Transcript Highlights:

• This is the first report of its kind and summarizes the claims activity, claims payment history, financial
• The claims department manages claim intake, coverage analysis, investigation, liability determination
• claims for convenience alone.
• Year-end numbers show that NDIRF provided coverage on 1,821 claims, which is a 98.7% claim acceptance
• , a 98.7% claim acceptance rate.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Members then received a memo summarizing major audit items and began hearing audit presentations from the State Auditor’s Office and private auditors on a range of state agencies and organizations. Several audits were reported as clean, including the Bank of North Dakota, the North Dakota Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation’s flexible transportation fund, Lake Region State College, and the Department of Environmental Quality. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association also received an unmodified opinion, though repeat findings were noted for limited segregation of duties and financial statement preparation due to its small staff. The Council on the Arts audit found two findings: payroll charged to federal awards without adequate timekeeping records, and unallowable expenditures from a restricted cultural endowment fund. The Department of Public Instruction audit identified unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, though additional testing showed the funds were used for their intended purpose. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which identified four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating limit, grant conditions not being met, improper Breeders Fund awards, and improper procurement for advertising services. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson acknowledged complacency and weak controls, said the agency would tighten procedures, and explained that the commission had since worked with procurement and would follow the rules more closely. Auditors also explained that the commission would now be audited every two years because of the findings. Another major discussion involved the University of North Dakota School of Law, where auditors found a lack of documentation supporting admissions decisions for post-baccalaureate programs. UND officials said they remain in good standing with the American Bar Association but agreed better documentation and tools are needed; the committee pressed for more transparency and follow-up on admissions criteria. The committee also received an update on Dakota College at Bottineau, where Minot State University reported that bank reconciliations had been brought current after a significant backlog and would now be maintained through shared services. Members requested a written follow-up report on the issues and corrective actions. Finally, the North Dakota Fair Association explained that its foundation has been dissolved and remaining funds were transferred to another nonprofit for continued support of the state fair, and the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, saying the reported amount was about $1.1 million from a partial district survey and that debt remains a local issue, though it could be revisited if school meal funding changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a marketing claim that I'd... I'm... That would be false advertising, I guess.
• Like, wouldn't the market rate just self-adjust?
• Wouldn't the market rate just self-adjust to a reasonable fee?
• And that'll adjust to a reasonable price. It might be $40. It might be a little bit more.
• Or if we adjust it, you get a $60 inspection.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are all deductions from federal adjusted gross income.
• Our tax calculation starts with adjusted gross income.
• </c><00:13:09.240><c> standard</c> dependence people get to claim standard dependence people get to claim
• </c><00:13:14.639><c> gross</c> deductions from federal adjusted gross deductions from federal adjusted
• </c><00:15:57.240><c> gross</c> and rules that affect adjusted gross and rules that affect adjusted gross

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Given the complexity of smoke within insurance claims, CDI did convene a smoke claims task force in the
• Given the complexity of smoke within insurance claims, CDI did convene a smoke claims task force in the
• , a smoke damage claim, what an insurance company has to do, et cetera.
• , a smoke damage claim, what an insurance company has to do, et cetera.
• It's reasonable to ensure that when environmental claims are made, they're accurate.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's based on the actual claims and cost data.
• that now there are These limits would cover the vast majority of the claims But there are claims that
• So when we look at the really high claims from the data, it's a non-trivial amount of those claims are
• They also found that claims were often inflated 10 to 12 times individual claims from our underwriter
• what the final claim amounts would be.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , transfer funds to the city of Barry for an overpayment of education property tax increment, and adjust
• Um, those technical changes include the payback to the city of Barry and an inflation adjustment to the
• special education census grant, as well as a technical correction for the statewide adjustment, which
• When you choose not to help us, choose to tank our entire area, the claims of such aspiration are...
• The claims of such aspiration are meaningless.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We adjusted the timeline to give local governments ample runway, requiring applicable ...and duplexes
• We adjusted the timeline to give local governments ample runway, requiring applicable cities to update
• We have a letter of opposition to this from the Idaho Association of Chiropractic Physicians, who claim
• And they're claiming that they've been in contact with the Idaho Board of Pharmacy to fix the clarification
• We have a letter of opposition to this from the Idaho Association of Chiropractic physicians who claim

