, HF2164, HF1377, HF927, HF1059, HF1910, HF2232

Keywords: CPA, certified public accountant, public accounting, accountancy, licensure, license mobility, substantial equivalency, interstate practice, out-of-state accountant, NASBA, Uniform CPA Examination, board of accountancy, attest services, audit, tax preparation, financial advisory, consulting, accounting education, master's degree, bachelor's degree

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• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• I am Derek Mo, president and CEO of Minnesota Rural Electric Association.
• Minnesota House here.
• I do government affairs for Minnesota Power, based up in Duluth, Minnesota.
• Minnesota. And we are very unique Minnesota.

Bills: HF3458, HF3777, HF3778, HF3912

Keywords: electric utilities, service areas, Tribal lands, Minnesota statute, energy regulation, utility rates, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, ratepayer, consumer protection, affordable energy, energy affordability, ability to pay, just and reasonable rates, rate regulation, electric rates, natural gas rates, energy conservation, renewable energy

Summary: The committee approved the March 5, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3458, as amended, which would exempt tribes from utility exclusive rights and assigned service areas. The bill’s author and the Upper Sioux community chairman said the measure was prompted by a dispute over a solar project at the tribal casino and argued the issue is really about tribal sovereignty, not solar, citing tribal civil regulatory authority and prior court cases. The amendment A1 was adopted before testimony. Testimony was split. Chairman Kevin Jensel of the Upper Sioux community strongly supported the bill, saying the tribe should not be forced to follow utility service territories and that the state should correct a long-standing omission in law. Derek Mo of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association opposed the bill, warning it would undermine the regulatory compact, reliability, long-term planning, and financing for electric service, especially in tribal areas. Justin Johns of East Central Energy also opposed the bill, but emphasized that many cooperatives have productive tribal partnerships and said his co-op has worked successfully with the Mille Lacs Band on solar, resilience, and workforce efforts; he cautioned that removing service obligations could leave difficult-to-serve areas underinvested. Members discussed whether the Public Utilities Commission process already underway should be allowed to resolve the dispute and whether the bill’s scope could extend beyond the current solar issue. The chair responded that the bill was a legislative approach to a problem that had not been resolved and said the amendment addressed concerns about removing the obligation to serve. A roll call was requested, and the committee voted to re-refer House File 3458, as amended, to the General Register.

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• My name is Melissa Wolf, and I'm the executive director of the Minnesota Cable Communications Association
• <00:04:11.439> Association<00:04:11.959> or<00:04:12.120> Minnesota communications
• Association or Minnesota communications Association or Minnesota cable<00:04:13.400> thank<00
• I'm the director of Government Affairs with Associated Builders and Contractors in Minnesota.
• > and Minnesota turkey growers association and Minnesota turkey growers association and we<01:

Bills: HF47, HF434, HF1503, HF1702

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF434, cervidae, deer, elk, moose, chronic wasting disease, CWD, wildlife importation, animal health, biosecurity, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, USDA exhibitor, species survival plan

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• Foundation with me today and having that appropriation be directed to the Minnesota Human Services Agency
• between Greater Minnesota and the metro.
• I'm here today on behalf of the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators, or MACSA
• of Minnesota North Dakota chapter.
• The 2020 Minnesota Student Survey found that approximately 5,000 Minnesota 9th and 11th graders have

Bills: HF2115, HF2276, HF1644, HF99, HF2068, HF2707, HF2704, HF2406, HF1674, HF1579

Keywords: human services, aging services, disability services, behavioral health, long-term care, nursing home, nursing facility, assisted living, waiver services, medical assistance, Medicaid, case mix reimbursement, PDPM, RUG, direct care and treatment, developmental disabilities, day services, positive support, guardian, conservator

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• committed individuals in the Minnesota committed individuals in the Minnesota sex<00:09:04.959><
• Homeless Study um led by the Minnesota Homeless Study um led by the Wilder<00:27:02.799> Foundation
• Every day, for example, the Minnesota courts pull this data from Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and
• I’m here today on behalf of the Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators, or MACSSA
• I’m the vice president of public policy for the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota chapter

Bills: HF2115, HF2276, HF1644, HF99, HF2068, HF2707, HF2704, HF2406, HF1674, HF1579

Keywords: human services, aging services, disability services, behavioral health, long-term care, nursing home, nursing facility, assisted living, waiver services, medical assistance, Medicaid, case mix reimbursement, PDPM, RUG, direct care and treatment, developmental disabilities, day services, positive support, guardian, conservator

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• the associations across Minnesota and the associations across Minnesota and the upper<00:21:51.520
• associations than are here in Minnesota. associations than are here in Minnesota.
• I'm with the Minnesota Land Title Association. Um, and I'll give the short version as well.
• and<01:48:30.000> we Minnesota Land Title Association, and we Minnesota Land Title Association
• > and the Minnesota uh bankers association and the Minnesota uh bankers association and the<01

Bills: SF1750, HF704, HF3479

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

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• I represent the Community Associations Institute Minnesota chapter.
• States flag as well as the flag of the state of Minnesota.
• We would oppose the elimination of the ability of any homeowner association to regulate flags in Minnesota
• And so that's the current policy of the state of Minnesota.
• And Minnesota has been utilizing for decades.

