Lori Hodapp

The session involved procedural motions, including dispensing with the role call and instructing the Sergeant at Arms to bring in absent members. The main legislative focus centered on House File Number Seven, specifically debates and votes on amendments related to energy policy, including an A3 Amendment concerning energy costs, reliability, and the potential use of advanced nuclear energy, which was ultimately not adopted. A subsequent A55 Amendment, described as a technical correction regarding energy generation terminology, was also voted upon and not adopted. Finally, an A48 Amendment was introduced to recognize nuclear reactor energy as clean energy and add it to the renewable energy standard, followed by an A67 Amendment attempting to include language for a study on advanced nuclear energy's role in Minnesota's future energy generation.

This document outlines Governor Mark Dayton's 2013 bonding proposal, totaling 750 million dollars, aimed at creating 21,000 jobs statewide. The plan prioritizes the restoration of the state capital, downtown revitalization projects in cities such as Rochester, Mankato, and St. Cloud, and critical improvements to higher education and public facilities. It focuses on addressing infrastructure backlogs, leveraging low interest rates, and distributing investments across Metro, Greater Minnesota, and statewide projects for economic benefit.

This Capitol Report provides an overview of legislative activities, focusing on state funding mechanisms and a new substance abuse strategy. It details discussions surrounding bonding projects, their economic impact, and the processes for allocating state funds. Key topics include the Minnesota State Substance Abuse Strategy, debates on the effectiveness of public education versus targeted interventions, and the political complexities of funding local economic development projects like stadium construction and light rail, alongside state infrastructure needs. The report aims to inform about current government initiatives and debates regarding fiscal responsibility and project selection.

The Minnesota Senate Transportation Committee convened to discuss several legislative items. Key discussions included Senate File 2250, which concerns the transfer of state-owned land within Upper Sioux Agency State Park to the Upper Sioux Community, necessitated by the poor condition of Trunk Highway 67 running through the park, including a sinkhole. An amendment appropriating $1.193 million for property conveyance-related costs was adopted. The committee also considered Senate File 3087, aimed at providing funds to serve as matching funds for federal grants for Transportation Management Organizations (TMOs) across the state, featuring testimony from directors of Move Minnesota (St. Paul TMO) and a volunteer from Southeast Minnesota Together regarding the need for a rural transit management organization. Finally, the committee reviewed Senate File 2171, concerning the redistricting of Metropolitan Council districts, particularly addressing the previous placement of Robbinsdale with Minneapolis, and deferred action on the bill.

The meeting focused on discussing draft legislation and proposed policies and procedures necessary to enable closed-door sessions for the commission. Key topics included defining closed meeting records, setting maintenance and privacy timelines for these records (initially proposed at eight years, up to twenty years), and establishing procedures for closed meetings. These procedures cover notification, grounds for a closed meeting, minimizing attendees, handling alleged confidentiality violations by members (referring them to an ethics committee), and guidance for the Legislative Coordinating Commission regarding post-eight-year record release. A detailed review of the draft rules for closed meetings was also conducted, covering elements like in-person attendance requirements and protocols for electronic devices during closed sessions.