Conference committee adopts February forecast adjustments for various departments

A conference committee on forecast adjustments met quickly Thursday to approve a report with little discussion.

“All the things in here are no cost and are important,” said Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins) about her amendment during the conference committee on HF4213/SF4282*.

She, along with Sen. Mary Kunesh (DFL-New Brighton), sponsor the bill, which, as amended, would update appropriations for E-12 education, Department of Human Services, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and Metropolitan Council Metro Mobility public transportation based on the February 2026 forecast.

The conference committee adopted the report 8-0. It now awaits expected passage by the House and Senate before going to the governor for action.

Youakim’s amendment is built from several previous bills including HF3067 and HF3900. It would:

• update paraprofessional qualifications under federal regulation;
• fund tribal contract schools using the Permanent School Fund;
• allow school districts to use operating capital revenue for utility service costs;
• extend existing grants for gender-neutral single-user restrooms; and
• allow permanent fund transfers for the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan and Maple Lake public school districts.