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 25 and March 27, then took up Senate Bill 1359 as amended, which would regulate virtual currency kiosks/crypto ATMs. The sponsor and supporters from AARP, law enforcement, and the Attorney General’s office said the bill was aimed at reducing scams that target older adults by requiring operator registration, money transmitter licensing, fee and exchange-rate disclosures, fraud warnings, transaction records, and cooperation with the Department of Finance. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass recommendation, though one member noted possible Fourth Amendment concerns about blockchain analytics and data retention. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1353 as amended, a housing bill allowing twin homes and duplexes in single-family residential zones in cities over 10,000 people, with limits on local bans, lot-size restrictions, fees, and parking requirements. Supporters argued it would expand affordable “missing middle” housing, help families and older adults stay in their communities, and restore property rights; opponents, including an Eagle city council member, argued it would override local control and worsen density and traffic concerns. After testimony from residents, housing advocates, and local officials, the motion for a due-pass recommendation failed on a 7-7 tie, so the bill was held in committee. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 1254, which would clarify that certain chiropractors with clinical nutrition training may prescribe the limited vitamins, minerals, fluids, epinephrine, needles, and related products they are already authorized to obtain and administer. The sponsor said the change would fix a technical problem that prevents chiropractors from buying these items from pharmacies, while some members raised concerns about scope of practice and noted opposition from the Idaho Association of Chiropractic Physicians. The committee passed the bill to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1313 was heard, expanding Idaho’s dual-licensure naturopathic doctor provisions to include pharmacists who also meet the existing naturopathic licensing requirements. The sponsor said the bill would let pharmacists with the proper additional training practice under dual licensure without violating scope-of-practice or insurance rules, and the committee approved it for the floor with a due-pass recommendation before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We adjusted the timeline to give local governments ample runway, requiring applicable Senator Taves:
• We adjusted the timeline to give local governments ample runway, requiring applicable cities to update
• We have a letter of opposition to this from the Idaho Association of Chiropractic Physicians, who claim
• And they're claiming that they've been in contact with the Idaho Board of Pharmacy to fix the clarification
• We have a letter of opposition to this from the Idaho Association of Chiropractic physicians who claim

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 25 and March 27, then took up Senate Bill 1359 as amended, which would regulate virtual currency kiosks/crypto ATMs. The sponsor and supporters from AARP, law enforcement, and the Attorney General’s office said the bill was aimed at curbing scams that disproportionately target older Idahoans by requiring operator registration, fee and exchange-rate disclosures, fraud warnings, transaction records, and access for the Department of Finance to investigate fraud. After brief discussion about tracing and recovery tools, the committee passed the bill with a due pass recommendation and sent it to the floor. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1353 as amended, a housing bill allowing twin homes and duplexes in single-family residential zones in cities over 10,000 people, with limits on local barriers such as excessive lot-size rules, fees, and parking requirements. Supporters argued it would expand attainable housing and property rights, while city representatives and some members raised concerns about local control, density, traffic, and infrastructure. After public testimony from both supporters and opponents, the motion for a due pass recommendation failed on a 7-7 roll call, and the bill was held in committee. Next, Senate Bill 1254 was heard, which would add the word “prescribed” to a narrow chiropractic statute so chiropractors with specialized clinical nutrition training could obtain vitamins, minerals, fluids, needles, and related products needed for certain injections. The sponsor said the change would fix a technical problem that currently forces chiropractors to get a medical doctor’s prescription to buy items they are already authorized to administer. Some members questioned scope-of-practice and pharmacy concerns, and one member noted opposition from the chiropractic association, but the committee ultimately sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, Senate Bill 1313 was presented to extend Idaho’s dual-licensure naturopathic framework to pharmacists, allowing qualified PharmDs to obtain naturopathic dual licensure if they meet existing training and board requirements. The sponsor said the bill would let pharmacists with additional naturopathic training practice within that combined scope without risking licensure or billing problems. After questions about scope, ethics, and possible conflicts of interest, the committee approved the bill and sent it to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• A clean claim is defined as a claim that has no defect or impropriety, including any lack of required
• And we're identifying what a clean claim is.
• claims in 2025, and this bill covers the claims for our 120,000 providers and 104 hospital system, so
• Senate Bill 5845 establishes clear timelines for payment claim claims. 5845 establishes clear timelines
• for payment claim claims, and it sets expectations for both when additional information must be requested

Summary: The Health Care and Wellness Committee held a public hearing on several bills and a joint memorial. SB 5915 would update the health technology assessment program by adding technologies recommended for Medicare populations or in national guidelines to the review priority list, requiring broader evidence review for life-threatening or rare diseases, and setting timelines for posting and deciding review requests. Supporters, including rare disease advocates and providers, said the current process is outdated and too rigid; the bill was then held for later action. SJM 8002 urged Congress to strengthen original Medicare, oppose privatization, add benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, and reduce Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud. Supporters from labor and senior groups argued it would protect beneficiaries and send a message to federal officials; the memorial was also held after testimony. The committee also heard SB 5395 on prior authorization. Staff explained it would tighten notice requirements, require a licensed clinician—not AI alone—to deny requests based on medical necessity, add transparency around policy changes, and change how retrospective denials are treated. The prime sponsor and provider groups said the bill was a negotiated compromise meant to reduce delays and inappropriate denials, while insurers were generally neutral but sought a narrow amendment. Testifiers described prior authorization as a major source of delay and administrative burden, and the bill was held after public testimony. SB 5845 would require carriers to pay or deny clean claims within 30 days, set timelines for non-clean claims and information requests, and allow penalties for repeated noncompliance. Hospitals, physicians, and health systems supported it as a way to improve predictable payment, while insurers were neutral and asked for a narrow amendment; the bill was also held. The committee heard SB 6025, which would change the definition of fetal death so gestational age is calculated using the best clinically accurate age rather than the last menstrual period. Obstetric and nursing witnesses said the current law can force inaccurate records and unnecessary burdens on grieving families, while opponents objected to the bill’s abortion-related definitions. The bill was held after testimony. Finally, SB 5988 would authorize the Department of Health to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and charge fees to support that work. The department and the sponsor said the measure would preserve a patient-centered accreditation option amid budget pressure, and the committee closed testimony and held the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• clarified the definitions for performance increase, promotional increase, and reclassification adjustment
• clarified the definitions for performance increase, promotional increase, and reclassification adjustment
• The revised rule now allows for additional payment methods to team members, such as payroll adjustments
• a freezer, I make them take a picture that they plug the thing back in because we've gotten three claims
• now since I've been here for the last 14 years, and people claim that we didn't plug the receptacle

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Implementing annual adjustments based on the CPI will further maintain the relevance and effectiveness
• If you're going to put a hard number in in 2007, why would you not adjust it?
• In order for a property owner to claim the tax exemption under this law, they have to sign an affidavit
• Then, the following year, they can adjust their rates.
• I mean, does that mean that they are going to then adjust or have to raise that rate?

Bills: HB511, HB972, HB 1035, HB2481, HB2723, HB2742, HB2894, HB2962, HB3077, HB3093, HB3307, HB3684, HJR67, HJR72

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, caregiver exemption, Medicaid, long-term services, tax relief, assisted living, housing support, property tax exemption, caregiver support, residence homestead, tax exemption, unpaid caregiver, state tax code, property tax, caregiver, waiting list, intellectual disability, developmental disability, ad valorem tax, family support

Transcript Highlights:

• And then what these hospitals are doing, they're claiming HIPAA.
• All of these hospitals that claim that are basically taking in a patient and saying that they're, they
• A lot of times we claim that mental health is very important.
• I'll adjust that because I think it's important.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They can be adjusted as needed for increased needs.
• </c><00:40:12.000><c> as</c> inflexible they can be adjusted as inflexible they can be adjusted as needed
• So we already adjust on a daily basis.
• The police department claimed Sheldon died from excited delirium.
• The police department claimed Sheldon died from excited delirium.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Health and Labor heard testimony on HB 1244, a measure relating to labor standards at health care facilities and nursing staff ratios. Committee members opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a suggested two-minute testimony limit and Zoom rules. The bill drew extensive testimony from hospitals, nursing organizations, unions, and individual nurses, with the central debate focusing on whether staffing ratios should be set by statute or left to collective bargaining and unit-level staffing decisions. Opponents included the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Straub Benioff Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health, Kapiolani Medical Center, and Queen’s Health Systems. They argued that fixed ratios are too rigid for the changing conditions of hospital care, could worsen workforce shortages, and should be handled through labor negotiations, staffing committees, and existing agreements. Several also pointed to investments in nursing education, loan repayment, and workforce development as better solutions. Queen’s said it had recently reached an agreement with nurses after more than 40 meetings that included a staffing framework, and Kapiolani and others emphasized the need for flexibility in emergencies and specialty care. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Pride at Work Hawaii, the Hawaii Nurses Association/American Nurses Association chapter, Hawaii Nurses Association Local 50, UNAC/UHCP, and individual nurses, said unsafe staffing levels contribute to burnout, turnover, errors, and patient harm. Testifiers described chronic short staffing, emotionally and physically exhausting workloads, and situations in which nurses were responsible for too many patients at once. Supporters argued that safe ratios are necessary to protect both patients and nurses, and that collective bargaining has not been enough to ensure safe conditions statewide, especially in facilities without unions. No vote or final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• in that statutory language were certain amounts of funds appropriated to compensate for validated claims
• Those were claims that we needed to pay before we could get through that administrative rule process.
• and I should go back on the temporary rule, we've already been engaged in compensating for those claims
• and I should go back on the temporary rule, we've already been engaged in compensating for those claims
• since it's been into effect. engaged in compensating for those claims since it's been into effect.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Agricultural Affairs Committee met to approve the minutes from January 30, 2026, and then considered several Idaho State Department of Agriculture rule dockets under zero-based rulemaking. The first was the Idaho Hop Growers Commission rule, which was repealed because the rule language was nearly identical to statute and no separate administrative chapter was deemed necessary. The committee approved that docket after brief questions about whether any unique safeguards would be lost; staff said there were none. The committee then heard two related dockets on grizzly bear and wolf depredation compensation: a temporary rule and a pending rule. Staff explained the temporary rule was needed to implement the 2024 statute and pay claims while negotiated rulemaking was underway, and the pending rule reflected later statutory changes, including updated definitions, compensation priorities, and references to the appeals board. Members discussed the broader impacts of wolf reintroduction and livestock range use. Both dockets were approved. Dr. Scott Livesley then presented the brucellosis and tuberculosis rule chapters, describing Idaho’s surveillance programs, designated surveillance areas, mandatory testing and vaccination requirements, and the federal role in managing these “program diseases.” He said the rule rewrites were largely strike-and-score cleanups with no change to regulatory scope. Members asked about testing trends, vaccination, electronic ID tags, and whether the state should move away from mandatory brucellosis vaccination; staff said the issue was discussed in negotiated rulemaking but the current program remained in place. Both dockets were approved. Finally, the committee approved the public exchange of livestock rules. Livesley said the changes would require buying stations and trader lots to submit annual renewal requests, and would replace a paper sale-yard release form with a single electronic end-of-day report generated by auction software. The committee asked about how the report would be organized, and staff said it would still provide line-by-line lot information. The meeting then adjourned, with the committee scheduled to meet again on Wednesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because it's electronic, it can be easily adjusted.
• Sabadoza would pay, and so they can adjust those prices.
• It costs attorneys, time, and the technology on the back end needs to be adjusted.
• I do not claim that a bill is perfect; nothing is perfect.
• There is some importance to this data for claims investigations. Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information. Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement. Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• the amount that's being raised, create some credits for those who are particularly hard hit, and adjust
• "Adjust adequacy." "Pardon?" "No, they adjusted how much can be recognized each fiscal year."
• </c> &gt;&gt; for each claim &gt;&gt; for each claim &gt;&gt; for<01:36:32.880><c> each</c> &gt;&gt;
• So if any claim that is 50 million cap.
• The people who would claim this &gt;&gt; right?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the operating adjustment is out of the general fund.
• Um, the operating adjustment is out of the general fund.
• For program delivery, there's an operating adjustment.
• </c> The Senate made an important adjustment The Senate made an important adjustment to<01:25:01.199>
• </c><01:32:43.760><c> that</c> on the operating adjustment that on the operating adjustment that provides

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Adjustments made to the percentages of the surcharge that is allotted to other purposes vary between
• on the purposes being adjusted.
• This decoupling is not a technical adjustment. It's not a reversion to 2008.
• We're forcing families to spend their babies' first months fighting claims adjusters instead of bonding
• We're forcing families to spend their babies first months fighting claims adjusters instead of bonding

Summary: The committee began with a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 1592, which would change how state public defense funds are distributed and, in the substitute version, keep current law on state funding responsibility while revising the allocation formula. Staff explained the bill would shift county and city distributions to a pro rata, caseload-based model, allow very low-density counties to request OPD to provide some or all public defense services, require additional data collection and reporting, and direct OPD to study caseload reductions and retention. Representative Peterson said the bill is meant to create a better structure for future state support of indigent defense without the very large cost of the original proposal. Testimony from counties, cities, OPD, defenders, and local officials was strongly supportive, emphasizing a statewide public defense crisis, rising local costs, staffing shortages, and the need for a fairer funding model. The committee then heard Substitute House Bill 1742 on environmentally sustainable urban design and Substitute House Bill 1906 on water system regulation and water rates. HB 1742 would create a center in Ecology to promote sustainable urban design, fund design competitions and grants, and establish an advisory council; the sponsor said the bill reflects a desire to support a pilot project through alternative funding, and there was no public testimony. HB 1906 would require more planning and notice for Group A water systems, add customer notice and right-of-first-refusal provisions for some ownership changes, and direct the UTC to consider external funding sources, capital planning, and rate smoothing when setting water rates. Water utility and PUD witnesses supported the goal of improving transparency and consolidation of failing small systems, while noting the substitute reduced some fiscal concerns. The committee also heard HB 2248 on Secretary of State corporate and charity filings, HB 2438 creating the SEED scholarship for early childhood education students, and HB 2515 addressing emerging large energy use facilities such as data centers. HB 2248 would redirect part of annual filing fees to the Secretary of State revolving fund, require initial reports from nonprofits and LLPs, and change trademark certificate procedures; the fiscal note showed modest revenue losses, and the division supported restoring the fee split for operational funding. HB 2438 would transfer $10 million annually from the GET account to fund scholarships and wraparound services for early childhood education degree seekers, with testimony from early learning advocates and a student describing workforce shortages and personal financial barriers. HB 2515 drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it would protect ratepayers, water resources, and grid reliability by requiring tariffs, reporting, clean-energy requirements, and a fee on large energy users; opponents argued it singled out data centers, could hurt investment and jobs, and included unrelated labor and procurement provisions. After public testimony, the committee moved into executive-session briefing on several bills and amendments, including HB 1903 on statewide low-income energy assistance, HB 1909 on a court unification task force, HB 1982 on vacating certain convictions tied to treaty Indian rights, HB 2034 on LEOFF Plan 1 retirement changes, HB 2105 on employer notice of federal I-9 audits, HB 2210 on ranked-choice voting, HB 2215 on Climate Commitment Act fuel supplier obligations, and HB 2271 on post-consumer recycled content requirements. Staff summarized proposed substitutes and amendments, with several changes aimed at reducing or shifting fiscal impacts, narrowing agency duties, or striking provisions entirely.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am asking for level spending authorization, the same as FY26, but with line item adjustments to reflect
• </c> item adjustments. item adjustments.
• adjustments adjustments to<00:03:34.799><c> reflect</c><00:03:35.200><c> staffing</c><00:03:35.599><
• So you'll see the line item on the top adjusted there, but it's coming out of Poppy.
• I mean, do we have claims? Obviously, on the other side of that should be what's creating that?

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 14 January, 2026: 3:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The payments will allow for real-time adjustments to resources and services offered based on patient
• And then the cost report at a later, at the reconciliation time period, can adjust for some of those
• If they would bill, if they were able to claim all of the hours that they are allowed to, that was an
• So if they receive more than four hours, they're not able to claim that. Okay.
• But we, of course, know because we claim the higher match rate for the CHIP kids.

Summary: The committee first approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then received an update from the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency on the interagency council on homelessness and continuum of care funding. Testimony described rising homelessness tied to tight housing markets, low incomes, aging homelessness, barriers to rental assistance and public benefits, and limited shelter and case-management capacity. Members discussed the need for more affordable housing, continued one-time funding for the North Dakota Homeless Grant and Housing Incentive Fund, better coordination with Health and Human Services on economic assistance and human service zones, landlord engagement, recovery housing, and reentry housing. The committee also heard that federal continuum of care funding remains uncertain, with possible shifts away from permanent supportive housing and housing-first models; members asked for a future update on the impact if federal rules reduce the share available for permanent housing. The committee then took testimony on accessibility of government services for people who are blind or visually impaired. Paul Olson of North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind described current screening and service delivery, including infant referrals, regional staff, short-term programs, and collaboration with vocational rehabilitation. He said the targeted screening system is working, recommended maintaining the current model, and noted ongoing challenges with staffing, public awareness, and accessible state websites and documents. Public testimony from a visually impaired resident and a deaf resident emphasized barriers such as CAPTCHAs, inaccessible PDFs, employment forms that screen out applicants based on driver’s license status, shortages of interpreters, and the need for video remote interpreting and video relay services, along with training for users and agencies. Finally, the committee heard a final report on the study of child care provider licensing from HHS Early Childhood Director Kay Larson. The report summarized provider input and committee discussion on simplifying North Dakota’s child care licensing structure, reducing administrative burden, and balancing that with health and safety standards. Key topics included licensing categories, child care assistance eligibility, food program sponsorship, staff qualifications, training requirements, ratios and group size, age bands, and preschool exemptions. The committee’s recommendations included streamlining to three provider types plus a preschool designation, revising ratio and age-band rules, and carrying forward certain preschool outdoor-space exemptions. Larson noted that any changes would require statutory changes, rulemaking, and a transition period before new licensing rules could take effect.