Transcript Highlights:

• Equally concerning is the delay in communication from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• Pollution control and environmental monitoring are specialized functions that belong at the state level
• Pollution<00:03:31.160> control<00:03:31.560> and<00:03:31.680> environmental Pollution
• control and environmental Pollution control and environmental monitoring<00:03:32.800> are<00
• I serve as director of government relations and external affairs for the Minnesota Pollution Control

Bills: HF4211, HF3426, HF4819, HF3466, HF3793, HF3339

Keywords: air pollution, lead emissions, continuous emissions monitoring system, CEMS, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, MPCA, environmental monitoring, emission compliance, air quality, public health, industrial pollution, permitted facility, residential exposure, toxic metals, emission limits, pollution control, stack monitoring, real-time emissions monitoring, natural resources, environment

Transcript Highlights:

• He works at the Minnesota Health Department and was testifying on behalf of the Minnesota Health Department
• <00:04:14.720> in library located in Hibming, Minnesota in library located in Hibming, Minnesota
• Thank you for at the Minnesota DNR.
• I'm assistant commissioner with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• > and Minnesota DNR hydrogeeologist and Minnesota DNR hydrogeeologist and principal<01:03:56.079>

Bills: HF1531, HF4017, HF3399, HF4146, HF4019, HF3677

Keywords: crossbow, crossbow hunting, archery season, deer hunting, bear hunting, turkey hunting, fishing, common carp, rough fish, game and fish, wildlife management, hunting license, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, sunset clause, expiration removal, archery equipment, outdoor recreation, infectious waste, pathological waste

Transcript Highlights:

• Pollution Control Agency.
• c> it<01:31:27.520> is Pollution Control agency cleared it is Pollution Control agency cleared
• For the record, Kadela with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• For the record, Kadela with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• > author Pollution Control agency uh the author Pollution Control agency uh the author did<01:

Bills: HF1124, HF1457, HF1803

Keywords: school calendar, education, school year, Labor Day, state law, school construction, landfill, dump site, closed landfill, contaminated site, pollution control agency, school siting, public school, charter school, environmental health, student safety, brownfield, solid waste, waste disposal site, site contamination

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:50.399> and work down in southeast Minnesota and work down in southeast Minnesota and
• across Minnesota are different.
• across Minnesota are different.
• , the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board housing
• Minnesota is unique in that we have a regional planning agency in the Metropolitan Council and a longstanding

Bills: HF4319, HF3295, HF3589, HF3587, HF3588, HF4295, HF3571, HF3895

Keywords: public utilities commission, Lake City, port authority, Red Wing, terms of appointment, local government, elections, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, voter access, polling place, ballot, unexpected needs, election judge, public information, political parties, HF4295

Transcript Highlights:

• Pollution Control Agency.
• The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is updating its feedlot rules to better manage pollution.
• 38.040> Agency The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is
• For the record, Tom Johnson, government relations for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• Pollution Control Agency.

Bills: HF4740, HF3940

Keywords: financial assurance, feedlot permits, manure storage, environmental compliance, agriculture regulation, abandoned infrastructure, pollution control, environmental impact, animal feedlot, livestock, regulations, Minnesota Rules

Summary: The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 4740, authored by Rep. Hansen, which would require feedlots with at least 1,000 animal units to provide financial assurance for closure costs. Hansen argued the bill would shift cleanup responsibility from taxpayers to owners, citing abandoned feedlots, changing ownership structures, and the 2024 Pure Prairie Poultry bankruptcy as examples of why public funds should not be used for closures and cleanup. He also said the bill would apply to new or renewed permits and suggested a statutory definition of abandoned feedlot storage units may be needed. Farm and livestock groups testified in opposition. Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Milk Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation said existing MPCA and county permit rules already require closure planning and reporting, and that the bill would add unnecessary costs and barriers for family farms, beginning farmers, and expansion. They warned the financial assurance requirement could function like an animal-unit cap, encourage fragmentation or out-of-state relocation, and impose annual costs that would not improve environmental outcomes. Several testified that true abandonment is rare and that current permitting and closure processes already address it. MPCA staff said the agency has concerns with the bill, noted there is currently no formal fiscal note, and said the agency would need to ensure any appropriations cover ongoing staffing needs. MPCA officials explained that permitted feedlots already must notify the agency before closure, follow a checklist of closure requirements, and undergo follow-up inspection; they said abandonment notifications are uncommon and they are not aware of any currently permitted facilities in abandonment process. Members questioned whether the bill was needed, what form financial assurance would take, how other states handle similar requirements, and whether the proposal would unfairly burden smaller or family operations. No vote on HF 4740 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the government relations director for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• other states and not to Minnesota other states and not to Minnesota unfortunately<00:14:02.040><
• <00:15:21.759> Pollution<00:15:22.199> Control for the Minnesota Pollution Control
• for the Minnesota Pollution Control agency<00:15:24.160> uh<00:15:24.399> first<00:15:24.600
• pollution not the polluters real pollution not the polluters real permitting<00:25:45.120> reform

Bills: HF8, HF1416

Keywords: wetlands, environmental review, permitting efficiency, Pollution Control Agency, construction permits, environmental impact statements, local government, business regulation, environmental assessments, HF1416, relocation grants, economic development, business relocation, site selection, business incentives, grant extension, appropriation extension, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, request for proposals

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm David Kelleher from the Minnesota Historical Society.
• <00:08:48.760> Thank the Minnesota Historical Society.
• Thank the Minnesota Historical Society.
• Historical Society may make Minnesota Historical Society may make corrections<00:10:03.880> to
• Pollution Control Agency.

Bills: HF3643, HF3426, HF4222, HF4224

Keywords: Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman, memorial park, state park, working group, Minnesota Historical Society, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Saint Paul, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Administration, Legislative Coordinating Commission, general fund appropriation, park planning, interpretive services, public engagement, state memorial, land use, natural resources, commemorative legislation, environment

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be starting off this morning with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency budget overview.
• My understanding is that we will be having Commissioner Kessler from the Minnesota Pollution Control
• I'm Katrina Kessler, Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• I'm the Assistant Commissioner for Air and Climate Policy with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• What are the plans for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency going forward to help cover the inspections

Bills: HF1587, HF2293, HF2218, HF1208, HF1482

Keywords: HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we will be starting off this morning with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency budget overview.
• My understanding is that we will be having Commissioner Kesler from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• I'm Katrina Castler, commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• Pollution Control<00:01:29.080> Agency.
• Pollution Control Agency going forward Pollution Control Agency going forward to<00:43:26.319>

Bills: HF1587, HF2293, HF2218, HF1208, HF1482

Keywords: HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• state of Minnesota. state of Minnesota.
• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• federal agency law enforcement? federal agency law enforcement?
• Minnesota. Minnesota.
• of Minnesota. of Minnesota.

Bills: HF3599, HF3761, HF3523, HF3515, HF573

Keywords: water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not going to say the agency wants to come in and ask that.
• But again, the agency may want to speak to that. But I..."
• For the record, my name is Tom Johnson, Government Relations Director for the Minnesota Pollution Control
• Agency.
• And how is the same work that's being done from the state agency?

Bills: HF1355, HF78, HF1846, HF1225

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF78, Minnesota veterans, veteran retreats, Camp Bliss, Walker, Independent Lifestyles Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs grant, general fund appropriation, family members, spouse, domestic partner, children, therapy, transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm assistant commissioner with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• commissioner with the Minnesota commissioner with the Minnesota Pollution<01:18:52.640> Control
• I don't have Pollution Control Agency.
• <01:29:51.880> Control<01:29:52.200> Agency is it that the Pollution Control Agency
• Pollution Control Agency.

Bills: HF3426, HF3896, HF1426, HF3793, HF4061, HF4246

Keywords: natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, wild rice, watercraft regulation, environmental protection, aquatic ecosystems, HF1426, product stewardship, extended producer responsibility, EPR, electronics recycling, e-waste, battery recycling, circuit boards, printed circuit boards, electrical products, covered products

Transcript Highlights:

• Control Agency as outlined in the House file.
• I'm here at the state of Minnesota.
• <00:48:12.800> Department permitting of the Minnesota Department permitting of the Minnesota
• Paul and Minnesota for generations St. Paul and Minnesota for generations to<01:36:34.800> come.
• ><01:37:00.560> construction the Minnesota building and construction the Minnesota building and

Bills: HF2080, HF356, HF1968, HF228, HF569, HF603, HF692, HF1455, HF2224, HF1361

Keywords: contamination, water supply, municipal bonds, environmental mitigation, city funding, Sauk Rapids, PFAS contamination, drinking water, pollution control, bond issuance, Cokato, capital investment, school infrastructure, state bonds, HF228, Lakes Area Police Commission, Lindstrom, Chisago City, regional training facility, public safety facility

Transcript Highlights:

• regulation in the state of Minnesota. regulation in the state of Minnesota.
• If this is a real concern, then we see with these controlled experiments between Minnesota and North
• If this is a real concern, then we see with these controlled experiments between Minnesota and North
• Steel pipe is a problem in in Minnesota. Steel pipe is a problem in in Minnesota.
• releases in Elgin, Minnesota.

Bills: HF3298

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If you take a look at the totality of Minnesota Housing's budget, we really have four sources of agency
• Core program of the agency.
• to find their way through the agency. to find their way through the agency.
• So banks are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Minnesota State Charter.
• Through your statute as Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, you're allowed to take admin fees for what

Bills: SF2434

Keywords: housing, development fund, affordable housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, expenditure provisions

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, food insecurity impacts all of our districts from greater Minnesota to the metro as well as
• I just want to make sure that we highlight some of the data around food shelves in Minnesota.
• Minnesota.
• Um statute in Minnesota Minnesota.
• <00:04:22.800> have all across the state of Minnesota have all across the state of Minnesota

Bills: SF2077, HF2439, HF841

Keywords: environmental protection, natural resources, wildlife management, public funding, community grants, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations, food support, emergency funding, shelf programs, Minnesota statutes, appropriation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• incredible tool for greater Minnesota. incredible tool for greater Minnesota.
• Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.
• The greatest housing challenges facing greater Minnesota is not zoning and land use controls.
• Um, and when you can't find a home in Minnesota, it's not so Minnesota nice.
• Um, and when you can't find a home in Minnesota, it's not so Minnesota nice.

Bills: HF3902, HF3895

Keywords: housing tax credit, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, qualified projects, taxpayer contributions, greater Minnesota, zoning, housing, local government, multifamily development, affordable housing, land use, urban development, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• cesspool conversion is one of the most important actions the state of Hawaii can take to reduce pollution
• Hawaii can take to reduce pollution Hawaii can take to reduce pollution impacting<00:04:48.880><
• And there's a lot of, uh, within the pollution of flooding, there is a lot of cesspool waste.
• So, a lot of people are walking around in water that is polluted.
• If MKSOA takes the liability, we'll just be transferring risk from one government agency to another.

Bills: HB1618

Keywords: cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans, homeowner financing, environmental infrastructure, public health, wastewater treatment, low- and moderate-income households, revolving loan fund, Department of Health, memorandum of agreement

Summary: The committees held a joint hearing on HB 1618 HD1, which would create and fund a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority to help homeowners upgrade, convert, or connect cesspools. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies and advocacy groups, with witnesses emphasizing that cost is the main barrier to cesspool conversion and that recent Kona flooding underscored the public health and pollution risks of cesspools. One testifier suggested the fund should actively pursue outside funding sources, and another urged an effective date that would allow counties to contribute sooner. A member raised concerns about whether loans would be affordable and whether other financing tools, such as tax credits, should also be considered; another member opposed the bill as not adequately addressing district-level sewer and septic issues. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, and the motion was adopted. The joint Judiciary and Ways and Means committees then considered HB 2592 on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. The chair outlined amendments to clarify that the authority would assume property and liability associated with transferred assets, preserve existing liability rules, transfer conditional use permits if not already transferred, allow lease extensions before transfer, and set reversion triggers if the authority fails to adopt a management plan by June 30, 2028, or administrative rules by December 31, 2029. Members asked about preserving the public trust and whether the amendments would keep the Board of Land and Natural Resources’ role intact; the chair confirmed the fee and board role would remain unchanged. The committees voted to pass the bill with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The committees also took up HB 2033, making further amendments to clarify the definition of state, delay certain effective dates, allow rental and U-Drive lessors to avoid liability by identifying renters, delete one section, and add administrative hearing language and bus-camera clarifications. HB 1888 was amended to expand protections for educational workers to include sports officials, define sports official, make intentional bodily harm a felony with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses, and authorize the attorney general to assist with restraining orders. Both measures were recommended for passage with amendments and adopted. Later, several bills were moved with little or no discussion: HB 1515, HB 1713, HB 1718, HB 2022, and HB 2385 were recommended for passage unamended; HB 2375 was deferred; and HB 1741 was amended to reflect Honolulu’s concerns, narrow study requirements, add exemptions and a delayed implementation date, and was recommended for passage with amendments. The committees adopted the recommendations on these measures, with some members noting reservations or prior opposition on certain bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and with that, Madam Minnesota.
• The Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors, Minnesota Minority Goods and
• ,<00:21:31.760> that especially in northern Minnesota, that especially in northern Minnesota
• directors, managers, or controlling directors, managers, or controlling parties<00:52:48.680>
• consistent nudging from Minnesota consistent nudging from Minnesota Council<01:03:09.760> of<

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.

Bills: HF1141

Keywords: housing, finance, affordable housing, infrastructure bonds, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, supportive housing, homeless prevention, elderly assistance, community development