Bills: HF2185, HF1849, HF3719, HF3721, HF3845, HF3720

Keywords: flag display, residential property rights, homeowners association, HOA, covenants, restrictive covenant, deed restriction, subdivision regulation, local ordinance, rental agreement, property rights, patriotic display, United States flag, Minnesota flag, POW/MIA flag, military flags, armed forces flag, Blue Star flag, Gold Star flag, common interest community

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• Professional associations like NAPA Minnesota play a critical role in promoting ethical conduct and accountability
• Professional associations like NAPA Minnesota play a critical role in promoting ethical conduct and accountability
• On behalf of Napa Minnesota Minnesota.
• My name is Chad Fanning with the Minnesota Medical Association.
• The MMA is the largest professional association advocating for doctors in Minnesota, representing over

Bills: HF357, HF3389, HF1434, HF2500, HF1606

Keywords: HF357, hasenpfeffer, card games, social skill game, Minnesota gambling law, tournament, contest, prize limit, low-stakes gaming, card game exemption, gambling exemption, cribbage, bridge, euchre, pinochle, Texas hold'em, whist, skat, sheepshead, gin

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• of elk from other states into Minnesota. of elk from other states into Minnesota.
• Albraus Association.
• produced in Minnesota. produced in Minnesota.
• the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
• the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Bills: HF2103, HF4508

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA

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• strong union presence here in Minnesota. strong union presence here in Minnesota.
• order to build a stronger Minnesota. order to build a stronger Minnesota.
• Minnesota families and Minnesota Minnesota families and Minnesota businesses<00:31:25.360> are
• >> US and Minnesota. >> US and Minnesota.
• Minnesota, we've got to do that again. Minnesota, we've got to do that again.

Bills: HF4862, HF4598

Keywords: apprenticeship, education, teacher training, grant program, labor and industry, workers' compensation, Minnesota workers' compensation, Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, reinsurance association, Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association, WCRA, occupational disease, presumption, first responders, firefighter cancer, PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, police officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician

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• Minnesota struggles with a mental health and substance use crisis that affects individuals across all
• Twenty-five percent of women nationally are on antidepressants, and 80% of Minnesota counties qualify
• Minnesota struggles with a mental health and substance use crisis that affects individuals across all
• anti-depressants and 80% of Minnesota anti-depressants and 80% of Minnesota counties<00:07:26.840
• Administration or hersa um Minnesota Administration or hersa um Minnesota currently<00:13:49.360

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

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• of Minnesota Counties and the Newspaper Association.
• of Minnesota Counties and the Newspaper Association.
• Minnesota Newspaper Association Minnesota Newspaper Association alongside<00:32:55.600> the
• I'm with the Minnesota Association of Townships.
• I'd Minnesota Association of Townships.

Bills: HF1532, HF1290, HF2231, HF2013

Keywords: eminent domain, reimbursement, property acquisition, appraisal, landowner rights, HF1290, AED, automatic external defibrillator, defibrillator signage, wayfinding signs, roadside signs, directional signage, public access AED, emergency medical response, cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac arrest, public safety, Minnesota Department of Transportation, road authority, transportation law

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

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• Association of Alternative Programs, or MAP STARS program.
• for the Minnesota Youth Council.
• We talked about reaching out to Explore Minnesota.
• perspectives of people of color in Minnesota.
• To support all licensure via portfolio in Minnesota.

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

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• $55,000 each year to the Minnesota $55,000 each year to the Minnesota Association<00:01:52.360><
• for alternative schools in Minnesota for alternative schools in Minnesota fall<00:03:41.640>
• other students within Minnesota other students within Minnesota ALCS<00:09:17.720> supporting
• <00:17:43.440> Youth stewardship of the Minnesota Youth stewardship of the Minnesota Youth
• Association uh the Minnesota<00:26:16.919> Council<00:26:17.240> for<00:26:17.399>

Bills: HF1966, HF54, HF2043, HF1171, HF2741

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake