Video & Transcript Research : 'youth assistance'
Page 1 of 500
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 17, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill does not address the needs of unaccompanied youth who have an equal need for this kind of assistance
- and we'll replace or adopt the following definitions: A youth accompanying aide means a person assisting
- A youth accompanying aide means a person assisting a disabled youth.
- A youth accompanying aid means<01:00:47.839><c> a</c><01:00:48.079><c> person</c><01:00:48.319><c> assisting
- person assisting a disabled youth.<01:00:50.079><c> Guardian</c><01:00:50.640><c> means</c><01:00:50.880
Keywords:
grants, community engagement, nonprofit organizations, federal assistance, volunteering, youth transit, public transportation, subsidized transit, environment, energy independence, affordable transportation, Hawaii, diaper tax credit, families, low-income, childcare, health, Hawaii Department of Human Services, DHS, emergency appropriation
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures related to human services, homelessness, transit, and family supports. HB 2116 HD1, concerning grants from the Office of Community Services to nonprofits providing training and volunteerism opportunities, drew strong support from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and multiple organizations in written testimony. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable people affected by federal program changes and cuts by connecting them to reintegration and support services.
HB 1879 HD1, establishing a subsidized youth transit program coordinated with counties, received extensive testimony in support from the Department of Health, Department of Taxation, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Aloha United Way, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii State Youth Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Greenpeace Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Transportation Council, and others. Testifiers emphasized equity, school attendance, reduced transportation costs, climate benefits, and broader access for youth. Several witnesses urged amendments to make the program universal rather than means-tested, and committee discussion noted implementation questions for neighbor islands and rural areas.
HB 2214, creating a refundable diaper tax credit for low-income families with children age four and under, was supported by the Hawaii Diaper Bank, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and several other organizations. The Department of Taxation recommended making the credit non-refundable and clarifying definitions to aid administration, while supporters argued refundability was important for low-income families who may owe little or no income tax. HB 2310, an emergency appropriation to replenish DHS funds used to provide SNAP benefits during a federal shutdown, also drew broad support from DHS, Catholic Charities, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Aloha United Way, and others; witnesses praised the state’s rapid response and said the appropriation would prepare DHS for future emergencies. The committee also heard HB 2168 HD1 and HB 2427 HD1 on education for students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth; the Attorney General recommended technical amendments to avoid conflicts with existing law and to clarify McKinney-Vento-related definitions, while advocates stressed the need for school access, transportation, meals, and other supports for homeless and runaway youth.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- You have a voice as a youth.
- You have a voice as a youth.
- You have a voice as a youth.
- </c> assistance as people with disabilities. assistance as people with disabilities.
- </c> We do have Assistant Commissioner St. We do have Assistant Commissioner St.
Keywords:
foster care, early childhood education, child care programs, placement plan, social services, extended foster care, kinship care, relative custody, permanent legal and physical custody, Northstar kinship assistance, independent living plan, transition services, youth aging out of care, medical assistance, Medicaid, child welfare, children youth and families, out-of-home placement, case plan, relative placement
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Feb 18th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Transcript Highlights:
- For brief background, Passport to Careers provides former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth
- scholarship assistance and support services such as educational planning information and institutional
- Unaccompanied homeless youth and former foster youth face unique challenges that the Passport to Careers
- We're among the 40 states in the nation that provide financial assistance for former foster youth, but
- youth with support for college or apprenticeships.
Bills:
SB5963
Keywords:
SB 5963, passport to careers, Washington College Grant, financial aid, higher education, student aid, need-based aid, college affordability, postsecondary education, workforce development, apprenticeship, foster youth, homeless students, unaccompanied youth, low-income students, public assistance, state financial aid account, scholarships, Washington student grants, grant eligibility
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 10:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- give homeless youth financial assistance.
- </c> homeless youth financial assistance. homeless youth financial assistance.
- Um, we've just seen how the smallest help when it comes to financial assistance can really help a youth
- Hawaii, Hawaii youth youth action Hawaii, Hawaii youth youth services<00:32:47.840><c> network,</c><
- youth.
Keywords:
LGBTQ+ rights, commission membership, representation, youth involvement, Hawaii legislation, child well-being, financial support, expectant mothers, Hawaii Rx kids program, economic stability, youth homelessness, financial assistance, housing instability, emergency services, transitioning youth, Medicaid, pharmaceutical benefits, human services, healthcare access, public funds
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1877, which would expand the membership of the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission and add a youth seat. The commission’s vice chair supported the bill, saying the commission started with eight members, has growing interest, and would benefit from an odd-numbered board and youth representation. Members asked about quorum, and the commission said it has generally met monthly with only one quorum issue in the past 18–19 months and would work with legislative leaders to have appointments ready if the bill passes. Written testimony included support from Kokopac and one individual in opposition.
The committee then took up HB 2006, which would create a cash assistance program for pregnant women and mothers of babies. The Department of Human Services explained current TANF rules, including eligibility requirements, child support cooperation, and work-program participation, and said the state has recently raised benefit levels to the maximum allowed, with a family of three or four receiving a little over $900 per month. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks, and others argued the bill could reduce child poverty and improve maternal and child health, citing evidence from Michigan’s Rx Kids program and the temporary federal child tax credit expansion. A mother and Oahu Youth Action Board member testified from personal experience about the need for direct support during pregnancy. The committee also noted support from several organizations and about 26 individuals.
The committee next heard HB 2167, which would direct the Office of Youth Services to run a pilot program providing financial assistance to homeless youth. The Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and several organizations supported the measure, saying even small amounts of help can prevent homelessness and help youth transition safely to adulthood. The Office of Youth Services said it supports the intent of the bill but requested clarification, and committee members discussed whether the program should be run directly or through contracted community agencies, how to set performance metrics, and how to structure the RFP and contract process. The chair indicated the committee wanted to work with the vice chair and OYS offline to refine the bill before moving forward. The committee then began discussion of HB 2224, relating to Medicaid pharmacy benefit management, with testimony generally supporting giving DHS flexibility to negotiate with PBMs.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- And this has to do with what food can be purchased with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Julie Watts, Deputy Director of Government Affairs with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families
- This measure promotes equity by ensuring public assistance supports real health, not empty calories that
- We were given money out of the state proviso in 2023 to conduct a cash assistance program called GRIP
- This bill would help fill the gaps in our state social safety net with direct cash assistance targeted
Keywords:
assessment practices, public policy, children, youth, families, evaluation, outcomes, SNAP, nutrition, public health, food access, unhealthy foods, benefit program, assistance, pilot program, state support, public welfare, 904, all
Summary:
The Senate Human Services Committee heard three bills on February 2. Senate Bill 6212, sponsored by Sen. Nobles, would create a Department of Commerce pilot program called the Families with Children Benefit Pilot, providing $300 per child per month to up to 1,000 eligible households for 24 months, with a control group receiving $20 per month. Committee staff said the pilot would begin in 2027 and require a report to the Legislature on whether a statewide program should be adopted. Sen. Nobles and several supporters argued the bill would reduce child poverty, improve family stability, and provide data on cash assistance; no vote was taken.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 6186, sponsored by Sen. Warnick, which would direct DSHS to seek a federal waiver to prohibit SNAP benefits from being used to buy candy and sweetened beverages. Staff noted a preliminary fiscal note of about $781,000 in the first biennium and $320,000 in the next, with costs tied to applying for and implementing the waiver. Sen. Warnick said she was open to possible carve-outs or a narrower approach. Testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with anti-hunger advocates, public health experts, grocers, and current or former SNAP users arguing the bill would be stigmatizing, hard to administer, costly for retailers and the state, and unlikely to improve diets; one witness supported the measure as a nutrition policy.
Senate Bill 6707, also sponsored by Sen. Warnick, would have WSIPP study DCYF’s screening tools and risk assessment processes for child welfare referrals and their effects on outcomes such as services, placements, re-referrals, and fatalities. DCYF said it supports evaluating its risk assessment work but is already doing similar work with Chapin Hall, including piloting the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale, and asked how the bill would avoid duplication. The committee heard testimony on all three bills and then adjourned; members were reminded that amendments for Wednesday’s executive session are due by noon the next day.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Forty percent of sex trafficking cases... involve youth.
- Services are available to youth through the age of 24.
- We act as the first point of contact to assist youth in getting access to services. and support through
- As Regional Navigators, we hold a 24/7 crisis line for... youth needing assistance, and through these
- We are now seeing referrals for youth as young as eight or nine years old.
Keywords:
health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/7/25
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And to be able to assisted living.
- </c> sex trafficking cases involve youth. sex trafficking cases involve youth.
- We act as the first point of contact to assist youth in getting access to services and support through
- As regional navigators, we hold a 24/7 crisis line for youth needing assistance.
- </c> person those youth come in contact with. person those youth come in contact with.
Keywords:
health care transparency, ownership disclosure, control reporting, health care consolidation, private equity, management services organization, MSO, provider organization, health insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, hospital system, affiliate reporting, financial disclosure, public reporting, market concentration, horizontal consolidation, vertical consolidation, health care ownership, corporate practice, health care regulation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Youth and Families.
- ,</c><00:10:43.280><c> and</c> the Department of Children, Youth, and the Department of Children, Youth
- ,</c><00:14:56.800><c> and</c> Department of Children, Youth, and Department of Children, Youth, and
- </c> any of my team members can help assist. any of my team members can help assist.
- Assistant Commissioner.
Keywords:
human services, background studies, NETStudy 2.0, licensing, license suspension, license revocation, provider enrollment, program integrity, fraud, medical assistance fraud, Medicaid, payment withholding, credible allegation of fraud, background check, disqualification, variance, set-aside, foster care, family foster setting, adult foster care
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:19:06.960><c> business</c> planning technical assistance business planning technical assistance
- </c><00:19:35.120><c> uh</c> hours of technical assistance uh hours of technical assistance uh Statewide
- :41:19.760><c> as</c> funded by the Minnesota youth program as funded by the Minnesota youth program
- Please invest in us youth this year by making this investment in the Minnesota Youth Program.
- Please invest in us youth this year by making this investment in the Minnesota Youth Program.
Keywords:
child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Early Learning & Human Services Jan 28th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Early Learning & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- That's House Bill 2455, creating a housing assistance pilot program for youth enrolled in extended foster
- This provides up to 36 months of housing assistance for former foster youth under the age of 25 who are
- Navigating housing, financial assistance, and job support and mental health services as a youth currently
- I am a former foster youth and youth advocate, and I'm here to provide testimony.
- I am a former foster youth and youth advocate, and I'm here to provide testimony in support of HB 2455
Keywords:
housing assistance, youth, foster care, pilot program, social services, terminology correction, healthcare, regulatory compliance, department reorganization, Washington, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, accountability board, oversight board, child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation, juvenile justice, early learning, family preservation, children and families
Summary:
The Early Learning and Human Services Committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2468 would update the Revised Code of Washington to match DSHS’s 2025 reorganization, replacing references to eliminated administrations with current names or broader agency references. The bill also removes the 2028 sunset on the Dementia Action Collaborative, adjusts DSHS membership on the Permanent Supportive Housing advisory committee, and eliminates a requirement to hire two full-time employees for the no-paid-services caseload. The sponsor and DSHS testified in support, describing the bill as technical cleanup tied to the department’s “Reimagined DSHS” initiative, while members raised questions about possible amendments and the policy choice to extend the dementia collaborative. DSHS indicated it was open to changes, including correcting remaining outdated statutory references.
House Bill 2529 would rename the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board, move it to the Office of Financial Management for administrative purposes, broaden some membership qualifications, and reduce reporting from annual to every other year starting in 2027. The prime sponsor said the changes were intended to make the board less political, improve attendance and flexibility, and focus on a concise, useful report. A union representative supported the restructuring but asked for language ensuring the DCYF caseworker board member can attend meetings as part of the job without being forced to use personal leave, saying the issue had raised retaliation concerns. Members also discussed whether the report should remain annual and whether it should include stronger recommendations.
House Bill 2455 would create a two-year pilot program providing rental assistance and housing fees for 50 youth in extended foster care who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, beginning in 2027. The bill limits assistance to 24 months and requires DCYF to report on the pilot by June 30, 2029, while also adding transition planning for youth approaching age 21. The sponsor and multiple youth advocates testified that stable housing is essential for education, employment, mental health, and safety, and described personal experiences with homelessness and instability while in or after foster care. Some testimony urged the pilot to be expanded beyond 50 youth, and members questioned whether the timeline should include an interim review or be adjusted so the report can inform future decisions. The hearing concluded with no votes taken, and the committee then made housekeeping announcements about upcoming meeting times and amendment deadlines before adjourning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- c><00:10:39.600><c> program</c> uh for youth intervention program uh for youth intervention program grants
- But as we know, the youth intervention programs under the Department of Children, Youth, and Families
- And then youth and to their family.
- </c> youth were previously exempt. youth were previously exempt.
- </c> I would prefer that foster youth I would prefer that foster youth exiting<01:51:26.280><c> out</
Keywords:
youth intervention, grants, community support, early intervention services, nonprofit, Minnesota human services, forecast adjustment, budget forecast, appropriations, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Health Care Access Fund, general fund, behavioral health, housing support, General Assistance, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, MFIP, DWP, child care assistance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This would align with other state cash assistance programs like General Assistance and MIP.
- </c> aid and general assistance programs. aid and general assistance programs.
- </c> align with other state cash assistance align with other state cash assistance programs<00:52:23.200
- like general assistance and programs like general assistance and MIP.<00:52:25.599><c> And</c><00:52
- </c> tied to emergency general assistance. tied to emergency general assistance.
Keywords:
senior nutrition, older adults, aging services, home-delivered meals, congregate dining, meal delivery, grocery delivery, food insecurity, nutrition support, area agencies on aging, Minnesota Board on Aging, human services, special revenue fund, nonprofit grants, SNAP outreach, medically tailored meals, rural nutrition, food access, transportation services, elderly
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee approves HF1346 2/26/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So again, I appreciate your assistance in this and stand for questions.
Keywords:
mandatory reporting, training requirements, child maltreatment, abuse detection, local welfare agency, child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:52:18.079><c> and</c> kin Northstar kinship assistance and kin Northstar kinship assistance and
- Northstar adoption assistance improve Northstar adoption assistance improve permanency<00:52:21.040>
- , and kinship assistance.
- </c> need we can extend financial assistance need we can extend financial assistance to<01:12:14.000>
- um children in the Northstar assistance um children in adoption<01:29:17.639><c> assistance</c><01:29
Keywords:
mandatory reporting, training requirements, child maltreatment, abuse detection, local welfare agency, child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I sit in front of you today with Senate Memorial 20, entitled the statewide youth violence summit.
- that exist across ...based or research-based youth violence prevention or intervention services that
- In addition, data collection and tracking around youth violence, around gun offenses, is very limited
- New Mexico lacks a unified statewide vision to address youth violence.
- talking to youth to hear their perspective.
Keywords:
youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- SM 20 embodies this principle by ensuring youth, families with lived experience, and...
- New Mexico lacks a unified statewide vision to address youth violence.
- Throughout the news coverage and discussions with institutions about youth...
- talking to youth to hear their perspective.
- You've included community-based organizations that focus on helping troubled youth and youth families
Keywords:
youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement
Summary:
The committee first considered the appointment of Mary Patricia Roman to the State Investment Council. Senator Campos presented her as highly qualified, citing more than 34 years in global investing, leadership at J.P. Morgan, and prior service on the SIC investment committee. Roman described her experience with asset allocation, fiduciary responsibility, and the SIC’s vetting process. Senators asked about the council’s role in pension investments, staffing levels, and whether personal values could influence decisions. Roman said the SIC process is robust, heavily staff-driven, and insulated from individual value judgments. The committee reported broad support and voted 8-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate.
The committee then heard the reappointment of John F. Bingaman to the SIC. Senator Worth praised his leadership as SIC chair and his background in private equity, public service, and economics. Bingaman emphasized the growth of New Mexico’s sovereign wealth funds to more than $70 billion, the importance of staffing and asset allocation, and the SIC’s role as a fiduciary for New Mexicans. Senators asked about protecting the funds in a weaker market and about the Blackstone/PNM matter; Bingaman declined to comment on the memorial because he had not read it. The committee voted 9-0 to send his reappointment to the full Senate.
The committee next took up Senate Memorial 20, calling for a statewide youth violence summit. Senator Lopez and an expert from the Council of State Governments said New Mexico lacks a cohesive statewide infrastructure for youth violence prevention and intervention, limited data collection, and enough evidence-based services. Supporters from the ACLU, behavioral health organizations, youth-serving nonprofits, and youth advocates backed the memorial as a way to center lived experience, community engagement, and research-based solutions. Some members raised concerns that victims’ families were not explicitly included in the planning group, but the memorial passed on a 6-3 vote.
Finally, the committee debated Senate Memorial 9, which asked the Legislative Finance Committee to study whether New Mexico should invest in equity stakes in PNM and New Mexico Gas Company and requested that the PRC pause consideration of the private-equity acquisitions while the study was completed. Supporters argued the state should examine whether utility ownership value could remain in New Mexico, protect ratepayers, and diversify revenue, while opponents from PNM, Blackstone’s representatives, chambers of commerce, and utility advocates said the proposal would duplicate the PRC’s review, create uncertainty, and risk higher rates and delayed investment. The committee adopted an amendment removing references to the PRC, but the memorial then failed on a 4-4 tie after a motion for due pass as amended.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Upon receipt of the request, the principal may provide the patriotic youths...
- Upon receipt of the request, the principal may provide the patriotic youths Within the first two weeks
- A principal may accept materials provided by a patriotic youth group for distribution to students and
- Finally, the bill outlines patriotic youth group eligibility, and with that, I'm happy to answer any
- Only nine youth groups were previously selected by acts of Congress signed by the President: Boys and
Keywords:
private postsecondary education, nondomiciled institutions, tuition recovery fund, accreditation, regulations, patriotic youth groups, public school, civic involvement, educational purpose, discrimination, youth access, credit enhancement eligibility board, school financing, public schools, financing assistance, bonding, debt obligations, guaranteed financings, program sunset, statutory continuation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- . assistance. assistance.
- </c> youth bill of rights. youth bill of rights.
- </c> support of foster youth, I am a foster. support of foster youth, I am a foster.
- </c> better for our foster youth. better for our foster youth.
- Passing the foster youth bill of rights means foster youth will know their rights.
Keywords:
public authorities, dissolution cases, court system, child protection, legal notice, foster care, child welfare, enrollment priority, education programs, child care assistance, foster youth, extended foster care, bill of rights, out-of-home placement, Minnesota Statutes chapter 260C, social services agency, caseworker, permanency team, sibling visitation, relative contact
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- The youth behavioral health account is created in the state treasury.
- Alliance and for the youth that are part of the Washington Youth Alliance.
- youth.
- And I am here today to testify in favor of HV. 2038 for the Washington Youth Alliance and for the youth
- that are part of the Washington Youth Alliance.
Keywords:
HB2038, Washington, B&O tax, business and occupation tax, social media tax, platform tax, youth behavioral health, mental health, adolescent mental health, children's mental health, telebehavioral health, behavioral health account, state treasury, digital services tax, internet platform, social media companies, youth services, depression, anxiety, public health funding
Summary:
House Finance held hearings on several tax-related bills. HB 2038 would impose a 0.4% additional B&O tax on businesses operating social media platforms starting in 2027 and direct the revenue to a new youth behavioral health account. The sponsor and supportive youth witnesses said social media contributes to youth anxiety and problematic internet use and that the bill would fund prevention and behavioral health services. Opponents from business and tech groups argued the tax unfairly targets one sector, could violate federal internet tax law, and should be funded through the general fund instead.
HB 2297 would create local tax incentives to help grocery stores in underserved communities, including preferential city B&O rates, a sales tax exemption for security services, a property tax exemption program, a B&O credit, and a B&O exemption for certain locally owned or employee-owned stores. Supporters, including food access advocates, local officials, grocers, and residents of food-desert neighborhoods, said the bill would help preserve and attract grocery stores in communities that have lost access to healthy food. Counties supported the concept but raised concern about the bill’s sales tax exemption, saying local revenue losses should be minimized.
HB 2382 would raise cigarette taxes by $2 per pack, restructure vapor and other tobacco taxes, and dedicate portions of the revenue to emergency medical services, tobacco enforcement, and public health accounts. Supporters said higher tobacco taxes reduce smoking, generate revenue, and help fund cancer research and public health programs. Retailers and industry groups opposed the bill, warning it would hurt small stores, push sales to illicit or out-of-state markets, and burden lower-income consumers. HB 2487 would narrow the B&O tax exemption for insurers after a 2024 Supreme Court decision, with retroactive application to 2019; DOR and patient advocates supported it as a clarification to prevent an overly broad exemption, while insurers and business groups opposed the retroactivity and warned of higher premiums and ambiguity affecting related insurance activities. HB 2018 would raise the solid waste tax by 0.5% annually for five years and create a local government solid waste assistance account; counties and solid waste officials supported it as a way to stabilize funding for waste management as landfill revenue declines, and the hearing included public testimony in favor. No committee votes were taken in the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:20:14.960><c> and</c> Department of Children Youth and Department of Children Youth and Families
- can do to at least assist. Um, my can do to at least assist.
- </c><00:38:02.720><c> all</c> assist our counties and to uh assist all assist our counties and to uh
- </c> child support nor public assistance. child support nor public assistance.
- . assistance. assistance.
Keywords:
HF45, Lake Benton, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Public Facilities Authority, public infrastructure, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, utility replacement, U.S. Highway 75, road reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, local government grant, Minnesota bonding, capital appropriation, food insecurity, prepared meals